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The Best Backpacks for Men Are Stylish, Spacious, and Ready for Anything

By Michella Oré and Gerald Ortiz

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What do your dinged laptop, shvitzy gym clothes , and rumpled K95s have in common? They all belong in one of these, the very best backpacks for men. See, the right backpack should be more than just another place to store your stuff. It can be an outfit-making accessory, a mobile office, an ad hoc weekender, a TSA-ready carry-on , or all four—at the same time.

Unlike the slick crossbody bags you toss on before running a quick errand—y'know, the ones that can carry the essentials but not much else—a backpack is built for the long haul. It'll stash your non-negotiables ( wallet , keys, phone) with ample room to spare for an impromptu trip to both the local farmer and flea markets. It also doubles as an excellent carry-on when you're ready to get out of town.

The Best Backpacks Shopping Guide

• The Best Budget Backpack: Herschel "Dawson" backpack , $70
• The Best Travel-Ready Backpack: Porter-Yoshida & Co. laptop backpack , $550
• The Best Heavy-Duty Backpack: Filson journeyman backpack , $395
• The Best Backpack for Stashing Your Workout Gear: Lululemon Everyday backpack , $98
• The Best Backpack for Your Morning Commute: Everlane ReNew Transit backpack , $95
• The Best Backpack for Braving the Great Outdoors: Patagonia Black Hole backpack , $149
• The Best Backpack for Fancy Minimalists: Master-Piece Slick backpack , $555
• The Best Backpack for Moving in Stealth Wealth: The Row drawstring nylon backpack , $1650

These days, plenty of backpacks outperform across multiple categories, but the ones we're inclined to recommend most zealously boast a special set of skills specifically designed for your needs, whether you’re gearing up for your daily commute or booking tickets to the far-flung locale of your choice. (To wit: A brisk stroll to the office might require a padded laptop sleeve and minimal compartment space, but for a long jaunt halfway across the globe you'll need a roomier exterior, enforced back panelling, and generously cushioned shoulder pads.)

All of which means the journey to finding the right backpack for you can be just as exhausting as the journey to wherever you're actually headed. So to streamline the process, GQ Recommends went deep on our favorite options on the market, deciphering the juicy specs that make each well-equipped to handle a dust-up in the airport terminal or some gentle jostling on the train—and look pretty damn great while they do it. These are the 21 we’ve been relying on since we started writing this piece.

The Best Budget Backpack

Herschel "Dawson" backpack

Sometimes you want to secure the bag without dropping one. Enter the Dawson, a weather-resistant, classic backpack from the carry-on whizzes at Herschel. Its dual pocket design is reminiscent of some of the best fanny packs on the market right now (spoiler alert: Herschel makes a great one , too), sans the hoary associations and with a ton more storage space. Don't let the sub-$100 price fool you: it comes kitted out with the same specs as its pricier counterparts, and then some. Practically speaking, that means drawcord closures, magnet-fastened straps, a front pocket organizer bigger than most NYC apartments, and a large main compartment with a fleece-lined laptop sleeve so your computer stays cozy. More of a visual consumer? Just take a gander at its unassuming good looks. Go ahead, judge a bag by its cover. For less than a Benjamin, you can afford to.

The Best Travel-Ready Backpack

Porter-Yoshida & Co.

Laptop Backpack

Wrestling to fish a laptop out of an overstuffed carry-on while a less-than-thrilled TSA agent glares on is a very particular type of hell. Mercifully, Porter-Yoshida & Co.'s aptly-named laptop backpack is so airport-friendly it might just make TSA's day. It boasts a spacious interior sleeve to make accessing your portable computer a breeze (though iPad users might opt to use the front pouch for an even quicker grab), and a sleek nylon exterior and top-zip fastening that signal you’ve got an eye for efficiency and aesthetics. We're not saying it'll nab you a complimentary upgrade purely thanks to how easy it made customs for everyone else, but we're not not saying that either.

The Best Heavy-Duty Backpack

Journeyman Backpack

If “heavy-duty” calls to mind the type of extra-bulky luggage that looks like it could double as an impromptu shield, relax: Filson's journeyman backpack is compact enough to help you rethink your associations with the term. The American brand is famous (and famously beloved) for its durable, oil-finished tin cloth canvas, which it puts to use here in tandem with an industrial-strength twill to keep all your precious belongings impeccably dry. Its unassuming good looks feel consistent with the label's ever-popular briefcases, but the the padded, moleskin-lined shoulder straps and reinforced panelling make a strong argument for its superiority. Basically, it’s like Superman in his Clark Kent disguise—and would probably look just as good in skintight spandex.

The Best Backpack for Stashing Your Workout Gear

Everyday backpack

For sworn devotees of Lululemon's straightforward activewear, the brand's fuss-free backpack is a no-brainer. Normally, we wouldn't put too much stock in a product name, but the legging juggernaut's Everyday bag lives up to the mandate. It's got ample room for an extra pair of running shoes, plus bonus space for your work computer if you need to liaison with the marketing team in between sets. A sturdy nylon exterior and an all-important water bottle pocket ensure you'll always look like you know what you're doing, no matter how frantically you're googling "best workouts for bigger traps" from the comfort of the shoulder press . Pick from an array of downright luscious jewel tones and then cram your sweaty exercise duds into it post-workout—no one will suspect the damp mess it conceals.

The Best Backpack for Your Morning Commute

The ReNew Transit Backpack

You probably didn't see yourself carrying a backpack every day after you snagged your college diploma, yet here you are, a few years fresh off the podium, looking for the best one to haul to the office. As it turns out, your aging shoulders require equal weight distribution, and would like to not buckle under the agony of one way overpacked tote bag, thank you very much. Everlane's sleek take on the commuter pack has everything a 9-to-5-er (or digital nomad) needs: A laptop sleeve that will keep up to a 15-inch laptop well-protected, several interior pockets for important documents, two water bottle sleeves (because offices are dehydrating), and a handy pass-through strap that attaches to luggage in the off chance your work demands frequent travel. It's the backpack you'll actually want to show up to the office wearing, feeling no less the adult than you are.

The Best Backpack for Braving the Great Outdoors

Black Hole Water-Resistant Backpack

Spend enough time trawling the internet for the best men's backpacks, and you'll encounter dozens of options promising some variation of alliterative versatility. (The train to the trails is the new boardroom to the bar!) In this case, though, all that marketing hoopla is true. Patagonia's recycled polyester hiking backpack is big but not bulky, merging a durable, water-repelling exterior with a spacious interior you can pack with trail mix and a first-aid kit or the trappings of urban life. (The padded laptop compartment and phone pocket help.) Its outdoorsy bona fides—see: the two-way zip closures and lash points—mean it'll serve you well while you're exploring the wilderness, but it's compact enough that your coworkers won't mistake you for the team member who signs on to Zoom from a different location every week.

The Best Backpack for Fancy Minimalists

Master-Piece

Slick Backpack

The search for a sturdy travel backpack yields a glut of options crafted from high-quality nylon and durable twill, but there are a few swankier bags to consider when you’re looking to polish things up. Like, say, this leather travel bag from Japanese brand Master-Piece: smooth leather front panels reinforced with nylon trims give way to an easy access main compartment that will provide first-class service to all of your valuables. Of course, the gentlemen of travel packs will also make sure you're treated like a high-valued customer thanks to the cushy back panels and an incredibly sleek zip pocket that keeps the essentials close at hand.

The Best Backpack for Moving in Stealth Wealth

Drawstring Nylon Backpack

Saks Fifth Avenue

When you don’t actually need a backpack but desperately want one for the aesthetic , you've really only got one option. The Row's nylon rucksack perfectly blends together minimalist leanings with a trademark IYKYK silhouette that fashion diehards get off on. This isn’t the backpack you’d grab for an important business presentation—it comes sans laptop pocket sleeve and side pockets—but its drawstring opening, which provides quick access to a spacious interior compartment for all your gadgets and gizmos, makes it the perfect laid-back carry-all to flex en route anywhere.

Plus 12 More Backpacks We Love

Apex Backpack 3.0

Kanken Backpack

Airbag Backpack

Subterra 23-Liter Water Resistant Backpack

Original Book Pack

Mystery Ranch

Catalyst Daily Carry Backpack

Sport Backpack

The North Face

"Surge" Backpack

Axis 24L Backpack

Epperson Mountaineering

Large Climb Pack

The outdoorsy folks at Epperson Mountaineering know hiking inside and out, so, naturally, this pack will ensure your precious cargo makes it over the mountain and back in pristine condition.

Rocket Backpack

"Cool Student" Book Bag

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20 Best Functional and Stylish Men’s Backpacks (2023 Guide)

Published on May 5, 2023 by Tom Scalisi · Accessories | May contain affiliate links ( what's this? )

There’s really no more practical way to shuttle your gear around than with a high-quality backpack. Read on to see our top backpack picks!

Rather than carrying your stuff around in your hand with a briefcase , or on a shoulder with a duffle , you can distribute the weight evenly over your core. You’ll be able to carry heavier loads with much less strain.

But there’s a problem: A lot of backpacks just don’t look good. They’re usually a little over-the-top and flashy. They often feature huge logos, and they don’t match a mature guy’s style very well. 

You need a modern backpack that looks great and functions even better. You don’t want something that looks like the bag you wore to the arcade for a Tekken tournament with your buddies 20 years ago. While those are great memories, they, and that backpack, belong in the past. 

Here are the best backpacks for men in 2023, broken down by style and price range. You’ll be able to find something to fit your personal fashion sense and budget.

Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best functional and stylish backpacks you can buy right now:

It is Harber London's most popular backpack. With a 17 liter capacity, the Commuter is ideally sized for carrying your computer, a notebook, and your daily essentials.

This backpack features a large main compartment, a smaller zippered external pocket, as well as Herschel’s signature striped interior liner.

Crafted with utmost durability, this backpack features a resilient, top-notch leather build, complemented by sleek stainless steel hardware. And it comes with an incredible 100-year warranty.

Read on for more info and the complete list…

Best Functional and Stylish Men’s Backpacks

Here are the best functional and stylish men’s backpacks in no particular order.

Stubble & Co. Backpack

This backpack has a classic, universally appealing style with its waterproof canvas and full-grain leather trim.

Its drawstring closure is hidden by a sleek top, so you get two layers of protection from the elements without sacrificing accessibility.

Reasonably sized for any frame (even smaller people), the Stubble & Co Backpack comes in 10.5 and 21 liter options.

• Intuitive and Functional Form Factor
• Solid Build Quality and Materials
• Stylish Design
• Reasonably Priced
• Limited color options

We’ve tried a lot of backpacks, and this one from Stubble & Co checks all the right boxes. Check out our full review here .

Stuart and Lau Capstone Backpack

Guys who need a high-quality backpack and appreciate incredible design need to check out Stuart and Lau’s Capstone Backpack .

This super sleek backpack features a waterproof DuraLite nylon twill shell, as well as full-grain leather handles, straps, trim, and bottom. It looks great, and it’s tough enough for everyday use.

Yes, this backpack looks awesome, but it’s also super functional. It has a toploading laptop sleeve , a luggage trolley tunnel, as well as two full length zippered flaps that open to reveal storage for an umbrella and EDC items .

• Super Functional
• Great Styling and Design
• Somewhat Larger Footprint

It measures 16 ½ inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 6 ½ deep, so it’s not the most compact option on this list, but only ultra minimalists will notice.

Saddleback Leather 16″ Tumbled Leather Drawstring Backpack

Saddleback is known for making products that look rugged and are extremely durable. There’s no falsehood with their brand. Their products are made to be used hard, and their 16″ Tumbled Leather Drawstring Backpack is no exception.

While it is a backpack that you can take to the far reaches of the earth, it’s also great for EDC no matter where you are. It boasts a rugged, full-grain leather construction, stainless steel hardware, and a 100-year warranty (yes, really).

• Extremely durable
• Rugged aesthetic
• Needs to be broken in

The pros definitely outweigh the cons on this one.

The North Face Pivoter Pack

A product from The North Face rarely claims an affordable spot, but the Pivoter is an attractive backpack at a really good price. For your money, you get a backpack with a padded laptop pocket, a mesh internal pocket organizer, and lots of storage.

It measures 18 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and 8 ½ inches deep, all of which create more than 27 liters of storage. It has two main zippered pockets and an external stash pocket for storing a sweater or light jacket.

• Affordable Price
• Padded Laptop Sleeve
• Internal Pocket Organizer
• Surprising Amount of Storage
• No Shoulder Padding

The one area where the Pivoter feels like it falls short is the straps. While it has a nicely-padded back panel, the straps don’t have any padding. A bag this big can get heavy, so that might be an issue for some guys.

AER Duffle Backpack

Some bags just embody function, and the AER Duffle Backpack is one of them. This bag converts from a backpack to a duffle bag, allowing you to choose how you want to carry your gear.

It has tons of pockets, including a traditional top-zippered backpack pocket, a duffle pocket and a pocket for stashing your water bottle. It also has a shoe pocket, making it almost ideal for a gym/work backpack.

• Converts from Backpack to Duffle
• Built-In Shoe Compartment
• Lots of Storage Pockets
• A Bit Long 

One thing that shorter guys need to keep in mind: This bag is 22 inches tall, so it might feel a little too large for everyday use.

5.11 Rush24 Backpack 37L

Let’s cut to the chase: 37 liters of storage, durable 1050D nylon, and a double-digit price tag. All the other details almost don’t matter. But, since you asked, the Rush24 from 5.11 has plenty of other features as well.

It has three main compartments, a water bottle pocket, compression straps, and a spot for hook-and-loop morale patches, if that’s your thing. 

The Rush24 is absolutely sprawling with MOLLE webbing, allowing you to add additional pockets, gear, carabiners, and almost anything you can ask for.

• Insane Amount of Cargo Space
• MOLLE Webbing for Additional Pouches and Gear
• Durable 1050D Nylon 
• Very Tactical Looking

While the webbing allows the Rush24 to serve as a base for your modular backpacking needs, it also makes this backpack look very tactical. That could be a problem for guys with more reserved styles.

Filson Dryden Backpack

The Filson Dryden Backpack shows us that sometimes, the classics are the way to go. This awesome backpack features a traditional zippered design, with two main compartments and a ton of storage.

Filson uses 1000D Cordura nylon for the body and durable bridle leather for accents and reinforcement. It measures 18 inches tall by 12 ¾ inches wide and 7 inches deep, providing a spacious 25 ½ liters of storage while still meeting airline carry-on standards.

The Dryden has a ton of pockets, including two large main compartments, a laptop pocket, internal organizers, and a side stow pocket. 

It’s tough to find anything to complain about with the Dryden. It’s a classic and timeless design made by a company that excels in creating classic and timeless products.

• Classic Styling
• Made from Cordura 
• Built-in Trolley Strap
• Lots of Storage

If there’s any room to moan, it might be that it’s expensive for a nylon backpack, but it’ll last long enough to pay for itself time and time again.

MIS Backpack

If you’re looking for a relatively compact backpack for day trips, work gear , or school, the MIS Backpack is certainly worth checking out. This traditional-styled backpack comes in several color variations, so you should be able to find something that works with your style.

It has comfortable padded straps, a laptop holder pocket, and several haul loops for attaching extra gear.

The MIS Backpack looks traditional, but the zipper is a little unorthodox. Instead of unzipping down both sides to open up the bag completely, it has  a top-flap that zippers around the top of the backpack.

• Lots of Color Options
• Loops for Attaching Items
• Deep Design Might Be Hard to Get Used to
• While it creates a secure closure, it could be difficult to find smaller items at the bottom of the bag.

Herschel Classic Backpack

Summing up the Herschel Classic Backpack is pretty straightforward: a classic-style backpack at a killer price. Regularly selling for under $50, this backpack is a steal.

It features a large main compartment, a smaller zippered external pocket, as well as Herschel’s signature striped interior liner. It comes in several colors, including black, blue, purple, gold, and more.

• Classic Style
• Excellent Price
• No Separate Pocket for a Laptop

It’s hard to complain about a basic backpack that offers this much at this price. If there’s one thing that might be missing, it’s a padded laptop pocket. Other than that, it’s a top-notch product at a great price point.

Filson Rugged Twill Rucksack

Finding a rugged backpack that can keep up with some serious travel and adventure isn’t always so simple. If you want a product you can use worry-free, check out the Filson Rugged Twill Rucksack .

This product uses a fabric similar to Filson’s tin cloth, just with a different weave pattern, making it incredibly durable and long-lasting. It also features Filson’s bridle leather accents and a laptop pocket that can handle a laptop up to 16 inches.

• Oversized Laptop Pocket
• Rugged Twill Fabric
• A Little Short On Space

At 17 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 5 inches deep, this backpack sure looks big to onlookers. But, it only offers 21 liters of storage, so be sure to keep that in mind. While it’s great that it fits standard airline carry-on requirements, a little more storage could go a long way on your adventures.

Able Archer Rucksack

When you’re spending a fair amount of money on a backpack, you want it to last. The Able Archer Rucksack does just that. It uses rugged, water-resistant canvas to create a durable and long-lasting backpack that will serve you for years to come.

It features several pockets, including easy-to-access side panels for getting to stashed items quickly and waist pockets for smaller items—a benefit to photography buffs, for sure.. 

• Rugged Canvas Material
• Waist Pockets for Lens Caps and Small Items
• Tactical Styling

The Rucksack offers 22 liters of storage, thanks to its 22-inch height, just under 12-inch width, and depth just over 5 inches, creating 22 liters of storage. The only real downside to this backpack is its tactical styling, making it challenging to maintain gray-man status. 

Guys looking for a nice blend between tactical styling and everyday use should check out the GORUCK GR1 . Sure, this bag features a few rows of MOLLE webbing, but the overall design is a little more laidback and a little less “tacticool.” 

The GR1 uses durable nylon material for the body, and the padded straps make carrying the load a bit easier. It also features a plastic sheet that slides into your laptop pocket to add a bit more rigidity. The GR1 also unzips completely and folds flat, allowing you to pack and unpack easily.

• Heavy-Duty Padded Straps
• Reinforced Laptop Pocket
• Expensive for Affordable Choice

If you want a top-tier quality product, you have to spend a bit of cash. Even though this is the affordable pick, it’s still an expensive backpack.

AER Fit Pack 2 Backpack

If you need a backpack with a minimalist look that also offers plenty of storage, AER’s Fit Pack 2 Backpack might be a solid choice. This backpack features tons of storage pockets and room for gear but looks super streamlined when zipped up.

The Fit Pack 2 features a full-length front zippered compartment, a shallow top zippered compartment, as well as a standard full-length main compartment.

It has a padded laptop pocket and built-in shoe storage, so it could definitely serve as a work-to-gym bag if that’s what you need from your backpack.

• Built-In Shoe Pocket
• Streamlined Look
• A Bit Bulky

The only thing worth noting is that this bag can get a bit bulky for a minimalist design. It measures 18 inches tall, 12 ½ inches wide, and 8 inches deep, which could stand out quite a bit from your back, so keep that in mind.

Harber London Commuter Backpack

As is fitting for a brand named after one of the world’s fashion capitals, all of Harber London’s bags and accessories have a finely tuned blend of good looks and practicality. This is particularly true of their most popular backpack, the Commuter .

To craft the body of this bag recycled water bottles have been repurposed and woven into a water-resistant fabric, while full-grain leather accents give it a rugged and timeless appearance.

With a 17 liter capacity, the Commuter is ideally sized for carrying your computer, a notebook, and your daily essentials (but not much more than that). 

• Cool and understated good looks
• Thoughtful material selection
• Water resistant, but not waterproof

Overall, it’s a fashion-forward backpack whose only real downsides are its higher price tag and lack of a permanent waterproof treatment.

Everlane Renew Backpack

Marrying a minimalist aesthetic with sustainable manufacturing, Everlane’s ReNew Backpack is a straightforward choice for any guy looking to minimize the carbon footprint of his wardrobe and accessories.

Aside from its eco-friendly construction, the ReNew Backpack is also decked out with the features you want to see in a travel backpack: an exterior laptop pocket for easy TSA checkthroughs, big zip pockets for all your travel documents, and a pass-through strap for attaching it to your luggage.

• Sustainably made from recycled materials
• Good price for a daily bag
• Lines of the bag could be crisper
• No waterproofing

The main area where big improvements could be made is in the overall silhouette of the bag. Its material has a sort of shapeless form, and may not be a great fit for guys whose outfits center around crisp lines.

Want to learn more? See our full review of Everlane’s lineup (including the Renew Backpack).

Aer City Pack Backpack

You don’t have to be scaling Kilamanjaro for your backpack to take a lot of abuse — heck, even a couple of weeks of being tossed around the downtown of any major city can be enough to put some bags into retirement. 

Aer knows this and that’s why their City Pack Backpack is made from a tough-as-nails 1680D Cordura fabric. Often reserved for military and outdoor applications, this fabric is guaranteed to stand up to even the most severe handling.

• Ultra tough construction
• Highly water resistant
• Comfortable, contoured back panel
• Heavier material makes for a heavier bag (2.5 pounds)
• Relatively small volume (14 liters)

It’s worth noting that the City Pack is relatively small, with a 14 liter capacity. However, in spite of its size, it’s one of the heavier backpacks on this list thanks to the dense materials used in its construction.

Maverick and Co. Metropolitan Business Backpack

Being all business isn’t so bad when you can look like a million bucks while you do it.

That’s the idea behind the immaculately sleek Metropolitan Business Backpack from Maverick and Co. — and even though it’s one of the priciest bags in this review, its premium materials and finely tuned design make it live up to its expense.

If you’ve ever wanted to ditch your briefcase for a backpack without looking too casual, this bag will make that dream a reality. Its full-grain Saffiano leather exterior is paired with a plush double velvet interior, offering luxurious materials both inside and out.

And while it’s definitely on the smaller side for a backpack (at just over 10 liters), it competes nicely with the briefcase and messenger bag that you’d normally pack for work at an office.

• Exceptionally sleek and good looking bag
• Premium materials all around
• More of a luxury backpack than an everyday commuter
• Quite small (10 liters)

While a leather briefcase , being more formal than a backpack, will always be a more stylish choice than a backpack to carry while wearing a suit or dress coat — if you have to wear a backpack for health or other reasons the Metropolitan Business pack is a great choice. 

Bellroy Classic Backpack

Bellroy’s Classic Backpack falls into that Goldilocks category, as one bag with just the right amount of, well, pretty much everything.

It’s appropriately sized as an everyday carry backpack that comes in 16, 20, or 24 liter capacities, with enough space to hold up to a 16 inch laptop.

Three extra pockets give you space to store your daily gear. And its water-resistant woven fabric is made sustainably from recycled plastic bottles.

• “Just right” combination of size, function, and appearance
• Six colors and three sizes to choose from
• Relatively pricey when not on sale
• Somewhat overshadowed by the Premium Edition  

Taken together with Bellroy’s keen eye for details and laid-back but classy aesthetic, that makes the Classic Backpack, you guessed it, an instant classic.

Lululemon Everyday Backpack

For a company best known for their workout gear, Lululemon makes one heck of an everyday backpack. 

Designed with daily carry in mind, the Lululemon Everyday Backpack is equipped with a padded laptop pocket as well as a bevy of interior and exterior pockets for both safety and quick access.

Its nylon body is highly water repellent, and will keep your gear dry in anything short of standing outside in a downpour.

• Excellent value for the price
• Nice selection of pockets
• Straps could be wider for more comfort

Offered for under 100 dollars, the Everyday Backpack has great value for the price. If they had a few more color options and fixed the strap slippage problem, it could be a shoo-in for best backpack overall.

L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Cordura Backpack

L.L. Bean’s backpacks have a reputation for being the last ones you’ll ever buy. And, judging from the looks of decades-old Bean bags floating around the r/bifl subreddit, that reputation is well-deserved.

The Mountain Classic Cordura Backpack ups the ante on this buy-it-for-life durability, with a 1000D Cordura nylon construction and wide, reinforced straps that keep it comfortable no matter how much you load the bag down.

Aside from its “bulletproof” qualities, the Mountain Classic has a good range of pockets for your essentials as well. That includes a front zipper pocket, two side water bottle pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, and a bonus key fob attachment for easy access.

• Buy-it-for-life quality and durability
• Wide, comfortable straps
• Nice selection of colors
• Probably not appropriate for taking to an office
• Some guys won’t like the thickness of the straps

There’s really just not much bad to say about this backpack. If you like the more rugged and outdoor style, it offers an excellent value for the price.

Final Thoughts

There are lots of outstanding backpacks on this list. Obviously, Filson and Herschel made the most appearances, but they’re great bags. They consistently deliver top-notch products in their price range. You can’t go wrong with a backpack from either brand. 

Guys looking for the best design need to focus their attention on Stuart and Lau’s Capstone . The design, materials, and craftsman are top-notch. But, if you need a modular setup that you can customize, the 5.11 Rush24 or GORUCK GR1 might be the ideal foundation for your system.

If it’s minimalism you’re after, the Travel Backpack from Haerfest is hard to beat.

Choose a bag on this list that fits your personal aesthetic and lifestyle, and you’ll stay stylish for years to come.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!

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About Tom Scalisi

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for watches and everyday carry items. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children, hiking, photography, and just about every hobby known to man. Background: Tom has a background in law enforcement and commercial construction, so you might say he got into everyday carry and gear by necessity. Somewhere along the way, he developed an interest in watches and photography, two passions that go hand in hand (or wrist). Tom lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York, where he spends his time writing, mountain biking, beekeeping, fishing, photographing gear and hanging out with his family. Expertise: Tom has written about watches, home design, cars and EDC for publications including Forbes, MSN, Domino, SPY and Bob Vila. Here at TMM, he's a trusted advisor on all things watches and EDC.

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May 16, 2023 at 4:01 pm

Wexley makes a Stem x-pac at 17L that fits a 16″ macbook. This thing takes a nyc beatdown and keeps it movin.

April 13, 2021 at 2:50 pm

Lovely ideas here, but a word of caution. I’ve had two expensive bags pinched after momentarily forgetting them. They had no laptops or tablets in them. My current dayglo orange cheapskate number has survived four years…

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The 21 Best Travel Backpacks to Take on the Go

These well-designed bags work for overnight, weekends away, and even long-haul trips.

Any on-the-go occasion demands a travel backpack, from getting to the office to going through customs. It’s the U-Haul of accessories—spacious and tough. And the good thing is that you don’t always have to pack it to the brim. Not every backpack is a travel backpack, though; you might think all you require is a Jansport Half Pint or a Ferragamo leather bag , but should you need a water bottle , some snacks, or a warm cardigan for the flight, a travel backpack with extra capacity and compartments is a godsend.

Best Travel Backpack for Commuting

Everlane renew transit backpack.

Best Travel Backpack for Packing Light

Topo designs rover pack classic.

Best Casual Travel Backpack

Herschel classic little america backpack.

Best Convertible Travel Backpack

Thule subterra convertible carry-on bag.

Best Luxury Travel Backpack

Tumi alpha 3 brief pack.

Most-Loved Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa travel pack.

Best Travel or Gym Bag

Lululemon wunderlust backpack.

Best Business Travel Backpack

Monos metro backpack.

Best Multiuse Travel Backpack

Calpak terra large duffel backpack.

Best Packable Travel Backpack

Away packable backpack.

So if you’re someone who recognizes that your travel gear needs compatibility with any mode of transportation, from bicycle to spaceship, and with any occasion, from a night at the Ritz to a weekend in the backcountry, we’ve got 21 of the best travel backpacks for men to get you going.

Everlane’s backpack goes well with a trip into the city, including treks on the subway and navigating the streets. Not only does it look sleek, but it’s sized for holding a laptop, water bottle, sunscreen, lunch box, wallet, and more, all secure under the flap closure.

You probably want to pack light for rock climbing in Yosemite or an adventure in the Tongass. Smart. Leave the heavy work to style. Topo Designs’ Rover, with its color-blocked, vintage-inspired exterior, is spot-on for a day enjoying Mother Nature.

Herschel’s signature backpack ain’t, by any measure, “little,” we can tell you that. Moreover, it’s actually a mountaineering backpack reimagined for casual day-to-day stuff. That’s pretty cool.

Thule’s minimalist, easy-to-pack bag makes an ideal carry-on item. It opens all the way up like a suitcase, so it’s simple to pack smartly and not just shove stuff in. And there’s a separate removable laptop sleeve, so your tech is always within reach.

Tumi rules business travel; that’s why I chose the brand for my first travel backpack. This is the one I would’ve gotten had I really wanted to shell out. It doesn’t just open up; it opens out to reveal the true abundance of pockets—here, there, and oh, there, too.

This Cotopaxi bag has one of the smartest designs around, done in a durable fabric. It opens all the way up and unfolds into something best described as two slices of bread: one large compartment and one divided compartment on the other side for efficient packing.

Wanna climb the Himalayas and meet the Yeti? Or descend into the subway after work as you head to the gym? Yes? Great. Do that. Just make sure you stow some survival gear in a backpack that both looks and acts the adventure part, like Lululemon’s Wunderlust.

If you want a minimal bag that feels less like it’s meant for a hike and more like you can bring it to a buttoned-up business meeting, this Monos backpack is it. It has a roomy main pocket, with an extra slot in the back for your laptop and a removable Metro Kit on the front for storing your toiletries or whatever you’ve got.

Calpak’s 50-liter Terra duffel backpack did not come to play. This bag is gigantic, and it even expands by two inches if you need it to. There are a ton of easy-access pockets on the outside, and you can use it as a backpack or a duffel bag. If you’re flying with it, though, keep in mind that it’s likely too large to fit comfortably under most airplane seats and you’ll have to stow it in an overhead compartment.

If you often find yourself returning from a trip with more items than you started with, you’d do well to bring a packable backpack. This one zips up into a smart little pouch that you can tuck away in a suitcase, and when opened, it’s a convenient carry-on item for your trip back home.

Rains Trail Cargo Backpack

Rains makes a backpack that keeps all your stuff organized in such a way that you never have to think about it. You’ve got a big main compartment, with two roomy outer pockets for things you don’t feel like digging for. Plus, the fabric is waterproof, protecting what’s inside from light rain (though not a full-fledged storm).

Caraa Stratus Backpack

If you don’t want a travel backpack that looks like a travel backpack, this Caraa backpack is clutch. It has a classic design but is way bigger than the standard school backpack you likely carried. It’s made with waterproof nylon and has a 17-inch laptop compartment, as well as a luggage sleeve for easy movement.

Paul Smith Twill Backpack

If you want something that feels nice to travel with and not at all like a bag you just hauled back from a camping trip, this one fits the handsome-but-not-ostentatious bill to a T. And there are so many interior and exterior compartments for really packing things in.

Patagonia Black Hole Backpack

Oh, to carry 32 liters of your stuff— 25 if you don’t have quite as much—wherever the road takes you. Patagonia’s Black Hole pack opens wide like luggage, has mesh sections like luggage, and can fit clothes and toiletries and certainly snacks like, well, luggage.

Dagne Dover Dakota Large Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover makes a smart, easy neoprene backpack in three sizes, but this big one is the best for traveling. The main compartment is gigantic, complete with some pockets for organization, and the outer laptop zipper pocket and stretchy water-bottle pocket are easy to access.

Arc’Teryx Carrier 75 Duffle

Arc’Teryx’s seam-sealed, weather-resistant backpack is more a storage unit than a travel bag. But listen, sometimes you’re not in a travel situation where a suitcase will work, and this can fit just as much as a suitcase can. It’s well made and virtually unbreakable, but it’s also, clearly, heavy as all hell.

Sinaliy Large Travel Backpack

TikTok did indeed see this backpack first, and we thank the algorithms for that. It opens wide in a way that lets you pack it like a suitcase, with outside pockets and buckles to keep it compact. Carry it like a backpack or use the top and side handles.

Pak Reve Large Nylon Backpack

If you need a backpack that can carry some stuff on a short trip, this one does it well. There are a ton of organizing pockets inside and out, as well as theft-proof compartments for keeping your passport and other personal items safe.

Aer Travel Pack 3

A businessman with platinum status always travels smart by ditching the wheeled suitcase to avoid luggage delays. Enter Aer’s Travel Pack, a suitcase/backpack hybrid. It’s got a lay-flat main compartment, along with some top pockets for the quick stash before TSA checks. All it’s missing are two wheels and a handle.

Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack

A life on the road goes better when you’ve got the basics down first before paddling into the stunting, features-packed realm. While you certainly won’t parade around the lobby of MGM with this travel backpack, for a casual weekend getaway it’ll more than do the trick.

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The 3 best travel backpacks for men (also good for work).

Explore the top hands-free travel bag options for every type of journey.

The Best Travel Backpacks for Men

Courtesy of Peak Design

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the top backpack choice for men.

Whether you're into rugged adventures in the wilderness or getting lost in bustling cities, a backpack may be the most essential piece of travel gear there is. If you choose your pack right, it doesn't need to be something you only use for your vacation: Some of the best options out there are ideal for both leisure and business travelers, and they're so stylish and professional that you can easily take them with you to work. No matter what kind of traveler you are, this trio of the best backpack options – compiled with the help of travel experts and consumer reviews – has got you covered.

Read on to discover the top travel backpacks for men from U.S. News.

The Top 3 Travel Backpacks for Men

• Best Overall: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Overall, Budget Pick: Inateck 40L 17-Inch Carry On Travel Backpack

Best small: zomake ultra lightweight packable backpack 25l.

For more information on how to choose a backpack for travel – and how to pack it – check out the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to various factors. We update this article quarterly to ensure the bags we're recommending are in stock and continue to have great overall reviews from consumers, while also considering new product launches. Dimensions are listed in order of length by height by width.)

Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Dimensions: 13 x 22 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 4.5 pounds

What sets it apart: If you're looking for the ultimate in convenience while traveling, Peak Design's 45-liter Travel Backpack is a serious winner. The bag's two main compartments can be accessed from the front, back and sides, so there's no need to stress about accessing those socks or shirts you packed in the deepest part of the bag. It's the kind of bag where everything has its place: There are mesh pockets inside the main compartments, two hidden external pockets for valuables like your passport, and an easy-to-access top pocket on the outside for anything you need to get quickly, from keys to boarding passes. A padded sleeve inside also helps to keep your laptop or tablet safe. There are also straps to attach equipment like a tripod to the outside of the bag.

The Travel Backpack isn't just for weekend trips – if you're not a compulsive overpacker, it's feasible to use this as your main piece of luggage for a weeklong trip or more. The bag can be both expanded and contracted beyond this size, in case you do some shopping along the way or want to use it as a daypack. In its non-expanded form, this carry-on backpack is also within the size limits of many international airlines and some domestic ones. It's only a half-inch too deep for some airlines like United and Delta, so if the bag isn't jam-packed, you may still be able to get it on board – although this is very much at your own risk.

With an industrial-strength nylon-canvas shell that's waterproof, this backpack is also a safe bet for outdoorsy travelers who may be exposed to the elements. You can choose between two colors: classic black, or the muted-green sage option. Travelers looking to save have the option to buy pre-owned backpacks directly from Peak Design's website for substantially reduced prices (although stock and prices for these secondhand items vary).

Travelers appreciate: Owners of this bag praise it for its massive capacity, with several saying it is deceptively small for the amount of clothes, shoes and toiletries the bag can fit.

Price: $299.99 or less Shop now: Peak Design | Best Buy

Dimensions: 21.65 x 13.4 x 7.87 inches | Weight: 3.52 pounds

What sets it apart: This sleek black backpack from German company Inateck checks a lot of boxes. It's both professional and stylish, with plenty of capacity for a weekend trip or longer, and with a price tag under $60. With a rectangular shape and a main compartment that can be zipped open, this 40-liter bag can be packed like a suitcase. That compartment also has mesh pockets with zips so that you can squirrel away smaller items without losing them in the bag's spacious interior.

A smaller zippered compartment that sits next to the wearer's back offers a safe place to stash a 17-inch laptop and a 13-inch tablet, as needed. Security-conscious travelers, take note: Both the laptop compartment and main compartment feature dual zippers that can be locked (although you'll need to provide the lock).

There are two smaller pockets on the front of the bag for easy access to essential items while traveling, and a semi-hidden pocket on the back (which would sit alongside your body) as a safe place for passports and other valuables. If you're not using the bag's full capacity, there are also compression straps to make the pack a little more compact. The company also includes a waterproof cover in case you're traveling through rainy weather.

Given its size, this Inateck pack should be accepted as cabin baggage on a fairly wide range of airlines both domestic and international. Of course, be sure to double-check your airline's baggage rules, as a limited number of airlines draw the line at 21 or 21.5 inches in height, such as Aeroméxico, Air Canada and Canadian carrier Westjet.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers of this bag rave about how much it can fit and its hidden pockets. Many note its lightweight construction makes it comfortable to carry, and that it works well for business travelers.

Price: $58.99 or less Shop now: Inateck | Amazon

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Dimensions: 16 x 10.6 x 7.9 inches | Weight: 0.64 pounds

For a small but mighty bag that's ideal for day trips up to overnight or weekend trips, look no further than this uber-functional option from Chinese company Zomake. Sold in a wide selection of colors from neutral black or gray to light blue or bright orange, this lightweight pack is made with water-resistant nylon for anyone embarking on outdoor activities.

The backpack offers three zippered compartments: The main chamber should comfortably store bulkier items like everyday clothes or a light jacket, as well as a small to midsized laptop up to around 15 inches.. Meanwhile, two front pockets offer easy access to essentials like snacks, important documents, a cell phone, or whatever else you may need to access quickly or repeatedly. There are two mesh pockets on the side for water bottles or other necessities.

For flyers, this backpack could count as your personal item, leaving you free to bring another main piece of carry-on luggage if your airline ticket allows this. Alternatively, the bag can be folded up into a tiny pouch measuring 5.5 by 6.7 inches – so if you're on a bigger trip, you can pack it in your other luggage and grab it out for day-to-day use while traveling.

If you're in need of something bigger or smaller, Zomake has a range of other bags with similar designs, mostly around the $20 mark.

Travelers appreciate: Wearers of this bag like the wide and comfortable straps, along with the amount of items that fit in the bag, and the way it folds and packs easily

Price: $20.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many details to consider when it comes to choosing the perfect travel backpack. Whether you want it big or small, stylish or functional, or equipped to protect laptops and other important items, one of the most important features to look for is the bag's organizational layout.

Rudy Maxa, host of the TV series "Rudy Maxa's World" and a convert to travel backpacks, likes options with lots of nooks and crannies to hold everything from earphones to magazines to travel documents. Wendy Perrin, travel expert and founder of travel planning site WendyPerrin.com, agrees, saying she's a fan of compartments when it comes to her travel backpack and likes the ability to get to her items quickly.

Tom Wahlin, travel gear expert and founder of Pack Hacker, says he prefers a backpack that combines spacious sections with smart organization. He recommends using packing cubes to organize items in the backpack's main compartment.

Weight should be a consideration as well. While you may need something more durable for long outdoor adventures or round-the-world trips, a lightweight travel bag can be easier and more comfortable on your back for daytrips, sightseeing or day-to-day travels. Wahlin errs on the side of going lighter, noting a backpack can be both lightweight and durable. (However, if a heavier bag has the appropriate supports, such as chest or hip straps, the bag's weight may be less of an issue.)

Wahlin also suggests choosing a bag with durable zippers. "We typically look for Japanese YKK zippers," he says. "They're tried and tested and are on most of the best bags out there."

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – the perfectly sized backpack might depend on whether you're a heavy packer, whether you need it for multiday trips or quick flights, and various other factors. However, there are still some general guidelines to consider. Take note: Backpacks are usually measured by their volume in liters, even in the United States.

If you only need a smaller backpack – for example, for daylong excursions or to carry on the plane while most of your stuff goes in a separate suitcase – a 20-liter (5.3-gallon) backpack should suffice. If you're using a backpack as your primary baggage, you'll want to choose something a little larger. Bags in the 25- to 30-liter range are usually considered good for shorter trips, from an overnight stay or weekend away up to five nights (at least if you pack wisely). For longer trips where your backpack is your main luggage, you may need a pack with a volume of up to 40 or 45 liters.

But, pay attention: If your travel plans involve flying, make sure that you're bringing a backpack that fits within the carry-on limits of every airline you'll be taking. This is particularly important if you're flying with budget airlines, as they tend to have more restrictive rules on baggage size (and often enforce those rules rather strictly). Backpacks with a volume of 35 liters or less should be accepted on most airlines, and you may be able to take a backpack of up to 45 liters on airlines with a more generous allowance, so check with your carrier before you leave.

Think about two things when preparing your backpack for travel: what to pack and how to pack it. If you're bringing a backpack in addition to other luggage such as a checked suitcase , try to put only the necessities in the backpack. For a long flight, for example, these items could include important travel documents like passports and boarding passes; a few basic toiletries such as your toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant; a laptop or tablet for work or entertainment (plus headphones); some extra clothing (especially if you're going someplace with a different climate); and snacks and a bottle of water or something to drink.

If you're flying, remember to comply with the Transportation Security Administration's rules for what's allowed in your carry-on : Containers of liquids and the like can't exceed 3.4 ounces each and must fit in a quart-sized bag, so you can't bring drinks through airport security, although an empty water bottle is allowed.

When you're packing your bag, keep the items you'll need more often in the most accessible places. So, consider putting your passport , headphones and lip balm somewhere close, such as the exterior pocket – and definitely not at the bottom of the main compartment underneath all your other possessions.

Once you've put those necessities in easy-to-reach places, you can pack the rest of your belongings and travel accessories . Think about weight distribution here: Ideally, you'll want to put the heaviest items (for example, laptops) close to your body, so your backpack won't weigh so heavily on your shoulders and will be more comfortable. Pay extra attention when packing delicate or breakable items, like sunglasses or electronics. It's best to put these in the exterior pockets of your pack so they can't be crushed by heavy items in the larger main pockets. Protective cases are also a wise purchase for items like glasses. Of course, if you're carrying a laptop or tablet and your backpack has dedicated pockets or sleeves for these items, use them.

Read: Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Tim Forster is a U.S. News & World Report contributor. As someone who mostly travels with carry-on luggage, he's an expert when it comes to backpacks. Forster used his travel experience and research expertise to write this article.

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• The Top Carry-on Luggage Pieces

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16 best travel backpacks for men in 2022 (w/ pros & cons).

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Don’t you just feel so free when you’re wearing a well-organized backpack that could fit everything you need?

Having the right travel backpack for men can make a trip a lot more fun. So, it’s important to purchase the perfect backpack because you might live out of it for a week, month, or year.

But how can you choose when there are so many brands and models out there? Some say a good one should be easy to put together, durable, feature-rich, and comfortable. It should be strong and have a little bit of masculine roughness to it.

The thing is… you can’t find the perfect bag for every traveler in every situation. There’s no single “best” bag. Yet, everyone can find a pack that fits their needs. There’s a travel bag out there for every man.

In this guide, we’ll show you the 16 best travel backpacks for men this year.

Table of Contents

What To Look for in a Travel Backpack

The contents of your bag are already heavy so you’ll want to choose a light travel backpack to save your body from fatigue. The primary factor of its weight would be the fabric used. Though super light-weight fabrics can increase the price.

2. Size and Capacity

Backpack sizes are often expressed in liters of volume that they can hold. Generally, 15-30 liters is considered a daypack. Bags from 30-40 liters are big enough for weekend trips or carry-on travel. Finally, 50-65 liters is for those who need extra clothing or gear for their trip.

3. Front-Loading

Travel-friendly backpacks are the ones that are front-loading to locate your gear easily. Front-loading bags act like suitcases. Unlike top-loading backpacks, you don’t have to go through the hassle of digging through all your stuff.

4. Strap Types

Get a bag that has a padded waist strap to avoid sore shoulders and back pain during long periods of walking or hiking. It distributes the weight of your travel backpack. Some backpacks also have grab-handles or duffel-bag straps.

5. Gear Pockets

Everyone has their preferred number of pockets and it depends on what you need. Some important ones include a quick-access pocket, a laptop pocket, and a water bottle and umbrella pocket.

Large, easy-to-use zippers make it easier to open and close the backpack. You can also look for travel backpacks with lockable zippers for increased security.

7. Proper Fit

Before buying a travel backpack, make sure that you know your torso length so you’ll know which travel backpack fits you perfectly. A properly fitted backpack will ensure comfort during your travels.

Pick a bag that fits your style.

9. Weather Resistance

Weather can sometimes be unpredictable, so you’ll want to prevent your gear from getting wet.  Choose a travel bag that has a special rain cover or is water-resistant.

10. Carry-On Friendly

Be careful when traveling since airlines get stricter by the day when it comes to the size of your carry-on bag. We recommend not bringing a travel backpack larger than 45L to be safe.

16 Best Travel Backpacks for Men (Trendy, Durable, & Useful)

1. best rfid anti-theft backpack: the anti-theft urban travelon bag.

The Anti-Theft Urban Travelon bag is the safest backpack we’ve encountered. Its five-point anti-theft security system prevents the most common types of pedestrian theft.

Not only that, but it also has keen organization and style. The main compartment allows you to organize your tech with its 2 padded sleeves for your 15.6” laptop. Storage pockets both inside and out spare you the burden of carrying the extra weight of a wallet.

You don’t have to worry about long walks since its padded air mesh back and straps give utmost comfort. This bag is also durable since it’s constructed from strong polyester fabric with a gunmetal finish.

• The internal area provides a key ring
• Has slots for credit cards
• Has 2 zippered pockets
• Zippers don’t accommodate a luggage padlock
• The chest strap is too short

2. Best Backpack with Luggage Sleeve: Open Story Backpack

The Open Story Backpack is perfect for shoppers, commuters, digital nomads, and travelers. Its spacious main compartment allows you to store your travel gear , tech, toiletries, clothes, and other belongings in one place. An integrated laptop pocket also adds extra protection and organization.

You’ll love how easy it is to use. Its two zippered sections at the front are great for stashing your keys, phone, sanitizer, glasses, and pen. You also won’t forget to stay hydrated or worry about spills because of its water holder at the side.

You may want to take advantage of its trolley sleeve to attach your bag to your suitcase. Whether you’re commuting to work or flying to another country, this versatile bag provides comfort, convenience, and style for daily use.

• Zipper closure
• Front zip pocket
• Padded shoulder straps
• Trolley sleeve
• Water bottle pocket
• Top carrying handle
• Fits laptops up to 13 inches only
• 16-liter capacity

3. Best Organization Backpack: The Pakt Travel Backpack

With the Pakt Travel Backpack’s dual-compartment zip-around structure, you won’t stress out over a messy backpack ever again. Plus, its external pockets make it easy to reach your on-the-go essentials.

The top zippers allow quick access to your laptop, too. And this bag will protect you from leaks with its top-loading waterproof section.

It’s thoughtfully made from durable recycled material. Whatever your shape or size might be, you’ll experience the greatest comfort and breathability for everyday travel.

• Water-resistant 
• Low-waste materials
• Nothing remarkable about its exterior design

4. Best Laptop Backpack: The Swissgear Travel Backpack

The Swissgear Travel Backpack highlights the needs of digital nomads, especially those who have big laptops. It has a zippered compartment and a safe tablet pocket that adds to security.

You won’t have a hard time going through airport security because this bag allows laptop-in-case scanning. You won’t lose important documents and keys again with its accordion file holder and RFID-protected organizer compartment.

Despite its large size, you’ll find it comfortable to carry. It has padded shoulder straps that help reduce back and shoulder pain and ensure breathability.

• Adjustable compression straps
• Airflow back padding
• Quick-access side pocket
• Quite heavy

5. Best Packable Backpack: The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

Osprey is the star when it comes to compact daypacks. It doesn’t matter who you are and where you want to go because Osprey will ensure that your belongings fit perfectly and securely inside this travel backpack.

You’ll be surprised how much you can fit inside the Ultralight Stuff Pack . Plus, you can still organize your stuff well given that it has separate compartments for your folded clothes and dirty shoes.

Also, it gives added protection for your personal info with the use of RFID protection.

You don’t have to worry about accessibility because it has an external water bottle pocket. Wear it comfortably with its mesh straps and air mesh harness.

• Made from durable ripstop nylon
• Air mesh harness
• No chest strap
• Can get bulky and uncomfortable

6. Best Weekend Backpack: The Pacsafe Venturesafe Backpack

Spend your most secure weekend yet with the Pacsafe Venturesafe Backpack . You don’t have to worry about security and safety because of its 5-point anti-theft features.

Some features include a strong wire mesh that protects you from slash-and-run theft, TouchZip technology that prevents break-ins, and a 3mm stainless steel locking cable that turns your bag into a portable safe.

Its spacious compartments allow you to put all your gear, toiletries, and clothes all in one bag for your weekend trip. And its compression straps pack gear tightly to help in maximizing the space inside. Plus, you can easily access them since it opens book-style like luggage.

This simple but stylish backpack also has padded shoulder straps and waist straps for the greatest comfort and breathability. And they can be tucked away if not in use.

• Front zippered compartment 
• Can hold a 15-inch laptop
• Internal mesh pockets for water bottles and toiletries
• Small capacity
• For light travel only

7. Best for Backpackers: The Osprey Atmos AG 65

The greatest comfort that the Osprey Atmos gives to a backpacker is its lightness.

Its innovative AntiGravity suspension technology makes your things feel lighter. As it wraps around your body, you’ll feel less body pain as you travel for a week or more.

You’ll appreciate its compression straps as it helps stabilize your load. What’s even more admirable is its durability. It stays strong even in high-wear areas.

You’ll also love its internal hydration reservoir sleeve as you’ll need it during long walks and hikes.

• Zippered hip belt pockets
• Removable sleeping pad straps
• Sternum strap with safety whistle
• Dual access mesh side pockets
• Difficult to reach the side water bottle mesh pockets

8. Best Professional, Work, and Business Backpack: The Medium Expandable Knack Pack

Whether you commute to work or go on business trips abroad, the Medium Expandable Knack Pack will suit your needs.

Its professional and modern design brings out the confidence and simplicity of commuters and travelers alike. Its designers thought it through by adding a hidden water bottle holder to keep you from looking like a hiker.

It’s also very flexible. From 27 liters, it can be expanded up to 39 liters. It can even fit up to 15-inch laptops.

It has a spacious main compartment with different small pockets dedicated to other gadgets, important documents, and toiletries. You can easily access the contents of the bag because of its side opening.

You’ll love the bottom pocket of the bag where you can store your cords and chargers for maximum organization. It even has slots for your business cards so you can get rid of your bulky wallets. 

If you love wearing shades or specs, you’ll love the specialized pocket dedicated for them. It also has a secret pocket where you can put things that you need to access easily. If you need to access your keys at a minute’s notice, you can hang them on the key leash inside the bag.

• Removable key leash
• Padded computer pocket for 15″ laptops
• Water-resistant body fabric 
• Zipped water bottle pocket
• Fleece-lined sunglasses pocket
• Relatively small capacity compared to other travel backpacks

9. Best Small Backpack: The Waterfly Crossbody Backpack

Keep your essentials safe and close to you with the Waterfly Crossbody Backpack . Despite its size, it still has side mesh pockets perfect for your phone, keys, tissue, sanitizer, and wallet.

Made with nylon and polyester lining, you’ll feel comfortable wearing it during hikes and long walks. This bag can be used on the go if you’re going on a side tour.

If you love listening to music while traveling, you’ll love its hidden earphone hole. It provides easy access to your earphones so you can listen to music anytime, anywhere. You won’t have problems figuring out how to wear it since its adjustable reversible shoulder strap allows you to wear it on your left or right shoulder conveniently.

• Hidden Earphone Hole
• Adjustable & reversible shoulder Strap
• Breathable material
• Water repellent
• Lockable zipper (main compartment)
• Front pocket isn’t secure

10. Best 40L Travel Backpack: The Nomatic 40L Travel Bag

Traveling for work? You’ll never go wrong with the Nomatic . Its sleek design gives off a modern and professional look when you go on trips. You’ll be surprised with its durability and ability to convert from a backpack to a duffel in under a minute.

With its incredible organization system, you’ll be able to pack more in less space.

You’ll notice that everything has its place inside the deep main compartment. It has a small electronics organizer for your small gadgets, earphones and chargers, and a laptop sleeve. You can even store your shoes inside a special compartment and put your small essentials inside its waterproof pocket.

• Convertible straps
• Water-resistant
• Ample padding
• Easy-access pockets
• A little too big
• The backside isn’t breathable

11. Best Extra Large Backpack for Travel: SHRRADOO 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

Whether you’re a student, digital nomad, or seasoned traveler, you’ll appreciate the large storage that the SHRRADOO Laptop Backpack offers.

Three spacious main compartments accommodate your college supplies, travel gear, clothes, gadgets, accessories, and other travel essentials. It even has hidden pockets that help with organization.

Its laptop compartment can store a 17-inch laptop. You’ll also appreciate its deep zipper pockets for your on-the-go essentials. A specialized pocket is also designed to hold water bottles and umbrellas.

What makes this travel backpack unique is its external USB port for convenient cell phone charging. It even has a specialized hole for your earphones so you can listen to your favorite songs while you’re traveling.

Made from high-quality polyester fabric with nylon lining, you’ll never worry about your stuff getting wet. Its generous shoulder pad will keep you from getting shoulder and back strain as you travel.

• External USB port
• Well-ventilated
• Breathable mesh shoulder straps
• Not waterproof 

12. Best Flat Backpack: Vera Bradley Flat Travel Backpack

The Vera Bradley Flat Travel Backpack isn’t only water-resistant, lightweight, and durable, it’s also sourced from recycled material. You’ll enjoy how it’s comfortably soft to the touch.

Packing and getting stuff from this bag will never be a hassle since it unzips on three sides. Also, it fits perfectly inside a plane’s overhead compartment.

Aside from comfort and sustainability, it also features spacious compartments where you can maximize organization. There’s a compartment for your 15-inch laptop and special mesh zip pockets, tech pockets, pen slips, and slip pockets for your other essentials.

You’ll never forget where you put your phone, pen, and credit cards despite having a huge bag.

• Sustainable fabric
• Tech pocket
• Fits up to 15-inch laptops
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Quite expensive

13. Best Front-Loading or Suitcase Backpack: The Tortuga Travel Backpack

This awesome travel backpack can expand from 26L to 34L. Three to five days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, and travel essentials fit just right inside.

The best part is you can still fit in some souvenirs for your loved ones back at home. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the size of this bag for air travel because it’s perfectly carry-on-sized.

Travelers love the Tortuga Travel Backpack because it packs like a suitcase. You don’t have to go through the hassle of going through your bag and messing it up. It opens flat to make packing and organization easy.

A laptop sleeve is also available to protect your 15-inch laptop. Additionally, accessory packs are positioned strategically so they can be readily available to you.

It’s also very comfortable to wear. You’ll feel that the bag’s weight is balanced between your shoulders and your waist. It’s also amazing how the bag adjusts and gives you a custom fit.

• Dual-foam shoulder straps 
• Removable hip belt
• No side handle

14. Best Clamshell Backpack: The Able Carry Max Backpack

This simple and modern travel backpack is the ultimate backpack for travelers, everyday commuters, and digital nomads .

The Able Carry Max Backpack was built with strong materials and fabrics that introduce next-level strength and security. It even has lockable zippers for added security.

Its spacious compartments and specialized pockets help in maintaining organization and flexibility. It also has a dedicated laptop compartment and tech pockets for your cords, chargers, adapters, and earphones.

Find comfort while traveling with its ventilated fabric and padded shoulder supports.

• Comfortable harness system
• Big interior water bottle pocket
• Durable fabric
• The tablet sleeve is shallow
• The rear pocket is hard to access

15. Best Convertible Backpack: The eBags Pro Slim Weekender

Travelers love the eBags Pro Slim Weekender for its lightness and spaciousness. The bag also ensures that your laptop is safe inside a TSA-friendly pocket.

The flexibility of this travel backpack is amazing. It can be converted into a briefcase or cross-body bag.

Also, there’s a big compartment for your clothes and other essential toiletries for your travel. Plus, zip pockets are installed for better organization.

You don’t need to worry about where to put your headphones and chargers since a specialized quick-grab top pocket is provided. You can conveniently get your in-flight essentials even if it’s below or above your seat.

• Convertible
• Too large for daily use

16. Best Multi-Pocket Backpack: The Volher Anti-Theft Business Travel Backpack

The Volher Anti-Theft Business Travel Backpack prioritizes security with its luggage strap and anti-theft properties.

You’ll find this bag’s multiple pockets super helpful. It has a padded laptop compartment to secure your 15-inch laptop. It also has additional tech pockets for your tablet, mouse, chargers, power bank, and phone to keep them organized and protected. And a hidden back pocket is incorporated for you to keep your valuables, such as money or cards, safe. It’s perfect for digital nomads and business travelers .

You don’t have to worry about your cell phone battery since it has a built-in USB charger.

Made from durable polyester, it has water-resistant features that’ll protect your valuables from unpredictable weather changes. You’ll appreciate the comfort it brings since its design relieves the pressure on your shoulders.

• Hidden anti-theft pocket 
• Luggage sleeve
• Ventilated back panel
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Slow-charging cable

Final Thoughts

A great travel backpack is a must-have when you’re a digital nomad, going out of town, planning a trip to the wilderness, or traveling for business.

Your bag will be your companion for days, weeks, or months, so you need to pick the right one that suits your needs. If you choose wisely, your backpack will save you from a lot of hassle, worry, effort, and even money.

Ultimately, you’ll have a smooth and secure trip when you find the right one for you so take this process seriously!

If you’re having a hard time picking a travel backpack for your next adventure, consider the important points we presented and the suggestions we made in this article.

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

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The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

The Best Laptop Backpacks

by Zoe Vanderweide

A great laptop backpack protects your tech, is comfortable to carry, and looks good, too. These five bags are our favorites for wrangling your workday gear.

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The Fashionable Travel Backpacks for the Man on the Move

A top-notch travel backpack embodies comfort, functionality, and preparedness for the unexpected..

In a world where the digital reigns supreme, the humble backpack stands tall as the unsung hero of the modern man’s arsenal. A backpack isn’t just a glorified grocery bag for your MacBook and gym shorts—it’s a mobile man cave that cradles your ambitions and escapades, from the boardroom to the gym, and from there to the farthest corners of the globe.

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Remember the exhilaration of choosing a new backpack for school? A top-notch travel backpack should evoke that same sense of invincibility, transcending its mere utilitarian function to become a symbol of a lifestyle. It embodies comfort, functionality and preparedness for the unexpected—an absolute must-have for any travel gear collection. From General Henry Merriam’s 1878 canvas and wood rucksack to today’s nylon wonders, the backpack has come a long way, thanks to pioneering innovators and brands like JanSport, which brought the accessory to the forefront in the ’70s and ’80s.

Fast forward to the present, and the travel backpack has become the go-to luggage alternative for the discerning gentleman who prefers the freedom of traveling light. Made from resilient materials like canvas, nylon, leather or suede, the best backpacks age gracefully, acquiring character over time. Their timeless design suits all ages and can be dressed up with a blazer and jeans for business travel or dressed down for a weekend escape . Black leather backpacks, in particular, lend a sophisticated edge to the trend and are a favorite among the fashion-savvy. When pairing leathers, strive for harmony—match black leather shoes with a black leather bag. However, a streamlined black backpack can stylishly offset a fall leather jacket .

From robust weatherproof packs to minimalist fashion-forward accessories, the backpacks listed below have been meticulously curated for their robust blend of style, functionality and durability. Elevate your backpack game, make a statement that aligns with your style and ambition and conquer the world.

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The Best Travel Backpacks for Men

Our top picks for the best travel backpacks.

Tumi Nomadic Backpack Alpha Bravo

Your jet-set digital nomad lifestyle deserves a backpack that can keep up. Meet the Tumi Alpha Bravo Nomadic, a fusion of rugged durability and sleek design inspired by tactical military gear. Crafted from ballistic nylon, it’s built to withstand the rigors of travel, while the padded laptop compartment and expandable base (ideal for longer trips) make it the Swiss Army knife of backpacks, further enhanced by TUMI+ modular compatibility. 

Troubadour Orbis 1-Pocket Backpack

Part of the Orbis Circular Collection, this backpack is constructed entirely from super-durable recycled polyester. It offers versatile performance and organization with 11 pockets, a large separate back compartment and a padded pocket for a 16-inch laptop or tablet. Plus, it is remarkably designed to be fully recycled at the end of its life, creating zero waste—a true realization of your green dream. The trolley sleeve also allows you to easily slide it onto your carry-on luggage, for a seamless getaway. 

Antler Chelsea Backpack

Antler’s restyled Chelsea Daypack offers extra space and a plethora of handy features, including a back sleeve that slots over a suitcase handle, a full zip opener for easy packing and access, a zipped front pocket with a card sleeve and key clip inside and a spacious laptop sleeve. It also includes a removable packing pocket, a mesh pocket and a zip pocket, making it the perfect companion for the organized traveler.

Master-Piece Progress 2way Textured Leather-Trimmed Nylon-Twill Backpack

Hailing from Osaka, this backpack is the samurai of daily commutes, featuring water-resistant properties and hardwearing nylon-twill panels trimmed with leather. Ideal for long commutes, it includes a padded laptop compartment and numerous pockets to organize small essentials, all in a one bag.

Ferragamo Backpack

This Ferragamo backpack, crafted from soft textured calfskin leather, is both practical and elegant. Unzip the bag to find two well-organized compartments with practical pockets and slots. A padded back and straps are made of technical fabric, and there’s also a strap for attaching it to hand luggage or other travel bags, and it’s stowable. The discreet all-black aesthetic exudes city-slicker sophistication.

Away The Transit Leather Backpack

Away is perhaps best known for their polycarbonate luggage, but they also make plenty of duffel bags, packing cubes and other travel accessories, including this new leather backpack. A wraparound clamshell zipper allows easy access into the bag, while the interior organization system features multiple compartments with both zipper and slip pockets. Plus, it fits most airline requirements for a personal bag, so you can easily stow it under your seat or in the overhead bin.

Horizn Studios Gion Backpack Pro

Inspired by the mesmerizing Gion district in Kyoto, famous for its geisha and tea house culture, this revolutionary waterproof backpack stays faithful to tried-and-true minimalist Japanese engineering and design. Waterproof and sleek, it’s ready to follow you from the office, to the gym, to the ends of the Earth.

Shinola Runwell Leather Backpack

Crafted from supple leather, Shinola’s Runwell rucksack is where Detroit tough collides with Wall Street elegance. It features adjustable padded shoulder backpack straps, a deluxe top carry handle and gunmetal hardware for an industrial touch. The cotton-lined interior includes dedicated spaces for your electronics (there’s a padded laptop sleeve) and phone, making it the perfect companion for the office, gym and weekend adventures. There’s also a zippered external pocket on the front, which is ideal for holding chargers. 

Bottega Veneta Medium Intrecciato Backpack

Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato weave is instantly recognizable on almost all of their accessories. This iconic backpack, made from cord and smooth high-quality leather, is sized to hold plenty, with a roomy internal pocket and front pockets for conveniently stashing everyday essentials.

Serapian Backpack in Evoluzione Leather

First introduced by founder Stefano Serapian in 1965, the eponymous brand’s resilient handmade Evoluzione calfskin leather blends Milanese craftsmanship and innovation. Sleek and sophisticated, this handmade backpack is a must-own for men who appreciate subtlety in style. 

Bellroy Via Backpack

Introducing your go-to tech protector.  The many pockets in this thoughtfully designed backpack are hidden behind water-resistant zippers that keep the elements at bay. The accessible sunglasses pocket and drop-down panels keep your valuables within reach, eliminating the need to remove your backpack from your shoulders. A special internal Apple AirTag slip pocket is ideal for anti-theft protection. Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty. The sleek, streamlined fit makes this one particular easy to stow under the seat on a plane or in the overhead compartment. 

Loewe Military Backpack

For those seeking a fashion-forward yet functional backpack, this Loewe pick ticks all the boxes, starting with the supple soft-grained calfskin. It features one main compartment, an additional section under a fold-over flap, adjustable shoulder straps with metal sliders, and a large internal pocket to accommodate a laptop. Metal fastening and buckles add a touch of eye-catching elegance.

Patagonia Black Hole Backpack

The Black Hole Backpack is the ultimate adventurer’s travel pack. It boasts Patagonia’s legendary Black Hole fabric, innovatively made from recycled polyester ripstop, treated with a laminate, and further bolstered with a durable water-repellent finish. The hiking backpack’s interior works just as hard, offering an easy-access main zippered compartment for storing a day’s worth of gear, a dedicated laptop pocket, stretch-woven side pockets for travel essentials and an air mesh back panel for comfort and increased ventilation. This sturdy bag is durable enough for trekking along on a hike, but sleek enough to use as a carry-on travel backpack. 

Porter-Yoshida and Co. Tanker Day Backpack

Inspired by midcentury MA-1 flight jackets, Porter’s Tanker Day backpack is manufactured using the traditional Japanese three-stitch method for added strength during everyday use. Lightweight and hardwearing, it features a front zipped pocket and an internal slip pocket for your laptop, making it a reliable sidekick on daily commutes and long travel days.

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

Indeed, this Lululemon backpack can be taken anywhere and everywhere, with its rugged water-repellent fabric, spacious front zippered pocket and side water bottle pockets that double down on practicality. It’s a perfect accessory and carry-all for short trips. 

Filson Dryden Backpack

Filson uses 1000-denier Cordura nylon in the construction of their Dryden backpack,  which offers proven weather-resistant protection with a double-layer reinforced bottom for added robustness, and a zippered rear panel that conceals a padded laptop pocket. Moreover, the uber-strong coil zippers are specially designed to prevent any snagging, guaranteeing smooth operation every time. It also meets major airline TSA carry-on size requirements. 

• SEE ALSO : Edible Pearls and Red Carpet Parrots: A Look Inside MoMA PS1’s 2024 Gala and Afterparty

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The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 3 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Topo Designs

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Mystery Ranch

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

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The 25 Best Backpacks for Men, According to Style and Gear Editors

Lead the pack with refined style and substance.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

WHEN IT COMES to backpacks, we men should not settle for anything less than perfect. Hence, in this guide, we bring you the best backpacks for men that'll be your functional companion for carrying essentials while exuding a statement-making style.

When it comes to finding the best backpacks for men, it's important to consider your packing needs, design preferences, and personal lifestyle. For venturing out into the world, the best backpacks for men should be versatile enough to store and protect your belongings while providing comfort on the shoulder and back. As for features, the best backpacks for men need to offer spacious compartments and smart storage to keep your gadgets, devices, and other essentials organized and easily accessible.

Best Athletic Backpack

Lululemon wunderlust backpack.

BEST COMMUTER BACKPACK

Everlane the renew transit backpack.

Best Everyday Backpack

Bellroy classic backpack.

MOST VERSATILE BACKPACK

Troubadour pioneer backpack.

Best rucksack backpack

Rains rolltop rucksack.

BEST TRAVEL BACKPACK

Huckberry peak design travel backpack.

Best Laptop Backpack

Herschel little america laptop backpack.

best backpack on Amazon

Carhartt single-compartment backpack.

Best backpack for light packing

Topo designs rover pack classic.

Best Convertible Backpack

Mack weldon ion convertible backpack.

Moreover, the best backpacks for men need to have a design that matches your personal style or intended activities, from the fabric to the pockets inside and out. All in all, the best backpacks for men should be an effortless blend of functionality, versatility, and style in order to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.

Whether you're a savvy traveler, a city dweller, a student juggling books and gadgets, or just a modern man constantly on the move, our style and gear experts have tested and found the 25 best backpacks for men that'll cater to your unique needs and lifestyle. From travel backpacks to laptop backpacks to hiking backpacks , these 25 best backpacks for men will never leave your side.

Whether you use it solely for the gym or for everyday use, you're bound to get a lot of miles out of this stylish bag. What's great is that Lululemon's Wunderlust is designed with a water-repellant shell and with ample pocket space to store all your gear—like your phone, water bottle, and laptop. We love that it has both side and zipped exterior pockets for quick access, and interior pockets specifically meant for sweaty gym clothes or food and snacks. Plus, the adjustable exterior straps can durable enough to secure your jacket or yoga mat.

Everlane's backpack will go well with an afternoon of thinking about life on the subway or just trolling around the city. My favorite part is that not only does it simply look sleek, but it's also sized for keeping a laptop, water bottle, sunscreen, lunch box, wallet, and some more stuff secure under the flap closure. With a water-resistant finish at a volume of 27 liters, we found that its life belongs in the city, in some office in a soaring skyscraper, or in the roaring underground metro world. And it really packs like a beast, with smart compartments inside, catch-all zip pockets, interior slip pockets, and two water bottle holders—both inside and out.

Bellroy made a super-nifty backpack for stowing your everyday tech life—one laptop compartment, one padded tablet pocket, one mesh pocket for cables, one front pocket for power banks, and one top pocket for smartphones and earbuds—discreetly. And you will rest assured wherever you go, you need only worry about your destination; Bellroy's comfortable, sturdy build will take care of the lump on your back. Plus the 100% recycled nylon build provides a lightweight, water-resistant option for all types of uses.

This one is streamlined on the outside and practical on the inside, just like you. Really, Troubadour's pioneer is an absolute monster: big, tough-as-nails, and ridiculously useful with pockets on top of pockets, compartment next to compartment. If you've seen far too many laptop backpacks crap out when the occasion calls for more is more, never again will you be disappointed with the Pioneer. It's got a shtick for everything you can possibly put in there, shoes included. In fact, I love it so much that it's now my go-to backpack for commutes, work, traveling, flights, and sometimes hiking. It's the jack-of-all-trades backpack that absolutely means business.

Great for carrying light for just a regular day out or a short casual day trip, this rucksack is also made with Rains’ signature waterproof PU fabric that feels smooth, light, and yet hella durable. We love how easy it is for on-foot commutes or bikes, and the rolltop opening is especially accessible. For work or the office, we love that it's byy far one of the most stylish roll-top-style backpacks we’ve ever seen, this slim stunner fits all the essential gear you need, but with an elegant exterior to give your briefcase a much-needed breather.

Sizable, sleek, and hidden with features in all the right places, Peak Design's Travel Backpack is the ultimate airport bag. Thanks to its shell design and theft-proof zippers (you can clip the zipper loops into each other for an interlocking hold), the chances of someone pickpocketing you in a crowd are significantly lowered. It takes a second to get used to opening up the main compartment, but when you realize how much easier it is to lay out your gear you'll be happy with the adjustment. And if you really want to take your packing to the next level, you can score some of Peak Design's packing cubes and optimize your organization even further.

Herschel's signature backpack ain't, by any measure, "little," we can tell you that. We also call this Herschel bag the "student" backpack because it's perfect for lugging your work and laptop around (of course) but also due to the fact you get a ton of value for the price. Not only because we like how it looks, but also because we like how it works—easy-peasy and tough, and not too busy with pockets. Moreover, it's actually a mountaineering backpack reimagined for casual day-to-day stuff. That's pretty cool.

Built to survive in dangerous job sites as well as tumultuous daily life, Carhartt's tough backpack is armored with a water-repellent, abrasion-resistant build. We that its large main compartment inside isn't too busy with pockets—just two sleeves—and the back has a padded air mesh panel to cool you down. The shoulder straps feel especially good during testing, so our guys casually like to carry this backpack all day long.

Here is a minimalist backpack for those who are experienced in traveling light. It holds up to 20L of goods, which is still enough in our experience of using this bag for work, outdoor activities, or traveling. Our favorite part is that this bag provides a slim and no-frills way of getting from point A to point B, with organized pocket space for optimized packaging arrangements. The rugged nylon base also stands out because we found that it could really take a beating.

Is it a backpack? Or a messenger bag? The answer is: yes. Mack Weldon's convertible bag is all of these things, and more, thanks to its suite of detachable straps that let you switch between bag styles. And because this is Mack Weldon, it's made with performance in mind. The interior lining has anti-stink capabilities, the handles are non-slip, and the zippers are waterproof.

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

New dads looking for a bag to carry all their baby gear will be stoked to find this gem. This backpack has all the compartments you’d find in a diaper bag with a much cooler look. Made from 19 recycled water bottles, this Dagne Dover option makes for the perfect overnight bag. Also included: 13'' laptop sleeve, a shoe bag and zip top pouch.

Patagonia Black Hole Pack

Like a gazebo for your belongings, this waterproof backpack from Patagonia is made with recycled polyester ripstop material and a highly weather-resistant TPU laminate, making it almost impossible for moisture to get in. Elsewhere, mesh back panels improve ventilation and woven external side pockets keep your belongings within reach.

L.L. Bean Stowaway Pack

The Stowaway pack goes beyond the typical packable backpack by adding padded shoulder straps and ample storage space. Keep one of these bad boys under your car seat and break it out whenever you need on-the-go storage.

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

Public Rec believes that backpacks made for the gym or hiking category are great for those activities, but are lackluster in the actual style department. Or bags made to be stylish at the expense of functionality. So it made the Pro Pack. We love rocking this to the gym in the morning and then to the office, and even to a swanky restaurant after work. We also found that the water-resistant poly-twill fabric is really high-quality, as is the fit and finish on the waterproof zippers and bottom.

Filson Dry Backpack

Filson's Dry Backpack is one of the best cooler bags around thanks to its insanely waterproof (and flexible) 840D nylon TPU shell. Throw a couple of cold ones in here on your next trip to the park or keep your valuables rolled up inside on your next hike. And in the oft chance this bag falls in a river or lake, you'll be happy knowing the Dry Backpack will stay afloat and airtight.

Yeti Crossroads Backpack

If you're planning for an upcoming trip, this sturdy style has multiple compartments for everything you could need, whether that's your laptop, a water bottle, or an extra outfit.

The North Face Borealis Backpack

At under $100, you get a backpack that's the perfect size for storing your laptop, gym kit, and other belongings away without feeling bulky. We love how the bungee cord system always keeps your items secure, inside and out, and how the carrying mechanism at the shoulder and back actually feels comfortable. Inside, the compartments and pockets galore really help you organize and pack to the best of your ability. In fact, our editors have even stowed an entire overnight trip's worth in it.

Nike Nike Utility Training Backpack

With multiple zipped pockets on the outside and a spacious main compartment on the inside, this backpack is designed for those of you who lead an active lifestyle both in and out of the gym. Built to last, with practical external compartments, the Utility Elite will keep your gear secure when making your way through the hustle and bustle on your work commute. And with its cushioned straps, you won't arrive at your desk peeling the bag from your shoulders.

Beckett Simonon Logan Backpack

Luxury backpacks can be, well, a little bit tacky sometimes. That's far from the case with Logan. The black leather bag is wonderfully sturdy and comes in a goldilocks size (not too big or too small), and we love how the fabric will develop a beautiful patina over time. But what ultimately catches our eye is the construction: it's not too busy with interiors and pockets but does provide enough room for work and commutes or flights.

Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack

In terms of functionality, Osprey waterproof backpacks take some beating, and the Talon 22 is an ideal bag for hiking or trekking the trails. Two straps—on your chest and hips—help keep the bag stable, while a ventilation panel on the rear keeps you cool during your on-foot activities. Two bottle pockets feature alongside an added external pocket for quick stowaways. The 'lid lock' is especially handy when you want to quickly grab something.

Arc'teryx Granville 25 Backpack

Rugged-looking and extra hunky, with a spacious interior compartment for your gear as well as functional exterior pockets for quicker access, we also love how versatile this knapsack is for vacations, commutes, or just running errands.

Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack

This delightfully boxy business backpack will replace your briefcase without hopelessly clashing with your suit. The leather material elevates this backpack to fit in even the most professional workplaces. We also love how from the time it's new to years down the road when it develops a fine patina.

Tumi Brief Pack®

Tumi rules business travel, hence my choosing it for my first travel backpack. This is the one I would've gotten if I really wanted to shell out. It doesn't just open up, it opens out to reveal the true abundance of pockets here, there, and, oh, there too. While it is a tad heavy, I love how it slides over the luggage handle seamlessly.

NOMATIC Travel Bag

Nomatic’s 40L Travel Bag is arguably the most versatile travel bag. It’s a “duffelpack” designed with shoulder straps and a sturdy handle to carry like any and all of these, depending on what your travel day calls for. It’s packed with clever features perfect for digital nomads, including a lay-flat, TSA-friendly laptop sleeve, an RFID-safe pocket (that works just like the best RFID-blocking wallets ), a cord pass-thru for charging your devices on the go, and even a dedicated shoe compartment. Wherever or however you travel, if you’re a backpacker or duffel aficionado, this travel bag is ready to tackle it all.

WANT LES ESSENTIELS Kastrup Leather-Trimmed Shell Backpack

A laptop backpack should be light, look functional, and never be too gimmicky. WANT Les Essentiels lets you house your laptop with a backpack perfectly balanced between style and substance. It simply looks good, we can all concur with that. Then there's the inside-and-out function—multiple interior pockets plus some exterior rings and straps for hanging onto more stuff. Coming from a designer home, it's the backpack fitted for your expensive laptops.

What to Look for in Backpacks for Men

Durability and Quality: The best backpacks for men should be built to last, whether it's used for a daily commute, outdoor adventures, or travel. Look for backpacks constructed from sturdy materials like polyester, nylon, or Cordura nylon, as they tend to be durable and resistant to abrasions. Reinforced stitching, strong zippers, and robust hardware also help extend the lifetime of a backpack.

Functionality and Storage Capacity: The best backpacks for men should offer ample storage capacity and functional features to accommodate their specific needs. Does it have enough compartments and pockets to keep belongings organized? Are there designated spaces for laptops, tablets, or other gadgets? Are there any convenient access points such as front-loading zippers or side pockets? More importantly, is it big enough without being too bulky?

Comfort and Ergonomics: Look for features like padded shoulder straps that distribute weight evenly and alleviate strain on your shoulders, with padded back panels for cushioning and airflow to reduce sweat and heat, as well as water-resistant or weatherproof materials for added protection. Also, make sure the backpack is fitted well through the shoulder and back straps so that you can wear it for hours on end without feeling fatigued or pain.

How We Selected

To find the best backpacks for men, our style and gear editors have personally tried on a variety of laptop backpacks, travel backpacks, day packs, and just everyday backpacks and put them to the test on different occasions, such as carrying Herschel's Little America or Troubadour's Pioneer to the office, packing all the workout and sports gear in Nike's and Public Rec's gym backpacks, or commuting in Everlane's The ReNew Transit and Rains' waterproof rucksack.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

From there, we evaluated these backpacks based on their style, capacity, performance such as resistance to weather, and overall functionality such as pockets and organization to make the final top picks. Specifically, we're looking for styles of backpacks for men that are not trendy or trend-chasing; instead, our picks of the best backpacks for men all will work great from the office to the great outdoors, provide a ton of value at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now.

Why Trust Us

At Men’s Health , we don’t produce product reviews that don’t actually involve testing anything hands-on or in person. For each product, we always use items ourselves first before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience. You can read more about our testing process here .

More importantly, at Men’s Health, we have a whole fashion closet dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as the newest products. We put them on ourselves to see how the items look and feel before making our final decision. And we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials and test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on product recommendations and tips. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollayan who know the pros and cons of materials, but we also have a panel of influencers, stylists, and experts—including designers at top brands or retailers—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

Shop More of the Best Bags for Men

Best Crossbody Bags | Best Gym Bags | Best Sling Bags | Best Duffel Bags | Best Briefcases | Best Messenger Bags

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein

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The 16 Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We love a laptop backpack that's spacious, has organizational pockets, and will keep our laptops safe during travel.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Since a laptop usually comes at a high price, it’s well worth it to invest in a backpack designed to protect your technology when you’re on the go. Whether you’re traveling on an airplane or trekking through campus, a comfortable, well-made backpack with a padded laptop pocket is a must-have.

Because comfort and durability are arguably the two most important factors when investing, we tested more than 50 laptop backpacks on several occasions in our New York City lab and in the real world to find the best ones for everyday wear with these considerations in mind. We packed each bag with computers, iPads, sweatshirts, and more, and carried them around to see how they felt. We then tossed each one onto the ground from a tabletop to test the bag’s durability (using dummy laptops, of course). Keep reading to learn more about our top picks for style, comfort, value, and more.

Best Overall

Solo re:define backpack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

The bag looks and feels compact but has a surprisingly large interior.

One of the zippers is fraying after four months of use.

Looking for a commuter backpack to take with you to the office and beyond? Solo’s Re:Define Backpack is equipped with everything a traveler or commuter needs for long days away from home. At first glance, the bag looks like a normal-sized backpack but it has a deceptively large interior with plenty of pockets to store both big and small items. The 15.6-inch laptop pocket in the back is fully padded and the bag also has an external USB port and a headphone port for traveling seamlessly with electronic devices. Even when we had the bag packed full of accessories and clothing, it felt nearly weightless and exceptionally comfortable to carry thanks to the padded and adjustable shoulder straps.

Made with recycled polyester, the backpack performed perfectly during our durability tests and didn’t sustain any scuffs or scratches after we tossed it onto the ground several times. All of the contents packed appeared to be in their original condition, so we feel confident in this backpack’s protective abilities. The zippers also impressed us by being super smooth even when the bag was packed to the brim. While it’s not the most stylish backpack on the market, its functional and simple design makes it well worth it — a great option for anyone looking for a durable backpack .

The Details: 18 x 13 x 7 inches | 22.5 liters | 1.43 pounds | Recycled PET polyester | 15.6-inch laptop pocket | USB port

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Leather

Bee & kin the midi nomad backpack.

Bee & Kin

• Design 4.5 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.8 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

The sleek leather material looks nicer than a typical nylon backpack.

The straps are a bit too long, even when they are adjusted to the shortest setting.

Constructed with soft and sleek Italian leather, this mid-size backpack has the perfect combination of style and functionality. It’s big enough to fit a laptop up to 13 inches long, but it’s small enough that you can use it beyond traveling or commuting for everyday activities like running errands. After four months of use, we found this to be the perfect medium-size bag that is easy to clean, making it a perfect option for everyday use. It can easily fit a laptop, water bottle, wallet, notebook, and headphones with plenty of room left over. While we love the size for versatility, it still has plenty of thoughtful features for travelers like a pocket for a wireless charger ( sold separately ) and several interior pockets for storing accessories.

The leather material has a soft and plush feel to it which makes carrying the bag comfortable, but we wish the straps were a little shorter since the bag sits a little low on the back. Since the backpack is smaller and lightweight, this isn’t a huge issue and we still think the high-quality backpack is worth it for traveling, commuting, and everyday use.

The Details: 13 x 11.6 x 5.5 inches | 2.6 pounds | Leather | 13-inch laptop pocket

Best Convertible

Aer flight pack 3.

• Value 4.5 /5

You can wear this either as a backpack or a duffel bag.

The laptop sleeve is just a slip pocket in the main compartment.

We love that you can choose to wear the Aer Flight Pack 3 as a daily commuter’s backpack or convert it into a duffel bag or briefcase for a business trip or weekend getaway. There are plenty of pockets for organization with a designated laptop sleeve in the main compartment, another compartment with more than seven smaller pockets, and a small zippered pouch in the front. The laptop sleeve is only a slip pocket, and while it kept the laptop in place during our durability test, it isn’t as secure as it could be if it was a zippered pocket. We also found that there's a lot of space for clothes and tech devices for a quick weekend getaway or business trip. Because the pack is made with abrasion- and tear-resistant ballistic nylon, it feels sturdy and durable, sustaining no damage after we dropped it off a tabletop. Plus, we found the backpack, top handle, and duffel straps equally comfortable when carrying the bag in all three ways.

The Details: 18 x 12 x 5.5 inches | 20 liters | 3.4 pounds | Cordura ballistic nylon | 16-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Padding

Incase icon backpack.

• Design 4 /5
• Value 4.3 /5

The backpack is outfitted with thick padding.

It doesn’t have a water bottle pocket or trolley sleeve.

The Incase Icon Pack thoroughly impressed us with very thick padding throughout the backpack which adds an abundance of protection and comfort. The back has a padded laptop sleeve that was noticeably thick when we first opened up the backpack. When we dropped the bag onto the floor to test for durability, none of the contents were damaged. The thick padding in the back and on the straps provides comfort while wearing the pack, and we love that the adjustable strap is lined with a soft fabric. Although we wish this backpack came with more features like a water bottle holder or a trolley sleeve, the pack has two spacious compartments, a front pocket, and a variety of smaller pockets for exceptional organization on the inside, making it well worth the investment for the comfortable, durable backpack.

The Details: 19 x 13 x 9 inches | 20 liters | 2.7 pounds | 840D nylon | 15-inch laptop pocket

Best Expandable

Samsonite elevation plus backpack.

• Organization 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

The expandable zippers add tons of extra space.

It's not the most stylish backpack.

I've tested dozens of backpacks and it can be hard to find a backpack that stands out from others, which is why I'm a big fan of this one from Samsonite, which I personally tested in the lab. While it has a simple design from the outside, the backpack is filled with special features that make it better than your average backpack. It has tons of pockets to store every travel essential you could ever need, including laptops, tablets, notebooks, chargers, passports, and it has a water bottle pocket on the side that keeps a bottle secure (it didn't even fall out when I threw the pack off a table several times). However, my favorite part of the pack is the expandable zipper that adds 1.5 inches of extra space, which came in handy when I packed the bag with an extra jacket. Plus, it fits underneath an airplane seat with ease, and there's extra padding in the back paneling and shoulder straps for superior comfort while traveling.

The Details: 17.8 x 12 x 6.5 inches | 22.75 liters | 2.2 pounds | Recycled polyester | Expandable

Best Solar-powered

Solgaard lifepack backpack.

• Comfort 4 /5

It’s made out of recycled plastic bottles found on beaches and has a built-in, solar-powered USB charger.

The capacity is smaller than other backpacks we tested.

While this backpack impressed us during testing, it also won us over thanks to Solgaard’s sustainability mission in which all of its products are made with ocean-bound recycled materials. The brand uses its patented Shore-tex material to create this backpack with recycled plastic water bottles found on beaches or river banks. In addition, the backpack includes a solar-powered USB charging port so you can charge on the go without having to worry about the life of your power bank. In our testing lab, we were able to fit all of the items on our packing list, including a sweatshirt, a laptop, an iPad, a notebook, and a water bottle, but there wasn’t a lot of space left over. The laptop sleeve is in the back of the bag, and although it’s just a slip pocket, it wasn’t damaged during our durability tests. When it comes to padding, the backpack is outfitted with ample cushioning that makes it comfortable to wear with the adjustable, supportive chest strap, too.

The Details: 12.4 x 6.9 x 19 inches | 19 liters | 4.85 Pounds | Anti-theft lock | USB port

Best Splurge

Lo & sons rowledge.

Lo & Sons

The nylon material and leather accents give the backpack a sleek look without sacrificing protection.

The laptop compartment is too small for any computers over 13 inches long.

Lo & Sons’ The Rowledge laptop backpack is one of the most expensive bags we tested, but it seriously delivered in performance. The nylon exterior outfitted with leather accents makes this sleek, timeless bag a dream for travelers and office-goers. While it may small from the outside, we found that it was possible to fit a sweatshirt, a laptop, an iPad, a notebook, and a water bottle with ease. Our only gripe is that the laptop pocket can only fit laptops that are 13 inches or smaller, so you'll want to consider that if you own a larger computer. The adjustable straps and ample padding throughout the entire backpack add to the comfort and durability of the pack. Although the bag felt a little stiff at first, the material quickly contours to the shape of your shoulders and back over time for a more comfortable fit after a few wears. After tossing the bag off of a tabletop, the laptop remained unharmed in the designated sleeve in the back of the bag, and the exterior showed no signs of damage, so we think this sturdy, well-made backpack is worth the splurge.

The Details: 16.5 x 11.5 x 6.75 inches | 21 liters | 3.2 pounds | Nylon, leather | 13.5-inch laptop pocket

Best Budget

Tzowla travel laptop backpack.

• Capacity 4.8 /5
• Comfort 4.8 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5

The bag has lots of smart features for travelers.

The materials feel lower in quality.

This wallet-friendly backpack exceeded expectations during testing due to all of the thoughtful designs that rivaled the most expensive bags we tested. After four months of regularly using the bag, we especially love the padded laptop sleeve that protects laptops up to 15.6 inches long. The backpack has a variety of other smart features including a USB port, a passcode lock, and a headphone port to make traveling with electronics a breeze. We found that the main compartment is very spacious and easy to pack with bulkier items like a jacket or lunchbox, and the front compartment has tons of little pockets for organizing smaller items.

Made with polyester fabric, the backpack feels fairly durable and didn’t get damaged during our durability tests, but it is noticeably lower quality than the other bags we tested with a higher price point. However, the straps have comfortable padding and adjustable buckles, so the bag is still very comfortable to carry.

The Details: 18.5 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 34 liters | 1.83 pounds | Polyester blend | 15.6-inch laptop pocket | USB and headphone port | Password lock

Best Organization

Timbuk2 authority laptop backpack deluxe.

• Capacity 4.5 /5

It has plenty of pockets for organizing all of your belongings efficiently.

The capacity could have been bigger.

The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe has a variety of interior and exterior pockets to help you stay organized on the go. There’s a designated spot for all of your must-haves with a padded laptop pocket in the back, a main compartment with slip and zippered pockets, and a spacious front pocket for items like a notebook. Plus, there’s a side slip pocket for your water bottle and a trolley sleeve for attaching the pack to a suitcase. We love the ability to access your laptop from the back zipper or through the main compartment of the backpack. Additionally, we appreciated the sleek pack’s compression straps so you can adjust the capacity of the bag, but we still thought the main compartment could have been a bit larger. The padded backpack straps are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and if you live in a rainy climate, the durable recycled nylon exterior is also water-resistant.

The Details: 18.9 x 11.42 x 5.31 inches | 20 liters | 2.51 pounds | Recycled nylon | 17-inch laptop pocket

Most Versatile

Monos metro backpack.

The front pocket comes off so you can travel with or without the extra space.

The original model has visible snaps when the front pocket is removed, but that's been updated with the newer version.

The Monos Metro Backpack has a removable front pocket that adds quite a bit of extra space which is a game-changer for traveling. For other times when you may not need the excess room, all you have to do is pull the discrete cord in the back of the pouch to release pouch and take it off. Best of all, when you remove the pouch, the backpack still looks sleek, and it doesn't look like any part of the bag is missing thanks to the brand's modular system for taking on and off the pouch.

We love the soft vegan leather look of the backpack and found the materials to provide protection against laptop damage when we dropped it. There are several pockets inside the main compartment, and the laptop pocket is in the back, separated from the rest of the bag. Whether you're traveling on an airplane or heading into the office, this stylish bag is ideal for those looking for a versatile backpack. It also comes in nylon fabric with more colors to choose from.

The Details: 11.5 × 16.5 × 6 inches | 18 liters | 3 pounds | Vegan leather or nylon | 15-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

• Design 4.6 /5
• Capacity 4.2 /5
• Durability 4 /5
• Comfort 4.6 /5

This lightweight backpack has a sleek, contemporary design that comes in several earthy colors.

It has a smaller capacity than many backpacks and can only fit a day or two of clothes.

If you’re looking to travel in style with a great carry-on backpack , Everlane’s The ReNew Transit Backpack is the perfect fit. Functional and contemporary, we found it to best suited for day outings because of its smaller capacity. The bag fit all of the packing items during testing, but it would be difficult to fit much more in the main compartment. The ReNew Transit was also comfortable to wear thanks to its lightweight polyester material and compact build. The front flap of the backpack has an external pocket for smaller items, and it folds over to attach magnetically to the front of the backpack.

During our durability tests, the front magnets stayed securely together, and the body of the backpack didn’t get crushed or damaged after we threw it off a table multiple times. We liked how it can fit under an airplane seat, making it a versatile backpack when traveling, too. The laptop sleeve keeps a computer safe, and there's also a water bottle holder on the side and an additional front zippered pocket below the folding magnetic lock. With five earthy tones to choose from, this is a bag to fit all travel style preferences.

The Details: 12 x 17.5 x 7.25 inches | 27 liters | Recycled polyester | 15-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Bagsmart Bonchemin Laptop Backpack

The high-quality material and functional design is similar to pricier bags we tried.

You have to clip the laptop pocket with the provided carabiners otherwise the bag will open and your laptop will drop.

Rivaling higher-priced backpacks we tried, this option from Bagsmart proves that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for a lower price, so we dubbed it the best backpack for its high value. During our tests, we found that this bag is spacious enough to fit a laptop, an iPad, a notebook, and a sweatshirt with plenty of room left over to add more. The backpack is made with a cushioned polyester fabric and foam padded straps that had us raving about comfort when wearing. However, because the bag is made out of fabric, it may get dirtier than a nylon pack, but it didn’t show any signs of damage during our durability tests.

With four separate zippered compartments and more than 10 interior pockets, travelers will also appreciate the variety of spots to organize everything. The pack also has anti-theft zippers, a USB charging port, a side water bottle pocket, and a trolley sleeve, making this one of the best-designed laptop backpacks we tried.

The Details: 18.5 x 12.5 x 7 inches | 40 liters | 1.5 pounds | Polyester | 15.6-inch laptop pocket | USB port

Best for Photographers

Peak design everyday backpack.

It comes with Velcro separators for added protection for camera or video gear.

The magnetic top opening has a slight learning curve to open the backpack easily.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack will give you peace of mind when it comes to protecting your camera or video equipment while traveling. Its structured design adds extra protection, and the backpack comes with four stiff Velcro separators to further protect fragile technology. Plus, the padded laptop sleeve in the back will ensure that your laptop travels safely. The icing on the cake of this backpack is how lightweight it feels to wear, especially for long periods of time. The weatherproof nylon exterior didn’t scuff or get scratched when we threw the backpack onto the floor, and best of all, the laptop and iPad remained unharmed. Since the bag is designed for photographers, it comes with three separators that you can fasten to the side of the backpack to protect and organize camera gear. The magnetic top latch was slightly finicky to open at first, but once done, it gets easier to use.

The Details: 24.5 x 14.2 x 7.8 inches | 30 liters | 4.1 pounds | Recycled nylon, polyester | 15-inch laptop pocket | Fits DSLR cameras

Best for Students

Fjällräven räven 28.

• Durability 4.3 /5

The backpack is comfortable and breathable to wear while walking.

The polyester blend wasn’t as durable as we hoped.

For students walking across campus or between classes, the Fjällräven Räven 28 Backpack is the best option. We love how breathable the back padding is and that it provides plenty of cushioning and support when it's on. The design itself is not bulky, so we weren't worried about brushing up against other people while walking through crowded places during our real-world test. Plus, there are tons of pockets in the main compartment for classroom essentials, and each side of the backpack has a water bottle slip pocket.

We did notice that this bag easily collects dust or lint after it is tossed on the ground. Despite the slight dirtiness of the fabric, we found that the backpack does an excellent job of protecting a laptop in the designated padded sleeve in the back. It's not difficult to fit varying needs, even after using it on a daily commute for two months, and we found it battled the elements well, keeping a computer untouched by rain, too.

The Details: 18.5 x 14 x 6.1 inches | 28 liters | Polyester and cotton with wax coating | 15-inch laptop pocket

Best Sustainable

Troubadour orbis 1-pocket backpack.

• Design 4.3 /5

It’s made with 100 percent recycled materials that can be fully recycled if the bag can no longer be used.

The main zipper has a fabric trim over it that makes it difficult to open and close the bag.

This backpack from Troubadour is one of the most unique backpacks we’ve ever tested. Not only is the bag made with 100 percent recycled fabric but when it’s no longer able to be used, it can actually be recycled instead of going into a landfill. While we’re big fans of the sustainability of the bag, it’s also extremely comfortable to wear and looks very sleek from the outside.

The back panel and shoulder straps have lifejacket-level padding so you’ll be plenty comfortable wearing the bag for long periods of time. Your laptop will be thoroughly protected thanks to the cushioned pocket in the back — a distinguishing feature of a good laptop bag . There's an ideal amount of small and medium pockets sprinkled throughout the interior and exterior so it’s easy to pack a sweatshirt, book, phone charger, keys, and more for a trip. The design and materials of the bag feel exceptionally durable, and it still looks new after four months of regular use. The only issue we ran into was with the zipper being slightly difficult to find because of the fabric hood that covers the main zipper.

The Details: 16.5 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 17.6 liters | 3.3 pounds | Recycled polyester | 16-inch laptop pocket

Béis The Backpack

• Design 4.8 /5

It has a simple, no-frills design for extra versatility.

It may be too large for every-day use.

We love the simple design of the Béis backpack and found that it’s packed full of thoughtful features making it the perfect backpack for travelers , students, and commuters alike. We were impressed with the large capacity of the main compartment that could easily fit all of the items on our packing list, including tech items like a laptop and iPad on the inside and a water bottle in one of the two slip pockets on the sides. The main compartment has several smaller pockets and a designated padded laptop sleeve. After we did our drop test to evaluate the durability, the padding did a good job of protecting the laptop, but there isn’t padding at the bottom of the bag which had us questioning how much protection the backpack offers. Even when it was completely packed, the padded straps were comfortable to wear, and the back had more padding for added comfort.

The Details: 19 x 13 x 5.5 inches | 22 liters | 1.8 pounds | Cotton, PVC, polyester | 14.5-inch laptop pocket

Other Laptop Backpacks We Liked

Here are some other backpacks we've tested that are worth mentioning, all of which we liked for various reasons but found some slight issues with.

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack : The design is sleek and functional, but we think there isn’t enough padding for comfort or laptop protection if the bag is handled roughly.

Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack : The slim design is sleek and professional without sacrificing capacity, but the outer material did scuff a bit during our durability tests.

Vohler Laptop Backpack With Charger : This pack was a serious contender for the best budget bag thanks to its sturdy build and protective padding, but our above pick had a few more standout features than this one.

Swissgear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack : Ideal for students, travelers, or commuters, we loved that this bag is durable and has plenty of storage solutions, but it wasn’t as comfortable as we hoped.

Between several different lab testing occasions, we tested more than 50 laptop backpacks from highly rated brands like The North Face, Away, Samsonite, Swissgear, and more. We evaluated each pack on a rating scale of one to five based on capacity, design, comfort, and durability.

First, to test for capacity, we used a packing list to fill the bag with a laptop, an iPad, a sweatshirt, a water bottle, a notebook, and a toiletry bag. Backpacks scoring a five for capacity were able to fit all of the packing items and provided an appropriate amount of organization solutions for the laptop, as well as the other items both big and small. During the packing process, we evaluated the design of each bag, and our top picks for the design category had plenty of padding around the laptop pocket, a variety of helpful pockets, and handles or straps that made carrying the backpack effortless and intuitive.

Then, we put on the backpacks and walked around for at least ten minutes to get a feel for the bag. We looked out for any pain caused by shoulder or sternum straps, pinching, or any other type of discomfort. The best bags for comfort were outfitted with padding in the back and straps and didn’t cause any awkwardness or irritation from the pack. To test for durability, we pushed the backpacks off of a tabletop and checked the interior contents and exterior for any scuff marks, scratches, or damage. The backpacks also went out for four months of long-term testing in the real world so we could monitor the quality and functionality to ultimately decide which products tested best .

As we continue to test more backpacks, we will update this article with our findings.

Tips for Buying a Laptop Backpack

Check the laptop sleeve size.

Most laptops measure anywhere from 10 to 17 inches in length, so it’s important to double-check the dimensions of the laptop sleeve to ensure it fits in the designated pocket. Usually, you can find the laptop length capacity of a backpack in the “specification” description of the bag.

Padding is key for protection and comfort

The more padding around the laptop, the better protected it will be if that bag is handled roughly . Since the laptop pocket or sleeve is usually in the back of the bag, there should be padding in the back to add comfort while wearing the backpack. Also, be on the lookout for additional padding on the straps to make the bag even more comfortable to wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

During our tests, we placed the laptop directly into the pocket without a case on it and found that the top-performing bags had enough padding to protect the laptop from getting damaged. However, if you feel more comfortable slipping it into a laptop case and placing it in the backpack, feel free to do so.

Laptops often measure anywhere from 13 to 17 inches, which is the diagonal measurement of the screen. To get the right measurement, take a tape measure and place it from one screen corner to the opposite diagonally to get the right measurement. Most laptop pockets will say what dimensions the space will fit so be sure to double-check your laptop size to get the right backpack.

It always depends on the airline you fly and the luggage restrictions that come with your ticket, but generally, a backpack can be a personal item on a flight in addition to a carry-on. However, if your laptop backpack is too large to fit underneath the seat in front of you, it could potentially count as a carry-on instead, so it's important to check with your airline ahead of time.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer Anna Popp writes most of the team's tested content and participates in every lab and real-world test to try out luggage, outdoor, and beauty products. Anna owns several laptop backpacks including picks from Monos, Troubadour, and Lo & Sons. She pulled from her own experiences traveling with backpacks and combed through thorough testing insights to recommend the best laptop backpacks.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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10 Stylish Backpacks That'll Make Traveling a Million Times Easier

Posted: December 12, 2023 | Last updated: December 12, 2023

What makes a travel backpack "perfect" varies from person to person. Maybe you're looking for a well-ventilated backpack for a long hike , a secure style you can wear around a new city without worrying about pickpocketers, or a spacious carry-on backpack to fill up ahead of a flight. No matter what you're looking for, Amazon has options for every traveler and destination, including well-known brands such as Fjallraven, Herschel, and The North Face, as well as smaller ones that need to be on your radar.

To find the perfect travel backpack for you, we rounded up 10 of the best options available on Amazon that are bound to help you stay organized and comfortable on your next adventure. All cost under $100 and have covetable features, such as laptop sleeves, USB charging ports, and water bottle holders. Keep reading to check out our complete list of favorites to zero in on which is best for you and your future travels.

Best Canvas Travel Backpack

Fjallraven Kanken Backpack ($59, originally $80)

Swedish brand Fjallraven's backpacks are synonymous with adventure. This particular one, which has been around since 1978, and is praised for its lightweight fabric that can withstand dirt and wetness and its multiple carrying options, including top handles and adjustable shoulder straps. One of its most unique features is its PE foam cushion to prevent the contents of the backpack from poking against your back. (You can also pull it out when you need to sit and take a break.

Back Travel Backpack With a Laptop Sleeve

Herschel Retreat Backpack ($75, originally $100)

This backpack doesn't just look adventurous, but is purposely crafted for exploration. It has a spacious interior with a padded and fleece-lined laptop sleeve, a front storage pocket for small essentials you want quick access to, and padded shoulder straps. One shopper who rated it five stars wrote: "This backpack is awesome. I use it frequently when traveling, and it was an essential when hiking through Europe and Lebanon. It's very well-made, has excellent padding to keep my laptop safe, and I can fit a ton of stuff inside (basically everything for a day of hiking or as an overnight bag)."

Back Compartmentalized Travel Backpack

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack ($30, originally $40)

With over 75,000 five-star ratings and securing the top spot among all backpacks on Amazon, it's clear that this backpack is a favorite, particularly as a great weekender bag. No detail has gone unattended, from its external USB port and built-in charging cable to its laptop sleeve, and water bottle pockets. One shopper wrote that it "makes my life so much easier," adding that it has "plenty of space for everything without feeling bulky."

Best Sling Travel Backpack

Waterfly Crossbody Sling Backpack ($21, originally $35)

Whether you're running around an amusement park or going on a hike, this sling bag has you covered. You can wear it on your front or back and it has an earphone hole, a water bottle holder, a mesh pocket for an umbrella, and a separate strap pocket. It's small, but fits a lot. Case in point: one shopper wrote that they could "fit a first aid kit and entire spray bottle with fan in the main compartment" and a "phone and sunglasses," in the smaller pocket.

Best Carry-On Travel Backpack

MATEIN Pink Travel Backpack ($42, originally $46)

This streamlined travel backpack is a piece of luggage in its own right. It opens up like a suitcase for easy access to your belongings, and the interior resembles one, too, with a roomy main compartment, and compression straps. It also has an expandable compartment and hideaway shoulder straps so you can easily convert it to a duffel bag.

Best Bungee Travel Backpack

The North Face Women's Jester Commuter Laptop Backpack ($75)

The North Face's winter gear is pretty hard to beat, and so is this backpack. The bungee system on the front isn't just for looks, but also to hold items you want fast access to, such as a map. It's also certified by the American Chiropractic Association, features a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, and can stand upright for easy loading and unloading.

Best Lightweight Travel Backpack

4Monster Hiking Daypack ($19)

It doesn't get much lighter than this travel backpack, made from waterproof and durable nylon. It's a hit for camping and hiking, and one of the coolest things about it is that it can fold up to the size of a wallet for easy storage, and comes with a bag to pack it into. It comes in neutral colors, vibrant hues, and eye-catching patterns.

Best Drawstring Travel Backpack

Under Armour Adult Undeniable Sackpack ($18, originally $25)

This drawstring bag takes things up a notch compared to ones you may have used in the past in terms of durability and features. The zippered pocket on the front is fleece-lined to protect your valuables, and it boasts adjustable cording straps that you can tie for a custom fit. As one shopper put it: "Finally, a string backpack that's durable!"

Best Extra Large Travel Backpack

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack ($34, originally $60)

According to passionate Amazon reviewers, this is seemingly the biggest travel backpack you can get your hands on, with 52 liters of space. That means, per shoppers, it can hold at least 50 pounds of stuff without giving the straps any trouble. "I have NEVER had a backpack this durable that was even remotely in the same price range," writes a happy shopper. In addition to the space, it also has a laptop compartment, a trolley sleeve, a password lock, and more.

Best Cotton Travel Backpack

Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Campus Backpack ($63, originally $125)

If you're searching for a classic-style backpack with a playful print, Vera Bradley has got you covered. This specific option is crafted from recycled cotton and includes a laptop sleeve and a mesh pocket for those carrying a tablet. It's equipped with a convenient trolley sleeve that easily slides over your suitcase handle and comes in so many fun patterns.

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The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

We’ve tested the best wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and comfortable travel pants for men this year. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure.

Have your flights booked? We’ve got your backside covered with the best men’s travel pants on the market for 2024.

From the Andean cloud forests to deep desert canyons, to long backcountry road trips and Parisian markets, these pants have been tested to tackle any adventure and do it all in style. Our travel-worn team has beaten paths around the globe in these slacks, and we’ve tested over 150 different pairs for almost a decade now. If it’s got the right stuff, we’ve saddled up in a pair.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide . Curious just what makes a pant fit for the rigors of travel? Take a peek at our FAQ section. And if you’re still on the fence (or trying to sneak in under a carry-on weight limit), consult our comparison chart .

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on May 15, 2024, to add two new worthy travel trousers to the mix: the DUER NuStretch Slim 5-Pocket — a cotton/nylon/spandex pant that has stretch to spare, as well as the Helly Hansen Holmen 5 Pocket Pant , another stellar 5-pocket option.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

• Best Overall Men’s Travel Pants: Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants
• Best Budget Men’s Travel Pants: UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos
• Best Travel Pants for Adventuring In: LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants
• Best Travel Pants to Look Like a Local: Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants
• Most Comfortable Travel Pants: Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants

• Fabric 57% recycled polyester, 33% polyester, 10% spandex
• Fabric weight 210 gsm
• Fit True to size
• Weight 15 oz.

• Lightweight fabric dries quickly
• Wrinkle resistant
• Looks and feels more recreational than the Ascenders
• Anti-UV properties
• More comfortable than most pants on the list
• The rear device pocket is uncomfortable to sit on a phone in the back phone pocket
• Lacks a DWR

Bluffworks’ Ascender Chino has been at or near the top of our travel pants list for four years now. Our main gripe with the Ascender is the heavy lean into the business side of “business casual.” That and the sheer number of pockets sometimes confounded our sleep-deprived travel brains. But now with fewer pockets and less golf-course chino, Bluffworks nailed the perfect travel pants with their Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants iteration ($125).

Trimming the fat started with the pockets. The Envoy drops a pocket to give us nine, but all are functional, and five of them zip shut. Two stealth pockets zip inside the hand pockets, both rear pockets zip shut, and a device pocket zips closed off the thigh and is a great place to store your documents.

Behind the right rear pocket, the Envoy tucks a drop-in style phone pocket below the waistband. This is a brilliant design that is easy to access, yet deep enough to curb sticky fingers. We did find it more comfortable to store the phone on the thigh when seated.  

The Envoys close shut with a zippered fly and metal button sewn into the elastic, belt-friendly waistband. In case you left the belt at home, silicone tabs are welded to the inside of the waistband and help keep the pants from shifting down.

Instead of a 100% durable polyester fabric found in the Ascender Chino, the Envoy is constructed from a recycled polyester spun with 10% spandex, giving the pants a 4-way stretch. On the inside, all seams are overlocked and tacked down with a double stitch on the inseam to keep them from rubbing against the skin and reducing exposure to snags. The pants wear light and supple, and given that they don’t have a gusset sewn into the crotch, we found the Envoys very flexible if not the most comfortable pants on our list.

And that’s really where the Envoys shine. If nothing else, a travel pant should go unnoticed — both on you and among potential troublemakers. These pants wear effortlessly, yet are capable of storing all your essentials safely away.

If you haven’t tried Bluffworks before, we recommend looking at the Envoy Lightweights over the Ascenders. While the Ascenders have one more pocket (a passport sleeve on the inside of the left front pocket), only three of the 10 pockets zip shut. The styling of the Envoy has five pockets that zip shut and wears more casually without compromising its city chops. 

UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos

• Fabric 94% nylon, 6% spandex
• Fabric weight 173 gsm
• Weight 13 oz.

• Comfortable
• Security options
• Well priced
• Pants run long
• Material tends to collect lint

Travel should never be about the gear. It should be about the experience. An Amazon darling, at $40 a pair, UNIONBAY’s Rainier Travel Pants are a steal, leaving more cash in the wallet for traveling.

True to size, the nylon-spandex blend offers just enough stretch for a full range of motion. The pants keep around the waist with a button and have traditional belt loops if you want to class them up with a belt.

Three nylon zipper pockets pair with deep hand pockets. With two in the back and one on the upper right leg, they’re big enough to secure a passport, the latest iPhone, a notepad, or all of them together.

The Rainiers are rated to 50 UPF and feel durable in the hand, making them acceptable for activities like hiking. The outermost layer is lightly brushed and tends to collect lint and show stains quicker than other pants we tested, but they wash up easily and the 170 gsm fabric is quick to dry.

While a simple pant when compared to the Bluffworks attention to detail, these chino-style pants hit the core elements we looked for when evaluating the best men’s travel pants. If you’re looking for a budget pair of travel pants that pack up tight and breeze from the tarmac to restaurants (and maybe a light hike in between), these are it.

The Rainiers are available in four colors: charcoal, navy, black, and khaki.

LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants

• Fabric 70% Blue Ocean nylon, 25% nylon, 5% spandex

• Form and function meet the apex pant
• Bomber hardware
• Tons of pockets with versatile security options
• DWR is negligible
• Styling is less formal

LIVSN’s Ecotrek Trail Pant  ($129) brings more stretch, lighter weight, and a more athletic design to their tried and true Flex Canvas Pants. And while these new pants are great for climbing, hiking, or other fast-paced activities in warmer climates, we find they hit all the marks for what we love in travel pants too.

Let’s start with the many pockets, most of which are zippered. Both rear pockets close with a zipper, offering some much-needed peace of mind. Angling off the back of the left thigh is an additional, horizontal zippered pocket, which is great for gadgets or a small wallet.

Both of the mesh hand pockets have coin sleeves to prevent loose currency or keys from shifting around, and the left front hand pocket has a hidden zippered pocket large enough to protect your phone. Rounding out the seven pockets is a reinforced multitool pocket sitting on the right thigh. With so many pocket options, there’s a place for everything that feels designed with purpose instead of over-engineered.

The pocket configuration is dialed, but what sells these pants are the little details. The fabric’s synthetic blend doesn’t feel stiff, and the smartly tailored material walks quietly, fitting our testers with an ergonomic, yet surprisingly athletic fit.

A metal button closes the front and is backed with a leather pledget to prevent busting out. The Ecotrek Trail pants have belt loops, but if you forget your belt, they include a drawstring that hides inside the waistband. The cuffs are reinforced around the heel and so is the utility tool pocket.

While they don’t have a robust DWR, the material breathes very well. When things heat up, the pant legs roll up and keep under a buttoned strap that’s been sewn with reflective tape. These little details add up pretty quickly to make the Ecotrek a stellar pant.

Turn the pants inside out, and you really get an appreciation for the quality and care taken to make these pants. All seams are overlocked, with the flat-felled inseam. This kind of stitching increases durability where you need it and comfort where you want it.

Sustainability is core to LIVSN’s line of clothes, and the  Ecotrek Trail pant  walks the talk. The material is woven from Oceanflex fabric (70% recycled fishing buoys recovered from the ocean), and the YKK zipper taping is made from recycled ocean plastic. The rest is 25% nylon and 5% spandex for stretch.

If you are looking for lightweight, stretchy, durable pants, the LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pant stands out as one of the best men’s travel pants on the market and can tackle a wide range of activities.

The Ecotrek Trail pants are available in olive, caramel, and charcoal colors, and they come in a range of sizes up to a 40-inch waist and a 34-inch inseam.

Read Review:  Darn-Near Perfect Pants, Made With Recycled Plastic: LIVSN EcoTrek Review

Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants

• Fabric 90% nylon, 10% elastane, woven in Sweden, cut and sewn in the USA
• Fabric weight 107 gsm
• Weight 11 oz.

• Lightweight material breathes just as well as the first
• More durability than the first iteration
• Fantastic fit and construction
• Better mobility than the first iteration
• New fabric feels slightly stiffer (breaks in over time)
• Patch on the inside pocket can feel sticky against the legs (they are changing it to a print)
• Single security pocket is limiting for some travelers

The first iteration of the Evolution was a GearJunkie staple around the office. Simple, functional, durable — it’s what we recommended to all our friends who ask us, “What’s the best pant for everyday use?” This year, the updated Western Rise Evolution 2.0 ($128) has more stretch, and they are only all the better for it.

This new bump in elastane gives the Evolution 2.0 a significant four-way stretch and increased flexibility without sacrificing durability. The jean-like five-pocket design wears more like denim but has the durability of a hiking pant. In fact, one of our editors wore their pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

At the core of the pant is the nylon-elastane blend with a trim jean cut. The nylon fibers are softened by running them through an air-texturized process and then weaving them into a dynamic yarn. The material has a durable weave that mimics denim (and feels less “khaki”).

The DWR coating — or maybe DBR (Durable Beer Resistance) — is outstanding. We wore these pants to Oktoberfest last year where they took the brunt of the fickle Bavarian weather and a rowdy beer hall.

Reach around back, and you’ll find a double pocket on the right, with a hidden zipper pocket that’s large enough to swallow your passport. Western Rise expanded the front coin pocket and made it big enough to holster the largest phone on the market.

After your trip, roll them up and watch them disappear in your luggage. They tick all the boxes for traveling and were the envy of our photographer while cycling through Colombia.

There aren’t many reasons to ding the Evolutions; the material on the new pant feels stiff out of the box but that softens up over time. To help differentiate its pant models (which all have a similar cut and color), Western Rise screened a patch on the inner left pocket. It can feel a little sweaty against the legs.

Aware of this issue, Western Rise is changing that label to a print going forward. One thing that hasn’t changed is the pocket configuration. Some will find the additional zipper pocket just the right amount of added security. Others will prefer more pockets to keep their EDCs. And that’s where we find the Evolution falls short. An extra security pocket would send this pant to the top of the list again.

If you want that Western Rise styling but with a wrinkle-resistant fabric, the Diversion pant ($168) is also a great pick. The double-knit canvas weighs 286 gsm, making it more durable overall but sacrificing packability.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This fantastic five-pocket jean-style pant has been on our list of the best men’s travel pants for 6 years now. For 2 of those years, they were our top pick. We use the Western Rise Evolution 2.0s as a benchmark for fit and comfort and we recommend them to friends looking for a do-everything pant that flies fashionably under the radar.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

• Fabric 47% merino wool, 33% nylon, 14% polyester, 6% elastane
• Fabric weight 247 gsm
• Weight 16.5 oz.

• Gusseted crotch
• Good fit and stretch
• Pricey — $200 can buy you two (or three) other pants on the list
• Weighs an ounce or two more than other similar pants
• Lacks a dedicated device pocket

Merino pants? 100%. Proof is Huckberry’s in-house performance wear, with the 72-Hour line as their go-to travel clothes under the Proof name. New this year, Huckberry released the 72-Hour Travel Pant ($198), and while expensive, it has a lot of merits. We learned it’s all in the fabric.

Wool has natural antimicrobial, DWR, and UPF protection characteristics that we usually laud about when discussing base layers . Because wool wicks moisture, the pants breathe well and keep you feeling dry even in hot climates and sticky bus rides. It keeps the stench down and the comfort high. All things we look for when traveling. 

This is the first merino wool pant we’ve seriously considered, and it makes a lot of sense. If you are going far with limited space, you need to trim the fat. And while cutting out extra shirts and pants may once have been a questionable decision, it’s a lot easier when one pair of pants delivers so well.

The design team gave some thoughtful reflection to the 72-Hour pant. Complimenting the five-pocket design is a hidden zippered pocket inside the right rear pocket. The panels are sewn together with a combination of comfortable overstitched inseams, flat-sewn gussets, and durable flat-felled side seams.

The pants are sewn together with a combination of flat-felled and welted overlocked joints, then finished with a robust DWR. All this tech stays under the radar with black hardware finishes.

As styling goes, we find the Proof 72-Hour Travel Pant to be on par with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s, which around the office we can agree are one of the best styled pants available today. The comfort award, however, goes to the Proofs.

Teren Lightweight Traveler Pants

• Fabric 88% nylon, 12% spandex
• Fabric weight 154 gsm

• Pre-treated with an insect repellant
• Stain resistant
• Internal drawstring for extra waist security
• Three zipper-closed pockets
• Lightweight
• Tanto-style pocket to clip your EDC
• Magnetic closure catches on anything metal
• No durable water repellant finish

Threading the needle between style, function, and durability, Teren’s Lightweight Traveler ($130) is our pick for folks who want one pant to do it all.

The Lightweight Traveler is a tapered chino-style pant with six pockets. Three pockets secure your goods with a zipper. Two zip shut vertically behind the front pockets and the third secures the right back pocket. The pants are washed in Permethrin to ward off critters. Plus, they’re antimicrobial, stain resistant, and offer UV protection.

Our editor Chris Carter wore his Lightweight Travelers on the Continental Divide thru-hike, where they withstood miles of intense bushwhacking through thorny, overgrown trails and post-holing through deep snow. Carter lauded the pants’ ability to stay stench-free for weeks on end.

After the adventure is done, the stain-release fabric readily releases dirt and grime in the wash. These chinos easily suit up for a night on the town.

The Lightweight Travelers ditch the classic button and use a pair of sewn-in magnets to close around the waist. While wearing the pants around town and doing weekend chores, the magnetic closure often got stuck on metal objects.

They snapped to my grocery cart, to my truck bed, to my knife, to loose screws while repairing my gate. Curious about the strength, I went into my garage and started hanging hardware off the pants. The magnet is strong enough to hold a hammer.

But, lean over to tie your shoes (or eat a big meal) and the magnetic fasteners slide apart easily. Stand up, and they pull right back together.

Yeah, the magnetic closure is different and takes some getting used to. Is it problematic? Maybe. The gauss, or magnetic induction, could demagnetize small metal springs in mechanical watches. Given the most popular watch is a smartwatch — this isn’t an issue for most of us. But magnets can also demagnetize credit cards and hotel room keys. We didn’t try to demagnetize a credit card, but it’s something to consider when zipping items in the front pockets.

Worried about the magnet holding the pants up? Backed with belt loops and an internal drawstring, the pants have plenty of options to keep them around the waist.

Other issues: The offset zippered front pockets drop into the same front hand pocket sleeve. They fight for the same real estate, compromising overall storage. We found these pockets a little challenging to access while seated in tight spaces.

For those looking for rain or spill protection, the Terens don’t sport a durable water repellant (DWR). But they do dry out quickly.

With so many pros, these are small cons. The spandex weave yields significant mobility while the nylon deflects catches and tears — all while keeping the pants just over 10 ounces. It’s a great combination of durability and flexibility in a quick-drying pant that packs down small. At 11 ounces, the Lightweight Traveler is truly lightweight, competing only with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s.

KÜHL Suppressor Jogger

• Fabric 85% nylon, 15% spandex
• Fabric weight 165 gsm
• Weight 12 oz.

• Light and packable
• Durable and stretchy
• KÜHL drop in style pockets are fantastic
• Fabric is noisy
• No button-no fly minimalism may not appeal to everyone
• Only one zippered pocket on the backside

KÜHL has a strong reputation throughout the outdoor industry for making bomber, thoughtfully designed pieces. And its sub-$100 Suppressor Joggers exemplify those qualities in spades.

The 85% nylon, 15% spandex blend is lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and durable. Plus, a solid DWR treatment rebuffs Mother Nature’s fickle temperament.

Like any good pair of travel pants, the Suppressor’s sport well-thought-out pockets. The angled hand pockets are deep and easy to access while seated. A single stealth pocket zips behind the right back side, and drop-in pockets grace both thighs.

Drop-in pockets are our favorite design to haul devices. They snug the phone but keep your data within reach. The best of the batch fit on the backside of the leg, maintaining accessibility and minimizing the bounce. KÜHL has two of them. Riding down the back of the quads, they are perfect for clipping multitools, knives, or pens, and sheath a phone, passport, or tickets. And it’s these drop-in pockets that make the Suppressor our favorite pant to wear on the plane. Everything stays within easy reach.

If there’s any knock against the Suppressor Joggers , it’s that these are simple pull-on pants. No button, no fly — just an elastic waist and drawstring. On the flip side, this keeps things quick when moving through TSA – there’s no pulling off the belt and redressing after pat-downs.

Ornot Mission Pants

• Fabric 95% nylon, 5% elastane
• Fabric weight 232 gsm
• Weight 14 oz.

• Gusseted design gives a great fit
• Reflective details on cuffs
• Made in USA
• Not many – An extra pockets or a drop in phone sleeve, and these would be our top choice for travel pants

When it comes to fit and function, cyclists have it all figured out. Stretch, durability, DWR, and ergonomic pocket layout make a great commuter pant. Fall short on any of these, cyclists will be quick to call you out.

San Francisco-based Ornot hit all the paces with its Mission Shorts. This year, the brand released its beloved short in a pant. True to the brand, the Mission Pants ($148) pull off an effortlessly classy-looking pant. Minimalist aesthetics, five pockets (two that zip shut), and the rear pockets angle off the midline for easy access. The stealth thigh pocket zips contents securely off the back of the leg. The leeward position pegs the device to the leg while in the saddle.

We found the Mission Pants to be lighter than other commuter pants on the market. The 232 gsm fabric breathes well and moves with the body without feeling like a protective shell. They wear easy at the office and feel at home on the street. And if you grab a bike by the horns, both cuffs flip up to reveal reflective hits to keep you seen on the go.

We’ve been following this small brand for years and it keeps bringing its A-game to market. These garments are all made in the USA and offer a 1-year warranty. The brand’s Mission Pants are great on the bike … or not.

Jetty Acadia 2.0 Utility Pant

• Fabric 100% polyester
• Fabric weight 240 gsm
• Weight 16 oz.

• Good stretch
• Comfortable fit
• Drawstring and belt loops
• Only available in a 32 inseam
• Pants stretch and lightly pill over time
• Front occasionally unbuttons too easily

Jetty’s Acadia Utility Pant ($100) straddles the shoreline between board short and the boardroom. But don’t let its slick chino veneer dissuade you. 

The 100% polyester material is warp-knitted, interlocking the poly fibers into a smooth-faced fabric. Jetty sewed in a gusset in the crotch to add extra room for the legs. The combination of cut and materials gives the Acadia an amazing amount of stretch in all directions. 

And it also gives the pants fantastic wrinkle resistance. We’ve pulled our Acadias out of overstuffed bags and walked into meetings with deceivingly fresh-pressed-looking pants.

Two pockets zip shut on the backside to keep your goods protected, and the mesh hand pockets are deep. Riding down the right leg is a drop-in device pocket. There is plenty of room in the drop-in pocket, and plenty of room in the relaxed quads before they taper slightly to the bottom hem. This extra room in the thighs lets the phone bounce more than we’d like.

The Acadia Utility Pants close with a tarnished brass button embossed with the Jetty logo. A drawstring is sewn into the waistband so you won’t ever lose it in the wash. And in case you do need to go into the boardroom, Jetty ports the drawstring on both sides of the waistband, so you can tuck the drawstring on the inside of the pants for a polished look.

KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pant

• Fabric 96% nylon, 4% spandex
• Fabric weight 156 gsm

• Integrated web belt
• Three zippered pockets (two in back and one behind the thigh)
• Deep mesh hand pockets
• Quiet material
• Lifetime free repair program
• Free shipping and returns
• Slim fit won’t appeal to some. Slimmest pant in the lineup
• Front snap is weak
• Metal belt clasp may invite a wanding at TSA

At $100, the KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pants are a refreshing blend of style and tech and one helluva outdoor pant. The nylon twill is blended with a touch of spandex yielding room for adventure in a quiet yet bomber pant. 

Should you decide to bring these trousers off-piste, the durable twill has a robust DWR, shunning even the wettest brush. Deep mesh hand pockets and zippered rear pockets make sure all your goods stay where you put them. A roomy device pocket zips shut along the right thigh.

To keep the pants up, an integrated web belt hooks over the button closure. For better (or worse) the belt is sewn into the pants and cannot be removed. KETL bonded a bead of silicon inside the waistband to prevent the pants from riding down. We found these pants stay glued to the backside while wearing a pack.

Across the board, KETL pants fit slim. If you have athletic calves and quads, these will feel snug. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, these probably won’t be a pant for you. What it lacks in room, it gives back in performance. The lack of extra material makes the Shenanigan a great choice for cycling. The durability, flexibility, and tapered fit soar on the mountain bike.

Available only online, KETL makes it easy to buy and return. They offer free shipping both ways and back up their products with a lifetime repair program. But trust us, you’ll want to keep a hold of your KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pants .

Orvis O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants

• Fabric 51% cotton, 45% nylon, 4% Lycra
• Fabric weight 213 gsm
• Fit Casual boot cut, true to size

• Classically inspired 5-pocket design
• Hidden 6th zippered pocket in right rear pocket
• Reflective strips sewn inside both legs for visibility
• Smallest size is 32”
• No gusset for extra mobility. Not that they need it.
• Slightly less fashionable option to Western Rise’s Evolution 2

You don’t have to pack a rod to appreciate Orvis’s O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants ($129). These easy-wearing cotton-poly pants are a cross between your favorite denim and a lightweight khaki. The warp-knit twill has a touch of mechanical stretch and a DWR that is tough enough to negotiate riverside scrambles after work but with enough swagger to make it back to dinner in style.

Sewn together with an exposed overlock stitch, the seam is left exposed on the inside. It’s not tacked down. Though not as durable as a welted seam, the O.O.O.O. (that’s Out-Of-Office, Office) pants trend more durable than many of the pants we’ve seen. This seems entirely appropriate for the classic 5-pocket design pants.

The rear right pocket has an extra hidden zippered pocket to keep your wallet, passport, or fishing license securely stowed. In case you are riding home, both leg’s bottom hems have a six-inch strip of reflective tape sewn into the side seam. We didn’t expect that kind of attention to detail from a fishing brand, but it’s a nice touch that we appreciate.

We’ve been wearing the O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants for years now and found that they are durable, lightweight, and breathable.

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro End-to-Ender Pants

• Fabric 56% CORDURA® nylon, 37% nylon, 7% spandex
• Fabric weight Unnkown

• Burly CORDURA fabric
• Seven pocket design with three that close securely
• Limited color ways
• Backcountry styling doesn’t blend as well in the city

Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro is a favorite with the GearJunkie staff. Classic fit, logical pocket layout, and top-shelf construction, these pants are frequently on sale and will last you for years. The Guide Pro End-to-Ender ($119) is Bauer’s beefed Guide Pro, and with a CORDURA nylon build, it’s more durable without sacrificing the weight, and it is 2 oz lighter. If you like to scramble around and get a little dirt under the nails while traveling, these pants are for you. 

Constructed with a vertical weft knit and a generous portion of spandex, the pants have some lateral stretch but are vertically static. Articulated pleats help buy the pants mobility around the knees. 

Seven generous and well-positioned pockets dot the pants. In addition to the pair of double-reinforced deep hand pockets, a pair of map pockets rest over the thighs. The left zips shut while the right thigh pocket has a flap that overlaps the lip of the pocket, keeping the contents from bouncing out. On the backside, two flap pockets snap shut and a third patch pocket hides under the right rear pocket.

The thigh pockets are sewn into the pants. This gives the pockets a clean and integrated look. Because Eddie Bauer stitches the entire pant together with overlocked seams, you can feel the extra bulk of the pocket seams against the leg. These are the one of two pants on our list sewn entirely with overlock stitching, and it’s worth noting. This extra measure of stitching provides more durability, but you’ll feel the bulk. You get used to it over time. It’s really a testament to the overall bomber construction of the End-to-Enders. 

The pants close with a beefy zipper and fat button which stay closed. Belt loops are tacked to the waistband for extra options. And two eyelets are punched through the bottom hem of each pant leg, allowing you to run a gaiter cord through the pants if you want.

Eddie Bauer is a stalwart when it comes to value. While the styling is more traditional, the Guide Pro End-to-Ender is one of the best-built pants we’ve seen on the market. And since Eddie Bauer seems to run a sale about every other month, you can eventually find them about 40% off, making the a fantastic deal.

Municipal Overland Cargo

• Fabric 98% cotton ripstop, 2% spandex
• Fabric weight 160 gsm
• Fit Athletic

• Forward style
• Six pockets, with three that zip shut, and one that snaps shut
• Draw cord around the bottom hem
• Elastic waist
• Offered in one length
• Treading into expensive territory for a simple pull-up cargo pant

Military meets gym day. From Mark Wahlberg’s warehouse of hustle and sporting style, Municipal’s Overland Cargo ($128) deconstructs the traditional cargo pant and injects modern flair. Which is a notable feat in itself.

Typically, function dictates form on cargo pants. Patched with oversized, baggy pockets can make them wear bulky and look unflattering. The Overland weaves a touch of spandex into the mostly cotton material, sews in a gusseted crotch, and pleated articulated knees to net functional mobility in a slim jogger style pant. These wear less Operation Desert Storm and slide right into urban core.

This doesn’t imply they lost their way. With six streamlined pockets, there is room for all your EDC essentials. In addition to the two deep hand pockets, two rear pockets zip shut. A vertical zipper pocket glides easily over the thigh, and the definitive cargo pocket snaps shut over the left leg with a single button. The entire pant is sewn together with overlocked and welted seams.

Available in size S-3X, the Overlands come in one length — the ideal length for anyone. True to jogger style, the bottom hem stops before the ankle.

An elastic cord is sewn into the bottom hem and can be cinched tight around the leg with a cord lock. Because of these design decisions, the length rides on its style credibility and has an acceptable universal size allowance.

Wahlberg’s style keeps you guessing whether he’s coming from or going to the gym. No button to pull out, no fly to blow, these pants pull up like sweatpants and stay around the waist with a simple drawstring. The Overland Cargo follows Wahlberg’s “I don’t care … but I look good doing it” aesthetic and is a great option for a casual lightweight pant with pockets aplenty.

For those that are cargo-curious — or simply want to throw on a pair of pants and look good without giving it much thought — the Overland Cargos have subtle posture without leaning heavily into athleisure.

DUER NuStretch Slim 5-Pocket

• Fabric 60% cotton, 35% nylon, 5% spandex
• Fabric Weight Unknown
• Weight Unavailable

• Cotton/nylon/spandex blend has a soft finish and good stretch
• Stealth pocket on right thigh conceals a phone
• Five pockets overall offers a good amount of storage
• Gusset allows for great mobility, even in a slim fit
• Slim fit might not be for everyone, also available in a relaxed fit
• No DWR finish

We’ve seen many pants from DUER, and while always comfortable, the cotton-blend foundation is often too heavy and bulky for travel. The DUER NuStretch Slim 5-Pocket ($139) bucks this trend.

This isn’t your dad’s cotton trouser. Built around a cotton-nylon-spandex blend, the fabric feels light and stretchy. The material feels soft against the skin and has a slightly formal finish that makes it work-appropriate. 

Like Helly Hansen’s Holmen , the material is sewn together using a combination of welted overlocking seams in the gussets and inseam for durability, with a simple plain stitch on the side seam for comfort. The same style of stealth pocket zips down the right thigh and holsters a device out of sight. Unlike the Holmen, the side pocket drops behind the thigh, and the crotch gusset is much larger. DUER adds a proper coin pocket to make this an honest ‘6-pocket’ pant.

Overall, this simple 5-pocket pant levels up in style, but with a timeless appeal. Given the multiple color options, there’s a DUER NuStretch 5-Pocket Pant for everyone.

Helly Hansen Holmen 5 Pocket Pant

• Fabric 94% polyamide, 6% elastane
• DWR PFC-free DWR

• Understated, but very comfortable
• Warp stretch twill material has impressive stretch
• Bluesign-approved with a PFC-fee DWR finish
• Outdoors-oriented fit and cut
• Thigh pocket isn't in the best placement
• Limited number of colorways

Great fit with a touch of stretch, Helly Hansen’s Holmen 5-Pocket Pant ($100) is constructed from warp-stretch synthetic twill. The interlocking loops give the material a soft-in-the-hand feel with superb mobility that wears equally easy to the office or in the backcountry.

The classic five-pocket design hides the fifth pocket down the right side seam of the pants. This stealth pocket is the only pocket that zips shut, and the contents fit over the thigh instead of dropping down behind the thigh. While not always the most comfortable, we prefer thigh pockets that ride behind the thigh. This gives you a little extra confidence that the contents won’t spill while opening the pocket while seated in coach. Regardless, the thigh pocket is plenty big and comfortable to hold the contents.

Overbuilt for the outdoors, a combination of stitching and pleats provides mobility, durability, and comfort. The inseam is stitched together using a plain seam, and the extra material flares out to the side for comfort. The inseam and gusset have overlocked welted seams for durability. Helly Hansen added an articulating pleat around the knee for extra mobility. Finally, the pants close with a button and a hook closure on the inside. This extra amount of closure helps balance the load around the waist.

The Helly Hansen Holmen is a low-thrill pant that delivers. It’s not flashy, and it has minimal pockets for a travel pant, but it’s one of the more comfortable pants we tested this year.

Men’s Travel Pants Comparison Chart

How We Tested Men’s Travel Pants

There are few other products we test at GearJunkie that are considered non-negotiable in society. Outside the house, you gotta wear pants (or shorts). And if you’re choosing shorts, you’re probably not looking at the right pants. Travel pants are part of our everyday uniform allowing us to test them daily. We test pants for the office grind, after-school errands, dispatching weekend chores, and yes, of course, travel, constantly logging test hours to find the best travel pants on the market.

Cozy in coach, capable of tackling adventure, but formal enough to wear to dinner, travel pants span the use case spectrum. We’ve worn them on intercontinental flights to Germany, Italy, France, and Slovenia, as well as transcontinental flights from Jacksonville to Boise. In warmer climates, we’ve pulled them out of our bikepacking bags on cool nights in Nicaragua and high up on the Colombian Coffee Triangle. One tester even wore his pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

When we get our hands on a new pant, we first take a look at the materials. We gauge the fabric weight, breathability, and the material’s ability to resist wrinkling. Synthetics with a DWR will pack down smaller, bounce back from being jammed in luggage on an overnight flight, and resist stains (and spills) better than cotton.

A touch of spandex affords some stretch and nylon tends to be more durable. We then turn them inside out to look at the seams joining the pants together, looking at where costs were cut and potential quality issues might cause a blowout on the road.

To be considered for our list, pants need at least one pocket that can be zipped shut to safely secure a passport or wallet. The hand pockets should be deep enough to keep keys and change from accidentally spilling out, or have zippers that prevent mishaps. No joke, one pair of pants we tested (not on this list) spit a wallet out at work without us even knowing it.

We then evaluated each pant’s fit, durability, packability, ability to bounce back from repeated wash and wear, and unpacking. We want to find out if a pair of pants can be washed in the sink in the evening and be ready to wear the following morning.

We want to see if the material resists wrinkling. And we want to know if the pants are cut too large, too small, or hike up the legs. The best material and construction alone can’t fake a good fit. We test pants for mobility and proper length. Does the pant bind in the crotch? Are the gussets appropriate? Are the legs cut at a proper length or do they ride up when walking?

Our testing focuses primarily on comfort, versatility, and functionality when in transit, so if you’re looking for something more durable for active pursuits, check out our picks for the  best hiking pants . We also have a guide for the  best women’s travel pants  to get your travel companion ready for the long haul.

Testing History

Steve Graepel has been leading the men’s travel pant buyer guide since 2015. Over the span of 8 years, Graepel has seen over 225 pairs of travel pants, rigorously testing 150 pants. Graepel has worked at GearJunkie as a contributing editor since 2009, testing everything from packrafts, to bike bags, sleeping bags, winter boots, and trail runners. His latest beat is travel pants and flannels. Before his time as a fashion blogger, he wrote for Travel Idaho, National Geographic Adventure, Patagonia’s Tin Shed, Trail Runner, and Gear Patrol.

Graepel has researched and tested travel pants extensively — traveling, working, and camping in the high alpine desert of Idaho, Montana, and Utah, and traveling abroad in a variety of environments including Europe, Asia, Central, and South America. He continues to test travel pants year-round and searches for anyone who will listen to his yarns about the best travel trousers.

In 2020, we tried 27 pairs and listed 15 pants on our men’s buyers guide. In 2021, we tested an additional 35 pairs, highlighting nine new pants on our list. In 2022 we saw an additional 23 pairs, adding six new pants. In 2023 we looked at 38 pairs, adding seven new pants to the men’s travel pant buyer’s guide. Finally, in 2024, we’ve reviewed 27 pants, updating our Men’s Travel Pants buyer guide with nine new pants.

Each year introduces new styles and materials, and we try to reflect the best on the market of that year. Some trousers remain on the list, year after year. They are either so good, or so good of a deal, that they are tough to topple.

To keep a finger on the pulse of pants, we read reviews from top sites and contact manufacturers directly. Steve Graepel has regular conversations with pant brand owners and representatives in the travel pant space. These relationships allow us to stay up to date on what makes pants better every year, and keep an eye on sleeper pants that just don’t have the marketing budget to get mass attention.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Travel Pants

Regardless of whether the pants are straight-leg or slim, a good pair is one that follows the human form and doesn’t bag out after repeated washings, or bloat when packed with your phone and keys. The length should fit your inseam or run longer so you can roll them up or get them tailored.

Almost every pant on our list has a great fit. If they didn’t, we’ve shared the cons. Both the Jetty’s and UNIONBAY’s pants ran a little long. On the other end, Municipal’s Overland Cargo is short by design and is only available in one length. Both Eddie Bauer and Orvis offer a variety of inseams for a dialed fit (from 30″ to 34″). To dial in the fit of the waist for models with belt loops, we typically try to find a travel and adventure-friendly belt that allows us to get through TSA without needing to remove it.

We scored each pant for both its ability to adventure, wear in coach, and hit the streets. Some pants, like KETL Mountains Shenanigans, have a bias for stout use. The Shenanigans are coated with a solid DWR and are our choice for adventure trips where you can’t sacrifice durability.

If traveling by plane, we prefer comfortable pants with accessible pockets. While 5-pocket styled jeans or chinos wear well on the street, their pockets are harder to access when sitting on the plane. Instead, we prefer a jogger or cargo pant that has vertical zippered pockets and drop-in device pockets on the legs.

Both Municipal and KÜHL had easy-to-access pockets in the plane. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro End-to-Ender has two generous thigh pockets. But both are sewn into the pants and tighten up over the thigh when seated. This makes it harder to pull the contents out.

For comfort in coach, you don’t need to look past Bluffworks Envoy . They look great and have plenty of pockets to stay organized. KÜHL’s Suppressor Jogger dialed in the drop-in pockets and is lightweight and durable, but the material isn’t nearly as soft as Eddie Bauer’s pants. It’s always a trade-off.

Style Matters

While comfort is key, we also need to be able to show ourselves in public (no washed-out gray sweatpants on this list). The most versatile travel clothes should be able to tackle a hike without getting roughed up, or walk into town looking sharp enough to peruse a museum, and duck in for fine dining afterward.

Unfortunately, the cargo pockets take away some formality while out on the town. With its jogger styling, KÜHL didn’t design around Michelin stars. They prioritized function and durability, mapping to utility. KÜHL, Municipal, and Eddie Bauer each have unique cargo styling that brings a touch of modernity to the military-inspired side-pocket pants. In general, we love cargo-style pants and joggers while sitting on the plane. It keeps all your essentials within reach.

On the other hand, Western Rise’s Evolution 2 and Proof’s 72-Hour Merino are fantastically styled everyday pants, but both have a single security pocket to maintain that sleek look. They are our go-to choice for travels to big cities where we want to kick up the look and feel at home while traveling abroad.

Clean lines, darker colors, and traditional styling help you blend into crowds and stave off the would-be pickpocket’s radar. The best men’s travel pants should look as good as they feel without shouting “ tourist .”

The material should be lightweight and, in our preference, darker to minimize showing the dirt collected along the way. That said, we were astounded by how well a fresh DWR can resist stains on even the fairest beige pants.

Fabric Weight

Lightweight performance fabrics can withstand repeated washings in a sink, line dry overnight, and stay wrinkle-free after weeks on the go. Today’s fabrics offer advanced sun protection and moisture-wicking properties and are often water-resistant or water-repellent.

Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). A heavier GSM will take up more room in your bag and take longer to dry. We find a 200-ish GSM fabric weight, like on our top pick from Bluffworks, light and breezy, and dries out quickly.

A welterweight fabric will disappear in the bag and dry out insanely fast, but going too light sacrifices durability. All the pants we tested are durable enough to venture off the pavement.

If you want the lightest pant you can find, give KETL Mountain’s Shenanigan a look. The 156 GSM fabric rolls up tight and is exceptionally durable. Western Rise also uses a lighter GSM fabric, but the pants weigh more overall.

Fabric Type

A cotton blend fabric adds breathability and a cooling effect, which is great for warmer climates, but can also sacrifice durability. And, unless treated with a DWR, cotton can wet out more easily and hold water longer.

The Orvis and Municipal’s Overland Cargo weave some cotton into their blend. To beef up the durability, the natural fiber is woven with a synthetic like polyester or nylon and an elastic component for stretch.

If you choose to go with denim or cotton, consider a stretchy fabric with a bit of spandex or elastane for comfort and flexibility while on the road. It will resist wear longer, dry faster, and feel much more comfortable. While not on this year’s list, Aviator’s The Best Travel Jeans in the World are very comfortable and weave in some stretch, but they weigh nearly twice as much as every other pant on the list. Our cotton choices keep the weight down.

Most of the pants on this list are woven from synthetic fibers. Synthetics tend to stand up to more abuse than their natural counterparts. For example, Ornot’s Mission Pant is incredibly durable and is built for men who abuse pants while in the saddle.

Unique this year, we saw a merino wool synthetic blend with Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant. Wool is known for its odor-resistant and insulative qualities. Contrary to what you might think, they stay surprisingly cool and breathe well in hot climates. For durability and stretch, Proof weaves nylon, polyester, and a touch of elastane.

Weaving in spandex or elastic adds mobility, but can also give the pants a polished, slick finish. KÜHL weaves in a whopping 15% spandex into the material, but most pants will have between 2-6% for a combination of durability and mobility. Bluffworks , Unionbay , and Jetty feel more formal with their smooth-faced fabric finishes. Material finishes are more of a personal preference and don’t affect their water resistance, which is added with a DWR wash.

Our favorite pants come from Bluffworks. While the fit is fantastic, they don’t have a DWR. This makes them less desirable if you are traveling to places that rain a lot. However, they excel in so many other ways that they still stand out as our top choice. On the flip side, Western Rise’s DWR not only deflects dirt and grime on the road, but liters of beer simply rolled off them at Oktoberfest. We really took one for the team while testing.

Performance fabrics are standing up to heavy use like never before. Shelling out a few more bucks for quality generally gets you into a more durable pant that should hold up to more extensive use. We’ve put in countless hours testing the pants on this list, so you’re starting in the right place.

Seam Construction

Seams are often overlooked. Out of sight, out of mind, seams bring two patches of fabric together and are crucial for durability and comfort. But this is where we can differentiate the good from the great, and this is where we get passionately nerdy.

Flat-felled seams are best for joining heavy fabrics together. Think denim. The material doesn’t stretch and the fabric is woven from heavy cotton yarn. You want a solid seam to join the pants together. The fabric is joined, then rolled over itself and double stitched for a clean, bomber fasten.

None of the pants on our list are joined entirely from flat-felled seams, though LIVSN and Proof incorporate a flat-fell seam on at least one leg seam. In general, we find it more important to flat-fell the inseam of the pants (which is what Proof does).

Too much material tacked together with a flat-fell seam can cause rubbing against the legs. And most travel pants are constructed from lighter-weight fabrics, so pants don’t always need this extra durable seam construction.

They can get away with a less expensive, and more comfortable overlocked seam. An overlocking stitch, or welt-seam, has a lower profile, leaving the raw edge exposed but sewn down to the pant. Plus they are nearly as durable as the venerable flat-felled stitch, but can feel more comfortable.

Some overlocked stitches aren’t tacked down. That is, the seam isn’t locked down flat with a second row of stitching, leaving the surged seam exposed on the inside. This usually isn’t a big deal. Our main concern would be that the stitching could get caught on something and start to unravel. But we haven’t ever had this experience and it’s a fine option to use when binding two lightweight materials together. Orvis, Ornot, and even Bluffworks uses a combination of overlocked and welted overlocked seams.

The simplest seam, or plain seam, joins the two sides together with a simple, single stitch. Often the cut material is finished with a surger to prevent the material from fraying, but the joining seam itself is sewn together with a single stitch, and the exposed edges butterfly on the inside of the pant.

This is often used for lightweight material where want to reduce the bulk as much as possible. We see this used on Western Rise’s Evolution 2. In theory, this is not a highly durable seam construction. And we’ve seen this kind of seam unravel on a few pants we’ve tested. We’ve also been beating our Western Rise’s for years now and have yet to see their plain seam blow.

We like a pant that doesn’t ride up or bind when seated, and moves with you when active. DUER and KÜHL are very close at the top, for pure comfort, you can’t beat  Bluffworks Envoy . Beyond the fantastic material, the pant is is available in slim and regular fit, so there’s truly a comfortable pant for everyone’s preference.

We’ve tested  Western Rise’s Evolution lineup   standing outside in Bogota monsoon season, climbing snow and ice on the Grand, and prosting over beers at Oktoberfest. The DWR not only sheds spills, but it deflects dirt and grime too.

After a week of wearing them across the Alps, including a day sitting in the stairwell of an overbooked train to Munich, we were shocked at how clean our light khaki Evolution 2.0s walked off the return flight. We were also impressed with KETL Mountain’s Shenanigan’s. Water immediately beads off the surface.

If you’re bringing one pair of pants, you’ll eventually have to wash them while on the road. A lightweight synthetic pant is your best bet for a comfortable morning. Here again, Western Rise’s Evolutions  rose to the top. They are lightweight, durable, and dry out quicker than most. They also remain cool and breezy in hot climates and wear supremely well.

The pair of large cargo pockets on Muncipal’s Overland Cargo are easy to access and have plenty of space to hold your kit and do it without looking like Urkel. For an equally impressive pocket game, but a more polished look, we recommend looking at Bluffworks Envoy, which stealthily hides nine pockets in the otherwise casual-looking chino. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro End-to-Ender is close, with seven practical and accessible pockets.

With their high CORDURA count, the Eddie Bauers are tough to beat. Ornot’s Mission pants weaves a high nylon count, and come in a very close second for durability.

For long flights on the plane, we like comfortable, casual look with easy pocket access. We give the nod to Municipal’s Overland Cargo. The deep horizontal pockets are easy to access while seated and the high cotton count breathes well.

KÜHL’s Suppressor Joggers have the highest spandex count on the list at 15%. They are super flexible, light, durable, and have a good DWR. For a more formal look, Bluffworks has an equally impressive spandex weave (10%) and is by far the most comfortable pant on our list. 

For a good combination of flexibility, durability, and all-around wearability, we recommend Western Rise’s Evolution 2. If you want to splurge, we also liked Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant, which blends 6% elastane into the wool-synthetic base. Proof’s pants are nearly a one-and-done purchase. They are durable and stay stench-free on the road, making them the only pants you may need to bring.

The Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2024

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Steve Graepel is a Contributing Editor and Gear Tester at GearJunkie. He has been writing about trail running, camping, skiing, and general dirtbagging for 10+ years. When not testing gear with GearJunkie, he is a Senior Medical Illustrator on the Neurosurgery Team at Mayo Clinic. Based in Boise, Idaho, Graepel is an avid trail runner, camper, angler, cyclist, skier, and loves to introduce his children to the Idaho outdoors.

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Gone are the days of backpacks being solely a school necessity and, quite frankly, an eyesore. Now, they’re just as much a fashion statement as they are functional — so if you’re looking for the best stylish backpacks for women, we have you covered.

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Holding everything from your tech and notebooks to less-glamorous essentials like diapers and wipes, backpacks are easy to throw on and even easier to carry around than a traditional handbag. Whether you’re looking for a cute tote bag to take to the office, a durable pack for your outdoor adventures, or a comfortable overnight bag for a quick vacay, even the most prestige designers have updated traditional styles for the modern woman. While you may be used to the more minimalist bags seen in recent seasons, the most popular bags have transitioned from small and sleek to bold and utilitarian — think Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, and Goyard — and are sported by trendsetters like Bella Hadid, Sofia Richie, and Zoë Kravitz. “Designers really began to prioritize comfort,” Wark explains. “Not only are backpacks a necessity, you want them to look great, and there are so many incredible options for that.”

With such a broad range of styles, features, and sizes on the market, including cute backpacks with lots of pockets, it can be hard to decipher exactly which backpack to add to your everyday rotation. So, we’ve curated a list of the best backpacks that combine style and comfort for any occasion, with editor-approved tips and expert-backed product picks to fit a variety of routine needs. 

The Top Stylish Women’s Backpacks for 2023

• Best Carry-On:   Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Backpack
• Best Waterproof:   The North Face Berkeley Daypack
• Best for Travel:   Béis The Expandable Backpack
• Best for a Weekend Getaway:   Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack
• Best Outdoor:   Fjällräven Kånken Backpack
• Best for Work:   Madewell The Transport Rucksack
• Best for Teachers:   Cuyana Leather Backpack 13-inch
• Best for Commuting:   Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
• Best for Multi-Wear:   Athleta Revive Convertible Backpack
• Best for On-The-Go:   Lululemon Everywhere Backpack
• Best for Pockets:   Calpak Luka 15 inch Laptop Backpack
• Best for Moms:   Poppy Barley The Beyond Diaper Bag
• Best Minimalist:   Parker Clay Abby Drawstring Backpack

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Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Backpack

Dagne Dover is all about bags that look good and feel good, and their fan-favorite Dakota backpack is no exception. Made of comfortable neoprene and offered in shades of eight shades ranging from neutral to bright pink, it’s the ideal bag for any frequent traveler. Equipped with five interior pockets and three exterior zip pockets, it fits a laptop, water bottle, keys, and even has a detachable shoe bag for added practicality. A trolley sleeve makes it perfect for carrying on your suitcase, and two plush adjustable straps transform it into an easy, no-hands option. What testers say:  “This is my second Dakota backpack, and the only reason why I got this one is for the trolley sleeve in the back. This bag is amazing. It holds all of my flight/train essentials, and I can grab for them easily. It’s easy on my shoulders, and it’s also amazing for traveling to work or the gym.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $195

The North Face Berkeley Daypack

Forget long days in the office or sleepless nights in the school library, sometimes all you need is a little adventure. Head into your next hike or camping trip with this waterproof option from The North Face. Known for their practical gear, the Berkeley Daypack is a lightweight and functional pick, and one of the best stylish backpacks for school and beyond. It features a roomy interior with mesh pouches, a water bottle holder, and a padded back panel to soften intense activity. Available in six muted color options, the crinkly, water-repellent nylon shell promises to protect precious valuables, rain or shine. What testers say : “It’s tough and well made. Not surprising from North Face! Tons of space, lots of pockets. The side pockets were big enough for my small blender bottle (but mine is smaller than others!). I’m super pleased with my purchase!”  Price upon publish date of this article:  $68.95

Béis The Expandable Backpack

Planning your next overseas getaway? This fashionable travel backpack from renowned brand Béis has you covered with their expandable backpack that’s ideal for weekend to week-long trips. A roomy interior is enhanced by two zippers and two mesh pockets with a padded laptop sleeve, making it suitable for storing fragile items or even folded clothes. Additionally, the exterior boasts a key leash, cellphone slip pockets, and a hidden water bottle compartment, complete with a pass-through sleeve for perching atop your carry-on suitcase. Offered in both black and beige, its monochromatic look is sure to look stylish with even the comfiest of airport ‘fits. What testers say: “Very nice water-resistant material that is great for travel. I’ve used it as a work bag, gym bag, and travel bag, and it has held up perfectly! Love that it is expandable! Such a great idea to have the option of an inside OR an outside water bottle pocket. The laptop sleeve is super secure and protective, and I love the amount of pockets the bag has. Overall it is an innovative, quality bag that is perfect for anything you need it for!“ Price upon publish date of this article:  $88

Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

Even working women need a weekend getaway. Look forward to your next escape from the office with this upscale canvas backpack from Longchamp. This designer work bag features all the space you need for any and all belongings. Pack any overflow clothes or tech accessories in the large interior pocket, protected by both a zipper and snap closure. Its sturdy silhouette is enhanced by an elegant leather trim with durable straps for comfortable hands-free wear. What testers say: “Exactly what I needed for a few days trip overseas. I could easily fit water and essentials inside, and the pocket helped keep my phone available (no endless digging). Trips over, and it’s folded up, ready for another adventure.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $140

Fjällräven Kånken Backpack

One of the most beloved professional bags for teachers and college student alike, the Fjällräven Kånken is a staple in any trendy accessory rotation. A sturdy rectangular silhouette meets a spacious zippered front pocket, which holds an internal laptop sleeve and removable seat cushion. Its thin adjustable straps feel lightweight with wear, and the water-resistant, quick-drying fabric is ideal for protecting valuable tech and other items. Offered In just about every color of the rainbow (seriously), there’s an option for everyone, and its casual-cool design adds Scandinavian flair to any ensemble. What testers say:  “I was looking for a pack to hold some essentials while on a weekend trip. Believe the hype! It folds flat for easy travel inside luggage. The pack is also water resistant, when a beverage accidentally spilled on it, the items inside did not get wet. It also has a pad on the inside that came in handy when I didn’t want to sit directly on a park bench.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $68.89

Madewell The Transport Rucksack

If you’re a fan of the slouchy bag trend, you’re sure to love this backpack from Madewell (the brand makes some of the best affordable bags around). With three interior pockets and one exterior pouch, it’s the perfect everyday option that can be worn three different ways: across the back with both straps, off the shoulder with one, or carried by a sturdy top handle. Its carry-all size is ideal for all of your necessities, doubling as both a backpack and a purse. Made of Italian leather and equipped with a collar stud closure and gold hardware, it’s a seamless complement to a sleek outfit, taking you from the office to happy hour with elegance and ease. What testers say: “I wanted something new and fun for my ‘work bag,’ and I have used this every day and loved it so much! I can fit my 15″ MacBook Pro (in a case), my charger, books, wallet, phone, etc., and there’s room for more. I love the little compartments as well, and the leather strap does a great job of staying hooked on the little gold knob. Worth the money.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $209.50

Cuyana Leather 13-Inch Backpack

It’s hard to find a bag sophisticated enough in style for a large haul of everyday essentials. Cuyana’s classic leather backpack is a favorite of Warks, which comes in three sizes and colors for any profession and aesthetic. Comfortable leather meets peak practicality with a laptop sleeve, roomy interior, and double exterior pocket. You can even carry the top strap like a purse for post-work outings and occasions.  What testers say: “Exactly what I was looking for! High quality, thoughtful details, and luxurious without being flashy. I love the two sets of snaps on each side to widen or cinch in the opening. I bought the sand color and feel like it’s a great neutral that will span the seasons. By far, the most sleek laptop bag I’ve used!” Price upon publish date of this article:  $478

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

“A lot of the working population has to commute, and with that, brands really began to prioritize comfort,” said Wark. If you’re used to long rides in the car or train, equipping your trips with a well-rounded and roomy bag makes the days all the much easier. Everlane has you covered with this utilitarian-style backpack in five colors, all made from renewed plastic bottles. Featuring a 15 inch exterior laptop pocket, slip pockets, two water bottle holders (hello coffee drinkers), and a pass-through strap, this highly functional bag can take you from the office to the airport and back.  What testers say: “I took this backpack to Europe for two weeks as a personal carry-on. I found the perfect bag. It’s large enough to carry overflow items from my carry-on as I did not check luggage in, pass-through strap to attach to my luggage handle, stylish, side zipper pocket for an iPad, front flap with a zipper pocket, and easily fits under seat in an airplane. I can’t say enough about this bag, it just fits the bill in all areas.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $95

Athleta Revive Convertible Backpack

There’s something magical about a backpack that can take you from the gym, to work, and evening a weekend brunch in style. This plant-based foam bag from Athleta is ideal for just that, with a large interior, water bottle sleeve, and easy-access side pocket for essentials. Casual enough to pair with leggings and sneakers yet sleek enough for a more elevated feel, it comes in both black and neutral olive color options. It’s great for storing anything from protein bars and an extra change of clothes, and its versatile style makes it even more enticing as a crossbody bag .  What testers say: “Nice materials. I like that it can be worn in different ways, and can be dressed up and down. Olive color is very versatile, and the bag has ample space to carry items.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $149

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

It’s hard not to love Lululemon, and their accessories are just as much a functional favorite as their most popular athleisure styles. This everyday bag boasts a minimalist, classic silhouette with modern detailing, along with water-repellent fabric for a soft finish. Complete with two side pockets and a laptop slip that fits up to 16 inches, it’s a stellar option for packing anything from work essentials to gym necessities. Simplicity is not compromised for style here, positioning this backpack as your next go-to. What testers say:  “This bag feels and looks so nice, it’s super comfortable as well! Lots of room for all of my books and binder (it’s also very easy to clean).” Price upon publish date of this article:  $78

Calpak Luka 15 inch Laptop Backpack

It’s natural to associate backpacks as casual accessories, but they can easily elevate a look, too. This fashionable laptop backpack from Calpak, which is made with materials that are soft-to-the-touch, is ideal for the classy woman. Throw your essentials into the large main compartment while storing tech accessories at easy-reach in designated earphone and cellphone compartments. Plus, stylish monochrome details are enhanced by a smooth, matte finish. What testers say: “I bought this last year, and it still looks new! The material is nice and doesn’t get dirty easily. There are tons of pockets inside and outside of the backpack. My favorite is the laptop compartment because it has two slots for your electronics. I use it for my laptop and iPad. I used this during our Europe trip, and it was so convenient when we were at airports/train stations, and I could put the bag on the luggage with the sleeve.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $86.40

Poppy Barley The Beyond Diaper Bag

Moms, look no further than this ideal diaper bag from Poppy Barley. Per Wark’s recommendation, this sleek oversized bag will be your new go-to for all your baby’s essentials. Equipped with a removable diaper change pad, dedicated space for diapers and wipes, an insulated pocket for bottles, and D-rings that attach to a stroller handle, there’s not much else you can ask for. With extra space for snacks, phones, keys, and even an iPad, its pebbled leather and gold hardware will make you feel super chic — so much so that you may carry it as a handbag in its own right. What testers say:  “I bought this for my daughter, and it’s an absolutely stunning bag. The quality is top-notch. The size and weight are great for carrying around. The functionality is superb. I filled it up with all the baby products she will need before I gave it to her. She loves this bag and gave us a demo on every piece of functionality. Obviously, if my other daughter decides to go the motherhood route I will be buying another one.” Price upon publish date of this article:  $397

Parker Clay Abby Drawstring Backpack

An effortless style meets peak functionality with this foldover drawstring backpack from Parker Clay. Reminiscent of a bucket bag and small enough for a one-shoulder look, this pack features both inner and outer pockets with a hidden key ring for added ease. A magnet closure, gold zippers, and two double-cord drawstrings add to the elevated appeal of the accessory, great for storing your wallet, snacks, and cell phone for a busy day of errands. Bonus points for it being offered in three neutral colorways that are quintessential for fall. What testers say: “Absolutely gorgeous bag! The perfect size for every day. Really well made, and the leather is so beautiful. Very happy with my purchase!” Price upon publish date of this article:  $173.60

What to Look For In a Stylish Backpack for Women 

• Support and comfort: Backpacks are all about ease, and comfort is a top consideration when choosing the best one for you. “Unlike a heavy purse, a backpack gives you a lot better posture. It also divvies out the weight of whatever’s in the contents of the bag, as it’s thrown on the whole body rather than just one side,” says Wark. “It’s smart for those who are on-the-go a lot, especially when you’re on your feet.” Pay close attention to the size and material of the shoulder straps, and go for adjustable styles to personalize your needs. 
• Materials: From casual canvas totes to sleek leather backpacks, there are a variety of materials to choose from when searching for your next go-to bag. Opt for water-repellent fabrics like nylon when looking for something to take you outdoors (it’s also easiest to clean), try out a casual-chic look with faux-leather or polyester, or take it luxury with 100 percent leather for the ultimate elevated feel. “You don’t want to spend like $10 on the backpack, because it’s not going to have the proper comfort and material that a more expensive one would have,” Wark explains. “That doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune, but a backpack is something you want to invest in, much like you would a good handbag.”     
• Style: There are a variety of silhouettes and colors on the market when it comes to backpacks. “First, you want to look for something in a neutral color palette, something really sleek and classic,” Wark advises, “even if it’s a black or a brown, or maybe a cream that you can easily work into your existing wardrobe.” Try out a more traditionally rectangular backpack for campus, roomy pack for hiking, or a mini backpack purse to replace a top handle purse. There are also great, sleek options for both work and travel in modern shapes and varying sizes.
• Size: When selecting the size of a backpack, first determine what you will carry in the bag. “Consider what kind of compartments you would need,” says Wark. “The more storage solutions inside the backpack, the better. If you just have one open space, it’s going to be incredibly frustrating.” For instance, perhaps a laptop sleeve is a necessity for work (don’t forget to double check dimensions!), or an exterior compartment is key for your water bottle. Smaller backpacks are great for single-use occasions like running to the gym, while larger ones with both interior and exterior pockets are fit for long days at the office, hauling baby gear, and overnight vacays.

How We Selected The Best Backpacks

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. 

Meet the Expert

Meet the author.

Anika Ljung is a freelance writer and editor who covers all things fashion and culture, tapping experts and keeping a close eye on the runway and zeitgeist to inform her pieces. Based in New York City, her work has appeared in InStyle, WWD, V Magazine, V MAN, CR Fashion Book, and Brides, among others, and she is an assistant stylist for various independent creatives throughout the city.

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HC CSKA Moscow classic KHL backpack is great for every day activities, sports or travel. Durably build, it offers single main compartment and a large front pocket with multiple compartments to separate smaller items. Both front pocket and main compartment have zipper closure. Large CSKA KHL logo is embroidered on the front of the bag along with KHL logo.

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Backpacking Russia (Ultimate Budget Travel Guide for 2024)

In this article, we are going to go through everything you need to know about backpacking Russia.

Russia is the largest country in the world, with a land area equivalent to 11% of the earth’s total landmass. Pretty impressive, right?

With stunning tundra landscapes, huge cities, stunning beaches and an array of wildlife, it’s truly an amazing place to visit.

Some of the most popular sights include the capital city of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Lake Baikal, Sochi, Kazan and the Ural Mountains.

Although often not depicted as a travel destination, Russia has so much to offer. It’s also a great place for backpackers as accommodation, food and transport is generally very cheap.

Russia is also the first country I ever backpacked, all the way back in 2007! I also returned three years later and backpacked my way from London to Lake Baikal in Siberia.

So let’s dive right into the article, and find out all the things you need to know before backpacking Russia.

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

What regions make up Russia?

The Russian Federation is made up of eight districts. These are:

• Central – District Capital: Moscow
• North-Western – District Capital: St. Petersburg
• Volga – District Capital: Nizhny Novgorod
• North Caucasus – District Capital: Pyatigorsk
• Southern – District Capital: Rostov-on-Don
• Ural – District Capital: Yekaterinburg
• Siberian – District Capital: Novosibirsk
• Far-Eastern – District Capital: Vladivostok

Russia Highlights

Kaliningrad – a tiny Russian enclave on the Baltic Sea

Moscow – Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin Mausoleum, Bolshoi Theatre…

St. Petersburg – the Hermitage , Church on the Spilt Blood, the Winter Palace…

Yekaterinburg – final resting place of the Romanovs and gateway to the Ural Mountains

Mount Elbrus – Europe’s highest mountain!

Lake Baikal – the world’s largest and deepest body of fresh water.

Vladivostok – the end of the line, Russia’s port city on the Pacific Ocean.

Kamchatka – the land of fire and ice, volcanoes and more bears than people.

The Trans-Siberian Railway – everyone should take this journey at least once in their life!

Suggested Russia Itineraries

1 week – Moscow and St. Petersburg

2 weeks – St. Petersburg – Moscow – Yekaterinburg

3 weeks – St. Petersburg – Moscow – Yekaterinburg – Rostov-on-Don

4 weeks – St. Petersburg – Moscow – Novosibirsk – Irkutsk – Lake Baikal (Trans-Siberian routes)

5 weeks – Moscow – Yekaterinburg – Novosibirsk – Baikal – Vladivostok (return by Trans-Siberian)

6 weeks – Moscow – Novosibirsk – Baikal – Yakutsk – Kamchatka

Daily budget for backpacking Russia

Depending on where you visit in Russia, the cost of accommodation, food and transport will vary. For example, the touristy areas of Moscow may be more expensive than the more rural areas of Russia.

On average you are looking at a daily budget of around ₽4,800 ($63). This will cover basic accommodation costs, food, and transport whilst backpacking Russia.

To help you stick to your budget, we have plenty of money-saving tips later on in the article!

Russia Visas

Citizens of 55 countries including Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Israel, Laos, and the U.A.E can enter Russia visa-free for between 30-90 days depending on the agreement with that country.

If you are a citizen of Japan, the USA, the EU, the UK or a country in Asia or Africa you will have to apply for a visa. For some countries you can apply for a visa online, otherwise, you will have to go to your nearest Russian embassy or consulate.

Language in Russia

The Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet and it would pay to try and familiarise yourself with this a little before you go. All signage is in Cyrillic and English isn’t widely spoken, even in Moscow.

Getting to Russia

If you are travelling to Russia by flight, it’s likely you will arrive in Moscow as it has 3 large international airports; Sheremyetevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo.

You may also choose to fly into Pulkovo airport, which is near St. Petersburg.

Trip.com has some of the best deals on flights to Russia.

Travelling into Russia by train is easy as the country has multiple high-speed rail connections with Europe.

Train routes run to Russia from Finland, Poland, France and Estonia. It’s also possible to go on other routes but it’s important to do your research as some require a transit visa.

Weekly routes to Moscow from the following countries. Check RealRussia for timetables and ticket prices.

Belarus: Minsk to Moscow – 8 hours

Estonia: Tallinn to St. Petersburg – 8 hours

Estonia: Tallinn to Moscow – 17 hours

Ukraine: Kiev to Moscow – 12 hours

Kazakhstan: Nur-Sultan (Astana) to Moscow – 40 hours

Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar to Moscow – 98 hours

China: Beijing to Moscow – 140 hours

You can travel to Russia by bus from Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Poland, Germany and London. Although often not the most popular choice, it’s very cheap.

Ferries run to Russia from Japan, Korea, Turkey, Georgia and Ukraine.

It is possible to visit St. Petersburg visa-free by taking a cruise from Helsinki, Tallinn or Stockholm with St Peter Line. See their website for full details.

Getting around Russia

Russia is a HUGE country, but luckily there are a variety of transport options to help you get around.

Plane – There are over 200 airports within Russia, so when it comes to domestic flights there are plenty of choices.

Train – Travelling by train through Russia is one of the best options, as it’s a lot cheaper than catching a flight and is often more convenient.

Be aware that some stations have retained their Soviet names on timetables which can be a little confusing ( Yekaterinburg is shown as Sverdlovsk for example).

Metro – The metro system is located in 7 of Russia’s cities; these are Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Samara and Yekaterinburg. It’s the best way to explore these cities.

City bus systems – The public transport systems in Russian cities are usually made up of buses, trolleybuses and trams. Travelling this way is cheap, and very convenient.

Long-distance bus services – There are plenty of long-distance bus services around and they are a great option whilst backpacking Russia.

The Trans Siberian Railway

There are three main routes:

• Trans-Siberian – Moscow to Vladivostok
• Trans-Mongolian – Moscow to Ulaanbaatar
• Trans-Manchurian – Moscow to Beijing

Unfortunately, at present there is no “hop-on, hop-off” service, so if you wish to visit places along the route, you must buy individual tickets for each leg of the journey.

Where to stay – Cheap accommodation in Russia’s most popular tourist spots

It’s inevitable that accommodation prices will vary depending on where you travel throughout Russia.

To give you an idea, I’ve come up with a list of the most popular spots in Russia and a cheap accommodation option for each one:

Moscow – Napoleon Hostel

St. Petersburg – The Roomers

Lake Baikal – Mini Gostinica near Lake Baikal

Belokurikha – Hotel Berkut

Sochi – Sochi Hotel

Kazan – Mironov’s House

Money in Russia

The currency in Russia is the Russian rubles (or rouble – RUB).

The exchange rate fluctuates but at the start of 2022, the average exchange rate is $1 = 75 RUB.

The important thing to remember about money in Russia is that It’s always best to exchange it in advance.

Cards are generally accepted in the country, but you’ll never know what the exchange rate is or if Russian banks will accept the card.

Also, a lot of things are paid for in cash in Russia including public transport and tipping so it’s always best to have cash on you.

Sample costs of items across the country*

The best places to visit in russia.

Here are the top places to visit whilst backpacking Russia. They have been split by district to make things easier for you!

The North-Western district

• St. Petersburg
• Veliky Ustug
• The Republic of Karelia
• The Pskov Region

Visitors to Russia should allow at least a couple of days to discover charming Saint Petersburg . Highlights include the Hermitage, Winter Palace, Church on the Spilt Blood and the canals.

St Petersburg really is a highlight of Russia, so if you’re planning a trip be sure to include it in your itinerary. Check out this excellent guide to the beautiful Russian Palaces in the city (the Winter Palace was a highlight of my trip back in 2007).

The Central district

• Sergiev Posad

No trip to Russia is complete without exploring the country’s impressive capital, Moscow . Allow at least three days to see the major sights including Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Lenin Mausoleum and more.

The Volga district

• Nizhny Novgorod
• The Republic of Tatarstan
• The Raifsky Bogoroditsky Monastery

The Volga region is one of the true heartlands of Russia and encompasses the Volga River basin and stretches down to the Caspian Sea.

The Southern district

• Rostov-on-Don
• Novocherkassk

From Black Sea beaches to Europe’s tallest mountain, Elbrus, the Southern District is packed full of exciting places to visit. Pyatigorsk is famous for its mineral springs and spas and Sochi was home to the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The Ural district

• Yekaterinburg
• The Ural Mountains
• Taganay National Park
• Kungur Ice Cave
• Romanov Death Site

The Ural Mountains divide European Russia from Asia. The city of Yekaterinburg is a pleasant city with a dark past, as it was here that the Romanov family met their terrible fate in 1918. It’s not all gloom and doom though, and the city is filled with parks, lakes and impressive architecture.

The Siberian district

• Novosibirsk
• Stolby Reserve
• The Omsk Region
• Lake Baikal
• Belokurikha

Siberia is a vast expanse of forest (taiga) that covers an area the size of the United States. The region’s crown jule is Lake Baikal, the deepest and largest body of fresh water in the world. In summer, the area is perfect for hiking, camping, picking berries and enjoying the great outdoors. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a winter playground!

The Far-Eastern district

• The Kheketsir Mountains
• Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
• Land of the Leopard National Park

Russia is a wild country, but the Russian far east takes this to new extremes. From the “pole of cold” at Oymyakon in Yakutia can reach temperatures of -70 degrees Celcius! Conversely, the Kamchatka peninsula is the land of fire and ice. The volcanic peninsula is so otherworldly that the Soviets used it as a testing ground for their spacecraft!

Food and drink in Russia

When it comes to food in Russia, there is a variety of cuisine available. In the larger cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg, there is more choice of cafes and restaurants. Japanese is a popular cuisine in these big cities, and western food is readily available.

However, as you head to the more rural areas of Russia, you will find there are fewer options and it’s harder to find menus in English.

There are plenty of tasty national dishes in Russia including pelmeni, borshch , pirogi and tvorog .

Vodka is the national drink of Russia and is usually knocked back in one gulp and then chased with a salted cucumber or a bite of black bread . However, vodka in Russia is not for the faint-hearted with such a high alcohol concentration, so be wary if you aren’t a big drinker!

Best time to visit Russia

The best time to visit Russia largely depends on what district you visit, and the purpose of your trip.

However, generally, the most popular time to visit the country is between June-August which is Russia’s summertime.

Although the weather is warm, the popular cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg get incredibly crowded during this time of year.

If you don’t mind the weather being a bit cooler, you can choose to visit Russia in May or September. The crowds will be a lot thinner, and accommodation prices will often be cheaper.

Many people like to visit in the wintertime to see a snowy Russia. It’s important to note that October and November are the wettest months of the year, so December would be a better choice if you don’t mind sub-zero temperatures!

16 money-saving travel tips for backpacking Russia

• Stay in a hostel dorm or a cheap economy room (There are plenty out there).
• Exchange currency beforehand rather than pay by card.
• You can often volunteer in exchange for food and accommodation by using sites like the Help Exchange.
• Getting a tourist pass in Moscow and St. Petersburg will save you money when it comes to entering attractions.
• Some popular attractions have ‘free admission days’.
• Use overnight trains to save a night’s accommodation. Book the tickets about a month in advance for an even cheaper deal.
• Always use the metro in big cities if possible!
• A troika travel card in Moscow costs around ₽50 ($0.66) and can be topped up at any time. With this card, any public transport journey in Moscow will cost ₽42 ($0.56).
• Gastro food courts are perfect if you want cheap restaurant-quality food.
• Stick to delicious Russian dishes as western food is a lot more expensive.
• Research transport options before heading to another destination, as long-distance buses are often even cheaper than the train.
• The government sometimes organise free entertainment such as concerts or screenings of matches.
• Eat at a street vendor or small local cafe to cut your costs.
• Stock up on supplies at the local supermarkets.
• Buy a cheap travel Sim Card to save on network charges.
• Don’t use taxis as they are expensive.

Is Russia Safe to Visit?

Although Russia has a very sketchy reputation, today generally speaking it’s as safe as many other countries in Europe.

Police and security cameras are located throughout popular cities, and the city of Moscow even has its own tourist police force.

However, no country is ever 100% safe and there are things to be cautious of whilst backpacking Russia.

Pickpocketing is incredibly common, especially in popular tourist spots like St. Petersburg and Moscow.

It’s also important to note that if you’re a member of the LGBT community, you should refrain from public displays of affection.

In Russia discussion of homosexuality issues or gay rights in the presence of minors is punishable by law, so there is a need to be careful.

Tourists are also strongly advised against travelling to the North Caucasus, as it’s considered to be the most dangerous region in Russia. With terrorist activities, higher crime rates and corruption, this is an area of Russia to avoid.

With the above in mind, it pays to have good cover while backpacking through Russia. Our partners at World Nomads are experts at providing cover for backpackers. You can get a free, no-obligation quote here .

On my second visit to Russia, I experienced police corruption first-hand. I was with friends drinking a beer in a public park and the police came and said that it was illegal and we must go with them (we had seen many other people doing the same, so it seemed suspicious from the outset).

It soon became clear that the police were after a bribe, and we each paid 2,000 ($25) to avoid being taken to jail. We were made to get in the police car and pass the money under the seat so no one could see what was going on.

I will add that this was over 10 years ago so perhaps things have improved, but be wary of the police and avoid interactions with them where possible.

Recommended vaccines for Backpacking in Russia

If you will just be visiting the cities and urban areas in Russia vaccines aren’t too important. If you will be spending time in the Russian wilderness, then it is advisable to have the following vaccines (all of which I had before camping in Siberia):

• Hepatitis (A, B and C combined)
• Tick-borne encephalitis

Russian wildlife

Russia is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and what you could encounter will differ depending on the area you visit.

Generally, a lot of the time animals are more afraid of us, than we are of them but it’s still important to know what dangerous species are around.

Bears – Bears will only attack people in self-defence or if they feel threatened (e.g wounded bears, mothers with cubs or bears who have just come out of hibernation).

Boars – Boars use their tusks as weapons, and will often attack anything that they deem a threat due to poor eyesight.

Dogs – Stray dogs are found all across Russia and can attack if they are defending their territory.

Elk – Elks are incredibly fearful animals, and will attack if they think someone poses a threat. Due to its size, an Elks kick can be fatal.

Snakes – There are a variety of venomous snakes located within Russia and these include the Common European adder, the blunt-nosed viper, the European cat snake and the Japanese striped snake. However, it’s the Northern viper that’s the most deadly.

Spiders – The Karakurt spider is one of the most dangerous spiders in the world, and if bitten you should seek medical attention immediately.

Ticks – Ticks in Russia can carry encephalitis and Lyme disease, which, unfortunately, can lead to swelling of the brain, seizures and the inability to move. If you will be spending any time in the taiga, it is recommended to get the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine.

Wolves – Wolf attacks on people are rare, but it’s often down to two reasons. Either their habitat has disappeared meaning they are moving into neighbourhoods, or their food source is running low during early spring.

Books about Travel in Russia

I have also written my own book about backpacking across Russia from Moscow to Irkutsk. You can buy it on Kindle here .

Russia is an incredible country, with a wide variety of landscapes and architecture. Although it’s often overlooked as a travel destination, it should be on the bucket list of every traveller.

With a range of transport options, cheap accommodation and a variety of different cuisine it’s the perfect destination if you’re a budget traveller.

Backpacking Russia is the best way to see the country, and trust me you won’t be disappointed!

If you have any questions about travelling on a budget in Russia, feel free to leave a comment below or get in touch via the contact form!

Check out my other backpacking guides

Backpacking China

Backpacking Hong Kong

Backpacking Kazakhstan

Backpacking the Silk Road

Backpacking the Baltics

Backpacking the Balkans

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

2 thoughts on “ Backpacking Russia (Ultimate Budget Travel Guide for 2024) ”

And now? how would it be to travel in Russia? The place is vast. Should be much the same as before Putin’s ridiculous invasion. Always wanted to take the trans-sib. Don’t want to wait ten more years (been waiting 30 as it is!). Another idea i had was to do one of the silk routes then tag on the trans mongolian train to at least get that part of the journey to Asia if I cannot travel on the Trans-sib part.

Aside from more stringent checks at customs (especially if you have evidence of visits to Ukraine), travelling across the vast expance of Russia will indeed be much the save as it ever was (an adventure, and not always easy). I would highly recommend doing the trans-sib if you have the chance. I’d also recommend taking one of the slower, local trains rather than the tourist services like the Rossiya if you want an authenitc experience (and a cheaper ticket). The Silk Road is also an incredible experience, but there isn’t just one train and a lot of changes (plus parts will need to be done by bus). Best wishes, Steve

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