student backpack trip

The 9 Best Student Backpacking Programs

Are you seeking a high school student travel abroad program that will never let you down? Even during school holidays, you’ll probably have a bunch of commitments—summer school, part-time jobs, Netflix binges, to name a few—but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the time of your life before the obligations (and college applications) pile on too heavily.

Even the busiest students can find time to participate in 1-2 week high school programs abroad, so clear your calendars and make room for the most fantastic experience of your life. You sweat, crouch, and go through a litany of indignities while keeping a smile on your face the whole while. You’ll never be able to equal the sense of accomplishment you receive after a long day of trekking across challenging terrain.

So, what better way to go across the world than by boat? On a backpacking trip, walking through jungles or deserts will give you a true sense of the location and allow you to develop genuine relationships with the locals. Backpacking may also be a cost-effective method to visit the world since it eliminates some of the luxuries of travel.

When educators get the notion to send their children on a trip, they usually start by contacting a tour operator specializing in student travel. Working with these organizations may make the planning process more fun, whether a short trip to the state capital or an intercontinental excursion.

Many of the teacher’s obligations are reduced when experienced operators manage all of the arrangements, from flights and bus transportation to hotel bookings and other accommodations. These organizations may also provide free travel and other incentives to start clubs for teachers.

Nine best student backpacking programs are

Instead of looking for backpacking excursions for college students on the internet, you can create your own using this app. Stray Travel provides you with all of the information you’ll need to plan your backpacking trip around Southeast Asia. Travelers may use their hop-on-hop-off card to travel on a “travel network” that includes Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar, among other countries. Expert guides are on hand at each stop to provide recommendations for the best local eateries and must-see sights in the area. After a long day of touring, the principals may assist you in securing pay-as-you-go lodging at the end of the day.

Brisbane to Cairns Express East Coast

The first step on your east coast tour begins as you leave Brisbane City and go towards the coast. This is where your journey begins. With your tires, you may make contact with ancient volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and ocean-front National Parks that provide breathtaking views. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a veritable greenhouse of fresh dairy, fruit, and craft breweries, and it is located in southeast Queensland. A brief tour of local producers may provide the ingredients for an elegant picnic, which is best enjoyed while taking in the surroundings.

• Australia’s Ultimate Road Journey

Those who want to dangle their toes in the water of college backpacking experiences but are hesitant to commit to a complete trip may find this program to be a great compromise. Most of this vacation is spent commuting by car, but there are daily climbs and hikes to keep things interesting. Each of the eight nights’ lodging comprises camping, with one campground even being devoid of restroom facilities. What a terrific strategy to get by in the wilderness! This program is a fantastic example of backpacking sites for beginners because of the hiking and camping environment.

Glimpse of Europe

London serves as the starting and ending point for the “Glimpse Of Europe” journey. The “Glimpse Of Europe” trip is a 7-day sightseeing excursion that takes in the wonders of Europe. You will journey via Amsterdam, London, and Giswil, stopping in France, Holland, and three other nations along the way. This is a guided tour for a group of people. The vacation includes hotel accommodations, transportation, food, and other amenities.

Europe’s mesmerizing vistas, rich cultural history, and delectable cuisine are all waiting to be discovered. Traverse through the verdant landscape of the Dutch countryside to the picturesque Rhine Valley, the beaches of Lake Lucerne and Paris dubbed the “City of Lights.” This brief encounter with the attractions of Europe will provide you with just a taste of the variety that makes this continent such a popular tourist destination across the world.

Oyster Worldwide

China is the world’s second-largest country, making it a popular backpacking destination for first-time and seasoned travelers. A twenty-five-day backpacking journey in China is a terrific way to acquire a true sense of the country’s vastness and culture in a short amount of time. Oyster Worldwide provides several backpacking excursions for college students, but this trip is exciting since it contains all the must-see attractions.

Everest with Gokyo, Poonhill & Community Project

Even if you’ve heard of Mt. Everest, do you know what AmaDablam and Gokyo Ri look like? On your Gap Year backpacking journey to Nepal, you’ll have the opportunity to visit all of these magnificent mountain ranges. Gap Year Nepal provides some of the most affordable backpacking excursions for college students accessible anywhere on the planet. While they offer trips ranging in duration from two to twelve weeks, this specific tour is eight weeks in length and costs around $2,000. This cost includes housing and board and different admission fees and transport throughout the nation. On this tour, you will get the opportunity to participate in religious rites at historic temples, meet with local people, and sample local cuisine, giving you a real taste of Nepali culture.

Egypt Explorer – Felucca Cruise & Red Sea

Discover the beauty and mysteries of antiquity on this 15-day adventure across Egypt and Jordan. This journey takes you through Egypt’s temples and history. The Giza Plateau, which encompasses the Giza Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings, is worth a visit. Take a felucca tour on the Nile River to explore the sights. Travel to Jordan to visit Petra’s incredible structures, go on a jeep safari through Wadi Rum’s dunes, and float in the Dead Sea, among other things. Enjoy free time in Cairo and a stay at a Red Sea all-inclusive resort. With all of this and more, there’s no question that our Egypt and Jordan holiday will be full of adventure.

Costa Rica Escape with Tortuguero

Both the starting point and the final point are located in San Jose! Itinerary: The Wildlife tour Costa Rica Escape with Tortuguero is a ten-day vacation package that includes stops in San Jose, Costa Rica, and six other locations in the country. An expert guide, meals, transportation, and various additional activities are all included in Costa Rica Escape with Tortuguero vacation package.

Southeast Asia Gap Year

If you wish to travel across Thailand and Laos but prefer a more structured summer backpacking program, Pacific Discovery’s Southeast Asia Gap Year could be for you. This vacation includes meditating with Buddhist monks in Thailand, volunteering with elephant conservation, hiking, kayaking, biking, rafting, and snorkeling in many national parks. Although this curriculum does not discuss backpacking directly, it does offer a variety of trips and backpacking spots for beginners.

The Ultimate Student Backpacking Guide

• by Michelle Acosta
• November 3, 2023
• 6 minute read

The endeavor of student backpacking, often undertaken by the intrepid scholars of higher education, stands as an enticing odyssey into the realms of travel and exploration. As students navigate the corridors of academia, they encounter not only the pursuit of knowledge but also the yearning for experiential enrichment. In this expedition, the notion of student backpacking emerges as a beacon of adventure, promising an immersive encounter with diverse landscapes, cultures, and personal growth. This article embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the quintessential student backpacking guide, unveiling the intricacies of preparation, packing, safety, and cultural awareness. With guidance akin to an essay helper , we delve into the core facets that compose the ultimate student backpacking experience, offering a roadmap for scholars seeking to venture beyond the confines of their academic habitats.

At the heart of this discourse lies the recognition of travel and exploration as paramount to the holistic development of students. It is a journey that extends far beyond leisure, resonating with the pursuit of knowledge, cultural understanding, and the forging of global connections. As students traverse geographical and cultural boundaries, they embark on an educational quest that transcends the classroom, enriching their lives with experiences that transcend textbooks and lectures. In this exploration, the ultimate student backpacking guide will unfold, comprising three main points: “Preparation and Planning,” offering insight into the art of itinerary creation and budgeting; “ Packing and Gear ,” a compendium of efficient packing strategies and gear essentials; and “Safety and Cultural Awareness,” a reflection on responsible travel and the importance of understanding the cultures one encounters. These points collectively encompass the fundamental pillars of an enriching and enlightening student backpacking odyssey.

Table of Contents

Preparation And Planning

The pivotal foundation of a successful student backpacking expedition lies in meticulous preparation and comprehensive planning. In this first segment of the ultimate student backpacking guide, we delve into the essential components of preparation and planning, facilitating an organized and enriching journey. For students embarking on this exploratory endeavor, several fundamental aspects demand consideration. The process commences with the careful art of budgeting, an endeavor akin to managing academic finances. It necessitates a judicious allocation of resources, ensuring that students remain financially equipped to sustain their expedition while adhering to budgetary constraints. Moreover, the selection of destinations emerges as a critical juncture in the planning process. Here, students can draw inspiration from Ukwritings reviews , gleaning insights into destinations that align with their interests, budgets, and travel aspirations.

The creation of a well-structured itinerary marks another cornerstone of preparation and planning. A thoughtfully crafted itinerary serves as the compass guiding students through their backpacking escapades, highlighting key destinations, activities, and timeframes. It offers an organized framework for the journey, ensuring that students maximize their exploration while accommodating necessary rest and travel intervals. Additionally, recognition of the importance of travel insurance is paramount. It acts as a protective shield against unforeseen contingencies, providing students with the assurance of financial and logistical support in case of emergencies. Alongside insurance, the gathering of necessary documentation represents a non-negotiable facet of preparation. The acquisition of passports, visas, and other identity documents serves as the gateway to international exploration, permitting students access to foreign territories. In this meticulous process of preparation and planning, students fortify themselves with the knowledge and foresight necessary for a successful and enriching backpacking expedition.

Packing And Gear

The art of efficient and strategic packing stands as a hallmark of successful student backpacking expeditions. In this segment, we delve into the intricate considerations and indispensable strategies that underpin the realm of packing and gear. As students prepare to embark on their backpacking journey, one cardinal rule emerges: less is more. The adage of minimalist packing is foundational, as it encourages students to carry only the essentials while leaving behind superfluous items. This approach not only lightens the load but also offers flexibility and mobility, allowing students to adapt to changing circumstances and environments seamlessly. The conscious choice of essential items and clothing is an integral facet of this practice, as it ensures that students remain adequately equipped for varying weather conditions and travel scenarios. Our comprehensive checklist of essential items guides student travelers in discerning the difference between necessity and luxury, optimizing their backpack’s contents for practicality and comfort.

Simultaneously, the selection of suitable backpacks, footwear, and outdoor gear bears immense significance in the realm of student backpacking. The backpack, regarded as the student traveler’s faithful companion, must be chosen with care. It should offer ample storage capacity, ergonomic design, and durability to withstand the rigors of the journey. Similarly, the choice of appropriate footwear is a critical determinant of comfort and safety. Whether trekking through urban landscapes or navigating natural terrains, the selection of suitable footwear ensures that students maintain optimal mobility and comfort. Furthermore, outdoor gear, including essentials like sleeping bags, tents, and cooking equipment, equips students for outdoor adventures and provides self-sufficiency when exploring remote areas. In this extensive exploration of packing and gear, students gain a nuanced understanding of the art of minimalist packing, ensuring that they embark on their backpacking adventures equipped for efficiency and adventure.

Safety And Cultural Awareness

The safety and well-being of student backpackers constitute a paramount concern in the realm of adventurous exploration. As students traverse geographical and cultural boundaries, it is imperative that they undertake a judicious approach to safety and travel precautions. This segment of the ultimate student backpacking guide addresses a range of safety considerations designed to mitigate potential risks and ensure a secure journey. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with the safety landscape of their chosen destination, identifying potential hazards, crime rates, and health risks. Additionally, adhering to basic travel precautions, such as securing travel insurance, registering with local embassies or consulates, and maintaining a digital and physical copy of essential documents, enhances safety measures.

Furthermore, cultural awareness and respect for local customs are central to the ethical and responsible practice of backpacking . Student backpackers must approach their journeys with sensitivity and open-mindedness, recognizing that cultural immersion is a pivotal part of the backpacking experience. The respectful observation of local customs, traditions, and etiquette fosters positive interactions with local communities and nurtures cross-cultural understanding. This enriching engagement contributes to responsible travel, ensuring that student backpackers leave positive footprints in the destinations they visit. Moreover, staying connected and navigating unfamiliar environments is of paramount importance. The ability to communicate with fellow travelers, family, or local authorities in case of emergencies, necessitates access to reliable means of communication. In an era of global connectivity, student backpackers are encouraged to avail themselves of various technological resources, such as international SIM cards, mobile apps for translation and navigation, and access to emergency hotlines. In this comprehensive exploration of safety and cultural awareness, student backpackers gain insights into the practical measures and ethical considerations essential for responsible and secure exploration of the world.

In summary, the ultimate student backpacking guide serves as a comprehensive resource for those embarking on a journey of exploration and discovery. Student backpackers are introduced to the intricacies of preparation and planning, delving into the realms of budgeting, destination selection, and the acquisition of travel insurance and documentation. The art of minimalist packing and gear selection is highlighted, emphasizing the significance of efficient and strategic choices. Furthermore, considerations of safety, cultural awareness, and responsible travel underscore the ethical dimensions of backpacking, enriching cross-cultural understanding and fostering positive interactions with local communities.

The value of travel and exploration for personal growth and global understanding cannot be overstated. Through backpacking, students have the opportunity to transcend the boundaries of their comfort zones, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and acquire life skills that extend beyond the realm of academia. As they venture into the world, student backpackers are encouraged to do so with a spirit of enthusiasm, responsibility, and open-mindedness. The ultimate student backpacking guide stands as a compass, guiding students through the intricate landscapes of adventure, fostering a sense of confidence and a thirst for exploration. It is our hope that this guide empowers the next generation of backpackers to embark on their own transformative journeys with the knowledge and inspiration to make the most of their experiences.

Michelle Acosta

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GoAbroad's 2024 Study Abroad Gear Guide

by Raquel Thoesen January 23, 2024

• Before You Go
• Packing Tips

What sets study abroad packing apart from all the must-have gear out there for backpacking, general travel, and volunteer abroad? While you’ll find tons of useful accessories stuffed into a volunteer abroad packing list , the nature of study abroad calls for its very own assortment of hand-dandy treasures that will make your experience all the more fantastic.

Study abroad is a breed of its own, usually opening up opportunities to live abroad for months to a year at a time. The more diverse the destinations, seasons, and activities, the more Tetris-like and daunting the packing predicament becomes. You’ll never learned known the true meaning of struggle until you try condensing a years’ worth of things to take when studying abroad into 100 pounds. Only then will you be able to look in the mirror and confidently proclaim, “I can do anything.”

Although there’s the occasional weekend excursion roughing it in hostels, most time studying abroad is spent hunkered down in a homebase, where the “studying” portion (supposedly) takes place. Do you pack more functional, portable clothes or fancy stuff that won’t make you stick out like a sore thumb in your new home? Only the wiser, future “you” will ever know. This beloved blend of exploration and education gives way to a special little mix of goodies to help you along your study abroad journey.

[ American Students Studying Abroad—DO NOT Make These Stupid Mistakes ]

If you’re leaving in a few weeks on your study abroad program and still have an empty suitcase while reading this article, don’t panic just yet. Discover tons of things to take when studying abroad, even the ones you never knew you needed!

Where to buy your study abroad gear

Times may be changing, but there are still oodles of brick-and-mortar establishments at which to things to take when studying abroad with a good, old fashion transaction. Trying on a new functional jacket is usually a good idea before jetting off around the world, where you won’t be able to make returns!

Rookie mistakes include packing up your entire room (your grandma may even be packed in there too?)!

Students with a budget and a flexible packing list will find most of their basic needs at large retailers like Walmart and department stores in malls. If you’re heading toward a study abroad destination with the opposite weather of home, you’ll find all the off-season gems waiting on the sale racks. Outdoor travel specialty stores like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Patagonia carry tons of equipment and durable travel clothes for shoppers with a bit more cash to spend. A heavy duty Columbia coat may seem like a hefty investment for a study abroad trip, but the high-end gear will last you a lifetime. 

[To help pay for your new gear: 15 Little-Known Study Abroad Fundraising Ideas ]

Of course, the most convenient place to browse all your options side-by-side, like the best luggage to study abroad, is online (it’s the 21st century, after all)! You can scroll through thousands of choices on Pinterest or dig up countless reviews from real customers on blogs who’ve already taken the latest and greatest equipment on test runs. Once you’ve sniffed out your dream study abroad backpack, buying is as easy as a click Amazon Prime or a stroll into the store.

Stocking up on the best luggage for study abroad (AKA your lifeline)

The age-old mystery: How to relocate abroad in just two check-in suitcases while preparing for all possible scenarios, natural disasters, and social interactions?? The enigma demystified: Get your hands on the right luggage. You may want to pass up grandma’s trusted 30 year-old green floral print suitcases this one time.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

The single most important asset you’ll take on your study abroad trip is a reliable suitcase (or backpack, if you’re ultra-adventurous and obsessed with mobility/convenience). With secret compartments galore, a flexible exterior, and a durable build, we think the Thule Subterra ($350 on Amazon) is one of the best luggage for a semester abroad on the market. Its lightweight frame means you can fit more of your actual stuff without the overweight airline fees. Did we mention this luggage also breaks into two pieces? With a detachable rolling bag and duffle, you won’t have to worry about lugging an extra day pack for weekend excursions. Hello, versatility.

• Equally functional: Eagle Creek No Matter What Flatbed 32 Inch Luggage
• Parents aren’t paying?: American Tourister Luggage Fieldbrook II 4 Piece set  
• For the backpacking type: Osprey Farpoint 55L

Packing Cubes 

Once the luggage situation has been taken care of, the fun has only just begun.

Photo Courtesy of Newchic.com

How on Earth does one squeeze the massive pile of clothes, shoes, and essential electronics into a tiny rectangle? Packing cubes, my friend. At $27, the New Chic 6-piece waterproof packing cubes are not only reusable for the journey back home and beyond, but they also make your belonging super accessible if you need to live out of your suitcase for a time. 

The “secret pouches” are completely opaque to store all your super secret study abroad possessions like that childhood teddy you can’t live without. It might seem like an extraneous purchase, but packing cubes will keep you super-organized, making it one of the best things to bring on study abroad.

• For an ultra lightweight option , try Tortuga Backpack's Outbreaker Backpacking Cubes ($59 for 3-pack), made from similar material to parachutes!  

Photo Courtesy of Cotopaxi.com

Sleek, sexy, and different color options available?

It seems almost too good to be true, but then again, the Boma 13L Daypack from Cotopaxi has all that and more. Its padded shoulder straps and internal laptop sleeve make this a great pack for commuting to class or crazy hikes through the jungle. At just $40, it’s also stands on the affordable end of the quality daypack spectrum. 

Trust us—you'll want to pack a smaller adventure pack to keep you going on all of your day trips and explorations around the city. It's the perfect companion for towing your camera, external battery, a good book in case you find an all-too-adorable cafe, your water bottle, and your other on-the-go necessities.

• Equally stylish: Fjällräven’s Kånken Backpack

Passport and travel document holders aren’t just for dads. 

With those study abroad trips that have you galavanting across countries at a time, you’ve got to have a well-organized place to store different currencies, transportation cards, and your documents. 

Zero Grid Passport Wallet and Passport Holder ($21.72) holds all that and even a phone, comes with a wrist strap, and lets you retrieve the most important things in life like a pro.

• Equally convenient: Hello Wanderer Versatile Travel Wallet

Water Bottle

Don’t sacrifice hydration in the name of convenience. Studying abroad is hard work, and that means your need to keep yourself in tip-top condition to go out and adventure to your fullest. A collapsible water bottle like Hydaway is one of our favorite things to pack for study abroad, as it easily stashes away when empty into a size small enough to fit into a pocket. Colorful, leak-proof, and BPA-free, the Hydaway will carry you through the toughest mountain treks and 3-hour long lectures for $20. 

• Equally hydrating: Try the HydraPak ($23) for a similar collapsible design!

Toiletries Bag

How do you cart around shower essentials through hostels, dorms, and airports? 

Zipper up your shampoos and toothpaste in a BAGSMART Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag ($29) all in one easy to access place. The bag’s ambiguous style suits both ladies and gents, with a hook to hang up in even the grungiest of showers when you’re really roughing it on a side trip.

For more of a feminine touch, the Pattern Toiletry Pouch on mochithings ($48) is also a useful roll-out hanging bag for bottles and tubes, but with a ton of whimsical patterns to choose from. You’ll be the most chic travel expert in the study abroad crew. 

• Equally handy: LL Bean's Large Organizer ($39)

Electronic things to take when studying abroad

Who knows where the wind will take you on your study abroad adventure or after, so it’s better to invest in an adapter that you can use anywhere. The Kikkerland UL03-A Universal Travel Adapter has worldwide compatibility in over 150 for less than $10. With a few adjustments to the prongs, any country is far game. That’s a lot places where you could be charging your phone.

Equally universal: Flight 001’s 4 in 1 Universal Travel Adapter

Portable charger

Let’s be real, who has just one electronic device to charge at any given time?

Photo Courtesy of FeelGift.com

 With our backpacks filled with phones, tablets, laptops, and e-books, there’s a constant need for some battery juice to keep life running smoothly. This $39 Universal Cable Travel Organizer Wool Felt Case built-in 4-Port USB AC Adapter is a jumbled mouthful to say, but it’ll keep up to four devices nicely organized and charging in a good looking felt case. No tangles, no missed messages, just a nice collection of full batteries.

• Equally effective: RAVPower 22000 Portable Charger 22000mAh 3-Port Battery Pack

Bag tracker

Lost or stolen bags are the bane of any study abroad-er’s experience. Even after acquiring the best luggage for study abroad, your well-dressed hopes and dreams or favorite conditioner can proof away within a moment of unattended baggage. A K-berho Mini Anti-lost Tag for $20 will track your apartment keys, purse, backpack, or prized possession while you’re on the road, so that you can avoid any unnecessary heart attacks.

• Equally helpful in a pinch: Tile Mate ($20)

Little things for the road

Photo Courtesy of Magellans.com

Travel blanket

Wrap yourself up in a divinely warm blanket while whizzing off to Italy on a frigid airplane. Sure, it may look like a toga, but when in Rome...This Jersey Travel Blanket isn’t just any only blanket—it’s a life-saving, shroud of comfort for the easily chilled travelers out there. For $25 this foldable blanket comes tucked away in an easily transportable pouch. 

• Equally warm: Flight 001’s Travel Blanket

Photo Courtesy of Hootoo.com

Portable WiFi

Take the power of the internet with you wherever you go with Karma Go WiFi Hotspot ($150). Lab reports, term papers, and research assignments aren’t going to complete themselves, yet your study abroad destination is begging to be explored and enjoyed. That only leaves one choice to pack up academic obligations and take them with you to the corner cafe or city park. Karma has a 6-8 hour battery life, fast connection, and portable size for optimum efficiency! 

For a few more functions on top of portable wifi, the HT-TM05 TripMate Versatile Wireless N Travel Router ($44) can transfer files from a phone to a USB storage device, charges electronics, and streams media via USB. Welcome to the future of convenience.

Photo Courtesy of trtl.com

Travel Pillow

Long-haul flights don’t have to be the most dreaded part of a journey. Start your study abroad experience right with a trip right into dreamland on a Trtl Travel Pillow for $30. True to its name, the pillow wraps around a neck, transforming its owner into a...well, turtle. An internal neck support covered in soft fleece fabric props up the head in a way that beats the traditional bulky U-pillow. For die-hard believers of the U-shape, the Adjustable Inflatable Neck Pillow from Lewis N. Clark ($17) may be a better fit. 

Dress for success as a student abroad

Here are a few absolute closet-staples that you've gotta fit in your suitcase whether you roll, squish, smash—whatever you gotta do. These'll make sure you're ultra-prepared for the adventure head.

Photo Courtesy of UncommonGoods.com

All-Weather Jacket

The right travel jacket is like asking your genie in the bottle for unlimited wishes. This Women's Ultimate Travel Jacket (or men’s ) is $159 on UncommonGoods, and comes packed with 15 drool-worthy travel features that eliminate the need for a few other items on our list of things to take when studying abroad. Boasting pockets galore, a built-in inflatable neck pillow, gloves and an eye mask, there aren’t too many other perks you could of a jacket. With all these game-changing innovations, we couldn’t find a similar jacket to measure up.

Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom.com

Convertible Dress

As if travel packing weren’t hard enough, study abroad packing for women in particular is one of the most daunting challenges any lady will have to face. Camis, bottoms, tops, dresses, 20,342 types of bras, and a mountain of shoes later, you’ve got what seems like a workable amount to pack away. 

Cut down on your outfit compromising with a ELAN Convertible Dress ($48) to wear 8 different ways. You’ll never know when you’ll need a little black dress, but it’s best to have it with you anyway in the form of several other outfits.

• Equally versatile: The Versalette ($118)

Photo Courtesy of Vans

Everyday Shoes

Durable, versatile, and comfortable are the magic words for an everyday shoe you can use for almost every occasion. For a pair that will last through the adventures and endless walking of a study abroad program, we suggest lightweight, reliable slip-on classics such as TOMS or Vans . Prices vary by style and color, but you’ll get the same snug fit with all!

Women’s Sandals

Photo Courtesy of Sanuk

Sometimes a study abroad destination is consistently hot, stick, sandy, or wet and the last thing you would want to do is trap your toes inside a suffocating shoe prison. The Sanuk yoga-sling sandal lets your feet breathe free, while having all-around support that ensures your sandal stays put as you traipse around. Perfect for hot-weather destinations, the Sanuk is $38 and offers a student discount. 

• Equally supportive: Chacos Women’s Classic

Men’s Sandals

Photo Courtesy of Teva

For the gentlemen, we suggest the Teva Universal Classic ($50)—a true classic reminiscent of the strap sandals your dad wore with socks in that 80s beach vacation picture. Sandals with socks may be a style faux-pas these days, but there’s a good reason that sandal design got big in the first place. Adjustable straps, quick-drying soles, and a cushioned footbed make these guys a travel favorite. 

• Equally sole-ful: Chacos Men’s Classic

[ Download Our Pre-Study Abroad Checklist ]

Now go forth and shop for study abroad with a purpose.

Most importantly, pack and open-mind and sense of adventure! Enjoy the moment. :)

Whether you’re an online shopping pro or an in-person purist, you can now run off and collect the must-have things to take when studying abroad. However, before going on a shopping spree, remember to keep in mind your specific study abroad program duration and activities when considering what to take with you. There’s no one-size-fits-all packing list, and many essentially may even be obtainable once you’re abroad!

Once you’ve gathered up your gear, you can begin the most difficult part of the study abroad journey, packing. Read up on some more pro packing tips for study abroad to fully equip yourself for the challenge ahead. 

Keep reading: The Art of Light and Precise Packing: What to Bring When Studying Abroad

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21 Best Backpacks for College Students, Reviewed by Experts

Whether you're stashing homework, a laptop or gym clothes, these top-performing backpacks can do it all.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Of course, you might be thinking — why not use the high-school backpack that you already have and works just fine? Sure, it did the job, but after years of use, the padding is worn down, the pockets are probably stained, the fabric has thinned and there are simply not enough compartments to fit everything you need. That's why it's time to invest in something more durable this back-to-school season.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests and reviews all kinds of back-to-school essentials , including laptop bags , backpacks for kids , lunch boxes and more to find the styles that'll hold everything you need while keeping their shape use after use.

Our top picks:

Best Overall College Backpack

The north face borealis commuter laptop backpack.

Best Value College Backpack

Matein travel laptop backpack.

Best Adaptive College Backpack

Jansport central adaptive backpack.

Best Lightweight College Backpack

L.l.bean stowaway pack.

Most Stylish College Backpack

Calpak kaya laptop backpack.

Most Popular College Backpack

Osprey quasar laptop backpack.

Best College Backpack for Student Athletes

Speedo teamster 2.0 backpack.

Most Innovative College Backpack

Lux and nyx zoe backpack.

Best Traditional College Backpack

Jansport cool student laptop backpack.

Best Large College Backpack

Herschel retreat backpack.

We evaluate backpacks in our Lab and also have real students try them out to rate how comfortable they are to wear. To put together this list, we also surveyed current college students and recent alumni to learn more about the features they look for when backpack shopping and which styles are currently popular.

After reviewing our top recommendations, learn more about how our GH fiber scientists test backpacks and what key features to look for when shopping for the best college backpacks at the bottom of this guide.

We first tested this popular backpack more than 10 years ago — it was a top performer then, and it continues to impress us.

It's super durable, holding up to abrasion, water-resistance and drop tests in our Lab. On top of that, it's comfortable, with lots of padding and straps at both the waist and sternum. Plus, its larger size and separate laptop compartment means it can hold everything you need for a full day of classes. We're also impressed with the thoughtful features, like a fleece-lined zipper pocket for glasses and a front bungee system that can hold a jacket as the weather changes.

Available in 18 colors, it also touts reflective features and a whistle for safety. Our survey respondents say they love how versatile North Face backpacks are, too, wearing them "hiking, traveling, going to classes and teaching."

RELATED: 14 Best Travel Backpacks, Tried & Tested

Most quality backpacks run $100 or more, but this popular style sells for under $45 — and boasts over 70,000 five-star reviews on Amazon , so it's clearly earned its best-seller rating.

Plenty of padding bodes well for this pack not feeling like it's constantly digging into your shoulders, plus it includes plenty of useful features like an anti-theft lock, a padded laptop copartment and a built-in USB port that makes it easy to charge your phone on the go — just note that you'll need to add your own portable battery (our tech experts love the Anker PowerCore charging bank ).

A standard backpack doesn't always work for everyone, especially if you're someone with a disability or mobility challenges that prevent you from carrying something on your back. With JanSport's newest line of adaptive backpacks, students can adjust the packs to fit their needs, thanks to its tangle-proof shoulder straps that can be aligned to fit a variety of mobility devices .

Not only can this backpack hold a 15-inch laptop in the protective padded laptop sleeve, it also features two dedicated pockets for water bottles, easy-grab zippers and a haul handle that easily secures to a headrest. We also love that it's designed to make it easier to access items at the bottom of the bag thanks to its short height.

"I use the backpack to carry a variety of things that are useful throughout my busy day," wrote one reviewer. "It has plenty of room and pockets. It straps easily and securely to my chair, so I can carry on my daily activities hassle-free."

If you're searching for something that's lightweight, look no further than the L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack. It weighs less than a pound and even folds up to fit in a tiny travel pouch, so it's perfect if you need something to store your stuff but don't want to tote a bulky bag around. Still, there's plenty of space to store your school stuff, thanks to a roomy main area, side pockets and a front storage pouch. It's also super versatile since it's great to travel with and easily fits and stores under seats , allowing you to get your money's worth with it.

This Calpak backpack has a chic design without compromising on innovative features. We were impressed with just how much this pick can hold while keeping a slim, easy-to-carry shap e . It has a back laptop compartment to keep your electronics protected, an easy-access front zipper pocket and even a luggage trolley sleeve to place it on top of a carry-on suitcase when traveling. Rated very highly for appearance, one of our testers said, "People stop me on the subway nearly every week to ask me where my backpack is from!"

In a recent survey of college students and recent alumni, our respondents recommended Osprey backpacks more than any other brand. While marketed to men, people of all genders said they love this backpack for having "lots of compartments" and "comfortable cushioned shoulder straps."

Our experts agree, too: In our most recent backpack test, Osprey was a top-performing brand with its backpack acing durability evaluations and getting great feedback for ease of use too. We especially appreciate that it has chest and waist straps to help keep the pack's weight evenly distributed.

Student-athletes often have to head straight from practice to class, so they need a backpack that'll hold everything they need for the day. This pick from Speedo is up to the challenge.

It has a padded laptop sleeve, a separate wet/dry compartment for dirty clothes, a water bottle holder and tons of zippered compartments for excellent organization. It also comes in over 60 different colors and patterns, and even includes a removable foam seat to make sitting on bleachers more comfortable. While we haven't tested this style yet, it has plenty of rave reviews online, including many from college athletes who say they use this bag every day.

This backpack from women- and AAPI-owned brand Lux and Nyx is actually two bags in one: The front compartment easily detaches to be worn as a crossbody, clutch, belt bag, wristlet or shoulder bag .

"It has so many unique or convenient features like a removable clutch and shoe compartment while looking more stylish than you would expect of something so utilitarian," says Grace Wu , a product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab.

Just note that we found it a bit difficult to put a 15-inch laptop in the padded sleeve, so it's best if you have smaller tech to carry around.

JanSport backpacks are a favorite among GH analysts for having great organizational features for students of all ages and earning top marks in our performance tests.

For college students in particular, we love this style featuring a padded laptop sleeve, which is popular for its easy-access front pockets and durable leather base. To prevent shoulder pain, it also features a padded back panel along with comfortable straps .

This Herschel backpack is ideal for college students who want a unique backpack design. It's the perfect mix of casual and professional , thanks to its simple style that comes in nearly 50 colors and patterns, including stripes and camo prints. You're sure to find a look that lets your personality shine on campus!

As for organization, the front exterior pocket is great for stashing easy-to-grab essentials like lip balms or pens and the roomy 19.5L interior is spacious. We also appreciate how easy the material is to clean and the padded interior laptop sleeve. Just note that we've found that after several years of continued use, the front straps can begin to show signs of wear and tear.

Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack

While this top-rated backpack can be packed into its own pocket, the roomy 40L interior can hold everything you'll need for a day of classes with separate internal pockets and side water bottle holders.

Available in 11 colors, thousands of Amazon reviewers agree that the nylon fabric is impressively durable and many appreciate the padded straps, too. One reviewer even says this backpack was "durable, lightweight, highly visible and gorgeous."

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

This neoprene backpack is sporty yet stylish, making it perfect for anyone who needs to carry school supplies and gym clothes. We love Dagne Dover because the brand offers trendy purses, totes and carry-on bags that are both cute and functional.

Available in a variety of sizes and colors, the Dakota backpack has tons of interior and exterior pockets to keep you organized – and even a hidden one on top to stash your phone! In our testing, we noticed that the neoprene fabric did show some pilling with extensive use.

Patagonia Black Hole 25L Travel Pack

Designed specifically to withstand the elements, this backpack from Patagonia is made with nylon with a durable water-repellent finish to keep your belongings safe from rain, snow and sleet. There's a padded laptop sleeve and tablet pocket for easy access to your electronics during class. One tester raved that this bag is the "backpack to end all backpacks" because of just how much it can hold while offering great protection against bad weather.

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack

With over 11,000 five-star reviews this Amazon Basics backpack is a popular pick. With multiple organizational pockets, a large padded sleeve to secure up to a 17-inch laptop , two mesh water bottle pockets and other zippered compartments, this backpack is great when you are looking for something simple that holds it all. Although some reviewers wish it came in colors other than black, they did like the large amount of space it offers for storage and the fact that it holds up for years.

Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack 20L

With a separate zippered compartment for smelly clothes , this backpack from Lululemon is perfect for gym trips after class. There's also a padded pocket for a 15-inch laptop, a 20L interior to hold other classwork and an easy-access side phone pocket. The interior is an organizational dream with labeled compartments, too. It's available in 10 shades from bright pink to camo.

Himawari School Backpack with USB Charging Port

If you want a backpack that'll help you stand out on campus, look no further than this totally unique pick from Himawari. Available in 25 colors and patterns including stripes and neon yellow , this backpack is made from water-resistant canvas and nylon materials. There's a USB charging port (battery not included) for easy charging on the go. With thousands of rave Amazon reviews, users are impressed by just how much this top-loading backpack can fit.

Vera Bradley Cotton Campus Backpack

Vera Bradley 's college backpack comes in 50+ fun patterns from paisley prints to geometric designs. This style is perfect for college students because it has a mesh laptop pouch, a hidden back pocket for valuables and three pen holders. It's made from 100% cotton for a soft feel and cute tufted look, but it's not waterproof. If it gets dirty after classes, no worries — this pick is machine-washable.

Fjallraven Kanken

Swedish brand Fjallraven's simple backpack style called Kanken has been around since 1978, and this version makes the classic even better with an added laptop pocket . We love the classic look and versatile design but note that the straps are on the thinner side and don't have any padding. (The original style is a tad smaller and doesn't have a designated tech area.) When your back needs a break, you can carry this backpack by the handles on top, which also snap together.

L.L.Bean Comfort Carry 30L Laptop Pack

With a huge 30L capacity, this backpack from L.L.Bean can hold your classwork as well as your gym clothes, water bottle and laptop. L.L.Bean backpacks earned a perfect score in our Lab's packing test for their easiness to pack and how much they hold. Made with polyester and nylon, this backpack is designed to hold heavier loads with padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel for extra comfort. We love the thoughtfully designed interior with a place for everything you'll need.

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

This stylish backpack from Everlane is made with 100% recycled polyester that also has a water-repellent finish . There's a zippered laptop compartment that can hold a 15-inch device. Its tons of organizational pockets include an internal and external water bottle compartment, front zippered pockets and internal pouches. Plus, it even has a back strap to fit on top of a carry-on suitcase for easy traveling.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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The Best Backpacks for College and High School Students

By Zoe Vanderweide

Zoe Vanderweide is a writer focused on style and accessories. She has personally tested nearly 300 bags, jeans, bras, shoes, and more.

A great school backpack is a constant companion, carrying all the essentials for a long day of classes, clubs, sports, internships, and more. But it’s not just for toting gear—it’s a wardrobe staple and an opportunity for students to express their personal style. So it’s important to find one that’s versatile, good-looking, comfy, and durable enough to stand up to plenty of wear.

Since our first round of testing in 2015, we’ve tried dozens of backpacks in a variety of styles. The five we recommend are the best we’ve found for high school and college students: an ergonomically pleasing pack , a nostalgic bag with timeless appeal , a versatile yet polished workhorse , a roomy and classic school backpack , and a well-organized pack with streetwear cred .

The research

A sporty pack for all-day comfort: patagonia refugio daypack 26l, a nostalgic school bag: fjällräven kånken laptop, a contemporary and versatile backpack: everlane the renew transit backpack, a campus classic: herschel classic backpack xl, street style, sized up for school: eastpak padded double, why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, other good backpacks, the competition.

Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L

Ergonomic hero.

With its padded mesh straps and back panels, this sporty-looking pack makes carrying heavy loads lighter and comfier. It also has the easiest-to-use water-bottle pockets of any bag we’ve tested, as well as a removable laptop sleeve—but it could use more interior organization.

Buying Options

If you have lots of stuff to haul around—big textbooks, a large water bottle, or bulky gym gear—the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L is a friend in need. The bag’s ergonomic and comfort features keep heavy loads feeling light. Plus, it has a sleek, sporty design and is available in lots of appealing colorways that feel at home on any college or high school campus.

It’s the comfiest, most ergonomic backpack we tested. Of all the bags we wore, the Refugio was the best at distributing weight. Its adjustable, contoured shoulder straps and generously padded back panels are composed of a breathable recycled polyester mesh, making even a fully loaded pack feel light and cool. And a removable sternum strap helps to stabilize the bag on your body, taking pressure off your spine.

It’s packed with thoughtful features. There’s a roomy pocket on the face of the pack that opens via a vertically oriented zipper, allowing easy top-to-bottom access to smaller items, while the large main compartment is ideal for bulkier stuff like clothing and shoes. A separate padded laptop compartment keeps your computer and textbooks contained snugly against your back; tucked inside, you’ll find a removable padded 15-inch laptop sleeve with a zippered mesh pocket for storing chargers and school supplies.

We especially love that the Refugio has two side water bottle pockets, which are constructed of a stretchy mesh material that makes it easy to slide large bottles in and out, even when you’re wearing the pack. Compression straps, located on the sides of the pack above the water bottle pockets, can be used to keep taller bottles extra secure. After a year of use, one Wirecutter staffer who has this pack confirms that the pockets have retained their shape and stretchiness.

It’s tough and water-repellant. The Refugio’s outer body, constructed from abrasion-resistant recycled polyester, repels water and keeps your gear dry thanks to a PFAS -free DWR (durable water repellent) finish. All of its components—from the buckles to the sliders to the zippers—are of high quality and function just as they should.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• This pack doesn’t have much internal organization. While the removable tech caddy has organizational pockets, there aren’t any smaller pockets within the bag’s various compartments.

Dimensions: 19 by 12 by 6.5 inches

Weight: 1.75 pounds

Warranty: The Refugio is backed by what Patagonia calls its Ironclad Guarantee , which promises to repair, replace, or refund any item you’re not happy with, at any point. For normal wear and tear, the company will fix damage and charge you based on the extent of the repair.

Fjällräven Kånken Laptop

Schoolyard style.

This compact, durable backpack is big on nostalgia and aesthetic appeal. But while its straps are lightly padded—a significant upgrade from the original Kånken—it still isn’t ideal for carrying extra-heavy loads.

The Fjällräven Kånken Laptop is a vintage-influenced pack, beloved by many a hip kid. It’s the knapsack that you (or your parents!) might have carried in elementary school, only more sensible and grown-up with the welcome addition of lightly padded straps and a protective laptop compartment.

It has an iconic look, with clever updates. The original Kånken pack was designed for Swedish schoolchildren back in 1977 and continues to draw a devoted following among kids and adults alike. The updated Kånken Laptop retains the youthful, stylish charm of its predecessor—available in the familiar Fjällräven array of colors, from muted grays to splashier shades of orange, blue, and mustard—while adding useful features such as a padded laptop compartment and cushioning on the straps. (The first iteration has just plain webbing.)

It’s ideal for midsize loads. I carried the Kånken Laptop—loaded up with a laptop, a change of clothes, a toiletry bag, a notebook, a water bottle, chargers, and other odds and ends—for a full 12-hour day on my feet, and it was so comfortable that I nearly forgot I was wearing it. But the lightly padded straps aren’t meant for shouldering heavier gear (think multiple large textbooks).

With an 18-liter capacity, this is the smallest backpack we recommend. But thanks to its deep, boxy shape and clamshell opening, it somehow manages to feel bigger on the inside (could this be the Tardis of backpacks?).

It provides easy access to your essentials. The Kånken Laptop’s main compartment is roomy and deep, with one slip pocket for stowing a notebook or textbook. A zipper runs around three sides of the backpack, allowing the pack to open like a suitcase—a feature that one tester appreciated when using the Kånken Laptop as an overnight travel bag.

The laptop compartment fits computers up to 15 inches and has a separate zipper, so you don’t have to dig through the main compartment to grab your laptop. (The Kånken Laptop also comes in versions made for 13- and 17-inch laptops, so you can choose the size that best suits your needs.) A zippered pouch on the front is the perfect spot for smaller items you need to access quickly, such as a wallet, keys, or a phone charger.

Its double top handles come in handy for carrying and hanging the pack. This is the only bag we tested with this extra-versatile feature. One Wirecutter staffer who owns the Kånken Laptop told us that being able to comfortably switch between wearing the bag on her back and carrying it by its top handles makes navigating buses and other crowded spaces much easier. Plus, the handles help the bag stay securely put on the hook of a bathroom stall.

Its material is strong and water resistant and ages uniquely. The Kånken Laptop is constructed from Vinylon F, a durable synthetic fabric that’s water resistant without the use of any chemical coating. I was caught in a downpour with this backpack and am happy to report that its contents remained dry.

One long-term tester says that after five years of regular use, the Kånken Laptop is still sturdy, without any ripping at the seams. Although its material can feel a bit stiff straight out of the box, it softens up after a few months of wear and develops a unique weathered patina over time.

• The Kånken Laptop’s lightly padded straps are comfortable for carrying light to medium loads, but less than ideal for toting multiple textbooks and other heavy gear.
• The pockets lack internal organization features (save for a simple slip pocket in the main compartment).
• The non-elasticized twin bottle pockets (one on either side of the bag) are a bit narrow—a 27-fluid-ounce water bottle fits, but a 1-liter bottle doesn’t.

Dimensions: 15.7 by 11 by 6.3 inches

Weight: 1 pound

Warranty: The Kånken Laptop is covered by a limited lifetime warranty that offers repair or replacement for products purchased from authorized sellers. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Modern and functional.

A sleek design and utilitarian features (such as a luggage pass-through and magnetic top closure) make this sophisticated bag feel pricier than it is. But unlike our other picks, it isn’t backed by a warranty.

Everlane’s The ReNew Transit Backpack is a versatile, feature-packed bag that delivers on both form and function. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an understated pack that easily transitions from campus to the office to the airport and beyond. And its polished appearance belies its sub-$100 price.

It has a clean, wear-anywhere aesthetic. The Transit’s sleek, contemporary aesthetic makes it appropriate for nearly any setting; it functions just as seamlessly as a mature professional bag as a student backpack. The recycled-polyester exterior comes in a pleasing array of muted hues, and you can choose between a labeled or logo-less version (we tested the label-free style).

It’s light and adjustable. Featuring an ultra-lightweight build and padded, subtly contoured straps, this 27-liter pack was comfortable for carrying medium-size loads in our tests. We found it easy to adjust the straps to get the perfect fit.

It has smart internal organization and extra features that make life easier. A spacious front zip pocket affords quick access to on-the-go essentials, so you don’t need to take the bag off every time you flash your ID or swipe a transit card. The bag’s fold-over top has another roomy zip pocket, and is secured with a convenient magnetic closure—a favorite feature among all of our testers, and a plus if you have reduced manual dexterity.

The Transit’s main compartment has two slip pockets for notebooks or folders and an interior water-bottle pocket, while a second, exterior water-bottle pocket on the opposite side offers added versatility. A zipper along the side of the bag opens to a separate, lightly padded laptop pocket that can accommodate computers up to 15 inches.

Notably, this is our only school backpack pick that’s equipped with a luggage pass-through strap, which allows you to attach the bag to the handle of a rolling suitcase when you’re on the go; it’s a handy feature.

It feels sturdy and well-made. Though its materials aren’t quite as hard-wearing as those of our picks from Patagonia and Fjällräven (and it’s not backed by a warranty), we still think the Transit will hold up nicely over time. The bag’s water-resistant exterior is made from a sturdy recycled polyester, and the all-metal hardware feels durable. One tester, who’s been using the Transit regularly for a year and counting, reports that her bag isn’t showing a single sign of wear.

• Accessing the laptop compartment of the ReNew Transit can be a little fiddly: The bottom of the shoulder strap attaches just outside the compartment’s zipper opening and can get in the way of sliding a laptop in and out, so you’ll have to insert and remove your computer at an angle. The side zipper is also oriented in a way that favors right-handed people.
• The Transit’s lightly padded shoulder straps are not as comfortable or effective when the backpack is heavily weighed down.
• This is the only bag we recommend that isn’t backed by a warranty.
• Due to the popularity of this bag, there can be stock and availability issues.

Dimensions: 17.5 by 12 by 7.25 inches

Weight: 1.42 pounds

Warranty: none

Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Traditional with a twist.

Simplicity is what makes this bag cool—and it comes in a plethora of colors and patterns, whether you’re looking to stand out or blend in. You won’t find any fancy laptop protection or organizational features inside this pack, though.

An unfussy, functional bag with retro-inspired styling, the Herschel Classic Backpack XL has earned a dedicated fan base among cool kids of all ages. Plus, it’s spacious enough to take you all the way from a 7 a.m. sports practice to a midnight study session.

It has traditional school bag styling—in a good way. Charmingly simple? Yes. But the Herschel Classic has enough special signature details to keep it from being dull. The basic silhouette gets a dose of personality from its red and white striped lining, corded zipper pulls, and instantly recognizable front pocket branding. It also comes in more than two dozen colors and patterns, from basic blacks and grays to floral prints and camos.

It’s extra-roomy. With a 30-liter capacity, this pack is the most spacious of any of our picks. Inside the large main compartment you’ll find an elasticized laptop sleeve that can accommodate computers up to 15 inches; you could also use it to store notebooks or a textbook. The Classic’s front zip pocket is ideal for carrying smaller items like earbuds , pens , and a wallet , and it includes a clip for securing your keys.

Unlike smaller versions of the Herschel Classic, the XL size is equipped with two side water-bottle pockets that can each comfortably fit a 24-ounce Takeya water bottle .

The straps work well. The Classic’s straps are flexible, nicely padded, and easy to adjust. And one particularly thoughtful feature helps tame whatever webbing remains dangling after you’ve adjusted them: elastic loops for tucking in any excess.

The fabric is sturdy. The Classic’s durable body is made from recycled post-consumer water bottles. And though we wouldn’t want to get caught in torrential rain with our laptop inside, it’s inherently somewhat water resistant.

For $30 more, you can purchase the Classic Backpack XL in a weather-resistant fabric , but we didn’t test that version.

• It’s the simplest bag we recommend, with the least internal organization.
• The laptop sleeve sits inside the main compartment, so it’s not as easy to quickly retrieve your computer from this backpack as it is from our picks with dedicated laptop compartments.
• The laptop sleeve, which is just a plain fabric slip pocket with elastic at the top, offers minimal protection: The bag’s lightly padded back panel is the only thing cushioning your computer.
• While it’s comfy, this backpack could be more ergonomic. Its shoulder straps are straight rather than contoured, and it lacks a sternum strap and a breathable back panel.

Dimensions: 17.5 by 12.5 by 6 inches

Weight: 1.6 pounds

Warranty: The bag is backed by Herschel’s limited lifetime warranty , which covers any bag purchased from an authorized retailer against material and manufacturing defects. It does not cover loss, damage, or general wear and tear.

Eastpak Padded Double

Form and function from a streetwear fave.

As sensible as it is stylish, this durable polyester pack has plenty of cool storage options. But if you carry a big water bottle, this bag’s single, small-ish side pocket might not be practical.

If you’re looking for a cool, casual backpack from a brand with recognizable street-style chops, the Eastpak Padded Double is the answer. It’s a more practical and functional—yet still fab—twist on the brand’s best-known backpack, the Padded Pak’r . The Padded Double retains the same general vibe and swagger as the original, except it has been elongated by about three inches, which confers some advantages: a pair of handy front pockets, a generous 28-liter capacity, and what we consider to be an even more attractive, well-proportioned silhouette.

It offers great organizational extras. The Padded Double has a large main compartment, with an elasticized slip pocket that fits most 13-inch laptops (it can also be used to keep a textbook or notebooks secured close to your back). Two large front zip pockets offer added versatility for wrangling smaller items that you need to access quickly.

A discreet third pocket at the top of the bag unzips to reveal one of our favorite design elements, a phone (or sunglasses) pouch with a delightful, minky-soft lining. A hidden stash pocket on the back panel is great for securely storing important items such as passports and credit cards, especially if you plan to use the bag when traveling.

The bag has only one smallish water bottle pocket, on the left side—so it’s harder to balance out the pack’s weight on the right, and it’s not ideal if you carry a wide bottle.

Its straps are a pleasure to wear. We were impressed with the Padded Double’s gently contoured, cushioned shoulder straps. Unlike the stiff, scratchy straps on other models we tested from Eastpak and JanSport , the Padded Double’s soft, subtly curved straps were well-constructed and comfy.

It feels substantial, but not overly stiff. The Padded Double’s polyester fabric is sturdier than the thin nylon exterior of Eastpak’s Padded Pak’r and Padded Zippl’r models, and less stiff than the material of our Herschel pick . Polyester is also inherently water resistant, offering some protection for your gear in inclement weather, even without a water-repellent surface coating.

All the details on this pack feel high quality. The zippers are outfitted with long pulls that make opening and closing the various pockets and compartments a breeze, and the bottom of the bag is padded and reinforced.

• The Padded Double’s laptop pocket is located in the main compartment (not in a separate compartment), making computer retrieval a bit more cumbersome than if it were on its own.
• It has only one small-ish water-bottle pocket, located on the left side (it fits a 24-ounce Takeya water bottle, but only just)—so it’s harder to distribute weight evenly.
• Due to the popularity of this bag, it’s frequently out of stock.

Dimensions: 18.5 by 11.2 by 8.3 inches

Weight: 1.18 pounds

Warranty: The Padded Double is backed by Eastpak’s 30-year warranty , which covers damage to zip pulls, sliders, seams, and some fabrics. Discoloration and damage to the buckles, zipper tape, and inside coatings are covered during the first two years of the warranty period. The warranty does not extend to holes, cuts, tears, or self-repairs.

We’ve been reviewing backpacks at Wirecutter since 2015, scrutinizing hundreds of them online and evaluating scores in person across a range of styles and situations. We also consulted with Sarah Lloyd, a physical therapist and director of clinical education at Spear Physical Therapy , for expert advice on how to choose a comfortable backpack and wear it ergonomically .

To choose the best backpacks for high school and college students, we focused on the following criteria:

• Comfort and ergonomics: Features such as contoured, easy-to-adjust shoulder straps, breathable padding on straps and back panels, and adjustable-height sternum straps (a horizontal strap that goes across the wearer’s chest) can all encourage correct ergonomic wear and enhance a bag’s comfort.
• Organizational features: At minimum, a bag should have an easily accessible front pocket in addition to its main compartment, as well as a place to stash a water bottle. A secure laptop compartment or pocket is also essential, both for protecting a computer and for holding its weight close to your body.
• Durability: A good school backpack should be durable enough to survive the wear and tear of at least four years of education, as well as weekend getaways and trips back home. To assess durability, we looked for sturdy, weather-resistant materials and quality construction, as well as generous warranties.
• Price: We focused on options that cost $150 or less. We considered some cheaper bags (around $30) but found that their quality and craftsmanship were lacking; in our experience, it’s worth it to spend a bit more for something that a student will carry every day and likely use longer.
• Aesthetics: The backpacks we considered vary in style from rectangular campus mainstays to sporty daypacks to bags polished enough for office internships. All of our picks are good-looking backpacks that our testers felt confident wearing.

Bags that measured up to our initial criteria underwent real-world testing. After loading them up with laptops , water bottles , running shoes , textbooks, groceries, gym clothes, and toiletries, we wore the backpacks in a Seussian variety of situations (on a train! on a bike! in the rain! on a hike!), assessing each model for its comfort and ease of use.

We also asked a panel of testers, representing a diverse range of heights and body sizes, to examine the finalists, and they looked more closely at each bag’s fit, style, and organizational features, as well as its materials and construction.

If you can spend a bit more on a backpack that’ll last long past school: The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe is pricier than our other picks, at around $160—but it will last a long time, and it’s backed by Timbuk2’s lifetime warranty . The bag’s clean, utilitarian vibe can easily transition to life after college, its durable polyester exterior and waterproof reinforced bottom are extra tough, and its dedicated 17-inch laptop compartment is well-padded. It’s also seriously organized: Equipped with numerous pockets and a well-designed internal organizer, the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop is especially handy for wrangling supplies, cords, chargers, and other tech. It’s comfortable, too—like our Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L pick, it has cool-wearing padded shoulder straps and back panels, as well as a removable sternum strap for added stability.

If you’d like a pack that fits all your gym gear: The San Francisco–based brand Aer makes excellent gym-ready backpacks that we recommend in our guide to laptop backpacks . We especially like the 19-liter Aer Fit Pack 3 and the 21-liter Aer Duffel Pack 3 for their combination of comfort, quality materials, and cool, vaguely futuristic design. At around $150 and $180, respectively, these Aer packs are more expensive than other bags we recommend for college and high school students, but if you can swing it, these backpacks are built to last and backed by Aer’s lifetime warranty . Both bags feature an ultra-durable Cordura ballistic-nylon exterior, YKK zippers, Duraflex plastic hardware, and an interior liner treated with an antimicrobial coating to ward off icky bacterial growth from sweaty gear. Other features include a ventilated shoe compartment, a luggage pass-through, padded mesh shoulder straps and a padded back panel, and a sternum strap.

The bargain-priced Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack has good reviews, but we found it alarmingly ugly, and it was out of stock at the time of our testing.

The straps on the Eastpak Padded Zippl’r , JanSport Main Campus , and JanSport SuperBreak Plus were awkwardly stiff, and their material felt thin and scratchy in comparison with that of our picks.

The Hakuba from Lo & Sons is an extra large gym-ready bag, but it doesn’t have a padded mesh back panel, so it feels hot to wear. The 35-liter capacity also makes it easy to overload, and it doesn’t have a sternum strap. Plus, it’s much more expensive than our picks.

The small, stylish Rains Backpack Mini isn’t functional enough to recommend as a school bag—it’s better suited as a fashion backpack or purse alternative. The unpadded straps are difficult to adjust, and it doesn’t fit much or offer internal organization.

The Topo Rover Pack has a cute campground aesthetic, and it’s well-made and comfortable. But its tall and narrow shape restricts the amount of stuff you can pack, and we found the double-buckle closure annoying.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.

Sarah Lloyd, PT, DPT, SCS, director of clinical education at Spear Physical Therapy , phone interview , July 14, 2022

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Zoe Vanderweide is a senior staff writer reporting on style and accessories at Wirecutter. She has been wearing things for over three decades, and she has spent years covering streetwear, luxury, art, and design. Off the clock, you can find her painting the town rainbow with her (devastatingly stylish) daughter.

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9 Tips for Choosing a Travel Backpack for Students & Studying Abroad

Spending a semester abroad? We’re super excited for you. Studying abroad can be the ultimate experience for any student. Everything is new and exciting. You get to learn a completely different way of life, explore interesting places and eat delicious food! It will change your life forever.

While you’re away on the greatest adventure of your academic life, be sure to take the right gear for all the opportunities that will invariably come your way. In this article, we have put together a list of things you must consider while buying a travel backpack for your life abroad .

Your travel backpack must (Unfortunately!) conform to airline regulations

As a student, you may always have to travel on a tight budget, especially when traveling overseas. Carrying a backpack conforming to airline regulations means no baggage fees no matter where you go.

Ideally, your travel backpack should be a carry-on to avoid checked baggage fees. Airline regulations regarding carry-on bag size may vary but the most common dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

EasyJet, a popular budget airline in Europe charges up to 50 pounds per checked bag .

In addition, keep in mind that the weight of your backpack matters too! Most airlines have a carry-on bag weight restriction between 15 lbs. and 22lbs. If you carry more than that, you will either be asked to remove some items from your bag or check it in.

If you want to comply with airline restrictions and carry all the essentials you need at the same time, buy a bag that is less than 2 kgs. If your bag is heavier than that, you may have to leave any essentials behind.

Front-loading backpacks are awesome

If you think it doesn’t matter how your backpack opens, you’ve clearly not used one that opens from the front. Packing and unpacking can be a real headache with backpacks that load from the top.

In contrast, front-loading backpacks are super convenient and easy to use. You can simply lay them down and open them like a suitcase. They are easy to pack and unpack and allow you to place your things neatly in layers.

The best thing is that you don’t have to dig through the entire bag to reach items at the bottom. Yay, right?

Get a lockable backpack

Safety is paramount when you’re out globetrotting especially if you’re a student traveling on a limited budget. You will often find yourself using crowded public transportation where the risk of theft is high.

Select a backpack with lockable zippers for increased safety. While it doesn’t guarantee that your things will be secure, it dramatically decreases the chances of someone finding their way into your bag and lifting your valuables.

A pickpocket or thief will have to spend more time trying to open your backpack, therefore, increasing their risk of getting caught. This will make them think twice about stealing from you. They would rather leave you alone and not take the risk of being noticed.

External frame backpack or internal frame backpack

If you haven’t traveled much, you probably don’t know what the difference between an internal and external frame backpack is.

Internal frame backpacks are travel backpacks that have one spacious internal compartment and a couple of zippered external compartments. In contrast, external frame backpacks are backpacks with one standard-size internal compartment and several small external compartments.

Are you wondering if it makes a difference whether your backpack is an internal frame or external frame? Yes, it does! External frame backpacks are designed to carry more weight and allow for better organization of your things, whereas internal frame backpacks are more stable and easier on your back.

This decision depends entirely on what you want. Do you want to carry more things on your trip or protect your back?

Backpack material matters!

The ideal travel backpack for a student should be made of top-quality materials that are lightweight, water-resistant and rip-resistant.

The material must dry fast in case you’re caught in heavy rain, as nobody wants to lug around a doggy backpack. 

It should also come with a padded waist and chest strap (to keep the weight off your shoulders and lower back) a carry strap to convert the bag into a shoulder bag.

Many backpack companies also provide an additional rain cover to protect your bag in extremely wet weather.

A backpack with a safety whistle is useful

When you’re traveling alone, you may find yourself navigating empty streets or unsafe areas. If this were to happen to you, having a backpack with a safety whistle could be a lifesaver! Emergency whistles help you scare away potential attackers and signal others for help.

Built-in whistles are a great feature for travel and hiking backpacks. If you don’t have one attached to your backpack, be sure to carry one in case of an emergency.

Get a backpack with a laptop sleeve

Students often have to carry around their laptop for college work and other assignments. If you’re a student who uses a laptop regularly, you may want to take it with you even when you’re traveling.

For this reason, you should get a backpack that comes with a detachable laptop sleeve. A laptop sleeve is a pouch that safeguards your laptop from dust, dirt and small blows. A detachable laptop sleeve will also give you easy access to your laptop at airports.

If your backpack comes with such a sleeve, you also can eliminate the extra laptop bag from the list of things you have to carry.

Backpack with a water bottle pocket

Many travelers hesitate to drink water during their travels for fear of not finding a toilet when they really need one. Although this is a legitimate fear, dehydration can cause more problems than you can imagine.

Even small levels of dehydration can cause fatigue and headaches. Keep yourself hydrated no matter what. Therefore, you should get a travel backpack with an external water bottle pocket.

In many countries, bottled water is pricey. To avoid spending money on overpriced bottled water, take your own reusable water bottle and fill it at your hostel or Airbnb. You will be spending less and contributing to environment protection at the same time.

Remember to try it before you buy it

We understand that the anticipation of living abroad can make you forget many important things. But don’t forget to try your bag before you spend money buying it. There is no point in going for a backpack that is not comfortable.

An uncomfortable backpack can make your trip a nightmare. So, try on your bag in the store before buying. Fill the bag with as many things as you can and walk around the store with it for a few minutes to see how you feel.

If you’re shopping online, order well before your trip so that you can return it if it is not the right one for you.

Your travel backpack is an important companion on any journey . Be sure to find one that meets airline regulations , is comfortable , and has features that make your travels more enjoyable . Look for a backpack with safety features , a laptop sleeve , and a water bottle pocket . Try your bag on in the store , or order well in advance to ensure you get the right one .

If you’re a traveling student, you know how important it is to have your things within arm’s reach. The days of carrying around multiple bags and cases are over. Invest in a high-quality traveling student backpack to make your life easier, so you can focus more on the experiences and less on the travel.

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Top Tips for Student Backpackers

Guest post from  Claire Williams, a former "student backpacker" who has travelled Europe and parts of the US on a budget on various backpacking trips by train, bus and air. Top Tips for Student Backpackers

We all deserve a break from months of studying for exams and how better to spend your well-earned vacation time than picking up a backpack and setting off on an adventure? A budget backpacking trip can end up being the best experience of your life and there is no better time to do it than now. With all the freedom and independence that backpacking brings, it's also important to make sure that you stay safe and are well prepared.

Here are a few top tips to help you plan your trip.

Safety First:  Make sure you are covered by travel insurance! Many companies, such as StaTravel.com, offer cheap insurance deals specifically for students that start from just a few dollars a day. Be aware of your surroundings especially at night! Try to arrive in a new place in the daytime especially if you are traveling alone and it's a good idea to arrange at least one nights accommodation beforehand. You can pick up maps and leaflets at tourist information points and ask for the best way to get to your destination.

It sounds obvious but keep an eye on your stuff! So many travelers make the mistake of letting their guard down, leaving their belonging unattended or flashing around their expensive cameras and other valuables. Lock up your luggage and important documents when you can and it's also a good idea to wear a money belt to avoid carrying all your cash in your wallet. Be respectful of the locals and their culture. You are a guest in their country so try to behave and dress in an appropriate manner. It's never a bad idea to learn a few key phrases in the local lingo.You'll often find people are more open to you if you are making an effort to communicate in their language.

Planning:  Good planning is essential, not only where to go but when to go. Do your research! Companies like Rough Guide or Lonely Planet have many guidebooks available but make sure you have an up-to-date copy. If you don't have enough money to buy a guidebook, there are many resources available online for free that can give you tips on how to plan your route, where to go and what to watch out for. Consider getting an international student card which will open up lots of discounts especially for you.  

Budgeting:  Doing some research into local prices before going will give you a realistic idea of how much money you need to take with you. Calculating your expenses by day based on accommodation, transport and food can really help you plan your finances. Consider alternative free activities rather than sticking to the typical mainstream tourist sights. You can find many budget companies offering discounted flights and transport. In Europe for example, you could buy an Interail train pass or consider using international bus companies such as Eurolines to save even more money.  Before leaving for your destination always shop around for the best deals.

Choosing the right accommodation is another way you can make big savings. There are many ways to cut down on daily sleeping costs. Consider renting a room in an apartment where you can prepare your own food for the day or stay in a hostel that provides free breakfast. There are lots of options available for backpackers these days such as 'Couchsurfing'. Other social travel companies such as Wimdu.com make it easier and cheaper to stay in private rooms or apartments where you have more security and independence. Booking things like transport or accommodation in advance could save you a lot of money too.

Packing:  Being efficient with what you pack is key to being comfortable on the road. Remember that whatever you take with you, you will be carrying around in your backback, so be ruthless and leave non-essential items at home! Some essential items include a towel, a pair of light-weight comfy shoes, flipflops, some first-aid items, a day bag and a universal power adapter. Social games such as a pack of cards will also help you make friends along the way. Pack light, you can always buy something on the way if you really need it! 

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Students Fare Blog

Backpacking Guide for Students

• Shobhangi Rudra
• July 31, 2023

Welcome to the backpacking guide for students, where you’ll go on a thrilling journey through the ins and outs of this exhilarating outdoor pursuit. From the serene trails of national parks to the off-the-beaten-path destinations that await the intrepid soul, Students Fare is here to equip you with the knowledge, tips, and inspiration you need to embark on an unforgettable backpacking expedition. So, pack your sense of adventure and get ready to embrace the excitement that awaits as we delve into the world of backpacking for student explorers!

What Is Hiking vs Backpacking?

Hiking typically refers to shorter, day-long excursions on well-marked trails in parks, nature reserves, or local areas, ranging from a few miles to several hours of walking. Hikers usually do not camp overnight in the wilderness and do not need to carry extensive camping gear, often returning to a base camp or their starting point by the end of the day.

On the other hand, backpacking entails multi-day trips, lasting from a few days to several weeks, during which adventurers venture into the backcountry and cover longer distances. Backpackers carry all their necessary camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and food, allowing them to spend nights in the wilderness away from established campgrounds. This self-sufficiency is crucial, as backpackers may not have access to amenities like restrooms or water sources along the way.

How Do You Choose A Backpacking Destination?

When planning a hiking trip, it’s crucial to consider several factors that can significantly impact the experience. The three main considerations are distance, incline, and landscape. Finding the right balance is essential when selecting a hiking trail. While too difficult a trek can lead to discomfort and frustration, choosing a path that’s too easy might not provide the level of adventure and satisfaction beginners seek.

For novice hikers, it’s best to start with shorter distances to allow them to acclimate to walking on uneven terrain and carrying a backpack. Opting for hiking trails that cover moderate distances, such as a few miles, is recommended, as it enables beginners to gradually build their stamina and confidence.

The elevation gain, or incline, of a trail, is another critical aspect to take into account. Steeper ascents can be quite challenging for beginners and may lead to fatigue or even injuries. Choosing trails with a gradual incline or minimal elevation gain allows beginners to focus on enjoying the surrounding nature without feeling overly strained.

Safety is paramount, especially for beginners. Opting for well-frequented trails and established campsites ensures that help is nearby if needed. Having other trekkers and backcountry campers in proximity can provide valuable assistance in case of emergencies or unforeseen challenges.

How Do You Choose Backpacking Supplies?

By borrowing or renting the most expensive items—your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad—you may minimize your initial cost. Boots and, to a lesser extent, packs need to be your very own personal equipment because they need to fit you well. Backpacking equipment needs to be lightweight and small since you have to carry it all and fit it into your pack. Here are a few necessities to carry with you for your first backpacking trip:

• TENT: Sharing a two-person tent is lighter and more cost-effective than two one-person tents. Opt for a four-season tent to be prepared for any weather.
• BACKPACK: Test the bag with around 30 pounds for a short walk to ensure comfort and support in the shoulders and hips. Avoid the lightest model, as it might be less comfortable and less padded.
• STOVE: For beginners, a single-burner camp stove weighing under a pound is sufficient. Gas canister stoves are often recommended for their simplicity and affordability.
• SLEEPING BAG : If you choose to purchase a bag, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of down fill vs synthetic fill. Synthetic is a wonderful option for your first bag because it is adaptable and typically less expensive than down.
• WATER TREATMENT: This is the most crucial item you should pack. You can get a filter, but chemical treatment—water-purifying tablets or drops you add to a bottle—is a quick, lightweight alternative for your first trip.

How Do You Make A Backpacking Meal Plan?

When planning for a full-day hiking trip, make sure to prepare meals for dinner, breakfast, and a few lunches. Although freeze-dried food for backpacking is convenient, it can be costly. To save money, consider shopping at a regular grocery store. Keep in mind that perishable foods like fresh eggs won’t be suitable without a cooler. Skip canned foods due to their weight, and be mindful of portion sizes to avoid carrying unnecessary weight and bulk. Additionally, pack enough food to cover a few additional days in the wilderness.

For dinner, consider options like instant noodles, dehydrated vegetables, or instant rice. Breakfast can be simple with instant oatmeal packets, granola or energy bars, and single-serving packets of nut butter. For lunches, opt for tortillas or pita bread with single-serve peanut butter and jelly packets, hard cheeses with crackers, or ready-to-eat tuna or chicken salad pouches. Don’t forget additional snacks such as trail mix, jerky, dehydrated fruit, and instant soup packets for warm breaks.

How Do You Prepare for A Backpacking Trip?

To prepare for a backpacking trip, even if you aren’t training for a marathon, it’s essential to build physical stamina. Engage in plenty of day walks and make sure you can navigate trails with similar duration and ascent as your intended route. Prior to the trip, complete a few hikes while carrying your backpack to get accustomed to the load. Also familiarize yourself with your equipment beforehand by setting up your tent, using your stove, and purifying water.

Acquiring fundamental knowledge of first aid and map-and-compass navigation is highly beneficial. These skills will serve you well not only for this trip but for any future backpacking excursions you might embark on. Being well-prepared physically and mentally will enhance your backpacking experience and ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey.

Students Fare Will Book Your Backpacking Trip!

Backpacking offers students a thrilling adventure and a chance for personal growth. Practicing with day walks and practice hikes builds stamina and confidence on the trails. Learning to use equipment and mastering first aid and navigation enhances safety. With this guide, you’ve already stepped into the wild and the trail will lead you to lasting memories. Students Fare can take you even further with amazing rates on flights and transportation – contact an agent today!

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Backpacking in Europe

A student’s guide on backpacking europe.

Backpacking through Europe is a classic move for the student traveller, a tried-and-true adventure for the young and old alike and a sure-fire way to experience some profound moment of self-discovery. At StudentUniverse, we try to keep this tradition alive by negotiating insanely cheap air tickets exclusively for students .

Whether you’re taking a gap year or simply on summer holiday , now is the time to make the leap. Attend the Grand Opera in Vienna, go shopping at the Galeries Lafayette in Paris, wander among the ruins of Pompeii and learn to tango in Madrid. Starting your backpacking trip is the toughest part, but trust us when we say that unforgettable adventures are just ahead.

Get started on your cross-continent journey today with our discounted student flights to cities all around Europe . We’ll even help you score great deals on hotels and hostels , and connect you with top-notch tours that will help you get the most out of every destination.

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Backpacking Europe Step-by-Step Guide

Pick your route (but don’t marry it).

The fun part! Just kidding, it’s all fun. Before you start making a food budget or looking up InterRail passes, you need to have a couple destinations in mind. That being said, a good backpacking trip is a balance between preparation and flexibility, and this list can change. Maybe you miss a train, or make new friends who convince you to skip Vienna and join them in Amsterdam. Use your itinerary as a tool to prepare, not as a rule book.

Know when to book

Though the early bird sometimes gets the worm, booking eight to ten weeks before your ideal departure opens you up to the seats airlines are looking to give away. Prices in late May and early September tend to be slighter lower than those during peak travel season; however, you should still check with your destination, as national holidays or annual festivals might catch you off guard and drive up the airfare.

Get the right bag

Think twice about that old hiking backpack — unless you’re doing a lot of camping, these top-loading, multi strap packs can cause all sorts of trouble when backpacking through Europe. What you want is a travel backpack, something streamline with a waterproof zipper running all the way around, so it opens easily like a suitcase. When you get your pack, fill it up and walk around for a couple days to make sure the shoulder and hip straps are comfortable.

Pack wisely

Sit down and truly think about the products you use every day. This list of travel essentials will change depending on your route and the time of year, but should definitely exclude anything with sentimental value. Only bring items you could live with losing.

Figure out where you’re sleeping

There are so many ways to find affordable accommodation whilst backpacking Europe. Of course camping and couchsurfing are the most frugal options, but youth hostels are the real MVP of any backpacking trip. Check out the Generator Hostels for a more upscale experience.

Gather your maps and guidebooks

Whilst backpacking abroad, keep important phone numbers and addresses on hand in case of emergency. Those guidebooks also make for good reading when your phone dies in the middle of a long bus ride.

Get Insurance

If your family is insured with their bank or major providers like Avaia, they can cover you and your possessions (laptops, cameras, phones, etc). Otherwise, you can visit your local post office for the free European Health Insurance Card.

Backpacking Europe Costs: How to Budget your Trip

Budgeting begins with figuring out where to backpack. Cities where the cost of living is low, but the local tourism is healthy enough to have competitive rates for accommodation are the best places to backpack. Think Krakow or Budapest.

Making a budget is easy; sticking to it is the hard part. Stop romanticizing high-price activities and get psyched about the scrappy side of backpacking! Go grocery shopping and cook dinner in the hostel kitchen (leftovers will become a sculpture-garden picnic lunch the next day). Skip the cabs, take the metro. Find out when the museums offer free or discounted admission. Do whatever the local students do, and keep it cheap!

If you’re really strapped for cash, consider getting a job. As we explain in our Visa Guide, UK citizens can work anywhere in the European Economic Area (EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) without a special visa. If you keep your short-term plans pretty flexible, this might be the answer to your budgeting woes. Whilst backpacking through Europe, you’ll also want to keep in touch with StudentUniverse to book cheap one way flights and find out about exclusive promotions .

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5 Best Backpacks for Study Abroad

• Post author By jhelline
• Post date September 23, 2020

Home » Gift Type » Essential Gear » 5 Best Backpacks for Study Abroad

As you prepare for your grand adventure overseas, you need to have your eye on your back — literally! Shopping amongst the best study abroad backpacks might feel overwhelming now, but being thoughtful while perusing your options will serve you well as you globetrot. Keep reading and get outfitted for studying abroad soon!

What to look for in study abroad backpacks

You’ve seen travellers at the airport or train stations with their oh-so-convenient and cool looking travel backpacks and now it’s time for you to get your first! But how do you know what makes a good study abroad backpack ? There are some common factors you can look for that the best backpacks for study abroad will have, regardless if you want a minimalist travel backpack or one with greater storage capacity. 

First and foremost is comfort! Padded straps and hip belts to bear weight and that won’t dig into your skin are very important when you could be wearing it for hours on end. Plus, since everybody’s body is different, no pack will feel the same on two people. It’s important to test out your backpack at a local store even if you will eventually buy it online. 

Additional factors include …

• Lightweight design so you aren’t lugging around extra pounds you don’t need 
• Compression straps so you can adjust the size of your backpack depending on the size of your load (great for carry on versus checked baggage versatility) and protect your stuff so it all fits snug. 
• An easy to access top, side, or front zip panel to store things you might need in a jiffy
• Closures with zippers so they can be locked (you never know where you might need to store your bag…and knowing everything is locked up will give you peace of mind.)
• Quality material that won’t easily tear/wear, is water resistant, and will last for multiple adventures. 
• Top or front loading that makes packing for study abroad , and fitting everything you need, a breeze 

Below we’ve listed some of our top choices for study abroad backpacks that include all of these necessary factors! 

The best backpacks for study abroad

1. deuter air contact lite (unisex).

First on our list of best backpacks for study abroad is the Lite model of the Aircontact trekking pack from Deuter. As you might guess, it is known for its lightweight and breathable design, that’s perfect for long hikes. If your study abroad plans include ample time in the great outdoors, this may be the backpack for you. Plus it has space for an extra 10L for longer excursions and a bottom zipper compartment to carry your muddy shoes.

2. Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Backpack

Lady travelers, do not miss out on this large-sized yet comfortable and easy to transport backpack! If your study abroad trip includes more long-term stays with some travel in between, this is a great bag for your needs. Front loading (duffel style) makes packing and unpacking convenient and easy. A detachable daypack lets you carry the essentials you need for the day while your bag is stored in your dorm or hostel. AND the back straps can be tucked and zipped away for easy airport travel. 

3. Kelty 60+ Liter Backpack (Unisex)

If you’re going to be gone for a long time and are in need of heavy packing for study abroad , this Kelty Liter model ranges in size from 60L to 105L! (That is some serious storage volume.) This pack has pockets galore – on the sides, front, bottom, and even in the hip belt – and uses Fit Pro technology with easy adjustments for your body’s needs. Reviews scream comfort which is a big plus, and the top lid (on the smaller models) can convert into a sling pack! 

4. Osprey Porter 30L Minimalist Travel Backpack (Unisex)

If you can get away with a minimalist travel backpack , like this 30L from Osprey, please do! You and your back will be happy to not have the extra weight on your shoulders, and your feet will be happy when you don’t have to wait for your checked baggage on the conveyor belt. Carry on size, zips open like a suitcase, and can stow away straps – it’s more like a mix between a traditional backpack and duffel, with added straps and hip belts to support the weight. 

5. North Face Cobra 60 (Men’s)

Calling our study abroad mountain men! A study abroad backpack for the true adventurer, this North Face model is prepared for anything. It has a lightweight design and loads of loops and carry points for tools and necessities. You can keep it compressed for a close carry while climbing or expand the straps to carry extra pieces. 

Get packing for study abroad!

We hope you found your perfect match in our list of best backpacks for study abroad . Make sure to check out our list of 10 things to buy before studying abroad, too! You´ll be completely set with your bag and your essentials 🙂 

To recap, here’s our list of awesome backpacks for study abroad:

• Deuter Air Contact Lite (Unisex)
• Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Backpack
• Kelty 60+ Liter Backpack (Unisex)
• Osprey Porter 30L Minimalist Travel Backpack (Unisex)
• North Face Cobra 60 (Men’s)

» Shop for more study abroad gear

10 Things to Include in a Travel Survival Kit Gift

Best Backpacks 2023: Bags for laptops, students, travel & more

Get the best backpack for your needs.

The best backpacks are used for all kinds of reasons, whether it's to travel to work, school, or even vacation. There are so many types and kinds of backpacks, many of which are appropriate for different use cases. But one of the best and most versatile is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2, which, as the name implies, is designed to handle everyday use. It can hold a laptop and other essentials, both large and small, thanks to adjustable dividers. Plus, it's water-resistant, expandable, and designed with plenty of features to reduce theft.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

As the name implies, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 is a versatile backpack made for everyday use, and it's designed such that it would look as great on a college campus as it would while you walk about a trade show. The internal dividers are adjustable so you can move them around as needed, whether you're carrying a laptop, camera gear, or clothing for an overnight trip.

It can accommodate a laptop up to 15 inches in size in the protected laptop sleeve. A MagLatch at the top keeps your stuff protected inside, both from falling out and from unauthorized access. Inside is 8 liters of storage space, but you can carry more if needed using the hidden straps on the exterior. Inside are tons of hidden compartments and expandable pockets for storing even more. Note, however, that the side openings aren't super wide, so you might not easily be able to fit a wide water bottle.

The 100% recycled nylon canvas shell is weatherproof, so you don't need to worry about a little rain or snow. There's both a 20-liter or this 30-liter option, depending on how much you want to carry. The attractive style and color options make this bag a great one, regardless of what you want to do with it.

Herschel Heritage Backpack

With the Herschel Heritage Backpack, you get a really cool, modern, and elegant design with high-quality material that will meet your basic needs. It's more stylish than what you might get with a basic backpack from a brand like Jansport, and it isn't that much more expensive.

In addition to the full-sized, classic 21.5-liter version, it also comes in smaller 7-liter and 14.5-liter versions, all made from polyester material that can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. It's also fully lined inside, and the interior sleeve can hold an up to 15-inch laptop.

The larger bag has a dedicated laptop sleeve along with a zippered pocket on the front, a key clip, and a headphone port inside the internal media pocket. It won't accommodate everything you might need, but it's enough to do the trick for daily outings. It comes in a number of patterns, solid colors, and designs to suit every personal style.

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack

Available in a variety of colors that will appeal to younger kids, this lightweight school backpack, which Jansport calls a "book bag," is a simple backpack that doesn't have any frills but will do the intended job. It comes with a main compartment with lots of interior storage for notebooks and other supplies, along with a front utility pocket with a built-in organizer. It's important for little ones to remain hydrated, and this backpack has a side water bottle pocket.

The shoulder straps and back panel are both padded, so it's comfortable to wear all day. Keep in mind that it does not have a padded laptop compartment, but most elementary school kids won't need to cart a computer back and forth to school; chances are the school will provide devices like Chromebooks kids can work on while there.

The backpack is also made of water-repellant fabric with a coated interior and zippers so it can withstand being bumped around, dragged on the floor, and carried in the rain by little ones.

JanSport Big Student Backpack with 15-Inch Laptop Compartment

When it comes to backpacks for students, JanSport is one of the most recognized and popular brands, and for good reason. Its backpacks, like this one, are standard in design, but have all the features a student would need and are very affordable.

The Big Student backpack has plenty of pockets to store everything from a laptop to the various small items a high schooler might carry. A front utility pocket can hold the items you need to grab quickly, like your wallet, ID, and phone, while other larger zippered compartments can hold a notepad, charger, and other items. Store everything from electronics to your gym clothes or running shoes in the spacious 34-liter interior. Plus, it has a water bottle sleeve so high school students can stay properly hydrated. While the inside is very spacious, and large enough to hold a laptop, it doesn't actually have a padded laptop sleeve inside, which is the one downside.

Available in more than 35 color options, it's made from durable material and comes with ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps and a padded back panel so you can comfortably wear it all day.

Targus Ascend Backpack

There's nothing a college or university student appreciates more than a good deal, especially when they are knee-deep in tuition fees. While you might think that a college student requires an expensive backpack, this isn't necessarily the case. I have tried many Targus backpacks over the years and find them to always be reliable, high quality, and affordable. The Ascend is no exception.

It's designed to carry a laptop up to 16 inches in size along with other essentials, including a tablet, notebooks, study guides, snacks, and more. There are tons of accessory pockets, along with a water bottle pocket, essential to keep water or protein shakes on hand 24/7 (or, who are we kidding, travel coffee mug!). The vertical front pocket is perfect for slotting in a notebook you want to be able to grab quickly and easily when needed, or, more likely, your smartphone, or even an accessory like a stylus.

The padded back panel makes it comfortable to wear as you walk from one side of the campus to the other, or from class to class. Targus offers a lifetime manufacturer's limited warranty, which is pretty rad, too.

Targus Spruce EcoSmart Travel Backpack

Great for travel as well as business, this eco-friendly backpack has the added advantage of being made from 100% recycled PET polyester and PVC-free material, so you can feel good about using for multiple reasons. It only comes in black, but its style will fit right in with any office.

The foam padded laptop compartment can keep a laptop up to 17 inches in screen size protected by absorbing shock. It also comes with a removable padded slipcase, making TSA security checks at the airport simple. There's also a smaller version with a slipcase that can hold a 15.4-inch laptop.

It also has zip down compartments for accessory pockets, and a quick access mobile phone pouch when you need to answer that urgent call from a client. As with all Targus products, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Peak Design Travel Backpack

When traveling, you need a backpack that is large enough to accommodate everything you need but won't be a strain. And it helps if you can use the backpack after you arrive at your destination, too. The Peak Design Travel Backpack offers all of that thanks to its design that can easily expand from a 35-liter capacity to hold up to 45 liters by simply unzipping it. Use it to pack all of your essentials, unpack when you arrive at your destination, then zip it up to use the smaller version while out and about, bringing along only what you need.

It's weatherproof, made of nylon canvas material that makes it strong and durable, and comes in either black or gray. It has adjustable straps to accommodate wearers of all heights, and it has a water bottle holder. Inside is ultra-light padded foam to keep your belongings safe from bumps and drops, or shifting around in the overhead bin of an airplane or train, for example. It also has a padded laptop compartment, so whether you're traveling for work, play, or a bit of both, you're covered.

Lowepro Freeline BP 350 AW Backpack

Photographers have lots of gear they need to bring along with them, which requires a specific type of backpack. And while you might have or want a backpack with slots that are designed just for your specific equipment, there are great backpacks that can you use both when you have your photo gear and when you don't.

The Lowepro Freeline BP 350 AW has customizable QuickShelf dividers inside that either open to a three-tier shelf when you're bringing your camera gear with you, or can fold flat when you aren't. Plus, it comes with a tech organizing pouch, slots inside for small items like charging cables and SD cards, and even straps on the front, so you can easily carry items like a tripod.

Made with a water-resistant coating and high-grade nylon exterior, it can withstand the elements while you shoot in harsh conditions. Its large and spacious interior can accommodate pretty much everything you'd need. A padded compartment can also accommodate a 15-inch laptop.

Bottom line

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

There are so many backpacks from which to choose, so it's a tough decision when it comes to narrowing things down to the best backpacks that will meet your needs. Ideally, you'll want a backpack with several compartments that can hold a computer, like one of the best Chromebooks , tablet, and other essentials, plus have small pockets for items like your phone, wallet, keys, and more. Sometimes, the business "travel" backpack is actually an ideal one for business, or the value backpack is what you really need for school.

In terms of being the most things to most people, however, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 lives up to its name, providing different size options depending on your needs along with a padded laptop compartment, adjustable dividers to organize items inside, and plenty of hidden compartments and expandable pockets for smaller items. It might not be the cheapest backpack of the bunch, but if you're looking for a backpack that will last, can withstand the elements, will deter theft, and can accommodate everything you need for work, play, or other outings, it's one of the best options out there.

While each backpack has its pros and cons, and some are better suited to specific use than others, you might find that the best backpack for high schoolers works well for a college-aged student, for example, or the backpack we think is the best travel backpack is perfect for business use. Bottom line: choose the best backpack for you, based on your needs.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Christine Persaud resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with her husband and 8-year-old son. While she works from home, a backpack is essential for day trips, trade shows, and other events; and she always takes one as a carry-on while traveling.

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Christine Persaud has been writing about tech since long before the smartphone was even a "thing." When she isn't writing, she's working on her latest fitness program, binging a new TV series, tinkering with tech gadgets she's reviewing, or spending time with family and friends. A self-professed TV nerd, lover of red wine, and passionate home cook, she's immersed in tech in every facet of her life. Follow her at @christineTechCA .

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23 Best Backpacks for College Students That Are Comfortable and Spacious

By Brittany Romano

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

The best backpack for college will have to pull a lot of weight. It has to protect your delicate laptop on the way to class, house gym clothes, and even double as a carry-on for trips back home during school breaks.

So it’s essential to find a backpack for school that can help you do the heavy lifting comfortably and stylishly (of course!). We suggest looking for a roomy bag with plenty of organizational compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve (we’ve also got cool laptop backpacks if you’re looking for some). Wide, cushioned straps and back panel padding can help distribute the weight evenly and provide ample back support. Depending on where you live, you may also want to opt for a backpack constructed with water-resistant materials to keep all your school gear safe.

You won’t have to worry about finding the right pick, though, because there are plenty of styles, colors, and types to choose from. And we selected the most popular backpacks according to customer reviews and student-loved picks on TikTok. Yes, there are the same good old classics—like Jansport and North Face—you relied on in your younger years. But some fashion brands—like Patagonia and MZ Wallace—are also creating plenty of ultra-cool, luxe options that still happen to be highly functional. There are also tons of budget-friendly backpacks on Amazon .

Whether you prefer a sophisticated leather backpack , a solid black quilted number, or a more durable water-resistant canvas, these are the 23 best backpacks for college students.

Our top picks:

• Best overall college backpack: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack , $75
• Best backpack for college students with laptops: Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack , $138
• Best North Face backpack: The North Face Jester School Laptop Backpack , $75
• Best backpacks for college guys: Jansport The Rightpack , $64
• Best backpacks for college girls: Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack , $140

Vera Bradley Campus Backpack

Vera Bradley

This backpack has one of the broadest ranges of colors and designs on our list, and you can’t go wrong with any. You’ll also find multiple compartments, including two mesh tech sleeves for laptops and tablets and a zippered front pocket for easy access to essentials like your dorm key card. Best of all? You can toss the whole thing in the washing machine for a quick refresh.

Pros :✓Available in many colors and prints ✓ Machine washable

Cons: ✓ Some wish it was bigger

Color(s): 61 (varies by retailer)

Size: 7.5 x 12 x 16.5 inches

Materials: 100% Cotton

Review : “This bag is great! You have pockets upon pockets! You will not run out of room with this one. It’s very sturdily made and has held up with my heavy water bottles, too! I love having the option to carry so many different items such as a laptop/tablet, but the pocket is flat enough that you wouldn’t be burdened by the extra fabric/weight if you aren’t using it.”

The North Face Jester School Laptop Backpack

Need one of the best North Face backpacks? Step right up and reach for this campus-ready choice. Perfect for those needing ample storage, this roomy 28L backpack includes two external water bottle pockets, a padded internal laptop sleeve (up to 15 inches), and extra zippered pockets inside. It stands upright on its own, so you can effortlessly load and unload it. It’s also endorsed as ergonomic by the American Chiropractic Association. (That means it’s extra comfortable to carry.)

Pros: ✓Two-webbing top handles for easy movement ✓ Fits up to a 15-inch laptop ✓ Straps remain comfortable with long periods of use

Cons: ✓ Some say the padded laptop sleeve lacked adequate protection

Color(s): 19 (varies by retailer)

Size: 8.25 x 11 x 18.13 inches

Materials: 600D Recycled Polyester

Review: “This backpack is a great size for fitting many school books, laptops, or iPads. It has several pockets for storing your smaller items. Great color combo and price! It was cheaper than purchasing it at a big box store.”

LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack

Fashion meets function with this LOVEOOK laptop backpack. It has a wide-open design, and a 17-inch laptop compartment that will keep your electronics padded and protected. And if pockets are what you're after, you’ll find plenty of them here. This backpack has two front-zip pockets, two side pockets for a water bottle (or two!), and best of all? There is a USB charging port to keep you powered up no matter where you go.

Pros: ✓Durable fabric ✓Multi-pocket design ✓Mesh shoulder strap promotes circulation

Cons: ✓ Many had issues with the compartments not being large enough

Color(s): 30+

Size: 7.48 x 11.81 x 16.14 inches

Materials: Nylon

Review : “[I] purchased this for travel for my tween; she loves it and has raved about all the pockets and space for organizing her items when we travel. She loves that it has the strap for her luggage because sometimes that’s easier than having it on your back. Imagine our surprise when we flew across the Atlantic and landed at Charles De Gaul airport and saw at least 10 of the same bags being carried by ladies of all ages and in all colors. Think I will get one for myself.”

Himawari Backpack

Love thrifting at vintage stores? You’ll adore this laptop backpack! It’s made from nylon and features leather closure straps on the front exterior pocket. The shoulder straps are padded and breathable and you can switch up how you hold the bag thanks to the dual top handles.

Pros: ✓ The leather looks so expensive ✓ Extremely sturdy straps ✓ 30-Day Returns

Cons: ✓ Some reviewers said it didn’t last as long as they’d like

Color(s): 20

Size: 15 x 11 x 6 inches

Materials: ‎ Nylon and Leather

Review : “This backpack is great quality, looks very nice, and comes in many nice colors. It’s water resistant and has a convenient size for school or as a handbag for traveling.”

Best backpack for college students with laptops

CALPAK Kaya Faux Leather Laptop Backpack

Sure, this backpack is on the expensive side, but trust us, it’s worth every penny. It's constructed from faux leather and features gorgeous exposed stitching and gold-tone construction hardware. On one side, you'll find a padded laptop sleeve and a phone pouch. We also love that it comes with a luggage trolley sleeve on the back that can slip right over the handle of your carry-on.

By Sara Delgado

By Kara Nesvig

By Donya Momenian

Pros: ✓ Great for those who need extra room ✓ Looks expensive ✓ Lots of pockets

Cons: ✓ It didn’t last long for some

Color(s): 2

Size: 15 ½ x 11 ½ x 4 ½ inches

Materials: 100% Faux Leather

Review : “I love this laptop bag. [I] was looking for something cute and good quality, and this is that. I have dragonfruit pink, and I am so in love with the bright pink color. The quality is amazing and has a lot of room for what I need. I am trying to justify buying a second one just because of how much I love this bag. If you’re contemplating due to the price, it’s worth every penny! But it! You won’t regret it!”

WONHOX Large Backpack

This backpack comes with everything you need to carry all your school supplies. There’s an internal laptop sleeve pocket, a zippered pouch to hold tiny tech accessories like headphones or adapters, and an exterior front pouch that can store credit cards and keys. It’s made from eco-friendly, sustainable materials, meaning this bag doesn’t just look good but also does some good for the planet, too.

Pros:✓ Perfect size to hold all your essentials ✓ Made from sustainable materials ✓ Fashionable and sturdy

Cons: ✓ Many wish the side of the backpack had some sort of padding

Color(s): 32+

Size: 16.93 x 11.81 x 7.87 inches

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Review : “This is the perfect bag for all different needs. I use this for school, and it has plenty of pockets for my laptop, books, and notebooks while keeping all those things separate. Has plenty of padding that makes it comfortable to wear even for long periods of time.”

Best backpacks for college girls

Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

You may already be familiar with Longchamp's tote bag, but don't sleep on the Le Pliage backpack. It's crafted from a water-resistant nylon and has a dark brown textured leather trim that gives off an elevated chic touch.

Pros:✓ A great bag for travel ✓Water-resistant

Cons: ✓No pockets

Color(s): 5 (varies by retailer)

Size: 7.48 x 5.98 x 1.73 inches

Materials: 100% Nylon

Review: “This is the perfect size for travel. It folds up to envelope size in the suitcase, is small enough that you do not have to check it in the museums, holds as much as a purse, is lightweight, and distributes weight evenly so one shoulder isn’t carrying the weight, pickpocket-proof, and you can toss it into the washing machine. Best of all: it is highly water resistant and will keep your things dry in a downpour.”

Aurora Backpack

Are you having trouble breaking up with your beloved tote bag? Don’t—or at least you won’t when you reach for this choice from Kreya. The Aurora easily transitions between both a tote bag and backpack with a few minor adjustments; a quick tug will have you moving this piece from one shoulder to two. Dubbed “the perfect all-day bag,” the superior cow leather looks sleek and sophisticated and can fit a 14-inch laptop, school supplies, and more. Plus, the metal snaps expand when you need some extra space!

Pros: ✓Fits a 14-inch laptop ✓Both a tote bag and backpack ✓Made from sleek leather

Cons: ✓ N/A

Color(s): 1

Size: 14 x 13 x 3 inches

Materials: 100% Cow Leather

Review: N/A

Cole Haan Triboro Leather Backpack

This Cole Haan leather backpack can fit a ton of items. It has a laptop sleeve that can hold any tech gadget that's 16 inches or smaller, and tech pockets for any additional accessories like chargers or cell phones. For added support and comfort, this backpack also has a breathable mesh back and wide padded straps.

**Pros:✓**Beautiful leather material ✓Fits a 15-inch laptop ✓Padded shoulder straps for added comfort

**Cons: ✓**Some say the quality isn’t as good as it should be for the price

Color(s): 2 or 3 (varies by retailer)

Size: 11 x 18 x 6 inches

Materials: Leather/Textile

Review: “Style, comfort, versatility, and security in an understated package. Must have! It has all of my needs in mind as well as security. I would have preferred a tan version, but I’m exceedingly happy with this version.”

Rains Mini Reflective Waterproof Backpack

Perfect for commuting on rainy days, this waterproof backpack will keep your school valuables safe and sound. It’s available in a sleek black shade and has smooth adjustable shoulder straps that won’t dig into your skin.

Pros :✓Waterproof ✓Fits laptops up to 15-inches ✓ Versatile color

Cons: ✓Higher priced

Color(s): Varies by retailer

Size: 11.4 x 15.7 x 3.9 inches

Materials: 100% Polyurethane

Review : “This backpack is great! The soft touch, water-resistant material feels very premium and the matte hardware feels sturdy. Straps are on the shorter side but that’s okay as I’m a thinner build, so it fits me well. The minimalist style of this backpack makes it look much more expensive than it is. It’s well worth every penny. I’d easily pay twice for this backpack as I feel it’s worth it. I appreciate that I can dress this up for business or dress it down for flights.”

Coofay Carry on Backpack

If you’re looking for a lightweight, casual backpack that can pair with many outfits, look no further! This Coofay pick will feel light on your shoulders (thanks to the low-density polyethylene) and can be used for all types of outdoor activities. Inside, you’ll find a separate sleeve that can hold a 14-inch laptop and an inner zipper pocket to keep your smaller items organized.

Pros :✓Lifetime warranty (depends on retailer) ✓Has thicker shoulder straps

Cons: ✓ Some said the backpack they ordered didn’t look like the picture

Color(s): 16

Size: 15 x 9.57 x 3.62 inches

Materials: Polyethylene

Review : “This backpack is water resistant with many pockets to keep your stuff organized. It doesn’t weigh anything, so your load is always lighter. It has comfortable straps for carrying and is sleek enough to be used for any occasion. This is a great product!!”

Herschel Classic Backpack

This classic Herschel backpack features a sleek silhouette, adjustable padded shoulder straps, an exterior front zip pocket, and a top handle. It's also made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles!

Pros :✓Very durable ✓Front pockets for easy access ✓Two zipper pulls to lock in valuables

Cons: ✓ Some reviewers say the pictures didn’t match up to the item they received

Size: 5.5 x 12 x 16.5 inches

Materials: 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles

Review : “Great quality. I find the weight distribution between the straps to be much better than any other knapsack I have/had. This size is perfect for my everyday needs."

Fjällräven Kanken Laptop Backpack

Your walks to class will feel light and breezy with this Fjallraven backpack. The feather-weight construction is crafted from vinylon-F, which is moisture-repellant, so your valuables inside will avoid any (or all) of Mother Nature’s wrath. The design features also include a full front zipper pouch and a laptop sleeve that can fit devices up to 15 inches.

Pros :✓Extremely durable ✓Ample space ✓ Wide range of colors

Cons: ✓Some didn’t like how their water bottles wouldn’t fit inside

Color(s): 10

Size: 15.79 x 11.54 x 2.68 inches

Materials: 100% Vinylal

Nordstrom Customer Review: “The bag is cute and durable. It’s a really good backpack for college, especially if you commute to campus. It can fit a lot due to the boxy shape and how it opens. The straps are comfortable and it distributes the weight evenly. I love how there are separate compartments. I especially love that I can keep my electronics separate from my lunch and my water bottle! I keep my 13” Macbook, iPad, and the cases/accessories in the padded section and still have room for more! I can fit most of my textbooks in the middle compartment and keep my personal stuff in the pouch. The side pockets are perfect for carrying an umbrella and a water bottle. However, this bag picks up a lot of lint and looks dusty very easily.”

New Crew Backpack 22L

College students who spend a decent amount of time at sports practice or in the gym should reach for this backpack. It has a spacious interior and is crafted from a water-repellent material to keep your valuables safe. You’ll have enough room to store workout clothes, sneakers, and class essentials. We also love the built-in exterior padded laptop sleeve. Plus, it doubles as a carry-on backpack; the luggage trolley sleeve will make the TSA check-in process much smoother.

Pros :✓Extremely sturdy ✓Water-repellent fabric ✓ Great for travel

Cons: ✓ Some users noted that the overall size of the backpack is small

Color(s): 3

Size: 11.4 x 7.3 x 16.5 inches

Materials: Body: 100% Nylon

Review: “I’ve used this bookbag for all four years of high school and I’d recommend it to anyone. I absolutely love it and will be buying a new one for college!! It fits every book I ever needed and has a laptop compartment!”

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Backpack

Kenneth Cole

This fashion-forward backpack has a stylish chevron quilted design with contrasting gold hardware. It feels lightweight and has plenty of room for laptops and textbooks (and dedicated pockets for each). Factor in the trolly strap that fits over luggage, and consider this your new best friend.

Pros :✓Gorgeous chevron pattern ✓Two open-top pockets for easy access ✓ Stylish and sophisticated

Cons: ✓ The seams didn’t hold up for some

Size: 16 x 10 x 7.5 inches

Materials: 100% Quilted Polyester

Review: “The bag is luxurious, sturdy, and spacious. I keep a 15-inch laptop, an iPad, and a full purse in it as needed. It’s great for my busy life as a college student. The many zip pockets are helpful. The price was great. It arrived quickly.”

MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack

This isn’t just one of the best backpacks for college students. It’s one of the best laptop backpacks on the market. With more than 83,000 positive Amazon reviews, you can rest assured that this bag is worth every penny. You can choose from 23 colors and patterns, and it has a spacious interior to store school essentials. It also has a soft padded back panel and comes with a built-in USB port that can be used to charge all your tech gadgets.

Pros :✓Has a removable keychain ✓Lots of pockets ✓ Extremely affordable

Cons: ✓The zippers can be difficult

Color(s): 22+

Size: 12 x 18 x 7.8 inches

Materials: 100% Polyester

Review : “So for the three years I’ve been in university, I’ve been searching for the perfect backpack and I think I finally found it. This backpack has space for everything that I need. I was initially looking at Northface bags, but [I] saw this one on TikTok tok and this one is so much better — for a fraction of the price. I’m in nursing school and am required to carry around a lot of equipment, plus all my school supplies and my previous bags were always too full and bulking. But this bag has two big main pockets. The first fits my laptop, tablet, notebooks, and folders, and the second is perfect for my stethoscope case, BP cuff, and pencil case with room for more!”

JanSport T501 Superbreak Backpack

An oldie but a goodie, the JanSport Superbreak has been a fan-favorite backpack for years. Its unisex design can fit all styles (or needs). It’s made from a water-repellent material and has a front zipper pocket on the exterior. Reliable and lightweight, you can store all your school supplies—from laptops to pencils—and there is still room for some snacks. Do yourself a favor and cop your favorite color!

Pros :✓ Classic “old school” style ✓Many colors available ✓ Great for everyday use

Cons: ✓ Doesn’t have a laptop pocket or pocket for water bottle(s)

Color(s): 33 (varies by retailer)

Size: 17 x 12.5 x 6 inches

Materials: 100% Recycled 600d Polyester

Review : “I was starting freshman year of high school when I first went to a store and bought this black Jansport. It survived all of high school, various vacations, moving from place to place, camping trips, hiking, work bag, beach bag, etc. That bag went through it all, 10 years. It took 10 years for it to finally kick the bucket and stop zipping properly. Comfort and reliability, this bag will NEVER let you down! It even got attacked by a vacuum cleaner and still served its purpose and did its job well.”

Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack

Consider this a budget-friendly dupe of the Herschel bag. Its got the same classic silhouette, canvas fabric with contrasting buckles, and exterior pockets. The main compartment is roomy enough for textbooks and features a laptop pocket. On the outside, you'll find a front zipper pocket for smaller accessories, tech gadgets, and two side pockets for water bottles.

Pros: ✓Comfortable rucksack ✓Has a total of six pockets ✓Includes an external USB charging port

Cons: ✓ The side pockets don’t have a lot of stretch

Color(s): 4

Size: 11.8 x 16.5 x 5.1 inches

Materials: Lightweight 600D Polyester, Leather Trim Exterior

Review : “I ordered this for my daughter’s first year away at college. She took that bag everywhere, to every class and club meeting and the dining hall and in between, and now at the end of the year it looks brand new. It’s big enough to hold her notebooks, textbooks, and laptop and isn’t bulky. I highly recommend this backpack! I might even order a second one in case this one ever wears out so we have a backup.”

Herschel Survey Backpack ll Weather-Resistant

Saks Fifth Avenue

This trendy backpack has been spotted all over TikTok, and for good reason. Aside from its sleek exterior, customers also love its spacious interior. The main compartment features an internal coated mesh organizer pocket, a key clip, and a laptop sleeve. The shoulder straps are also padded and you’ll find dual exterior pockets to store water bottles.

Pros: ✓Made from recycled materials ✓ It’s water-resistant ✓ Adjustable shoulder straps

Cons: ✓ On the expensive side

Color(s): 7 (varies by retailer)

Size: 11.5 x 16.25 x 5.5 inches

Review: “My favorite, inside out! I think it’s a backpack that stands out with its distinctive style. I love the matte texture and while it might get a little sweaty on a hot summer day, it’s perfect in a city where it rains a lot. It’s optimal in size, has enough space for a laptop, and looks good on the back of an adult.”

Thompson Medium Backpack

Want something that looks and feels oh-so-luxurious? Reach for this Kate Spade Thompson Backpack. The medium bookbag is crafted from smooth pebble leather, giving it a sophisticated look. It also has thin shoulder straps and a removable top handle.

Pros: ✓Has a magnetic strap closure ✓Triple compartments ✓ The pebbled leather looks so sleek

Cons: ✓The strap broke for some easily

Size: 11.25 x 11.25 x 5 inches

Materials: Pebbled Leather

Review: “It is a must-have for backpack lovers; I highly recommend it. The compartments are well thought out and the zip in the middle keeps the wallet safe! The front lock is pushed up to open. I love everything about this backpack. Thanks to the designer!!! It comes with a pink color dust tote!”

JanSport Right Pack

Another JanSport favorite, this Rightpack is exactly as the name sounds…it’s just right! It has the brand's iconic suede leather bottom for extra durability, a side water bottle pocket, and an internal laptop sleeve. The large main compartment can also hold plenty of the big stuff—textbooks, binders, and more. You can also store smaller items in the front zipper pocket.

Pros :✓Lifetime warranty ✓Classic design ✓Affordable

Cons: ✓ Not as sturdy as previous versions were

Color(s): Up to 26 (varies by retailer)

Size: 10 x 3 x 8 inches

Materials: 915D Cordura with Premium Suede

Review : “Jansport makes great products. This backpack holds a lot of weight. The side pocket can fit a standard-size water bottle (does not hold a 32 wide-mouth Hydroflask) zipper, pockets, and straps are functioning as I hoped!”

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Need to hop on a plane to make your way to college? You’ll love this 100% recycled polyester travel backpack. The water-resistant pick comes in five sophisticated colors, and in addition to the roomy interior that’s perfect for school, is built to make travel easier. Think: a pass-through strap that attaches to a rolling suitcase and a front laptop pocket to simplify the TSA screening process.

Pros: ✓ Travel-friendly ✓ Water-resistant finish

Cons: X Some customers would like the laptop sleeve to come with padding

Dimensions: ‎‎17.5 x 7.25 x 12 inches

Color(s): 5

Size: 17.5 x 7.25 x 12

Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester

Review: “I bought this backpack for school and it carries a lot. It has smart pockets. Looks super sleek, very happy with the backpack.”

L.L.Bean Comfort Carry Laptop Pack

L.L.Bean’s super durable backpack is ergonomically designed with a rigid back panel, an adjustable sternum strap, a tuck-away waist belt, extra foam padding, and breathable mesh straps to minimize strain on your body, and that doesn’t change no matter how much (or little) you have inside. Perfect for the organizational lover, there are compartments for all your must-haves, like a top pocket for phone access, a water bottle pocket to stay hydrated (up to 32 ounces), and a laptop sleeve for 15 inches or smaller.

Pros:✓ Versatile ✓Multiple zippered pockets ✓Adjustable shoulder straps

Cons: ✓ Many say the material didn’t hold up over time

Color(s): Up to 5 (varies by retailers)

Size: 18.75 x 11.75 x 10 inches

Materials: 200-Denier Ripstop Polyester, 420-Denier Ripstop Nylon

Review: “This is a wonderful backpack. It’s a perfect size, is very comfortable, sturdy, and efficient storage.”

By Angie Jaime

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Home » Gear » Best Backpack For Students – Too Cool For Skool in 2024

Best Backpack For Students – Too Cool For Skool in 2024

There are a lot of things that people tell us to care about in school that are totally unimportant.

Nobody cares where you sit at lunch, nobody gives a shit about GPA after grad school, and nobody is sitting around judging you more than they are judging themselves. Really, all that matters is learning a few new things, making a few friends, and getting through the year in one piece, ideally with a few A’s to write home about.

All those things become a whole lot easier with the right backpack, which can serve as everything from a style statement to a Swiss army knife that helps you go from class to the library, across campus to club footy, and down to Capones 2$ Tuesday without a stop at home for jean shorts.

A canvas Jansport might have gotten you through pre-K, but this is the big leagues. We’ve got laptops now, chargers that hook up all sorts of ports and plug-ins, and professors requiring you to buy their own textbook and lug it into class.

We’ve got shoes for school, shoes for exercise, and shoes for eating pizza. Polo T-shirts for gamedays & pledge weeks, and we’ve got to pack a second shirt in case of a mess. There are sunglasses and frisbees for the good days and raincoats and poetry notebooks for the dreary ones. Taking up the top pockets are Earbuds for walking across the quad and noise-canceling monstrosities when it’s time to cram.

The packing lists for your day-to-day will grow bigger each year. You can slowly cram things fuller and hunch over against the strain or nip things in the bud with a backpack that can grow with you.

Today, we present to you those bags. These aren’t ya grandma’s L.L. Bean bags. You can find those in the thrift store. These are bags that are pushing the boundaries of backpack tech specs, dropping eye-popping sustainability scores, and looking damn good while they’re at it.

The Backpack by Stubble & Co

• Capacity (L) > 21
• Price ($) > 145

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• Capacity (L) > 24
• Price ($) > 250

REI Ruckpack Recycled Backpack

• Capacity (L) > 18
• Price ($) > 65

Osprey Archeon 25

• Capacity (L) > 25
• Price ($) > 182

Osprey Skarab 30

• Capacity (L) > 30
• Price ($) > 150

Nomatic Travel Pack

• Capacity (L) > 20
• Price ($) > 299

Mahi Classic Vegan Cork Backpack

• Capacity (L) > 23
• Price ($) > 100

AER Duffel Backpack

• Price ($) > 179

Mahi Yale Backpack

• Capacity (L) > 7
• Price ($) > 140

Nomatic Navigator Sling 6L

• Capacity (L) > 6
• Price ($) > 130

The Best Backpacks For Students

Final thoughts on the best student backpacks.

For the most part, the best backpacks for students are simply the best backpacks. School, work, or mountaineering, it’s always easier with an Osprey . But it goes deeper than that. Plenty of backpacks niche down specifically towards the tears and strains of school life.

While Sophomore year can sometimes feel like you’re slowly hacking your way through the jungle, there are many things that a great school backpack should do differently than a backpacking option. 

Your school or college backpack should have ample space for textbooks, laptops, and study materials (duh!) But in addition to all that gear, you’ve got to have plenty of extra space for the extracurriculars. No matter your schedule, getting through the tough times means sneaking some room for personal items that help you end the day with your sanity intact.

From crowded hallways to beer-addled bike rides to the occasional coffee spill, your backpack needs to withstand all the rigors and stresses of academic life . Seek materials and construction that can endure the challenges of making your way downtown. 

Beyond efficiency, your school bag has got to look good (a school backpack should be a cool backpack ). Unfortunately, people are going to notice what you’re carrying around on your back, even if it’s just subconsciously. Your real friends won’t care, and only real losers would judge someone for what backpack they have, but it happens, so take some extra time to decide what version of yourself you want to broadcast to the world. 

The final thing you should look for in any backpack is a warranty policy. All the bells and whistles in the world won’t mean a thing if the shoulder strap snaps on your first trip. Any backpack that’s not just talking a big game but actually providing value will put its money where its mouth is. 

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Best Overall Backpack For Students – The Backpack by Stubble & Co

• Dims (in.) – 12 x 19 x 6
• Weight (lbs) – 2
• Capacity (L) – 21
• Price ($) – 145

This backpack thinks differently. You can tell the moment you get your hands on the smooth Tekwax canvas exterior that Stubble & Co. isn’t following in any footsteps but striking out on its own. Built to handle the year’s rigamarole, this pack uplifts any outfit, laptop, and syllabus to become one of one. 

Great school backpacks sneak in high-tech weather-resistant features without steering the bag too far toward a backcountry category, and Stubble & Co . have deftly walked that line with this pack. The all-black finish and G-hook drawstring finish lock things into place, literally and stylistically. 

I did notice that although this jet-black pack doesn’t stick out of a crowd, its bulky, boxy shape doesn’t exactly fit snugly across my shoulders. I found it difficult to squeeze through packed buses and felt the bag swing around corners when rushing to class on time.

Still, the mountain-shaped plush cushion on the back stayed comfortable enough for me to overlook a few bulky details and appreciate this all-rounder for what it is: a phenomenal everyday carry and classic backpack for university .

Best Laptop Backpack For Students – Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• Dims (in.) – 19.1 x 10.8 x 7.1
• Capacity (L) – 24
• Price ($) – 250

Backcountry packs can get away without proper electronic storage, but no school bag should force you to store all your gear inside a supermassive black hole. Tortuga has a variety of backpacks built for electronics, and none of them take things as far as their laptop backpack, which also has separate tablet storage.

The bag is personal-item-sized but still boasts 24 liters of storage, which makes it about as roomy as anything that Ryanair would let you take on a plane for free ( Ryanair bags are a whole other thing….). Tortuga makes the most of it with an immense organizer panel that provides easy access to your most important gear. 

Even though you’d have a tough time packing this bag to a point where it’s too much for your shoulders alone, I still greatly appreciate the sternum strap. A bit of lift from Tortuga’s solid support system makes the most challenging walks back from class a bit easier.

Best Eco Backpack For Students – REI Ruckpack Recycled Backpack

• Dims (in.) – 18 x 11 x 6
• Weight (lbs) – 1
• Capacity (L) – 18
• Price ($) – 65

REI is a natural choice for a student backpack. The brand is cheap without sacrificing quality, and the color schemes fit with fall days on campus. Sweetening the deal on this Ruckpack is the Recreational Equipper’s use of recycled materials to bring this day pack together. 

Trash was redirected from the landfill and transformed into a slick laptop compartment, a handy top mesh pocket, and loads of external storage options that find ways to help out. While you might struggle to pack in an extra set of shoes in this slim daypack, the U-shaped opener stretches out and holds all the gear I need for a packed MWF schedule. 

The lowkey reservoir slot nestled in the back of this pack is great for day hikes, and I’ve also found it to be a sneaky space for slipping in a bag of Franzia. All in all, it’s a versatile school backpack that will help you push your boundaries in and outside the classroom. 

Best Quality Backpack For Students – Able Carry Daily Backpack

• Dims (in.) – 21 x 12 x 8.6
• Weight (lbs) – 2.9
• Capacity (L) – 20
• Price ($) – 138

The Able Carry Daily Backpack stands out as the epitome of urban sophistication, merging both style and functionality seamlessly. Crafted with the rigors of daily use in mind, this backpack is constructed with durable Cordura nylon, ensuring longevity and resilience against everyday wear and tear. The minimalist design, coupled with its sleek aesthetics, ensures it suits a plethora of settings, from lecture halls to coffee shops. Plus, the water-resistant feature ensures that unexpected rain showers won’t dampen your notes or tech gadgets inside.

For students constantly on the move, the backpack’s padded back panels and shoulder straps promise unparalleled comfort, making it an ideal companion for those long days on campus. The myriad of pockets and compartments provide ample organization, ensuring that books, devices, and personal items are always within easy reach. Whether you’re rushing to a group study session or simply hanging out in the library, the Able Carry Daily Backpack is the perfect amalgamation of style, durability, and practicality, tailored to the dynamic life of a student.

Best Book Backpack For Students – Osprey Archeon 25

• Dims (in.) – 21 x 12 x 9
• Capacity (L) – 25
• Price ($) – 182

Anything bearing a white Osprey label is made from 100% recycled fabrics and is completely vegan , lacking any animal dyes or bull piss around the edges. The Archeon series, boasting the white label front and center, is one of Osprey’s most sustainable works yet.

From discreet sling bags to 100 Liter behemoths, this line of bags boasts the white label and proves you don’t have to harm the earth to get through high school. Books, balls, and study guides all slide inside without the use of cowhide.

Helping out the Archeon’s book-carrying abilities is a handy roll-top closure. If you’re traveling light or only heading on to campus for one class, you can condense your backpack and move freely. When it’s time to stuff things full and cram, the Archeon also obliges. It’s one of my favorite roll top backpacks for sure.

In my quieter moments, I wish they had managed to find a vegan system for a robust hip belt. I find the simple belt clip to be somewhat lackluster. Still, it’s no big deal. Even when I stuff it full, the Archeon hangs loose on my back and helps me get to class in one piece. 

Best Outdoors Backpack For Students – Osprey Skarab 30

• Dims (in.) – 21 x 11 x 10
• Weight (lbs) – 1.6
• Capacity (L) – 30
• Price ($) – 150

Lots of backpacks will get you through a school day in one piece. When it’s time for an upgrade, why not splurge for a pack that will get you through far more than sociology. There aren’t a lot of daypacks more versatile than the Skarab 30. Billed as a hydration pack, the Skarab comes with its own reservoir system to help you get up and go no matter what’s on the agenda.

Helping the Skarab’s cause most of all is the immense support system. A foam framesheet and a great set of legitimate hip supports are components that have been helping hikers for decades, and the Skarab is ready to take that support to the schoolyard. If you’ve got to stuff your bag full of a day’s worth of clothes, books, and lunch, having a real support system out back is priceless. 

Unfortunately, the Skarab isn’t quite as sustainably made as some other Osprey backpacks we’ve looked at, but when I’m sippin’ my way through a sweaty climb to class and clipping in an extra splash of support for the long walk home, I’m more than ready to forgive its shortcomings. 

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Best Travel Backpack For Students – Nomatic Travel Pack

• Dims (in.) – 18 x 12 x 9
• Weight (lbs) – 4
• Price ($) – 299

This is a sign to throw caution in the wind and go to school across the country or across the world. Ideally, without putting yourself in a few hundred thousand dollars of debt to get there. Once you’ve committed to head out on your own or just for a semester abroad, the next thing you should do is buy the Nomatic Travel Pack. 

Nomatic’s team has dedicated itself to turning things around on TSA by creating the most efficient air travel pack on the market, and they succeeded with flying colors. The Travel Pack boasts multiple carrying systems, hidden compartments, expandable/contractable storage, and a host of other special features otherwise unseen on the market. 

Even if you don’t have to head far to get to school this year, the Nomatic Travel Pack is built to last, and it works great as an everyday carry. I talked myself into splurging on this pack with the mindset that even though I didn’t travel at the time, the pack is still great for everyday carry, and it can definitely grow with me.

Years later, it’s been right on my back through higher highs and lower lows than I could ever have imagined. 

Best Vegan Backpack For Students – Mahi Classic Vegan Cork Backpack

• Dims (in.) – 18 x 15 x 6
• Weight (lbs) – N/A
• Capacity (L) – 23
• Price ($) – 100

Mahi has been steadily improving their classic Vegan Backpack, and it’s now confidently sitting at the forefront of the vegan leather market. The cork backpack comes in seven different righteous colors, all with the same corky finish. Previous iterations of cork bags hadn’t been much more than a vegan canvas sack, but the new Mahi classic is taking things up a notch. 

Now dubbed the Mahi “3.0,” there’s a whole host of features inside and out that make the pack a worthy upgrade. Right inside the main zipper sits a three-slot front pocket that works great for keeping pen, paper, and phone chargers handy. Along the backside of the compartment sits a hefty laptop compartment with ample padding and enough space for a 16″ screen. 

Outside the storage area, Mahi added water bottle pockets and waterproof lining to round out the pack. I’ve been eyeing these bags for a long time, but while the style and sustainability were there, the convenience was not. A backpack without a water bottle holder is useless. Mahi’s new Classic rectifies this injustice and finally earns it’s rightful place in my closet. 

Best Leather Backpack For Students – Mahi Yale Backpack

• Dims (in.) – W30cm (base) W28.5cm (top) x H36cm x D12cm (base) D4cm (top)
• Weight (lbs) – 24
• Capacity (L) – 7
• Price ($) – 140

Crafted with a 100% full-grain leather exterior, the bag exudes a vintage charm while promising durability. The interior is lined with 100% cotton, ensuring your belongings are nestled safely inside.

In Vintage Brown Leather, this backpack is not just a utility item but a statement piece. It transitions seamlessly from a book bag to an overnight bag, gym bag, or travel companion for longer journeys. It can comfortably house an A4 pad and a 15″ laptop, catering to the academic and professional needs of students.

The Mahi Yale Backpack is a smart investment for students looking for a stylish, durable, and versatile backpack. Its classic design, combined with practical features, make it suitable for various occasions, proving that you don’t have to compromise on style for functionality.

Best Gym Backpack For Students – AER Duffel Backpack

• Dims (in.) – 20 x 12 x 8
• Weight (lbs) – 3
• Price ($) – 179

AER’s signature duffel helps to keep it separated. The duffel backpack has a shoe compartment that also has space for your gym clothes to make sure smelly socks stay far away from book reports. Be warned: While the shoe compartment is separate, it doesn’t magically create additional storage space. If you shove one full, you’ll lose a few liters of storage in the other. 

Beyond the distinct storage options, The humdrum details of this bag make it really pop. AER paid attention to loads of nooks and crannies that other bagmakers glanced past. Lots of those touches, like seriously comfortable grab handles and swinging sternum straps, sound silly at first but have really come in handy for me. 

You probably don’t have to take a tuk-tuk to get to class on time, but if you do, take it from me. The AER swings around tough public transport like Tarzan bounces around the jungle. Once you get there, wherever there is, the cadaver pouch zipper opens up and helps break out the paperwork without spending half the period wading through a black hole. 

Coolest Backpack For Students – Fjallraven Kanken

• Dims (in.) – 14 x 12 x 6
• Capacity (L) – 14

Cool doesn’t have to break the bank. While some high-tech backpacks on our list have loads of slick features and signature looks, they’ll run you back a few hundred bucks. Or, you can slap an Arctic fox on the front and call it a day.

  Fjallraven is the best thing that’s happened to college campuses’ since Patagonia, providing a great brand that takes sustainability seriously and helps get the conversation started. If you’re wondering why Fjallraven has made its way to the top of the sexiest brand charts, look no further than the Kanken bag. The monotone bag with a red fox in the middle just gets it.

If it works best with your outfit as a tote, sling it over one shoulder and get on with it. If you’ve got a heavy load, tuck it under your shoulders and get rolling. You can even ignore all those straps and handle it briefcase style. No matter how you hold it, one exterior pocket keeps the little things right where you need them, and a comfortable main compartment stows everything else. 

Best Sling Bag For Students – Nomatic Navigator Sling 6L

• Dims (in.) – 13 x 9 x 4
• Weight (lbs) – 1.3
• Capacity (L) – 6
• Price ($) – 130

After Nomatic tricked out a classic backpack, they turned their attention to the fanny pack. Over-shoulder bags have long been an essential part of the arsenal, but in decades of sling packs, none have squeezed capabilities in quite like this. The tote has built-in tablet storage and two other internal compartments that are RFID-safe on the inside and secret card + water bottle holders on the outside. 

Because of all the storage options, The Sling pack is a bit heavy for a fanny pack, so I usually keep another one lying around the house for loose change and chapstick. My Sling pack is reserved for packing light without leaving any of the essentials behind. 

Showing up is half the battle. To get through several classes, you might only need a pen, some paper, and an Adderall prescription. If you can sneak through your Monday schedule without a textbook or laptop, all you need to get through the day might be the Navigator Sling. 

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We’ve sung, we’ve danced, we’ve stolen things, now let’s reflect.

There is no one-size-fits-all in this world anywhere outside of the sock department. Each backpack on our list will cater to your needs, tastes, and personality different. My favorite backpack likely won’t be yours. 

Great bags start with compartmentalizing. When I’m slipping in through the side door 4 minutes after class starts, I certainly don’t want to draw any attention to myself. In those moments, it becomes extra crucial that I can whip out my laptop without rustling through a cavernous main compartment and drawing attention to myself. 

That means exterior pockets for cell phones, water bottles, and car keys, and plenty of dividers, laptop holders, and maybe even a stealthy pocket or two around the back. Inside your main compartment, the storage should feel the same, with plenty of space for books and raincoats separate from tablets and headphones. 

Next, your bag should work like a pair of zip-off pants, seamlessly blending function into your style. It should not only carry your books but also elevate your look. After all, your backpack is sticking out your backside like a sore thumb. 

Beyond how it looks, think about how it feels. You may not have any back problems now, but one day, you will. And the sooner you realize that fact and take preventative measures, the longer it will take for the back pain actually to set in.

With the weight of the world (or at least a semester’s worth of notes) on your shoulders, comfort is paramount. Look for backpacks with padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and an ergonomic design to prevent the dreaded Quasimodo posture. 

The perfect backpack for you will not just carry your burdens; it will carry your beer with you to your friend’s house. So, gear up, choose wisely, and let your backpack reflect your unique student persona. Whether you’re a fashion-forward trendsetter, a tech enthusiast, an eco-warrior, or an outdoor adventurer, there’s a backpack that will make your head spin. And for the love of Christ, do the readings. 

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

Whether weekend road-tripping or jet-setting around the world, you’re going to need a pack to toss over your shoulder. Here are the best travel backpacks for every adventure.

There are a lot of great travel backpacks out there, but not all of them are created equal. A travel pack needs to be comfortable to carry, easy to organize, and durable enough to withstand being toted from place to place.

From hitting the road for the weekend to spending months traveling abroad, we’ve put nearly 30 different travel backpacks through the wringer. We tallied our airline miles, punched our tickets, and put our tray tables in the upright and locked position for close to half a decade now, taking domestic and international flights to as far as Iceland and as close as 30-minute island hops. And while there isn’t a single pack that suits every traveler, we’ve highlighted a variety of designs and price points to help you find the perfect travel backpack.

Choosing a travel backpack can be a dizzying experience, and we’ve shaken down the best to sort through the static. Each pack has seen its time on the baggage carousel, hostel luggage cart, and we’ve even had a few go missing for the full experience. We fully pack and live out of these bags to test them, and in the end, we’re confident that the 15 packs collected here are the best travel backpacks available today. Check in and check them out.

For all your travel pack questions, consult our buyer’s guide , where we’ve laid bare all the essentials. Compare each of the packs using our handy comparison chart , and if you’ve still got questions, check out our FAQ section.

Editor’s Note: We updated our travel backpack guide on March 20, 2024 to add the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L — a supremely nice commuter-style travel pack, as well as the Thule Aion 40L and Osprey Archeon 30L .

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: Dakine Campus 33L Backpack
• Best Carrying Travel Backpack: Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs
• Best Organization in a Travel Backpack: Matador SEG45 Travel Pack
• Best Shoulder Bag: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
• Best Commuter-Style Travel Backpack: Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L
• Best Personal Item Travel Pack: TimBuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

• Capacity 45 L (collapses to 35 L)
• Weight 4 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13" x 9.5" standard, 22" x 13" x 11" expanded
• Compartment access Back panel clamshell design with #10 zipper
• Material Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400-denier nylon canvas shell; 900-denier waterproof bottom

• Compresses down to maximum airline carry-on size, and then expands once you’ve hit your destination
• Burly construction
• No details are overlooked in the design
• Side-carry handles are offset in an awkward position

Perfect is a dirty word in product design, but we’re about stumped when it comes to drumming up a quibble about the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L ($300). This redeye-ready clamshell design is made to the highest of standards.

It’s made of quality materials, utilizing aluminum hardware and a burly 400-denier nylon canvas — and it easily ticks all our boxes for the best overall travel backpack. The interior of the bag is split into two compartments: a larger main area for storing the majority of your kit and a secondary sleeve at the front of the bag with five zippered pockets. The main pocket also sports a foam-padded laptop sleeve and three more pockets.

One of the more impressive aspects we discovered along the bag’s inaugural leg from Seattle to Anchorage was how easily the straps of the Travel Backpack stow away into the bag. Two foam panels on the back of the bag flip away to secure them and then close with a magnetic closure — very slick. This was our favorite strap-stowage system, with the zippered panels of the Matador GlobeRider45 coming in a close second. We find the Peak Design bag compresses smaller.

Then there are the little details. An ID-size sleeve on the back panel provides all the information should your bag get separated from you. Zipper pulls thread through one another to keep what’s yours safe. And a collapsible system adjusts the bag from a full 45 to 35 liters.

In our review, there’s little about the Peak Design pack that misses the mark. The company leans heavily toward the camera-toting travelers among us, but the 45 L Travel Backpack makes no compromises and works just as well for any user group. The high price is undeniable, but for the scope of the travel pack, it’s a buy-once-cry-once purchase we would make again.

Also available in a 30L size , the range of Travel Backpacks from Peak Design is so well-thought-out that you can practically see the cogs turning in their creators’ heads. We think they make the best travel backpacks on the market.

Dakine Campus 33L Backpack

• Capacity 33 L
• Weight 1 lb., 10.6 oz.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 8"
• Compartment access Zippered top access
• Material Depending on print type, can be 600-denier recycled polyester, 420-denier recycled nylon, 630-denier recycled nylon, or 1,200-denier recycled polyester

• Cheap price
• Available in many different fabric prints
• Unique insulated cooler pocket
• Not many travel-specific features
• Straps don’t pack away

Even at the regular price, the Dakine Campus 33L Backpack ($75) is a great deal. And considering you can grab one on sale for $45, it’s a must-have budget travel backpack.

It has everything you need to keep your travels organized, without getting too big or complicated. This design has a padded laptop sleeve and a fleece-lined top pocket to keep your sunglasses safe. There’s an organizer pocket that’s perfect for pens, a phone, and easy-access essentials. We love pockets, and this backpack has plenty.

And if that weren’t enough, it also has an insulated cooler pocket to keep your snacks fresh on the go, plus double side pockets keep drinks handy. We found the straps comfortable during long travel days. Be sure to use the sternum strap when carrying a heavy load for the best fit.

While this bag does excellent at travel, it isn’t quite what the bag was designed for, thus it’s missing a few travel niceties like a compression system or the ability to pack away the straps. We didn’t find that we missed them desperately, but they would have been nice for a few instances. For similar-sized backpacks with more of a travel bend to them, look to the sleek Timbuk2 Never Check, or the uber-customizable Tom Bihn Synapse 25. But prepare to shell out some more for them.

If you’re looking for a sub-$100 backpack (under $60 during sales!) that does the basics, then the Dakine Campus Backpack is for you. It comes in a variety of colors and is also available in a 25L capacity .

Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs

• Capacity 40 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 7.6 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 14" x 9"
• Compartment access Zippered back panel clamshell design
• Material Bluesign-approved 450-denier recycled polyester

• Supreme suspension system offers the best carry of any pack we tried
• External compression straps limit the volume well
• Comfortably padded grab handles
• Not much internal organization

No stranger to producing supremely comfortable suspension systems, Osprey injected a good bit of its tech into the Farpoint and Fairview packs ($185), which both sport LightWire frames, load lifters, and breathable framesheet and suspension straps. Our Farpoint pack was easily the best load carrier of any we tested and a close contender for the best travel backpack overall.

Far beyond what any of the other travel packs offer, the pack even allows you to adjust the torso length — unheard of in the typical travel pack. Newly updated, these packs have been tweaked to ride the line between traditional backpacks and functional luggage, a claim we can substantiate.

The 40-liter capacity is just about the sweet spot for domestic carry-on luggage limits, and these packs make good use of the space. We could easily pack away a long weekend’s worth of travel essentials into the bag with a little space to spare.

Whereas many other travel packs stash straps away into the body of the pack, the Farpoint and Fairview move in the opposite direction with a deployable strap cover that neatly seals in the suspension for safekeeping when checked. This produces a clean profile that’s ready to be slung around, but it’s not quite as easy and quick as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design Travel Backpacks, as you need to unclip straps to tuck them away.

The interior of the pack is rather spartan, incorporating only one zippered pocket, a laptop sleeve, and two internal compression straps. We would have rather seen a bit more organizational features involved like those that the Matador GlobeRider and Topo Designs Global Travel bags incorporate, but for those who stuff more than pack, the Farpoint and  Fairview may very well punch the ticket.

With one foot on the platform and one on the trail, these packs from Osprey will get you where you’re going and carry a trip’s worth of kit with ease.

Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

• Capacity 45 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13.4" x 10.2"
• Compartment access Full clamshell interior, additional front zippered access
• Material 420-denier nylon exterior, 100-denier Robic Dynatec interior

• Excellent storage organization options
• High-quality, strong, and lightweight construction
• No frame to speak of
• Shoulder straps don’t pack away

Aiming to do more with less, the Matador SEG45 Segmented Backpack ($200) proposes a future free of packing cubes and splits up the bag for you, making the organization of your travel pack a breeze.

The full 45 liters of volume is shared among the five segments (6, 9, 15, 9, and 6 L) and trades volume between the full clamshell compartment and the segments. Each of these segments is accessible via its own water-resistant zippers and can be collapsed as your needs change.

We found organizing by clothing type made the most sense in our own packing, but you could even pack based on the day of the week or the use. The clamshell-accessed main compartment was ideal for holding larger items like spare shoes or quarantining spent outfits.

Known for its overbuilt but lightweight bags, Matador didn’t spare the SEG45, utilizing 420D UHMWPE-reinforced nylon in the pack body, as well as 100D Robic Dynatec weave on the interior. It should be noted that this travel backpack doesn’t have any kind of frame and will rely on being packed well to carry correctly. Because of this, this pack won’t carry as well as bags like the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, so consider packing mostly clothing in the SEG45.

Our testers felt this bag excelled as a travel bag you might deploy once you’ve hit your destination, as it packs away into larger bags so well. Unfortunately, however, the shoulder straps don’t pack away into the bag itself, so you’ll have to wrangle them into place to keep things tidy.

No matter what you’re up to, everything has got a spot to live in the SEG45 . Need a bit less space? Matador offers the SEG28 ($250) for that.

Read Review: Dresser in a Backpack: Matador SEG42 Review

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.3 oz.
• Dimensions 22.8" x 8.6" x 14.5"
• Compartment access Back panel zippered clamshell design
• Material 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU laminate

• Multiple ways to carry the pack
• Many different storage and internal organization options
• Burly external fabric
• Doesn’t carry the best as a backpack

Looking to squeeze out every last liter of allowed space? Patagonia named this pack in honor of the cause: the Patagonia Black Hole Maximum Legal Carry-On 45 L ($239). This bag can be carried in a number of different ways, but we found it shined during travel as a shoulder bag.

Borrowing fabric from Patagonia’s line of burly Black Hole Duffels , the MLC 45 is made for the long haul. The 900-denier polyester ripstop is coated in a TPU laminate and feels ready to take on the surliest baggage carrier. We certainly felt no remorse in tossing the bag around.

At 45 L, the MLC is certainly right at the cusp of the maximum allowed size, but thankfully that space is well divided up inside the pack. Inside the main clamshell-accessed compartment is a blizzard of zippers and mesh pockets and dividers. Anything we tossed inside was well-stabilized.

Because there isn’t much of a frame to speak of, the Black Hole MLC doesn’t carry the best when slung over both shoulders and can sag when not entirely full. But over a shoulder with the included shoulder strap, this pack feels great and can be easily accessed on the go. This is one of the only packs in our testing to feature a shoulder strap (the other being the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag).

On top of all this, we greatly appreciate that the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 L is made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. Perfect for grabbing and going, this pack is ready to move.

Read Review: Patagonia Black Hole MLC Bag Review: An Organized, Carry-On-Size Wonder

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

• Capacity 24 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Dimensions 18" x 7: x 11.5"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell
• Material 840D ballistic nylon 6, 420D HT nylon

• Functions as both a laptop backpack and suitcase
• Well-structured and protected
• Full panel loading access
• Limited colorways

With an understated look that betrays the truly impressive fit and functionality inside, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279) doesn’t need to brag — it knows it’ll tote your kit through the worst of your travel or everyday commutes without missing a beat. This bag is our newly anointed best commuter-style travel backpack.

From a fabrics and materials standpoint, it’s clear that someone at Evergoods truly nerded out when they brewed up this bindle. The 840D ballistic nylon 6 that makes up the exterior of the pack is burly (errantly spilled coffee wipes right off), and compliments the thick #10 zippers and spacer-mesh back panel. Even the Evergoods logo is low-key: a simple 2×2” patch on the front of the bag with a slash. That’s it — and we dig it.

Bar none, the Civic Panel Loader has the best laptop sleeve we’ve ever encountered in a backpack, and that’s saying something. The side-accessed zippered aperture can hold a 17” Macbook Pro, and nestles into a fully padded space at the rear of the pack. This sleeve is suspended from the bottom of the bag, as we’ve seen in many forward-thinking bags, but goes a step further and protects the laptop from the side with an aluminum stay — the primary functionality of which is to support the side handle on the bag. Genius.

The high-polish finish on the CPL24 feels reminiscent of the attention to detail we loved about the Tom Bihn Synapse 25, but we ended up enjoying this pack even more for a simple reason: side carry. The broad handle on the side of the pack is reinforced by that aluminum stay, and it creates a perfectly supported carry for jostling through crowded terminals.

On the interior of the pack, two large pockets are subdivided with a few smaller sleeves and pockets, which are oriented to be accessed with the bag on its side. We carried this pack for a month straight of remote work, lugging it to coffee shops and co-working spaces, and it supplanted all other packs we’ve used previously. “It’s hard not to love a pack that makes your life easier,” says Senior Editor Nick Belcaster. “This pack does that. Laptop, headphones, notebooks — a whole lot goes into the pack without a care.”

Up there with Nomatic, GORUCK, and Tom Bihn, Evergoods is certainly among the pack-makers that put intelligent design and smart material choice above all else. The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is the final word when it comes to a travel pack you can carry every day. We certainly do.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

• Capacity 27.5 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 9 oz.
• Dimensions 18.9" x 11.4" x 5.9"
• Material 420x2000D Cordura nylon, 135D polyester

• Dang good looking
• High-quality trim and details, including anodized G hooks and supple webbing
• Supper cushioned back panel
• Exterior expandable water bottle pocket is a bit slim
• Pack straps don't stow away.

Pulling off a good expandable backpack can be a tough task, with fabric accordion folds often taking up valuable real estate on the interior when collapsed in lesser bags. Not so with the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), which takes a simple backpack shape and elevates it with premium materials and design to create one of our favorite travel backpacks for tucking under an airliner seat.

Unlike a lot of the pure-function rectangular bags in our lineup, the Never Check is a real looker — easily one of the best styled in our testing so far, and we’d have no qualms about bringing it along as a business bag. Small details like rubber-covered zipper pulls, anodized G hooks, and supple webbing keep it looking sharp. The 27.5-liter size is just about dead-on for most airline ‘personal item’ size requirements, and this bag easily slides under a seat.

The main compartment is accessed through a clamshell zipper on the front of the bag, which is gusseted to hang open while you’re loading it up. During the few national and international flights our Senior Editor Nick Belcaster deployed the bag on, this was easily enough space for everything you might want during a plane ride. And for everything else, a front pocket is lined with multiple drop and zip pockets for organizing small gadgets like chargers or keys.

The back panel of the Never Check is a plush ½ inch of comfortable foam, and combined with the equally padded shoulder straps made for a very nice carrying bag. The straps unfortunately do not stow away, but on a lower volume pack such as this, it’s a much less useable feature in our opinions.  And finally, one of our favorite features: the wide laptop sleeve. This 15” opening is generous enough to accommodate the larger laptops of today, and is suspended from the bottom of the backpack to ensure bumps don’t turn into bruises.

Just like the name suggests, the Never Check Expandable Backpack provides a svelte solution to bringing a bag with you during airline travel — or even just to the office. Its clean profile and attention to detail impressed us, and it would make an excellent work-to-weekend bag.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack

• Dimensions 22" x 12.8" x 11"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell design
• Material 420D UHMWPE-reinforced ripstop nylon, 100D Robic nylon mini-ripstop

• Incredible density of pockets and sleeves
• Tough UHMWPE outer fabric can be tossed around
• Shoulder straps tuck away in a novel and smart manner
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit tight
• Price is up there

With a pocket or sleeve for pretty much everything, the new Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350) gives the Peak Design Travel Pack a run for its money when it comes to the best overall travel pack. 

Our Managing Editor raved about the GlobeRider after serious testing where she pretty much lived out of it for 3 months: “If you travel often and look for crucial components like internal and external pockets, laptop storage, and backpack and hip straps, consider the Matador GlobeRider 45. It’s a unique design in that the [pack] seems to have it all — every feature I’ve needed so far, both living out of it and in my travels — in a pretty packable size.”

What impressed us most was the way the GlobeRider was able to balance both an eye-watering amount of organization and versatility, and burly durability that ensures that this pack won’t shy away from tough travel conditions. In total (and we double-counted) there are 19 individual pockets on the pack, in all types of stretch mesh, zippered, and collapsible configurations. When good organization is key, the GlobeRider reigns. 

On the back panel of the GlobeRider, one of the more novel stowage systems we’ve seen packs away the shoulder straps and hip belt for when you want to slim down the pack. Two zippered panels — similar to the structure of the Peak Design packs, save for the closure — envelop the straps when not in use, and provide a lump-free panel for toting around. 

When it comes to downsides, the GlobeRider doesn’t miss much. The laptop sleeve aperture is a bit small at 9.5”, which in today’s age of mondo-screened computers may be limiting to some with larger devices. There also is no ability to convert the pack to a shoulder bag like the Patagonia MLC does, which can be handy when moving quickly through the airport.

Dang-near the top of the list, the Matador GlobeRider 45 would be an excellent choice for anyone who practices one-bag travel, or desires to have a place for everything in their journeys. The price does sting a bit, but based on the long-term testing we’ve completed so far, we’ve seen no indications that this pack will fade away anytime soon.

Read Review: I Lived Out of This Backpack for 3-Plus Months: Matador Globerider45 Review

Thule Aion 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 3 oz.
• Dimensions 13" x 9.1" x 20.5"
• Material Waxed P600 polyester canvas

• Maxes out on carry-on-compliant space
• Internal roll-top TPU bag separates the clean from the to-do laundry
• Waxed canvas exterior has a classy look
• Centered side handle carries well
• Well-cushioned back panel
• No shoulder strap stowage option
• No hipbelt on a 40L is pushing it

Better known for their roof boxes and racks, it’s fair to say that Thule knows travel, and the addition of smart, organized, and comfortable travel packs like the Thule Aion 40L ($200) makes all the sense in the world to us. This pack is a finely-honed bag for international and local travel alike, and is decked out in some high-class materials.

Like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC pack, the Aion 40L aims to go for the maximum allowed capacity, and at our measurements (21.5” x 15” x 8”) the pack slides in just half an inch less than the normal 45 linear inches typically allowed. That’s efficient. The space is split up into two main compartments and a laptop sleeve, with the larger opening with a full clamshell zip.

This inner compartment hosts a few zippered pockets and internal compression straps, but the star of the show here is the integrated TPU rolltop bag. This sack can be used to cordon off your liquids (and easily presented for inspection), as well as separate your pile of ‘to-do’ laundry. This reminds us of the ActiveShield compartment in the Gregory Border Traveler pack, but we enjoy the removable aspect here even more. 

Round the back of the pack, the spacer-mesh swaddled laptop sleeve rivals the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader , and has an additional sleeve for items like tablets, notebooks, or chargers. The back panel itself is impressively cushioned (one of the more luxe in our testing) and that extends to the shoulder straps. 

Unfortunately, there’s no shoulder strap-stowage system here, so you’ll have to wrangle those yourself, and while we typically enjoy the lack of a hip belt in smaller travel packs, the absence in a 40-liter pack is a little puzzling. Fully loaded, the Aion could certainly benefit from one, and while a separate sling bag can be added to function as one, you’ll need to fork over $50 for it.

Ranking high up there with your Peak Designs and your Ospreys, the Thule Aion 40L nails the style and material departments, and with a full 40 liters of space on board, has all the room to pack for your week-long trips — no roof box required.

Osprey Archeon 30L

• Capacity 30 L
• Weight 3 lbs.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 11.4"
• Compartment access Zippered top-access
• Material 840D ballistic polyester with carbonate coating

• Extra-tough exterior fabric with carbonate coating
• High-polish details such as seatbelt webbing straps
• Mini-wing hipbelt tucks away easily when not needed
• Smart internal storage pockets that lay flat when not needed
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit too snug
• Compression straps lay over the main zipper

First off, one word: Rugged. The Osprey Archeon 30L ($250) is a high-end build that spares little in the material department, and looks dang good while it’s at it. The 30-liter size makes this bag weekend travel-ready, and we greatly appreciated the fit and finish.

The overall design of the Archeon reminds us a good bit of the Peak Design Travel Bag (certainly the all-waterproof exterior zippers and curved side-entry pockets), but it’s the exterior fabric that really impressed. The 840D ballistic polyester is coated with a carbonate polyurethane coating, a bolstered recipe that increases durability by a magnitude over traditional PU coatings. In testing, we wore out before putting a dent in it.

The pack itself breaks down into two main compartments, with the main pocket opening behind a curved clamshell zip (we did have a little trouble with the zipper passing behind the exterior straps. Removing them fixed that). Inside, three expandable tech pockets tuck away all of your small kit, and do a good job of keeping things tidy on the interior.

On the exterior, Osprey doesn’t disappoint when it comes to suspension straps, which are comfortable, adjustable, and stashable. The mini wing-style hip belt earns special praise on packed flights, where we find traditional hip belts to be a hassle to store, and combined with the slick shoulder-strap stash pocket, the Archeon converts to minimal mode in under a minute.

Something the Archeon certainly could use, however, is a slightly larger aperture into the laptop/tech compartment. As-is, the zipper doesn’t quite extend down far enough to truly open up the pocket, and as such it can feel a bit like rummaging around in the dark looking for cords and chargers in the bottom of the pack. Extending these zippers down to the middle of the pack would seem to fix the issue, and we hope a later iteration might address this.

Nonetheless, we were still impressed by the Osprey Archeon 30L . There’s also a 40-liter version if you’re looking for a max-capacity carry-on, and even a smaller 24-liter for kicking around coffee shops day-to-day.

Read Review: Hack Carry-On Rules: Osprey Archeon Kit Gives Power Back to Passengers

Arc’teryx Granville 25 Backpack

• Capacity 25 L
• Weight 1 lb., 14.5 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 12" x 9"
• Compartment access Drawstring top-entry
• Material N400r-AC² nylon ripstop

• Tough and waterproof exterior fabric
• White interior for easy viewing
• Floating laptop sleeve
• Not very much interior organization
• Simple webbing waistbelt

Made for moving through the city over the concourse, the commute-ready Arc’teryx Granville 25 ($220) takes travel backpacks to the streets in a sleek and tough design that we couldn’t keep from grabbing every day.

Crafted from the same N400r-AC² nylon ripstop as Arc’teryx’s high-end climbing packs, the mountain DNA is strong in the Granville, with fully taped seams that make the pack highly weather-resistant. In our impromptu “rain” test, a garden hose fired directly at the pack wasn’t able to get a drop past the tough exterior.

On the front of the pack, a single water-resistant zippered pocket was practically made for your keys, and could accommodate a few other essentials for when you’re on the go. Tossing back the shaped lid, a single drawstring entry leads to the interior space, which is mainly one large pocket, with a few zippered and drop pockets to separate smaller items. If you’re looking for the same style pack, but with a bit more organization built-in, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 divides up its space well.

The padded interior laptop sleeve will accommodate up to a 16” laptop, and is suspended within the main compartment in a way that leaves us feeling confident in slinging our computer across a shoulder. Compared to other more airline-focused travel packs, the Granville 25 has its feet more firmly planted on the ground, and excels at bus, bike, or foot travel.

Whether your commute is just across town or across the country, the Arc’teryx Granville 25 makes for a good-looking carry-all that’s bound to be around for a while.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.4 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5" x 14" x 7.5"
• Material 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon

• Overbuilt design with tough materials and chunky zippers
• Plenty of organizational pockets
• Bright interior
• Not the cleanest strap stowage

Chunky zippers, an overhead-savvy profile, and multiple ways to sling it over your shoulder: The Topo Designs Global Travel Pack ($229) has honed in on much of what we love in a travel backpack.

During a recent trip from Seattle to Southern California we were heavily saddled with the maximum the airline would allow. But this pack made use of every inch of space and reached the allowance of what we could check as our carry-on. The 40 liters of internal capacity is broken down into a series of dividers and pockets, which made condoning off things like electronics from the rest of our kit easy. And the interior of this pack is a cheery canary yellow, which helps with ease and visibility.

On the exterior of this pack, three separate carry styles are available to get you through the concourse in whatever way you choose. We found the full-featured backpack straps to be our go-to, which even sport load-lifters for a comfy carry. This suspension system does tuck away for when you might want to check the bag, though we found the hipbelt to be a bit tricky to fully retract.

Rounding out this travel-ready backpack is a tough build that makes use of 1000D recycled nylon and heavy-duty zippers, and we had no qualms with tossing this bag around during our trip. Perfect for anyone who subscribes to the one-bag travel ethos, the Global Travel Pack from Topo Designs makes the grade for those who want the most out of their carry-on.

And if you’re only going to be away for a short trip, the Global Travel pack is also available in a 30L capacity .

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

• Capacity 28 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 4 oz.
• Dimensions 19" x 12" x 9"
• Material TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester, 840-denier nylon paneling

• Burly exterior material holds up for the long run
• Plenty of zippered mesh storage pockets
• On the heavier side
• TPU-coated nylon can feel grabby

The Allpa 28L Travel Pack ($170) will change the way you travel. It’s sleek, durable, and able to fit an incredible amount of stuff in a small space. The zippered mesh pockets keep clothes organized. And the compression straps maximize what you can pack.

The tough polyester and nylon construction can take a beating without any signs of wear. And we appreciate that the externally accessed, padded laptop sleeve makes pulling out your electronics at security checkpoints a breeze. There’s also a small outer compartment to keep essentials at hand.

You can completely tuck away the backpack straps and carry the pack like a briefcase, or wear it comfortably as a backpack. We’ve stuffed this pack to the gills countless times and have never had a problem with the zippers. Light rain showers or spills roll right off the TPU-coated exterior, but for legit rainstorms, just pull out the included rain cover.

The Allpa also comes in 35L, 42L, 50L, and 70L capacities. As our editor noted in the 42L review , “Building on its fun and functional ethos, Cotopaxi beefs up its bestselling product. The Allpa Travel Pack earns big points for clever design, clean aesthetic, and a surprising number of handy — and hidden — features.”

Yes, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs are an investment, but anyone who travels regularly will find it a worthy one. These powerhouse travel backpacks are sturdy, versatile, and built to last.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

• Weight 1 lb., 13 oz.
• Dimensions 13.4" x 20" x 9.1"
• Material 400-denier Halcyon, 420-denier nylon ripstop

• Many different fabrics and color schemes are available
• Built to last design and materials
• Removable webbing hip belt
• Suspension doesn’t pack away
• Side wing pockets are a little awkward to access

Refined and clean-looking, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($243) is a high-end travel backpack we just can’t stop staring at. It just looks that good. Made of burly textiles and zippers, this pack was built to stand the test of tough travel and come out shining on the other side.

The Synapse 25 is the larger version of Tom Bihn’s Synapse 19 , a popular backpack made for daily carry. The bump in volume is appreciated in this travel-oriented version and is doled out in one large compartment as well as a set of pockets on the front of the pack.

We found all the pockets easily accessible, save for the side wing pockets. While these were excellent for the organization of smaller bits and bobs, the openings were a bit awkward to jump into.

Topped off by a cushioned suspension (the foam is a half-inch of supple EV50), this travel backpack didn’t weigh us down on long days of travel when fully packed. And when we wanted to go light, even the webbing hip belt was removable. In terms of the ability to bop around town as a daily driver, this pack is up there with the TimBuk2 Never Check and Arc’teryx Granville packs (we liked the back panel on this pack the most).

Along with being carry-on compliant, the Synapse is also one of the few bags on our list that are compact enough to fit under most airline seats without hogging too much precious legroom.

Osprey Nebula 32 Daypack

• Capacity 32 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 1.7 oz.
• Dimensions 19.2" x 12.2" x 11.4"
• Material 420-denier recycled nylon

• TSA-compliant laptop sleeve
• Many options for organization
• Water bottle pockets fit 32 oz. bottles
• Need to release two buckles in order to unzip the main pocket all the way

When it comes to backpacks, Osprey has put in the time — and it shows. The Nebula 32 ($140) feels like it’s all the brand’s most popular packs morphed into one. Most of all, we love how it seamlessly goes from city streets to trails.

This backpack can do it all, whether you’re hauling your laptop and books around town; water, food, and layers on an easy hike; or all of the above and then some for a weekend away.

The internal storage pockets are great for organizing all of your things for easy access. And while the Nebula 32 is top-loading, the main pocket opens up wide enough so you won’t have to unload everything to get to the one thing you want at the bottom. The sternum strap and hip belt are comfortable as well, especially when carrying a heavy load.

On smaller volume packs like this, sometimes design concessions need to be made to accommodate all the functionality, and on the Nebula it’s in the side compression straps. Like on the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, the compression system of the pack overlays across the main compartment zipper, meaning you’ll need to undo some straps before rifling around in the storage area. Not a deal breaker, but a little annoying when the TSA line starts to back up behind you.

Overall, the Nebula 32 won’t disappoint if you make it your go-to smaller-volume travel backpack.

Travel Backpack Comparison Chart

How We Tested Travel Backpacks

The staff of GearJunkie is a hot-footed bunch, restlessly plodding across the country or around the globe in search of adventure and whatever else comes our way. And we have a lot of stuff, which necessitates having a travel bag or four in the stable.

Surely any old bindle will do in carrying your kit around, but having a travel backpack that is dialed into the needs of travel can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. We’ve been testing travel backpacks since 2019 and have put the market slice through the wringer on thousands of miles of travel to weed out the best of the best.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has a zeal for international travel, and he leads up our current travel pack testing, logging almost 10,000 flying miles in the last year alone. From Iceland to Utah, Belcaster has carried these packs and lived out of them for weeks, relying on them to support back-to-back travel excursions. In testing, we looked for a number of features in our travel backpacks, including overall capacity, carry style, durability, and aesthetics. It’s important to think about how you’ll use your travel pack, and as such, every pack on our list is carry-on compliant for the worst-case scenario.

We know no trip will be like the next, so we took a broad swath of the travel backpacks on the market in order to create a list that will suit many different travelers. Packs in hand, over our shoulders, or on our backs, we hit the four corners and tested the best travel backpacks of 2024.

Curious about what we pack in our travel backpacks? We’ve penned up a list for both domestic and international trips .

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Travel Backpack

Travel backpack user profiles.

The International Jet-Setter: The term ‘One Bag Travel’ is no stranger to you, and you’ve just about got your life distilled down into 45 liters of space. If international travel is your bag, then a backpack that’s up to the task will be essential to see you through to further time zones. Efficiency will be the name of the game here, and going with a pack that is dang-near the carry-on maximums for international flights will mean you can make it through without checking a bag. Look for near to 45-liter packs with plenty of organization baked in, as well as a comfortable (and stashable) carry system.

For international travel, the bag we reach for most often had to be the Peak Design Travel Backpack , with a razor-thin second place going to the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack . For an emphasis on organization, the Matador SEG45 splits up the volume well, and if you’ll be schlepping bags around a long way, the Osprey Farpoint & Fairview Packs have all the Osprey suspension we love.

The Weekend-Warrior: Maybe it’s a work trip, and maybe it’s just for fun, but it’s only going to take 2-3 days total, and you’ll need a bag that can pack it in. For weekend excursions, we find packs in the 25-35 liter range work well for the minimalists among us, and the 30-40 liter range for those who like a bit more options.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is easily one of the most stylish packs in our review, only slightly edged out by the Timbuk2 Never Check , and both make the grade for a single overnighter in a foreign locale. For a bit more space, you can’t go wrong with the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L , a fun pack that is a lot tougher than the multi-colored exterior would let on.

The Commuter: No flight involved! Duty calls, and sometimes you’ll need to lug around a bit more kit than the old briefcase can allow for. Commuting with a travel backpack is a great way to stay comfortable on longer rides, as shoulder and handbags are cumbersome over the long run. Focus on a bag with a more traditional backpack shape that puts an emphasis on ease-of-access, and is in the 20-30 liter range.

For bumping around town, we’ve come to love the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24 , which not only lugs our remote office around with ease, but also looks pretty slick doing it. The drawstring opening here is a huge boon for quickly stashing a jacket, and the tough exterior fears no weather forecast. For a budget just-get-it-done choice, the Dakine Campus 33L will make it happen for less.

The right size pack for you depends on a few things. First, where are you going? And, how long do you plan to stay? Winter travel often comes with more gear, so you’ll need to pack extra layers. Longer trips often require larger bags.

That said, your personal packing style will be the most important factor. We know minimalists who happily travel for months with only a single backpack in tow and others who want the largest travel backpack possible in addition to a totally stuffed duffel bag . One method isn’t better than the other, but knowing your style is helpful when choosing a bag.

In general, we’ve found that something in the 28-45 liter range is ideal for comfort and packability. Many packs will also offer a compression system to allow you to limit the overall volume of the backpack. We’ve seen many different ways to accomplish this, but the most effective by far were the button snaps and expanding zipper of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Packs toward the 40-45 liter range will be your carry-on bags of choice, and the 45-liter Peak Design, Patagonia MLC , and Matador GlobeRider are perfect for maxing out your allowed space. The 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs give up a little internal room for the luxe suspension system they’re carried with.

Packs in the smaller end of the range, from around 25-30 liters, make better personal items, and the TimBuk2 Never Check , Tom Bihn Synapse , and Patagonia Black Hole backpacks all fit snuggly underneath an airliner seat. These small bags move through a city gracefully and look more like everyday carry backpacks than traditional luggage.

What good would a bag be if you couldn’t get into it? From a simple drawstring to a thicket of Velcro and zippers, there are plenty of ways to keep your bag closed while you’re on the go, but not every one will be amenable to travel.

Zippered Clamshells: Most travel backpacks will use a clamshell-style design that opens up the backpack like a suitcase, allowing you to pack intentionally as opposed to stuffing things in. Oftentimes, an internal strap system will help keep your items contained while you’re on the move.

Packs with this clamshell design may also opt to add internal dividers to the main storage area, and make these dividers removable — should you need the entire storage area uninhibited. For packs without internal dividers or straps, consider adding a few packing cubes to keep your items organized.

In addition to the rear entry, some backpacks will offer additional entry points through the top or front of the pack. This can be helpful when you need to quickly retrieve something like a passport from your bag, without the need to totally spill the contents. The majority of packs in our review close in this clamshell manner, and a few of our favorites are the Peak Design Travel Backpack , Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs , and Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack .

Zippered Top-Access: Much like many traditional backpacks, zippered top-access packs load and unload from the topside, and generally only offer one point of entry/egress into the pack. For this reason, packs of this flavor are generally left packed during travel, as digging around for something at the bottom can be a hassle.

Bags of this stripe, including the uber-nice Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and expandable Timbuk2 Never Check , most often make better personal items over carry-ons, as their smaller volumes make for easier searching within.

Drawstring Top-Entry: While not quite as common as a zippered clamshell or top-access pack, drawstring top-entry packs can make for very quick and easy access to your kit if you’re on the move. These packs will integrate an extended fabric collar to the top of the storage area, which can be compressed when needed, or overstuffed with bulky items like jackets.

Commuters will find drawstring entry bags the most appealing, and the Arc’teryx Granville 25 has become one of our dedicated laptop toters for everything from remote work stints at the coffee shop to jumping on a ferry for work.

Carrying Options

There are plenty of ways to lug your kit to your boarding gate, but not all of them will be comfortable for everything. Over-shoulder backpack straps can support a good bit of weight but typically will need some type of frame to truly be supportive. The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs were the best-carrying packs in our testing, owed largely to the wire frame and Airscape mesh back panels, but we also enjoyed the carry of the aluminum frame stays on the Matador GlobeRider.

A shoulder strap travel backpack, like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L , can be slung across your body and provide a great amount of accessibility on the go. Don’t expect to carry too much weight this way, however.

And then there’s the classic suitcase style, easily towed anywhere. It’s good to note many travel backpacks will have stowable straps to better streamline the pack for a trip through an X-ray machine or stowed under a seat. The strap storage design of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L impressed us most of all, utilizing magnetic closure flaps to pack away the shoulder and hip straps neatly.

Pockets & Organization

There’s an organizational saying: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” And we couldn’t agree more. Keeping track of everything while you travel is key for organization. And while more pockets always seem better, there is a threshold where having too many simply becomes more places to misplace things. Instead, we recommend packs with three to six pockets.

The Cotopaxi Allpa and Topo Designs Global Travel Bags both have ingenious inner organization systems complete with large zipping “pockets.” It has just enough space to find room for everything but not so many compartments that you’ll be hunting all day for your misplaced passport. For even more organization, the Matador SEG45 splits into five different segments that are accessible from the exterior of the pack.

Bringing along a laptop is a necessary evil for some travelers, and having an incorporated laptop sleeve in your travel backpack can keep it safe during travel. Most laptop sleeves will be padded with some type of foam and nestle in close to the back for maximum protection. In order to be TSA-compliant, a laptop sleeve will need to fold entirely flat away from the pack to be scanned.

Because flying with liquids over 3.4 ounces is prohibited in the U.S., carrying all of these items in a separate toiletry bag can make your foray into the screening line a breeze. Many of the packs on our list incorporate many external pockets where such a bag could be stashed and produced when needed.

Travel luggage takes a beating, so durability is a top concern. Luckily, gear manufacturers realize this and are making increasingly burly yet portable packs. The fan-favorite Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L pack is made with a 900-denier ripstop nylon outer with a TPU laminate for extra durability. It’s nearly indestructible, water-resistant, and versatile.

If you’re traveling somewhere with inclement weather or if your pack needs to double as a climbing bag or hiking pack, durability is extra important. And it’s worth paying more for a backpack that is water-resistant.

Space Efficiency & Carry-On Compliance

Astute observers will note many of the packs in our review sport a rectangular shape, which is certainly due to designers aspiring to create a more space-efficient pack. This isn’t to say that more shapely packs won’t make it happen, but when you’re struggling to make every liter of space count, maximizing dimensions matters.

Carry-on luggage is any bag that you plan on bringing into an airplane and storing in the overhead bins. Because space is limited, airlines dictate the maximum size that any carry-on can be. In the U.S., the most common size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). However, this is just a rough guideline; some airlines differ from these dimensions, and you should refer to their information directly.

In general, these dimensions provide a travel backpack with around 40-45 liters of internal volume, so buying a pack that’s as close to that as possible will provide the most space allowed. Many of the packs on our list have the ability to compress to a smaller size, such as the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L .

Be mindful as well, that any protrusions from your travel pack such as shoulder straps or handles will also need to fall within the maximum allowed size. Many travel backpacks today incorporate some type of strap-stowing ability, such as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design packs, the zippered cover of the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, and the hybrid zipper/panel of the Matador GlobeRider 45. All of these provide a more streamlined profile that should both hit the mark, and fit better into overhead bins.

Travel backpacks run the gamut of prices — from affordable to downright pricey. There are a number of factors that play into what you get for the money.

Budget-Minded Travel Packs

Travel backpacks, as a category, are generally a bit pricer than your average luggage, as they incorporate tough materials that can put up with extensive wear over the lifespan. Travel is tough on bags, so it’s unsurprising that even budget travel backpacks will cost you around $100-150. These packs often will incorporate more traditional architectures such as a zippered top access, as opposed to the more complicated (and spendy) full-zip clamshell designs. For example, the Dakine Campus ($75) is pretty much your average school bag.

Volumes, too, will be a bit limited in this price range — added material adds cost. The 32-liter Osprey Nebula ($140) is about the best price-to-volume ratio you can get.

Mid-Range Travel Packs

Mid-range packs make up the bread and butter of travel packs, and can be had for around $150 to $200. These designs are often more of the full carry-on variety, and aim to capitalize on permitted volume as much as possible. The 45-liter Matador SEG45 ($200), Patagonia Black Hole MLC ($239), 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview ($185), and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ($229) all shoehorn in just about as much space as a friendly gate agent will let you get away with.

For the price, you also get a good variety of functionality that makes travel easier, such as stowable pack straps, interior segmented pockets and sleeves (done excellently on the $170 Cotopaxi Allpa ), and an external compression system that limits the space your bag takes up. Some packs, like the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), don’t exactly hit these parameters, but instead make up for it in high-quality design and materials.

Premium Travel Packs

Above $250, you’re likely paying for premium materials or a to-the-hilt design that leaves absolutely nothing on the cutting room floor. The Peak Design Travel Backpack ($300) is a great example, and utilizes super high-quality nylon canvas, custom aluminum hardware, and supple seatbelt material webbing in its build, as well as fitting in just about every conceivable feature you could want in a travel pack. The same can be said of the Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350), which uses high-tech UHMPWE-reinforced materials and sports a total of 19 pockets.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($243) is a bit of an outlier, as it commands a high dollar amount not for the extreme amount of space it offers or amount of features, but for being a hyper-customizable, hand-made bag that uses the nicest textiles available, as well as the best zippers, webbing, and foam in its design. If you’re a fan of the finest materials, this is your daily driver pack.

What Is One Bag Travel?

The ‘One Bag Travel’ ethos and travel backpacks go hand-in-hand. Simply put, to travel in one-bag style is to be minimalist in your luggage choices, and only take what you can carry onto the plane/train/pack animal. Not only does this do away with the fuss of deciding what exactly to bring along with you, but it also allows for breezing through airports — skipping the need to check baggage, wait at baggage claim, or fear for lost luggage.

In order to most effectively travel with one bag, be sure to read up on exactly the baggage size allowances provided by your transportation. This can affect both overall size and weight, and having an expandable pack is a large benefit here. In this way, you can carry just enough to skirt through under the limit, and then expand the bag when you’ve hit your destination for more breathing room. If you aim for a 35-40 liter backpack, you’ll be right on the money for one-bag travel.

Finally, remember that this bag is going to be the only item of luggage you’ve got, so ensure it’ll be comfortable enough for the long haul. Look for padded back panels and hip belts that’ll transfer the load correctly, and if they stash away — all the better.

Our team unanimously agrees that the best travel backpack is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . It’s extremely durable, and it offers plenty of organizational pockets to stash your kit away in. The clamshell opening makes packing a breeze, and we really appreciated the unique shoulder strap storage options available to turn the pack into a stripped-down bag that would slide into any overhead compartment.

The best size bag for traveling depends largely on your travel itinerary and mode of transport. The Cotopaxi Allpa packs range from 28 to 42 liters.

The 28-liter option makes for a compact and comfortable backpack that easily fits in overhead airplane compartments. The 42-liter option is a bit more like carrying a duffel bag on your back, but it still manages to fit in overhead compartments. It’s a great option for maximizing carry-on capacity in backpack form.

While both have their place in travel, a backpack can offer some advantages over a suitcase. Since they’re much more portable, backpacks can be brought to many more places where a suitcase won’t work. Suitcases can be your large load carriers, but a good travel backpack gives you the freedom to strike out on daily adventures.

Travel backpacks absolutely can be carry-on luggage, given they meet the size requirements. In the U.S., the most common maximum size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). But this is only a common size, and different airlines will have different specifics. Consult with your airline specifically to determine what they allow.

While different body types will find different travel packs comfortable, we can all agree that a good support system and ample foam make for a comfortable carry. In our own testing, we found the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Travel Packs were by far the most comfortable due to their plush suspension systems.

Because many different airlines operate a slate of different planes, there isn’t a standard under-seat luggage size, although there is an average: 16 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches. Some airlines allow personal items larger than this, but you should consult with their customer service for specifics. Our favorite personal item-sized travel pack was the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack , which at 24 liters compressed easily slides under a seat.

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

Whether you’re headed to the office, class, or even the trailhead, here’s our top picks for the best laptop backpacks of 2024.

The Best Daypacks of 2024

We tested the best daypacks of 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include Osprey, Cotopaxi, and more.

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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Class Trip Packing List

It’s hard to know what to take with you. Do you have enough?  Too much?  Here’s a handy class trip packing list to help you pack for your trip…

Every Traveler Should Pack

• Enough clothes for each day of the trip (including undies and an extra pair of socks!)
• Face covering
• Gloves, hat, scarf (depending on weather)
• Swimsuit/flip flops
• Sunscreen/sunglasses/baseball cap or visor
• Insect repellent (preferably wipes)
• Layers (hoodies in case it gets cold, joggers, etc.)
• School shirt or trip shirt to identify as part of the group
• Nightwear that is appropriate for room sharing
• Appropriate and comfortable shoes for walking
• Closed-toe shoes for traveling
• Toiletries including travel soap, shampoo (check with the group leader regarding hair dryers, curling irons, etc.)
• Extra pair of lenses /glasses
• Prescriptions in original packaging and a list of prescribed medications for the group leader (check with the group leader for specific protocol)
• Phone/phone charger
• Travel poncho
• Limited cash/debit card (remember, most fees are included in the cost of the trip)

Check out these 5 Best Tech Tips for Traveling Teens

Bus Travelers Should Also Pack

• A bag for the bus that includes anything you want to have handy but don’t necessarily need once off the bus (change of clothes, snacks*, drink, headphones, makeup, lip balm, sunscreen, hoodie). This bag typically stays on the motorcoach while students jump off and on
• A small backpack or crossbody bag to keep with you while touring. Keep cash, phone, and other essentials in this one

Air Travelers Should Also Pack

• Photo ID / Passport (check with the group leader)
• Snacks* for the plane
• Dramamine (again, check with the group leader)
• Backpack with a change of clothes in the event a bag is lost
• Carry-on liquids, aerosols, creams and gels using the 3-1-1 rule (4 oz bottle or less;  1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag;  1 bag per passenger)
• Unlocked luggage for easier TSA accessibility
• Bags that are discreetly labeled with identifying information

Pro Tip:  Keep a change of clothes in your backpack or carry-on for emergencies

Traveling by air? Check out Flying With A Student Group

Remember, when using our class trip packing list for a student trip, excess is not an option.  Keep it simple and smart and you’ll be prepared for a successful adventure!

*Check with your group leader regarding any specific food allergies

Here’s everything you need to know.

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12 Epic Hiking Camps & Summer Backpacking Trips

Posted by D.T. Christensen April 21, 2022 Updated February 09, 2024

We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers’ experience, user reviews and more. We may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links. See our editorial policy to learn more.

There’s no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end. Here’s where the best summer memories often begin.

Across the country you’ll find hiking camps, backpacking expeditions and wilderness programs aimed at teaching youngsters the ways of the outdoors, from following Leave No Trace principles to building leadership qualities and self-reliance.

When even the best summer vacation spots aren’t quite adventurous enough, hiking camps step in with the perfect blend of structure and freedom, discipline and discovery. They’re not always easy (or cheap), but they’re a damn good way for kids to learn about the natural world — and themselves.

Here’s a look at 12 hiking camps, backpacking trips and other outdoor programs for kids, teens and young adults looking for unforgettable adventures this summer.

Related read:   11 Backpacking Trips in the U.S. That Should be on Your Bucket List

1. Alpengirl

Alpengirl is a girls-only summer camp offering adventures in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. Based out of Montana, Alpengirl hosts one- and two-week trips focused on building positive attitudes, self-esteem and independence in girls aged 11 to 16.

Although hiking and backpacking are major components of each trip, campers face a range of outdoor challenges that also involve rafting, climbing and horseback riding. Alpengirl considers itself a bridge between local day camps and extended wilderness retreats at schools like NOLS.

Each camp is relatively small, with sessions limited to 12 campers and a 1:4 or 1:6 camper-to-staff ratio, ideal for campers who don’t want to get lost in the shuffle of big groups.

Related read:  8 Epic Backpacking Trips in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

2. Outward Bound

Outward Bound’s 10 regional schools help more than 50,000 students embark on new adventures every year. One of the country’s biggest outdoor camps is also one of its oldest: Kurt Hahn , the founder of Outward Bound, was born in 1886 and opened up his school in 1962.

“There is more in you than you think,” Hahn’s personal motto, is the guiding principle behind Outward Bound’s outdoor trips for middle schoolers and high schoolers . There’s also a program specifically for grieving teens , and additional itineraries for adults and extended trips.

Hiking and backpacking trips are held around the country, from east coast camps in New York and Pennsylvania to west coast treks in California, Colorado and the Pacific Northwest.

3. Wilderness Adventures

Wilderness Adventures has a distinct advantage over many backpacking and hiking camps: back in the ’70s, the school got hooked up with operating permits in national parks and other places that most camps don’t have access to today.

The result? Wilderness Adventures conducts trips in places like Grand Teton National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Denali State Park and Mount Rainier National Park.

Each year, they offer more than 40 adventures to students around the country, from practical day camps to extended trips like Yellowstone Teton Discovery , a 14-day hiking, backpacking and rafting trek through epic wilderness areas.

Wilderness Adventures’ alumni is 30,000 strong, and for campers over 18, they offer a gap semester program to help young adults earn professional certifications and leadership skills for future outdoor endeavors.

Related read:  9 Great Hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

4. Apogee Adventures

Apogee Adventures is a service-focused camp for students 11 to 18 interested in hiking, biking and creative outlets like writing and photography. Although each of the camp’s 40-plus adventures includes a community service element, one trip — their Caribbean Service experience — is focused on helping Puerto Rico communities with hurricane relief and trail maintenance.

The camp is relatively small compared to larger organizations, and the camp goes out of its way to ensure students are a good fit for each trip and its objectives. Each trip lasts one to six weeks and includes a challenge rating to give parents an idea of each trip’s physical demands.

NOLS is an internationally recognized outdoor school equipping students with the skills and wisdom to become environmental stewards of tomorrow.

A network of 16 campuses and 800+ instructors makes NOLS the most well-known outdoor leadership program in the world, and their summer backpacking expeditions allow students to explore areas like Alaska, the Adirondacks, the Pacific Northwest and Wyoming’s Wind River Range.

More than 40 trips are available to teens, and additional programs are offered specifically for women , people of color and LGBTQ+ students . An additional 40-plus courses are available to students 23 and older. NOLS also offers wilderness medicine and professional training programs for students looking to pursue outdoor careers.

Few nonprofits do as much as NOLS to train the next generation of environmental leaders, and each trek highlights the importance of sustainability, climate change effects, conservation and other ecological concepts.

Related read:  8 Gorgeous Backpacking Trails In The Wind River Range

6. Overland

What began as a 1982 cross-country biking trip for Tom Costley eventually became Overland , a summer hiking, backpacking and biking camp for students in 4th to 12th grades.

Their first sessions back in the ’80s were bike treks in New England, but today, Overland courses span the globe, from their roots in New England to trips in the Alps, Rockies, Sierras and Alaska. Introductory trips lasting one or two weeks are available to fourth, fifth and sixth graders, and longer hiking trips are open to older campers.

Session groups are small, friend pairs are limited, and the camp maintains a no-phone policy that focuses on their time outdoors. In addition to hiking trips, Overland also offers biking, language and service courses in places like Nova Scotia, France and Costa Rica.

7. Adventure Treks

North Carolina-based Adventure Treks offers one- and two-week hiking experiences for teens in areas like Washington, British Columbia, California and Colorado. Unlike most hiking and backpacking camps, Adventure Treks offers larger groups of 20 to 24 that make it easier for campers to meet more friends each summer.

The larger group sizes clearly work: more instructors and students return to Adventure Treks for additional trips than most other camps around the country. And even with more students on each hike, the company still offers an attentive 1:4 instructor-to-camper ratio.

Related read:  5 Best Backpacking Trips & Trails in Big Sur, California

8. Appalachian Mountain Club

For more than 100 years, Appalachian Mountain Club’s mission to conserve and enjoy the outdoors has kept lands and trails in the Northeast open to outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Their network of 16,000-plus volunteers maintains nearly 2,000 miles of trails, and they’ve protected thousands of acres of forest in the process.

One of their many programs offers hiking trips for teens : 6-day treks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Cardigan Mountain State Park . The trips focus on backpacking skills and safety while teaching campers about sustainability, conservation and trail maintenance.

In fact, each trip includes at least a half-day’s worth of trail maintenance service — and opening the door to future volunteer opportunities with AMC across the Northeast.

9. Lasting Adventures

Lasting Adventures focuses on national park-based hiking trips in Yosemite, Olympic National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Every summer, the nonprofit organization offers more than 10 trip itineraries, mostly 6-day and 13-day experiences taking campers through the rigors of hiking while learning important environmental skills and knowledge.

Shorter trips typically include 25 to 35 miles of hiking, while longer trips can cover up to 70 miles. Each trip focuses on distinct environmental aspects of the region, from the rocky coast of Washington to the unique lava beds of Lassen.

With more than 180 5-star reviews on Google, Lasting Adventures is one of the most reputable hiking and backpacking summer camps in the country. They also offer a scholarship program for families facing financial hardships — a benefit more than 1,500 students have put to good use since the camp’s opening in 1997.

Related read:  16 Spectacular Northern California Camping Spots

10. Camp Chief Ouray

Camp Chief Ouray — named for the famous Tabeguache Ute chief Ouray of Western Colorado — is one of the oldest outdoor camps in America, hosting students as far back as 1908. Today, the property northwest of Denver retains an old school summer camp vibe with nearly endless opportunities to explore the surrounding region and beyond.

In addition to a day camp and traditional summer camp , students can enroll in adventure trips — week-long endeavors that combine sleeping on campus and nights out in the wild — as well as Trekker Trips , which take campers out-of-state for even more adventures.

The YMCA-based camp takes kids 7 to 17 and is a Leave No Trace Youth Accredited organization, so the focus on sustainable recreation is expertly woven into each camp activity.

11. Farm & Wilderness

Located on a gorgeous hillside farm in central Vermont, Farm & Wilderness offers six summer camps focusing on “caring for the environment.” One of those is Questers , a coed backpacking program for 15- to 17-year-olds.

The camp offers two options: one for “Long Trail” Questers looking to hike Vermont’s 272-mile Long Trail — one of the oldest trails in the country — in 36 days, and one for “Classic” Questers exploring the White Mountains or Adirondacks for 18 days.

Both itineraries focus on sustainability, simplicity, integrity and other Quaker principles that guide the entire organization. And while their roots may be old, Farm & Wilderness’s approach to education and student success is firmly up-to-date, with diversity, inclusion and identity as core parts of the camp’s philosophy.

Related read:  6 Amazing Waterfalls in The Adirondacks You Don’t Want to Miss

12. Adirondack Camp

Adirondack Camp is a throwback summer camp in every sense, where a live bugler awakens campers every morning from open-air cabins and there’s not a screen or Wi-Fi password in sight. There’s also no central air, no swimming pool and no TVs, so there’s plenty of time to tackle the camp’s five signature outdoor “quests.”

One such quest is the Fire Tower Challenge , requiring campers to reach each of 23 fire towers located in Adirondack Park , where the camp is located on a small Lake George peninsula. There’s also the Northville Lake Placid Trail quest, where campers hike the park’s longest trail — 120 miles — in several multi-day backpacking trips throughout the summer.

The quests are fun challenges, but Adirondack Camp isn’t about competition: the counselors here are focused on creating meaningful relationships and moments between campers, and even campers. Sessions vary in length from two to eight weeks, and a close-knit camper-to-counselor ratio ensures students get the attention they need as they embark on their epic ADK journeys.

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Seen in: Backpacking , Hikes

Posted by D.T. Christensen

Dustin is the founder of Territory Supply. He was born and raised in Phoenix, and fills most of his shelves with books on American West history. When he’s not writing or reading, he likes to travel with his wife and twin daughters, a rambunctious team that makes backpacking the Grand Canyon seem easy.

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What is the best Affordable Travel Insurance for Backpackers? The 3 Best Backpacker Travel Insurance Companies Compared

Here’s the complete guide to backpacker travel insurance, why you need it, and what it should cover. You’ll find a detailed comparison of the 3 best insurance companies that offer specific policies and travel insurance for backpackers to help you choose the most suitable policy for your trip.

So you’ve packed your bag, you’re ready to embrace the life of a backpacker, and are headed off on a new adventure!

However, before you leave, no matter where your chosen destination may be, there’s no better way to protect yourself on your trip than purchasing backpacker travel insurance.

The number of insurance providers out there can be overwhelming but no need to worry, this guide has you covered!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What is backpacker travel insurance?

You might ask yourself, what exactly is backpacker travel insurance and how does it differ from regular travel insurance?

Backpacker travel insurance is a type of insurance specifically designed for people traveling long-term and/or on a budget and living the wanderlust dream.

Not only does it protect you from canceled flights, lost luggage, and emergency visits to the hospital whilst overseas, it’s more flexible than regular travel insurance and will usually cover a broader range of countries alongside more adventurous activities .

Long-term travelers will often have a lower budget and often look for cheap backpacker travel insurance deals to cover a more extended trip. Because of this, backpacker travel insurance tends to be less expensive and more affordable than traditional travel insurance.

2. Why do you need backpacker travel insurance?

Backpacking is a lifestyle of traveling that brings with it the unknown, excitement, and risks that you probably wouldn’t find yourself taking in your everyday life back at home.

It’s so essential that you have travel insurance to protect you in all unforeseen situations, including any accidents and emergencies you may find yourself involved in.

Covering yourself with a comprehensive travel insurance policy can save you from spending thousands of dollars on medical expenses.

Not only that, if you happen to miss an important flight or if some of your belongings are stolen, having insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that these things will all be covered.

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3. What to look for when buying travel insurance

There are a few essentials that all travel insurance policies should cover:

• medical emergencies and protection (medicine, emergency evacuation, hospital fees)
• stolen, lost or damaged belongings (including documents and luggage)
• flight delays and cancellations
• trip cancellations (plus curtailment cover so that you can get home quickly if there is a death in the family)
• access to a 24-hour helpline
• Repatriation for you to get home (if you become ill, it covers the flight back home)

Other factors to look out for that could be really beneficial for you when included in your policy are:

• being able to extend your policy if you choose to stay longer than you originally intended
• a very high limit for medical expenses
• cover for any legal expenses whilst overseas
• a policy that covers most countries in the world
• high personal liability insurance (in case you cause any damage to someone else’s property or injure them)

It’s really worth doing the research and choosing a policy that is going to be relevant for the type of traveling and adventuring that you choose to partake in.

Read the small print and make sure that the policy covers everything that you need it to!

It’s worth paying extra for the peace of mind of knowing if something were to happen, your travel insurance is there to serve you properly.

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4. What travel insurance for backpackers doesn’t cover

It’s also very useful to know and worth noting what many backpacker travel insurance policies do NOT cover.

This will differ slightly with each policy, however, there are a few common things that you won’t be able to get cover for.

Generally speaking, these are:

• any drug or alcohol-related incidents or accidents
• injuries or accidents sustained whilst participating in some extreme sports/high adrenaline activities which in some cases can include hill walking, so make sure that the policy you’re looking at covers you appropriately for the activities you will be doing
• Pre-existing medical conditions are sometimes not covered
• any stolen money
• traveling to areas that have been deemed dangerous (natural disaster zones, or places with armed conflicts
• any flights bought with airline miles
• medical tourism (facial/body aesthetic operations )
• breakdowns due to poor mental health

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5. Useful tips before heading off on your trip

Once you have organized and purchased your travel insurance, a smart tip is to make a note of the company’s helpline number along with the number of your policy. Keep it somewhere easy to find with your other travel documents.

On previous trips, I found myself printing out parts of my policy so that I had the important information close at hand alongside my passport.

Make an extra copy, or email a copy to your parents or friends at home just in case you happen to need assistance and end up in a sticky situation where you can’t advocate for yourself.

Another handy tip is to document EVERYTHING.

For example, if you’re planning on buying and taking some expensive kit with you i.e a camera, laptop, smartphone or any other pricey gadget, make sure to keep ALL of the receipts.

It’s helpful for the insurance company to see that you actually have proof of purchase for these items and in the event of any of these devices being stolen or damaged you may have an easier time claiming back your money.

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6. If you need to make a claim whilst abroad

If you find yourself in a position where you need to make a claim whilst on your travels, it’s helpful to organize all of your necessary documents with time to spare.

Include any/all receipts, emails, documentation of hospital or doctor appointments, any purchases, take photos and images of everything that you think is relevant and include them in your claim.

As I mentioned above, by saving ALL of the appropriate documents, you can better support your claim.

It’s also important to be aware that insurance companies can take some time to pay out and patience is a good thing to keep in mind. 

7. What are the best travel insurance providers for backpackers?

There are literally hundreds of companies out there offering cheap backpacker travel insurance.

Whilst budget is an important factor for most backpackers, especially for people looking for student backpacking travel insurance, it’s vital that you purchase a policy that provides you with the protection that suits the nature of your trip.

There’s getting a ‘good deal’ and then there’s buying travel insurance for backpacking that doesn’t give you any cover for any of the activities you want to do whilst away and the relevant countries that you plan on visiting.

If you need to make a claim, you could end up thousands of dollars out of pocket instead of just paying that little bit extra at the start.

To head off WITHOUT travel insurance could prove to be a big mistake and according to statistics , if you plan on traveling for a long period of time, something is bound to happen.

I am not being pessimistic when I say this, it’s from my own experience and the advice of many other seasoned travelers and backpackers.

Bags will be lost, belongings may be stolen or damaged, you may become unwell and require medical care. At the end of the day, it’s just not worth the gamble.

If you have zero clue about where to start when it comes to buying backpacker travel insurance, please know that you’re not alone and that this guide is here to help.

I’ve gathered and researched for you my pick of the three best companies offering backpacker insurance policies and laid it out plain and simple for you to understand in order to make the right decision for your trip.

The top two travel insurance companies who I believe offer the best backpacker travel insurance cover are:

• IATI Backpacker

1) SafetyWing

SafetyWing is my first recommended travel insurance company.

Their Nomad Insurance has been specially created for backpackers, digital nomads, and long-term travelers.

They haven’t been around very long in comparison to other companies, however, they are quickly becoming a firm favorite in the backpacking community.

Not only are their plans affordable, with cover starting at $2 per day for short trips, they also offer long-term annual travel insurance plans for frequent travelers which is ideal if you travel regularly.

Unlike most policies on offer by other companies, SafetyWing doesn’t require you to provide a home address or a list of the countries that you plan on visiting which gives you the ultimate freedom to change your mind about your next destination.

They also offer a completely comprehensive travel medical insurance policy for full-time travelers and remote workers which is called ‘ Remote Health ’.

This plan covers any healthcare or medical care that you may require when traveling on a trip or if living and working abroad. It covers everything from giving birth to treatment for all kinds of illnesses, it also covers you for repatriation or evacuation too.

If you need it, you can add on dental cover, just in case you needed some work on your teeth whilst away.

The Nomad Plan is an ideal choice of travel insurance for backpackers who are already abroad because you can buy it or renew a policy during your trip at any point making it perfect for those spontaneous trips and life changes.

2) IATI BAckpacker

I only recently discovered IATI but I’m already a fan! That’s why it’s my third recommended company offering backpacker travel insurance.

IATI offers seven (!!) levels of cover, depending on your needs and the preferred way in which you like to travel.

They offer a wide range of different coverage for short holidays, destinations with high medical costs, long-term travelers, adventure travelers, families, and students alike.

Their IATI Backpacker policy covers you highly for any medical expenses and also gives you a high amount of personal liability. They cover you for all sorts of sports and adventurous activities, including scuba diving, rock climbing, trekking at altitudes up to 5400 meters and bungee jumping.

They also cover dental expenses, repatriation, travel and accommodation of a relative if you have to stay in hospital for more than 5 days, theft, damaged or lost luggage, travel delays, search and rescue and much more.

They are one of the few companies that offer backpacking travel insurance and cover any claims brought against you if you are held liable for any injuries or damage you involuntarily caused to third parties.

3) Heymondo

Heymondo is one of the latest top travel insurance providers for backpackers and long-term travelers.

Their policies are accessible and easy to understand and they offer a range of different coverage for short trips , annual multi-trips and flexible long-term trips . You can easily personalize your insurance to your type of trip and budget.

Their travel insurance plans already cover numerous outdoor activities and you can add Adventure Sports that will cover extreme activities from white-water rafting and trekking up to 5,000 meters altitude to bungee jumping and rock climbing.

Another benefit they offer is the ability to edit or extend your policy on the go which could come in handy for someone living the life of a backpacker.

8. Cover during a Pandemic (Covid 19)

A global pandemic isn’t something that many, if any travel insurance companies, would have probably ever covered you for pre-2019.

However, nearly three years on, here we are, the world a changed place for the foreseeable, and Covid 19 continues to affect people across the world. After numerous lockdowns, it’s natural that some people may be feeling anxious about the thought of being able to travel again.

Although numerous countries’ borders still remain closed, there are plenty of countries that are ready to welcome tourists and travelers back, in order to help rebuild their damaged economies.

We have all learned to adapt the way we live our lives around Covid 19 and travel insurance providers have had to change and adapt their policy offerings to support this.

The three companies that I mention in this article each have different components within their policies that state what you are covered and not covered for when taking Covid 19 into consideration.

Therefore, it’s important that you read through all of the information carefully and find out exactly what applies to you and what your specific policy covers you before you leave on your trip. If you’re unsure about something, phone the helpline and discuss the specifics with someone.

All three travel insurance companies state that they will NOT provide you with any cover if you decide to travel against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office including any travel restrictions enforced by the government in relation to Covid 19. This would be, for example, if your country were to be in lockdown. As I said before, I know it’s a brand new world…

Heymondo states that their insurance plans cover all emergencies related to Covid. These include trip delays or interruptions, emergency medical expenses and cancellation charges.

If you were to contract Covid and become sick and require emergency medical care, any expenses in this instance would be covered by your policy just like any other illness.

Their trip cancellation even covers you if you test positive or if a close relative gets seriously ill or dies due to COVID-19 and you’ll be able to get a reimbursement for your pre-paid, non-refundable expenses related to your trip.

SafetyWing now offers coverage for Covid 19 under their Nomad insurance policy, which means you would be covered if you become sick and need medical care.

You would receive $50 per day for up to 10 days if you were to test positive for Covid if your policy was at least 28 days or longer. They will now cover you for lockdowns as well as quarantine coverage which is a more comprehensive type of Covid cover than other plans.

And with their Annual Nomad Plan , you can cancel it at any time. If you were to enter a country that went into ‘lockdown’ due to Covid, you’re not tied into a plan when you can’t actually travel.

All IATI ‘s policy plans offer coverage for coronavirus during the trip. This coverage includes diagnostic tests (PCR) prescribed by health professionals in case of symptoms compatible with the disease, medical assistance, medical transport, hospitalization, quarantine and repatriation.

A 10-day quarantine in a hotel is contemplated with the convalescence coverage included in all their plans.

9. The 3 best backpacker travel insurance companies compared

So I’ve briefly mentioned a little about my top three choices for backpacker travel insurance. Now let’s go into more detail about what each of these companies actually offers you and compare these backpacker travel insurance policies.

I want to help you get the best insurance deal that will cover you fully for your exciting adventures abroad.

1) Safety Wing

Safety Wing uses a monthly payment scheme that is subscription-based meaning that if you need to, you can stop or pause your cover when not using it.

It’s flexible because you can organize coverage for a specific date, monthly or annually until the end of your trip with their auto-renewal service. This is ideal if you’re not totally certain about the length of time you will be traveling for.

Safety Wing lists what activities and adventures are not covered on their website in a really clear and simple way which is really refreshing in comparison to trawling through the fine print of some other companies’ policies.

However, unlike World Nomads, Safety Wing does NOT cover any electronics . I would suggest that if you choose their backpacker insurance cover, insure your tech through a secondary insurance company such as a Gadget Cover .

Safety Wing also does NOT provide cover for any pre-existing medical conditions with the exception of cover for Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition – see here for more details on this .

Their Nomad Insurance Policy includes:

• $250,000 in emergency medical coverage
• $100,000 in medical evacuation
• $5,000 for trip interruption

Their policy also includes:

• coverage up to the age of 69 years old
• coverage from 5 days – 1 year
• great value for money at $42 USD per month
• cover for a huge list of activities and sports but NOT many adventurous activities such as paragliding, white water rafting or skiing off piste for eg. See the full list here .
• covers travel anywhere in the world (except for Cuba, Iran, Syria and North Korea)
• They offer home country coverage, including the USA
• You can include up to 2 kids under age 10 per family at no extra cost
• 24/7 assistance

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2) IATI BAckpacker insurance

IATI offers seven different types of insurance plans, depending on your budget, type of travel and the duration of your trip.

The IATI Backpacker Insurance is specially designed for backpackers who are setting off to see the world without knowing exactly which countries they will visit or how long the trip will take. You can also purchase this travel insurance if your trip has already started.

However, it’s important to know that if you’re not a Spanish citizen (this insurance company is located in Spain), you can only take out insurance for trips up to 4 months.

Their monthly policies start at €127 covering nearly all destinations in the world. They offer 24/7 customer care.

This policy combines high medical coverage of €500,000 with and other specific upgrades such as adventure sport, search and rescue, and computer equipment in your luggage. You can also take out a new policy when you arrive if you decide to extend your trip.

The IATI Backpacker Plan includes:

• €500,000 in emergency medical coverage
• 100% coverage in medical evacuation and repatriation (including natural disasters)
• €1,500 for stolen or lost baggage
• up to €500 in trip delays
• €15,000 in search and rescue expenses
• €60,000 in personal civil liability
• €2,000 in cancellation costs, provided that you cancel before the trip starts and for one of the reasons set out in the policy

This policy also includes:

• emergency medical and dental coverage
• personal injury in motor vehicle accidents
• travel/accommodation of a relative in case you need to stay more than 5 days in hospital
• coverage up to age of 69 years old
• convalescense in a hotel
• sending medication abroad
• stolen passports & tech gear
• delayed departure and delivery of luggage, and missed connections
• extended trip costs if you’re stuck somewhere due to bad weather, natural disaster, political problems
• cover for a huge list of activities and sports. See the full list here.
• covers travel anywhere in the world

3) HeyMondo Travel Insurance

Heymondo offers three different types of insurance plans with policies starting at 65 EURO per month for European Citizens and 116 USD per month for USA Citizens.

Heymondo also offers an app service which comes with a 24/7 medical chat, free worldwide emergency assistance calls, extra lodging expenses due to medical quarantine, coverage of non-refundable expenses in case of serious illness and simple claims management options.

The Heymondo Medical Plan includes:

• $500,000 in emergency medical and dental expenses
• $500,000 in medical evacuation and repatriation

The Heymondo Top includes:

• Up to $1,700 for lost or stolen baggage.
• Up to $450 for travel disruption and $3500 for cancellation and interruption due to serious illness

Their policies also include:

• Natural disasters
• Medical transportation
• Personal liability
• Compensation for death or permanent disability as a result of an accident that takes place during the trip.
• Cover for over 140 countries
• You can add-on cover for expensive belongings and adventure sports.

The Heymondo Premium includes:

• Up to $2,500 for lost or stolen baggage.
• Up to $1500 for travel disruption and $7000 for cancellation and interruption due to serious illness
• Search and rescue
• Natural disaster
• Rental car access
• You can add-on cover for expensive belongings, adventure sports and cruises.

10. Which is now the best backpacker travel insurance?

You must think properly about all the things you’d like your policy to cover you for when comparing travel insurance.

Shop around and do some research first and then be sure to read through the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing your policy.

However, I wholeheartedly want to say that it is equally just as important that we keep our minds open to traveling and keep dreaming and planning epic adventures.

Backpacking can be absolutely life-changing and provide you with so much joy and give you a new thirst for life, meeting new people, exploring new places, and pushing the boundaries of your comfort zones. 

Regarding the BEST backpacker travel insurance, my top pick depends on the duration of my trip and the type of activities I plan on doing.

Every summer, I travel for 3 to 4 months to Central Asia to guide my adventure tours and to go trekking in the mountains.

These activities sometimes include heights over 4000 meters, so I take out IATI Backpacker Insurance . This insurance policy covers everything I need and so much more for “only” €127 per month.

If something happens to me in the mountains or I get stuck due to natural disasters, pandemics or political issues (nowadays we never know what’s coming…), at least I know I’m fully covered with the IAT I B a c k p a c k e r P l a n .

If I’m going on a trip longer than 4 months or on a shorter trip that doesn’t include me doing extreme activities or hiking above 4000 meter, I take out the Nomad Insurance Policy by Safety Wing .

Their plans are very affordable, and their unique subscription service also offers you a modern and ultimately a more flexible way to insure yourself whilst away compared to other types of cover on the market.

With rates starting at $42 per month (28 days) and covering you for most of the basics , they are a fantastic option for anyone working with a tight budget. Not only do they offer great travel insurance for backpackers, but they are also a good option for any digital nomads out there too.

I hope this guide helped you understand what backpacker travel insurance is and what to look out for when purchasing one. 

Even if you choose not to go with any of the companies mentioned in this article, please don’t travel without insurance.

Make sure that you’re covered, even if you don’t end up needing to claim whilst away, knowing that you’re covered (just in case) is totally worth it!

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2 thoughts on “what is the best affordable travel insurance for backpackers the 3 best backpacker travel insurance companies compared”.

I read your long post and realised than none of your three companies would insure me as a 64 year old long time backpacker. Shocking? Back to World Nomads I suppose as they insure backpackers till 70. What will I do then though?

Hey Linda, I’m sorry to hear that they all put an age limit for long-term travelers… I double-checked and indeed, they only insure long term until a certain age…

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