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10 Best Travel Backpacks 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MATEIN 45L Travel Backpack, Large Carry on Backpack for Men Women, Water Resistant Lightweight Expandable Daypack, Business Weekender Backpacks, Gifts for People who Travel, Black

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,171
Capacity
Weight
Compartments and Organization

Most important from
10962 reviews

Capacity
Ample room for clothes while still leaving space for more items.
Weight
Weight is comfortable and breathable, making it genuinely a fire backpack for any use.
Compartments and Organization
The bag is durable, with deep and comfortably placed pockets, making it perfect for high school, college, or travel.
Fit and Comfort
Comfortable to carry, expandable, and fits in small airplanes and under seats.
Security Features
Value for money is incredible; every zipper is strong and pretty theft-proof.

The MATEIN 45L Travel Backpack is a versatile and expandable travel companion suited for both men and women. With dimensions of 20x8.6x13.4 inches and a weight of just 2.16 pounds, it offers a large capacity while maintaining lightweight portability. Its expandable feature allows for additional packing space, making it suitable for weekend trips or occasional vacations. The backpack is designed to meet airline carry-on requirements, fitting easily in overhead compartments or under seats.

The convertible design, with hideaway padded shoulder straps, allows it to transform from a backpack to a briefcase, providing flexibility in carrying styles. The adjustable shoulder straps, air-mesh ventilated back panel, and sternum strap contribute to comfort during travel. Multiple compartments, including a front pocket for small items and internal compression straps, help in organizing belongings efficiently.

The use of water-resistant lightweight polyester ensures durability and weather resistance, while lockable zipper heads add a layer of security. The bag's accessibility is enhanced by the extra padded grab handles on the top and side. This travel backpack is highly practical for travelers seeking a large, lightweight, and versatile bag with excellent organizational features and solid weather resistance capabilities.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,171
Capacity
Weight
Compartments and Organization

Most important from
10962 reviews

Capacity
Ample room for clothes while still leaving space for more items.
Weight
Weight is comfortable and breathable, making it genuinely a fire backpack for any use.
Compartments and Organization
The bag is durable, with deep and comfortably placed pockets, making it perfect for high school, college, or travel.
Fit and Comfort
Comfortable to carry, expandable, and fits in small airplanes and under seats.
Security Features
Value for money is incredible; every zipper is strong and pretty theft-proof.
#2

Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Weight
Material

Most important from
28904 reviews

Capacity
The main compartment is spacious enough to fit multiple items, including beach towels, clothes, and more.
Weight
The backpack is lightweight and fits comfortably, making it perfect for travel and day hikes.
Material
Despite its thin material, the backpack has proven to be durable and tear-resistant even after a year of use.
Compartments and Organization
With plenty of pockets and compartments, it offers excellent organization for all your essentials.
Fit and Comfort
The backpack is lightweight and fits comfortably, making it perfect for travel and day hikes.
Security Features
The chest clip with a whistle buckle is a thoughtful addition for stability and safety during hikes.

The Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack is an excellent choice for travelers and hikers who prioritize convenience and durability. With a 40-liter capacity, it offers ample space for all your essentials, making it great for day trips and short excursions. The backpack is notably lightweight, weighing only 1 pound, and can be compactly folded into its own pocket, making it easy to pack and carry when not in use. This makes it ideal for those needing a versatile and portable option.

Made from high-quality tear and water-resistant nylon fabric, the backpack promises durability. Its heavy-duty metal zippers and reinforced stress points ensure it can handle the rigors of daily use. The double-layer bottom piece adds to its sturdiness, allowing you to carry more without worrying about wear and tear. In terms of organization, the Venture Pal backpack excels with multiple compartments, including a main zipped compartment, front zipped pockets, and two side pockets. The internal wet pocket is a thoughtful addition for separating wet items from dry ones, perfect for post-swim activities.

Comfort-wise, the backpack features breathable mesh shoulder straps with ample padding to reduce shoulder strain. Additionally, the chest clip with a whistle buckle helps distribute weight evenly and keeps the backpack stable. However, while the backpack is well-suited for travel and day hiking, it might not be the best option for longer, more demanding hikes where additional support and more advanced features are required. Security features are basic, and while the reflective fabric enhances visibility at night, it might not offer the highest level of security against theft. In conclusion, the Venture Pal 40L backpack is a solid, user-friendly choice for those looking for a durable, spacious, and comfortable option for travel and day hikes, with the added benefit of foldable convenience.

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Weight
Material

Most important from
28904 reviews

Capacity
The main compartment is spacious enough to fit multiple items, including beach towels, clothes, and more.
Weight
The backpack is lightweight and fits comfortably, making it perfect for travel and day hikes.
Material
Despite its thin material, the backpack has proven to be durable and tear-resistant even after a year of use.
Compartments and Organization
With plenty of pockets and compartments, it offers excellent organization for all your essentials.
Fit and Comfort
The backpack is lightweight and fits comfortably, making it perfect for travel and day hikes.
Security Features
The chest clip with a whistle buckle is a thoughtful addition for stability and safety during hikes.
#3

ZOMFELT Hiking Backpack for Women Men, 15L Lightweight Packable Backpack for Trip, Water Resistant Small Travel Backpacks, Foldable daypack for Hiking, Walking, Cycling, Camping, Black

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Weight
Material

Most important from
42 reviews

Capacity
The backpack's compact design and ability to fold into its own pocket make it incredibly convenient for packing into a suitcase or carrying as a daypack.
Weight
The lightweight nature of the pack, weighing just over half a pound, allows for effortless carrying without bulk during daily outings or hikes.
Material
Its durable rip-stop nylon material offers resistance to scratches and spills, contributing to long-lasting use in outdoor conditions.
Compartments and Organization
Multiple well-placed pockets and smooth zippers provide quick, intuitive access to essentials without overwhelming with unnecessary compartments.
Fit and Comfort
The breathable, ergonomic shoulder straps provide a generally comfortable fit, though adding slight padding would improve comfort during extended wear.
Accessibility
Multiple well-placed pockets and smooth zippers provide quick, intuitive access to essentials without overwhelming with unnecessary compartments.
Weather Resistance
The water-resistant fabric handles light rain well but is not suited for heavy downpours without additional rain protection.

The ZOMFELT Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and compact option ideal for day trips, hiking, or casual travel. With a 15-liter capacity, it offers just enough space to carry essentials without being bulky. Made from durable rip-stop nylon, it resists scratches and spills while drying quickly, which helps in outdoor conditions. The pack weighs only about 0.63 pounds, making it easy to carry or fold down into a small pouch for convenience.

Its design includes multiple compartments—a main roomy section, zippered interior pocket, two front quick-access pockets, and side pockets for water bottles—helping you stay organized during your adventures. The ergonomic straps are adjustable and breathable, providing a comfortable fit that reduces bouncing, which is great for cycling or hiking. While it does not feature lockable zippers, it offers quick access pockets for important items. Weather resistance is solid due to the water-resistant fabric, though it’s not fully waterproof for heavy rain.

The TSA-friendly size and foldability make it versatile for both outdoor use and urban travel. If you’re looking for a simple, lightweight daypack that’s easy to carry and organizes essentials well, this backpack fits the bill. However, if you need a larger pack, heavy-duty security, or full rain protection, you might want to explore other options.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Weight
Material

Most important from
42 reviews

Capacity
The backpack's compact design and ability to fold into its own pocket make it incredibly convenient for packing into a suitcase or carrying as a daypack.
Weight
The lightweight nature of the pack, weighing just over half a pound, allows for effortless carrying without bulk during daily outings or hikes.
Material
Its durable rip-stop nylon material offers resistance to scratches and spills, contributing to long-lasting use in outdoor conditions.
Compartments and Organization
Multiple well-placed pockets and smooth zippers provide quick, intuitive access to essentials without overwhelming with unnecessary compartments.
Fit and Comfort
The breathable, ergonomic shoulder straps provide a generally comfortable fit, though adding slight padding would improve comfort during extended wear.
Accessibility
Multiple well-placed pockets and smooth zippers provide quick, intuitive access to essentials without overwhelming with unnecessary compartments.
Weather Resistance
The water-resistant fabric handles light rain well but is not suited for heavy downpours without additional rain protection.

Buying Guide for the Best Travel Backpacks

Choosing the right travel backpack is crucial for ensuring comfort, convenience, and security during your travels. The perfect backpack will depend on your travel style, the duration of your trips, and your personal preferences. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a travel backpack, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
CapacityCapacity refers to the volume of the backpack, usually measured in liters. This spec is important because it determines how much you can carry. For short trips or minimalist travelers, a 20-30 liter backpack might suffice. For longer trips or those who need to carry more gear, a 40-60 liter backpack is more appropriate. Consider your packing habits and the length of your trips to choose the right capacity for you.
WeightThe weight of the backpack itself is crucial, especially if you plan to carry it for long periods. A lighter backpack can reduce strain on your back and shoulders. Backpacks can range from ultra-light (under 1 kg) to heavier models (over 2 kg). If you prioritize comfort and mobility, opt for a lighter backpack, but ensure it still offers the durability and features you need.
MaterialThe material of the backpack affects its durability, water resistance, and weight. Common materials include nylon, polyester, and canvas. Nylon and polyester are lightweight and often treated for water resistance, making them suitable for most travelers. Canvas is heavier but very durable. Choose a material based on the conditions you'll be traveling in and your preference for weight versus durability.
Compartments and OrganizationThe number and type of compartments in a backpack can greatly affect how you organize your belongings. Some backpacks have multiple pockets, dividers, and even dedicated compartments for laptops or shoes. If you like to keep your items organized and easily accessible, look for a backpack with several compartments. If you prefer a simpler design, a backpack with fewer compartments might be better.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are essential for a travel backpack, especially if you'll be carrying it for extended periods. Look for adjustable shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a hip belt to distribute weight evenly. Some backpacks also offer adjustable torso lengths. Try on different backpacks to see which one feels most comfortable and provides the best support for your body type.
Security FeaturesSecurity features can help protect your belongings from theft. Look for backpacks with lockable zippers, hidden pockets, and cut-resistant materials. These features are particularly important if you'll be traveling in areas where pickpocketing is common. Choose the level of security based on your travel destinations and how much peace of mind you want.
AccessibilityAccessibility refers to how easily you can reach your items in the backpack. Some backpacks have a top-loading design, while others offer front-loading or panel-loading for easier access. If you need to frequently access your belongings, a front-loading backpack might be more convenient. Consider how you pack and how often you need to access your items to choose the best design for you.
Weather ResistanceWeather resistance is important if you'll be traveling in areas with unpredictable weather. Some backpacks come with built-in rain covers or are made from water-resistant materials. If you expect to encounter rain or snow, look for a backpack with good weather resistance to protect your belongings. If you'll be traveling in mostly dry conditions, this might be less of a priority.

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