Bring One of These 21 Top

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Travel days are stressful enough without lugging around a suitcase that you’re constantly tripping over. In the chaos of running to catch a train or trying to fit your carry-on into a crowded overhead bin on an airplane, the last thing you want to do is regret your travel companion: your luggage. Luckily, the best travel backpacks can hold all of your vacation essentials without the bulk or square footage of a suitcase.

Whether you’re flying across an ocean, taking a scenic road trip, or just heading to a friend’s for the weekend, ditching your clunky suitcase or duffel and finding the perfect travel backpack is sure to make your life easier. Carrying it on your back allows you to move more freely, and many feature different compartments for your laptop, water bottle, and other essentials making it easier than ever to keep track of everything. (The right pick could even double as a gym bag.) With so many durable, weather-proof, and anti-theft options on the market, the possibilities are endless.

We’ve scoured the internet to find top-rated picks for the best travel backpacks, so you can navigate your next trip with ease, hands free. The following product have tons of positive customer reviews, come from top brands, and a few have been vetted by our own editors.

A favorite of more than 22,000 Amazon shoppers who’ve left the product a five-star rating, this backpack has everything you need to set yourself up for success. It features 20 pockets and three main compartments for organizing belongings, a luggage strap for attaching it to the back of a suitcase (should you want a backpack in addition to your typical luggage), and even a USB port for convenient charging.

What the Reviews Say: “I’m very impressed with its durability, capacity, and [comfort],” writes one reviewer. “I highly recommend this backpack especially if you’re on a budget.”

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Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

amazon.com

$34.99

Not only is this backpack affordable, but it’s also extremely lightweight, foldable, and comfortable, making it a great choice for hiking trips. It features water- and tear-resistant fabric, so you’ll be ready to brave any weather conditions. It also has more than 17,000 ratings and 4.6 stars overall.

What the Reviews Say: “I have used this bag as a carry-on, a day pack, and a snack bag… [and] it has made it through every adventure,” says one reviewer. “This bag is incredible.”

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Lightweight Hiking Backpack

amazon.com

$13.99

With more than 72,000 five-star ratings, this best-selling backpack is a clear favorite of Amazon shoppers. It features several large compartments for organizing belongings, an anti-theft pocket for valuables, and a luggage strap for easy transportation. Plus, it’s water-resistant and has a USB charging port.

What the Reviews Say: “This little backpack got me through 12 days of traveling in Europe!” says one reviewer.

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Travel Laptop Backpack

amazon.com

$29.99

This backpack from Herschel is ideal for quick weekend trips as well as daily use. Use it for both work and play thanks to its large main compartment with room for a laptop and exterior pockets for other belongings.

What the Reviews Say: Prevention’s senior editor recommends this option. “There is loads of space in the main compartment, (which features a drawstring closure so you can truly stuff it to the brim), a zippered front pocket perfect for quick-access to your travel essentials, a hidden top zippered pocket (perfect for your sunnies!), and a sneaky zipper in the back for quick access to the padded laptop pocket in the main compartment,” she says. “With two water bottle holders, this is a new favorite travel bag!”

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Little America Laptop Backpack

amazon.com

$110.00

If you’re not planning a months-long backpacking trip, this sleek option from Dagne Dover is a great choice for quick trips and daily wear. The brand is known for its stylish luggage, and this pack is no exception. It comes in a variety of sophisticated colors, has a 16-inch laptop sleeve, and includes a shoe duster.

What the Reviews Say: “

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Dakota Neoprene Backpack

dagnedover.com

$215.00

From Shay Mitchell’s travel brand, Béis, this backpack holds a surprising amount. The main compartment unzips completely for more organized packing. It has two side water bottle holders, and large front zippered pocket, and padded tech pocket for small laptops and tablets.

What the Reviews Say: Our senior commerce editor received a sample of this backpack when it launched in 2018. “I love how the backpack unzips, so you can open it up wide like a traditional suitcase. It held up on many a weekend trip and was my go-to personal item along with a carry-on suitcase for years.”

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The Backpack

nordstrom.com

$88.00

Away may be known for its iconic rolling suitcases, but it makes a good travel backpack, too. This is one of it’s larger options, made of lightweight, durable polyester with enough space to pack for a five-day trip. It has interior and exterior compression systems to fit as much as possible in the multiple compartments and pockets within the pack. You’ll even get removable padded straps to convert the backpack into a duffle anytime.

What the Reviews Say: “I am pleasantly surprised with how much stuff I could put in this bag! I took it on a weekend trip and was able to fit everything I needed in it. I love that it has several pockets to store small things in that you want to keep handy.”

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F.A.R Convertible Backpack

awaytravel.com

$220.00

If you’re on the lookout for the best weekender bag, look no further. This travel backpack, with more than 7,000 ratings and nearly five stars overall, has everything you need to store your laptop, clothes, and toiletries for a weekend getaway. It also has extra straps to keep everything secure and you comfortable. Plus, it’s water-resistant and is available in multiple colors.

What the Reviews Say: “Can’t wait to travel again just so I can use this bag!” says one reviewer.

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40L Travel Backpack

amazon.com

$39.99

With 4.9 stars and more than 1,400 ratings, this is a great pack for your next backpacking trip. Not only does it hold between 30 and 50 pounds of cargo, but it also features an anti-gravity suspension system to lighten the load, with an added hip belt for extra comfort.

What the Reviews Say: “The best part is the back of the pack never actually touches your back because of the netted support system,” says one reviewer.

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Atmos Ag 65 Backpack

amazon.com

$269.90

For trips that involve inclement weather, this waterproof pack with 4.7 stars overall and 1,600 ratings is a great choice. The vinyl lining forms a perfect seal to keep your things safe from the elements, including valuables like electronics.

What the Reviews Say: “I’ve taken mine to both Mexico and Costa Rica for use on the beach, jungles, and other wet areas,” says one reviewer. “Great bag overall!”

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BackSåk Waterproof Backpack

amazon.com

$79.95

This affordable backpack is your best friend if you’re looking for something lightweight with 4.6 stars and 18,000 ratings. Its design is easily foldable and features breathable shoulder straps for extra comfort. That said, it still has room for all the essentials, with compartments for organizing.

What the Reviews Say: One Prevention editor bought this bag years ago from Amazon and says it’s still in great shape. “I took it on a three-day camping trip and all over Europe and it has yet to disappoint. Plus, it folds up neatly making it a great carry-on!” she says.

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35L Ultralight Lightweight Backpack

amazon.com

$25.99

When traveling, the last thing you want to be worrying about is your belongings getting stolen. This pack, with 4.7 stars and around 10,000 ratings, ensures that won’t happen, with a hard shell and RFID pockets to keep your items safe. It even has a combination lock that can be attached to the zipper for added security.

What the Reviews Say: “Super large and durable bag,” says one reviewer. “Very impressed with how strong the straps are holding up.”

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Travel Laptop Backpack

amazon.com

$43.99

This pack from SwissGear allows for effortless organization of your belongings with its many compartments. The padded laptop and tablet sleeves are also TSA-friendly, allowing you to get through most airport security without removing your electronics. It also has 4.7 stars and almost 23,500 ratings. Plus, the pack is also super comfortable with ergonomically contoured shoulder straps, and it’s available in multiple colors.

What the Reviews Say: “I am in love with this backpack,” says one reviewer. “It’s very sturdy, with great back padding.”

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1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

amazon.com

$89.99

This backpack received 4.7 stars overall and more than 18,000 ratings. It’s both stylish and functional, with water-resistant fabric and a USB charging port. It also has plenty of pockets for organizing your items, including space for a laptop and water bottle.

What the Reviews Say: “I was so surprised and pleased at the amount of storage this backpack has!” writes one reviewer.

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Laptop Backpack

amazon.com

$32.99

This extra large backpack, with 4.7 stars and 38,000 ratings, has enough space for everything you need while still meeting most airline carry-on requirements. It features a USB port, headphone compartment, and water-resistant fabric, not to mention it’s super affordable.

What the Reviews Say: “When I packed it for the first time, I was amazed at how much it held and how organized everything was,” says one reviewer. “Best backpack I’ve ever had.”

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Travel Backpack

amazon.com

$27.19

This backpack has two large compartments filled with smaller pockets and pouches for all of your items. It’s comfortable to wear with ventilated back padding and breathable, adjustable straps. It’s also made with water-resistant fabric and is available in four colors. Plus, it has a 4.6-star rating over from 27,000 ratings.

What the Reviews Say: “It has been a couple years and this backpack is still showing no signs of wear,” says one reviewer. “Highly recommend!”

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Travel Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack

amazon.com

$31.99

Another stylish yet functional pick, this backpack with 4.7 stars overall and more than 25,000 ratings features top handles in addition to shoulder straps for easy transportation. It also has a USB port and an interior laptop compartment. Not to mention it comes in so many super-cute colors.

What the Reviews Say: “I received so many compliments on this backpack!” says one reviewer. “One of my best purchases on Amazon.”

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Laptop Travel Backpack

amazon.com

$25.99

This pack, with 4.7 stars and 3,300 ratings, features water-resistant fabric and a chest strap for extra comfort and security. The added compression buckle straps also allow it to be adjusted based on your height for the perfect fit. Plus, it has divides for wet and dry compartments.

What the Reviews Say: “So much better than rolling a suitcase around,” writes one reviewer. “It’s very comfortable and sturdy.”

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Flight Approved Carry-On Backpack

amazon.com

$49.99

This vintage-style backpack features a side handle and longer shoulder strap in addition to backpack straps, so it can be carried as a backpack, handbag, or duffel. It also holds plenty, with a large main compartment and several pockets. Plus, it has a lockable zipper for security and earned 4.6 stars from more than 2,200 ratings.

What the Reviews Say: “This backpack is fantastic for travel,” says one reviewer. “If you organize properly, you can fit six days worth of clothes and toiletries easily in this bag.”

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Vintage Travel Backpack

amazon.com

$66.86

Another cute vintage-style option with 4.5 stars and 7,400 ratings, this pack features water-resistant fabric, a USB port, and several compartments for organizing. It’s on the smaller side, but it can hold a laptop up to 15 inches in size, making ideal for work trips. Plus, it’s super affordable and comes in five colors.

What the Reviews Say: “After a year it still looks like new, so it’s very durable,” writes one reviewer.

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Vintage Laptop Backpack

amazon.com

$29.99

This pack has you covered with several helpful compartments, a USB port, lockable zippers, and water-resistant fabric. It’s also affordable and comes in multiple colors. Plus, it has 4.6-stars and almost 10,500 ratings.

What the Reviews Say: “This is truly a marvelous backpack,” says one reviewer. “This backpack is roomy and has a place for everything, but at the same time it’s not bulky whatsoever.”

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Travel Laptop Backpack

amazon.com

$26.99

✔️ What trips will you use it for? If you’re planning a trip overseas, you’ll likely be looking for an airline-friendly pack with anti-theft features and lots of storage. Thinking about what specifically you plan to use your travel backpack for will help you narrow down the features you want to look for.

✔️ Fit is key. If your backpack isn’t comfortable to wear, you’ll never want to use it. Be sure to look for options with adjustable straps or hip and chest belts so you’ll be able to adjust the fit to suit your needs—without hurting your back.

✔️ Consider bonus features. Whether you plan to use your travel backpack as a carry-on for a flight or as your sole piece of luggage for a camping trip, you’ll want to think of various compartments (is there a place for your water bottle?), materials (weather-proofing is essential for camping trips), and durability before purchasing.

We combed through thousands of customer reviews and tested a few options ourselves to bring you the most effective and highest-rated travel backpacks available. Each backpack we didn’t try ourselves had close to five stars and more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon or comes from a trusted brand we love.

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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