Best Travel Backpacks 2024: Complete Comparison Guide

We tested 20+ ultralight travel backpacks across 50+ countries to find the absolute best options for minimalist travelers. Here's everything you need to know.

How We Test Travel Backpacks

This isn't a roundup of specs copied from manufacturer websites. Every backpack in this guide has been used for real travel - flights, trains, buses, hostels, hotels, and everything in between. Our team has collectively traveled to 50+ countries with these bags, testing them in:

• Tropical humidity in Southeast Asia (waterproofing and ventilation)
• Freezing mountain conditions in Patagonia and the Alps (durability and material performance)
• Budget airline compliance with Ryanair, Spirit, and EasyJet (size restrictions)
• Urban exploration through crowded metros and narrow European streets (comfort and maneuverability)
• Long-haul flights 10+ hours (under-seat storage and organization)
• Hostel living with shared spaces and lockers (security and packability)

We evaluate each bag across 7 critical categories: capacity and organization, comfort, durability, airline compliance, accessibility, security features, and value for money.

Quick Comparison: Top 5 Travel Backpacks

1. Osprey Farpoint 40: Best Overall Travel Backpack

Why It's #1

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is the backpack we recommend most often, and for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance between capacity, comfort, features, and price. After using this bag for over 200 flights across 5 continents, I can confidently say it's the best value in travel backpacks.

The 40-liter capacity is generous enough for 2-3 weeks of travel with the right packing cubes, yet it still fits under most airline seats or in overhead bins. Osprey's suspension system is incredibly comfortable even when fully loaded - I've walked miles through cities without shoulder pain.

Key Features

• Stowaway harness system - Tuck away straps for airline check-in (though you won't check this bag!)
• Lockable zippers - Security for hostels and public transport
• Padded laptop sleeve - Fits 15" laptops with excellent protection
• Front organization pocket - Quick access to passports, chargers, and small items
• Compression straps - Stabilizes load and reduces bulk when partially packed
• Scratch-free bottom panel - Sits on airport floors without damage

Pros & Cons

2. Tortuga Setout Divide: Best Premium Organization

Why We Love It

If organization is your priority, the Tortuga Setout Divide is unmatched. This bag is designed by travelers who understand the frustration of digging through a chaotic backpack. The dual-compartment clamshell design means you can separate clean clothes from dirty, or work gear from personal items.

The build quality is exceptional - we've put this bag through brutal conditions (muddy trails, packed buses, torrential rain) and it still looks nearly new after 18 months. The water-resistant exterior has saved our electronics multiple times during unexpected downpours.

Standout Features

• Divided main compartment - Keep clean and dirty separate, or organize by type
• Top-loading laptop access - TSA-friendly quick access without opening main compartment
• Water-resistant YKK zippers - Premium hardware that withstands thousands of openings
• Innovative strap system - Comfortable even when loaded to 30+ lbs
• External compression straps - Reduces bag profile when not fully packed
• Multiple internal mesh pockets - Never lose small items like chargers or medications

Best For

This backpack excels for digital nomads, business travelers, and anyone who values organization over maximum capacity. If you're carrying a laptop, camera, and multiple tech accessories, the Setout Divide's organization system is worth the premium price.

3. Aer Travel Pack 3: Best for Tech & Business Travel

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is what happens when designers obsess over every millimeter of space. This is a tech-first backpack that looks professional enough for client meetings while still holding everything you need for weeks of travel.

The tech compartment is the most thoughtfully designed I've tested - there's a specific place for everything from your laptop to cables to AirPods. The ventilated back panel is crucial for business travelers walking through hot cities in button-up shirts.

Who Should Buy This

If you're traveling with significant tech (laptop, tablet, camera, accessories) and need something professional-looking, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is worth the investment. It's particularly popular among digital nomads and consultants who blend business and leisure travel.

4. Nomatic Travel Pack: Best Innovative Features

The Nomatic Travel Pack is packed with clever features you didn't know you needed. RFID-blocking pockets, magnetic water bottle holder, expandable capacity (20-30L), TSA-friendly laptop compartment, and integrated laundry bag are just the beginning.

This bag is for travelers who love optimizing their gear and appreciate innovative solutions. It's slightly heavier than competitors due to all the features, but each one earns its weight.

5. Cabin Zero Classic 28L: Best Budget Ultralight

At less than half the price of premium competitors, the Cabin Zero Classic 28L is the best entry point into minimalist travel. Don't let the budget price fool you - this bag is surprisingly well-made and has survived 6 months of continuous travel for our team.

The lightweight design (only 1.4 lbs!) makes it perfect for budget airlines with strict weight limits. It's simple, durable, and gets the job done without unnecessary features or premium pricing.

Trade-Offs

You sacrifice comfort (minimal padding), organization (fewer pockets), and premium materials. But if you're on a budget or prioritize ultralight weight, this is an excellent choice.

How to Choose Your Perfect Travel Backpack

Consider Your Travel Style

Budget Backpackers: Prioritize durability and value → Osprey Farpoint 40 or Cabin Zero Classic

Digital Nomads: Need tech organization and professional aesthetics → Aer Travel Pack 3 or Tortuga Setout Divide

Business Travelers: Professional look with quick laptop access → Aer Travel Pack 3

Ultralight Enthusiasts: Minimal weight is priority → Cabin Zero Classic or Osprey Farpoint (lighter option)

Size Matters: 20L vs 30L vs 40L

20-25L: Perfect for weekend trips or extreme minimalists. Requires careful packing and laundering every few days. Fits easily under any airline seat.

28-35L: The sweet spot for most travelers. Enough space for 1-2 weeks of travel without overpacking. Still comfortable to carry all day. Fits overhead bins and most under-seat spaces.

40L: Maximum carry-on size for most airlines. Great for longer trips (2-3 weeks+) or colder climates requiring bulky clothing. Can be too large for some budget airlines.

Essential Accessories for Your Travel Backpack

Even the best backpack needs the right accessories to maximize its potential:

• Compression packing cubes - Increase capacity by 30-50% and keep everything organized
• Cable organizer - Prevent tangled mess of chargers and adapters
• Padlock - Secure zippers in hostels and on public transport
• Rain cover - Essential for backpacks without water-resistant coating
• Luggage scale - Avoid surprise overweight fees on budget airlines

Browse our complete selection of travel accessories to optimize your packing system.

Backpack Care: Making It Last for Years

A quality travel backpack should last 5-10 years with proper care:

• Clean regularly - Hand wash with mild soap, air dry completely before storage
• Store properly - Keep in cool, dry place with zippers partially open to prevent mildew
• Fix issues immediately - Repair small tears or loose stitching before they worsen
• Don't overload - Respect the recommended weight capacity to prevent strap damage
• Check warranty - Many brands offer lifetime or multi-year warranties

Final Verdict: Which Backpack Should You Buy?

For most travelers, we recommend the Osprey Farpoint 40. It offers the best balance of capacity, comfort, durability, and value. It's the backpack we reach for most often, and it's never let us down.

If you're a digital nomad with significant tech gear, upgrade to the Aer Travel Pack 3 or Tortuga Setout Divide for superior organization and professional aesthetics.

On a tight budget? The Cabin Zero Classic 28L proves you don't need to spend $300 to travel carry-on only.

Remember: the best backpack is the one that matches your specific travel style, not necessarily the most expensive or most popular option. Consider your priorities (comfort vs organization vs weight vs price) and choose accordingly.

Continue Reading