Due to halted travel operations because of COVID-19, most of us had all our 2020 travel plans postponed since we have to play our part of staying at home. It might sound disheartening to some, but on the brighter side, you can use this time to prepare your future trips meticulously, and the first step is equipping yourself with a proper travel backpack!
Travel backpacks are very convenient for trips since they are mobile and fit nearly as much stuff as suitcases. If you’re ready to plan out your post-pandemic trip and you’re on the hunt for a good backpack, let us provide you a walkthrough by reading our guide and recommendations below.
Quick List - Top Travel Backpacks
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To save you from hours of research, here we provide you some of the things that you should consider to pick out a good travel backpack.
It’s not only you that will go places but your backpack too. Hence, you have to ensure that it can brave the wear-and-tear of strenuous activities like non-stop walking and even hiking.
You might want to look for a backpack made of nylon as this material is strong, durable, and can even resist abrasion and temperatures very well - which can be very handy when you’re traveling to a country with extremely different weather or season.
If you’re the type to opt for bright-colored backpacks, you may want to go for those made with polyester since this material holds color better and fades less. It is also abrasion and stain-resistant, and very easy to clean too!
If not 100% waterproof, go for one with at least a good protective water-resistant coating so that you will never have to worry about your belongings getting wet even if you encounter drizzles or downpours.
Backpacks with good water resistance are great for daily use since it can brave any weather; it is also ideal for extreme outdoor activities like water-based sports.
Zippers are the main access to your backpack. It is important to get one with strong and durable zippers, too, so you would not have to lose sleep over a popped zipper in the middle of your itinerary. Curved shape backpacks have more durable zippers because they prevent putting more pressure on the zipper around the edges and corners.
Can you even call it a trip if it doesn’t involve getting lost and doing a lot of walking and running? Now imagine doing all that with something so heavy and big strapped on your back? That sounds like waking up to a sore body the next day!
And this is the exact reason why it is crucial to go for a backpack that is comfortable enough to wear for long hours. Look out for these features for premium comfort.
Straps are what keep these packs on your back so they are very important. To ensure that you will not get muscle fatigue from traveling with your backpack, you must go for one with thickly padded shoulder straps.
Contoured-shape straps are also more ergonomic because they reduce the amount of pressure around your trapezius muscles since it is curved similarly to our bodies. Additional straps like the sternum or chest straps can also help to stabilize and evenly distribute the load of the backpack across your shoulders.
A lightweight backpack with a lumbar shape can ensure less back pain since it has a natural arch that follows your back curve. You would not want to carry a travel backpack that is bigger than you.
Aside from the fact that it can give you body pain, it can also get in your way of having a good time during your trip. Avoid going for a pack that is one size fits all and select one with a size that is specific to your needs instead.
The capacity of the backpack you will use must highly depend on the nature of your trip. If you’re just traveling light and for a short period of time, backpacks that have liters ranging between 25 and 50 liters would be good enough.
However, if you’re planning long trips, a 65-liter backpack will do a good job of storing multiple days worth of clothing and even camping gear.
If you find that too big, worry not because many travel backpacks also come with ‘daypacks’ or a smaller version of the backpack that is only huge enough to store your belongings that you will need for a certain itinerary.
With multiple compartments, you can separate and organize your stuff according to their use for easier access. Some travel packs that come with a removable divider can be utilized for your personal hygiene items.
There are also ones that offer padded compartments to keep your electronic devices like laptops and tablets intact and safe. Bags with travel organizers can also come in handy for your documents, passport, and other things that you may need to access easily.
Some travel backpacks also come with security features that you may want to have in your bag to avoid losing your stuff, especially the important ones.
You can opt for travel backpacks made with slash-proof material, which makes slash-and-run theft far less likely. A backpack with lockable zippers is also ideal when you are commuting a lot since they can prevent pickpockets from having access to your belongings even if you are not looking.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tigernu Black Backpack |T-B3611 | ![]() | Secured Belongings for the Tech-Savvy Traveler | |
2 | Mark Ryden Expandos|MR9299 | ![]() | Versatile, Spacious, and Highly Ergonomic | |
3 | Herschel Little America Backpack|10014-01132 | ![]() | For the Everyday Traveler | |
4 | Targus Spruce EcoSmart Backpack | ![]() | Sleek, Sporty, and Eco-Friendly Choice | |
5 | Tigernu Travel Laptop Bag|T-B3220 | ![]() | Best for Business Trips | |
6 | JanSport Hatchet | ![]() | Travel With Style With This Childhood-Favorite Brand | |
7 | Free Knight Travel Backpack | ![]() | Backpackers' Water-Resistant Buddy | |
8 | Tactical Army Backpack | ![]() | Practical Backpack for Adrenaline-Pumping Trips |
This travel backpack would sit very well with tech-savvy travelers who are always on-the-go. This backpack has a port dedicated to charging cords so you can charge your device without the hassle of rumbling through your stuff to look for your charger.
On top of that, it also comes with a secure compartment for your laptop along with a hidden back pocket to keep your important stuff. It is also made of lightweight and water-resistant material, so you would not have to worry about your personal belongings even when it drizzles.
Additionally, it has a built-in zipper locking mechanism that allows you to set your own digital passcode combination to secure your belongings and prevent theft or pickpockets, especially when you travel to places with lots of people.
This sleek and stylish backpack is suitable for individuals who need spacious compartments with easy-access features. It might just look slim when unexpanded, but it can store garments good for multiple-day vacation as this smart travel backpack is expandable up to 38 liters and has several spacious layers.
In terms of comfortability, this travel backpack also boasts its curved shoulder straps and back pad designed with abundant foam and breathable mesh, so ergonomic relief is guaranteed. It also has multiple pockets and compartments that can carry a 17-inch laptop, several garments, and other personal belongings.
It may not look like it, but this backpack can also serve as your travel buddy. It comes with a padded and fleece-lined 15" laptop sleeve that can surely cushion your electronic device. It is also equipped with contoured shoulder straps and an additional air mesh back pad for optimal back support, even if worn for long hours.
Aside from its front zippered pocket, it also has stowaway storage pockets where you can keep the little souvenirs you bought for your loved ones. It comes with a headphone port, too, so you can still enjoy your favorite tunes while traveling.
This travel backpack is super stylish that you wouldn’t look like you’re carrying something bulky inside your bag, and it comes with many styles of patterns to choose from.
If you are looking for a travel backpack that would not ruin your dandy getup, this classic and sleek backpack is the way to go. This backpack is also curated with the environment in mind. Its polyester finish is made out of recycled plastic bottles.
On top of that, it offers prime protection for your electronic gadgets with its 15-inch laptop compartment along with a quick-access front pocket that provides you storage for your essential belongings.
Its shoulder straps are thick but covered with lightweight mesh to prevent uncomfortable pressure on your shoulders. It also has a foamy mesh that is strategically sewn on the shoulder and back padding to provide you a cushiony feeling when wearing it.
This travel backpack would suit corporate travels best because of its sleek and smart design. It also brags its anti-theft construction in the form of double-layer zippers and a unique laptop compartment that is located on a hidden layer closest to your back.
No matter what kinds of devices you have to bring with you on your business trip, this bag would surely have space for it. It has compartments for your power bank, phone, tablet, and headphones inside, so you wouldn’t have to worry about where to safely place them. It also comes with a rain cover and a lock to boost the security of your belongings.
Most of you have probably owned a bag from this brand during your elementary or high school days, but contrary to popular belief, they do not just produce bags suited for schooling but also traveling.
This is perfect for urban adventurers who want to travel and flaunt style at the same time because this backpack combines function and style. It comes with several combinations of colors that would suit anyone’s palate.
Its versatile design features a compartment that is designed to fit a 15-inch laptop, an organizer panel for documents, a tablet compartment, as well as water-bottle pockets. It even has a small zippered stash pocket on the side where you can keep the medicines that you will need when traveling.
This backpack can load lots of gear and necessary stuff with its large capacity and inner space. It is also made of tear and water-resistant nylon that can brave any weather you’ll be in. Its straps are also equipped with shock-proof buckles along with a strong handle that you can use to easily grip your bag if you’re on-the-go.
It possesses an ergonomic design and breathable shoulder straps, waist straps, and a waist belt that can help alleviate muscle tension effectively. Aside from the zippers, the bag is also equipped with a special closing drawstring design, providing your garments double-layer protection.
If you are looking for a cost-effective backpack to accompany you as you check out the adrenaline-pumping activities on your bucket list, this has got you covered! It comes with the necessary belts and straps to stabilize your backpack on you without making it hard for you to move.
This travel backpack is cleverly designed to provide you spacious storage suited for days worth of trips. It comes with 4 zippered compartments and multiple built-in pockets for your travel essentials. Moreover, it has padded and adjustable shoulder straps, side pressure straps, and a chest strap belt for ensured stability and comfort.
We know you are looking forward to the day when we can all freely travel again, but while you’re still waiting, plan your best trip yet and stock up on these travel essentials that you can use once the skies and grounds are safer!
Author: Rica Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Tigernu|Black Backpack |T-B3611
No. 2: Mark Ryden|Expandos|MR9299
No. 3: Herschel|Little America Backpack|10014-01132
No. 4: Targus|Spruce EcoSmart Backpack
No. 5: Tigernu|Travel Laptop Bag|T-B3220
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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