{"id":194700,"date":"2020-12-07T08:50:29","date_gmt":"2020-12-07T13:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=194700"},"modified":"2025-11-20T02:52:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T07:52:00","slug":"best-travel-backpacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/best-travel-backpacks\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Great Travel Backpacks for Your Next Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/bestbackpack4.jpg\" alt=\"A hiker walking on a trail toward snow-capped mountains\" width=\"675\" height=\"395\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-tips\/choosing-the-right-backpack\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buying a travel backpack<\/a> is one of the most important purchases a traveler will make. A backpack isn&#8217;t just where you carry your stuff \u2014 it&#8217;s your home.<\/p>\n<p>Your bag is an important investment. You want one that can handle the abuse that comes with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-tips\/how-to-travel-the-world-on-50-usd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">traveling the world on a budget<\/a>. You&#8217;ll be living out of this bag for weeks or months or years. You&#8217;ll be hauling it across hectic cities, stuffing it onto crowded buses, and flying it around the world.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re like me, you want a bag that lasts. I&#8217;ve had my bag for almost ten years (my previous one, before it got lost on a flight, lasted ten), and several members of the team have had their backpacks for around ten years as well. <\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll need a bag that works for you \u2014 but what works for you might not necessarily work for someone else. So, before diving into how to pick a backpack for travel, I want to mention the most important features you need to consider as you evaluate my favorites listed below. You want backpack that has:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Water-resistant material<\/li>\n<li>Lockable zippers<\/li>\n<li>An internal frame<\/li>\n<li>A padded hip belt &amp; shoulder straps<\/li>\n<li>Multiple openings (not just a single top opening)<\/li>\n<li>Lots of compartments<\/li>\n<li>A contoured\/padded back<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And be sure your backpack fits your body too. Don&#8217;t get one that&#8217;s too small or too large as it will hurt your back. Proportionality matters!<\/p>\n<p>To help you save money and stay comfortable as you travel the world, below are my top travel backpack suggestions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"nm-toc\" style=\"max-width: 550px;\"><strong>In a rush? Here&#8217;s a list of only the best travel backpacks:<\/strong><br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Best Overall Travel Backpack<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/mOo70Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">REI Flash 55<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Best Backpack with Wheels<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/GKenem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Osprey Farpoint 36 Wheeled Travel Pack<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Best Large Backpack<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/jeJvBa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">REI Traverse 60L<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Best Backpack for Day Trips<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/kOezmd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">REI Flash 22<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Best Backpack if You Travel with Expensive Gear<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/dO5mEy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Travel Backpack<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>The Best Travel Backpacks: Detailed Review<\/h2>\n<div class=\"top-choice\">\n<div class=\"ribbon\">\n<h5>Best Overall<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"top-wrap\">\n<div class=\"top-left\"><a style=\"background: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/mOo70Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/newbagREI.png\" alt=\"REI Flash 55 Pack\" width=\"250\" height=\"260\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"top-right\">\n<h4>REI Flash 55 Pack<\/h4>\n<p>The back paneling on this pack is breathable, and the handy water bottle pocket is located near the front of the hip belt so you never have to take off your backpack to get a drink. The design is great!<\/p>\n<h4>SUMMARY:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Size: 53-57L<\/li>\n<li>Compression technology<\/li>\n<li>Movable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/mOo70Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Check Best Price<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>While that backpack is my favorite, here are some other packs that you can&#8217;t go wrong with either:<\/p>\n<div class=\"product-overview alt\">\n<div class=\"product-wrap\">\n<div class=\"product-header\">\n<div class=\"product-image-head\">\n<h4>Image<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-head\">\n<h4>Travel Backpack<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-details-head\">\n<h4>Details<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-buy-head\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-item\">\n<div class=\"product-listing\">\n<div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/qzJA7L\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/farpointv2.jpeg\" width=\"150\" height=\"180\" alt=\"Osprey Farpoint Backpack\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"product\">\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/qzJA7L\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Osprey Farpoint 40<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-details\">\n<ul>\n<li>Size: 40L<\/li>\n<li>Lockable zippers, padded top and side handles, toiletry compartment<\/li>\n<li>Large front access to main compartment, breathable frame, two internal compression straps, laptop sleeve<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-buy\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/qzJA7L\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">View on REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-item\">\n<div class=\"product-listing\">\n<div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/kOezmd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/flash22backpack_1.jpeg\" width=\"150\" height=\"180\" alt=\"Flash 22 backpack from REI\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"product\">\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/kOezmd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Flash 22<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-details\">\n<ul>\n<li>Size: 22L<\/li>\n<li>Hydration compatible, deep pockets for water bottle<\/li>\n<li>Zippered side pockets for easy access, exterior loops for extra storage, breathable back with removable pad that you can use to sit on <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-buy\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/kOezmd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">View on REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-item\">\n<div class=\"product-listing\">\n<div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/dO5mEy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/pacsafeventuresafe45.jpg\" alt=\"Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Backpack\" width=\"150\" height=\"180\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"product\">\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/dO5mEy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Travel Backpack<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-details\">\n<ul>\n<li>Size: 45L<\/li>\n<li>Breathable shoulder and waist straps, sternum strap, external and internal compression straps<\/li>\n<li>Main compartment accessible through back panel, smart zipper security, 15-inch laptop sleeve, water bottle side pockets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-buy\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/dO5mEy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">View on REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-item\">\n<div class=\"product-listing\">\n<div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/jeJvBa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/newbagREI2.png\" alt=\"REI Traverse Pack\" width=\"150\" height=\"180\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"product\">\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/jeJvBa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">REI Traverse 60<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-details\">\n<ul>\n<li>Size: 60L<\/li>\n<li>Adjustable padded shoulder straps and hip belt<\/li>\n<li>Large zippered front pockets, accessible water bottle pockets, hip belt pocket, hydration compatible, rain cover<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-buy\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/jeJvBa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">View on REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-item\">\n<div class=\"product-listing\">\n<div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/QjoJ5o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/talon44backpack.jpeg\" alt=\"Osprey Talon 44L backpack from REI\" width=\"150\" height=\"180\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"product\">\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/QjoJ5o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Osprey Talon 44<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-details\">\n<ul>\n<li>Size: 44L<\/li>\n<li>Adjustable padded shoulder and waist straps<\/li>\n<li>Hydration compatible, lots of pockets, top and bottom access for easy access\/organization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-buy\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/QjoJ5o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">View on REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-item\">\n<div class=\"product-listing\">\n<div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/GKenem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/ospreyfarpointwheeled.jpg\" alt=\"Osprey Farpoint Wheeled Convertible Luggage\" width=\"150\" height=\"180\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"product\">\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/GKenem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Osprey Farpoint 36 Wheeled Travel Pack<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-details\">\n<ul>\n<li>Size: 36L<\/li>\n<li>Quick-deploy shoulder harness and padded back panel\/waist belt, sternum strap, exterior compression straps<\/li>\n<li>Converts to wheeled luggage, zippered top pocket for toiletries, large panel opening, aluminum internal frame<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-buy\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/GKenem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">View on REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-item\">\n<div class=\"product-listing\">\n<div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/RGBZGy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/zulu45backpack.jpeg\" alt=\"A redGregory Zulu 45L backpack\" width=\"150\" height=\"180\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"product\">\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/RGBZGy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Gregory Zulu 45<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-details\">\n<ul>\n<li>Size: 45L<\/li>\n<li>Adjustable torso length with ventilated back panel, hydration compatible, large zippered hip belt pockets<\/li>\n<li>Mesh back for excellent breathability, dual mesh pockets plus a large mesh pocket on the front for extra storage <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-buy\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/RGBZGy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">View on REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><center>***<\/center><\/p>\n<p>A good travel backpack will last years and make all your journeys better. But not every one of these bags will work for you. Some will be too narrow or too wide. Some will be too tall or too short. For that reason, you&#8217;ll want to spend some time trying your bag on and making sure it&#8217;s comfortable. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-tips\/choosing-the-right-backpack\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Choosing the best travel backpack<\/a> \u2014 the one that works for you, even if it&#8217;s not on this list \u2014 is what&#8217;s most important here!<\/p>\n<p>This isn&#8217;t just a purchase; this is an investment. Remember, it&#8217;s not just a bag: it&#8217;s your home.<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<div class=\"guide-post-box\"><h3><span>How to Travel the World on $75 a Day<\/span><\/h3><div class=\"post-box-wrapper\"><div class=\"col-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/bookimages\/HowtoTraveltheWorldon75aDay.jpg\" width=\"220\" alt=\"How to Travel the World on $75 a Day\"><\/div><div class=\"col-2\"><p>My <em>New York Times<\/em> best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you\u2019ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It\u2019s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the \u201cbible for budget travelers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/how-to-travel-the-world\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to learn more and start reading it today!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<div class=\"single-booking\">\n<h4>Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Book Your Flight<\/strong><br \/>\nFind a cheap flight by using <a href=\"https:\/\/skyscanner.pxf.io\/c\/214481\/1027991\/13416?subId1=%26currency%3DUSD&#038;associateid=AFF_TRA_19354_00001&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skyscanner.com%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Skyscanner<\/a>. It&#8217;s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Book Your Accommodation<\/strong><br \/>\nYou can book your hostel with <a href=\"https:\/\/prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hostelworld<\/a>. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=362916\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Booking.com<\/a> as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong><br \/>\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It&#8217;s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I&#8217;ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/safetywing.com\/nomad-insurance\/?referenceID=24768462&#038;campaign=footer-blue-box&#038;utm_source=24768462&#038;utm_medium=Ambassador\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SafetyWing<\/a> (best for budget travelers)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tkqlhce.com\/click-3032045-15403748\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">World Nomads<\/a> (best for mid-range travelers)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/insuremytripus.pxf.io\/q4vRWg\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">InsureMyTrip<\/a> (for those 70 and over)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medjetassist.com\/nomadicmatt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Medjet<\/a> (for additional evacuation coverage)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Want to Travel for Free?<\/strong><br \/>\nTravel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation \u2014 all without any extra spending. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-tips\/picking-a-travel-credit-card\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites<\/a> to get started and see the latest best deals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Need a Rental Car?<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/canada?a_aid=nomadicmatt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Discover Cars<\/a> is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you&#8217;re headed, they&#8217;ll be able to find the best \u2014 and cheapest \u2014 rental for your trip!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/?partner_id=LLKQJ38&#038;utm_medium=online_publisher&#038;placement=content-top\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Get Your Guide<\/a> is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Ready to Book Your Trip?<\/strong><br \/>\nCheck out my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">resource page<\/a> for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can&#8217;t go wrong using them on your trip.\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Buying a travel backpack is one of the most important purchases a traveler will make. A backpack isn&#8217;t just where you carry your stuff \u2014 it&#8217;s your home. Your bag is an important investment. You want one that can handle the abuse that comes with traveling the world on a budget. You&#8217;ll be living out&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":217076,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[918],"tags":[1898,3107,3106],"class_list":["post-194700","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-products","tag-gear","tag-insurance","tag-tech"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>8 Great Travel Backpacks for Your Next Trip (Updated 2026)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for a durable backpack for your next trip? Here are my favorite, most affordable bags to choose from.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/best-travel-backpacks\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"8 Great Travel Backpacks for Your Next Trip (Updated 2026)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Looking for a durable backpack for your next trip? 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