The Best Travel Backpacks of 2025

The best travel backpacks are as useful at the airport as on adventures. Photo: Adam Gabrielsen//The Inertia

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Every digital nomad, traveling athlete, or globetrotter needs a good travel backpack. Getting from A to B with minimal anguish and maximal stoke demands the right gear. We tested a slew of travel packs against international airports, work junkets with tight deadlines, countless climbing and trail days, and teeming beaches. Drilling down on construction, carry-comfort, organization, and purpose-orientation, we picked out our favorites. Not all who wander are lost. But without a good travel backpack, you might as well be.

Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide

Related: Best Backpacking Backpacks | Best Surf Backpacks | Best Hiking Daypacks

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide in January 2025 with new top picks. We also removed packs we no longer recommend and updated navigation and links. 

Best Travel Backpacks of 2025

Best Full-Size Carry-On Travel Backpack: Matador GlobeRider 45L
Most Comfortable Travel Backpack: Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L
Best Value Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
Best Weekender Travel Backpack: Able Carry Max Backpack 30L
Runner-Up Best Weekend Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L
Best Weather Resistance: Topo Designs Apex Global Travel Bag 30L

Jump To More Top Travel Packs

Best Full-Size Carry-On Travel Backpack

Matador GlobeRider 45L Travel Backpack ($350)

Capacity: 45L
Weight: 4 lbs 8 oz
Dimensions: 22″ x 12.8″ x 11″ 
Material: – 420D recycled bluesign nylon and 420D bluesign UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) reinforced ripstop, PU waterproofing
Key Features: Aluminum frame, weather-sealing zippers with security loops, grab handles all over

Pros: Spacious with great organization options, durable and weather-resistant, comfortable carry
Cons: Large and heavy when fully loaded, pricey

Without a doubt, the travel pack we were most likely to grab in this round of testing was the Matador GlobeRider 45L Travel Backpack. While it’s a touch large and somewhat heavy for short trips (especially for some women and smaller travelers), the complete feature set and quality construction made this our favorite backpack for travel in 2025. With a subtly hidden aluminum frame, expansive clamshell design (with internal dividers and cinches), plush carry straps, a stowable waist belt, and some of the best weatherproofing of any pack tested, the GlobeRider is worth every penny of its admittedly steep price tag. At 45 liters, it’s one of the larger packs we tested, but if you’re heading out on a week or longer adventure, this travel pack from Matador cannot, in our experience, be beaten.

We’ve been testing the Matador GlobeRider 45 for a couple of months now, both by plane and car. We love it because it provides the space of a full-size carry-on roller suitcase but with the versatility and portability of a comfortable backpack. Like other top picks on this list, the straps are able to be stashed away and this pack features a side-opening clamshell design. So what made this pack rise above others? There’s a tangible commitment to quality in every component, feature, and design choice. It combines all our favorite aspects of travel pack into one, so there’s no sacrifice on the go: It fits most carry-on restrictions, has grab handles all around, boasts weather-sealed zippers, zipper security loops, a stretchy stash pocket at the front, clamshell opening, internal organization, internal cinch straps, lash points, waist belt, durable fabric, spacious drop pocket at the top, external stretch pockets, and more.

Really, the only drawback of this pack is that if you’re smaller in stature or if you overpack it, this 45-liter option can get a bit heavy and bulky. Oh, and the water bottle pocket can get a little snug when the pack is full, but it’s pretty stretchy. We might not recommend it solely for weekend trips, as it’s a bit overkill. That said, it sizes down pretty nicely when not fully loaded. There’s no pack we’re more likely to recommend than the Matador GlobeRider 45.

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A little freezing rain on the way to the hotel was no match for the Matador’s DWR finish. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Most Comfortable Travel Backpack

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L ($350)

Capacity: 40L
Weight: 4 lbs 8 oz
Dimensions: 21.7″ x 13.8″ x 7.9″
Material: SHELL200
Key Features: Best in test shoulder straps and waist belt, full-featured, weather-resistant

Pros: Awesome shoulder straps and suspension, smooth and hard-wearing exterior
Cons: Heavy, pricey

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is the most comfortable travel pack we’ve carried. It feels like a direct rival to our top pick above, with a similar weight, size, price, and setup. Where the Matador takes a slight edge in the overall feature set, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro was close behind but featured a better hip belt (with pockets!) and backpack straps. If carry comfort is your ultimate priority in a larger travel pack, then you can’t go wrong with the Tortuga. We were able to dial in this pack to comfortably fit testers from 5 feet tall to 6 feet tall, which is impressive, as some companies need multiple size offerings to achieve such a range. Internal organization is superb, with multiple compartments and dividers.

Instead of a stretchy front pocket like the Matador, the Tortuga opts for a slim zippered internal pocket—some users might prefer this, as it’s a bit more secure for small vital items. The pack tapers a bit from top to bottom, which seems to be an important factor in carrying comfort, as it feels like it naturally follows and hugs the shape of the torso. Two external water bottle pockets are also a huge plus, and while larger bottles like a Nalgene are tough to squeeze in, a slimmer option works great. At 40 liters, this pack is plenty spacious for weeklong trips or more, but it’s readily able to slim down for shorter trips.

Ultimately, the decision between this Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L and the Matador GlobeRider 45L above will come down to which subtle differences in features better suit your needs. However, if carrying comfort and top-notch organization are important to you, we highly recommend the Tortuga.

The Tortuga Pro features the best-in-test carry straps and waist belt (with pockets!). Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Best Value Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L ($225)

Capacity: 35L
Weight: 2 lbs 15 oz
Dimensions: 22″ x 12″ x 10″
Material: 100% recycled 840-denier TPU-coated nylon and 100% recycled 840-denier ballistic ripstop nylon
Key Features: Simple and durable, update includes bottle pocket, excellent organization

Pros: Top-spec features at a competitive price, good internal organization, subtle improvements over V1
Cons: Not most comfortable when fully packed

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is one of the longer-running travel packs we’ve tested, but for this guide, we got to test the updated version, and we were extremely impressed with the tweaks to an already awesome option. We have an original Cotopaxi Allpa from the Kickstarter days that’s still holding up well, so comparing V1 with V2 helped recognize the improvements. Notably, there’s a built-in bottle pocket on the side, plus an added zippered stash pocket at the top for small essentials. Construction seems mostly the same (read: really solid), and the TPU-coated face panel looks to be every bit as durable as our original.

The original Allpa helped us fall in love with a then-growing trend in travel packs: the clamshell opening and internal storage dividers. The latest features the same zippered panels to divide and better organize gear on the go. Many other companies now follow suit, but we love the Cotopaxi setup, and it feels like the perfect way to divide clothing and gear for anything from 2- to 7-day trips. The straps and waist belt have always been well-suited to the 35-liter pack, but if you overload this one it can feel a bit heavy on the straps. That said, the 35 is still our favorite size in the run.

While we have noted many of the great features of the Cotopaxi Allpa, one of the best is the comparatively low price. At $225, this versatile and well-built pack undercuts some of the competition (notably, our top two picks) by over a hundred bucks. And we really believe this travel backpack from Cotopaxi leaves you wanting for nothing.

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Best Weekender Travel Backpack

Able Carry Max Backpack 30 ($278)

Capacity: 30L
Weight: 3 lbs 14 oz
Dimensions: 20.4” x 12.6” x 7.9″
Material: 1000D nylon ripstop outer, 420D nylon ripstop liner
Key Features: Clamshell opening, laptop/work pocket, hanger hook, multiple carry orientation, roller bag handle strap

Pros: Heavy stitching, Solid carry handle, Easy to organize, Abrasion-resistant, sleek 
Cons: Water bottle pocket stretches inside bag, Some pockets are small/tough to use

The Able Carry Max is our lead tester’s ride-or-die. Four years of torture testing has not put a wrinkle in the 1000 denier nylon, a sag in the shoulder area, or dents in the padded back panel. 

We have exposed the Able Carry to blowing desert dust as fine as flour. Clumpy, wet sand, and carefree kids put it in harm’s way on busy beach days, and major drink spills put the waterproofing to the test. The pack protects what’s inside — no device was harmed during testing. And cleaning is easy, which, along with the shape-conscious construction, always makes the Able Carry Max a dapper unit for travel or commuting. 

The Max travel backpack also stands out for its versatility. The spacious main compartment fits a robust kit for a day commute. For longer outings, light travelers can expect to pack for several days or more — we were able to fit 10 days of fresh clothes for a summer adventure. That’s along with devices, cords, and an e-reader or book (for those of us who still roll like that). Able Carry builds the “work compartment” on a net of suspended elastic, which helps cushion the impact of accidental drops. 

Anyone who doesn’t mind tight pockets will appreciate the organization. There is just enough space for cords plus random pocket items in the top-loading auxiliary pocket. The front pocket functions as a keeper for a small notebook or grooming kit, and offers a key lanyard. Some won’t appreciate the water bottle pocket, which stretches inward toward the main compartment rather than outside the pack — but anything slimmer than a Nalgene fits great.

Easy adjustability and stout strap construction supported a comfortable carry, even with heavy loads. Top, side, and roller-bag carry handles make the Able Carry highly agreeable on the go. After years of heavy travel reliance, zero stitches have popped and no panels are scuffed. With that kind of durability and versatility, we’re stoked to recommend the Able Carry Max as our favorite pack for shorter travel.

Runner-Up Best Weekend Travel Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30 ($230)

Capacity: 27-33L
Weight: 3 lbs 3 oz
Dimensions: 20.9″ x 13.4″ x 7″ OR 7.9″ (expanded)
Material: DWR-treated 400D nylon canvas shell, 900D bottom liner
Key Features: Rear panel clamshell, Expandable, Grab handles on all four sides, Fair Trade Certified    

Pros: Zips easily even when tightly-packed, Water-resistant in tests, Conducive to multiple travel contexts
Cons: Divided inner pockets are small, No stays for excess shoulder strap material

Characteristically, Peak Design imbues its Travel Backpack 30 with plenty of thoughtful, creative touches. The rear clamshell opening lets weekenders cram it full in any configuration and also helps any commuter segment work, gym, and electronic gear. The front expansion zipper is discreet, and external carry straps stow — elegantly — beneath a downward-facing magnetic panel.

Ok, flex, Peak Design: We liked the structure, the zipper pulls, and especially the grab handles on all four sides. The back panel felt sturdy but airy, and the bottle pockets stretched well but also snapped back tight after multiple trips. And the pack denied rainfall well enough to limit our worry when seeking shelter from sudden Southeast Asian downpours. 

Thanks in part to its expansion (27 or 33 liters) the Travel Backpack also supports multiple work and travel contexts. We expanded it and stuffed it with clothes, toiletries, remote work essentials, and a book for a weeklong trip. Then, we compressed it and used it as a day pack, equipping a laptop, GoPro, tripod, and bottles. Photographers can look into Peak Design’s camera inserts to organize lenses, batteries, sensors, etc. It crushes in each iteration.

The Travel Backpack almost hits all our notes. Shortfalls include inner divider pockets that were smaller than we like. If you’re the type who wants to decouple your cord from your block, then put each in its own tiny elastic pocket, you’ll enjoy the layout. For added versatility, though, most of the dividers seem lacking. Another pack with no shoulder strap stays — a minor, but annoying detail. One tester noted that the refined black color, while good-looking, tended to show dirt and dust easily, which led to frequent wiping with a damp cloth.

Still, it’s hard to ask for a weekend-sized travel backpack that’s easier to load, sleeker, and better-thought-out. 

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Best Weather Resistance

Topo Designs Apex Global Travel Bag 30L ($249)

Capacity: 30L
Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz
Dimensions: 20″ x 12.5″ x 7″
Material: 400D 100% recycled nylon ripstop with WF-CS coating, 1000D 100% recycled nylon
Key Features: Excellent weather resistance, seamless integration with Global Travel series, dual bottle pockets

Pros: Feature-rich, good-looking, super water- and abrasion-resistant material
Cons: Form factor doesn’t lend well to bulkier items, brief-case style lacks comfort

The Topo Designs Apex Global Travel Bag 30L was one of the best surprises to come out of this round of testing travel packs. Totally unique in a segment where many packs start to meld together, the brand-new Apex series boasts a highly durable, weather-resistant material: recycled 400D/1000D nylon with a WF-CS coating that sheds water better than any other pack on this list. The zippers are also near-waterproof, and the slim, square form factor is perfect for pared-down trips. The pack integrates with the Apex series of luggage, but the pass-through luggage handle slot means this will fit any suitcase well. Plus, the additional briefcase strap adds versatility to the pack—we found this one could be dressed up or down well depending on your needs.

Featuring a much more squared-off design than many packs in this test, the Topo Designs Apex Global Travel Bag looks sleek and sharp, and the interior volume is extremely useful—no more odd corners that don’t quite fit folded clothes or boxy gear well. We did find that this pack was one of the most awkward when you tried to fill it too deep, as the slim form doesn’t expand well for bulky gear. That, however, can be an advantage, as the mere 7-inch depth lent to this fitting as a “personal item” on plane rides, under the seat in front of you. Because we didn’t get caught in any storms, we had to manufacture some weather. We stuffed the Apex bag with two towels, hosed down the exterior in the backyard, and then let it sit for 30 minutes. Upon removal, the towels were dry, and no moisture was found inside the pack.

Overall, the Topo Apex Global Travel Bag is going to serve you well for short weekend trips and as a supplemental pack or personal item. The dual bottle pockets are a sweet touch, and we’re stoked on this as an expansion of our travel kit, especially when we’re heading to destinations with rain or snow in the forecast.

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We’re huge fans of the durable, weather-resistant construction of the Topo Designs Apex Global Travel Bag. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

More Top Travel Packs

Runner-Up Best Value Travel Backpack

The North Face Base Camp Voyager ($170)

Capacity: 35L
Weight: 3 lbs 7.4 oz
Dimensions: 19.3″ x 12″ x 6.3″
Material: 300-denier recycled polyester tarpaulin with TPU; 840-denier recycled nylon with non-PFC durable water repellent (DWR) finish
Key Features: 16” laptop pocket, carry-on compliant, solid form factor, rigid interior divider

Pros: Affordable, perfect size for most weekend travel, good internal dividing
Cons: Lacks some premium features, no waist belt

A late addition to our test, but a worthy one, The North Face Base Camp Voyager is a really solid, quite affordable travel backpack. The 35-liter size and ideal form factor (just 6.3 inches deep) made this an excellent choice for weekend travel or airlines that are strict on bag size. It’s perfectly able to be stashed by your feet on a plane, but expansive enough to fit enough clothing for 3-4 days of travel. One of our favorite features was the rigid interior divider that can be flipped up to segment clothes, shoes, or other gear. It helps the pack hold form while effectively separating contents. Plus, at just $170, this pack is a great option if you’re not ready to break the bank on one-bag travel.

To be honest, this pack was so close to perfect at the price point, but it just lacks a waist belt. When the loadout is light, this isn’t a huge factor, but when you’re lugging your pack all day and it’s full of clothes, a laptop, and other gear, the waist belt helps relieve the weight on your shoulders. Aside from that qualm, we liked pretty much everything else. The North Face Base Camp Voyager is a good-looking, well-organized backpack with an excellent outer material. The daisy chain loops make attaching extra gear easy, and the exterior bottle pocket is a big plus. If this had a waist belt, we likely would recommend this in our top three packs, but even without, at $170 this pack is tough to beat.

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Best Laptop Backpack

Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe 20 ($159)

Capacity: 20L
Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz
Dimensions: 18.9” x 11.4” x 5.3”
Material: 100% recycled nylon from pre-consumer materials (claimed)
Key Features: 17” laptop pocket, Gridded back panel with roller bag strap, Parachute buckle compression at base

Pros: Low profile, Uncomplicated pocket layout, Easy carry
Cons: Clamshell zippers restricted by elastic, Tight bottle pocket, No hang loop

For those who like a light kit, the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe is a contender. Its narrow profile makes it easy to carry, sling, or stow pretty much anywhere. And the minimalistic pocket layout prioritizes packing the essentials instead of just tossing it all in. The Authority provides confidence with a heavily padded laptop pocket big enough for a 17” unit. 

We specifically appreciate the stripped-down pocket array. The main compartments are big enough for a light jacket and a couple of larger items like books or an outfit for a weekend. The laptop pocket is exactly that; no extra sleeves or zippers. Elsewhere, there’s a smaller sleeve for a tablet or notebook, two tight front pockets, and a modest water bottle pocket. We like the discreet, horizontal-zipped front pocket, which makes a nice stash spot for small items. 

Comfort is a proven strong point. The back panel with gridded padding and a deep center channel stays cool and prevents sticky-shirt syndrome. Elastic stays for extra shoulder strap material keep the appearance neat and tidy. Helpful extras include a roller bag strap, a bathtub-style base that proved durable, and compression straps with parachute buckles. For us, the straps maintain the Authority’s svelte profile as we transition between day and weekend use. Situated on the bottom of the pack, the buckles for stashing a jacket/similar item seem like a bold move but didn’t create problems during testing. 

Drawbacks include the lack of a hang loop and the clamshell main compartment opening — because it doesn’t fully unzip as a clamshell. Instead, elastic gussets restrict it. Also, the bottle pocket is tight (there’s no way you’re getting a Nalgene in it). Overall, the Authority performs strongly as a secondary backpack, an option for short trips, or for commuters with organized, minimalistic preferences.

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Best Travel Backpack for Hiking

Outdoor Vitals KotaUL Ultralight 45 ($250)

Capacity: 45L
Weight: 2 lbs 13 oz
Dimensions: 22” x 12” x 10”
Material: 210D nylon, 400D Spectra ripstop grid
Key Features: Lightweight materials, Removable frame, Internal compression, Four-way main compartment zipper

Pros: Quick access to any area of main compartment when loaded, Lightweight at size, Plenty of cinching/adjustment 
Cons: Removable frame could cause discomfort for smaller wearers, Limited inner pockets, Not water-resistant 

If you need a travel backpack for hiking, camping, or general outdoor trips, Outdoor Vitals builds an ultralight entry along subtle lines. However — the KotaUL 45 is a hiking-forward pack. Inner pockets don’t aspire to the typical segmentation aimed at digital nomads or photographers. One tester found the laptop pocket positioning created pressure against the aluminum frame and his back. 

The KotaUL is very lightweight for how big it is. The shoulder straps and removable hip belts were responsive to adjustment. The pack is easy to cinch down tight, which we liked when traveling with varied, awkward kits. Lightweight zippers and mesh everywhere initially concerned us, but proved durable in the field. The coffin design lays open readily for loading. Once we packed it, two sets of two-way zippers gave quick access to any area inside. And the ingenious interior compression is easier to use than we expected. The compression is great for transitioning from your full load at the airport to a sleeker daypack option on a hike.  

The inner mesh side pockets are so long that they’re only well-suited to hiking poles, tripods, or similar. Bottle pockets became tight in all dimensions when we loaded down the pack. And finally, our short-statured tester found the laptop pocket was only comfortable with the frame out. This brings us to the main stumbling block in our KotaUL testing: the frame. For our shorter tester (5’7”), hiking with the frame installed and a laptop packed caused back discomfort. Removing the laptop eased the effect, but not fully. Removing the frame solved the problem. Our taller tester (5’11”) reported that with the frame and laptop, there was some pressure but no discomfort. Removing the frame also helped him, but we want to note that this removes some of the versatility and utility of this travel backpack. 

Despite this concern, the KotaUL stands out for some forward-thinking elements and its stellar capacity-to-weight ratio. It’s well-suited for those looking to travel via plane and then hit the trails (even on overnight backpacking adventures).

Another Great Carry-On Travel Backpack

Osprey Archeon 40 ($300)

Capacity: 40L
Weight: 5 lbs
Dimensions: 21” x 13” x 13.6”
Material: 420D robic ripstop nylon, DWR-treated
Key Features: Stout exterior material and zippers, Tech compartments, Removable hip belt, Part of modular collection  

Pros: Stiff construction aids top loading, Firm back panel distributes heavier loads, DWR coating and material repel elements 
Cons: Bottom-heavy tendency, Limited exterior pockets, Zippers can kink in corners

Leave the roller bag at home. Right off the shelf, the Osprey Archeon 40 makes an impression as a stout, constructed pack for keeping tech or sensitive electronics safe in the field. We found the fabrics, zippers, and suspension made the Archeon overkill for lighter load-outs. But filling it up with all your gear plus laptops and cords made life easier. 

Simply put, the ripstop shell performed extremely well: The 420D robic nylon (read: thick, slick, and tough) shell resists plenty of abrasions. Thorny mesquite snags on tight trails didn’t do damage, nor did sharp limestone rubble below desert climbs. The shell and coated zippers repel water to a fully acceptable extent, once protecting a tester’s laptop when he forgot it was inside — and drove through a flash thunderstorm with the Archeon in his pickup bed. 

Packability is a strength. We like to stand this travel backpack up, unzip it fully, then stack gear inside and progressively zip it tight. Side and top grab handles made the pack easy to sling around, even though it is bulky when fully loaded. That bulk, however, is a factor. Because of the robust construction, the Archeon doesn’t exactly compress — the straps tend to crease the pack, more than tighten it. The pack also sometimes seems bottom-heavy (potentially due to the top-tapered shape) and the weight tends to displace onto the hips. Finally, the tongue-shaped front panel sometimes kinks or catches on softer corners during zipping.   

But overall, the Archeon’s strengths overcome our concerns. A firm back panel helps make heavier loads feel more comfortable, small inside pockets keep cords and charging stations organized, and the fabric is as durable as any. For those who like to add on or mix and match, the Archeon 40 is also part of Osprey’s modular ecosystem.

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Honorable Mentions

We’re in the process of testing or looking forward to testing some other travel backpacks that don’t officially have a place in our list yet. We need to spend a bit more time traveling with these packs, but so far we like what we’re seeing. These travel packs include but aren’t limited to: the Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30L and a pack from Salkan. We’ve tested previous versions of the Osprey Sojourn Porter and recommend it, but we are still checking out the newest version. We also love the NEMO Double Haul series of duffels, which does feature backpack straps, but we didn’t feel like it quite fit the travel pack category.

We tested a range of travel packs over months of work trips, vacations, and weekends away. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Travel Backpacks Comparison Table

The best travel backpacks are ready to be shouldered and head out on an adventure. Photo: Sam Anderson//The Inertia

How We Tested Travel Backpacks

We’ll readily admit it’s good work if you can get it, but travel plays a huge role in any outdoor gear tester’s life. Because seeking new experiences is intrinsic to what draws us outdoors in the first place, the gig demands reaching novel areas of the world with wide arrays of gear. So travel backpacks have to meet the functional requirements of this work (and play) and check distinct boxes. 

Real-World Testing

Testers for this article, Sam Anderson and Nathan Lemin, have spent a combined 30+ years traveling the U.S. and the world for professional and recreational reasons. Lemin has, on various occasions, lived out of a backpack for months, and has been a proponent of one-bag travel for more than a decade.

To parse out this year’s best travel backpacks, we lugged entries to the beaches and sea cliffs of Southeast Asia, Colorado mountain campgrounds, muggy Southern spring-time trips, and desert bike competitions — plus airports, coffee shops, offices, and restaurants all along the way. We kept on testing through the winter, too, and hauled ski gear, puffer jackets, and the like. That’s to say: We actually got out on adventures and put these packs to the test.

Safekeeping and organization of gear kits that range from pricey camera equipment to rugged, sometimes-smelly athletic clothing and shoes can be a significant challenge. When duffels and roller bags are too cumbersome, too delicate, or too non-specific for an objective, backpacks become the only option. 

From the airport to cafes and beyond, the Able Carry Max was our favorite travel backpack. Photo: Sam Anderson//The Inertia

Travel Backpacks Buyer’s Guide

Opening Types and Loading

Gone are the days when a backpack had one main compartment that zipped open from the bottom to the top to the bottom again. That’s because there’s so much more you can do with different backpack opening styles. 

Front Loading

Many travel backpacks now open from the front, with a panel that’s shaped like a tongue or spoon. These open with a two-way zipper that extends most or all the way to the pack base. In many ways, these function like clamshell designs, but might not open quite as wide or provide quite as much access. These packs provide either a structured, stackable loading style like the Osprey Archeon 40, or a splayed-open, compressible style like the Outdoor Vitals KotaUL. For stout, constructed entries, we like to load from the top and zip as we go. For looser designs, we keep it on its back and do the same. Either way, the idea is clear: The opening lets you know how much space you’re working with right away. 

Duffel Opening / Center Zip

Alternatively, duffel openings with center zips can help you force gear into far corners and still maintain leverage on the zipper — because it’s a straight line, you should have an easier time closing it over a capacity load. It’s not the most versatile access method, but works for sheer volume.

Our go-to opening style for travel packs is the clamshell, which functions like a standard suitcase and allows full access to your gear. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Clamshell Opening

Then there’s our favorite: the clamshell. We define a clamshell design as any backpack opening that fully exposes the bottom surface of the pack. Basically, it just means the pack zips all the way around and opens fully. These can open from either the front or back of the pack. In our experience, it’s the best of all worlds. It’s possible to stack clothes or gear all the way to the bottom of the rig, knowing exactly how much capacity you’ve got on your way up. Because they load flat (not from the top) it’s also easy to pack clothes folded flat, if that’s your jam. Our top three picks, the Matador GlobeRider 45L, Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L, and Cotopaxi Allpa 35L all feature a side-opening clamshell design that makes organizing clothes and gear a breeze. 

Finally, the panel itself can offer storage — either for laptops or with smaller compartments/dividers. Bonus points for any clamshell with two-way zippers, which can help you access one specific area or side without opening up (and potentially spilling) the rest.

Note that some front-loading travel packs do overlap with the benefits of clamshell openings.

A quick pit stop at the climbing gym before heading to the hotel. Photo: Sam Anderson//The Inertia

Material and Water Resistance

Most of us don’t need a pack that can keep a laptop safe from a monsoon. But, we ask, why shouldn’t we have one? 

It’s a natural reflex to want the best of the best. But every advantage comes with its cost, and that’s true in textiles. Also — what even is 420D nylon or 1000D nylon? And apart from a neat little grid on fabric, what is ripstop? 

What does “Denier” mean?

The easiest way to think about nylon textiles is on the basis of thread gauge. Denier, or D, is basically a measurement of this. It corresponds to the relative durability of the fabric, along with its thickness — and its weight. Generally, all three of these factors increase along with the denier number. 

Of course, this introduces a give-and-take. The Outdoor Vitals KotaUL’s 210D nylon does little to resist water, but it’s light — about half the weight of Osprey’s 420D robic (higher tear-strength) material. 

By air, sea, or land, we travel with backpacks because they simplify our setup. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Ripstop Stitching

Each textile also incorporates ripstop stitching. Demystified, this means that the manufacturer sews thicker threads into the fabric in a pattern (often a grid). Intuitively, this introduces some benefits of a heavy, higher-gauge thread into a lighter-duty fabric. Basically, that pattern is designed to reduce the likelihood that a sharp object will create a large tear in your pack. The Able Carry Max Backpack 30L has a highly durable ripstop material for the outer. 

Water Resistance

Of course, thicker material keeps more water out. If you want the most water-resistant backpack, durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings induce a chemical change that reduces surface tension on the fabric. Instead of adhering and soaking, water tends to bead and roll away. The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30 has a TPU-coated nylon material that sheds water better than any other in this test. Also look for sealed zippers, like those found on the Matador GlobeRider 45L. Need more waterproofing? Surf backpacks for travel may even feature a fully waterproof material like coated tarpaulin PVC.

The right travel backpack can make any location your mobile office. Photo: Sam Anderson//The Inertia

Pockets and Layout

Laptop Pocket

For today’s travelers, most good travel backpacks include one focal pocket: the laptop pocket. 

Padded, suspended, or both, this inner sleeve holds the thing so many of us stare at for work for easy access and safekeeping. Usually in its own zipper or on the back panel of a clamshell, access is clear. The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe 20L was our favorite laptop pack. 

Top-Drop Pocket / Essentials Pocket

Other pockets for digital nomads or commuters include the popular “top-drop” pocket. It’s a small, frequently-opened space for cords, pens, passports, or other items often kept near at hand. Consider whether you like dividers to separate your smaller goods, or if a bucket-style opening works for you. We love the spacious and well-organized drop pocket on the Matador GlobeRider 45L.

Inner Pockets

Inner pockets are dealer’s choice. Many travel backpacks now come with sleeves and velcro-closure areas specific to tablets, charging blocks, or toiletries — or even tripods and hiking poles. We encourage attention to use-case. When done right, those interior pockets can function like packing cubes, and alleviate the clutter that travel inevitably brings. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L and Cotopaxi Allpa 35L both feature useful and well-though-out internal pockets. 

Duty calls: The digital nomad lifestyle is easier with a functional travel backpack. Photo: Sam Anderson//The Inertia

Compression/Expansion

After years of testing, we’ve boiled backpack compression and expansion down to two main benefits. In short, compression aids carry and expansion increases use-cases. 

Compression

Whether we’ve called it “compression” or not, almost anyone who’s loaded a backpack has tried it. Cinching down a load to tighten and stabilize it is an intuitive activity. Pack manufacturers can leverage the added advantage of looking at the design drawings while they place compression points: where will a cinch point likely help the user feel most comfortable, and along what axis? The Outdoor Vitals KotaUL has super useful internal compression buckles that help slim down the pack to better carry lighter loads. 

Expansion

Familiar in suitcase design, expansion helps a pack work in a wider range of situations. The best example we can give of utility in an expansion is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30. Our tester struggled and strategized to force socks and small items into its compressed, 27L form for one trip. Then he expanded it to 33L and fit everything inside with ease — even sacrificing space efficiency to categorize some gear into packing cubes. 

Balancing Compression and Expansion

With that in mind, however, the Peak Design Travel Backpack carries more sloppily at 33L with only a jacket and book inside. Cinching it down to its narrower 27L profile helps stabilize the load when it’s not filled to the brim with travel gear. Striking the right balance between capacity and carry comfort is easiest with a brand that builds compressibility and expansion into the backpack design.

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Editor’s Note: Ready to hit the road? We’ve got plenty of other travel gear to get you going: Check out our guides to the Best Sunglasses, Best Water Bottles, and Best Surf Watches. Also, don’t miss our Summer Gear Guide. And for even more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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