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

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Every digital nomad, traveling athlete, or globetrotter needs a good travel backpack. You’ve been there — we all have: You’re busting it pell-mell through an airport to make a tight connection and your water bottle falls out of its pocket. Or you’re hacking through a spicy jungle hike and catch a snag, ripping a hole just big enough for your passport to fall out of. Or, worst of all: You’re sweating in front of a glaring customs official, rifling through a saggy, disorganized bag, praying your visa is somewhere inside. But all these nightmare scenarios evaporate against the sublime power of the best travel backpacks.

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.

To see the our favorite packs stacked up against one another, check out our Comparison Table, and for more information on what to look for in a travel backpack, check out our Buyer’s Guide. 

Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

Best Overall Travel Backpack: Able Carry Max Backpack 30
Best Value Travel Backpack: Rab Depot 28 
Runner-Up Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 30
Best Travel Backpack for Surfing: Rip Curl F-Light Surf Backpack
Best Carry-On Travel Backpack: Osprey Archeon 40 

Best Overall 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 best travel backpack this year.

Best Value Travel Backpack

Rab Depot 28L Day Pack ($150)

Capacity: 28L
Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz
Dimensions: 21.3” x 12.6” x 10.2”
Material: 50% recycled ballistic nylon
Key Features: Pleated front panel for roomy compartment, “waterproof” laptop pocket, molded back panel, top drop-in pocket

Pros: Lots of organization options, High-contrast interior, Back panel vented well during testing. 
Cons: Shape can be top-heavy, Crowded zippers on top, No stays for extra strap material.

Rab styles the Depot 28 as an everyday carry pack — good for commuters and general use. And where it missed on a couple key details that our overall favorite packs include, it tested strongly at its price point ($150 at the time of publishing). 

We tested the Depot through a humid and varied Southeast Asian work-cation. Scenes revolved freely between deadline assignments at open-air bars, sweaty climbing crags, and spontaneous beach hangouts. Along the way, the Depot denied ingress from sand, saltwater, and sweat. The pocket layout (especially the top drop-in) helps you stay organized amid travel chaos, and the back panel vents well.

The Depot revolves around its pocket layout: The waterproof laptop sleeve is a clutch addition. The work pocket in general impressed, with its useful and varied layout. Other thoughtful touches include an elastic pocket on one shoulder strap for wireless earbuds. For travel utility, though, nothing about the backpack came close to the top drop-in pocket. On countless occasions, we unzipped the generous pouch to reveal whatever the moment called for — laptop cord, outlet converter, passport, earbuds, sunglasses. 

The huge pocket registered as the Depot’s greatest strength, but it also contributed to the few points we docked. Notably, the panel that closes the backpack’s main compartment is actually bigger at the top than at the bottom. We appreciated the innovation, and it helped when we were cramming stuff into it ahead of check-out time. But it, and the tendency to overpack the drop-in pocket, contributed to making the Depot top-heavy. If partially loaded, it tends to “slouch” — collapse, slightly — in the middle. We also missed the lack of elastic loop stays to keep the shoulder strap excess from dangling.

Overall, we found almost no functional gripes with the Depot 28. We also like its size: it can rival a carry-on at full-capacity, or run light as a laptop bag for a commute. 

Runner-Up Best Overall Travel Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30 ($230)

Capacity: 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 (like the Rab above) with no shoulder strap stays — a minor, but annoying detail. And 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 travel backpack that’s easier to load, sleeker, and better-thought-out. 

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Best Travel Backpack for Surfing

Rip Curl F-Light Surf 40L Midnight Backpack ($160)

Capacity: 40L
Weight: N/A
Dimensions: 23″ x 16″ x 8.5″
Material: Recycled polyester
Key Features: Wet/Dry section, recycled materials, laptop pocket, insulated drink pocket

Pros: Excellent blend of surf-specific features and travel carrying prowess
Cons: A bit bulky and lacks specialization

A favorite for travel from our Surf Backpacks guide, the Rip Curl F-Light Surf 40L Midnight Backpack is everything you want for your next surf trip. It’s more spacious than something we’d normally bring on a quick trip to the beach, but that makes it ideally suited for travel — when you need a bit more space for gear.

The F-Light backpack features a roll and clip wet/dry section so you can easily differentiate your surf gear from your travel essentials. It also features an insulated bottle sleeve, a laptop pocket, a tech pocket, a fin organizer, a sunscreen/wax pouch — basically if you can bring it on a surf trip the F-Light has a place to store it. This pack pairs great with the rest of Rip Curl’s travel lineup, and it transitions seamlessly from the airport to the beach. While it might not have the overall waterproofing capabilities of the Roark Accomplice below, this travel pack has far more organization. If versatility on your next surf trip is your ultimate goal, then the Rip Curl F-Light Surf Backpack is the top option.

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Best 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 abrasion. 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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Best of the Rest

Best Laptop Travel 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 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. Main compartments are big enough for a light jacket and a couple 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 stay cool and prevent 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 Waterproof Travel Backpack

Roark Accomplice Missing Link 42L ($159)

Capacity: 42L
Weight: N/A
Dimensions: 28.5″ x 12.75″ x 8.25″
Material: Waterproof coated and seam-welded tarpaulin PVC
Key Features: Waterproof, roll-top, daisy chain webbing, sternum strap 

Pros: Great if waterproofing is top-priority, looks good
Cons: Lacks versatility

The Roark Accomplice Pack is a no frills 42L waterproof bombshell made of tarpaulin PVC. As far as cargo space, the Accomplice is essentially one compartment with a couple pockets and ties on the outside. It follows a typical dry bag design with a roll down top that you can either seal snuggly like a traditional dry bag or you can close it with a little more ease and less waterproofing by connecting the tabs to the side clips rather than to each other.

The Accomplice is easy to open and close and the spacious silo design makes it perfect for shapeless, awkward items like wetsuits, booties, or even down jackets. It’s the perfect bag to carry all your rubber down to the beach with if you have to walk a ways and don’t like hiking in a wetsuit, no matter how good the waves are. On the outside are two stretchy water bottle sleeves which fit standard water bottles like a Nalgene.

We weren’t huge fans of the side straps for attaching gear like fishing poles or items you want to air dry. That’s because rather than a securement on the straps, they are only adjustable, meaning you have to slide the item through each strap (or remove the straps and re-attach around your item). Not a dealbreaker, but not our favorite, either. The Accomplice also features two pockets on the outside, one on the front and one on the back, that are perfect for storing personal items like keys, wallets, and phone (the front pocket is waterproof). Plus, the backpack straps were surprisingly comfortable.

If you’re heading out on a surf trip and need a waterproof backpack that’s going to serve you beyond the beach, look no further than the Roark Accomplice.

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. And 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 belt 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. Which 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 not 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).

Toughest Travel Backpack

Metolius Crag Station 41 ($160)

Capacity: 41L
Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz
Dimensions: 28″ x 13″ x 10″
Material: Ballistic nylon, Durathane
Key Features: Stowable straps and hip belt, Duffel opening with heavy-duty zipper pulls, Full-length exterior pocket, Speed-hook aluminum buckle compression/attachment straps

Pros: Tough as nails, can handle very heavy loads (tested), Spacious, Simplistic
Cons: Less comfortable for extended wear, Lacks technology pocket/waterproofing

With hardworking roots reaching back to 1982, Metolius has stood the test of time with reliable, punishable gear. The brand made its name with bulletproof climbing haul bags and game-changing TCU ultralight climbing cams, then expanded its range in small iterations. The Metolius Crag Station pack embodies every bit of this identity. 

Our lead tester has done his best to dismantle his Crag Station during 6+ years of heavy wear. The simplistic unit weathers every effort, never popping a stitch or suffering a slice in a panel. Materials like durathane (side panels), which are heavy-duty tarpaulin textiles treated with urethane, retain pliability and integrity. 

The Crag Station is extremely easy to load — the duffel panels yawn wide open when unzipped, and the generous corners accommodate cramming. Speed-hook aluminum buckles on the compression/attachment straps make lashing smooth and simple. And a just-soft-enough back panel aids carrying comfort and refuses to flatten or crumple. Simplistic but quality features include the dual-zippered, full-length side-pocket and smaller top side-pocket, with a diagonal orientation that stops spillage. Heavy zipper pulls on the main opening are comfortable to use and easy to yard on. All straps stow away, and remain supple.

The main drawback of this travel backpack is its carrying comfort. When fully-loaded, the Crag Station can cause pressure high on the back. That and it’s not particularly well-suited to tech-minded travel — that’s due to its lack of pocket individuation. That said, we recommend this pack for traveling to and from the crag, the gym, and well beyond. It’s durability is unmatched.

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Best Travel Backpacks Comparison Table

The best travel backpacks 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 have spent a combined 30+ years traveling the U.S. and the world for professional and recreational reasons. 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. 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. 

Some travel itineraries demand the toughest possible gear, and others require more nuance. It’s one thing to crash through an overgrown jungle trail on the way to a secluded beach or cliff, and it’s another to put your best foot forward at a work conference. We constantly seek out backpacks that show bleeding-edge construction like the Osprey Archeon 40, and others that offer tidy utility like the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe. Of course, we’ve never forgotten the rigs that have endured our years-long tests for this article, like the do-it-all Able Carry Max Backpack. 

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. 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. Plus, 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. It may even be water-resistant, like on the Rab Depot 28. 

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. 

Best Overall Travel Backpack

The Able Carry Max won the best overall spot due to its versatile combination of storage, durability, versatility, and carry comfort. This travel backpack will help you venture all over the world — it has for us.

Price: $278

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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. 

Duty calls: The digital nomad life-style 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?

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 brand that build compressibility and expansion into the backpack design.

 Return to Comparison Table | Return to Top Picks

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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