Best of
The Best Travel Backpacks (2027)
The best travel backpacks for 2027, from the Osprey Farpoint 40 to the expandable Peak Design 45L, ranked on carry-on fit, packing layout, harness comfort and laptop protection.
The short answer
For most travellers in 2027 the best travel backpack is the Osprey Farpoint 40: a 40 litre carry-on with a hiking-derived harness that carries a full load better than any other pack at its price. If you carry camera gear, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L expands from 35 to 45 litres and swallows camera cubes. If you pack for a week, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L opens like a suitcase and the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L gives you the largest carry-on volume here. Women travellers should start with the Fairview 40, business travellers with the Nomatic Travel Pack, and budget buyers with the Amazon Basics 40L or the LOVEVOOK 45L with cubes included.
Our top picks at a glance
- Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack, Black (40L)The default one-bag answer: a hiking-derived harness, a stowaway suspension and a 40 litre body sized for most carry-on rules.Best overall
- Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, Expandable 35-45L, SageThe expandable creator's carry-on: 35 litres at standard size, 45 expanded, with rear access and room for camera cubes.Best expandable for creators
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack, Del DiaThe cheerful week-long pack: 35 litres of recycled fabric, a suitcase opening and a colourway no one else will own.Best week-long pack
- Osprey Fairview 40 Women's Travel Backpack, BlackThe Farpoint system reshaped for women: same 40 litre carry-on body, a women's-specific fit and the same stowaway harness.Best for women
- Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Travel Backpack, BlackThe biggest carry-on in this guide: 46 litres with StraightJacket compression, a stowaway harness and a padded laptop sleeve.Best maximum carry-on
The picks, ranked
| # | Product | Award | Capacity | Weight | Dimensions | Laptop fit | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack, Black (40L) | Best overall | 40 litres | 3.47 lb, per Amazon fields | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches, per Amazon fields | Up to 16 inches, per Amazon fields | 450D recycled polyester, per maker description |
| 2 | Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, Expandable 35-45L, Sage | Best expandable for creators | Standard 35L, compressed 30L, expanded 45L, per maker specs | 2.05 kg (4.5 lb), per maker specs | Standard 56 x 33 x 24 cm, per maker specs | Up to 16 inches, per maker specs | - |
| 3 | Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack, Del Dia | Best week-long pack | 35 litres (2135 cu in), per maker specs | 2 lb 15 oz (1.33 kg), per maker specs | 22 x 12 x 10 inches, per maker specs | Up to 15 inches, per Amazon fields | - |
| 4 | Osprey Fairview 40 Women's Travel Backpack, Black | Best for women | 40 litres | 3.39 lb, per Amazon fields | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches, per retailer fields | Up to 16 inches, per Amazon fields | - |
| 5 | Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Travel Backpack, Black | Best maximum carry-on | 46 litres | 3.26 lb, per retailer comparison table | 21.5 x 14 x 9 inches, per retailer comparison table | - | - |
| 6 | Nomatic Travel Pack 20L, Expandable to 30L, Black | Best for business travel | 20 litres, expanding to 30 litres, per Amazon listing | - | - | Up to 16 inches, per Amazon listing | - |
| 7 | YETI Crossroads Backpack 27L, Carry-On | Best rugged everyday carry | 27 litres, per Amazon fields | 3.6 lb, per Amazon fields | - | - | 700D water and abrasion-resistant TuffSkin nylon, per maker |
| 8 | Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe, Eco Nightfall | Best work-travel hybrid | 20 litres, per Amazon fields | 2.4 lb, per Amazon fields | 18.9 x 11.4 x 5.31 inches, per Amazon fields | Up to 17 inches, per Amazon fields | - |
| 9 | Samsonite Tectonic PFT Laptop Backpack, 17-Inch, Black/Red | Best laptop-first value | - | - | - | 17 inches, per Amazon title | Durable ballistic fabric, per maker description |
| 10 | 5.11 RUSH 24 2.0 Tactical Backpack, 37L, Kangaroo | Best tactical travel pack | 37 litres, per Amazon listing | 3.84 lb, per maker figure | - | - | - |
| 11 | Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack, 40L, Expandable | Best budget carry-on | 40 litres, per Amazon title | - | 15.8 x 21.5 x 8.3 inches, per Amazon title | - | - |
| 12 | LOVEVOOK Carry-On Backpack, 45L, Expandable, 4 Cubes | Best budget pack with cubes | 45 litres, expandable, per Amazon title | - | - | 17 inch weekender size, per Amazon title | - |
Best overall
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack, Black (40L)
The default one-bag answer: a hiking-derived harness, a stowaway suspension and a 40 litre body sized for most carry-on rules.
Strengths
- Hiking-derived harness with a LightWire frame and load lifters carries a full 40 litres more comfortably than most travel packs
- Stowaway harness and hipbelt tuck away for checked baggage and overhead bins, then deploy fast at the gate
- Direct-zip laptop and tablet sleeve plus an external toiletry pocket keep airport essentials reachable without opening the main bag
- StraightJacket compression straps pull a half-full bag tight so it rides small on short trips
Limitations
- Internal organisation is sparse, so travellers who dislike packing cubes will find clothes sliding into one big space
- No dedicated water bottle pocket on the outside; the front toiletry pocket does that job instead
- The padded laptop sleeve intrudes into the main compartment when the bag is packed hard
What owners report
Most praised
- The harness carries a fully loaded bag through long airport walks without the shoulder ache that simpler travel packs cause.
- Stowing the straps for a flight and deploying them again at arrival feels quick once the routine is learned.
- Compression straps keep a partly packed bag from sloshing around, so the same pack works for a weekend and a week.
Common complaints
- The single big main compartment disappoints travellers who expected built-in dividers and mesh pockets throughout.
- Finding a place for a water bottle takes improvisation, since no outside bottle pocket is provided.
- The laptop sleeve eats into packing space when the bag is stuffed, which surprises first-time owners.
| Capacity | 40 litres |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.47 lb, per Amazon fields |
| Dimensions | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches, per Amazon fields |
| Laptop fit | Up to 16 inches, per Amazon fields |
| Fabric | 450D recycled polyester, per maker description |
| Harness | Stowaway harness and hipbelt with LightWire frame |
Best for: Travellers who want one bag for a week away and value carry comfort over extra pockets.
Skip if: You need serious internal organisation; the Farpoint keeps packing simple and expects cubes to do the dividing.
Best expandable for creators
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, Expandable 35-45L, Sage
The expandable creator's carry-on: 35 litres at standard size, 45 expanded, with rear access and room for camera cubes.
Strengths
- Expansion zips take the bag from 30 litres compressed to 45 litres expanded, so souvenirs do not need a second bag
- Rear access through a full-length zip opens the whole main compartment without disturbing the harness side
- Internal partition and compatibility with Peak Design packing units turn one big space into camera or clothes zones
- Weatherproof shell with UltraZips and a stowable sternum strap suits travel in rain and crowds alike
Limitations
- At 4.5 lb empty it is one of the heavier packs here, and the weight shows on long walks
- The boxy shape can feel rigid and awkward when the bag is underpacked
- Packing cubes and camera cubes are sold separately, so the full system costs well above the bag alone
What owners report
Most praised
- Expansion zips genuinely save a trip to the shops for a second bag when the return load grows.
- Rear access means the bag opens flat on a hotel bed without flipping the harness into dirty floors.
- Camera cubes slot into the main space neatly, which photographers praise more than any single pocket.
Common complaints
- Empty weight is noticeable on foot, especially when the bag is carried all day between stops.
- Underpacked, the structured shell holds its boxy shape and looks half empty rather than slim.
- The price climbs once the cubes that make the system work are added to the order.
| Capacity | Standard 35L, compressed 30L, expanded 45L, per maker specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.05 kg (4.5 lb), per maker specs |
| Dimensions | Standard 56 x 33 x 24 cm, per maker specs |
| Laptop fit | Up to 16 inches, per maker specs |
| Access | Rear and top access with full-length UltraZip |
| Shell | Weatherproof Versa Shell with grey nylon interior |
Best for: Photographers and one-bag travellers who want a bag that grows for the trip home and swallows camera cubes.
Skip if: You pack light and hate extra structure; this bag's frame and zips add weight even when compressed.
Best week-long pack
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack, Del Dia
The cheerful week-long pack: 35 litres of recycled fabric, a suitcase opening and a colourway no one else will own.
Strengths
- Suitcase-style opening with a divided main compartment makes packing and repacking straightforward
- Air mesh shoulder straps and improved weight distribution keep a 35 litre load comfortable across a travel day
- Exterior stretch water bottle pocket and luggage pass-through strap cover airport and station transfers
- Del Dia deadstock fabric gives every pack a one-of-a-kind colour combination while keeping waste out of landfill
Limitations
- The 15 inch laptop limit rules out larger laptops that other packs in this guide accept
- Del Dia randomness means the colour you receive may not match the colour you imagined
- No dedicated rain cover, so the recycled shell needs help in sustained rain
What owners report
Most praised
- The suitcase opening makes packing feel orderly, with clothes staying flat instead of tumbling into a top loader.
- Shoulder straps stay comfortable across a full travel day, even when the bag is packed to its limit.
- The one-of-a-kind colourway gets compliments at baggage claim and makes the bag easy to spot.
Common complaints
- Owners with 16 inch laptops discover the sleeve limit only after ordering, which stings.
- Surprise colours delight some buyers and disappoint others who wanted a specific shade.
- Heavy rain soaks through eventually, since no rain cover is included in the box.
| Capacity | 35 litres (2135 cu in), per maker specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 lb 15 oz (1.33 kg), per maker specs |
| Dimensions | 22 x 12 x 10 inches, per maker specs |
| Shell | 100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon, per maker specs |
| Laptop fit | Up to 15 inches, per Amazon fields |
| Carry extras | Luggage pass-through strap, exterior stretch bottle pocket |
Best for: Travellers who want a week-long bag with personality and a simple, suitcase-style pack job.
Skip if: You want to choose your exact colour; Del Dia packs are made from deadstock fabric, so each one differs.
Best for women
Osprey Fairview 40 Women's Travel Backpack, Black
The Farpoint system reshaped for women: same 40 litre carry-on body, a women's-specific fit and the same stowaway harness.
Strengths
- Women's-specific fit with a shaped harness and hipbelt that sit better on shorter torsos than the men's version
- Same stowaway suspension as the Farpoint, so the bag checks cleanly and carries comfortably in turn
- Direct-zip laptop and tablet sleeve plus an external toiletry pocket for security-line essentials
- Dual internal compression straps and a large mesh lid pocket keep clothes settled in transit
Limitations
- Internal organisation is light, with one big compartment doing most of the work
- The women's fit still suits a range of body shapes imperfectly, and taller travellers may prefer the Farpoint
- A rain cover is not included, so wet-weather travellers need to add one
What owners report
Most praised
- The shaped harness and hipbelt spread a full load across the hips instead of hanging it from the shoulders.
- Packing for a week in a bag that still fits the overhead bin feels like the right compromise for most trips.
- The external toiletry pocket saves opening the whole bag at security, which owners mention on nearly every trip.
Common complaints
- One big compartment means clothes need cubes or they end up in a single jumble by day three.
- Taller owners sometimes find the women's torso length short and wish they had tried the Farpoint instead.
- Wet days expose the missing rain cover, and the water-resistant shell alone is not enough in a downpour.
| Capacity | 40 litres |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.39 lb, per Amazon fields |
| Dimensions | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches, per retailer fields |
| Laptop fit | Up to 16 inches, per Amazon fields |
| Fit | Women's-specific harness and hipbelt |
| Harness | Stowaway harness and hipbelt with LightWire frame |
Best for: Women travellers who want the Farpoint's carry comfort with a harness shaped for a shorter torso and narrower shoulders.
Skip if: You want a bag with lots of built-in organisation; like its sibling, the Fairview expects packing cubes to do that work.
Best maximum carry-on
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Travel Backpack, Black
The biggest carry-on in this guide: 46 litres with StraightJacket compression, a stowaway harness and a padded laptop sleeve.
Strengths
- 46 litre capacity is the largest carry-on volume in this guide, sized for longer trips without checked luggage
- StraightJacket compression straps cinch the bag down when it is not fully packed
- Stowaway padded hipbelt and harness switch the bag between backpack and duffel-style carry
- Padded laptop sleeve protects a laptop inside a bag that is otherwise built for clothes
Limitations
- Fully packed, the bag tests the patience of stricter airline size checkers
- The older Porter shape looks plainer than newer travel packs at the same price
- Shoulder carry over long distances is less refined than the Farpoint's hiking-derived harness
What owners report
Most praised
- The extra litres over a 40 litre pack genuinely cover a longer trip without a second bag.
- Compression straps make the bag feel smaller than its size when it is only partly filled.
- Stowing the harness turns it into a clean duffel shape for overhead bins and hotel storage.
Common complaints
- At full capacity the bag looks oversized, and strict gate checks become a worry.
- The plain styling feels dated next to newer travel packs with sharper organisation.
- Long walks with a heavy load expose a harness that is good, not great, compared with the Farpoint.
| Capacity | 46 litres |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.26 lb, per retailer comparison table |
| Dimensions | 21.5 x 14 x 9 inches, per retailer comparison table |
| Compression | StraightJacket compression straps |
| Laptop | Padded laptop sleeve, per Amazon title |
| Harness | Stowaway padded hipbelt and harness |
Best for: Maximum packers who want the largest bag that still fits most overhead bins and refuse to check luggage.
Skip if: You fly strict budget airlines often; at 46 litres this bag is the first to draw a gate agent's eye.
Best for business travel
Nomatic Travel Pack 20L, Expandable to 30L, Black
The business traveller's expander: 20 litres for the office day, 30 litres when the trip stretches to a few nights.
Strengths
- Expansion zipper grows the bag from 20 to 30 litres, so the same pack covers a day trip and a three-night trip
- Dedicated 16 inch laptop compartment with a tablet sleeve keeps tech separate from clothes
- Water-resistant shell and TSA-ready layout suit frequent flyers who move fast through airports
- Luggage pass-through strap slides the bag onto a roller case for longer journeys
Limitations
- Premium price buys organisation more than capacity, and light packers may not need half the pockets
- The structured shape holds its form even when empty, which some owners find boxy for daily carry
- At 20 litres unexpanded, the main compartment is tight for bulky items like a jacket and shoes together
What owners report
Most praised
- The expansion zipper turns a work bag into a short-trip bag without a second purchase.
- Tech pockets keep a laptop, tablet, cables and chargers in fixed places instead of one tangled pile.
- The bag looks at home in a meeting room in a way hiking-derived travel packs do not.
Common complaints
- The price feels high for the litres on offer, since the value sits in organisation rather than space.
- The stiff shape never slims down, so the bag looks the same size empty as full.
- Unexpanded, the main space fills fast once a jacket and a pair of shoes go in.
| Capacity | 20 litres, expanding to 30 litres, per Amazon listing |
|---|---|
| Laptop fit | Up to 16 inches, per Amazon listing |
| Tablet | Dedicated tablet sleeve, per Amazon listing |
| Water resistance | Water resistant, per Amazon listing |
| Airport layout | TSA-ready design, per Amazon listing |
| Carry extras | Luggage pass-through strap, per Amazon listing |
Best for: Work travellers who want one bag for the commute and the short trip, with tech organisation built in.
Skip if: You pack for a full week; even expanded, 30 litres is a short-trip bag, not a one-bag weekender.
Best rugged everyday carry
YETI Crossroads Backpack 27L, Carry-On
The tough everyday carry-on: 27 litres of TuffSkin nylon, a clamshell opening and pockets placed for quick grabs.
Strengths
- 700D TuffSkin nylon shrugs off abrasion, drizzle and rough handling in overhead bins
- Clamshell opening packs like a small suitcase instead of a top-loading sack
- SideHustle pockets keep a phone, passport and small essentials within reach on the move
- Structured shape stands upright on its own, so packing on a hotel bed or airport floor is easier
Limitations
- The structured build adds weight for its size, and the bag never packs flat for storage
- At 27 litres it sits between daily and travel sizes, so it is a compromise for both jobs
- The bold YETI styling is not for travellers who prefer a quiet, anonymous bag
What owners report
Most praised
- The fabric still looks new after months of overhead bins, station floors and rain.
- Standing the bag upright to pack beats chasing a floppy sack around a hotel room.
- Side pockets earn their keep at airports, where a passport and phone need to appear fast.
Common complaints
- The stiff structure means the bag takes up the same space in a closet as it does on a trip.
- A week of clothes needs careful rolling and a second bag, since 27 litres runs out fast.
- The prominent branding draws attention from travellers who wanted a low-key bag.
| Capacity | 27 litres, per Amazon fields |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.6 lb, per Amazon fields |
| Fabric | 700D water and abrasion-resistant TuffSkin nylon, per maker |
| Opening | Clamshell opening, per maker description |
| Pockets | SideHustle quick-access pockets, per maker description |
| Bottle fit | Fits up to a 26 oz Rambler bottle, per maker page |
Best for: Travellers who want one rugged bag for daily carry, weekends away and flights, without a hiking look.
Skip if: You need a full week of clothes; 27 litres covers a long weekend, not seven days of outfits.
Best work-travel hybrid
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe, Eco Nightfall
The slim work-travel hybrid: a 20 litre organiser with a 17 inch laptop compartment that still passes as a travel bag.
Strengths
- Dedicated laptop compartment fits laptops up to 17 inches, larger than most work packs allow
- Five compartments with an internal organiser keep cables, tablets and documents separated
- Water-resistant shell with a bottle holder and airflow back panel suits daily commuting and short trips
- Slim rectangular shape slides under seats and into overhead bins without a fight
Limitations
- 20 litres fills fast with clothes, so weekend trips need ruthless packing or a second bag
- The slim shape leaves little room for bulky items like a jacket or a pair of shoes
- Premium styling comes with a mid-range price that buys less capacity than travel-first packs
What owners report
Most praised
- The 17 inch laptop compartment fits machines that most slim packs reject outright.
- Internal organisation keeps small gear findable instead of pooled at the bottom of the bag.
- The slim shape moves easily through crowded cabins and under-seat spaces.
Common complaints
- Clothes for more than a couple of nights need a second bag or very disciplined rolling.
- Bulky items like a jacket crowd the slim main compartment quickly.
- Capacity per dollar trails travel-first packs, since the money goes to organisation and looks.
| Capacity | 20 litres, per Amazon fields |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18.9 x 11.4 x 5.31 inches, per Amazon fields |
| Weight | 2.4 lb, per Amazon fields |
| Laptop fit | Up to 17 inches, per Amazon fields |
| Compartments | 5 compartments, per Amazon fields |
| Extras | Bottle holder, water resistant, airflow back panel |
Best for: Professionals who travel with a big laptop and lots of small gear, and want office-ready looks.
Skip if: You need a week's clothes; 20 litres is a work bag first and a travel bag second.
Best laptop-first value
Samsonite Tectonic PFT Laptop Backpack, 17-Inch, Black/Red
The laptop-first classic: Samsonite's Perfect Fit system, ballistic fabric and a wide stable base for work travel.
Strengths
- Perfect Fit adjustable laptop system holds the laptop snug instead of letting it slide around the compartment
- Durable ballistic fabric stands up to daily commuting and rough baggage handling
- Wide base keeps the bag upright on floors and desks instead of toppling forward
- Padded handles and shoulder straps plus many pockets cover the daily carry without fuss
Limitations
- The design is a work backpack first, so clothes packing feels like an afterthought
- Styling is classic Samsonite rather than modern travel, which dates the look for some buyers
- No stated litre capacity in the listing, so volume has to be judged from dimensions and photos
What owners report
Most praised
- The adjustable laptop system stops the laptop shifting around, which owners with big machines notice immediately.
- Ballistic fabric survives daily commuting and careless handling without showing it.
- The wide base means the bag stays upright by a desk instead of falling over at every stop.
Common complaints
- Packing clothes feels cramped, since the interior is organised around tech rather than garments.
- The classic look reads dated to travellers used to modern travel packs.
- Missing litre figures make it hard to compare volume against the rest of this guide.
| Laptop fit | 17 inches, per Amazon title |
|---|---|
| Laptop system | Perfect Fit adjustable laptop system, per maker description |
| Fabric | Durable ballistic fabric, per maker description |
| Base | Wide base for stability, per maker description |
| Handles | Padded handles and shoulder straps, per maker description |
| Pockets | Many organiser pockets, per maker description |
Best for: Work travellers whose laptop is the most valuable thing in the bag and who want a proven, no-fuss pack.
Skip if: You pack clothes first and tech second; this bag is built around the laptop, not the wardrobe.
Best tactical travel pack
5.11 RUSH 24 2.0 Tactical Backpack, 37L, Kangaroo
The rugged modular option: 37 litres, a padded laptop sleeve and a tier system for pouches, built for hard use.
Strengths
- 37 litre main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve covers multi-day trips and heavy gear alike
- RUSH Tier System compatibility lets pouches and accessories bolt on for specialised loads
- Contoured yoke shoulder straps and ventilated back panel keep a heavy load bearable on long walks
- Tough construction and hidden pockets suit travellers who are hard on luggage
Limitations
- Tactical styling draws attention in cities and offices where a plain bag would blend in
- The compartment layout favours gear organisation over simple clothes packing
- At maker weight near 4 lb empty, the bag starts heavy before anything goes inside
What owners report
Most praised
- Build quality feels a class above travel packs at this price, with zips and fabric that take abuse.
- Modular pouches let the bag grow for camera gear, medical kits or tools without a new bag.
- The yoke straps and vented back panel keep heavy loads comfortable across long days on foot.
Common complaints
- The tactical look feels out of place in smart hotels and offices, where owners wish for plainer styling.
- Clothes packing takes more thought than in a clamshell travel pack, since compartments favour gear.
- Empty weight is felt immediately, and the bag never feels light even on short trips.
| Capacity | 37 litres, per Amazon listing |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.84 lb, per maker figure |
| Laptop | Padded laptop sleeve, per Amazon title |
| Modularity | RUSH Tier System compatible, per maker description |
| Straps | Contoured yoke shoulder strap system, per maker description |
| Back panel | Ventilation channels, per maker description |
Best for: Travellers who want a near-indestructible bag with modular expansion and do not mind the tactical look.
Skip if: You prefer a discreet city bag; MOLLE webbing and tactical styling stand out in an office or old town.
Best budget carry-on
Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack, 40L, Expandable
The honest budget carry-on: 40 litres, an expansion zip and convertible straps at a fraction of the premium price.
Strengths
- 40 litre capacity with an expansion zip for extra space matches premium carry-ons on volume alone
- Convertible design carries as a backpack or a shoulder bag, which suits mixed train, plane and walking days
- Dedicated laptop compartment and multiple pockets cover the basics without a learning curve
- Padded shoulder straps with sternum and waist belts help a budget bag carry better than its price suggests
Limitations
- Materials and zips feel plain next to premium packs, and long-term durability is the open question
- The harness is serviceable rather than refined, so heavy loads tire shoulders sooner
- Styling is anonymous, which suits some travellers and bores others
What owners report
Most praised
- Capacity per dollar is the whole story: a genuine 40 litre carry-on for a budget price.
- Converting to a shoulder bag helps on crowded trains where backpack straps get in the way.
- First-time one-bag travellers find the layout obvious, with no clever pocket to hunt for.
Common complaints
- Zips and fabric feel a step below premium packs, and owners wonder how many trips they will last.
- A heavy load makes the simple harness noticeable by the end of a long airport walk.
- The plain look wins no admirers, though many owners say they stopped caring after the first trip.
| Capacity | 40 litres, per Amazon title |
|---|---|
| Expansion | Expansion zip for extra space, per Amazon title |
| Dimensions | 15.8 x 21.5 x 8.3 inches, per Amazon title |
| Carry modes | Backpack and shoulder bag, per Amazon title |
| Laptop | Laptop compartment, per Amazon title |
| Straps | Padded straps with sternum and waist belt, per retailer fields |
Best for: First-time one-bag travellers and occasional flyers who want carry-on capacity without a premium bill.
Skip if: You travel weekly; the simpler harness and materials show their limits on heavy, frequent use.
Best budget pack with cubes
LOVEVOOK Carry-On Backpack, 45L, Expandable, 4 Cubes
The budget cube bundle: an expandable 45 litre carry-on that arrives with four packing cubes in the box.
Strengths
- Four packing cubes included in the box remove a separate purchase for cube-style packers
- Expandable 45 litre body covers longer weekends and souvenir-heavy returns
- Water-resistant fabric and an airline-approved shape suit frequent short-haul flyers
- Weekender layout with a large main space suits travellers who pack in cubes rather than pockets
Limitations
- The harness is basic, so a fully loaded 45 litres feels heavier than the same load in a premium pack
- Cube quality matches the budget price, and serious cube users may replace them anyway
- The keyword-stuffed listing makes it hard to tell exactly which variant and colour is on offer
What owners report
Most praised
- Cubes in the box mean the bag is ready to pack properly on the first trip, not the third.
- Expansion room on the way home saves buying a tote for souvenirs at the airport.
- The size works as a personal item or carry-on on many airlines, which keeps baggage fees away.
Common complaints
- Shoulder comfort fades on long walks once the bag is fully loaded to 45 litres.
- Included cubes feel thin compared with standalone sets, so some owners upgrade them.
- Listing confusion around sizes and colours makes ordering the right variant harder than it should be.
| Capacity | 45 litres, expandable, per Amazon title |
|---|---|
| Packing cubes | 4 packing cubes included, per Amazon title |
| Laptop fit | 17 inch weekender size, per Amazon title |
| Water resistance | Water resistant, per Amazon title |
| Airline fit | Airline approved carry-on, per Amazon title |
| Style | Expandable suitcase-style weekender backpack |
Best for: Organised packers on a budget who want cubes included instead of bought separately.
Skip if: You want a refined harness; this bag's comfort is adequate, not its selling point.
How we chose
Opening style decides how the bag packs
Clamshell packs open flat, so folded clothes and packing cubes stay put and the bag can be packed on a bed like a small case. Panel loaders open from one side and suit travellers who unpack and repack daily. Top loaders, rare in this guide, suit travellers who live out of one compartment. Buy the opening that matches your packing habit, not the one in the prettiest photo.
Capacity is a trip length, not a number
Twenty litres covers a work trip, 27 to 35 litres covers a long weekend to a week with careful packing, and 40 to 46 litres covers a full week without checked luggage. Bigger is not better: a 46 litre bag on a weekend trip carries air and draws gate checks, while a 20 litre bag on a week trip forces a second bag. Match litres to your longest regular trip.
The harness is the difference between carrying and hauling
A framed harness with a hipbelt moves weight to the hips, which is why the Osprey pair leads this guide on comfort. Unframed bags rely on shoulder straps alone and tire faster under a full load. If your trips involve long walks between stations, weigh the harness as heavily as the capacity.
Laptop fit is a hard limit, not a detail
Sleeves here stop at 15, 16 or 17 inches, and a sleeve that is an inch short cannot be fixed. Check your laptop's size against the stated fit before anything else, especially with the Cotopaxi at 15 inches and the Timbuk2 and Samsonite at 17 inches. A bag that fails the laptop test fails the trip.
Questions, answered
What size travel backpack do I need for a week?
For a week with careful packing, 35 to 40 litres is the sweet spot: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L or the Osprey Farpoint 40 cover most travellers. If you pack heavy or travel in cold weather, step up to the 46 litre Sojourn Porter or the expanded 45 litre Peak Design. For a week with no discipline at all, no backpack in this guide replaces a checked bag, and that is an honest limit, not a sales pitch.
Will a 40 litre backpack fit as carry-on?
Mostly yes, with a check. The Farpoint 40, Fairview 40 and Amazon Basics 40L are sized for most domestic and international carry-on rules, but budget airlines enforce smaller limits and stricter gate checks. Measure your packed bag, not the empty spec, and check your airline's current limits before a trip on a strict carrier.
Clamshell or panel loading: which packs better?
Clamshell packs like the Peak Design, Cotopaxi and YETI pack like a suitcase: flat, visible and easy to organise with cubes. Panel loaders like the Osprey pair open from one side and suit travellers who unpack daily. If you pack once and live out of the bag, clamshell wins. If you repack every morning, the difference shrinks.
Do I need packing cubes with a travel backpack?
With the Osprey pair, yes in practice: their big compartments work best when cubes divide clothes. With clamshell packs, cubes help but are less essential. The LOVEVOOK includes four cubes, which is why it leads the budget ranking for cube packers. Buy cubes before the trip, not at the airport.
Every guide on Travel Backpacks15 pages
- Topic hubTravel Backpacks
- Budget travel backpacks are judged here on capacity per dollar first and refinement second. A budget bag that cannot hold a trip is not a bargain at any price, so every pick states its litres plainly, and the ranking is honest about where cheaper materials and simpler harnesses show their limits on heavy, frequent use.The Best Budget Travel Backpacks (2027)
- This ranking starts from fit, not from shrinking a men's bag and changing the colour. A women's-specific harness, a manageable empty weight and a shape that sits well on a shorter torso matter more than a litre count, which is why the Fairview leads and why every pick here states its weight and fit plainly.The Best Travel Backpacks for Women (2027)
- Carry-on ranking is a discipline test, not a capacity contest. Every pack here is sized to fly without checked luggage, and the ranking rewards bags that stay within limits when packed, not bags that only meet the spec sheet when empty. Gate-check risk is treated as a real cost, not a footnote.The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks (2027)
- ReviewOsprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack Review (2027)
- ReviewPeak Design Travel Backpack 45L Review (2027)
- ReviewCotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Review (2027)
- ReviewOsprey Fairview 40 Women's Travel Backpack Review (2027)
- ReviewOsprey Sojourn Porter 46L Travel Backpack Review (2027)
- ReviewNomatic Travel Pack 20L Review (2027)
- Head to headOsprey Farpoint 40 vs Fairview 40 (2027)
- Head to headPeak Design Travel Backpack 45L vs Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (2027)
- Buying guideTravel Backpack Buying Guide (2027)
- Fix itTravel Backpack Digging Into Your Shoulders? Fixes (2027)
Related topics in Travel Gear
Travel Gear
The Best Universal Travel Adapters (2027)
One plug for 150+ countries: charge everything, everywhere, safely.
Travel Gear
The Best Travel Umbrellas (2027)
Travel umbrellas ranked on wind resistance, folded size, and canopy coverage.
Travel Gear
The Best Travel Pillows (2027)
Arrive without the neck ache: support that actually holds your head up.
Travel Gear
The Best Passport and Travel Wallets (2027)
Passport wallets ranked on RFID shielding, capacity, and carry style.