Advice
How To Choose The Best Travel Backpack (with Reviews)
Choosing a backpack for travelling is very difficult. Your whole life will be in there and it will become your whole life, therefore it is very important to choose the right one.
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Choosing a backpack for travelling is very difficult. Your whole life will be in there and it will become your whole life, therefore it is very important to choose the right one.
Don’t borrow the one your friend used for a year. Don’t buy the cheap one from a supermarket. You will regret it; you will have to buy a new one.
“Buy cheap, buy twice.”
Buy one that will last.
A Good Brand
Brands are important; Berghaus, Osprey and Deuter are the most common and widely praised. I myself have a Berghaus and love it. Karrimor, Highlander, Vango, Gelert and Kathmandu are all other reputable brands and I am sure there are many others as well. You tend to get what you pay for in terms of quality.
The Ideal Size
The hardest part about picking the right travel backpack is size – I would highly advise estimating how much you are going to pack first.
To read more about Packing click here
Between 40 and 70 litres for your main pack is the goal, you should be OK anywhere between that. Your daypack should be around 8 to 20 litres.
Anything bigger than 70 litres for your main pack or 80 litres in total you will struggle with – not just with weight, but with knocking into things/ people, fitting into lockers and coping with on public transport.
“No matter what size your backpack is, you will always want it to be bigger and weigh less.”
Personally my backpack is 60 litres with a 15 litre daypack. I could do with it being a tiny bit bigger, but it encourages me to pack less, which is definitely a good thing.
Buying on the internet is cheaper, but definitely go to a shop or two and try a few on for size first. You so often see girls of about 5ft 4 with a rucksack on that is bigger than them, so certainly try before you buy. You should also try for comfort – the last thing you want is an uncomfortable backpack.
The Right Design
The hands down best thing about my backpack is the design. It has an opening at the top, but also has a zip all the way around the edges, meaning it can open like a suitcase (clamshell) and is much easier and quicker to get to your belongings.
Top loader backpacks seem to be the bane of people’s lives – I love watching people struggle to find stuff at the bottom of their top loader and then demonstrating the ease of opening my suitcase style bag right next to them (not the best way to make friends though!). Even though top loaders seem to be the most popular design, I really would recommend against buying one.
My number one tip for selecting a good backpack for travelling? Pick one with a suitcase style opening.
The downside of my bag is it doesn’t have too many compartments. Some backpacks have shoe compartments built in separately, places to store first aid kits, etc. Generally the more compartments the better.
Wheeled backpacks are an option. If you only intend on visiting developed countries they could work and make your life a lot easier. In developing countries I really wouldn’t bother though, as footpaths are very poorly maintained and kerbs are the size of steps. The wheels also add weight to your bag and I imagine could easily break over the course of your travels. To be honest in developed places like Australia and Europe you can easily get away with a wheeled suitcase (and people do), but you can’t really call yourself a backpacker then, can you?!
Note some backpacks are sexed, which does make a difference in comfort, not just style, so make sure you check before buying.
The Perfect Day Pack
A daypack is must have for trips and excursions. As mentioned above, your day pack should be around 8-20 litres. You tend to wear your daypack more than your main pack, so it should be comfortable. Some pro day packs come with great extras, like hydration packs and attachment clips.
Many backpacks come with a day pack that clips onto the main pack. My pack is in this style and I like it. However they are pretty gimmicky and don’t tend to be the best day packs. You get tired of clipping them to your main pack and end up just wearing them on your front. So my advice is don’t buy a backpack just because it comes with a daypack – buying a quality main backpack should be the priority.
Top Recommendations
Unfortunately my backpack seems to no longer be available for sale, so I can’t recommend it to you.
I’ve had mine for a number of years now, however there are many better backpacks on the market these days, here are a few:
* I try to keep these backpack reviews up to date, but sometimes newer models come out and they are discontinued (and apologies, links may also break). Always double check from the seller that the newer model offers what you are expecting.
The Best Travel Backpack
Osprey Fairpoint (series)
The Osprey Farpoint series has earned legendary status among backpackers and long-term travellers, combining rugged outdoor durability with travel-smart features. Osprey make very high quality and tough backpacks. The best thing about the Fairpoint is the design. It comes with a good quality day pack, but most importantly opens like a suitcase. Compression straps hold the contents tight and in place, and also help to significantly increase the amount you can fit into the bag. The lightweight materials it is made from make it one of the lightest travel packs around at this capacity.
Search any other website reviewing travel backpacks and this will be number 1.
Size & Capacity
- Farpoint 40: 40L capacity, dimensions 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm)
- Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)
- Available in 40L, 55L, and 70L and a female versions too.
Opening Style
Clamshell opening – Opens like a suitcase with a full-zip U-shaped opening, allowing complete access to the main compartment. Features lockable YKK zippers that can be secured together.
Reliability & Durability
Excellent – Made from 450D recycled polyester with PFAS-free DWR coating. Features YKK zippers throughout, known for exceptional durability. The materials are bluesign approved for sustainability. Users report excellent longevity even after extensive international travel.
Price Range
- Typically ranges from £120-180 depending on size and retailer
- Considered mid-to-premium pricing but excellent value for money
Features
- Comfort: Exceptional harness system with adjustable torso length, padded shoulder straps, and substantial hip belt (non-removable)
- Organisation: Minimal internal organisation – requires packing cubes. Features a laptop compartment (fits 16″ laptops), top quick-access pocket, and front “shove-it” pocket
- Special Features: Harness system zips away for airline travel, compatible with Osprey daypacks, compression straps for security
- Pros: Extremely durable, comfortable carry system, great for long-term travel
- Cons: Limited internal organisation, hip belt cannot be removed, no dedicated water bottle pockets
A Great Cheap Backpack
Doshwin 70L
The Doshwin 70L represents the budget end of large-capacity backpacking, appealing to travelers who need maximum space without the premium price tag. While it won’t win any awards for refinement or long-term durability, this top-loading pack offers an accessible entry point, making it popular with first-time backpackers who prioritise affordability over premium materials and construction quality.
Size & Capacity
- 70L capacity – Large hiking/travel backpack
- Designed for extended expeditions and multi-week trips
Opening Style
Top-loader design – Traditional hiking backpack opening from the top with drawstring closure and top lid. Some models may include front panel access.
Reliability & Durability
Moderate – Budget-oriented construction with mixed reviews on long-term durability. Made from nylon materials with basic hardware. Quality control can be inconsistent.
Price Range
- £40-80 – Budget-friendly option
- Significantly cheaper than premium brands but with corresponding compromises in quality
Features
- Organisation: Multiple compartments including side pockets, front pocket, and internal dividers
- Comfort: Basic padding and suspension system, adequate for moderate loads but not as refined as premium brands
- Special Features: Usually includes rain cover, multiple attachment points
- Pros: Very affordable, large capacity, includes rain cover
- Cons: Build quality inconsistencies, basic suspension system, heavier than premium alternatives, mixed durability reports
An Alternative Design Backpack (That You Don’t Need To Check In)
Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite
The Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack Lite is definitely an alternative choice for backpackers. Purpose-built by a company that exclusively focuses on travel gear, this lightweight clamshell pack strips away hiking-oriented features in favour of sleek functionality, making it ideal if your travels are mainly involving city hopping, or spending more time navigating airports and hotels than mountain trails and rural villages. It’s main feature is it’s dimensions are optimised for airline carry-on compliance including European budget airlines.
Size & Capacity
- 40L capacity
- Weight: Approximately 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) – lighter than many competitors
Opening Style
Clamshell opening – Full front-panel access like a suitcase with wraparound zipper, providing complete visibility and access to contents.
Reliability & Durability
Very Good – Made from high-quality materials with robust construction. Tortuga focuses specifically on travel gear and has refined their designs through multiple iterations.
Price Range
- £180-220 – Premium pricing for specialised travel gear
- Higher cost but designed specifically for frequent travellers
Features
- Comfort: Lightweight design with comfortable padding, removable waist belt, sternum strap
- Organisation: Internal organisation pockets, laptop compartment, external quick-access pocket
- Special Features: Designed for carry-on compliance, lightweight construction, travel-specific features
- Pros: Excellent carry-on compliance, lightweight, good organisation, travel-focused design
- Cons: Premium pricing, less robust than hiking packs
Best Small Backpack
Deuter Aircontact Lite
The Deuter Aircontact Lite series represents German engineering at its finest in the backpacking world, offering exceptional comfort and build quality. With its innovative Aircontact back system, this top-loader with front panel access is designed for those who demand unwavering reliability in challenging environments. A fantastic little backpack for those who want to travel light.
Size & Capacity
- Available in multiple sizes: 35+10L, 45+10L, 50+10L, 65+10L
- The “+10” refers to expandable lid capacity
- Designed for multi-day hiking and backpacking
Opening Style
Top-loader with front panel access – Traditional top-loading design with additional front panel zip for easy access to gear without unpacking everything from the top.
Reliability & Durability
Excellent – Deuter is renowned for exceptional build quality. Features robust materials, reinforced stress points, and Deuter’s lifetime repair service. Many users report 10+ years of heavy use without major issues.
Price Range
- £150-250 depending on size
- Premium pricing reflecting high-end construction and materials
Features
- Comfort: Deuter’s Aircontact back system with excellent ventilation channels, adjustable harness, padded hip belt with pockets
- Organization: Multiple pockets including lid pocket, front pocket, side pockets, internal dividers, and bottom sleeping bag compartment
- Special Features: Aircontact back system for ventilation, SL versions designed specifically for women, rain cover included
- Pros: Outstanding comfort system, excellent durability, great organisation, lifetime repair service
- Cons: Heavier than ultralight alternatives, traditional hiking aesthetic, premium pricing
…and if you a need a day pack
Lowe Alpine Edge Daypack (18 Litre)
The Lowe Alpine Edge Daypack serves as a reliable companion for day adventures and urban exploration, offering just enough capacity for essentials without the bulk of larger packs. This compact top-loader embodies the “less is more” philosophy, and is a comfortable, versatile, all-round, solid day pack at a great price. The main compartment features an elasticated pocket, perfect for storing your daily accessories, or it can be used to hold a hydration bladder. The front compartment of the daysack includes a handy mesh pocket with zip closure, which is ideal for storing smaller items to help make them easier to find when you need them. On the outside of the Edge, you’ll find two mesh bottle pockets and a daisy chain attachment, which allows you to attach accessories and bits of gear to the outside of the bag.
Size & Capacity
- 18L capacity – Compact daypack size
- Designed for day hikes, city exploration, or as a personal item
- Very compact and lightweight
Opening Style
Top-loader with front access – Traditional daypack opening from the top, may include front organization pocket.
Reliability & Durability
Good – Lowe Alpine has solid reputation for outdoor gear. Appropriate durability for daypack use but not designed for heavy-duty expedition use.
Price Range
- £40-70 – Mid-range pricing for daypacks
- Reasonable value for a specialized day hiking pack
Features
- Comfort: Basic padding adequate for daypack loads, simple suspension system
- Organization: Limited organization typical of daypacks, main compartment with minimal internal pockets
- Special Features: Lightweight design, attachment points for hiking gear
- Pros: Lightweight, compact, decent build quality for daypack use
- Cons: Very limited capacity, minimal organization, not suitable for extended travel
Or A Small Hiking Backpack
Andes Hydration Pack (8 Litre Pack + 2 Litre Water Bladder)
The Andes Hydration Pack fills the budget-conscious niche if you are planning on things like long treks, bike rides, etc, and who need basic water-carrying functionality without premium brand pricing. It comes in a huge range of colours, and has two handy mesh pockets at either side of the bag. While it lacks the refinement and durability of higher-end hydration systems, this simple pack gets the job done.
Size & Capacity
- Typically 1.5-3L capacity for gear plus hydration bladder storage
- Designed primarily to carry water and minimal essentials
- Very compact and lightweight
Opening Style
Top-loader or panel access – Varies by model but typically simple access to main compartment with dedicated hydration bladder sleeve.
Reliability & Durability
Moderate – Budget hydration pack brand with basic construction. Adequate for occasional use but may not withstand intensive daily use.
Price Range
- £25-50 – Budget-friendly hydration pack option
- Significantly cheaper than premium hydration packs from brands like CamelBak or Osprey
Features
- Comfort: Basic padding, chest and waist straps for stability during activity
- Organization: Minimal – designed to carry hydration bladder and small essentials only
- Special Features: Hydration tube routing, reflective elements for safety
- Pros: Very affordable, includes hydration bladder, lightweight
- Cons: Limited durability, minimal capacity, basic construction quality
To Summarise
To pick the right backpack for your trip:
• First estimate how much you are going to take with you…
…but don’t take too much, as a large, heavy backpack will be the bane of your travels
• Try to limit size to no more than a combined 80 litres between your main and day pack
• Go for a backpack with a suitcase style opening rather than a top loader
• Ensure you have a day pack for trips and excursions
