Our 35 favorite backpacks for travel | CNN Underscored (2024)

With nearly 30,000 positive reviews and a 4.7-star rating, this Amazon laptop backpack is perfect for travel, too. Boasting a luggage strap, a top handle, an external USB port and loads of pockets, the backpack can host up to a 15-inch laptop and comes with a lock that can be attached to the zippers, fully securing all your stuff.

Amazon's viral clamshell backpack lives up to the hype, especially when you consider the price. For less than $50, you get a comfortable, durable pack that has too many pockets to count. It's a no-brainer purchase for highly organized budget travelers who prefer to use packing cubes.

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Samsonite Modern Utility Double Shot Travel Backpack

Longtime luggage maker Samsonite has a slew of travel backpack options, among them the slim, lightweight Modern Utility Double Shot Travel Backpack. Perfect for quick work trips where the user wants professional-looking travel gear from a trusted brand, this backpack can accommodate up to three days’ worth of clothes, a 17-inch laptop and a 10-inch tablet.

Boasting more than 3,000 positive reviews from Béis shoppers, the clamshell-style bag’s front panel has three zipped compartments, while the interior features elastic compression straps that allow for packing bulkier items like clothing and travel shoes. The rest of your small accessories — pens, phone and gum, for example — can be stored in the backpack’s front pocket, and the laptop heads to a separate padded sleeve in the rear.

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Away's got another versatile take on a backpack with its F.A.R. bag. Underscored Senior Travel Editor Emily Mcnu*tt swears by this bag, thanks to its multi-use features. "You can use it from the airport to touring around a new destination," she says. "There are two hidden pockets, perfect for keeping your important items safe, plus a dedicated laptop sleeve in the large main compartment."

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Away The Front Pocket Backpack

Small but mighty is how we like to describe this petite backpack from luggage brand Away. Made with water-resistant nylon, the bag has a clamshell opening that we’re obsessed with, a design feature that makes it super easy to find your glasses, AirPods or any other accessory while crouched over mid-flight. Want to personalize it? For $35, you can.

Dagne Dover Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Probably the most comfortable backpack on our list, the Dagne Dover Dakota is swathed in a downy neoprene fabric that is not only easy on the eyes but also totally cozy on your back. Available in three sizes, the bag’s medium and large formats are most appropriate for travel, as they contain luggage sleeves and can hold 13- and 16-inch laptops, respectively.

Monos Metro Backpack

The Metro Backpack from travel pros Monos is a versatile option for travelers who want to mix business and leisure — while still carrying style on their backs. The bag is made of a water-resistant nylon with vegan leather details. Inside the bag, you'll find a slew of pockets and other organizational features as well as space to store a 15-inch laptop.

Nomatic Backpack

Ideal for short trips ranging from one to three days, this water-resistant backpack’s chief selling point is that it’s able to quickly expand in size — from 20 liters of capacity to 24 liters — via a zipped extension panel. "I highly recommend Nomatic’s travel pack, a truly excellent pack," says travel expert and founder of The Broke Backpacker, Will Hatton.

The Incase A.R.C. Travel pack is one of our favorite backpacks out there. The bag makes it easy to expand and creates more room for your belongings. "One of the things that makes theA.R.C. Travel Packmy go-to is the way it expands for added storage when needed — I even took it on a 16-day European vacation when I wanted toavoid checking a bag," says travel expert and CNN Underscored contributor Holly Johnson.

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Able Carry Max Backpack

Designed specifically with work-related travel in mind, this durable 30-liter backpack from Able Carry has a dedicated “work” compartment with sleeves for both an oversized laptop (up to 17 inches) and a tablet, not to mention a zippered pocket with slots for your tech gear — backup battery packs, charging cords, zip drives and more. The main compartment has two built-in zippered pockets for storing accessories and a roomy cavity for a weekend’s worth of clothes.

This backpack is the perfect option for travelers heading away on longer trips and are looking to replace their rolling carry-on bag with something easier to carry. We love that even though it features a massive 40 liters of capacity in its clamshell-style packing design, it still fits the carry-on size requirements of most airlines.

Boarding Pass Metro Backpack

This nearly 12-liter backpack from Boarding Pass NYC is great for travelers, whether that means you're hopping on a plane or on a commuter rail to head to a business meeting. It's got a ballistic nylon exterior and features cordura nylon on the interior. Each of the straps is adjustable and made from leather with brass hardware finishings. Inside, you'll find a padded laptop sleep, zippered pocket and key clip, and dedicated spaces for pens and your phone.

State Kane Double Pocket Large Backpack

Cool and refined, this hip backpack checks off all the boxes. Luggage sleeve? Check. Separate laptop compartment? Check. Myriad extra pockets? Check. And all those design details are ensconced in a simple silhouette that comes in five fabrics and colors — ranging from a water-resistant navy to a coated canvas black — making it the perfect backpack for the travel businessperson heading out for a quick work trip.

STM Goods Dux Backpack

Rugged and luxe all at once, this backpack from STM Goods can seamlessly take you from the airport to your next adventure in a snap. Swathed in a 360-degree “foam fortress,” the 30-liter backpack can accommodate a 17-inch laptop in an ultra-protected section that is separated from the main compartment. But what’s truly genius about the bag is the main section’s customizable shelving options that can easily accommodate a weekend’s wardrobe.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

A critically hailed favorite, this Cotopaxi Allpa backpack is loaded with bells and whistles that are bound to impress. First of all, the 35-liter bag can be packed like a traditional suitcase with zippered mesh compartments but strapped on like a traditional backpack. Second, it’s got a padded laptop sleeve. And beyond that, it’s got a bunch of other great design details like four grab handles, a sternum strap and a removable hip belt.

Thule Crossover 2 30-Liter Convertible Backpack

This backpack from Swedish outdoor adventure brand Thule is equally prepared to head straight to the boardroom, thanks to its convertible nature that allows it to transition from backpack to briefcase in a snap. Hyperorganized, the ultra-durable backpack also has lots of fun selling points like a crush-resistant pocket for sunglasses and your phone.

Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack

We’re big fans of everything Yeti churns out — from coolers and chairs to wine tumblers and water bottles — and that includes this tough-as-nails, clamshell opening pack. Also available in 22- and 27-liter sizes (which are better for day trips), the Crossroads has a water- and abrasion-resistant nylon exterior, padded straps for comfortable carrying, a no-pressure back panel that keeps your lumbar feeling good and two zipped pockets for water bottles and other easy-access necessities.

Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack

Ever wished you could turn your dry pack into a backpack? Well, leave it to Sea to Summit to get the job done. Perfect for snowy, rainy or just plain wet adventures — white water rafting, anyone? — the 35-liter Dry Pack's top-loading, roll-top main compartment is completely waterproof, to the point it can even be briefly submerged under water while still keeping your PJs and extra socks safe and dry. And don’t worry, the pack’s shoulder straps are ventilated and quick-drying too.

Heading into the great unknown? Consider taking Peak’s 45-liter backpack with you. Boasting more than 900 positive reviews and a 4.8-star rating on its site, the backpack is an airline-approved carry-on that can expand to fit more — or contract to become a daypack. Constructed from a durable, weatherproof, recycled nylon shell, the bag’s roomy interior has enough volume to accommodate three of Peak Design’s coordinated packing cubes, which can hold four (or more) days’ worth of clothing.

For the adventurous traveler, Osprey's range of Aether backpacks is a no-brainer. "For longer adventures, it’s pretty hard to beat Osprey’s Aether range," Hatton says. "They are super practical, strong, with compartmentalization and ideal for long backpacking adventures, hiking or even just weekends away." This option features a custom fit to fit most torso lengths with its adjustable straps. It comes in two sizes and three different colors.

If pickpockets are a concern on your next trip, then you may want to try this stylish anti-theft backpack from Pincnel. Thanks to a few hidden pockets and well-placed zippers, your wallet, phone and other valuables will be safe from thieves. Plus, it's only around $30.

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Paravel Fold-Up Backpack

Leave it to Paravel, one of our favorite luggage makers, to dream up the perfect travel backpack solution — one that folds right up. Made from “negative nylon,” a silky fabric created by upcycling water bottles, the backpack’s biggest selling point is just how diminutive it is.Weighing less than a pound, it folds into itself and can be zippered into a cute little pouch that is easy to tuck into your carry-on tote or luggage.

Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Have you ever seen a prettier laptop backpack? We think not. Made from faux leather, the Kaya can accommodate a 15-inch laptop in its back compartment, while the front area is ready to host your book, snack or that extra pair of socks. We love the braided border detail, the dainty zipper pulls and the extra-wide luggage sleeve that will keep your bag ultra secure when racing through the airport.

Fawn The Original Diaper Bag

Ultra roomy and made from faux leather, this diaper bag is beloved by mommy influencers far and wide not only for its chic design but also because it’s chock-full of storage (with 12 pockets to be exact) and smart details like a key clip and detachable backpack straps (which can be substituted with a messenger strap or carried via a top handle). It's great for corralling bottles, extra clothes, toys and whatever else you’ll need to keep baby busy during that layover.

Modern Picnic The Backpack

Don’t be fooled by the sleek, chic exterior of Modern Picnic’s backpack — the vegan leather bag has a roomy interior that is perfect for stashing backup shoes and airplane snacks … and keeping them cold, thanks to the insulated lining. (That lining is also super handy for mamas looking to keep baby bottles chilled!)

Dagne Dover Large Indi Diaper Backpack

What we love most about this diaper pack option from Dagne Dover is that it works for parents and nonparents alike. Comprised of the aforementioned super-cozy neoprene material, the Indi has an extra-wide top-panel opening, can be attached to your travel stroller, thanks to handy built-in clips and included straps or slid onto your suitcase, thanks to a handy luggage strap. It also comes with a changing pad, a shoe bag and a matching neoprene zipped pouch.

MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe

Enveloped in MZ Wallace’s signature quilted texture, the Metro Backpack Deluxe features a shiny, airport-friendly fabric, and we think it’s one of the sexiest travel backpacks out there. Beyond looks, however, it’s highly functional for travel, with a magnetic luggage sleeve that can be used for storage when not attached to a suitcase, three exterior pockets, six interior pockets and a 15-inch laptop compartment to boot.

Lo & Sons Rowledge

Part tote, part backpack, the Lo & Sons nylon Rowledge is the perfect option for any woman racing from the office to the airport, as the straps tuck into the back pocketto give you a convertible bag. Available in seven color combinations, the water-resistant backpack comprises an easy-access 13-inch laptop compartment on the back exterior and a collection of cleverly arranged pockets and holders on the interior for everything from pens and snacks to earbuds, phones and more.

Cuyana Leather Backpack

Need proof that travel backpacks can be dainty? Look no further than this sweet and chic leather option from Cuyana that can be carried as a tote or a backpack and can fit a 13-inch laptop. Available in black, cappuccino or stone, the Italian-made bag features two roomy front pockets and two interior pockets (one zippered, one not). Our favorite design detail, however, is the uber-feminine adjustable straps.

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

Meet Amazon’s No. 1 bestseller in laptop backpacks. With more than 90,000 reviews, the bag is divided into three compartments, and in addition to being able to accommodate a 15-inch laptop, it’s got loads of key design details you’ll want. Think of a top handle, hanging clasps, a USB port and adjustable straps, not to mention a ton of pockets for storing all your things.

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Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack

Amazon knows a thing or two about a thing or two, which is why we’re not surprised that the brand features a beloved utilitarian laptop traveling backpack under its Amazon Basics umbrella that fits all your needs. Boasting four compartments for storing all your belongings, the bag’s main section can fit up to a 17-inch laptop. With nearly 18,000 reviews, a 4.5-star rating and a $35 price tag, this is a bag worth considering.

Delsey Maubert 2.0 Backpack

Parisian luggage brand Delsey has multiple laptop backpack options, our favorite of which is the Maubert 2.0. Priced affordably, the 17-liter bag is eco-friendly, with fabric and lining made from recycled water bottles and vegan leather. Beyond that, the top-panel backpack is hyper-organized, with the main compartment divided to hold a 15.6-inch laptop in a padded sleeve, and all your other things (phone, pens, books and snacks) in the adjacent section.

Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack

More than 13,000 Amazon reviewers agree that this rolling backpack is worth the purchase. Featuring a telescoping and fabric handle, two back inline wheels and two zippered front pockets, the backpack’s main selling point is a big clamshell main compartment that you can pack suitcase-style. The bag also features backpack straps and can fit under most airline seats.

MATEIN Waterproof Rolling Backpack

A fancy rolling backpack if we’ve ever seen one, this Matein is packed with selling points. In addition to having a fully water-resistant bottom panel, the bag has a two-height telescoping handle and lockable zippers, the top-panel backpack has three compartments, including a clothing section that can open 180 degrees and has an elasticized belt for easy packing. A separate padded pocket can hold a 15.6-inch laptop too.