14 Great Travel Backpacks for Your Next Trip (Updated 2021)
Posted: 12/07/2020 | December 7, 2020
Buying a travel backpack is one of the most important purchases a traveler will make. A backpack isn't just where you carry your stuff - it's your home.
Your bag is an important investment. You want one that can handle the abuse of world travel on a budget. You will live on this bag for weeks, months or years. You'll carry it on hikes and through bustling cities, cramming it on crowded buses and piloting it around the world.
If you're like me, you want a bag that lasts. I've had my bag for five years (the previous one, before it got lost in a theft, lasted ten), my community manager has had his backpack for seven years, and the director of our FLYTE association had his for eight years.
You'll need a bag that works for you - but what works for you won't necessarily work for someone else. So, before you delve into how to choose a backpack for traveling, I want to mention the most important features that you need to consider when evaluating my favorites listed below. You want a backpack that has:
- Water resistant material
- Lockable zippers
- An internal framework
- A belt and padded shoulder straps
- Multiple openings (not just one top opening)
- Lots of compartments
- A contoured / padded back
And make sure your backpack fits your body as well. Don't buy too small or too big, as it will hurt your back. Proportionality matters!
To help save you money and keep you comfortable as you travel the world, here are my 14 best travel backpack suggestions.
The best travel backpacks: detailed review
Best overall
While this backpack is my favorite, here are a few other packs that you can't go wrong with either:
***A good travel backpack will last for years and make any trip better, and the ones on this list are some of the best around.
But not all of these bags will work for you. Some will be too narrow or too wide. Some will be too tall or too short. For this reason, you'll want to spend some time trying on your bag and making sure it's comfortable. Choosing the best travel backpack - the one that works for you, even if it isn't on this list - is most important here!
It's not just a purchase; it is an investment. Remember, it's not just a bag: it's your home.
How To Travel The World For $ 50 A Day
Click here to find out more and start reading it today!
Book your trip: logistics tips and tricks
Book your flight
Find a cheap flight using Skyscanner or Momondo. These are my two favorite search engines as they search for websites and airlines all over the world so you always know no stone is left behind.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for budget guesthouses and hotels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. It's full protection in the event of a problem. I never go on a trip without it because I have had to use it several times in the past. I have been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and the best value are:
Need to book your trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list everyone I use when I travel. They are best in class and you can't go wrong using them on your trip.