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And unlike most of the competition (including Ospreys own Porter collection), the Farpoint is sold in a dedicated womens model called the Fairview with more contoured shoulder straps and a curved hipbelt. Designs like the Osprey Farpoint and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag also come with detachable straps for shoulder carry, which can be helpful when you need to access items inside but want to keep the pack off the ground and remain hands-free. The pack is on the heavier end at nearly 4 pounds due to all of the protective features, the handles are underbuilt for carrying as a suitcase, the padding along the shoulder straps and hipbelt is noticeably firm (albeit decently thick), and there are no load-lifter straps to pull the pack closer to your body while on the move. Capacity: 30LDimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 9.5 in.Weight: 4 lbs. Some backpack-inspired designs like the REI Ruckpack and Osprey Porter 46 utilize generous U-zip designs instead, which are pretty functional but make it a little harder to reach contents at the very bottom of the bags. You dont get load lifters for bringing the pack closer to your body, but we didnt have any issues, even when running through the Montreal airport to a connecting flight en route to Patagonia. Capacity: 45LDimensions: 21.7 x 13.8 x 8.7 in.Weight: 3 lbs. From their travel collection, the SEG42 Travel Pack stands out for its unique segmented design that allows you to customize organization by day or activity. Water Bottle Pockets That said, some layouts are more functional than others, and a final decision will largely come down to your intended use and what works best for the items that you plan to bring along. Finally, many will appreciate the ability to attach their travel pack directly to a rolling suitcase via a pass-through handle or sleeve (like what you get with Ospreys Porter 46 and many others above). Finally, it's important to note that some bags come with multiple access points: The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L, for instance, includes both a full wraparound zipper and shortcut side zip next to the backpanel for easily retrieving items while on the move. If youre curious how a certain pack is made, most brands are decently transparent about sustainability initiatives and publish them on their product pages, but most of the picks above incorporate at least one of these measures. We also wished there were a little more padding along the shoulder straps and hipbelt while walking through big airports with the pack stuffed to the brim, but it distributed the load pretty well (and the hipbelt can be tucked away when not in use). You may be able to get away with carrying these bags onboard, but dont count on it, especially if youre traveling during peak season to a popular destination. And as with most YETI products, the pack isnt particularly cheap or light at $250 and nearly 4 pounds. Capacity: 28LDimensions: 19 x 12 x 9 in.Weight: 3 lbs. Thats something we can help with Salomons X Ultra lineup is legendary in the world of hiking footwear, and they overhauled the flagship collection last year. For reference, the options above range from 28 liters on the small end (the Cotopaxi Allpa) all the way up to 80 liters for the REI Co-op Ruckpack (with the 20L daypack attached). Its all wrapped up in a sleek and streamlined design thats offered in a nice selection of colorways, from bright Nordic Purple to subdued Alpine Brown (shown in the photo here). When compiling our list of the best travel packs, we prioritized functional organization, easy on-the-go access, durable materials, and carry-on compatibility. In the end, if you plan to fly domestically or abroad with any regularity (more than a couple times a year), we think most will find the investment in a dedicated travel pack worth it.Back to Our Top Travel Backpack Picks Back to Our Travel Pack Comparison Table. Regardless of which option you choose, we always recommend trying on multiple packs before buying to see which fits you best (or at least purchasing from a reputable manufacturer with a generous return policy). Capacity: 46LDimensions: 21.5 x 14 x 9 in.Weight: 3 lbs. But looking for advice on which reusable water bottle to choose? And its all wrapped up in a thick nylon canvas shell thats durable, streamlined, and very modern. Another downside is that some of the smaller compartments become unusable when the bag is at full capacity, including the narrow front mesh pockets that cant fit bulkier items like water bottles, even when the bag is empty. Its also on the heftier end for the capacity at around 4.5 pounds, making it the heaviest option on our list (although the spread isnt huge). Finally, like many of Mystery Ranch's backpacking offerings, the Mission Rover has a premium feel with a thick nylon exterior and water-resistant YKK zippers. When in doubt, you can always check with your airline ahead of time. 10.2 oz.Other sizes: 25, 35LWhat we like: Good capacity and organization for far less than the competition. As expected from Gregory, carrying comfort is also great with good adjustability at the sternum, a well-cushioned backpanel, and thick straps. All that said, theres one glaring downside to opting for a larger-capacity design like the REI Ruckpack 60+: It doesnt meet most carry-on size requirements. All that said, the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 is a pretty niche design that prioritizes safety over things like carrying comfort and access. It's all wrapped up in a thoughtful and sustainable package, including recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics. Whats not to like about the Nomatic Travel Pack? However, as with the Osprey Farpoint and Pacsafe Venturesafe above, the Mission Rovers laptop sleeve is situated at the front of the pack, which detracts from carrying comfort and convenience. The Farpoint does sport mesh pockets at the front, but theyre too small and narrow to accommodate bulkier items like bottles (a questionable design choice, in our opinion). However, duffels lack the impressive assortment of dedicated storage compartments and pockets for items like keys, passports, and electronics, are generally less comfortable to carry over long distances, and often dont meet carry-on size requirements. For reference, we had no issues fitting 14 days worth of belongings into the 40-liter Topo Designs Global Travel Bag on a recent trip to Patagonia. And we should note here that cost often correlates pretty closely with overall quality. Of note, if youre looking for something a little different for travel, the Aion collection also includes a roller bag and a 35-liter duffel.See the Thule Aion Travel Pack. Another downside is that the laptop sleeve is positioned at the front of the bagwe prefer when heavier items are situated close to the back for better weight distributionand accessing items here can be difficult due to the half-length zipper design (we wish it had a clamshell opening like the main compartment). Further, while the bag is undeniably sleek, its pretty utilitarian-looking and less everyday-friendly than more vibrant options like the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag above and Cotopaxi Allpa below. At the thinner end, Matadors SEG42 uses a mix of 100- and 420-denier fabrics to keep weight low, although the nylon body is coated with a PU laminate to boost weather and abrasion resistance. 8 oz.Other size: 30LWhat we like: Easy to access, expandable design, and thoughtful feature set.What we dont: Expensive, a little heavy, and too techy for some. Unlike laptop sleeves, side water bottle pockets arent a standard feature on travel packs. We brought the mid-height version of the X Ultra 4 into Washingtons Hoh Rainforest and found that it retained most of the Were all suckers for a massage, whether its to relax, work out a few kinks, warm up the body pre-workout, or speed up recovery after a big effort. If you plan to be walking long distances with your pack through airports or city streets, we consider a well-padded waist belt a critical feature and worth the added investment. Despite offering 6 more liters of capacity than our top-ranked Topo Designs Global Travel Bag (for a considerable $54 less), the Porter 46 is still carry-on compliant, making it the largest option here that still meets most domestic and international airline restrictions. Key considerations include carry-on compatibility for air travel, enough capacity to stash your belongings, pack weight, and preferences on storage and organizational layouts. This area is typically well padded to protect electronics and positioned along the backpanel for the best access and weight distribution (keeping heavier items closest to your back will help maximize comfort and balance). For instance, sleek options like the Peak Design Travel Backpack and Nomatic Travel Pack are great for digital nomads and remote workers who need to organize a lot of electronics, while backpacking-inspired options like the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Porter 46 have fewer tech-focused features but work great for adventure travel. Capacity: 40LDimensions: 20.5 x 13 x 9.1 in.Weight: 3 lbs. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Dimensions are a crucial consideration for most travelers, and especially those headed abroad. A final feature to look out for is a PFC-free DWR coating found on models like Thules Aion Travel Pack, which forgoes the use of harmful perfluorocarbons. Their flagship Travel Pack embodies that focus, combining thoughtful organization and storage with easy access in a sleek and minimalist package. For reference, the standard domestic carry-on limit within the U.S. is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while the REI measures 27 x 14 x 9. Given the inherently rough nature of travel, all of the packs above are well built and hardwearing enough to withstand regular use and abuse. Importantly, both come well appointed: The daypack boasts a dedicated tablet/hydration sleeve and water bottle pockets, while the main pack has great cushioning along the straps and backpanel, a functional compression and daisy chain system, easy access via the zippered back or side panels, water bladder storage, and even trekking pole attachments and a stowable rain cover. What complaints do we have about the Peak Design Travel Backpack? We like the big clamshell opening to the main compartment, but we wound up having to reorganize to make everything fit into the various compartments (they're optimized for Topo Designs modular PackFast accessories, which are smaller than our standard packing cubes). Youll want to be sure that you can adjust the shoulder straps and waist belt to be snug around your torso and waist. Further, while overall carrying comfort is good, there are no load-lifter straps to bring the pack closer to your body. Starting at the outside, you get a solid framesheet with well-cushioned shoulder and hipbelt straps that feel reminiscent of Ospreys backpacking designs, a handy compression system to effectively cinch things down, lockable zippers for the main compartment and laptop sleeve, and a padded handle at the side that doubles as a pass-through point for stacking onto a rolling suitcase. This can make it difficult to dial in fit, especially for those with particularly narrow or broad builds. The weight spread isnt huge among travel pack designs, but even a 1-pound difference may still be noticeable during long treks across town or the airport. Compared to the competition, the Border is also a little less durable than options like the Osprey Porter 46 and Farpoint 40 above (and pricier than the latter), although the rest of the feature set stacks up similarly. Matador may lack the name recognition of brands like Osprey, Cotopaxi, and REI, but dont let that fool you: This Boulder-based upstart is growing quickly thanks to their outside-the-box thinking. If youre mainly a weekend traveler and willing to make the investment, however, the Nomatic stands out for its intentional organizational layout and travel-ready feature set, earning it a spot on our list.See the Nomatic Travel Pack. The rest of the feature set lines up well too, including grab handles at the top, bottom, and side; a padded laptop sleeve; and backpack straps that stow away neatly when not in use. But again, build quality is top-notch, and minimalists used to packing light may not mind the small drop in storage. The packs above make it easy and comfortable to shuttle your belongings across the globe, but not everyone needs a specialized design for travel. Like the Peak Design Travel Backpack above, the Amazon Basics can also be expanded to boost packing space while still meeting carry-on restrictions. Capacity: 40LDimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 in.Weight: 3 lbs. Below we break down the best travel backpacks of 2022, ranging from minimalist options for a couple nights away to larger bags with removable daypacks for extended trips. Finally, the Travel Pack doesnt come with a waist strap, which is a notable downside for support and carrying comfort. A few exceptions to this rule are the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45, Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45, and Osprey Farpoint 40, all of which have the laptop sleeve at the front of the pack and can feel a little less well balanced with heavier electronics situated farther away from your body. If you dont mind the added investment for the waist belt/sling bag, its a promising new design with competitive specs to match. Along with Ospreys Porter 46 above, Mystery Ranchs Mission Rover 45 is a great option for those of us who arent particularly adept at packing light. These options are especially helpful when standing in line to check in at the airport or retrieve travel documents. We also love the dual access to the main compartment, including a full wraparound zipper and secondary side zip next to the backpanel for easily retrieving items while on the move. To help, many of the brands above offer compatible accessories for their packs, from packing cubes to protective hard cases for electronics and more. Capacity: 40LDimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in.Weight: 2 lbs. Topo Designs Global Travel Bag checks all those boxes emphatically, earning it our top spot for 2022. 7 oz. Lockable zippers are standard on most designs (the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack and Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L are two exceptions), as are removable and/or stowable straps and compression straps or dividers to keep things tidy in the main compartment. Laptop storage is a requisite feature in a travel pack, and all of the picks above come with a dedicated spot to stash larger electronics. Overall, the Allpa is well made, stylish, and very nicely appointed for travel. Capacity: 45LDimensions: 21.5 x 15.75 x 8.25 in.Weight: 3 lbs. Thats why anti-theft designs like Pacsafes Venturesafe EXP45 are becoming increasingly common, particularly for international trips. Finally, at 35 liters, the Crossroads is on the smaller side and will require precise packing to accommodate more than about three to five days worth of belongings. The rest of the design has a cheaper feel too, including a shiny and dated-looking exterior, a lot of plastic (read: breakable) components, and standard, non-lockable zippers (a big oversight, in our opinion). The packs above are great for vacationers and travelers headed out for a week or two, but those embarking on longer trips abroad will almost certainly need more storage and capacity. Some of our favorites include Topo Designs PackFast Pack Bags and Dopp Kits, Peak Designs Packing Cubes and Tech Pouches, and Eagle Creeks Pack-It compression cubes. The only notable omission is a hipbelt, which is surprising given the Crossroads otherwise comfort-focused build. Capacity: 35LDimensions: 20 x 13 x 8 in.Weight: 3 lbs. With that in mind, weve listed the length, width, and height measurements for each travel pack above both in the write-ups and in our comparison table. In addition to pockets and electronics sleeves, there are a few other features specific to travel packs that are worth having on your radar. To be fair, the rest of the build is very well executed, including a noticeably thick and robust 600-denier waxed canvas shell and PFC-free DWR coating for fending off moisture. 8 oz.Other size: 55LWhat we like: Functional organization inside and out; offered in two sizes.What we dont: New and unproven compared to many time-tested options here. Regardless of designation, we always recommend choosing the pack that fits you best (and importantly, all features on these packs are the same as the unisex versions). 10.4 oz.Other size: 30LWhat we like: Seemingly limitless organization, stylish, and very thick materials in a carry-on-friendly package.What we dont: Complex build and straps could be a little more cushioned. This can make a lot of sense when youre traveling to hike, backpack, or embark on other adventures and plan to use your pack both for travel and for outdoor use when you arrive. In the end, if it fits you well, the Porter offers a hard-to-beat mix of capacity, features, and comfort for the price, making it our favorite option for longer, gear-intensive adventures.See the Osprey Porter 46. The models above are designed to be worn on your back as backpacks, but many travelers appreciate the ability to carry their pack suitcase-style or over the shoulder. As we mentioned above, most travel packs are unisex by design, but a couple of the picks above are offered in dedicated womens-specific versions, including the Osprey Fairview (the Farpoints counterpart) and REI Co-op Ruckpack. We also love the TSA-ready flap for a laptop and other electronics, which easily separates from the main compartment for getting through security quicker. Most travelers will land on something in the middle, with the sweet spot for many being in the 40- to 45-liter rangeits no coincidence that well over half of the models above fall into this grouping, which is largely due to their carry-on-compliant dimensions. Capacity: 45LDimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 in.Weight: 4 lbs. Capacity: 45LDimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 in.Weight: 4 lbs. Additionally, the interior pockets are a little awkwardly sized, and the lack of external compression straps makes it hard to secure bulkier loads. A couple examples include Pacsafes Venturesafe EXP45, which is built with recycled fishing nets and other discarded nylon, and Patagonias Black Hole MLC 45L, which uses recycled and bluesign-approved (i.e., environmentally safe) polyester. First is the smaller 30-liter maximum capacity, which Nomatic estimates is sufficient for trips of just one to three days. First is the expandable design, which allows you to alternate between 35 and 45 liters by simply zipping or unzipping the frontmost zipper. From the list above, these include the Matador SEG42, YETI Crossroads, Patagonia Black Hole, Nomatic Travel Pack, and Thule Aion (you can purchase belts separately for the latter two). For instance, the Peak Design Travel Backpack boasts 360-degree grab handles that make it quick and easy to take the pack off and carry it one-handed through security checkpoints or narrow airplane aisles. You also get dedicated storage for a water bottle and laptop, as well as a pass-through sleeve for securing to a roller bag. 4 oz.Other sizes: 30, 60+LWhat we like: Robust fabrics, multiple carry options, and nicely divided interior.What we dont: A little heavy and pricey for what you get. Its also important to call out expandable models here like the Peak Design Travel Backpack, which is carry-on compliant when compressed to 35 liters (22 x 13 x 9.5 in.) but not when expanded to its maximum 45-liter capacity (22 x 13 x 11 in.). Importantly, these add-ons are often modular and fit neatly into the main compartment of a compatible backpack. Others, like Ospreys Farpoint 40, have large zippered front panels that fold back to reveal the interior, although these are typically a little less convenient and more restrictive than clamshells. Now for the bad news: This Amazon Basics pack is far less capable than many of the picks here for shuttling a full load. Key differences include varying colorways, minor weight variations, and slightly smaller torso and waist measurements. If you stick to weekend adventures, you can keep things lighter and more compact with an option like the aforementioned Cotopaxi Allpa 28L. The inside is a similar story with ample pockets of varying sizes, compressions traps to keep clothes tidy, and padded sidewalls to help protect valuables during travel. Capacity: 80LDimensions: 27 x 14 x 9 in.Weight: 4 lbs. This is mainly due to carry-on size restrictions, which we break down more in depth below.Carry-on Size Restrictions Other sizes: 35, 42LWhat we like: Very tough, dual access to the main compartment, and fun styling.What we dont: No load lifters, water bottle storage, or exterior compression straps. Like the duffels, the Black Hole Pack is made of strong (and recycled) polyester ripstop thats highly tear-resistant with a TPU film on the exterior for fending off precipitation. The pack is also on the heavier end at 3 pounds 10.4 ounces, and those with smaller frames may find it a little bulky and cumbersome to haul around (regardless of which carry option you choose). In general, weve found that packs of this size can easily accommodate a week or two of clothing, toiletries, and other travel accessories (and even more if you pack light). Like most of Pacsafes offerings, the Venturesafe EXP45 is packed with protective features, from cut-resistant materials to lockable and puncture-resistant double zippers and built-in stainless steel cable locks. Travel packs are an expensive bunch, but Amazon makes an affordable but still surprisingly capable option in their Carry-On Travel Backpack. Our favorite in their collection this year is the new 40-liter Aion, which combines the premium build quality that Thule is known for with a nice assortment of travel-ready features. Finally, we wish Matador had included more internal pockets for divvying up valuables and travel documents. Easy access is a hallmark of a good travel backpack. Laptop and Tablet Sleeves Read more about us. For more background information, see our detailed comparison table and buying advice below the picks. What immediately stood out about this pack was the sheer number of pockets and attachment points, from the vertical daisy chain webbing on the front to the expandable side water bottle pockets, ample zippered storage inside and out, a laptop sleeve along the backpanel, and several interior mesh pockets. Enter REI Co-ops Ruckpack 60+. Access is another highlight, including entry points at the top, side, front, and rear for easily retrieving items pretty much anywhere in the pack. 13 oz.Other sizes: 35, 55LWhat we like: Anti-theft technology and cut-resistant fabrics add a nice dose of assurance.What we dont: Expensive and prioritizes safety features over carrying comfort. The bag has great exterior storage, including a stretchy side water bottle pocket and expansion zipper for 5 liters of additional capacity in the main compartment. Upon packing the Tour for the first time, we were immediately impressed by its highly practical design. What we dont: Very pricey for the capacity; hipbelt sold separately. All of the other components have an equally durable and supportive feel, from the foam-heavy shoulder straps to the thick, protective backpanel. We covered Ospreys Porter above, and their Farpoint is another highly comfortable and well-built design at a good price. What pushes the Thule Aion down to a mid-pack finish? 14.4 oz.Other sizes: 22, 27LWhat we like: High-end YETI construction and top-notch durability.What we dont: Expensive and heavy for the capacity. Two brands that stand out in this area are Osprey and Gregory, which makes sense given their expertise in the backpacking pack market. One exception above is the Eagle Creek Tour 40L, which is offered in both S/M and M/L torso sizes, while a couple others (which we cover below) are sold in dedicated womens models for better customizing fit. Most models fall somewhere in the middle, with the majority of 40- to 45-liter designs hovering somewhere between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. Unlike their backpacking pack counterparts, travel packs are most often only offered in a single unisex option. Finally, the Travel Backpack is technically not carry-on compliant when expanded, measuring 22 x 13 x 11 inches (the standard U.S. domestic carry-on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 in.). We break down some of the key organizational components below, from laptop and tablet sleeves to water bottle storage and pack opening styles. Known as the trekking capital of Argentina Theres no need for us to tell you the value in staying hydrated, no matter what your day has in store. First, the materials are on the thinner side at 100 and 420 denier and less tear-resistant than much of the competition (for comparison, our top-rated Topo Designs pack uses 1,000D and 1,680D nylon). Capacity: 42LDimensions: 22 x 12.5 x 11.5 in.Weight: 2 lbs. Thin webbing designs like what you get with the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack arent much better, providing very little support and structure for keeping the weight of the pack on your hips (rather than your back). And theres no shortage of at-home methods, including Brian and I were less than a week into our adventure north when, during a brief phone call, my dear friends children insisted I read their favorite poem, "the Yukon Song." In the end, its another comfortable and well-built travel pack, and the split-case design has its merits for those who pack light.See the Gregory Border Carry-On 40. Comfort is the number one consideration for many campers (ourselves included), and a quality camping blanket can go a long way toward keeping you warm and cozy while out in the wilderness. Duffel bags are another popular way to fly with a lot of clothing and gear, and many modern designs come with deployable backpack straps for more easily hauling through airports and around urban areas. Price is the most glaring downside: At $300, its tied with the Nomatic Travel Pack below as the most expensive option on our list. Second is the $300 price tag, which is tied for the most expensive on our list along with the 15-liter-larger Peak Design Travel Backpack above. That said, some are certainly more durable than others, and looking at denier (a measurement of fabric thickness) is a good start to help differentiate between models. Despite being on the thinner end at 210 denier, the body of the pack also proved to be hardwearing and durable while keeping overall weight in check. Alternatively, some travelers may opt to use a standard backpacking pack. Like Osprey, Gregory is a leader in the hiking and backpacking markets, and their Border Carry-On 40 retains many of their well-loved technical features in a travel-friendly design. In use, we found the Allpa to be remarkably tough and highly water-resistant, and the pack also comes with a stowable rain cover for truly inclement weather. The shoulder straps are lightly padded, while the hipbelt is a thin and basic webbing design that wont feel comfortable under the weight of a full pack. When unzipped, the five compartments at the front of the pack reveal independent (and stowable) storage cube-like areas for clothes and other soft items, while the main compartment below provides added space for dirty clothes, shoes, and other bulkier gear.