45l travel bag

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Black Hole® MLC® 45L

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Our classic Black Hole® MLC® bag is a burly, soft-sided 45-liter suitcase with enough room for world travel and convertible backpack straps for comfy load carrying; made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing, plus and a 100% recycled TPU-film laminate. Meets most carry-on requirements. Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.

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Specs & Features

Extremely durable, weather-resistant, 100% recycled fabric.

Built with recycled materials and a recycled TPU-film laminate; based on the maximum carry-on size of most airline carriers, and free of wheels or handles that might get in the way once you're out of the airport

Multiple Storage Options

Large main compartment with two interior organization pockets and one drop-in top pocket for smaller items; volume is 45 liters

Versatile, Padded Laptop Pocket

Dedicated space for tech storage that fits most 15" laptops, with room for documents and cords; laptop carrier zips open and lies flat for easy TSA compliance

Three Carrying Options

Three carrying configurations allow bag to be used as a backpack, a shoulder bag or a duffel, and all straps tuck away when not in use; external lash points add the ability to accommodate more gear

Hip Belt/Shoulder Strap

Padded, stowable hip belt doubles as the shoulder strap. Change carrying style by pulling the hip belt out of the pass-through panel and attach it to the buckles near the long end grab-handle

Attaches to Rolling Luggage

Wide webbing loop on the back panel acts as a haul handle or can be slipped over the handle of rolling luggage for easier movement through airports

Supporting the People Who Made This Product

Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, which means the people who made this product earned a premium for their labor

Country of Origin

Made in Vietnam.

1,635 g (3 lbs 10 oz)

Last Season Color Offered at Full Price

8.7-oz 300-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate

Shoulder straps

6.8-oz 600-denier 100% recycled polyester and 8.3-oz 100% recycled polyester spacer mesh

3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating

100% recycled nylon

Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory

Care Instructions

Hand Wash, Do Not Bleach, Drip Dry, Do Not Iron, Do Not Dry Clean

Gear Capacity: 45L (2,746 cu in) Dimensions: 22" x 14.5" x 7.6" Weight: 3 lbs 9.7 oz (1635 g)

Size & Fit

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Home » Gear » Peak Design Travel Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L: HONEST Review

This is a full review of the Peak Design travel backpack 45 L.

There is no doubt that the Peak Design travel backpack is an innovative pack but is it the right pack for you?

You may be wondering what sets the Peak Design travel backpack apart from the rest of the pack? (No pun intended.) Or perhaps you want an honest run down of this bag’s best features and potential improvements.

Well, that’s what this full  Peak Design travel backpack review  will attempt to answer.

If you’re into backpacks, photography, and travel, then you’ve probably heard of Peak Design’s flagship backpack, known as the Everyday Backpack.

At 20L-30L, the everyday backpack was intended for day-to-day use: errands, photography, and commute included. (Hmm, I wonder why they called it the everyday backpack?)

Peak Design’s backpacks  are best known for their innovative design, and customizable modules and organizational shelves. The everyday backpack is still one of the most unique bags I’ve come across!

It’s safe to say that when I heard Peak Design was releasing a  larger  travel backpack, I was stoked! Out-of-the-box, I knew this travel backpack was special just by its sleek and seamless appearance, and durability to match.

Ready to dive into our Peak Design Travel Backpack review, let’s goooo!

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Upon first use, I was impressed by its many access points and organizational pockets. And after using this pack several times I can ensure that it checks off all of the important ticks: size, organization, durability, and that X factor. You know, what makes this pack unique  from all of the rest.

What’s Peak design’s X factor? You’ll have to keep reading to find out.

In this full and honest review, I’ll dish out all the details from my travel experiences with the Peak Design Travel Backpack and help you figure out if it is worth your purchase.

The travel backpack is just one of a number of awesome pieces of gear from Peak Design that we just love and hopefully you will to!

Quick Answers – Is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L for You?

Comprehensive peak design travel backpack review, peak design 45 liter travel backpack – best features.

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The Peak Design 45 liter Travel Backpack is for you if you…

• need a well-designed and innovative travel backpack.
• mostly travel to cities.
• pack light and do not need to pack for cold weather.
• need a travel backpack for weekend-long and weeklong trips.
• are a Digital Nomad.
• value customizable organization.
• want a travel backpack that doubles as a photography backpack.

Overall the Peak Design 45l Travel Backpack is great for anyone who likes its design, efficiency, and organization. It’s easily one of the best minimalist bags on the market. Is the Peak Design travel backpack perfect? Of course not. But it’s a damn good backpack for most travelers.

I think this bag is big enough for a multi-week trip IF you are not carrying very much photography/electronic gear. A lot of full-time travelers can make a 45 l backpack work for extended trips, while others will need more space.

Now let’s take a look at who the Peak Design 45l backpack is NOT for…

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Quick Answers – The Peak Design Travel Backpack is NOT for you if you…

• need a hiking backpack .
• primarily want a day pack. (The Peak Design 45l bag is a bit too big for your average day pack.)
• travel heavy. This is a 45L bag at maximum.
• prefer the classic backpack look. This is an ultra-modern design.

If you are considering this backpack, then you are most likely drawn to its sleek, modern design and next-level organization. You may also love the fact that Peak Design makes travel photography bags and gear.

The Peak Design travel backpack does a bit of everything. Use it for big trips, weekend trips, commutes, as a day bag, or as a camera bag when you need to. A 45-litre travel backpack is a pretty versatile size!

That said, I should emphasize that this backpack is first and foremost a travel backpack. While you can buy camera dividers and cubes separately that will integrate with this bag, this wouldn’t be my first pick for a camera bag as a 45l bag is tad bulky in my opinion.

That’s not to say this doesn’t make for a decent camera bag, but this bag best used for travel versus casual day to day use.

I bring this up because this backpack has been criticized for its similarity to the Wandrd Camera bag. Though I think the Wandrd Bag has similar features, like the dual side access, you would be better off comparing Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack to other camera backpacks.

Summary:  Peak Design 45 L is a travel backpack. And a great one at that. Use it as a day pack when you need to, but don’t buy this pack specifically for day to day photography and commute. If that’s what you are after, look at their Everyday Backpack instead.

Now, let’s get into the specs, best features, and potential improvements.

Quick Answer: Peak Design Backpack Specs

• Price: $300
• Capacity: 45 Liters Max
• Laptop storage: a 17-inch laptop + iPad
• Weight: 4.55 lb (2.1 kg)
• Dimensions:  9 in x 22 in x 13 in (22.9 x 55.9 x 33 cm)

Peak Design’s Backstory

Before I review Peak Design’s newest backpack, I’ll give you some background on the company itself.

Peak Design is best known for its thoughtfully designed camera backpacks , but they didn’t start as a backpack company.

The CEO and founder, Peter Dering, was inspired to create travel products that help you carry your camera gear efficiently and securely.

After going on a 4 month trip around the world, he designed their first product, Capture, a metal clip that helps you carry your camera in an accessible and convenient place (i.e. your backpack, belt, or bag).

Capture is a great invention, as it can get pretty annoying taking your camera in and out of your bag when you’re on the move!

From there, Peak Design made their mark with their everyday backpack (20-30 liters): a pack that adapts to your day-to-day life, whether that is travel, commute, or photography.

The pack that I am reviewing is their newest edition, a 45-liter travel backpack designed for extended trips around the world!

As I said before, Peak Design is known for producing camera products and photography bags, but the 45-liter backpack is NOT primarily a camera bag. It’s a TRAVEL BAG.

I like that it CAN be a camera bag; it’s the epitome of the modern “one bag travel” movement. In other words, this backpack was designed to be used in multiple situations, from daily use to extended vacations.

Peak Design Bag Size

This is the single most important feature of the Travel Bag. In this case, size does matter. What’s great about this bag is it can be sized from 30 liters to 45 L, so you are always carry on compliant.

35 Liters is its normal size, but it can expand 10 liters OR you can use the compression snaps reduce bag to 30L, making it a day bag (though quite a large one at that).

Having said that, traveling the world with a 45L bag is not for everyone.

If you aren’t sure if you want to pack light or pack heavy, read the ‘Great Backpacker Debate’ in our breakdown of the top travel backpacks . It’ll give you everything you need to know about whether traveling ultralight or traveling with more stuff is better for you and your style.

Is the Peak Design a Carryon? (Spoiler alert – YES )

In the eternal argument of 40L vs 60L bags is one important discussion, mostly because it’s the difference between the ease of carry-on and dealing with checked luggage and fees! If you travel a lot, then you can end up wasting A LOT of time at luggage reclaim areas.

Traveling with a carry-on bag can be a game-changer. Not only will you have the peace of mind of knowing where your valuables are at all times, but traveling can also be a lot cheaper! (Checked bags add up quickly!)

This backpack meets international max carry-on standards in the default 35L configuration. Stick to these dimensions and you shouldn’t have trouble getting onto even the most strict budget airlines.

If you need more room, then the dual expansion zips give 10L extra volume for 45L max storage.

So if you are looking for one of the best carry on bags – you may have just hit the jackpot.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

The Travel Backpack carries over some of the conveniences of the Everyday bag, including easy dual side access. This means you can access the main compartment while it is still attached to you by flipping it around to the front of your body.

There is also a laptop/tablet sleeve, intuitive carrying handles, and organizational pockets.

What sets this travel backpack apart from the everyday bag is its size. You can use this bag for your entire travel trip, versus JUST as a day bag.

Material and Aesthetic

The majority of this backpack is made from 400D nylon canvas with built-in water resistance. You can rest easy knowing that your stuff is going to stay dry if you get caught in a rainstorm.

The bottom of the back is designed with 900D nylon canvas to help protect your valuables from additional abrasions and drops. It’s worth mentioning that this also allows the pack to stand up on its own, a great feature when you’re out and about!

There is a DWR coated polyurethane liner—which will add some more weatherproofing—aluminum hardware, and a bunch of Zoom zippers.

As far as the overall aesthetics, the bag itself is sleek and minimal even though there are a ton of pockets and features, which I cover later in this Peak Design review.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack comes in two different colors—black on black, and sage. I own the black backpack, but like the look of the sage one as well.

The overall look isn’t for everyone. I think this backpack has the same sleek, modern, and eye-catching vibe as a new duffel bag or the Tortuga or AER travel backpack .

On the other hand, it’s not my preferred look as a day bag or commuter pack. It feels too bulky for my frame. If I just wanted an everyday bag, I would choose Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack. I am still a fan of the classic backpack look when it comes to getting around the city.

That said, this 45-litre backpack was designed for one bag travel ; no more backpacking with a pack on your back and your front.

Durability and Security

As mentioned above, this 45-liter backpack is made from durable, high-quality material. There are a couple of hidden pockets to keep your valuables safe. All the zippers on this bag are lockable with O-rings too!

Organizational Features and Accessibility

This is where Peak Design’s backpacks shine. They make their packs with ultimate customizability, so you can organize and access your things in whichever way works best for you!

Accessibility is one of the most important features to look for in a travel backpack. (No more digging for a pair of socks from a top-loading backpack.)

The Peak Design travel backpack’s main compartment can be accessed from the back, front, and both sides, though its main access point is a full zipper from the back.

The back access keeps the straps clean from the main compartment and allows you to access the bulk of your things like a suitcase.

In this case, I think the back access is a good design and a better option than accessing the main compartment from the top.

That being said, I would NOT choose a back access backpack for hiking, and this is only further confirmation that this is NOT a hiking backpack. You’ll never find back access on a hiking backpack because it compromises any type of suspension system.

This is also why I am hesitant to choose a back panel pack for a camera bag. When you’re carrying heavy camera gear, you want a comfortably fitting backpack.

Anyway, I do love how the rear of this Peak Design travel bag opens up completely for instant access to the entire bag. Plus, because this bag opens from the back versus a full zipper in the middle, you have access to the entire space while packing.

You also have access to the main compartment via TWO side panels. I’m not a huge fan of having dual side access in the 45 L travel backpack. While I do love this feature in the Peak Design everyday backpack,  I think it is overkill for a bag that’s 45 liters that already has back and front access.

Still, the dual side panels are awesome if you are using the integrative camera cubes with this pack.

The main compartment is ALSO accessible from the front section via a full-length zipper, as pictured below. This is a pretty awesome feature, as sometimes you need to access the main compartment but can’t use the back panel.

Other times, you may want to remove this section altogether and use the bag in more of a duffel bag format.

There are so many external handles on this pack. And I love it! The top handle is well padded and the two side handles are great when you are grabbing your bag from your car or an oversized bin.

Lastly, there’s one on the bottom PLUS on the back panel for when you fold and put away the straps. You can grab this backpack no matter how it has been stored.

Main Compartment Features and Pockets

The main compartment is accessible via a full open zipper, like a suitcase. This compartment works great with Peak Design’s dedicated travel accessories and packing cubes, which I’ll cover later. You don’t need to use their system though and it works great as-is.

On the sides of this compartment, there are some elastic loops to fully integrate their camera cube system, so you definitely CAN use this backpack as a camera bag.

You also have two zipper pockets that get you access to the front section (though you can’t see these pockets from the picture above because they are underneath my clothes). One pocket is mesh and the other more discrete.

Laptop/Tablet Slot

Laptop sleeves are essential, and we wouldn’t recommend a travel bag without one.

Note:   Check out our article on the best travel business backpacks !

As much as we love them, old school travel bags like Osprey and REI can’t give your tech-specs the same love.

Peak Design’s laptop compartment is located on the back panel and can be accessed by unzipping the main compartment by just a few inches. You can also unzip the backpack entirely and send the computer through security. See my photo above!

There’s ample space for pretty much any size laptop and a smaller pocket for an iPad, Kindle, or journal.

Pockets and Organization Continued

This backpack has some of the most intuitive pockets I’ve used. There are a good amount of external and internal pockets as well as a few hidden ones to keep your things organized.

Moving to the exterior pockets, the top quick stash is perfect for small snacks, your keys, phone, and even your passport and documents, though valuables are best stored away in the hidden side pocket! This top pocket has a fabric lining, so your sunnies or valuables won’t scratch.

Dual external carry straps stow away in a magnetic external pouch. These work great for extra clothes like a jacket, or even your tripod and tuck away when not in use.

Moving to the inside of the pack, the main front area zips all the way open to easily access your things. This section is huge with four good-sized sections to organize your things as well as enough room to store an extra jacket, book, etc.

Because of this section, it’s one of the best-organized travel backpacks I’ve used. I feel like I’m packing for my first day of school again! (You guys remember that feeling, right?)

The two top pockets (that face each other) are mesh and the bottom two are nylon. Use the top zipper pockets for anything you would need to grab quickly and your everyday essentials.

I use these pockets to organize my wires and chargers, head torch, small electronics, pens, etc.

If you don’t want to use all four of the pockets, that’s fine—they lay flat, so it won’t make a difference in the overall space of the bag.

The side pictured above is ALSO accessible from the main compartment! You can access your main compartment from the front or even “remove” the separator altogether so that bag is more like a duffel bag.

If you would rather access your backpack from the front than the back, then it’s a great feature! This level of customizability is what sets Peak Design’s travel backpack apart from the competition.

Side Pockets

I am a big fan of the expandable side pockets. I have used a couple of bags that can’t fit my 40 oz hydro flask, which is always a huge bummer. I’m pretty confident that this bag will handle any sized bottle, including a wine bottle. Just saying.

Plus, the side pockets are made from durable nylon, not mesh (which is often the first material to give out on backpacks). A final note on the side pockets: there is also a stealthy zippered pocket within the water bottle sleeve. It’s so stealthy I didn’t know it existed at first. I’m assuming thieves won’t either!

Straps and Waist Belts – How Comfortable is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L ?

I think the straps are extremely comfortable! I am also a big fan of the easy-to-stow waist straps for when you are en route or storing your backpack away.

(Side note on the straps: There is a stretchy, mesh-like pocket on the left-hand side of the hip belt for small items.)

The rotating shoulder straps and waist straps are one of Peak Design’s signatures. Because the shoulder straps easily rotate, it’s easy to swing the pack around and access the sides while you’re still wearing it.

The rotation also makes it easy to tuck and stow the straps behind the panel when not in use. I have a few backpacks with detachable straps, but they’re so annoying to remove that I never do. I LOVE how easy it is to tuck away Peak Design’s entire harness system in just a couple of seconds.

The harness system tucks away via the magnetic stowage behind the pack. Once everything is hidden, there’s a handle in the middle of the back panel that can be used to carry the bag in duffel mode. The handle also works as a pass-through system for roller luggage!

One final very cool feature about the back panel is that you can fold the edges of the panel inward at their creases so that the panel takes up less surface area (for better ventilation) AND provides more padding for comfort.

It’s little details like these that make Peak Design such an incredible company.

Is There Room for Improvement?

Honestly, there isn’t much to complain about. I really do love the design of this backpack.

I’d say the biggest drawback is its price. The backpack costs $300 which is pretty steep. Add in a couple of the accessories and the price can quickly jump up to $400.

I’m also not sure how I feel about having two side access panels and I think one side panel would be enough.

Peak Design Travel Bag Accessories

There are quite a few Peak Design travel accessories you can purchase to accompany your bag. I haven’t used Peak Design’s camera cubes or tech pouch (which looks similar to the wash pouch ), so I won’t be reviewing those.

I do own their wash pouch and packing cubes and genuinely recommend them. I love the Peak Design packing cubes and I would not hesitate to buy them. They are much better quality than my other cubes, plus they’re compressible and instantly dividable.

I’ve always thought packing cubes should have a separate slit for dirty clothes… Well, Peak Design did that with their internal divider! Each compartment is also able to expand and contract based on its contents. They really do think of everything.

Their wash kit is an essential toiletry bag. Again, if you don’t already have a toiletry kit then don’t hesitate to buy this one! I love that it sits upright on the counter AND hangs via a stowable hook.

It separates down the middle via a magnetically-sealed toothbrush pocket to separate, say, make-up from bath toiletries. There is a network of mesh pockets on each side of the bag too. You’ll find an external razor pocket.

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Final Thoughts on the Peak Design 45 Liter Travel Backpack

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L is a well-executed travel bag from a company with an excellent track record of designing innovative and customizable backpacks.

After using this bag on multiple trips including a weekend trip into the city, a multi-day car camping trip, and an extended trip via air travel, I can honestly say that this backpack can easily handle one bag travel and digital nomad life with ease, and it’s one of my favorite travel backpacks to date.

What do you think? Did our review answer all of your questions? If you have any more, let us know in the comments below!

What is our final score for the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L? We give it a rating of 4.5 out 5 stars !

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The Shimoda Explorer V2 has all you need, is a hiking backpack with photographer built in mind, and works as a perfect daypack for the peak design travel backpack. It has a metal frame, it has a suspension system and opens from the back. It even has straps built for women as an alternative style you can get.

My sweet spot is about 10 kg. After trying and returning the Peak Design 45L which had a flimsy support system, I bought the Tortuga Setout 45L woman’s version which has a beefy shoulder harness and comfortable hip support. Due to no metal support frame, it weighs 4lbs compared with 5lbs for my older 45L Eagle Creek, so I can carry 1 lb more cargo. But tradeoff for 1 lb weight reduction = there is no removable internal frame, so you can’t wash it (wipe only).

MY PRIORITY: (1) Buy the most comfortable suport system you can find, (2) Find your sweet spot – your endurance weight capacity, followed by (3) Design.

SUMMARY: It doesn’t matter how well designed the bag is – if support system is inadequate, you MUST opt for a smaller backpack. No use wasting extra money buying larger capacity if you can’t support it!

It is a fantastic bag but you cannot carry camera equipment in this bag. The straps cannot disperse the weight appropriately. Everytime I have traveled with this bag I have never put more then 15 litres of equipment in it one camera body and lens, clothes, water and first aid kit. If I try using the main compartment for camera gear it gets way to heavy and painful to carry. Thanks for the review.

I just wanted to respond to a couple of points you made in the article:

“The back access keeps the straps clean from the main compartment and allows you to access the bulk of your things like a suitcase. In this case, I think the back access is a good design and a better option than accessing the main compartment from the top. That being said, I would NOT choose a back access backpack for hiking, and this is only further confirmation that this is NOT a hiking backpack. You’ll never find back access on a hiking backpack because it compromises any type of suspension system. This is also why I am hesitant to choose a back panel pack for a camera bag. When you’re carrying heavy camera gear, you want a comfortably fitting backpack.”

This is actually vital for a photography backpack so that you can lay your pack down and access all your equipment by seeing it at one. Take a look for example at the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW. See how the rear entry does not interfere with the straps? The problem, as you say, is that it isn’t a hiking backpack.

The closest I can find to a perfect pack with that back panel access is the Osprey Soelden backpack, which allows this entry, but it’s too small for my needs.

If somebody made a proper hiking backpack with backpanel access to photographic equipment it would sell like hot cakes.

Number 1 concern is how comfortable and how strong the hip and shoulder straps are. Can you walk several miles with this thing fully loaded on your back?

Hello – I think it depends on your definition of “fully loaded”. Typically with bags around 45 liters – I would not carry more than 15 kgs as the support systems are not built to handle massive loads in the 25 kg range. Peak Design’s backpacks are well designed and the shoulder straps are padded so if you keep your loads lighter than 15 kg – you should be fine. Cheers!

Hey Will, I was looking to get a good packable backpack for my upcoming trip to Thailand and found this backpack https://the-most-functional-packable.kckb.st/96ac29dc on Indiegogo. What do you think about it? Looks like a great backpack for travel, I was just looking for some opinions before I made my decision… By the way, I love the content you have been posting lately 🙂

Hello, This looks like a solid enough backpack for travel though in my opinion quite small and flimsy looking. We definitely recommend going with this Peak Design pack or some of our other favorites including the Nomatic Travel Bag or the AER Travel Pack, both of which we have lengthy reviews of. Good luck!!

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

May be out of stock

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

Pack Hacker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

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Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Review

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is nothing short of genius. Its innovative features and design make it a stand-out in our mind, even though some of the materials left a bit to be desired.

Video Review

Our verdict.

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• Very smart design.
• Innovative—and fast—harness hiding system.
• Feature-fit for almost any carry.
• Zipper choice is puzzling.
• Sternum strap comes off a little easily for our liking.
• Side handles provide a funky, imbalanced carry.

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 19/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

Like the Look

Polled on Instagram

Weight (lb)

4.55 lb (2.1 kg)

22 in x 13 in x 9.5 in (55.9 x 33 x 24.1 cm)

Depth increases to 11" (28 cm) when expanded

Notable Materials

Aluminum, Hypalon®, Polyurethane, DWR Coating, YKK Zippers, Nylon, Zoom Zippers

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Peak Design Lifetime Product Warranty

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Full Review

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Oh boy. This is a big one, folks.

We have been waiting a long time for this review… The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is finally here. If you’ve been following us or you’re into backpacks, photography, or travel—you’ve probably heard of Peak Design. These guys have been absolutely killing it, making some of the most unique and innovative designs the backpack and photography world have ever seen.

Their Everyday Backpack has been a huge hit amongst photographers and it has some of the coolest features we’ve ever seen on a backpack. The only problem is that it is very much built for photography—and although we like photography (and have a handful of professional photographers on our team), we’re always more interested in travel bags. We’ve been hearing whispers about the Peak Design Travel Backpack for some time now, and needless to say, we were pretty excited to get our hands on one.

We’ve been testing this thing out for three weeks and it’s seen use across multiple US states and a few flights. Much like their other gear, our first impression is that this bag has a lot of smart, innovative thinking, and it most definitely lives up to the hype.

Is it without problems? Of course not. Check out the full review below for all the details. Or, if you’re looking for something a little smaller, check out our review of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L .

Materials & Aesthetic

At the time of this review, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L comes in two different colors—black on black, and sage—and we opted for the black on black (obviously). We should also mention that although pictures of the sage color look very similar to the ash color on the Everyday Backpack, it is slightly greener than you might think.

That being said, Peak Design tends to release their bags in a lot of different colors, so we’re curious to see if they try anything later in 2018 or early 2019. Depending on when you’re reading this review, there might be a few new color options.

Each color uses the same material, which is a 400D nylon canvas for the majority of the bag, and a 900D nylon canvas at the bottom to protect against additional abrasions. The stuff on the bottom definitely has a slightly rubbery feel to it. You might be curious as to why they’ve got canvas on this pack when most other, similar packs are rocking ballistic nylon… This was clearly an intentional choice made by Peak Design. It’s quite weather-resistant, and it feels nice to the touch.

As far as the overall aesthetics of the bag, this thing is really sleek and minimal even though it has a ton of crazy features going on in it. We’ve also noticed that it does a great job of keeping its form even while empty, due to the high density foam padding around most of the pack. This may be a pro or con, depending on your use case and style taste.

As we normally do, we polled our Instagram audience to determine how many of you folks like the look of this bag. Results were fairly conclusive, with 69% saying they liked the look of the pack and 31% saying they did not like the look. So, take from that what you will.

Wrapping up the materials, there is a DWR coated polyurethane liner —which will add some more weatherproofing— aluminum hardware , and a bunch of YKK and Zoom zippers . To be honest, we’re bit confused with the choice of Zoom zippers, but we’ll cover that later in the review.

External Features

Even though it might not look like it, there are a ton of external features on this pack. We’ll start with the harness system, which is one of our favorite—and most innovative—pieces on this pack.

The shoulder straps contain Peak Design’s signature rotating straps, which they’ve done with other packs, including their Everyday Backpack. These are really great for swinging the pack around your body and using it in “side access mode” while you’re wearing it. They’re basically just a normal pair of shoulder straps, but they’re connected by a single metal rivet at the top, which allows the top of the strap to move around to any angle you’d like.

The straps themselves offer some high-density foam, which is definitely very comfortable—more comfortable, in fact, than the Everyday Backpack. We liked seeing that they’ve improved that a bit. These straps also feature aluminum glide hardware on the adjuster straps, as well as a plastic keeper to handle any excess material. (Got to have that #danglefreeexperience!)

We should note that this plastic keeper can be a little bit hard to get back on if it falls off… You’ll probably have to take the bag off and fiddle with it a little bit. If you want see one of our favorite strap hiding systems, go check out the Evergoods MPL30 . That thing offers really incredible ways to hide and manage excess straps.

There is also a detachable sternum strap, which can be stored permanently in the vertical position along the strap, or temporarily as a little loop that hangs off. (This is all when you’re not using it, of course.) One minor detail is that it’s a little bit easier to detach than we’d like—one side grips a little bit harder than the other and it comes off pretty easily, which always makes us a little nervous. Peak Design does offer replacements on their site if you were to lose it, but we’d recommend just keeping an eye on it and making sure it doesn’t fall off.

There is a hideable hip belt at the bottom, which has that signature rotating system we’ve come to thoroughly enjoy. On the wearer’s left-hand side, there is a 3D, stretchy, mesh-like pocket that works well for flatter items. There’s a bit of give in this thing, so even stiffer items should work (which has traditionally been a problem we’ve seen on many of these pockets). On the wearer’s right-hand side are some additional attachment points for things like the field pouch and other accessories that Peak Design sells.

Okay, so we have to say… this hip belt is next to perfect. There’s the right amount of padding, it’s the right size, and it’s easily stowable when you don’t want to use it. Our one nitpick is the aluminum hardware, which takes a bit getting used to. It’s a bit different from the plastic buckles we all know and love, but once you do get used to it, it’s really a pleasure to use and helps to provide a nice carry. Plus, it’s never going to break—because, you know, metal and stuff.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Hideable Harness System

And now onto the main event. Everything on this harness system is hideable—fast. If there was a competition for “how fast can you hide your backpack straps,” you would want this bag. For sure.

First, you rotate the hip belt upwards and slide it in. Then, you rotate the shoulder straps and hide them away just like you did with the hip belt. …And that’s it. No detaching straps, no zippers, no nonsense. This is, without a doubt, the best strap hideaway system we have found to date. For real.

Once you hide everything away, there’s a handle in the middle that can be used to carry the bag in duffel mode. It also works as a pass through system for roller luggage. Also, while you’re using the shoulder straps you can fold in the material used to hide the straps, which gives the center of the back panel some extra padding and a little more airflow. Awesome, innovative thinking here—we love it.

One small note here, when you’re putting the hip belt away you’ll want to make sure it’s as flat as possible, or else you’ll feel it in your back as you’re carrying the bag around.

And lastly, there’s a luggage tag indicated by a small icon on the back panel. You can put your contact information in there, so someone can get in touch with you if you were to ever lose this pack (yikes—don’t want to think about that). We do have a few things to mention about this little area of the pack…

• While our version is pretty loosey-goosey, the final production run will have velcro here. So no need to worry about your tag slipping out.

Moving on to the side of the bag, there’s a water bottle pocket that is big enough to fit a huge Nalgene bottle as well as a slightly-less-huge S’well bottle. Outside of a gallon jug, we’re pretty confident this thing will handle any water bottle you might want to throw at it (or in it, heh).

There is also a very stealthy zippered pocket within the water bottle sleeve, which is great for hiding items of any type. You might assume this pocket is unusable while you’ve got a water bottle in the main sleeve, but there’s a good amount of gussetting that provides quite a bit of expandability. You can easily fit some larger items (like a plus-sized iPhone) in here, or some quick-grab items—although we’d recommend avoiding large stuff if you’ve also a water bottle in the sleeve. This pocket is really secure, seeing as the zipper is virtually hidden, plus we’ve really never seen a pocket like this—which means that any potential thief probably hasn’t either.

This is just one of those areas where you can tell that Peak Design has put a lot of thought and effort into making every square inch of this bag useful, which is incredibly important for one bag travel. Kudos!

There are a total of four grab handles on this pack, which we love. The top handle is nicely padded and allows you to hang the bag flush against a wall, which is always nice. The two on the side are good for quick grabs, although because they’re not centered, using these for any length of time can be a bit funky. They are, however, perfect for grabbing the bag out of overhead bins. And lastly, there’s one on the bottom that really makes the bag grabbable from all sides—which we love.

On the front side there’s a sneaky, hidden pocket that closes magnetically at the bottom and has the ability to hold some lash straps. The magnetic pocket is great for holding a rain fly—if you get caught in a torrential downpour, it’s nice to have that as an option for some additional weatherproofing. It could also handle some flatter items.

(Sidenote: Our bag didn’t come with lash straps! We think they either forgot about them or maybe they fell out at some point during our three weeks of testing. Hopefully that’s not the case, but either way—we don’t have them at the moment.)

The lash straps use a very similar system to what we’ve seen on the Everyday Backpack, and much like that bag, there are a ton of different configurations you could dream up—there are attachment points all over the outside of this bag, even on the interior of the water bottle pocket! We expect they’ll work pretty well.

Lastly, there are two compression features on this pack. There are two compression zippers on the exterior that add a few more liters of space to the bag. And there’s also a very handy button system that allows you to compress the bag towards the top. This is a pretty nifty system that we haven’t seen anywhere else, but we should note that the placement of these buttons is not final—Peak Design is still working on it, and they’ve said that the placement on launch might be a bit different. That said, the bag still feels pretty big even with the compression, so we recommend bringing along a packable daypack if that’ll bother you.

Inside the Pack

Moving on the inside of the pack, there is a quick-grab pocket at the top of the bag with some stretchy mesh on the inside. This is a nice pocket for all of your airport essentials, and they’ve done a nice job making this pocket really blend into the rest of the bag. Very slick.

Moving onto the interior of the front panel, there’s some really smart organization going on here. The top area has an interesting, rubbery-feeling mesh, which gets the job done and allows you to see whatever items you have in there. We like that the zipper on this pocket is a bit curved, so it allows you to have good access. Opening it up, there are a couple small sleeves for pens or pencils, and a few larger ones that we’ve been using for chargers and outlet converters. If you don’t want to use these pockets, that’s fine—they lay flat, so it won’t make a difference in the overall space of the bag.

We should note that the pen pockets are a little loose—your pen might go rogue if you’re really throwing this bag around. Towards the bottom, there’s a similar pocket with no organization that is great for flatter items here.

On the other side of this compartment there’s a pretty similar scenario. You’ve got a half-mesh pocket up top, and a liner pocket at the bottom. But what we really love about this compartment is that the pockets are accessible from each side of the bag. You have access from the main liter compartment and from the front side as well. Plus, the separator unzips and you can stuff it into itself in the bottom of the main compartment—which allows you to essentially “remove” the separator and use the bag as a giant duffel. Brilliant. This is one of the innovations that make this bag really unique.

So you can access that main compartment through that front panel (and the separator, if you’re using that) or you can also access it from the back of the bag, where the main compartment opens up. This is one area of the pack where Peak Design chose to use the Zoom zippers we mentioned in the beginning…

We actually utilize Zoom Zippers for all of our bags and packs! — Peak Design (@peakdesignltd) August 21, 2018

We’re really curious as to why Peak Design didn’t include YKK zippers across the entirety of this pack. There are some on the internal pockets, however, most of the zippers on the main compartment are Zoom. YKK zippers are on just about every heavy-hitting travel pack that’s in the premium category, so it’s pretty odd that they’ve decided to venture away from them. Everyone uses YKK, and we’ve never had a problem with them.

We have, unfortunately, had some problems with Zoom zippers though. One of our contacts has been using the Peak Design Everyday Messenger and they’ve gone through two bags because the main zipper has broken on each of them. Another contact had the zipper break on her Everyday Backpack. In all three of these cases, Peak Design has handled the return and exchange of the broken zippers gracefully. They’ve replaced it with little to no questions asked and provided great customer service.

However, that customer service and warranty isn’t going to do you much good if your zipper breaks in a remote village in Thailand. We’d rather have the zippers just not break in the first place—and we really hope the zipper doesn’t break on the main compartment of the Travel Backpack, as it would render the bag pretty much useless. It is a beefy #10 zipper, but it’s not YKK—and that gives us some cause for concern. Mostly all of the heavy hitting travel backpack brands opt for YKK.

Update: we spoke with Peak Design about their Zoom Zipper decision and here’s what they had to say:

“Regarding our use of Zoom zips on the main access points, we’ve chosen Zoom because of a number of factors: strength, feel, testing performance, performance over time, and value. We’ve used Zoom zips across all of our bags, all of which are guaranteed for life, and we’ve seen a sub-0.3% failure rate on them. Another big part of our decision to use Zoom is that we’ve been able to develop a close direct relationship with them, something we’re not able to do with a supplier of YKK’s size. Zoom has been super responsive to our requests for tweaks and customizations. We pride ourselves in honing every last detail of our products to perform their specific functions optimally, and working with Zoom has allowed us to do that.”

Okay, that was a ton on zippers. We got carried away. Let’s get back to that main compartment.

Basically, this main compartment is a giant bucket that works well with Peak Design’s dedicated travel accessories and packing cubes . You don’t need to use their system, but it does help as they size them specifically for this pack.

On the sides there are some elastic loops that are actually used to fully integrate their camera cube system. That offers a little bit more padding and locks all of your lenses and camera gear right in place—if that’s your thing.

The laptop compartment is in the traditional “laptop compartment area,” and you can access it by unzipping the main compartment by just a few inches. There’s ample space for pretty much any laptop you could have, and it all closes up nicely with some Velcro. There is also a separate tablet partition on the inside, which we’ve been using for our Kindle.

One small issue with the tablet partition is that the Velcro target is a little bit small, so it’s kind of hard to accurately velcro it down unless you’re looking at it. In contrast, the laptop partition has some more Velcro and is super easy to close without even looking at it.

That main compartment is also accessible from the zippers on the side—so if you have things strategically positioned in here, you can swing the bag around your body, unzip it from the side, and grab what you need. This is especially handy for the camera cube insert, allowing you to quickly swap out a lens or do other #photographythings.

One last feature to note is that all the zippers on this bag are lockable with O-rings and they also come with some additional security features:

• The big, main compartment zippers secure to each other via a loop-and-button system.

None of these are completely foolproof, but they’re a deterrent. If a thief is quickly rifling through everything, they’ll likely just pass by your bag if they’re unable to access it quickly.

Durability & Testing

At the time of this review, we have been testing this bag for three weeks in Detroit, Minneapolis and Northern Minnesota, as well as two flights. Overall, it has been a joy to use—and after inspection, not much has gone wrong with the pack besides a slight scratch in the black aluminum hardware on the sternum strap. No visible marks on the exterior after three weeks and no problems with the zippers yet.

And… that’s about it! We really don’t have much in the way of gripes about this bag—outside of those Zoom zippers—and we’re loving all the thought and effort Peak Design has put into this thing.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

Great! Really digging all these cool features, still getting used to some things like the hip belt clip.

Still going strong—using this thing is a pleasure, and no durability complaints outside of a few scratches on the aluminum hardware.

Still digging the intuitiveness of this bag. Easy to use, great integration with Peak Design Packing Accessories, and a solid experience overall.

Condition: Good

This pack has now seen a trip to Paris and Alabama from Detroit. Still holding up well besides a couple of slight marks on the exterior fabric!

• No new scratches or broken parts to report!
• We had no issue fitting it under an international airplane seat
• Back panel is still breathable and doesn’t cause back sweat in hot temps
• Handled being on a boat just fine—no issues with water splashes
• Less inclined to use this bag as a daypack over time, since clamshell main compartment access is pretty slow and clunky in tight spaces

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Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Backpack, Black

• ANTI-THEFT DESIGN - With securable and puncture resistant zippers (can also be locked with padlock). Fabric is cut resistant for max security (lightweight steel mesh). Includes stainless steel cable to lock bag to objects with padlock. Padlock not incl.
• ORGANIZATION - 2* Lockable Main Compartments: Roomy main one opens suitcase style plus smaller exterior one for fast access with 2* Zipper Interior Pockets and 1* Padded Laptop Sleeve (fits 15 inch notebook). 2* Side Pockets for Water Bottles or Umbrella.
• LARGE & COMFY - With padded & adjust. shoulder straps (25.2" to 36.22") and adjust. hip belt for better weight distribution when hiking. Back support padded with honey-comb fabric. Height adjustable sternum strap. Handles padded w/ high density foam.
• VERSATILE: CHECK-IN OR CARRY ON - External compression straps keep backpack compact when taken on a flight. Shoulder and hip straps can be tucked away when checking bag in. With three external attachment points to fit jackets, yoga mat, or sleeping bag.
• DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT & WARRANTY - 21.65"H x 13.78"W x 8.66"D Weight: 3.81 lbs. Travel bag made of durable, water resistant and easy to clean nylon and polyester to ensure secure & long-lasting usage. Comes with a 5-year Pacsafe warranty, for men and women.

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Product information

Product description.

Travel with peace of mind and move securely with the Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack from Pacsafe. Spacious compartments with internal pockets make it easy to stay organized, all while knowing your gear is secure and protected with five anti-theft features built in. The bag's fabric is embedded with eXomesh Slashguard, a lightweight flexible, stainless steel wire mesh that protects your gear from a quick slash-and-run theft, while ToughZip technology, puncture resistant double layer zippers, helps prevent pack break-ins. The Roobar Locking System secures the interlocking zippers from both compartments in one place, and also a lockdown point for the 3mm stainless steel locking cable that can be wrapped around a secure fixture, essentially turning your pack into a portable safe. The main compartment opens book style for easy access to everything bag, and built-in compression straps to pack gear tightly and maximize space. The front zippered compartment has a large Velcro that can hold up to a 15-inch laptop, and additional mesh pockets for organization. The padded shoulder straps and waist strap make carrying a heavy load comfortable, and they can both be tucked away during transit. Pacsafe is all about secure mobility. With a wide range of stylish adventure backpacks, everyday bags, women’s bags, camera bags, luggage, and travel accessories, Pacsafe lets you unpack the stress of protecting your gear, and instead, pack peace of mind.

Top Brand: Pacsafe

From the manufacturer.

The 45-liter EXP45 travel backpack meets most airline carry-on standards.

Pacsafe Has You and Your Gear Covered

Pacsafe is all about secure mobility. With a wide range of stylish adventure backpacks, everyday bags, women’s bags, camera bags, luggage, and travel accessories, Pacsafe lets you unpack the stress of protecting your gear, and instead, pack peace of mind.

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP Collection

Spacious, innovative anti-theft travel packs.

Seriously spacious, the Venturesafe EXP series of travel backpacks from Pacsafe help you keep it together when on the go as well as help keep your valuable secure. Side stretch pockets and internal mesh pockets keep water bottles, toiletries, and valuables organized.

Venturesafe backpacks also integrate several Pacsafe security features — from the flexible, stainless steel eXomesh slashguard built into the bag's fabric to Carrysafe slashguard backpack straps.

The 45-liter Venturesafe EXP45 carry-on travel pack offers a book-style opening to the main compartment for easy packing, and it meets most airline maximum carry-on standards. The EXP45 also features easily adjustable shoulder straps and a side stretch pocket for carrying a water bottle.

Venturesafe EXP45 Travel Backpack Key Features

The Pacsafe Advantage

Simple and stylish, Pacsafe offers a variety of innovative travel gear designed and engineered to protect your important stuff day and night, at work or play.

A range of Pacsafe's award-winning anti-theft technologies can be found on each product, helping keep your valuables secure from opportunistic thieves — enabling you to unpack the stress of protecting your gear and focus on on having fun and doing more.

eXomesh Slashguard

Bag slashers often like to target outside fabric panels of bags (front, bottom, or side), which cause valuables to fall out and into the palm of their hands.

Pacsafe's eXomesh slashguard is a lightweight flexible, stainless steel wire mesh that's built into (and concealed) in the most commonly vulnerable areas of bag, helping to protect your gear from a quick slash-and-run theft.

Puncture Resistant ToughZip

Pacsafe's puncture resistant ToughZip zipper helps prevent pickpocket pilfering and forced entry with a ballpoint pen or similar sharp object, and it even helps prevent unwanted items (such as contraband) from being unknowingly put inside your luggage.

Roobar Anti-Theft Anchor Lock

Outsmart pickpockets and bag snatchers with the Roobar anti-theft anchor lock, which enables you to lock down zippers, slashguard anchor straps, and locking cables, as well as attach your bag to a secure fixture. The Roobar also allows multiple compartments to be locked together with a single padlock.

Interlocking Zip Pullers

Interlocking zip pullers ingeniously slide on top of one another and interconnect, making it harder for pickpockets to unzip your bag and whip out your valuables.

When engaged with the Roobar, even the most seasoned thieves will be left scratching their heads on how to unlock your bag.

Interlocking Zippers

What's in the box

Looking for specific info, customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 82% 10% 3% 3% 2% 82%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 82% 10% 3% 3% 2% 10%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 82% 10% 3% 3% 2% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 82% 10% 3% 3% 2% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 82% 10% 3% 3% 2% 2%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, space, safety and comfort of the backpack. For example, they mention it's well made, has lots of pockets and provides some protection and security. Some appreciate the padding and the mesh-like honeycomb fabric. Overall, most are happy with the size and say it'll fit well in the overhead compartment.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the backpack. They say it's a good solid bag, with great safety features. They also appreciate the durability and well-made construction. Some say it holds up to a ten day trip and is designed as carry on luggage.

"...Tuck away waist straps. I like that they can be tucked away for when you’re using the backpack as a duffle-type bag or are just not a waist strap..." Read more

"...I'm also impressed by the sturdiness and comfort of the top and side handles - so much thicker/cushier than what you'll find on standard backpacks...." Read more

"...This bag held up very well and was very comfortable to use. I’m 5’ 2”. It was a carry on size for the plane. I felt my items were very secure...." Read more

"...It feels solid , well made, and attention was obviously put into detail. If I were to lose this I would buy another one...." Read more

Customers like the space in the backpack. They mention that the main compartment is very spacious, and has lots of pockets. The pack is deep and can hold a bag of liquids, first-aid kit, and other items. It's easy to fill with clothes and accessories, and can still be placed in the overhead compartments. The largest compartment opens like a suitcase and can holds a surprising amount.

"...Material. Super tough and durable.- Smaller compartment has a ton of pockets inside for keeping little things...." Read more

"...The main cavity was more spacious than anticipated , the zippers are solid, locking devices worked well...." Read more

"...Should have done it sooner. The main compartment is very spacious .Even the side outside pocket holds my big thermos...." Read more

"...It is well made, has a few nice internal pockets . It just cannot be accessed easily and is in all measures to me, a waist of design here...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the safety of the backpack. They mention that it provides some protection and security, has great safety features, and is comfortable. Some say that the security features are top notch and the backpack is designed to guard against theft.

"...can carry everything I would put into a regular carry-on while keeping my hands free . I can carry my stuff and help my travelling companions too...." Read more

"... Security is really great on this bag, with the mesh wire honeycomb underneath, the stronger zips, and the lockable roobar and stainless cord they..." Read more

"...It has all the Pacsafe features-- RFID-safe pocket , locking zippers, etc...." Read more

"...I’m 5’ 2”. It was a carry on size for the plane. I felt my items were very secure ...." Read more

Customers like the comfort of the backpack. They mention that it is comfortable, secure, and has very nicely cushioned sides. Some appreciate the padding and the mesh-like honeycomb fabric.

"...They are not as rigid though as I would prefer. They are padded for sure , but not sturdy or rigid. They appear to be stitched in well, yes...." Read more

"...It is comfortable to wear ...." Read more

"...This bag held up very well and was very comfortable to use . I’m 5’ 2”. It was a carry on size for the plane. I felt my items were very secure...." Read more

Customers like the size of the backpack. They mention it works great as a carry-on, fits well in the over head compartment, and is the perfect size for someone who travels light. Some say it's the right size for bush planes and comfortable to carry.

"...This one is big enough , and more importantly, deep enough, to hold a 40 oz hydroflask type water bottle.- Material...." Read more

"This pack is a perfect carry-on size for someone like me, who travels light and never checks a bag...." Read more

"...Soft sided and the right size for bush planes , fit enough for travel and comfortable to carry through airports and as a carryon...." Read more

"...It fit well in the over head compartment and if not fully packed would probably even fit under the seat in front of you and used as a personal item...." Read more

Customers like the zippers on the backpack. They say the zipper is solid, the locking devices worked well, and the zipper latches pair together nicely. They also appreciate the RFID-safe pocket and the fact that the zipper unzips as a clam shell.

"...Locking bar system is great and the flap that hides all the zippers is exactly what I’ve been looking for...." Read more

"...The main cavity was more spacious than anticipated, the zippers are solid , locking devices worked well...." Read more

"...The security zippers are not easy for a stranger to open without you noticing." Read more

"...i love the zipper locking features to deter thieves that can unzip a regular bag sneakily...." Read more

Customers like the appearance of the backpack. They say it's beautifully designed overall, with a stylish look. Some appreciate the progressive design thoughts and the quality of the bag.

"...This one is sleek and clean looking without compromising on function!Pros:- opens like a suitcase...." Read more

"...The sternum strap is nice enough but could be wider. It has a buckle and also can be adjusted easily.The Hip Pad Straps..." Read more

"...I love the way this bag looks , with clean lines, all the extras I want..." Read more

"...Just arrived today. Looks great and will hold a lot to supplement by wheeled carry on bag for longer international travels...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the locking mechanism of the backpack. They mention that the locking capabilities are great, the zippers are solid, and the locking devices worked well. They appreciate the lockable roobar and stainless cord. Additionally, they like that the lock bar is hidden and the interlocking feature is awesome.

"...The interlocking feature is awesome.- Locking bar system is great and the flap that hides all the zippers is exactly what I’ve been looking for..." Read more

"...was more spacious than anticipated, the zippers are solid, locking devices worked well ...." Read more

"...wire honeycomb underneath, the stronger zips, and the lockable roobar and stainless cord they provide...." Read more

"...Additionally, you can use a travel lock (sold separately) to keep the zippers from being taken off the bar...." Read more

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Peak Design Travel Backpack Review: My #1 Travel Bag (Seriously)

Written by Dan

Updated on July 28th, 2024

The Peak Design Travel Backpacks in 30L and 45L have been my favorite trusted travel bags for photography, and I really mean that. Find out why these backpacks have all the best features for your next trip.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• Overview of the Peak Design Travel Backpack and its features
• What is the Peak Design Travel Backpack?
• Benefits of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Who the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is for
• Drawbacks of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Who the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 is not for

Supplemental accessories

• How does the 30L compare to the 45L?
• Final verdict
• Where to buy

The Peak Design Travel Backpack has been my go-to bag since the brand’s Kickstarter campaign in 2018. Being a full-time traveler at the time, I was always looking for the best travel bag to take with me for an extended amount of time.

It’s important to find a durable and reliable bag that is highly functional, and the Peak Design Travel Backpack is it!

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Let’s explore some of the features of this handy backpack, and you can learn about all of the pros and cons to determine if this travel bag is right for you.

Let’s jump right in!

Overview of the Peak Design Travel Backpack and its features

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is, in all honestly, my #1 favorite backpack to bring on a trip as my main piece of luggage. I’m a huge fan of the Peak Design brand , and I swear by their quality. All the prices of Peak Design products reflect the incredible durability of everything they make.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack, in 30L and 45L, is designed to be everything: a daypack (kind of), a suitcase, a bag for a ton of camera gear, a carry-on. It is incredible what I have done with this backpack over the years.

I’ll take this backpack for a one-night stay somewhere during a holiday weekend, and I took it to Vietnam , Taiwan , the Dominican Republic , Mexico … the list goes on.

In this section, I’ll walk through all of the features of the Peak Design Travel Backpack and I’ll provide more information about real-life use and practicality with each of them. We’re about to dive straight into the deep end with this overview.

The features are basically the same in both the 30L and 45L models, and I have both!

Carry-on approved

I’ve taken the Peak Design Travel Backpack on a lot of flights (I can’t even count how many) and I’ve had no problems with it in any airline or airplane overhead compartment.

Some budget airlines might have more restrictions. I’ve flown on United Express and I have only ever taken a backpack, because the airline claimed to have more of a strict policy.

This backpack (in both 30L and 45L) won’t fit under your seat, so you’ll need to put it in the overhead bin. It does well in the overhead compartment because it’s fairly squishy (if it still has room inside) and can rotate on its side if the airline crew needs to make more room up there.

Personally, I always get worried about finding a space in the overhead compartment for my bags. Even with tight squeezes, I’ve always been able to find a place for it.

And lastly, I’ve also been able to stash this bag up above in some overhead compartments on some of the bigger buses in South America and Southeast Asia, not to mention nearby NJTransit trains near NYC .

Zippers and pulls

The zippers are absolutely fantastic. I’ve completely stuffed this bag to the brim and have never had any issues with the zippers breaking. Even the sealed material surrounding the zippers shows almost no sign of wear, since 2019, which is impressive.

All of the zippers on this bag are the highest quality and are built to last.

The zipper pulls claim to be theft-deterrent. In my experience, if someone wants to get into your bag, they will. This might help stop someone getting into your bag while you’re walking, though.

I’ve tried to combat this by putting locks on some of the external pockets. I had been worried about someone trying to get into my bag when storing it in a hostel/hotel storage closet, or when it’s out of my sight in the storage under a bus.

If you go the route of putting a lock on the bag, make sure you don’t lose the key like I did. Oops. Good thing I can still get into the backpack! One of these days, I’ll try and pick the lock or cut it off. This is a good reminder for myself to get more combination locks.

Luggage tag holder

It’s nice that the bag has an integrated and protected luggage tag holder. Nevertheless, I’ve always put my own tag on the main strap so it’s more visible.

My only gripe with this feature is that it’s kind of hidden, on purpose, and that’s a flaw in my mind. If you look on the bag, there’s a little icon with an ID, but it’s hard to miss.

Someone might easily overlook this and not know that you filled out the card.

I generally prefer my own luggage tag because I have several (OK, maybe a lot) different bags and being able to swap the luggage tag is a nice feature.

Luggage trolley pass-through

If you’re traveling with a rolling suitcase, having a luggage pass-through is a nice feature so that you can take the travel bag off of your back.

With the 45L version, and if you have the bag stuffed, I think that the Peak Design Travel Backpack might be a little too heavy to keep on top of a rolling suitcase.

There have been times when Becca and I traveled, and she was using the Away rolling suitcase and I had my Peak Design Travel Bag. My bag was heavier than her suitcase. In that case, it didn’t make sense to keep my heavier bag on top of hers.

I think the 30L version of the Peak Design Travel Backpack is a little more suited to be pass-through luggage. Or, if you have a modest amount of things inside of your bag, the 45L also could work as a pass-through.

Padded backpack straps

The backpack straps are amazing. They’re super comfy and seemingly haven’t lost any of their padding over the years. If they have, it went unnoticed! I’ve had times when I was walking through an airport for 30 or so minutes or walking from a train station to my hotel and the bag never was uncomfortable.

Generally, weight is well-supported throughout the bag and the straps help keep the backpack supported on your shoulders. The hip belt and sternum strap will help support the bag for you.

Hip belt and sternum strap

I never got onboard with the hip belt with my Peak Design Travel Backpack . Luckily, it’s not in the way, and it conveniently stashes away behind magnet flaps on the bottom of the bag.

I’ve used hip belts with bigger bags and they’re helpful. For hip belts to feel comfortable on me, they need to be pretty big. Imagine a wrestler’s or weightlifter’s belt. That’s what I envision being an effective hip belt for a heavy bag.

Because we’re traveling and not in the WWE, a huge belt isn’t always practical. I choose to always keep the hip belt stashed and opt for the sternum strap to help with the weight.

I like that you can easily adjust the sternum strap and position it higher or lower across your chest, to find a comfortable position.

Grab handles

Probably one of my favorite features of this bag, and what makes it unique from other bags, are the grab handles all over the backpack.

Imagine putting your bag in a trunk. Then, when you’re repositioning other things, your bag gets turned around. When it comes time to pull your bag out of the trunk, you can conveniently pull from the bottom, left, right or top to get it out.

With other bags, you might need to tug from the straps or pick up the bag with two hands.

There have been a lot of applications in which I’ve used the grab handles and I’ve really enjoyed this particular feature.

Technically, the Peak Design Travel Backpack (45L) is 35L, but expands to meet the 45L name. Put another way, you have 35L of capacity and can unzip the expansion straps to get yourself some more liters to work with.

Peak Design claims you can use this as a daypack because you can button up the top, which makes the bag closer to the 35L benchmark. I feel like the width of the bag is a little too much for a daypack. I informally think a daypack should be between 15-25L.

On paper, sure, an extra 10L is great. It’s a little harder to utilize the space, and I’ll explain.

When you pack the bag, assume that you have everything in pouches and packing cubes . You’ll pack the bag and close it. In my experience, you run out of room when you want to throw in an extra pair of shoes or something that’s a little taller.

When you unzip the expansion, you get 10L but only ~4 inches of vertical space. Extra shoes don’t really fit and the footprint of the camera might be a little too tall.

With that out of the way, I’ve found that I can fit a lot more in this bag than in other bags of a similar size. The Peak Design Travel Bag does a really good job of compression because the material is durable. I’ve absolutely stuffed this bag, like, “sitting on the bag and putting my knee on certain segments until I can get it shut” level of stuffed.

I’ve even unzipped the expansion compartment, packed my bag, then zipped up the expansion compartment again. I effectively used the bag as a giant packing cube.

I also like using the tech pouch because you can almost always find a place to put it when packing the main cavity with packing cubes . You can see more about the PD Tech Pouch at my Peak Design Tech Pouch review .

Pockets and internal storage

There’s not much in terms of internal storage. I like to say that this bag is BYOS: Bring your own storage. That’s why I like the tech pouch from Peak Design , or generally any other tech pouch option I recommend here .

There are some pockets that you can use. There is a mesh zipper pocket that links to the front cavity, which I like. I stash boarding pass stubs in there, and months later when I use the bag, I’ll find them. It’s kind of like a cool time capsule each time.

Water bottle pockets

The water bottle side pockets are great and fit almost every type of water bottle because of its expandability. There’s even a little secret pocket that you have access to right around that area. It might be a good place for some hydration tablets if you’re traveling to a place where to want to stay really hydrated!

Expandability

Like I mentioned above in the capacity section, you can expand the bag to allow for more storage. I had mentioned that it can be a little awkward to put a pair of shoes in the expandable storage zone. What I have found to be an effective use of the space is packing other smaller daypacks, a travel blanket or a heavier jacket.

Imagine that you’re traveling in the winter to a warm destination, like when I went to the Dominican Republic (hot) from NYC in February (cold): the expandable compartment is useful to be able to put your jacket away when you’re in your final destination. And when you’re going back home, you have your big jacket waiting for you in a bonus compartment.

Laptop and tablet storage

I use this feature a lot, as I often travel with my laptop everywhere I go. It’s typical of me to travel with two bags. I have a daypack and a bigger travel bag. The daypack is the bag in which I’ll put my camera, computer and anything else I need for the day, when I’m in my final destination.

Depending on how I pack, during travel day, I’ll travel with my laptop in the daypack or the Peak Design Travel Bag . If I know I want to use my computer during the flight, I’ll keep my laptop out of the Peak Design bag because I don’t like going into the overhead compartment mid-flight.

When you’re going through security, the laptop compartment is really easy to open and it doesn’t disrupt your other items. You can open the bag only enough to pull your laptop out, too, without having to open the full bag. This is useful for hectic security lines when you need to get the bins and take all of your electronics out quickly.

Because the back of this bag opens clamshell style, without thinking, it’s possible that the weight of your laptop can cause the top lid to fall back. That hasn’t happened to me because I’m really careful. After a long flight, or if you forgot that your laptop is back there, I can see how it’s a possibility.

Also, when the bag is fully stuffed, I feel like the laptop has a lot of pressure against the rest of the bag. Sometimes you want to really get it shut and that could introduce all of that pressure.

That’s not really a fault of the Peak Design bag, as it happens with other bags and other positions for the laptop compartment. Some other bags have a small integrated vertical pocket. And when the rest of the bag is full, it usually expands into this compartment.

Weatherproof

The material this backpack is made of is weatherproof and the zippers have some coating features to help stop rain and moisture. I’ve never thrown my bag in a pool, but I’ve absolutely gotten stuck in some downpours while wearing my Peak Design Travel Backpack .

Everything stayed completely dry and the water beaded off fairly quickly. My most important items were protected. Some of the outside parts of the bag, like the grab handles, backpack straps or the adjustment straps might have gotten a little damp, but my tech was all securely dry.

For most people, you probably won’t be hanging out in the rain with your luggage. You might be going from a car to the airport terminal, or from your driveway into your house.

The little bit of rain will absolutely not be a problem for that case, with the Peak Design Travel Backpack.

For more adventurous travelers, you also shouldn’t really have to worry. You can have this bag on your back during a rainstorm on a motorcycle and your items will mostly likely stay nice and dry.

See for yourself

Head to Peak Design's website to see what else this bag has to offer!

What is the Peak Design Travel Backpack?

This backpack optimizes travel by providing you with an easy way to transport your belongings from point A to point B.

The bag has wide-open access to the main compartment, which allows you to have full visibility into what you’ve packed.

What originally sold me on the bag, and why I bought it in 2018, was the camera cube accessories. I have the small camera cube and the medium camera cube.

The bag has three slots, when you use Peak Design accessories. The small packing cube and small camera cube is one slot. The medium packing cube and medium camera cube is two slots.

When bringing my travel photography setup, I would pack the medium packing cube and small camera cube. I can always find a place for the tech pouch, which is useful for smaller electronics and charging cables.

You don’t need to feel limited to photography, or even Peak Design accessories.

Instead of the camera cube, you can easily pack a pair of shoes. And instead of the medium packing cube, you can use any packing cube, or none at all, though I highly recommend a packing cube if you haven’t used one before.

Benefits of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

What are the major benefits that make the travel bag standout among the competition? Well, let’s see!

The durability and the material are the biggest selling points in my experience. It’s the competitive advantage of Peak Design products, and these two stand out among all of the other travel bags that I’ve owned or tested.

The capacity is also pretty perfect for a carry-on. You never have to worry about it not fitting in the overhead compartment, and you should have enough space for any length of trip. I’ve traveled for several months during a long trip using this backpack, and never felt like I needed more room.

Wearing this bag is a dream, considering all the stuff you’ll have packed inside. When you put it on, you’ll see what I mean. It feels like it fits with your body and it doesn’t feel overly stiff. It wears in nicely and becomes even more comfortable, the longer you wear it.

General features

Based on my breakdown of the features above, you can see that there are a lot of key points that make this travel backpack something unique. Every time I use this bag, the grab handles and zippers always amaze me.

Who the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is for

This bag is for a serious traveler who enjoys quality products and gear. This is not a cheap bag, by any standards. You’re paying for quality and for a bag that you’ll have for many years (maybe for the rest of your life, and I am serious).

As a user of this bag, you’re not too picky about bringing everything. You can travel with one or two pairs of shoes, and you don’t need three outfits per day (unless you get really sweaty, and that’s what a laundromat is for). You’re not a minimalist, but also not a maximalist.

Drawbacks of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

There really aren’t too many negative features that I can think of when it comes to the Peak Design Travel Backpack . I have particular opinions about some of the features, but they don’t take away from the overall essence of what this backpack can do for you.

For example, updating the luggage tag is superficial against its ability to carry your stuff to and from many places around the country and around the world.

Who the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 is not for

If you don’t care too much about carry-on travel, I can see how you might not want this bag. Additionally, if you don’t want to carry a heavy bag, you might want to look into a rolling suitcase instead. (And for that, I’ll recommend the one from Quince .)

You might have a 20 to 30-pound backpack on your back with this backpack, and if that doesn’t sound comfortable, you can look into other options.

Because of the relatively higher price tag, if you’re on a budget or if you aren’t ready to invest in a long-term solution for a backpack, I can see looking for more affordable travel backpack options.

In my experience, the items below have paired really nicely with the Peak Design Travel Backpack . They have helped me pack more efficiently and are highly compatible with the backpack.

• Packing cubes
• Camera cubes
• Field pouch

How does the 30L compare to the 45L?

The 30L travel backpack shares a lot of the same features as the 45L. To state the obvious, the 30L is 15L smaller. With that said, it might be a better solution for you if you want a more manageable bag or have a second luggage item, like a checked bag. It would also be a more appropriate daypack.

The 45L claims that it can be a daypack. I still think the 30L is a little too big to be a daypack as Peak Design claims.

Here are the features of the 45L backpack, when compared to the 30L model:

• The 45L has more zippered access to your items on the sides of the bag.
• The 45L has an internal divider to split the top section from the bottom section. The 30L only has 1 compartment.
• The 45L has a padded and integrated hip belt to help carry and manage weight (the 30L has an optional hip belt accessory that does not come included).
• For use as a day bag, there are compression straps to slim down the entire backpack on the 45L. I seem to have lost mine? You’ll notice on the inside of the bag, there are loops that you can use to connect the compression straps.
• The 45L has two hidden external zipper pockets that you can use for storing essentials like a passport. I’ve found these very useful. I mentioned that this also may be a good place to stash away hydration packets because it’s near the water bottle holder.
• The 45L has room for three PD cube units, with even more space for tech pouches, packing cubes and clothes or shoes.

Final verdict

I’ll stand by every aspect of this bag that confirms that it’s worth the money and worth all the value I’ve mentioned above. I’ll keep using this bag until it breaks (and it probably won’t), and I’m incredibly happy with all the quality benefits it has brought me over the years as my #1 bag for travel.

Even when I’m not using the backpack for any photography gear, like just visiting family for a few days, I use this travel backpack in 45L, and we’ll pack the 30L one for some other things when we take a little road trip.

If you’re invested in having a travel backpack for life, this could be a great purchase decision for your travels (and your sanity, if you were dealing with any poorly-made bags over the years).

Where to buy

It’s best to buy this backpack directly from Peak Design’s website , and that’s because you’ll get free shipping over $99 in the US, a lifetime warranty and guarantee (this is huge) and 30-day returns if you’re not happy. You might not get these benefits if you buy elsewhere.

Plus, as a bonus, there are options on the Peak Design product page to buy these travel backpacks pre-owned, and you could be saving about $50. As another tip, you can complete your Peak Design kit by getting a bag and two or more accessories (like a packing cube or two) and save 10%. These benefits probably aren’t available elsewhere online.

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The Travel Backpack

Back in stock early September. Learn more about our production process here .

The best-selling carry-on is back and better than ever, designed to help you enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.

• Carry-on friendly sizes
• For overnights, business travel, weekends, and week-long trips
• Packed with smart features for stress-free travel days
• Build your custom travel system with the 15L Everyday Bag , Clip-in pouches , and Packing Cube Set (sold separately) 

Over 20 unique features

"One hell of a travel companion for almost every situation imaginable"

"The version two Travel Backpack is the closest to a perfect travel backpack that you will find."

"By far the best backpack for traveling"

"I’ve only had the bag for a short time and have used it on several trips. Packs well, carries great and well constructed."

"Every detail is meticulously designed, and the durability is impressive. These bags not only look great but I also know that they will withstand the test of time."

Features that take all the headaches out of travel

The main compartment is divided into two, allowing you to pack each side with folded clothing for the same level of organization as a hard suitcase. Access anything you’ve packed into these main interior compartments when you’re on the go through quick-access top-loading zippers.

The ultimate carry-on for a smooth and organized trip

• Padded laptop compartment fits devices up to 16”
• Daisy chain attachment system for Clip-in Pouch accessories
• Use the luggage pass to slide the bag onto the handle of a rolling suitcase
• The expanding compartment stashes last-minute souvenirs, or the new Everyday 15L Bag

Create your new go-to travel system for one-bag travel with no compromises

We designed premium accessories and day bags that perfectly complement the Travel Backpack, and together create the ultimate travel system that you’ll reach for trip after trip. Use the community-favorite backpack by itself, or accessorize it to perfectly compliment your travel style.

Committed to responsible production and goods that stand the test of time.

Lifetime guarantee.

We stand behind the quality of our products for their entire lifespan with our lifetime warranty. If you ever have any issues with your bag, we’ll take care of it. Period.

Earth-friendly materials

All fabrics are rNylon (recycled nylon), which can be recycled indefinitely, and are treated with a PFC-free DWR coating.

Production that's personal

Our factory is Fair Trade Certified. We only work with suppliers and manufacturers that we know and trust, and whose standards are just as high as our own.

Plastic-free packaging

All Pakt products are shipped in 100% plastic-free packaging: no bubble wrap, no plastic bags, no air pillows, and no Styrofoam.

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See Pakt in the wild via posts from our community of those who #keeptravelsimple.

Complete your travel system

Product details

• 35L 4.1lbs / 55 x 32 x 21 cm; 21.5 x 12.5 x 8 in 
• 45L 4.4lbs / 60 x 33 x 24 cm; 23 x 13 x 9 in 
• The expansion compartment adds 7 cm of depth to both bags. Width and height remain unchanged.

This bag is carry-on compliant with most major airlines , even though the dimensions may not be within limits.

When designing our bags, we design for optimal proportions and desired carry traits. While we do consider airline luggage dimension rules, we don’t strictly adhere to them because soft luggage is malleable.

For one, they all vary depending on who you’re flying with. Two, airline rules are meant to ensure bags fit into the overhead bins and under your seat on their aircraft, and as long as your soft luggage is close enough to their dimensions it will fit within the luggage size tester and the overhead bins. In our experience, airlines rarely check or measure soft luggage, and if you’ve packed the bag normally (meaning not too overstuffed), it will fit.

As they say, your mileage may vary, but our team has traveled on hundreds of flights with our largest 50L bags (technically way over the carry-on limit), and we’ve never had a problem. If you ever do have an issue we’d love to hear about it. Happy travels!

• Premium 500D recycled nylon exterior 
• 70D light grey recycled nylon interior 
• PFC-free durable water resistant coating 
• Durable hardware and YKK zippers throughout 
• Heavy duty bar-tacks reinforce all handles and stress points

You can wipe, spot clean, or on occasion machine wash it at your own risk. Results may vary depending on machine and settings.

Customer Reviews

This exceeded my expectations!

Sturdy, well-balanced, carry on or check in. Love the clamshell design and that each compartment can be accessed from the top, especially useful in tight spaces. Deep, roomy pockets. Does not fall forward when you bend. Padded laptop sleeve is in the center, so it's very well protected on all sides.

I recently took the Pakt 45-liter bag on a two-week trip, and I was thoroughly impressed. The bag’s durability and high-quality construction stood out immediately. Despite having more space than I needed, I appreciated the potential it offers for longer trips.

What truly amazed me was how well the bag held up through various modes of transportation—planes, trains, buses, and more. Even after all that, it still feels incredibly solid. Although I’ve only used it for this one trip so far, I can confidently say that it’s a reliable and practical tool for future adventures.

If you’re looking for a sleek, functional, and practical travel bag, I highly recommend the Pakt 45-liter. It’s versatile enough to handle any journey you throw at it.

We ship to the US, Canada, Australia, UK and more. Check out the full list of countries that we ship to here .

The Travel Backpack is not completely waterproof, but the materials have been treated with a PFC-free DWR (durable water resistant) coating.

There's a loop of cord on top of the water bottle pocket that you can fasten around the neck of the bottle – if your bag is sideways or upside-down, the cord will secure your bottle, and it won't fall out.

The dedicated TSA pocket was designed for stashing and grabbing items you have to remove from your pockets before going through the security checkpoint at the airport. This pocket, as unassuming as it may appear, makes getting through TSA a breeze. 

Step 1 - Rather than using the plastic bins to pass your personal items through security, pull out the mesh pocket located on the padded back panel of the Pakt Travel Backpack and stow your passport, phone, keys, and wallet securely. We like to do this while waiting in line. 

Step 2 - Once through security, rather than join the scramble of travelers collecting their different belongings, you can quickly grab your bag and head to a comfortable spot to reorganize. The red label serves as a reminder to grab your laptop or anything that you had to send through the X-Ray separately.

We took the idea of the built in waterproof pocket from version 1 of the Travel Backpack, and created an optional, removable Clip-in Waterproof Pouch . This allows users to completely remove it for use as a toiletry kit.

The backpack can be used as a carry-on for all major airlines, and will sometimes pass as a personal item. The bag fits perfectly in the overhead bin, and if it is not overpacked, it can fit under the seat in front of you in some major airlines.

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

There are a lot of great travel backpacks out there, but not all of them are created equal. A travel pack needs to be comfortable to carry, easy to organize, and durable enough to withstand being toted from place to place.

From hitting the road for the weekend to spending months traveling abroad, we’ve put nearly 30 different travel backpacks through the wringer. We tallied our airline miles, punched our tickets, and put our tray tables in the upright and locked position for close to half a decade now, taking domestic and international flights to as far as Iceland and as close as 30-minute island hops. And while there isn’t a single pack that suits every traveler, we’ve highlighted a variety of designs and price points to help you find the perfect travel backpack.

Choosing a travel backpack can be a dizzying experience, and we’ve shaken down the best to sort through the static. Each pack has seen its time on the baggage carousel, hostel luggage cart, and we’ve even had a few go missing for the full experience. We fully pack and live out of these bags to test them, and in the end, we’re confident that the 15 packs collected here are the best travel backpacks available today. Check in and check them out.

For all your travel pack questions, consult our buyer’s guide , where we’ve laid bare all the essentials. Compare each of the packs using our handy comparison chart , and if you’ve still got questions, check out our FAQ section.

Editor’s Note: We updated our travel backpack guide on May 21, 2024, adding the JanSport Journey Pack as our new best budget travel pack, as well as the feature-rich and burly Able Carry Max Backpack .

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: JanSport Journey Pack
• Best Carrying Travel Backpack: Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs
• Best Organization in a Travel Backpack: Matador SEG45 Travel Pack
• Best Shoulder Bag: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
• Best Commuter-Style Travel Backpack: Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L
• Best Personal Item Travel Pack: TimBuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

• Capacity 45 L (collapses to 35 L)
• Weight 4 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13" x 9.5" standard, 22" x 13" x 11" expanded
• Compartment access Back panel clamshell design with #10 zipper
• Material Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400-denier nylon canvas shell; 900-denier waterproof bottom

• Compresses down to maximum airline carry-on size, and then expands once you’ve hit your destination
• Burly construction
• No details are overlooked in the design
• Side-carry handles are offset in an awkward position

Perfect is a dirty word in product design, but we’re about stumped when it comes to drumming up a quibble about the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L ($300). This redeye-ready clamshell design is made to the highest of standards.

It’s made of quality materials, utilizing aluminum hardware and a burly 400-denier nylon canvas — and it easily ticks all our boxes for the best overall travel backpack. The interior of the bag is split into two compartments: a larger main area for storing the majority of your kit and a secondary sleeve at the front of the bag with five zippered pockets. The main pocket also sports a foam-padded laptop sleeve and three more pockets.

One of the more impressive aspects we discovered along the bag’s inaugural leg from Seattle to Anchorage was how easily the straps of the Travel Backpack stow away into the bag. Two foam panels on the back of the bag flip away to secure them and then close with a magnetic closure — very slick. This was our favorite strap-stowage system, with the zippered panels of the Matador GlobeRider45 coming in a close second. We find the Peak Design bag compresses smaller.

Then there are the little details. An ID-size sleeve on the back panel provides all the information should your bag get separated from you. Zipper pulls thread through one another to keep what’s yours safe. And a collapsible system adjusts the bag from a full 45 L to 35 L.

In our review, there’s little about the Peak Design pack that misses the mark. The company leans heavily toward the camera-toting travelers among us, but the 45 L Travel Backpack makes no compromises and works just as well for any user group. The high price is undeniable, but for the scope of the travel pack, it’s a buy-once-cry-once purchase we would make again.

Also available in a 30L size , the range of Travel Backpacks from Peak Design is so well-thought-out that you can practically see the cogs turning in their creators’ heads. We think they make the best travel backpacks on the market.

JanSport Journey Pack

• Capacity 28 liters
• Weight 1 lb., 13.6 oz.
• Dimensions 19.5" x 12.5" x 7"
• Compartment access Zippered top access
• Material 100% 600D recycled polyester + 1680D ballistic boot
• Electronic storage 15" laptop sleeve

• Compact and clean profile
• Plush foam back panel and shoulder straps
• Compression straps on bottom of pack tote around a jacket
• Smooth-running zippers
• Good internal organization
• Laptop sleeve won't fit some large modern laptops
• Water bottle pockets sized for slimmer vessels

At $95, the JanSport Journey Pack does a lot for a little. As a campus commuter, airline personal item, or do-it-all backpack, this pack leverages its lack of specificity to make it amenable to being used on just about any day. Part of a trio of new travel packs from the legendary campus bookbag brand, the Journey surprised us with a more high-end build than expected, and for the money, it made an excellent travel companion.

While the Journey isn’t trimmed out in some of the more boutique fabrics, it is still solidly built and uses the good stuff where it counts, such as the 1680D ballistic boot material that’s reinforced with recycled car windshield liners (news to us). The 600D polyester used elsewhere has a rugged nailhead finish, and shoulders wear well.

The thick EVA foam used in the shoulder straps and back panel is cushy and applied liberally. On the inside, the laptop sleeve is lined with plush tricot material, along with an organizer pocket for stashing your readers or sunnies.

The organization of the pack is similarly uncompromising and is broken down into a spacious main compartment, front stash pocket, small bits and bobs organizer pocket, and a 15″ laptop sleeve — which easily toted our tester’s MacBook Pro safely.

When packed as a carry-on, we were able to stuff in an assortment of layers we might need along the way (rain jacket, warm puffy, hat), along with our headphones, book, travel pillow , and lunch for the flight, and still had space for an empty water bottle or two.

As a 28-liter pack, there’s no alternate sizing available and no hip belt to go along — though, in our opinion, loads this light doesn’t need one. Compression straps are limited, though you do get a set at the bottom of the pack that doubles as a dock for your beach towel, picnic blanket, or rolled-up jacket.

Like the TimBuk2 Never Check , the side water bottle pockets on this pack are really only ideal for thin bottles or flasks, and while we could shoehorn a Nalgene in there, it didn’t look happy.

Compromises aside, for less than $100, the JanSport Journey Pack doesn’t take the easy way out and phone it in with fewer materials or a more simple organizational layout. We had a pocket or sleeve for anything we needed to stash (besides a dedicated passport pocket), and the Journey made for an easy personal item on the handful of flights we took it on — easily stashing beneath the seat. If you’d rather ball out on your big-ticket luggage and just need a travel backpack that’ll plain work, this is the bag for you.

Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs

• Capacity 40 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 7.6 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 14" x 9"
• Compartment access Zippered back panel clamshell design
• Material Bluesign-approved 450-denier recycled polyester

• Supreme suspension system offers the best carry of any pack we tried
• External compression straps limit the volume well
• Comfortably padded grab handles
• Not much internal organization

No stranger to producing supremely comfortable suspension systems, Osprey injected a good bit of its tech into the Farpoint and Fairview packs ($185), which both sport LightWire frames, load lifters, and breathable framesheet and suspension straps. Our Farpoint pack was easily the best load carrier of any we tested and a close contender for the best travel backpack overall.

Far beyond what any of the other travel packs offer, the pack even allows you to adjust the torso length — unheard of in the typical travel pack. Newly updated, these packs have been tweaked to ride the line between traditional backpacks and functional luggage, a claim we can substantiate.

The 40-liter capacity is just about the sweet spot for domestic carry-on luggage limits, and these packs make good use of the space. We could easily pack away a long weekend’s worth of travel essentials into the bag with a little space to spare.

Whereas many other travel packs stash straps away into the body of the pack, the Farpoint and Fairview move in the opposite direction with a deployable strap cover that neatly seals in the suspension for safekeeping when checked. This produces a clean profile that’s ready to be slung around, but it’s not quite as easy and quick as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design Travel Backpacks, as you need to unclip straps to tuck them away.

The interior of the pack is rather spartan, incorporating only one zippered pocket, a laptop sleeve, and two internal compression straps. We would have rather seen a bit more organizational features involved like those that the Matador GlobeRider and Topo Designs Global Travel bags incorporate, but for those who stuff more than pack, the Farpoint and  Fairview may very well punch the ticket.

With one foot on the platform and one on the trail, these packs from Osprey will get you where you’re going and carry a trip’s worth of kit with ease.

Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

• Capacity 45 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13.4" x 10.2"
• Compartment access Full clamshell interior, additional front zippered access
• Material 420-denier nylon exterior, 100-denier Robic Dynatec interior

• Excellent storage organization options
• High-quality, strong, and lightweight construction
• No frame to speak of
• Shoulder straps don’t pack away

Aiming to do more with less, the Matador SEG45 Segmented Backpack ($200) proposes a future free of packing cubes and splits up the bag for you, making the organization of your travel pack a breeze.

The full 45 liters of volume is shared among the five segments (6, 9, 15, 9, and 6 L) and trades volume between the full clamshell compartment and the segments. Each of these segments is accessible via its own water-resistant zippers and can be collapsed as your needs change.

We found organizing by clothing type made the most sense in our own packing, but you could even pack based on the day of the week or the use. The clamshell-accessed main compartment was ideal for holding larger items like spare shoes or quarantining spent outfits.

Known for its overbuilt but lightweight bags, Matador didn’t spare the SEG45, utilizing 420D UHMWPE-reinforced nylon in the pack body, as well as 100D Robic Dynatec weave on the interior. It should be noted that this travel backpack doesn’t have any kind of frame and will rely on being packed well to carry correctly. Because of this, this pack won’t carry as well as bags like the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, so consider packing mostly clothing in the SEG45.

Our testers felt this bag excelled as a travel bag you might deploy once you’ve hit your destination, as it packs away into larger bags so well. Unfortunately, however, the shoulder straps don’t pack away into the bag itself, so you’ll have to wrangle them into place to keep things tidy.

No matter what you’re up to, everything has got a spot to live in the SEG45 . Need a bit less space? Matador offers the SEG28 ($250) for that.

Read Review: Dresser in a Backpack: Matador SEG42 Review

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.3 oz.
• Dimensions 22.8" x 8.6" x 14.5"
• Compartment access Back panel zippered clamshell design
• Material 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU laminate

• Multiple ways to carry the pack
• Many different storage and internal organization options
• Burly external fabric
• Doesn’t carry the best as a backpack

Looking to squeeze out every last liter of allowed space? Patagonia named this pack in honor of the cause: the Patagonia Black Hole Maximum Legal Carry-On 45 L ($239). This bag can be carried in a number of different ways, but we found it shined during travel as a shoulder bag.

Borrowing fabric from Patagonia’s line of burly Black Hole Duffels , the MLC 45 is made for the long haul. The 900-denier polyester ripstop is coated in a TPU laminate and feels ready to take on the surliest baggage carrier. We certainly felt no remorse in tossing the bag around.

At 45 L, the MLC is certainly right at the cusp of the maximum allowed size, but thankfully that space is well divided up inside the pack. Inside the main clamshell-accessed compartment is a blizzard of zippers and mesh pockets and dividers. Anything we tossed inside was well-stabilized.

Because there isn’t much of a frame to speak of, the Black Hole MLC doesn’t carry the best when slung over both shoulders and can sag when not entirely full. But over a shoulder with the included shoulder strap, this pack feels great and can be easily accessed on the go. This is one of the only packs in our testing to feature a shoulder strap (the other being the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag).

On top of all this, we greatly appreciate that the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 L is made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. Perfect for grabbing and going, this pack is ready to move.

Read Review: Patagonia Black Hole MLC Bag Review: An Organized, Carry-On-Size Wonder

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

• Capacity 24 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Dimensions 18" x 7: x 11.5"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell
• Material 840D ballistic nylon 6, 420D HT nylon

• Functions as both a laptop backpack and suitcase
• Well-structured and protected
• Full panel loading access
• Limited colorways

With an understated look that betrays the truly impressive fit and functionality inside, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279) doesn’t need to brag — it knows it’ll tote your kit through the worst of your travel or everyday commutes without missing a beat. This bag is our newly anointed best commuter-style travel backpack.

From a fabrics and materials standpoint, it’s clear that someone at Evergoods truly nerded out when they brewed up this bindle. The 840D ballistic nylon 6 that makes up the exterior of the pack is burly (errantly spilled coffee wipes right off), and complements the thick #10 zippers and spacer-mesh back panel. Even the Evergoods logo is low-key: a simple 2×2” patch on the front of the bag with a slash. That’s it — and we dig it.

Bar none, the Civic Panel Loader has the best laptop sleeve we’ve ever encountered in a backpack, and that’s saying something. The side-accessed zippered aperture can hold a 17” Macbook Pro, and nestles into a fully padded space at the rear of the pack.

This sleeve is suspended from the bottom of the bag, as we’ve seen in many forward-thinking bags, but goes a step further and protects the laptop from the side with an aluminum stay — the primary functionality of which is to support the side handle on the bag. Genius.

The high-polish finish on the CPL24 feels reminiscent of the attention to detail we loved about the Tom Bihn Synapse 25, but we ended up enjoying this pack even more for a simple reason: side carry. The broad handle on the side of the pack is reinforced by that aluminum stay, and it creates a perfectly supported carry for jostling through crowded terminals.

On the interior of the pack, two large pockets are subdivided with a few smaller sleeves and pockets, which are oriented to be accessed with the bag on its side. We carried this pack for a month straight of remote work, lugging it to coffee shops and co-working spaces, and it supplanted all other packs we’ve used previously.

“It’s hard not to love a pack that makes your life easier,” says Senior Editor Nick Belcaster. “This pack does that. Laptop, headphones, notebooks — a whole lot goes into the pack without a care.”

Up there with Nomatic, GORUCK, and Tom Bihn, Evergoods is certainly among the pack-makers that put intelligent design and smart material choice above all else. The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is the final word when it comes to a travel pack you can carry every day. We certainly do.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

• Capacity 27.5 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 9 oz.
• Dimensions 18.9" x 11.4" x 5.9"
• Material 420x2000D Cordura nylon, 135D polyester

• Dang good looking
• High-quality trim and details, including anodized G hooks and supple webbing
• Supper cushioned back panel
• Exterior expandable water bottle pocket is a bit slim
• Pack straps don't stow away.

Pulling off a good expandable backpack can be a tough task, with fabric accordion folds often taking up valuable real estate on the interior when collapsed in lesser bags. Not so with the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), which takes a simple backpack shape and elevates it with premium materials and design to create one of our favorite travel backpacks for tucking under an airliner seat.

Unlike a lot of the pure-function rectangular bags in our lineup, the Never Check is a real looker — easily one of the best styled in our testing so far, and we’d have no qualms about bringing it along as a business bag. Small details like rubber-covered zipper pulls, anodized G hooks, and supple webbing keep it looking sharp. The 27.5-liter size is just about dead-on for most airline ‘personal item’ size requirements, and this bag easily slides under a seat.

The main compartment is accessed through a clamshell zipper on the front of the bag, which is gusseted to hang open while you’re loading it up. During the few national and international flights our Senior Editor Nick Belcaster deployed the bag on, this was easily enough space for everything you might want during a plane ride. And for everything else, a front pocket is lined with multiple drop and zip pockets for organizing small gadgets like chargers or keys.

The back panel of the Never Check is a plush ½-inch of comfortable foam, and combined with the equally padded shoulder straps made for a very nice carrying bag. The straps unfortunately do not stow away, but on a lower volume pack such as this, it’s a much less useable feature in our opinions. 

And finally, one of our favorite features: the wide laptop sleeve. This 15” opening is generous enough to accommodate the larger laptops of today, and is suspended from the bottom of the backpack to ensure bumps don’t turn into bruises.

Just like the name suggests, the Never Check Expandable Backpack provides a svelte solution to bringing a bag with you during airline travel — or even just to the office. Its clean profile and attention to detail impressed us, and it would make an excellent work-to-weekend bag.

Able Carry Max Backpack

• Capacity 30 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 14.4 oz.
• Dimensions 20.4" x 12.6" x 7.9"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell design
• Material X-Pac and 1000D nylon face fabric, ripstop 420D nylon interior

• High-quality fit and finish with top-shelf materials
• Dedicated work compartment is well organized and padded
• Shoulder straps and back panel are cushy Zotefoam
• Fits 17" laptops
• No hipbelt can be nice for storing, but needed for heavy carries
• On the higher end for travel pack pricing

Sporting many of the same features and functionality as the leading travel packs in our review, the Able Carry Max Backpack ($278) leaves little on the cutting room floor, decked out with ultra-durable Cordura nylon and X-Pac materials to pull together a travel pack that you could kick, throw, or loft across the airport to no ill effect. This is one tough pack.

At 30 liters, the only thing not ‘Maxed’ out on the Max is the capacity, which lands at less than the maximum legal carry-on size for most domestic airlines, but will be ideal instead for those who are operating with a little more room in their checked baggage, freeing up the Max for the important stuff. We also find slightly smaller packs such as this fly much easier on worldwide flights, where carry-on sizes can be a bit more diminutive.

That space is wisely dispersed, organized, and split between the laptop and main compartments. The laptop sleeve won’t hold any remote worker back, as it will host up to the 17″ mondo laptops of the modern age. It is flanked by an accessories pocket lined with four stretchy pockets for swaddling your chargers, cords, memory cards, and wireless mouse.

The main compartment leaves the organization up to you and is accessed through a broad clamshell opening that gives you full access to the entire space. A couple of packing cubes won’t go to waste in this space, and while Able Carry doesn’t supply the straps themselves, a couple of daisy chain webbing loops run the length of either side of the interior, meaning you can wrangle unruly items if need be. The back panel tucks away a few more zippered pockets, and a water bottle pocket also collapses away when not needed.

On the exterior, the Max is crisscrossed by seatbelt webbing on almost every facet, which will appeal to those who are looking for a modular pack for attaching and switching kit around as it’s needed. The VX21 X-Pac material is a rough and tumble weave that might not have the slick finish of the canvas on the Peak Design Travel Backpack but is easily as weather and abrasion-proof. We also highly appreciated the 1000D Cordura nylon on the boot of the pack, which made shuffling it around a worry-free exercise.

There are a lot of high-quality travel backpacks in the 30-liter space, and while most all will get the job done, it’s the construction of the Able Carry Max Backpack that keeps drawing us back to it. The stitching on this pack is exact and plentiful and works to hold a number of high-quality materials together in a thoughtful design.

Fully loaded, we did sometimes wish for a removable hip belt to help shoulder the weight a bit, but only the most jammed-full load-outs elicited this desire. For anyone after a dialed-in travel pack, the Max lives up to the name.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack

• Dimensions 22" x 12.8" x 11"
• Material 420D UHMWPE-reinforced ripstop nylon, 100D Robic nylon mini-ripstop

• Incredible density of pockets and sleeves
• Tough UHMWPE outer fabric can be tossed around
• Shoulder straps tuck away in a novel and smart manner
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit tight
• Price is up there

With a pocket or sleeve for pretty much everything, the new Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350) gives the Peak Design Travel Pack a run for its money when it comes to the best overall travel pack. 

Our Managing Editor raved about the GlobeRider after serious testing where she pretty much lived out of it for 3 months: “If you travel often and look for crucial components like internal and external pockets, laptop storage, and backpack and hip straps, consider the Matador GlobeRider 45. It’s a unique design in that the [pack] seems to have it all — every feature I’ve needed so far, both living out of it and in my travels — in a pretty packable size.”

What impressed us most was the way the GlobeRider was able to balance both an eye-watering amount of organization and versatility, and burly durability that ensures that this pack won’t shy away from tough travel conditions. In total (and we double-counted) there are 19 individual pockets on the pack, in all types of stretch mesh, zippered, and collapsible configurations. When good organization is key, the GlobeRider reigns. 

On the back panel of the GlobeRider, one of the more novel stowage systems we’ve seen packs away the shoulder straps and hip belt for when you want to slim down the bag. Two zippered panels — similar to the structure of the Peak Design packs, save for the closure — envelop the straps when not in use, and provide a lump-free panel for toting around. 

When it comes to downsides, the GlobeRider doesn’t miss much. The laptop sleeve aperture is a bit small at 9.5”, which in today’s age of mondo-screened computers may be limiting to some with larger devices. There also is no ability to convert the pack to a shoulder bag like the Patagonia MLC does, which can be handy when moving quickly through the airport.

Dang-near the top of the list, the Matador GlobeRider 45 would be an excellent choice for anyone who practices one-bag travel, or desires to have a place for everything in their journeys. The price does sting a bit, but based on the long-term testing we’ve completed so far, we’ve seen no indications that this pack will fade away anytime soon.

Read Review: I Lived Out of This Backpack for 3-Plus Months: Matador Globerider45 Review

Thule Aion 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 3 oz.
• Dimensions 13" x 9.1" x 20.5"
• Material Waxed P600 polyester canvas

• Maxes out on carry-on-compliant space
• Internal roll-top TPU bag separates the clean from the to-do laundry
• Waxed canvas exterior has a classy look
• Centered side handle carries well
• Well-cushioned back panel
• No shoulder strap stowage option
• No hipbelt on a 40L is pushing it

Better known for their roof boxes and racks, it’s fair to say that Thule knows travel, and the addition of smart, organized, and comfortable travel packs like the Thule Aion 40L ($200) makes all the sense in the world to us. This pack is a finely-honed bag for international and local travel alike, and is decked out in some high-class materials.

Like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC pack, the Aion 40L aims to go for the maximum allowed capacity, and at our measurements (21.5” x 15” x 8”), the pack slides in just half an inch less than the normal 45 linear inches typically allowed. That’s efficient. The space is split up into two main compartments and a laptop sleeve, with the larger opening with a full clamshell zip.

This inner compartment hosts a few zippered pockets and internal compression straps, but the star of the show here is the integrated TPU rolltop bag. This sack can be used to cordon off your liquids (and easily presented for inspection), as well as separate your pile of ‘to-do’ laundry. This reminds us of the ActiveShield compartment in the Gregory Border Traveler pack, but we enjoy the removable aspect here even more. 

Round the back of the pack, the spacer-mesh swaddled laptop sleeve rivals the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader , and has an additional sleeve for items like tablets, notebooks, or chargers. The back panel itself is impressively cushioned (one of the more luxe in our testing) and that extends to the shoulder straps. 

Unfortunately, there’s no shoulder strap-stowage system here, so you’ll have to wrangle those yourself, and while we typically enjoy the lack of a hip belt in smaller travel packs, the absence in a 40-liter pack is a little puzzling. Fully loaded, the Aion could certainly benefit from one, and while a separate sling bag can be added to function as one, you’ll need to fork over $50 for it.

Ranking high up there with your Peak Designs and your Ospreys, the Thule Aion 40L nails the style and material departments, and with a full 40 liters of space on board, has all the room to pack for your week-long trips — no roof box required.

Osprey Archeon 30L

• Weight 3 lbs.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 11.4"
• Compartment access Zippered top-access
• Material 840D ballistic polyester with carbonate coating

• Extra-tough exterior fabric with carbonate coating
• High-polish details such as seatbelt webbing straps
• Mini-wing hipbelt tucks away easily when not needed
• Smart internal storage pockets that lay flat when not needed
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit too snug
• Compression straps lay over the main zipper

First off, one word: Rugged. The Osprey Archeon 30L ($250) is a high-end build that spares little in the material department, and looks dang good while it’s at it. The 30-liter size makes this bag weekend travel-ready, and we greatly appreciated the fit and finish.

The overall design of the Archeon reminds us a good bit of the Peak Design Travel Bag (certainly the all-waterproof exterior zippers and curved side-entry pockets), but it’s the exterior fabric that really impressed. The 840D ballistic polyester is coated with a carbonate polyurethane coating, a bolstered recipe that increases durability by a magnitude over traditional PU coatings. In testing, we wore out before putting a dent in it.

The pack itself breaks down into two main compartments, with the main pocket opening behind a curved clamshell zip (we did have a little trouble with the zipper passing behind the exterior straps. Removing them fixed that). Inside, three expandable tech pockets tuck away all of your small kit, and do a good job of keeping things tidy on the interior.

On the exterior, Osprey doesn’t disappoint when it comes to suspension straps, which are comfortable, adjustable, and stashable. The mini wing-style hip belt earns special praise on packed flights, where we find traditional hip belts to be a hassle to store, and combined with the slick shoulder-strap stash pocket, the Archeon converts to minimal mode in under a minute.

Something the Archeon certainly could use, however, is a slightly larger aperture into the laptop/tech compartment. As-is, the zipper doesn’t quite extend down far enough to truly open up the pocket, and as such it can feel a bit like rummaging around in the dark looking for cords and chargers in the bottom of the pack. Extending these zippers down to the middle of the pack would seem to fix the issue, and we hope a later iteration might address this.

Nonetheless, we were still impressed by the Osprey Archeon 30L . There’s also a 40-liter version if you’re looking for a max-capacity carry-on, and even a smaller 24-liter for kicking around coffee shops day-to-day.

Read Review: Hack Carry-On Rules: Osprey Archeon Kit Gives Power Back to Passengers

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.4 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5" x 14" x 7.5"
• Material 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon

• Overbuilt design with tough materials and chunky zippers
• Plenty of organizational pockets
• Bright interior
• Not the cleanest strap stowage

Chunky zippers, an overhead-savvy profile, and multiple ways to sling it over your shoulder: The Topo Designs Global Travel Pack ($229) has honed in on much of what we love in a travel backpack.

During a recent trip from Seattle to Southern California, we were heavily saddled with the maximum the airline would allow. But this pack made use of every inch of space and reached the allowance of what we could check as our carry-on. The 40 liters of internal capacity is broken down into a series of dividers and pockets, which made condoning off things like electronics from the rest of our kit easy. And the interior of this pack is a cheery canary yellow, which helps with ease and visibility.

On the exterior of this pack, three separate carry styles are available to get you through the concourse in whatever way you choose. We found the full-featured backpack straps to be our go-to, which even sport load-lifters for a comfy carry. This suspension system does tuck away for when you might want to check the bag, though we found the hipbelt to be a bit tricky to fully retract.

Rounding out this travel-ready backpack is a tough build that makes use of 1000D recycled nylon and heavy-duty zippers, and we had no qualms with tossing this bag around during our trip. Perfect for anyone who subscribes to the one-bag travel ethos, the Global Travel Pack from Topo Designs makes the grade for those who want the most out of their carry-on.

And if you’re only going to be away for a short trip, the Global Travel pack is also available in a 30L capacity .

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

• Capacity 28 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 4 oz.
• Dimensions 19" x 12" x 9"
• Material TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester, 840-denier nylon paneling

• Burly exterior material holds up for the long run
• Plenty of zippered mesh storage pockets
• On the heavier side
• TPU-coated nylon can feel grabby

The Allpa 28L Travel Pack ($170) will change the way you travel. It’s sleek, durable, and able to fit an incredible amount of stuff in a small space. The zippered mesh pockets keep clothes organized. And the compression straps maximize what you can pack.

The tough polyester and nylon construction can take a beating without any signs of wear. And we appreciate that the externally accessed, padded laptop sleeve makes pulling out your electronics at security checkpoints a breeze. There’s also a small outer compartment to keep essentials at hand.

You can completely tuck away the backpack straps and carry the pack like a briefcase, or wear it comfortably as a backpack. We’ve stuffed this pack to the gills countless times and have never had a problem with the zippers. Light rain showers or spills roll right off the TPU-coated exterior, but for legit rainstorms, just pull out the included rain cover.

The Allpa also comes in 35L, 42L, 50L, and 70L capacities. As our editor noted in the 42L review , “Building on its fun and functional ethos, Cotopaxi beefs up its bestselling product. The Allpa Travel Pack earns big points for clever design, clean aesthetic, and a surprising number of handy — and hidden — features.”

Yes, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs are an investment, but anyone who travels regularly will find it a worthy one. These powerhouse travel backpacks are sturdy, versatile, and built to last.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

• Capacity 25 L
• Weight 1 lb., 13 oz.
• Dimensions 13.4" x 20" x 9.1"
• Material 400-denier Halcyon, 420-denier nylon ripstop

• Many different fabrics and color schemes are available
• Built to last design and materials
• Removable webbing hip belt
• Suspension doesn’t pack away
• Side wing pockets are a little awkward to access

Refined and clean-looking, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($250) is a high-end travel backpack we just can’t stop staring at. It just looks that good. Made of burly textiles and zippers, this pack was built to stand the test of tough travel and come out shining on the other side.

The Synapse 25 is the larger version of Tom Bihn’s Synapse 19 , a popular backpack made for daily carry. The bump in volume is appreciated in this travel-oriented version and is doled out in one large compartment as well as a set of pockets on the front of the pack.

We found all the pockets easily accessible, save for the side wing pockets. While these were excellent for the organization of smaller bits and bobs, the openings were a bit awkward to jump into.

Topped off by a cushioned suspension (the foam is a half-inch of supple EV50), this travel backpack didn’t weigh us down on long days of travel when fully packed. And when we wanted to go light, even the webbing hip belt was removable. In terms of the ability to bop around town as a daily driver, this pack is up there with the TimBuk2 Never Check (we liked the back panel on this pack the most).

Along with being carry-on compliant, the Synapse is also one of the few bags on our list that are compact enough to fit under most airline seats without hogging too much precious legroom.

Osprey Nebula 32 Daypack

• Capacity 32 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 1.7 oz.
• Dimensions 19.2" x 12.2" x 11.4"
• Material 420-denier recycled nylon

• TSA-compliant laptop sleeve
• Many options for organization
• Water bottle pockets fit 32 oz. bottles
• Need to release two buckles in order to unzip the main pocket all the way

When it comes to backpacks, Osprey has put in the time — and it shows. The Nebula 32 ($140) feels like all the brand’s most popular packs morphed into one. Most of all, we love how it seamlessly goes from city streets to trails.

This backpack can do it all, whether you’re hauling your laptop and books around town; water, food, and layers on an easy hike; or all of the above and then some for a weekend away.

The internal storage pockets are great for organizing all of your things for easy access. And while the Nebula 32 is top-loading, the main pocket opens up wide enough so you won’t have to unload everything to get to the one thing you want at the bottom. The sternum strap and hip belt are comfortable as well, especially when carrying a heavy load.

On smaller volume packs like this, sometimes design concessions need to be made to accommodate all the functionality, and on the Nebula, it’s in the side compression straps. Like on the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, the compression system of the pack overlays across the main compartment zipper, meaning you’ll need to undo some straps before rifling around in the storage area. Not a deal breaker, but a little annoying when the TSA line starts to back up behind you.

Overall, the Nebula 32 won’t disappoint if you make it your go-to smaller-volume travel backpack.

Travel Backpack Comparison Chart

How We Tested Travel Backpacks

The staff of GearJunkie is a hot-footed bunch, restlessly plodding across the country or around the globe in search of adventure and whatever else comes our way. And we have a lot of stuff, which necessitates having a travel bag or four in the stable.

Surely any old bindle will do in carrying your kit around, but having a travel backpack that is dialed into the needs of travel can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. We’ve been testing travel backpacks since 2019 and have put the market slice through the wringer on thousands of miles of travel to weed out the best of the best.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has a zeal for international travel, and he leads up our current travel pack testing, logging almost 10,000 flying miles in the last year alone. From Iceland to Utah, Belcaster has carried these packs and lived out of them for weeks, relying on them to support back-to-back travel excursions.

In testing, we looked for a number of features in our travel backpacks, including overall capacity, carry style, durability, and aesthetics. It’s important to think about how you’ll use your travel pack, and as such, every pack on our list is carry-on compliant for the worst-case scenario.

We know no trip will be like the next, so we took a broad swath of the travel backpacks on the market in order to create a list that will suit many different travelers. Packs in hand, over our shoulders, or on our backs, we hit the four corners and tested the best travel backpacks of 2024.

Curious about what we pack in our travel backpacks? We’ve penned up a list for both domestic and international trips .

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Travel Backpack

Travel backpack user profiles.

The International Jet-Setter: The term ‘One Bag Travel’ is no stranger to you, and you’ve just about got your life distilled down into 45 liters of space. If international travel is your bag, then a backpack that’s up to the task will be essential to see you through to further time zones.

Efficiency will be the name of the game here, and going with a pack that is dang-near the carry-on maximums for international flights will mean you can make it through without checking a bag. Look for near to 45-liter packs with plenty of organization baked in, as well as a comfortable (and stashable) carry system.

For international travel, the bag we reach for most often had to be the Peak Design Travel Backpack , with a razor-thin second place going to the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack . For an emphasis on organization, the Matador SEG45 splits up the volume well, and if you’ll be schlepping bags around a long way, the Osprey Farpoint & Fairview Packs have all the Osprey suspension we love.

The Weekend Warrior: Maybe it’s a work trip, and maybe it’s just for fun, but it’s only going to take 2-3 days total, and you’ll need a bag that can pack it in. For weekend excursions, we find packs in the 25-35 liter range work well for the minimalists among us, and the 30-40 liter range for those who like a bit more options.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is easily one of the most stylish packs in our review, only slightly edged out by the Timbuk2 Never Check , and both make the grade for a single overnighter in a foreign locale. For a bit more space, you can’t go wrong with the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L , a fun pack that is a lot tougher than the multi-colored exterior would let on.

The Commuter: No flight involved! Duty calls, and sometimes you’ll need to lug around a bit more kit than the old briefcase can allow for. Commuting with a travel backpack is a great way to stay comfortable on longer rides, as shoulder and handbags are cumbersome over the long run. Focus on a bag with a more traditional backpack shape that puts an emphasis on ease-of-access, and is in the 20-30L range.

For bumping around town, we’ve come to love the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24 , which not only lugs our remote office around with ease, but also looks pretty slick doing it. The drawstring opening here is a huge boon for quickly stashing a jacket, and the tough exterior fears no weather forecast. For a budget just-get-it-done choice, the JanSport Journey Pack will make it happen for less.

The right size pack for you depends on a few things. First, where are you going? And, how long do you plan to stay? Winter travel often comes with more gear, so you’ll need to pack extra layers. Longer trips often require larger bags.

That said, your personal packing style will be the most important factor. We know minimalists who happily travel for months with only a single backpack in tow and others who want the largest travel backpack possible in addition to a totally stuffed duffel bag . One method isn’t better than the other, but knowing your style is helpful when choosing a bag.

In general, we’ve found that something in the 28-45 liter range is ideal for comfort and packability. Many packs will also offer a compression system to allow you to limit the overall volume of the backpack. We’ve seen many different ways to accomplish this, but the most effective by far were the button snaps and expanding zipper of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Packs toward the 40-45 liter range will be your carry-on bags of choice, and the 45-liter Peak Design, Patagonia MLC , and Matador GlobeRider are perfect for maxing out your allowed space. The 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs give up a little internal room for the luxe suspension system they’re carried with.

Packs in the smaller end of the range, from around 25-30 L, make better personal items, and the TimBuk2 Never Check , Tom Bihn Synapse , and Patagonia Black Hole backpacks all fit snugly underneath an airliner seat. These small bags move through a city gracefully and look more like everyday carry backpacks than traditional luggage.

What good would a bag be if you couldn’t get into it? From a simple drawstring to a thicket of Velcro and zippers, there are plenty of ways to keep your bag closed while you’re on the go, but not every one will be amenable to travel.

Zippered Clamshells: Most travel backpacks will use a clamshell-style design that opens up the backpack like a suitcase, allowing you to pack intentionally as opposed to stuffing things in. Oftentimes, an internal strap system will help keep your items contained while you’re on the move.

Packs with this clamshell design may also opt to add internal dividers to the main storage area, and make these dividers removable — should you need the entire storage area uninhibited. For packs without internal dividers or straps, consider adding a few packing cubes to keep your items organized.

In addition to the rear entry, some backpacks will offer additional entry points through the top or front of the pack. This can be helpful when you need to quickly retrieve something like a passport from your bag, without the need to totally spill the contents. The majority of packs in our review close in this clamshell manner, and a few of our favorites are the Peak Design Travel Backpack , Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs , and Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack .

Zippered Top-Access: Much like many traditional backpacks, zippered top-access packs load and unload from the topside, and generally only offer one point of entry/egress into the pack. For this reason, packs of this flavor are generally left packed during travel, as digging around for something at the bottom can be a hassle.

Bags of this stripe, including the uber-nice Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and expandable Timbuk2 Never Check , most often make better personal items over carry-ons, as their smaller volumes make for easier searching within.

Drawstring Top-Entry: While not quite as common as a zippered clamshell or top-access pack, drawstring top-entry packs can make for very quick and easy access to your kit if you’re on the move. These packs will integrate an extended fabric collar to the top of the storage area, which can be compressed when needed, or overstuffed with bulky items like jackets.

Carrying Options

There are plenty of ways to lug your kit to your boarding gate, but not all of them will be comfortable for everything. Over-shoulder backpack straps can support a good bit of weight but typically will need some type of frame to truly be supportive. The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs were the best-carrying packs in our testing, owed largely to the wire frame and Airscape mesh back panels, but we also enjoyed the carry of the aluminum frame stays on the Matador GlobeRider.

A shoulder strap travel backpack, like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L , can be slung across your body and provide a great amount of accessibility on the go. Don’t expect to carry too much weight this way, however.

And then there’s the classic suitcase style, easily towed anywhere. It’s good to note many travel backpacks will have stowable straps to better streamline the pack for a trip through an X-ray machine or stowed under a seat. The strap storage design of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L impressed us most of all, utilizing magnetic closure flaps to pack away the shoulder and hip straps neatly.

Pockets & Organization

There’s an organizational saying: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” And we couldn’t agree more. Keeping track of everything while you travel is key for organization. And while more pockets always seem better, there is a threshold where having too many simply becomes more places to misplace things. Instead, we recommend packs with three to six pockets.

The Cotopaxi Allpa and Topo Designs Global Travel Bags both have ingenious inner organization systems complete with large zipping “pockets.” It has just enough space to find room for everything but not so many compartments that you’ll be hunting all day for your misplaced passport. For even more organization, the Matador SEG45 splits into five different segments that are accessible from the exterior of the pack.

Bringing along a laptop is a necessary evil for some travelers, and having an incorporated laptop sleeve in your travel backpack can keep it safe during travel. Most laptop sleeves will be padded with some type of foam and nestle in close to the back for maximum protection. In order to be TSA-compliant, a laptop sleeve will need to fold entirely flat away from the pack to be scanned.

Because flying with liquids over 3.4 ounces is prohibited in the U.S., carrying all of these items in a separate toiletry bag can make your foray into the screening line a breeze. Many of the packs on our list incorporate many external pockets where such a bag could be stashed and produced when needed.

Travel luggage takes a beating, so durability is a top concern. Luckily, gear manufacturers realize this and are making increasingly burly yet portable packs. The fan-favorite Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L pack is made with a 900-denier ripstop nylon outer with a TPU laminate for extra durability. It’s nearly indestructible, water-resistant, and versatile.

If you’re traveling somewhere with inclement weather or if your pack needs to double as a climbing bag or hiking pack, durability is extra important. And it’s worth paying more for a backpack that is water-resistant.

Space Efficiency & Carry-On Compliance

Astute observers will note many of the packs in our review sport a rectangular shape, which is certainly due to designers aspiring to create a more space-efficient pack. This isn’t to say that more shapely packs won’t make it happen, but when you’re struggling to make every liter of space count, maximizing dimensions matters.

Carry-on luggage is any bag that you plan on bringing into an airplane and storing in the overhead bins. Because space is limited, airlines dictate the maximum size that any carry-on can be. In the U.S., the most common size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). However, this is just a rough guideline; some airlines differ from these dimensions, and you should refer to their information directly.

In general, these dimensions provide a travel backpack with around 40-45 liters of internal volume, so buying a pack that’s as close to that as possible will provide the most space allowed. Many of the packs on our list have the ability to compress to a smaller size, such as the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L .

Be mindful as well, that any protrusions from your travel pack such as shoulder straps or handles will also need to fall within the maximum allowed size. Many travel backpacks today incorporate some type of strap-stowing ability, such as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design packs, the zippered cover of the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, and the hybrid zipper/panel of the Matador GlobeRider 45. All of these provide a more streamlined profile that should both hit the mark, and fit better into overhead bins.

Travel backpacks run the gamut of prices — from affordable to downright pricey. There are a number of factors that play into what you get for the money.

Budget-Minded Travel Packs

Travel backpacks, as a category, are generally a bit pricer than your average luggage, as they incorporate tough materials that can put up with extensive wear over the lifespan. Travel is tough on bags, so it’s unsurprising that even budget travel backpacks will cost you around $100-150.

These packs often will incorporate more traditional architectures such as a zippered top access, as opposed to the more complicated (and spendy) full-zip clamshell designs. For example, the JanSport Journey Pack ($95) is pretty much your average school bag.

Volumes, too, will be a bit limited in this price range — added material adds cost. The 32-liter Osprey Nebula ($140) is about the best price-to-volume ratio you can get.

Mid-Range Travel Packs

Mid-range packs make up the bread and butter of travel packs, and can be had for around $150 to $200. These designs are often more of the full carry-on variety, and aim to capitalize on permitted volume as much as possible. The 45-liter Matador SEG45 ($200), Patagonia Black Hole MLC ($239), 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview ($185), and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ($229) all shoehorn in just about as much space as a friendly gate agent will let you get away with.

For the price, you also get a good variety of functionality that makes travel easier, such as stowable pack straps, interior segmented pockets and sleeves (done excellently on the $170 Cotopaxi Allpa ), and an external compression system that limits the space your bag takes up. Some packs, like the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), don’t exactly hit these parameters, but instead make up for it in high-quality design and materials.

Premium Travel Packs

Above $250, you’re likely paying for premium materials or a to-the-hilt design that leaves absolutely nothing on the cutting room floor. The Peak Design Travel Backpack ($300) is a great example, and utilizes super high-quality nylon canvas, custom aluminum hardware, and supple seatbelt material webbing in its build, as well as fitting in just about every conceivable feature you could want in a travel pack. The same can be said of the Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350), which uses high-tech UHMPWE-reinforced materials and sports a total of 19 pockets.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($250) is a bit of an outlier, as it commands a high dollar amount not for the extreme amount of space it offers or amount of features, but for being a hyper-customizable, hand-made bag that uses the nicest textiles available, as well as the best zippers, webbing, and foam in its design. If you’re a fan of the finest materials, this is your daily driver pack.

What Is One Bag Travel?

The ‘One Bag Travel’ ethos and travel backpacks go hand-in-hand. Simply put, to travel in one-bag style is to be minimalist in your luggage choices, and only take what you can carry onto the plane/train/pack animal. Not only does this do away with the fuss of deciding what exactly to bring along with you, but it also allows for breezing through airports — skipping the need to check baggage, wait at baggage claim, or fear for lost luggage.

In order to most effectively travel with one bag, be sure to read up on exactly the baggage size allowances provided by your transportation. This can affect both overall size and weight, and having an expandable pack is a large benefit here. In this way, you can carry just enough to skirt through under the limit, and then expand the bag when you’ve hit your destination for more breathing room. If you aim for a 35-40 liter backpack, you’ll be right on the money for one-bag travel.

Finally, remember that this bag is going to be the only item of luggage you’ve got, so ensure it’ll be comfortable enough for the long haul. Look for padded back panels and hip belts that’ll transfer the load correctly, and if they stash away — all the better.

Our team unanimously agrees that the best travel backpack is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . It’s extremely durable, and it offers plenty of organizational pockets to stash your kit away in. The clamshell opening makes packing a breeze, and we really appreciated the unique shoulder strap storage options available to turn the pack into a stripped-down bag that would slide into any overhead compartment.

The best size bag for traveling depends largely on your travel itinerary and mode of transport. The Cotopaxi Allpa packs range from 28 to 42 liters.

The 28-liter option makes for a compact and comfortable backpack that easily fits in overhead airplane compartments. The 42-liter option is a bit more like carrying a duffel bag on your back, but it still manages to fit in overhead compartments. It’s a great option for maximizing carry-on capacity in backpack form.

While both have their place in travel, a backpack can offer some advantages over a suitcase. Since they’re much more portable, backpacks can be brought to many more places where a suitcase won’t work. Suitcases can be your large load carriers, but a good travel backpack gives you the freedom to strike out on daily adventures.

Travel backpacks absolutely can be carry-on luggage, given they meet the size requirements. In the U.S., the most common maximum size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). But this is only a common size, and different airlines will have different specifics. Consult with your airline specifically to determine what they allow.

While different body types will find different travel packs comfortable, we can all agree that a good support system and ample foam make for a comfortable carry. In our own testing, we found the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Travel Packs were by far the most comfortable due to their plush suspension systems.

Because many different airlines operate a slate of different planes, there isn’t a standard under-seat luggage size, although there is an average: 16 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches. Some airlines allow personal items larger than this, but you should consult with their customer service for specifics. Our favorite personal item-sized travel pack was the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack , which, at 24 liters compressed, easily slides under a seat.

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

Whether you’re headed to the office, class, or even the trailhead, here’s our top picks for the best laptop backpacks of 2024.

The Best Daypacks of 2024

We tested the best daypacks of 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include Osprey, Cotopaxi, and more.

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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Strong and Protective

Peak design travel backpack 45l reviewed in 2024.

We gave our Gear Lovers one job: Find the best and most popular products and review them.

Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.

Where to buy:

Where to buy peak design travel backpack 45l:.

Peak Design hits all the marks with its 45 L Travel Backpack and comes in as one of our favorite travel bags. This sturdy, versatile bag will keep you comfortably on the move from sea to shining sea.

Whether you are journeying for work or pleasure, the Travel Backpack has well thought out features for ease of use and comfort. Fitting in your work gear, computer, and tech equipment is just as easy as packing a weekend’s worth of clothes and toiletries. And you can expand or compress the bag depending on each trip’s needs.

It has a high price point for a reason. With a strong build and high-quality, rugged materials , you can feel the durability from the moment you pick it up. There was not much we found to complain about his bag.

It is a heavy bag, and we were concerned the hip belt wouldn’t supply the necessary support for heavy loads. But it is the bag our editors grab when they head out with their camera gear.

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

• Material: Weatherproof, 100 % recycled, 400D Nylon, DWR, and double poly coated water-resistant Shell; 900D Nylon Waterproof Bottom Liner; Anodized Aluminum hardware; Ultrazips and abrasion-resistant thread; Hypalon zip pulls
• 30-Liter Compressed Dimension: 21” x 13” x 5.5”
• 35-Liter Default Dimension: 22” x 13” x 9.5”
• 45-Liter Expanded Dimension: 21” x 13” x 11”
• Weight: 4.5 lbs.
• Colors: Sage, Black
• Ideal for: Multi-Day Travel, Office Use, Photographers

A Well-Organized Heavy-Duty Travel Backpack

With the Peak Design Travel Backpack, you get a modern low-profile design, flexible and organized storage space, durability you can count on, and many unique features.

With the combination of weatherproof and 100% recycled 400D and 900D nylon and tough and clean stitching, there’s no need to worry about your bag ripping or your things getting wet.

The rigidity of the entire bag also makes it an ideal camera companion . Peak Design has camera cubes available to safely store your camera gear and accessories.

Its comfortable backpack strap system is completely stowable in magnet-locked panels for compact carrying when you don’t need the straps. This is perfect for when you want to put the bag on your rolling luggage and give your shoulders a break.

The bag’s capacity is flexible, with compression snaps on the top section and expansion zip sections to give you the packing space you need. You can choose between 30 liters, 35 liters, and 45 liters. And no matter how much storage space you opt to use, there are lots of zipped compartments and secret pockets to keep your items organized .

Construction and Design

The Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack comes with technical-grade materials. Its 400D nylon shell is strong and durable, and the 900D waterproof bottom liner ensures your items stay safe and dry. Both offer tear and abrasion resistance. With a high denier count at the bottom of the bag, it feels like rubber to touch, a tell-tale sign it can withstand abuse.

When it comes to the zips, Peak Design is not messing around. They are using proprietary UltraZips, which have more tear resistance and glide around corners easier. The glide was slow but felt strong and secure, and there were a few halt points when trying to move the zippers fast.  But all in all, like the rest of the bag, they felt indestructible.

The Hypalon pull tabs are big enough to use a travel lock to secure the pulls together, providing a bit more security. The stitching is clean and reinforced , giving the seams excellent strength to hold together an overloaded bag.

Harness System

The Peak Design Travel Backpack harness system has a clever design. You get the basics – thickly padded shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap, and a hip belt with a zipper pocket. The hip belt connects with a g-clip which is fiddly, and to be totally honest, the whole hip belt is difficult to adjust and does not seem to help carry the load. But the weight displacement design of the bag is quite comfortable even without that added support when loaded with a 16” laptop, 2 camera bodies, 4 lenses, a speedlight, and multiple other photography accessories.

There are also lash points for your sunglasses. But what makes this bag stand out is how neatly and compactly the straps can be stowed away in the magnet-locked back panel. 

Plenty of Ways to Carry

Peak Design covered the Travel Backpack with grab handles. You’ll find them in every direction- top, bottom, sides, and back. No matter how you want to grab and carry your travel bag, there’s a handle for you. The one at the back also doubles as a pass-through for your luggage’s handle. It’s the same feature we enjoyed when we tested out the Osprey Sojourn Porter and  The Stubble and Co Adventure Bag .

With options from 30, 35, and 45 liters, the Peak Design Travel Backpack has you covered no matter how much you need to pack for your next trip. Whether it’s a weekend in Miami or a week in Aspen , its flexible capacity helps you go from one adventure to another.

Main Compartment

You have three ways to access the main compartment of the Peak Design 45 L Travel Backpack, from the dual side loading or the main clamshell opening.

The clamshell design offers you full access to all of your items, and you have everything in sight. But to do so, you need to lay the bag on its front. It’s a common compromise you make with clamshell travel backpacks. We also experienced this with the Gregory Border Traveler . Essentially, the only time you’ll manage to have full access is once you reach your destination.

We’re glad Peak Design decided to have side-loading zipper access on both sides . There’s no need to worry about which strap to swing down if there was only one side access.

It is a perk that every photographer will love. You can swing your backpack to your front, and voila! Grab your camera through the side access—no need to remove the entire bag to get your gear.

Camera Cube Accessories

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is compatible with their Peak Design Camera Cubes (sold separately). The bag itself has sturdy construction that feels very protective, but with the added protection and organization the Camera Cubes provide, you will have the utmost confidence your gear is safe.

The medium cube and small cube fit perfectly in the Travel Backpack . Within the cubes, there were movable spacers to design the storage compartments to best suit your gear. There was more than enough room for everything we needed.

Laptop Sleeve

Inside the main compartment, you’ll find a built-in laptop sleeve that can accommodate laptop sizes up to 16 inches . There is padding, and the Velcro seal holds securely.

This Peak Design bag comes with a clamshell opening, but the laptop sleeve is well placed to still grab on the go. You can easily slide it out at airport security by only unzipping the top of the main opening of the backpack.

Front Compartment

The front compartment of Peak Design is spacious enough for any quick grab items you may want – your book, glasses, headphones, cords. On the lid, there’s a zipped mesh pocket on top with accessory slots . Under it is another medium-sized zipped pocket.

From the front compartment to the main compartment, there is a pocket section that can be zipped down and stowed . If you want the to use this section with its extra 2 pockets, they have pass-through zippers and can be accessed from inside the bag as well, which is perfect when you are using the main compartment.

Your passport, some cash, IDs, anything you need quick access to can sit inside the top pocket. It’s also low-profile, giving Peak Design Travel Backpack a clean look.

Magnet-Locked Bottom Pocket

Here, you’ll see a couple of carry straps stowed inside. You can attach them to the top loops for quick storage and access to a coat or sweater. You can quickly stow the straps inside the pocket when not in use, and the magnet seal auto-locks .

Large Side Pockets

The Travel Backpack from Peak Design provides you with large, expandable side pockets for your tripod or  water bottles . Tall jugs like the YETI Rambler Water Bottle won’t have any trouble fitting in here. But small ones may be tricky to easily access since the holsters are deep.

Since you have lots of room, these side pockets can also accommodate your selfie stick , or perhaps a rolled-up windbreaker for just-in-case situations.

The large side pockets also have secret pockets. These may be more discreet for your passport and wallet . Although anything bulky does affect the space available in the side pocket.

Compression and Expansion

Another feature of the Peak Design Travel Backpack that manages to edge out its competition is its flexibility.

The default mode of this bag can accommodate 35 liters. If you are not carrying much and want to compress it down and have a lower profile , you can snap the top section together, sizing that area down 6 inches. Be aware the snaps are a little hard to snap together and tend to undo themselves easily. For additional packing space, zip open the side expansion sections , and you get 45-liter maxed-out capacity.

The Last Travel Backpack You Will Need to Buy

For roughly $300, Peak Design’s 45L Travel Backpack is a high-end product. But with a lifetime warranty and construction that feels indestructible, it is designed so you will not need another travel backpack again.

There are plenty of customizable features, from capacity to organization to even how you carry it and access the compartments. This bag from Peak Design is so functional and easy to use , it’s kind of fun finding new ways to put it to the test.

It’s a great investment if you’re searching for a long-term travel backpack that can adapt to any travel lifestyle.

Related Reviews

Read full review

Frequently asked questions

Using a damp cloth with mild soap on affected areas is the most recommended. If that doesn’t work, use a soft brush and rinse using warm water. Repeat until the dirt/stain is gone. Let it air dry.

Never machine-wash your Peak Design backpack.

Although currently based in San Francisco, Peak Design has two overseas factories, in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, and another in Gongguan, China. The first focuses on soft products like bags and cubes while the latter manufactures hard items such as mobile phone and camera accessories.

The 400D nylon shell alone is already highly water-resistant. Even the zippers can endure the rain. The 900D bottom lining is completely waterproof.

They produce sleek-looking and durable products you can rely on. Peak Design is taking over the photography scene with its high-quality camera-compatible bags. Popular brands like Sony even collaborated to innovate products that complement their camera units.

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Gallery of peak design travel backpack 45l review.

The bag has good weight displacement even when fully loaded

Stowable external carry straps

The laptop sleeve is padded and has a velcro hold to keep your laptop secure.

The medium and small Peak Design Camera Cubes fit all of our gear and fit perfectly in the 45L Travel Backpack

Side access pockets – great for photographers!

Snap the top down to compress the bag, or open the expansion zips if you need more space

Secret zip pockets in the large side slip pockets may be a more discreet way to carry valuables

Flexible packing capacity

Stow the straps and give the bag a ride on your wheelie bag

No zipper strain on the fully loaded Peak Design Travel Backpack

Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400D nylon shell and 900D waterproof bottom liner

The inner front compartment pockets have pass through openings to be able to access from both bag openings

A low profile top pocket for your small essentials

Peak Design’s Medium and Small Camera Cubes perfectly fit in the Travel Backpack to keep your gear protected and organized

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The 11 Best Carry-on Travel Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These spacious and comfortable carry-on backpacks can easily replace a suitcase.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Skip the stress of checking a bag or lugging a traditional carry-on suitcase around an airport by adding a carry-on backpack to your travel gear. Practical, functional, and hassle-free, a carry-on backpack can fit up to a week’s worth of clothes, depending on your wardrobe and packing prowess. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or embarking on a weekend getaway, this style helps make your trip as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

We evaluated 89 carry-on backpacks in more than seven separate tests in our New York City lab and even utilized our airplane set — complete with a row of real plane seats and overhead storage bins — during the process. We then took each bag out into the world for at least six months to test its worth on a variety of trips.

Why I'm the Expert

After taking part in every single backpack test we've done since 2022, personally testing more than 50 bags, and even owning two packs from this list, including our best overall winner, I'm confident there is a carry-on backpack for every type of traveler here.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

I've used this pack for over four years and I'm confident I can fit more in it than a carry-on.

There isn’t a designated water bottle holder.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack earned our top pick as the best carry-on backpack with its perfect performance in all categories of our testing. We loved its high capacity and thought the unstructured style was ideal for wedging clothes into every corner, maximizing packing space in the clamshell-style compartments. The shell is made of a TPU-coated 1000D polyester with a rubbery feel, and although it feels resistant to liquids, the backpack comes with a rain cover to ensure that your belongings stay dry while traveling. Handles on all four sides of the backpack make it easy to carry and lift into an overhead bin from any angle. The only downside to the bag is that it doesn't have a water bottle holder on the sides, so you'll have to carry one or try to fit it in the top pocket in the front.

During testing, we weren't surprised to see that the durable-feeling materials weren't damaged at all after we repeatedly tossed the bag onto the ground. Aside from testing this bag in our lab, I personally own it and have used it for countless trips in the last four years. The quality hasn't wavered in the slightest and I typically reach for the bag since I can fit more than I could in a carry-on. Plus, with the rising costs of bringing luggage on an airplane, this bag has been a real money-saver since I can usually fit my personal items inside, too.

The Details: 35 liters | 20 x 12 x 8 inches | 3.8 pounds | TPU-coated 1000D polyester, nylon | Padded laptop sleeve

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
• PHOTO: Travel + leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best for Long Trips

Away the outdoor convertible backpack 45l.

We love how comfortable it is on your shoulders and back thanks to the soft materials and cushioned shoulder straps.

At nearly 22 inches tall, this pack may be too long for those with shorter torsos.

You'll be surprised by just how spacious this backpack is. The main compartment opens up like a clam shell for easy access to items that allowed us to fit an entire four-day packing list with ease — plus a few extra items. There are multiple large compartments, compression straps, and a few pockets in this backpack that are ideal for organizing clothes, gear, and accessories. While the 45-liter backpack can grow heavy when completely filled, the padded shoulder straps are supportive and keep you comfortable when walking for long periods of time. Plus, the convenient duffel handles allow you to switch up your carrying style if you do grow fatigued.

This backpack also sports a well-padded laptop sleeve that protected our testing laptop when we threw the fully packed bag off a counter three times. There was also no sign of rips, scuffs, or tears in the bag's fabric after our tests. This water- and abrasion-resistant backpack would be perfect for avid travels who are looking for a sleek backpack to take them from city explorations to camping adventures.

The Details: 45 liters | 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | 3.32 pounds | Water-resistant

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best With Packing Cubes

Asenlin 40l travel backpack.

It’s spacious and comes with three packing cubes to stay organized while traveling. 

After six months of use, the bag is scuffed up with noticeable scratches.

Perfect for travelers on a budget, the Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack impressed us with its packing features and comfortable fit. We thought the bag provided excellent organization thanks to the interior and exterior compression that provided extra room for packing. The backpack comes with three different packing cubes in small, medium, and large. We also like that this backpack includes both a suitcase strap and a handle to hold it horizontally. The backpack itself also features straps inside and a laptop sleeve to easily hold down items and pack electronics.

The design didn’t blow us away like those from some of the more costly brands, but it does have a laptop sleeve and a water bottle holder. We also liked the flexibility of being able to wear the Asenlin as a backpack, hold it like a briefcase, or use the trolley sleeve to slide it onto a roller suitcase’s handle. However, a bigger adjustment range for the chest strap would have been ideal. During our durability tests, the backpack didn’t scuff or show signs of damage. We think this budget pick is well worth the low price for those looking to get a durable, comfortable, and spacious carry-on backpack. 

The Details: 40 liters | 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | 2.7 pounds | Polyester | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best for Photographers

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

You can access the main compartment on the bag from four different exterior zippers.

This is one of the most expensive backpacks on our list.

This 45-liter backpack has a main compartment that is spacious enough to fit clothes for at least four days, and its expansive design is helpful for packing bulky items like jackets and shoes. Placing the clothes and shoes into the bag during testing was efficient and simple thanks to a removable divider sleeve and compression straps to hold everything down securely. Designed with photographers in mind, this backpack functions similarly to a camera bag . It can fit camera cubes, and it has four points of entry to the main compartment, allowing travelers to quickly grab clothes or accessories without unzipping the backpack. There is a padded laptop sleeve and stretchy side pockets for water bottles or a camera tripod. 

Peak Design didn’t let any space go to waste on its backpack, so even the hip belt has a small pocket on it for storage and can be packed away when you’re not looking for extra support. It’s also easy to adjust all of the straps to prevent weight imbalances and pinching. Made of weatherproof and water-resistant recycled nylon, the bag held up perfectly after we tossed it on the ground, showing no signs of scuffs or damage — exactly what you want in a durable backpack . Although the price of this bag is steep, it comes with plenty of helpful features for travelers, and the stellar performance leads us to believe that it would last a long time. 

  The Details: 45 liters | 13 x 22 x 9.5 inches | 4.8 pounds | Nylon, polyester | Laptop sleeve | Expandable

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Compression

Tropicfeel shell backpack.

It features adjustable straps to change the bag's size and a removable compressing wardrobe organizer.

The handle on the top of the bag wasn’t as comfortable to hold onto as we hoped. 

We love this backpack’s thoughtful features geared toward all types of travelers. The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack has the ability to store up to 42 liters worth of clothing for a weekend or week-long trip, but you can also use it as a 20-liter backpack for day trips, sightseeing, and everyday use.

After regularly using the bag for six months, we found it to be incredibly sturdy and durable. We had no issues fitting our full packing list and found that there was plenty more room thanks to the variety of adjustable buckled straps that allow you to adjust the size of the bag. You can loosen the front buckle to allow the roll-up opening flap to expand to fit more items, and there is a kangaroo pouch at the bottom of the backpack that provides an additional six liters of space for shoes or other items you want to keep separate. There’s also a padded compartment in the back of the backpack that can fit laptops up to 17 inches long and a removable compressing wardrobe organizer that can be hung in a closet when you reach your destination.

We thought the backpack was comfortable to wear after adjusting the shoulder and waist straps, but we found that it might take some effort to get the buckles into your desired setting. The Shell Backpack didn’t show any signs of damage throughout testing, and the material is weather-proof. For travelers looking to add upgrades to their backpacks, the brand has an organization system and accessory pouches that you can add on for additional fees. If you need an all-in-one backpack, we think this backpack’s versatility makes it well worth the higher cost. Bonus, if you want a sustainable backpack , this one is made from made 100 percent recycled nylon and 64 percent recycled polyester. 

The Details: 20 to 42 liters | 12 x 20 x 7.5 inches | 3.3 pounds | Recycled polyester

Best Organization

Topo designs global travel bag 30l.

There are tons of pockets and a laptop compartment to help you organize your belongings.

After six months of use, we noticed the bag can feel quite heavy if packed full.

Packing for a trip can often feel tedious, but the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L helps make it easy and efficient. We loved how convenient it is to store a laptop up to 15 inches in the padded compartment in the back of the bag, and there are two front pockets for easy access to a tablet or phone charger. There are a ton of compartments and pockets that offer plenty of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes, with places to stash cords, travel documents, electronics, water bottles, and more.

The adjustable shoulder straps and straps that go across the chest and waist help evenly distribute the backpack's weight, making it more comfortable to carry around, although we noticed during our long-term testing that the bag can still feel heavy if you pack it completely full. The 100 percent recycled nylon material felt durable and would likely stay in good condition over time. 

The Details: 30 liters | 12.5 x 20 x 7 inches

Best Expandable

Nomatic travel pack.

The expandable zippers add an extra 3.5 inches of space which increases the capacity to 30 liters.

Some of the pockets feel unnecessary.

The Nomatic Travel Pack is the ultimate versatile carry-on backpack thanks to its expandable zippers that add an extra 10 liters of space. Ideal for an overnight trip or a long weekend getaway, the bag has a variety of pockets and compartments to efficiently organize shoes, clothes, accessories, and technology. While the number of pockets on the interior was a bit overwhelming at first, travelers who like to be extra organized will appreciate the designated padded laptop sleeve, sunglasses case, discrete passport pocket, and plethora of slip and zippered pockets in the main compartment. The handles and padded shoulder straps are comfortable for carrying the bag, and the small-to-medium size of the backpack makes it super comfortable to carry since it doesn’t feel bulky or heavy. We used this bag on a variety of international trips throughout four months of testing, and it still looks new, despite rough handling and being shoved under airplane seats.

The Details: 20 liters (expands to 30 liters) | 18.5 x 12 x 6-9.5 inches | 4.16 pounds | 16-inch laptop pocket

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure/Jessica Juliao

Matein Travel Backpack

It has several compartments for keeping clothing, shoes, tech, and accessories organized.

The materials feel a little lower in quality than other backpacks we tried.

If you’re not ready to invest in a pricier carry-on backpack, you can always dip your toes with this functional and spacious one for under $60. This 40-liter backpack has one large main compartment that can fit several tops, bottoms, and a toiletry case without any issues. We particularly love the separate footwear compartment to prevent the bottom of your shoes from coming into contact with clean clothes and that storage can even fit pairs up to size 12. In addition, there is a laptop pocket and a large front pocket with spots to put items like phone chargers, headphones, and other small accessories that could get lost easily. Compared to the pricier bags we tried, this one feels a bit lower in quality, but none of the nylon fabric tore and scuffed during our durability tests, so we still think this bag has a good lifespan ahead of it. 

The Details: 40 liters | 20 x 13 x 8 inches | 2 pounds | Water-repellent nylon

Best Waterproof

Tortuga travel backpack.

This bag is crafted from 100 percent recycled and waterproof material to protect your belongings in bad weather.

The bag can feel a bit heavy to carry when it’s fully packed.

If you’re traveling somewhere with a rainy climate, you’ll want a carry-on backpack like this one from Tortuga that can ward off the elements. It’s made with the brand’s 100 percent recycled and waterproof Shell200 or “sailcloth” material to protect your belongings and prevent bad weather from putting a serious damper on your trip. During a rainy overnight camping trip, the Tortuga Travel Backpack essentially sat in a puddle for hours, yet none of our gear or clothing inside got wet at all, and the bag was easy to clean with just a wet cloth.

This is a seriously spacious bag at 40 liters, so we found that you can seamlessly fit a week’s worth of clothing (or more) between the two clamshell compartments. Because of the split style of the bag, packing it up is hassle-free since it’s easy to see exactly how much space is left on each side. And if you run out of space in the main compartments, there are top, front, and side exterior pockets to store a laptop, accessories, water bottles, and more items that you’ll want to have handy while traveling.

The Details: 40 liters | 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches | 4.5 pounds | Waterproof sailcloth | 16-inch laptop pocket

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best for Foot Travel

Osprey fairview 40.

It has straps that distribute the bag's weight and makes it feel lighter, which is great for walking long distances.

It’s a large bag, but it wasn’t so heavy that it was uncomfortable to wear.

For travelers journeying on foot, the Osprey Fairview wowed us with its spacious interior and comfortable fit. The straps for walking longer distances are really the best part — making your bag feel like you're carrying less since the weight is so well distributed. The bags have the same storage capacity and general style, but Osprey’s women’s backpacks are designed to fit a smaller torso with waist and chest harnesses that sit upward and outward for a more comfortable carry. In testing, the main compartment and mesh zippered pouch on the front flap proved to be spacious. There are two internal compression straps and one external strap that kept belongings secure through our rough handling, so we think the bag would provide sufficient protection if you do need to check it in for a flight. 

We appreciated the padded shoulder straps and back that made wearing the backpack comfortable, despite the weight of its contents. The Osprey Fairview bags have an internal suspension the brand calls “LightWire” that distributes the weight from the harness to the hip belt, and our shoulders didn’t hurt after carrying the backpack since most of the weight shifted to the lower body.

The Details: 40 liters | 22 x 14 x 9 inches

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure /Jhett Thompson

Best Convertible

Calpak terra 26l laptop duffel backpack.

With a modular design, we loved being able to carry this spacious pack as a duffel or backpack.

We found it was most comfortable to carry as a backpack when packed full.

The two-in-one design of this carry-on backpack from Calpak makes it the perfect piece of luggage to add to your collection. If you need to carry the backpack long distances, the padded straps offer plenty of comfort to protect the shoulders from feeling the weight of the pack, and they can be tucked away when they're not needed. For rushing off an airplane or grabbing the pack quickly, the duffel bag strap makes it easy to sling the pack over the shoulder within seconds. In testing, senior commerce editor Lydia Price preferred using the backpack straps after noting that the generous padding in the back and on the straps made the bag noticeably more comfortable to carry. I also own this bag and prefer to use the backpack straps, but I love having the option to carry it multiple ways as my needs change on the go.

Although the bag is medium-sized with a 26-liter capacity, it still has plenty of room to fit enough clothing for four or five days' worth of traveling thanks to the numerous pockets—an organizational design feature you'll find in many Calpak luggage pieces . The clamshell-style opening also makes it easy to organize items between the two compartments. The ripstop polyester fabric didn't scuff or scratch during our durability tests and we especially love that the outer material is water-resistant, which is helpful for all types of adventuring from urban to outdoor settings.

The Details: 26 liters | 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | 2.9 pounds | Recycled ripstop polyester | 17-inch padded laptop pocket

Other Carry-on Backpacks We Liked

While we tested plenty of high-scoring carry-on backpacks, there were some that almost made our list but didn’t quite make the cut due to several weaknesses revealed during testing. 

Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack : We loved how durable, comfortable, and water resistant this 35-liter backpack is. It also comes with a waterproof phone case that kept our phone dry when submerged underwater. However, the roll top is so long and cumbersome, it makes packing a bit of a hassle.

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus : We loved the adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the bag when not in use, but we think there are better bags out there for a fraction of the price. 

AmazonBasics Carry-on Travel Backpack : It had plenty of compartments for staying organized and the material felt durable, but there weren’t any standout features that made it a must-have backpack. 

Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L : This backpack fits all of the packing items, and it even fits under an airplane seat, but our budget pick performed slightly better and it costs less. 

On more than seven separate occasions, we tested carry-on backpacks in our New York City lab to make sure we were creating this list with the best options from trusted luggage brands. For our latest tests, we built a specially designed airplane set that includes a row of real airplane seats and an overhead storage bin. To date, we've put over 89 carry-on backpacks through a series of trials that compared capacity, design, comfort, durability, and overall value. After completing our in-house testing, we sent the backpacks out with our Travel + Leisure editors to give us insight into how they fared during real-world travel. We have been updating this article with long-term testing insights as soon as they become available. 

To test for capacity, we began by packing the bags with three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. We noted if any space was left over as well as how functional the compartments were for organizing the contents packed. We evaluated the overall design of the bags by paying attention to how they fold out, how well the zippers and buckles work, and the functionality of each pocket or compartment. 

Next, we put on the backpacks and walked around for 10 minutes to rate comfortability. The highest scoring backpacks were exceptionally enjoyable to wear with the weight evenly distributed on the shoulders or hips.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Then, we threw the backpacks a few feet or off a countertop to test for durability. The highest-rated bags had no scuffs or tears after rough handling, and the packed items inside remained unharmed as well. 

Our testers had no previous knowledge of the cost of each backpack until after testing was completed. This allowed us to give an unbiased rating of overall values, where the top bags were determined to be fairly priced based on a high-quality performance, especially for the pricier bags. After our lab tests, the backpacks were sent out for real-world testing for up to six months.

Tips for Buying a Carry-on Backpack

Consider under-the-seat versus carry-on bags.

Not all carry-on backpacks will fit under the seat of an airplane, but if that’s your intended use, we recommend checking an airline’s underseat dimensions before heading to the airport. Similarly, with a carry-on backpack for the overhead bin, you’ll want to double-check the airline’s carry-on size restrictions to avoid paying unwanted fees if the bag is stuffed full of clothes. 

Keep in mind what the bag will be used for

It may seem obvious, but to find the perfect travel backpack you need to first consider its primary function. For those traveling by foot, a smaller, lightweight backpack would be better for portability and comfort. For those traveling by air, a compression bag or backpack that has plentiful organization could be a better choice so you get the most out of the limited airline baggage space. When traveling by air, you might also want to consider an option with wheels for added convenience, like a rolling backpack, weekender, or duffel bag .

Frequently Asked Questions

During our test, we packed three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag into each bag and often had extra space for more clothes. Many backpacks come with a laptop compartment , but you’ll want to make sure that feature is included before purchasing yours.

Carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, and it’s possible for a carry-on backpack to not fit within some limits. Most bags will have a product details section highlighting the dimensions of the backpack. If you’re looking to fit the bag solely under the seat , you should check to make sure the bag fits the dimensions while it’s packed.

It depends on the airline, where you're flying, and the kind of flight class you purchase. Some airlines only allow you to bring one item onto the plane with you, while others will let you bring a personal item, such as a backpack, and an additional carry-on item, like a suitcase or weekender bag . It's always best practice to double check your airline's luggage restrictions prior to traveling.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

After moving to New York City in the spring of 2022 to test travel gear for T+L, Anna Popp has spent countless hours personally testing more than 50 backpacks including bags on this list from Cotopaxi, Calpak, Peak Design, and Nomatic. She has been traveling with our top pick for more than four years — and even had to get everyone in her family the same bag so they would stop stealing hers.

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This Innovative Brand Took Over Travel Bags. Now It’s Taking Aim at Outdoor Packs

Loaded with unique features, Peak Design’s new Outdoor Line looks just as revolutionary as its earlier crowdfunded ventures. Here’s what jumps out.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

Some brands seem to feel the need to fill up every product category in their space with stuff . Others only wade into a new area when they feel they have something meaningful, innovative and different to add.

While we find the Sling compelling, we’re especially impressed with the Backpack’s qualities, some of which we have rarely or never seen on other packs.

Having spent years covering and testing bags and phone mounts from the brand, we can definitively declare that Peak Design falls squarely into the latter category.

The latest crowd-funded venture from the San Francisco-based outfit, The Outdoor Line , has hit Kickstarter — and it is yet another compelling piece of evidence to geek out over.

The Outdoor Line by Peak Design

• Starts at $48

One pack to rule them all

As it is wont to do, Peak Design has clearly put a lot of thought into the two products spearheading its inaugural foray into more adventurous gear: The Outdoor Backpack (available in 45L and 25L sizes) and The Outdoor Sling (7L and 2L sizes).

To tackle rugged situations, these two offerings have a few materials in common: Peak’s new PFAS-free 100% recycled weatherproof Terra Shell exterior fabric, abrasion-resistant Ultra Zips and slash-resistant UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) cording.

Beyond those bona fide ingredients, while we find the Sling compelling, we’re especially impressed with the Backpack’s qualities, some of which we have rarely or never seen on other packs.

Distinguishing features

Without further ado, here are four elements of the backpack that have us unreasonably stoked — including one that incorporates the Sling.

1. The stowable hip belt

Many backpacks offer hip belts that are removable, which is nice, but this one takes it up a notch by neatly stowing away when not in use. That means you don’t have to make a decision about whether to bring the hip belt with you when heading out. Instead, you can change your mind on the fly and modify the pack in moments.

2. Ultra Cinch access

Dissatisfied with existing drawstring and rolltop pack options, the brand designed its own system, called Ultra Cinch. The beauty of it is that both opening and closing can be done with one hand, and the setup also expands smoothly to hold additional gear. (We have yet to actually try it out, but based on past experience with Peak Design products, we are fairly confident it’s a step in the right direction.)

3. The Cordhook external carry system

Look, we appreciate packs with MOLLE-Compatible PALS — Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment / Pouch Attachment Ladder System, for the uninitiated) — as much as anyone. But they carry a “tactical” aesthetic that isn’t for everyone. Meanwhile, Peak’s Cordhook approach uses a system of cords, cinchers and clever attachment points that is discreet AF when not in use and super handy when you need it, as indicated by the photos above. Peak Design says it turns your pack into a “blank canvas” for loading up gear. We like that.

4. The chest mount-ability of the Sling

Another factor Peak Design always seems to consider is the ecosystem in which all its products co-exist. Toward that end, these new bags are designed to integrate the brand’s excellent Camera Cubes and Ultralight Packing Cubes . Going even further, however, they can also interact with each other . Like having some gear or your camera always within easy reach? Simply remove the straps from either Sling and mount it to the straps of either Backpack for fast access to sunscreen, snacks and documenting memorable moments on the go.

Availability and pricing

The Outdoor Line is available to back on Kickstarter , with a starting pledge of $48. Estimated delivery is January 2025.

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Breeze Through The Airport And Your Holiday With These Stylish Carry-On Bags

These smart suitcases balance style and practicality, making a strong case for a carry-on only travel approach.

Choosing what to wear on vacation is all of the fun of the holiday. A chance to wear things you wouldn’t in your day-to-day yes, but away from your regular routine, even your tried-and-true wardrobe staples get a new appeal.

Packing your outfits though, isn’t always as novel. Regardless of whether you carry just the essentials or find yourself sitting on your case to zip it up before you’ve left the house, packing and unpacking can be a challenge. Especially when you’re going carry-on only.

Whether you’re trying to avoid checked baggage fees, find comfort in knowing where your belongings are at all times or are eager to dive straight into your trip so want to skip the baggage carousel, many now eschew checked baggage in favour of cabin bags, making bag choice all the more critical.

Luggage is expensive, but nowadays you get plenty of bells and whistles. Suitcases with smooth rolling wheels make it easy to make your way briskly through the airport or the streets of a new city. Expandable compartments mean you can squeeze in more wearable souvenirs you’ve picked up on your travels. Some people prefer simple weekender-style messenger bags that can be stuffed to the gills and slung over your shoulder - we’ve included some choice picks for those in our shoppable guide to cabin baggage below as well.

Saben Cabin Bag in Nutshell, $299

The rich chocolate shade and herringbone pattern of this cabin bag is a welcome and identifiable change from the parade of black cases you spot in the departure hall, but embodies a similar classic neutrality. Made from moulded polycarbonate with metallic rose gold detailing, TSA and combination locks as well as a 360-degree dual spinner wheel system this Saben bag melds a lightweight and robust construction throughout.

• Dimensions: 55 H x 39 W x 23 D cm (incl. wheels)
• Weight: 2.6kg
• Volume: 44L

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July Carry On Trunk, $595

Inspired by retro luggage sets but designed for timeless travel, the July Carry On Trunk is a supremely stylish heritage-style trunk packed with modern features. If you live in fear of a ripped zip, the latch lock style should appeal. Inside the rivetless anodised aluminium frame, a water-resistant nylon lining holds a stain-proof laundry bag, Y-Strap compression system to secure a capacity of 6-8 outfits. This high-spec case also has an ejectable FastCharge USB-C battery for on-the-go charging of your devices. This style comes in nine colours in matte and glossy finishes. Cases from the hyped Australia brand carry a lifetime warranty on manufacturing faults and 100-day return policy on unpersonalised items.

• Dimensions: 55 H x 38 W x 22 D cm (incl. wheels)
• Weight: 4kg
• Volume: 42L

Samsonite 73Hours 55cm Suitcase, $309

As the name suggests, Samsonite’s 73-hour suitcase is built with weekends away in mind. Weighing in at 1.9kg this soft cover case is very lightweight toting interior and exterior zipped pockets as well as a roomy central cavity that doesn’t sacrifice functional capacity or durability (it has a 10-year warranty).

• Dimensions: 55 H x 36 W x 24 D cm (incl. wheels)
• Weight: 1.9kg
• Volume: 38L

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel 40L, $434

Part duffle bag, part suitcase, this Patagonia wheeled duffle stands up to a variety of travel modes and is built to withstand the scuffs that occur with prolonged travel. Constructed with a rugged postconsumer recycled polyester, the outer design features reinforced webbed grabs, a telescoping top handle and two oversized wheels that mean you can carry or pull this tough transformer across a luggage hall or cobbled street with similar ease. Zippered mesh pockets on the underside of the U-shaped lid keep small wardrobe items secure and separated from the main roomy stowaway, although you could also use it to stow tech items or your makeup bag for easy access. Daisy chains stitched on the four external corners provided a handy place to lash additional gear to the outside (think tramping boots). A sturdy back frame helps this carry-all stay upright and protect your possessions during transit, even when tightly packed.

• Weight: 3.2kg
• Volume: 40L

Delsey Chatelet Air luggage, $610

Faux leather trim and chic design details give a sleek vintage appeal to this rolling case. Even with a focus on elevated aesthetics, there’s still tonnes of functionality in this unique suitcase. If you’ve ever struggled to stop your rollaway literally rolling away on a sloped street or moving train you’ll be intrigued by the brake system in play here - locks on the two front wheels of the luggage preventing the bag from drifting away but still allow you to trundle the bag on the back two wheels. This is a standard cabin size, but not expandable, making it a good fit for minimalists.

• Dimensions: 55 H x 35 W x 25.5 D cm (incl. wheels)
• Weight: 2.9kg

Rains Texel Cabin Trolley, $650

If the thought of being without your laptop for the duration of a flight breaks you out in a sweat, the Rains Texel 55cm Cabin Trolley could be the one for you. This streamlined design has a fold-down zip pocket (fabricated of course in Rains’ signature waterproof PU fabric) on the front that fits laptops, tablets and other gadgets up to 15 inches, so your devices can be safely stowed away when needed but within easy reach. Opening in the other direction a main zip-closed compartment is a bi-fold case with two mesh closures and elasticated compression fastenings that keep things where they should be during your journey.

• Dimensions: 55 H 33 W 23 D cm (incl. wheels)
• Weight: 3.5kg
• Volume: 45L

Citta Canvas Weekender Bag, $90

Città Essentials range focuses on timeless staples and that is a good descriptor for this simple canvas overnight bag. The straightforward, practical design is ideal for overnight getaways and the dimensions allow the bag to be used as carry-on luggage. Granted it doesn’t have a wheelable capabilities, but if you’re checking a bag this is a good supplementary tote. Robust handles and a padded adjustable shoulder strap make it easily carried on your body if you choose to take this as your one and only too.

• Dimensions: 39 H 50 W 24 D cm

Yu Mei Wellington Weekender, $899

Finished in breezy canvas with contrasting deer nappa trim, this elegant tote will be an elegant companion for short-haul travels or jet setting. The understated approach continues inside with one internal zip compartment. But if you favour a more regimented approach to packing - Yu Mei’s large organiser, $345 has 15 specifically designed storage features, and slots right in while still having room to spare for other incidentals.

• Dimensions: 35 H 60 W 29 D cm

Ölend Calypso Mutli Bag, $229

For something to hold your essentials, look no further. Depending on your personality, the unexpected is either a drawcard or dreaded feature of travel. A versatile tote like Ölend’s Calypso Multi-bag makes it all the easier to go with the flow and shoulder whatever crops up during your trip. This transformable tote is super organised, which will be handy on the plane and at your destination. For a start, it can be held by its straps, carried as a messenger, worn as a backpack or crossed across your back. The inside is just as versatile: there are three zippered pockets of different sizes, one elastic and one removable that converts into a purse and a main compartment that closes with a zipper. There’s also a hook to attach your keys, a padded compartment for laptops up to 16″ and a water bottle holder.

• Dimensions: 24 H 38 W 10 D cm
• Weight: 570g

Deadly Ponies Phanton Duffle Maxi, $1499

For an incredibly luxe way to carry your overnight essentials, try Deadly Ponies’ practical-yet-very-sophisticated weekender made in calf leather and finished in gunmetal brass hardware. While it’s undeniable arm candy, your arms don’t actually need to do any of the work - a discreet strap on the back slides straight on to the handle of another suitcase for ease of transport.

• Dimensions: 35 H 52 W 18 D cm

Cotopaxi Batac 24L Del Dia Pack, $170

If you are checking a suitcase, taking a backpack as your carry-on is a savvy arms-free strategy - trying to negotiate what awaits at the other end with two rolled bags? No thank you. While stowable and lightweight, this Cotopaxi backpack features an enviable ratio of pockets, padded sleeves and mesh side pockets to open internal space. There’s no chance you’ll confuse your pack for someone else’s either - each one-of-a-kind pack is sewn using fabric left over from other companies’ larger production runs.

• Dimensions: 51 H 28 W 18 D cm
• Weight: 482g
• Volume: 24L

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