Travel Backpacks
Best Travel Backpacks for Carry-On and Everyday Trips
4 picks compared
8 min read
ProductPickly is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Best Overall
The Farpoint 40 opens like a suitcase for easy packing while carrying comfortably thanks to a real hip belt and adjustable harness. Sized to work as a carry-on on many airlines, it is the go-to pack for one-bag travelers. Osprey's Fairview 40 is the same design tuned for smaller torsos.
Capacity 40 litersOpening Clamshell zipSupport Hip belt and adjustable harnessWarranty All Mighty Guarantee
- Suitcase-style clamshell opening
- Supportive hip belt and harness
- Carry-on friendly size
- Padded belt and straps add some weight
- No dedicated water bottle pocket on older versions
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best Value
The MATEIN is a popular commuter-style travel pack with a padded laptop sleeve and an external USB pass-through port. It is an affordable everyday option for shorter trips where a full one-bag travel pack would be overkill.
Capacity Around 30 litersLaptop fit Up to 17 inchCharging External USB portMaterial Water-resistant polyester
- Affordable and widely available
- Padded laptop compartment
- External USB charging pass-through
- Less capacity for multi-day trips
- Basic hip strap offers limited support
Nomatic Travel Bag 40L
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best for Digital Nomads
The Nomatic 40L blends a backpack and duffel with dozens of pockets and a dedicated laptop and tablet section. It suits digital nomads and organized packers who want a structured bag that expands from 30 to 40 liters as needed.
Capacity 30 to 40 liters expandableLaptop fit Padded laptop and tablet sleevesCarry Backpack and duffel strapsMaterial Water-resistant shell
- Expands from 30 to 40 liters
- Dedicated laptop and tablet storage
- Lots of organized pockets
- Empty bag is fairly heavy
- Boxy shape can feel stiff to carry
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Premium Pick
The Peak Design 45L expands and compresses between 30 and 45 liters and offers multiple access points and modular internal organization. Its refined build and weatherproof fabric target photographers and travelers who want a premium do-everything pack.
Capacity 30 to 45 liters expandableAccess Top, side, and rearMaterial Weatherproof recycled nylonWarranty Lifetime guarantee
- Flexible 30 to 45 liter capacity
- Multiple access points to contents
- Weatherproof, high-quality build
- Premium price point
- Best organization needs add-on cubes
What to look for in a travel backpack
The best travel packs open like a suitcase so you can pack and find items without digging from the top. Aim for a carry-on friendly capacity near 40 liters, a padded hip belt for comfort, and a protected laptop sleeve if you travel with electronics. Comfort and packing access matter more than raw size.
Capacity and carry-on rules
A 40 liter pack is the sweet spot for one-bag travel and often fits airline cabin limits, but sizing differs by carrier. Expandable packs that flex between 30 and 45 liters give you flexibility for varied trips. Always confirm your airline's cabin dimensions, since a stuffed soft pack can exceed limits.
Key features that matter
Look for a supportive hip belt and adjustable harness, since they transfer weight off your shoulders. Lockable zippers add security, weatherproof fabric protects your gear, and multiple access points speed up packing. A laptop sleeve and organized pockets keep work travel tidy.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not buy purely on liters, because a poorly suspended pack is miserable to carry even at carry-on size. Avoid overstuffing a soft pack past your airline's cabin limit. Skip packs without a real hip belt if you plan to carry a heavy load for any distance.
Who each pick is for
The Osprey Farpoint 40 suits most one-bag travelers. The MATEIN fits budget and short trips, the Nomatic 40L is best for organized digital nomads, and the Peak Design 45L is the premium choice for those wanting flexible capacity and top build quality.
How we picked
We compared current, US-available models on the specifications that matter, alongside verified owner feedback. This is a research-based comparison; we did not physically test every product. Confirm the exact model and its current recall status on cpsc.gov before buying.
Questions people ask
Will a 40 liter travel backpack fit as a carry-on?
Many 40 liter packs like the Osprey Farpoint are designed to meet common US carry-on limits, but sizing varies by airline. Always check your airline's exact cabin dimensions, and note that overstuffing a soft pack can push it past the limit even if it fits empty.
What makes a travel backpack different from a hiking pack?
Travel backpacks usually open like a suitcase with a clamshell zip for easy packing, while hiking packs load from the top. Travel packs also tend to include laptop sleeves and lockable zippers, whereas hiking packs focus on trail comfort and gear attachment.
How do I carry a heavy backpack comfortably?
Choose a pack with a padded hip belt so the weight rests on your hips rather than your shoulders, and adjust the harness to your torso length. Pack heavier items close to your back and lower in the bag to keep the load balanced and stable.
The bottom lineSo which one?
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is our top overall travel backpack for its suitcase-style packing, carry-on size, and genuine comfort. Choose the MATEIN for affordable short trips, the Nomatic 40L for organized digital nomads, and the Peak Design 45L if you want a premium, flexible pack.
