Discovering one of the best journey backpack can really feel like an countless scroll—there are literally thousands of choices, and most appear to vow the identical factor: modern design, beneficiant capability, and sufficient compartments to maintain your tech and toiletries from colliding. Over the previous yr, our group has examined dozens of backpacks throughout numerous journeys: fast overnight getaways, cross-country flights, and commuter hauls throughout cities. A few of us prioritize modern silhouettes for work trips, others need as many pockets as humanly doable, and some of us are after that elusive trifecta: fashionable, sturdy, and really comfortable to wear.
On this listing, you’ll discover our editors’ high picks—luggage that earned real-world reward for being surprisingly light-weight, thoughtfully designed, and nicely definitely worth the funding. Whether or not you are a distant employee hopping from cafe to co-working area, an adventure-seeker headed out for a hike, or simply somebody making an attempt to maintain their necessities stylishly corralled, there is a journey backpack right here for you. Under, the journey backpacks we’ll maintain reaching for in 2025.
How we examined:
To assist us suggest the easiest baggage to our readers, greater than a dozen Condé Nast Traveler editors and contributors spent months (and in some instances, years) road-testing probably the most talked-about luggage in the marketplace. These luggage accompanied us close to and much on planes, trains, buses, and cruises, from native staycations to far-flung locations. We packed these luggage to the brim, lifted them into overhead bins, rolled them down cobblestone streets, and trudged via bustling cities with them in hand. Whereas touring with our baggage, we thought-about every bag’s weight, capability, performance, worth level, and the way nicely it has held up over time. We additionally recognized sensible design options that make a bag stand out from its rivals, like having weight indicators, separate shoe compartments, or protecting laptop computer sleeves. After cautious consideration and inspection, we decided which suitcases, weekenders, and backpacks deserve a spot in our coveted Baggage Week lineup. The outcomes are a mixture of revolutionary newcomers and long-time, dependable favorites from high baggage manufacturers around the globe. Learn on for our 2025 listing of editor-approved baggage.
Evaluate our high picks:
Bounce to:
Greatest journey backpacks
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Dimensions: 17″ x 11″ x 6.3″
Capability: 20L
Guarantee: Limited lifetime
A modern and structured choice for enterprise or leisure, July’s Carry-All backpack lives as much as its title with a boxy form that retains contents organized and guarded. “It’s very well-designed and good to take a look at,” says affiliate social media manger Emily Adler, who used it for a visit to Los Angeles. Although barely heavier than different picks on account of its thick materials, she discovered it comfy to hold and durable sufficient to carry a laptop computer, work necessities, and some clothes objects. “The inside is normal however sensible,” Adler provides, noting that it features higher as a private merchandise or work bag than a full-on journey pack.
Execs: Modern, sturdy, and professional-looking
Cons: Barely heavy, slim inside, zippers could also be stiff at first
MZ Wallace
Metro utility backpack
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Dimensions: 17″ x 13″ x 6.5″
Capability: 23L
Guarantee: No however there’s a repair policy
MZ Wallace’s Metro Utility Backpack takes the model’s signature nylon softness and provides sensible upgrades for journey. “It looks like a cloud,” says commerce author Paris Wilson, who’s taken it on weekend journeys to LA, Salt Lake City, and Orlando. Regardless of its featherlight development, the bag provides a surprisingly spacious inside with a padded laptop computer sleeve and loads of zippered pockets. “It suits all the pieces I would like for a protracted weekend—garments, water bottle, even my camera gear—and the straps are tremendous comfy,” Wilson provides. Whereas the entrance pocket could possibly be a bit greater, the backpack’s clear, quilted design and sturdy materials make it a trendy and dependable alternative.
Execs: Extremely light-weight, well-organized inside, comfy straps
Cons: Entrance pocket could possibly be bigger, not perfect for very lengthy journeys
Weight: 3 lb.
Dimensions: 16.5″ x 11.5″ x 6″
Capability: 18L
Guarantee: Two-year restricted warranty
This design-forward vegan leather-based bag is simply the factor for vacationers searching for a extra elevated backpack. In line with affiliate commerce director Madison Flager, “it’s a snug bag to put on, and suits quite a bit—I’ve used it as an in a single day bag. I do suppose it’s a terrific backpack, particularly for commuters or for work journeys the place you need the practicality of a backpack whereas additionally trying polished.”
Whether or not you are headed on a weekend journey, carrying requirements in your day by day commute, or utilizing it as a carry-on bag, the Monos Metro backpack is a brilliant alternative. The inside laptop computer compartment suits a 15″ laptop computer, and there is a built-in trolley sleeve, high carry deal with, and adjustable shoulder straps. The bag additionally comes with a Metro Equipment, a modular pouch that snaps securely onto the entrance of the backpack, so you may maintain necessities like a cellphone, earbuds, and hand sanitizer close by.
Execs: A number of pockets, trolley sleeve, comes with a detachable pouch
Cons: Not very light-weight and might really feel cumbersome
Away
Featherlight backpack
Weight: 1.2 lb.
Dimensions: 16.5″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″
Capability: 18L
Guarantee: One-year warranty
Away’s Massive Featherlight backpack is extraordinarily light-weight at simply 1.2 kilos. Adler used this backpack on journeys to Costa Rica, Los Angeles, and Connecticut. “I usually use it along with a suitcase as my private merchandise for airplane journey,” says Adler. “It suits all the pieces I would like very nicely—headphones, snacks, laptop computer, planner, and any leftover objects that received’t slot in my suitcase.” A zippered laptop computer sleeve retains your tech safe, whereas a wonderfully sized passport pocket retains necessary paperwork organized. There’s a spot for not one however two water bottles and adjustable, padded shoulder straps to maintain you comfy, regardless of how a lot you pack inside. As with lots of the backpacks on this listing, there’s additionally a trolley sleeve, so you may slip it onto any Away suitcase. Better of all, this backpack is machine cleanable.
Execs: Produced from water-repellent materials, light-weight, modern design
Cons: Not as structured because of the materials
Halfdays
The Roamer backpack
Weight: 2.5 lb.
Dimensions: 20″ x 12.5″ x 8″
Capability: 30-35L
Guarantee: 60-day return coverage
The Roamer backpack is a good choice for brief enterprise journeys, however affiliate editor Charlie Hobbs says, “if you happen to packed your playing cards proper, you can get a month’s value of wardrobe out of it.” Its clamshell design makes it simpler to prepare and pack, because the entrance of the backpack absolutely opens and lays flat like a suitcase for carry-on free journey. Certainly one of its finest options is the outside laptop computer sleeve that has a lockable closure (lock is just not included) for additional safety. Whereas it is on the bigger facet, it is nice for faculty college students heading dwelling for a protracted weekend with area for 2 to a few days’ value of garments. “Regardless of its bulk, I might go as far as to name this bag demure and appears model new after intensive use,” says Hobbs. Inside, a pouch has been added for laundry or additional footwear, whereas the outside has padded shoulder straps for added lumbar help so the adventures don’t have to finish on account of discomfort.
Execs: Constructed-in inside pouch for footwear or laundry that clips away when not in use, laptop computer pocket with lockable closure, clamshell opening
Cons: Fairly massive
Weight: 2.2 lb.
Dimensions: 18.5″ x 12.2″ x 6.1″
Capability: 40 L
Guarantee: One-year free replacement for all merchandise with manufacturing defects
With its modern look and sensible performance, July’s Carry All Backpack is likely one of the most travel-friendly designs our editors have examined. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny calls it “wonderful,” noting that the clamshell opening makes it perfect for packing like a professional. “It lies fully flat, virtually like a mini suitcase,” provides Spain. “It got here with two packing cubes and a shoe bag, making it the right companion for weekends or overnights.”
Inside, you’ll discover considerate compartments for toiletries, journals, tech equipment, and extra. A padded laptop computer sleeve on the again retains your machine separate from the remainder of your gear and protected against scuffs. The structured form makes it straightforward to maintain issues tidy, whether or not you are heading to the workplace, health club, or airport. Spain particularly appreciated its versatility: “It’s so sensible for longer days on the go, and the added equipment make it really feel like a terrific worth.”
Execs: Comes with packing cubes and a shoe bag; clamshell opening makes packing seamless
Cons: A couple of pointless straps and zippers
Execs: It comes with packing cubes and a shoe bag
Cons: Pointless straps and zippers
Roam
The Continental backpack
Weight: 2.4 lb.
Dimensions: 17″ x 14″ x 8″
Capability: 26L
Guarantee: Limited lifetime warranty
Equal elements modern and practical, the Continental backpack is a thoughtfully designed, customizable carryall made for all times on the transfer. With a minimalist silhouette and a surprisingly spacious inside, it’s perfect for commuting, journey, or days whenever you simply want just a little extra room. The backpack contains a padded laptop computer sleeve (suits as much as 15″), a number of inside and exterior pockets for easy group, and a built-in trolley sleeve that makes airport navigation a breeze. Crafted from water-repellent, eco-friendly supplies and out there in absolutely customized colorways, it’s a refined decide that doesn’t sacrifice practicality.
“I nonetheless use this on a regular basis. The one put on and tear is on the highest deal with; the material has frayed fairly a bit over time; however in any other case it is in nice form, suits a ton, and has countless compartments to maintain me organized,” says Flager. Whether or not you are headed throughout city or throughout the nation, the Continental has you (and your gear) lined.
Execs: Customizable coloration choices, sensible inner group, sturdy and travel-ready
Cons: Barely heavier than common, high deal with might present put on over time
Weight: 2.2 lb.
Dimensions: 18.9″ x 12.6″ x 5.9″
Capability: 25L
Guarantee: Five-year guarantee
Troubadour’s Apex backpack is likely one of the sleekest journey backpacks we’ve examined—refined sufficient for the workplace, but sturdy sufficient for day by day use. “I like to recommend this for the fashionable traveler who doesn’t need one thing that screams ‘vacationer right here!’” says Kenny. It’s crafted from waterproof material that appears luxe however doesn’t require babying. “The fabric feels so high-quality and it’s extraordinarily light-weight,” she says. “You may inform it might actually deal with put on and tear.” The breathable again panel and ergonomic shoulder straps make it particularly comfy in hotter climate, and the clear, minimalist silhouette offers it a refined edge that’s good for enterprise journey.
Execs: Padded laptop computer compartment, waterproof materials, trolley sleeve
Cons: Not perfect for rugged out of doors journey
Weight: 2.1 lb.
Dimensions: 18.9″ x 13.4″ x 8.7″
Capability: 27L
Guarantee: Restricted lifetime warranty
Examined by Sanidad on a visit to San Francisco and two journeys to upstate New York, this backpack provides cushioned consolation and substantial storage in comparison with others in the marketplace. “I actually appreciated the padded inside to hold each my laptop computer and pill,” says Sanidad. “There are such intentional storage areas with discreet pockets for necessary issues like my passport. Plus, there are two massive facet pockets that may stash my water bottle.” There are additionally zippers alongside the facet to broaden the bag if you happen to discover you want more room. Sanidad notes it might match a number of days’ value of garments, however it may be a bit heavy to lug round. Fortunately, the padded mesh again panel helps to maintain you comfy, whereas the sternum strap stabilizes the load.
Execs: Many zippered compartments and pockets, together with a zipper that means that you can entry your laptop computer from the facet with out having to dig all the pieces out
Cons: A number of the handles could possibly be longer to make the bag simpler to seize
Weight: 1.9 lb.
Dimensions: 18″ x 12″ x 6.5″
Capability: 26L
Guarantee: Repair program
Produced from water-repellent recycled polyester material, the Refugio Daypack can face up to all the pieces from sharp corners to the occasional drip. “It’s finest fitted to outdoorsy pursuits,” says Flager. “It’s nice for private journey, particularly journeys when I’ve a single hike or day journey factored in and desire a backpack that I can nonetheless deliver on the airplane and retailer my laptop computer securely in.” The detachable tech caddy works as a cellular workstation the place vacationers can use the zippered pockets to maintain chargers and different tech equipment in shut proximity. Whereas the primary compartment can maintain a lot of the bulkier objects, the entrance pocket has a vertically oriented zipper that makes it straightforward to get the requirements out.
Execs: Comfy, twin water bottle pockets
Cons: Might use a number of extra inside pockets inside the primary compartments
Weight: 3 lb.
Dimensions: 18″ x 12″ x 7.5″
Capability: 25L
Guarantee: Two-year warranty on any manufacturing defects
Elevated, subtle, and cozy are just some of the phrases that Adler used to explain this bag after touring with it to upstate New York, the Hamptons, and Washington, DC. Inside you’ll discover a laptop computer sleeve large enough for a 15-inch laptop computer; 4 smaller pockets for pens, lip balm, headphones, and chargers; and an exterior entrance pocket for simple entry to your most necessary paperwork like a passport or pockets. “Personally, I’ve been utilizing it as a carry-on bag alongside a suitcase for journeys,” says Adler. “In any other case, by itself, it will positively work nicely for an in a single day journey.” With two plush straps, it is easy and cozy to hold, however may also slide onto the handles of a carry-on due to the trolley sleeve on the again.
Execs: Modern design whereas being sensible, practical, and carrying quite a bit
Cons: Not spacious sufficient for worldwide journeys
Greatest laptop computer backpacks
Calpak
Kaya laptop computer backpack
Weight: 2.1 lbs
Dimensions: 15.5″ x 11.25″ x 4.5″
Capability: 19L
Guarantee: One-year restricted warranty
For those who’re searching for a journey backpack that doubles as a trend assertion, the Calpak Kaya is it. “This is likely one of the most fashionable methods to deliver your requirements to work,” says journey bookings editor Jamie Spain. With a flat, structured design, it holds its form whether or not full or empty, and suits a laptop computer, ebook, portable charger, wallet, and snacks with ease. The big central compartment is extra of a free-for-all than an organizer’s dream, however Spain provides, “so long as I packed it with intention, I used to be capable of match all the pieces I wanted and acquired loads of compliments on the best way.”
Execs: Modern and trendy, holds its form, slides over baggage deal with
Cons: Can get heavy quick, minimal inner group
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Meaghan Kenny
MZ Wallace
Metro Backpack Deluxe
Weight: 1.3 lb.
Dimensions: 16.5″ x 12.2″ x 6.9″
Capability: 23L
Guarantee: Repair policy with restricted exceptions
MZ Wallace’s Metro Backpack Deluxe continues to impress with its pillowy-soft, light-weight design and polished type. “It’s my on a regular basis backpack for commutes into the workplace, however I’ve additionally used it as a private merchandise on a number of flights,” says Kenny. It comfortably suits a laptop computer, Kindle, headphones, a water bottle, and a change of garments—with out ever feeling cumbersome. Not like backpacks with too many compartments, the only predominant inside helps prevent overstuffing and stays clear and streamlined. “The super-soft materials and straps do not dig into my pores and skin, and after a yr of day by day use, it nonetheless seems model new,” she provides. Its modern, minimalist design (particularly in black) retains it trying sensible for each work and journey.
Execs: Comes with a detachable pouch, baggage sleeve, laptop computer sleeve, two water bottle pockets
Cons: It’s a bit expensive
Wandrd
Nimbus 18L backpack
Weight: 2.1 lbs
Dimensions: 17″ x 11″ x 5″
Capability: 18L
Guarantee: Lifetime warranty
In case your journeys are likely to veer towards the adventurous, the Nimbus backpack brings rugged performance in a surprisingly light-weight package deal. As contributor Cley Lassale says after touring to Charlottesville and Seattle with the bag, “the padded straps and cushioned again make it very comfy to put on.” She appreciated the a number of inside and exterior pockets, particularly the hidden again pocket for passports. Although it’s sufficiently small to suit below most airplane seats (barely—“provided that I take the water bottle out”), it comfortably match a change of garments, two laptops, and all her work necessities. “It’s a terrific decide for somebody who desires each area and luxury.”
Execs: Light-weight, hidden safety pocket, adventure-ready
Cons: Massive predominant compartment makes it onerous to achieve backside objects
Calpak
Luka Laptop computer Backpack
Weight: 1.8 lb.
Dimensions: 16″ x 12″ x 7″
Capability: 22L
Guarantee: One-year restricted warranty
A longtime favourite amongst Calpak followers, the Luka Laptop computer backpack blends type and performance with an opulent, spill-resistant exterior that’s constructed to final. “I am keen on this backpack—identical to the remainder of the Luka assortment,” says Kenny. “I’ve had it for a number of years and it’s include me on in a single day stays, weekend journeys, and to the workplace.” The delicate but stretchy materials can deal with overpacking when vital, and it wipes clear simply (even after spills of makeup or espresso). There’s a devoted laptop computer sleeve for commuting or business trips, plus a roomy predominant compartment for an outfit, chargers, or toiletries. It’s out there in over a dozen colours, making it one of the vital fashionable and customizable picks on the listing.
Execs: Laptop computer compartment, trolley sleeve, water bottle pocket, delicate adjustable straps
Cons: Very slim baggage trolley sleeve
Lo & Sons
The Rowledge backpack
Weight: 3.2 lb.
Dimensions: 16.5″ x 11.5″ x 6.75″
Capability: 21L
Guarantee: One-year warranty
Traveler Contributor Lydia Mansel loves this modern, convertible backpack for carrying all of her work necessities. It contains a 13″ laptop computer compartment and might simply transition into a tote, due to backpack straps that tuck right into a again pocket. It has loads of pockets for group—together with a hidden one on the high for slipping your passport and boarding cross into whereas on the airport—and a trolley sleeve. It is product of a mixture of nylon and leather-based, and has reminiscence foam straps for additional consolation.
Execs: It could carry two laptops, loads of pockets, baggage sleeve
Cons: Provided in two sizes, however the smaller model is just a little too small to retailer a day’s value of necessities
Learn a full assessment of this backpack here.
Herschel Provide Firm
Kaslo Daypack Tech
Dimensions: 16.75″ x 11″ x 5.75″
Capability: 20L
Guarantee: 30-day return coverage, limited lifetime warranty
Designed with tech lovers in thoughts, the backpack delivers each group and severe machine safety. “This one’s for the tech-obsessed traveler,” says Kenny. “It has a great deal of room for chargers, cords, headphones, a Kindle, and naturally, a laptop computer.” The fleece-lined inside and padded laptop computer sleeve make it stand out amongst different tech-friendly backpacks, particularly for enterprise journeys or distant work setups. It consists of mesh compartments for organizing smaller devices and a baggage sleeve for breezing via the airport. Even absolutely packed, it wears comfortably. “The thick straps distribute the burden rather well, and it by no means feels overwhelmingly heavy.”
Execs: Baggage sleeve, recycled supplies, fleece-lined laptop computer compartment
Cons: Earbuds pocket most closely fits Apple or equally formed instances
This text is a part of Condé Nast Traveler’s third annual Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags had been road-tested by our editors. It has been up to date with new data since its unique publish date.
