<p>For world travel or outdoor getaways, you can opt for styles aimed more at gearheads—thoughtful designs from outdoor brands like Patagonia, Osprey, or Topo Designs. For city trips, try something fancier, like a sleek <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g7414/designer-backpacks/” target=”_blank”>designer backpack</a> from Prada or Louis Vuitton—practical with a trendy touch. Pair it with a <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g43844073/best-luggage-sets/” target=”_blank”>suitcase</a> or wear it solo as a catchall for commuting to work and the <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/health/g23900366/best-fitness-gifts-ideas/” target=”_blank”>gym</a>. Either way, a travel backpack may be just the bag you’ve been overlooking.<br></p>” />
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Beast Heavy-Duty Travel Backpack
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia
Beast Heavy-Duty Travel Backpack
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia
Practical zip pockets and a soft exterior make this pack the perfect travel companion. A full-wrap zipper, similar to what you’d find in a traditional suitcase, makes packing a breeze while a removable hip belt adds support and stability when you’re on the go.
Materials: 100% remnant nylon and polyester
Size: 35-liter capacity
Colors: Multi
What reviewers are saying: “The 35L is perfect for a carry on flight and multiple day trip. Has everything you need to stay organized. And it’s comfortable.”
Best Small Travel Backpack
Acne Studios Suede-Trimmed Ripstop Backpack
Best Small Travel Backpack
Acne Studios Suede-Trimmed Ripstop Backpack
Sometimes travel doesn’t require much more than a few essentials. This Acne Studios backpack will keep your necessities protected, but won’t weigh you down when you’re on the move.
Materials: Ripstop
Size: 15″ H x 10.6″ W x 5.1″ D
Colors: Black
Best Everyday Travel Backpack
Cuyana Leather Backpack
Best Everyday Travel Backpack
Cuyana Leather Backpack
A favorite of Mendal’s, this sleek leather backpack comes in two sizes, 13-inch or 16-inch, and is a sleek option for day trips and sightseeing abroad.
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 13.3″ H x 9.6″ W x 7.2″ D (13-inch), 15.1″ H x 11″ W x 7″ D (16-inch)
Colors: Black, cappuccino, stone
Best Convertible Travel Backpack
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L
Best Convertible Travel Backpack
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L
On outdoorsy weekends or low-key trips out of town, I swear by this Patagonia duffel. It has both backpack straps and a longer crossbody option, so you can wear it in whatever way is most comfortable.
Materials: Recycled polyester ripstop
Size: 55-liter capacity
Color: Navy, belay blue, perennial purple, and more
What reviewers are saying: “This bag comes in useful for every member of our family as we head out for weekends, plane trips, and camping.”
Best Durable Designer Backpack
Prada Re-Nylon Backpack
Best Durable Designer Backpack
Prada Re-Nylon Backpack
For the designer-minded, behold a backpack by Prada, produced in the brand’s durable Re-Nylon fabric. Elegant, streamlined, and big enough to pack your essentials.
Materials: Recycled nylon
Size: 13.8″ H x 9.8″ L x 5.9″ W
Colors: Black
Best Gym-to-Office Backpack
Sweaty Betty Recycled-Fibre Backpack
Best Gym-to-Office Backpack
Sweaty Betty Recycled-Fibre Backpack
If you’re on the hunt for a commuter backpack that can hold all of your post-gym clothes, look no further. A handful of pockets means you won’t have to mix sweaty shorts with your laptop or commute read.
Materials: 100% recycled polyester
Size: 17.1″ H x 17.2″ W
Colors: Black
Best Bag for Extra Space
Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack
Best Bag for Extra Space
Fjällräven Abisko Hike Foldsack
It’s good to have options. Fjällräven’s Foldsack can be rolled down, or you can unfurl it for a little extra packing room. Double up by using it for a weekend away, then leave your stuff at the hotel and put it to use as your pack on an impending hike.
Materials: 100% recycled nylon.
Size: 25-liter capacity
Colors: Green, navy, brown, gray
Most Practical Pocketed Bag
Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack
Most Practical Pocketed Bag
Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack
For the serially organized, this backpack makes it easy to have a place for all your small carry-along items. Inside you can fit a laptop in a padded pocket, or your water bottle in a compartment with a water-resistant lining. The thoughtful design takes the stress out of travel.
Materials: 100% recycled nylon
Size: 16.5″ H x 12.5″ W x 7.5″ D
Colors: Green, navy, brown, gray
What reviewers are saying: “It is very well made, has many different compartments, is durable and looks very good.”
Best Luxury Travel Backpack
Louis Vuitton Christopher PM Backpack
Best Luxury Travel Backpack
Louis Vuitton Christopher PM Backpack
You may not equate Louis Vuitton with rugged practicality, but this oversize backpack can handle the elements. While you may want to keep it pristine by limiting it to mainly city-bound excursions, if price is no concern—go ahead, get it dirty.
Materials: Leather
Size: 17.3″ H x 15″ L x 8.3″ W
Colors: Black
Best Splurge Backpack
Hermès Herbag
Best Splurge Backpack
Hermès Herbag
Now 20% Off
“I travel with my canvas-and-leather Hermès Herbag backpack that I sourced from eBay years ago,” Mendal says. She explains that while it can be difficult to open and close, it’s worth it: “[I]’m a sucker for aesthetics, and it’s simply the most beautiful backpack out there!” Search the style online to find it secondhand too.
Material: Toile canvas with leather trim
Size: 14″ H x 11.75″ L x 4″ W
Color: Blue
Best Bag to Coordinate With Your Suitcase
Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack
Best Bag to Coordinate With Your Suitcase
Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack
Away’s rolling luggage has become the de facto option for stylish but price-minded travelers, and the brand’s backpack serves as a perfect partner to your checked luggage. It can easily be slipped over the handle for streamlined transpiration, and is designed to be opened lying flat, so you can pack it as you would a suitcase.
Materials: 100% recycled polyester
Size: 25-liter capacity
Colors: Green, black
Best Roller Backpack
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller
Best Roller Backpack
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller
Backpack meets roller suitcase in this hybrid style that can handle just about whatever you throw at it. A structured outer means you won’t have to worry about items getting crushed, and the small size means you can carry it right on to the plane.
Materials: Recycled nylon
Size: 44-liter capacity
Colors: Desert palm, olive, black, and more
What reviewers are saying: “Great All terrain bag. Bought this bag for a multi-city European vacation. It performed flawlessly. The wheels easily handled the rough sidewalks and cobblestone without any damage to the bag or it’s contents.”
Best Packable Backpack
Longchamp Le Pliage Original Backpack
Best Packable Backpack
Longchamp Le Pliage Original Backpack
Another favorite of Mendal’s, Longchamp’s classic Le Pliage backpack is a durable travel option that you can pack in a larger bag and break out for days when you don’t need much space. Tuck the essentials inside, and head out for a day of sightseeing.
Materials: Polyamide canvas
Size: 11″ H x 10.2″ L x 3.9″ W
Colors: Cobalt, navy, paper, and more
Best In-Case-of-Rain Investment
Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On Travel Backpack
Best In-Case-of-Rain Investment
Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On Travel Backpack
When the weekend forecast hints at rain, this water-resistant backpack will keep you from spending your trip feeling like a sad, soggy mess. It’s designed to pack flat and also has a luggage pass-through for navigating the airport with ease.
Materials: 100% recycled polyester
Size: 36-liter capacity
Colors: Black, blue
What reviewers are saying: “This was GREAT! Purchased for an Italy trip and did not disappoint! Stuffed it to the max and it held! Will definitely purchase another and highly recommend!”
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