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The Best Travel Backpacks to Take on Holiday

Whether you’re hopping on a bike, trekking across rugged terrain, sightseeing, shopping, or jetting off to a business meeting, the best travel backpacks give you the freedom to explore hands-free. With so many options to choose from, we’ve rounded up 19 of the best bags to throw over your shoulders, from chic carry-ons to super durable options, all of which prove there really is a backpack for every occasion. Our editors and contributors have road-tested all of these backpacks to determine the best of the best. We considered the backpack’s weight, capacity, price, comfortability, style, and durability. Below are our top picks.

The Best Travel Backpacks at a Glance:

• Horizn Studios SoFo Backpack Travel

  This carry-on alternative features strong eco credentials and a minimal, hard-wearing design. It’s expandable to allow for trips of up to five days, with a clamshell opening that enables packing like a suitcase.

  • Pros: Made from recycled materials, expandable design, waterproof base
  • Cons: On the pricier side
  • Size: 32 x 50 x 17cm
  • Capacity: 29L to 34L when expanded

• Stubble & Co The Adventure Bag

  This bag has a large 42L capacity, ideal for a 3 to 5-day trip. It features a clamshell opening, a hidden valuables compartment, and a reflective rain cover.

  • Pros: Waterproof shoe pocket, compression straps, separate laptop sleeve
  • Cons: A little heavier than average
  • Size: 55x38x24 cm
  • Weight: 1.7kg

• Briggs & Riley Convertible Backpack Duffle

  This backpack boasts a clamshell opening for easy packing and has a water-resistant nylon outer. The lockable zipper ensures safety for your belongings.

  • Pros: Comfortable design, many pockets for organization
  • Cons: Expensive
  • Size: 47x31x18cm
  • Weight: 1.6kg

• Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack

  This backpack has a generous 45L capacity, perfect for adventure holidays and hikes. It features compression straps and removable straps for multiple use cases.

  • Pros: Very spacious, excellent for carry-on travel
  • Cons: Not completely watertight in heavy downpours
  • Size: 28x18x43cm
  • Weight: 1kg

• July Volume Plus Backpack

  This minimalist backpack has a deceptive number of internal compartments, including a 16″ laptop sleeve and a water-resistant exterior.

  • Pros: Comfortable design, plenty of pockets
  • Cons: Limited color options
  • Size: 26L capacity

• Bellroy Venture Ready Pack 26L

  This carry-on bag offers ample space with smart storage solutions, from a padded laptop sleeve to additional compartments for essential items.

  • Pros: Water-resistant fabric, quick-access pockets
  • Cons: None noted
  • Size: 50x33x19cm
  • Weight: 0.9kg

• Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Backpack

  This environmentally friendly backpack includes dedicated space for heavy-duty gear, and its design supports secure and organized storage.

  • Pros: Secure elements for hiking
  • Cons: Can show wear quickly
  • Size: 51x 31x 18cm
  • Weight: 562g

• Harber London Roll Top Backpack

  This luxury backpack combines style and function, featuring a padded laptop sleeve and additional pockets for organization.

  • Pros: Chic design, plenty of storage options
  • Cons: Heavy for all-day use
  • Size: 39 x 29 x 13.5cm
  • Weight: 1.5kg

• Radley London Dukes Place Zip Around Backpack

  This stylish leather backpack offers ample storage space and a secure design, perfect for your daily adventures.

  • Pros: Lightweight and durable
  • Cons: Limited color availability
  • Size: 25x30x11cm
  • Weight: 0.4kg