If you’re planning a big trip in 2025—whether it’s backpacking through national parks, flying internationally, or road-tripping across the U.S.—a reliable travel backpack is a must. As someone who’s spent years hopping cities, trails, and airports, I’ve tested and researched the most versatile, durable, and comfortable packs available right now. In this guide, I’m breaking down the 15 best travel backpacks in the USA for 2025—covering function, fit, features, and real traveler feedback. These aren’t just Amazon best-sellers or hyped TikTok bags; they’re packs that truly live up to their reputation.
Let’s dive in.
1. Nomatic Navigator Backpack 32L – Best Overall for Tech & Travel
This backpack is the Swiss Army knife of travel bags. Built for modern travelers, the Nomatic Navigator offers unmatched organization with a minimalist look.
Capacity: 32L (expandable to 41L)
Best for: Digital nomads, tech lovers, weekend trips
Features:
RFID safe pocket
Hidden water bottle holder
Laptop & tablet sleeve (fits up to 17”)
Built-in expansion zipper
What makes it stand out: The material is water-resistant and nearly indestructible. Every compartment feels intentional.
- Check it out on Nomatic’s website
- Price: ~$299
- Tip: Pair it with Nomatic’s Navigator Sling for hands-free carry on hikes or markets.
2. Osprey Farpoint 40 (Men) / Fairview 40 (Women) – Best for International Travel
Osprey has a cult following for a reason. The Farpoint/Fairview 40 strikes the perfect balance between hiking comfort and urban utility.
Capacity: 40L
Best for: Carry-on air travel, backpacking Europe, hostel-hopping
Features:
Stowaway shoulder & hip straps
Lockable zippers
Large front panel opening (easy packing)
Lifetime warranty (“All Mighty Guarantee”)
What makes it stand out: It’s often airline-approved as a carry-on, saving you money and hassle.
- View it on Osprey’s official site
- Price: ~$185
- Real talk: I’ve used mine for 8 countries and it still looks brand new.
3. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L – Best for Photographers & Creators
If you carry cameras, drones, or tech gear, this is hands-down the smartest backpack out there.
Capacity: 35L–45L (expandable)
Best for: Creatives, content creators, business travelers
Features:
Side + top access
Weatherproof shell
Hidden compartments
Padded laptop + tech sleeves
What makes it stand out: Modular design—you can add packing cubes, camera cubes, and tech pouches.
- See the Peak Design Travel Backpack here
- Price: ~$299
- Tip: It opens like a suitcase but wears like a backpack. Perfect for both city and outdoor travel.
4. Tropicfeel Shell Backpack – Best Eco-Friendly Pick
Sustainable, stylish, and super versatile, the Tropicfeel Shell is ideal for eco-conscious travelers who want performance without sacrificing looks.
Capacity: 22L–40L with wardrobe system
Best for: Minimalist travelers, sustainability-focused adventures
Features:
Built-in wardrobe system (compression cubes)
Expandable design
Weatherproof exterior
Recycled materials
What makes it stand out: You can hang and pack your clothes in one motion—perfect for quick trips or Airbnb stays.
- Explore the Shell Backpack here
- Price: ~$249
- Bonus: Tropicfeel plants a tree with every purchase.
5. Thule Subterra Backpack 34L – Best for Urban & Business Travel
This one doesn’t get as much love as it should. The Thule Subterra is sleek, understated, and perfect for city commuting or short trips.
Capacity: 34L
Best for: Professionals, weekend warriors, airport-to-office travelers
Features:
Laptop + tablet storage
PowerPocket (for charging on-the-go)
Smart interior organization
Padded back panel and shoulder straps
What makes it stand out: Feels like a business briefcase, functions like a travel bag.
- Price: ~$129
- Perfect combo: Pair it with a roller bag for the ultimate business travel setup.
6. REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 – Best for Outdoor Adventurers
Built by a trusted name in outdoor gear, the REI Ruckpack 40 is ideal for backpackers who want trail-ready durability with travel-friendly features.
Capacity: 40L
Best for: Hiking + travel hybrids, national park explorers
Features:
Hydration-compatible sleeve
Rain cover included
Lockable zippers and stash pockets
Breathable mesh back panel
Unique touch: The pack opens like a suitcase but wears like a hiking backpack—perfect for camping trips and international travel.
- Check it on REI’s website
- Price: ~$149
- Bonus: REI members get exclusive discounts and return benefits.
7. Samsonite Tectonic Lifestyle Crossfire – Best Budget Travel Backpack
Samsonite is known for luggage, but the Crossfire backpack proves you don’t need to spend $300 for a quality travel bag.
Capacity: ~30L
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, students, short business trips
Features:
Durable ballistic nylon construction
Padded laptop compartment
Smart sleeve to slide over suitcase handles
USB charging port
What makes it great: Clean design, comfortable straps, and under $100—great for everyday use and weekend getaways.
- See it on Samsonite’s site
- Price: ~$79–$99
- Tip: Use it as your personal item on flights.
8. Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus 38L – Best for Minimalist Travelers
Bellroy brings premium design and practical features into a sleek silhouette. The Transit Plus 38L feels like a designer bag—but it performs like a serious traveler’s pack.
Capacity: 38L
Best for: City breaks, style-conscious travelers, business + leisure trips
Features:
Clamshell opening
Soft-lined laptop sleeve
Eco-tanned leather accents
Weather-resistant recycled fabric
Standout point: Bellroy’s design is subtle and beautiful—great for those who don’t like flashy travel bags.
- View it on Bellroy’s website
- Price: ~$289
- Traveler’s note: It fits under most airplane seats—even when full.
9. Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L – Best for Eco-Conscious Adventurers
Patagonia’s Black Hole series is famous for its toughness and sustainability. The 32L version is perfect for day trips or carry-on use.
Capacity: 32L
Best for: Eco-conscious travelers, hikers, adventure day-trippers
Features:
100% recycled ripstop fabric
Weather-resistant coating
Large main compartment + front stash pocket
Padded shoulder straps and back panel
Why it’s unique: The fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles—tough, ethical, and built to last.
- Price: ~$149
- Extra: Patagonia offers repairs through their Worn Wear program.
10. Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack – Best for Urban Nomads
Sleek, expandable, and airline-approved, the Timbuk2 Never Check is ideal for urban travelers who want performance without the “outdoor” look.
Capacity: 27L (expandable)
Best for: Digital nomads, minimalist travelers, business + casual
Features:
Expandable zipper adds extra space
Laptop sleeve (up to 15”) and padded compartments
Water-resistant material
Trolley sleeve for rolling luggage
Why people love it: It feels like a backpack, acts like a suitcase, and looks like a briefcase. Very “city-chic.”
- Check it out on Timbuk2’s website
- Price: ~$179
- Traveler tip: Great for urban coworking, tech conferences, or short getaways.
11. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack – Best for One-Bag Travel
The Allpa 35L nails the “one-bag” philosophy—compact, durable, and beautifully organized.
Capacity: 35L
Best for: Weekend getaways, light international travel
Features:
Full clamshell opening
Multiple mesh compartments
Tough TPU-coated polyester exterior
YKK zippers + anti-theft webbing loops
Why it’s unique: The bold, colorful design stands out—but the real win is how efficient the interior layout is.
- Explore the Allpa 35L on Cotopaxi’s site
- Price: ~$200
- Sustainability note: Cotopaxi is a certified B Corp and donates 1% of revenue to fight poverty.
12. Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L – Best for Digital Nomads Living Abroad
he Tortuga 40L is purpose-built for people who work remotely and live out of a backpack.
Capacity: 40L
Best for: Full-time travel, expats, tech-savvy nomads
Features:
Laptop + tablet compartments
Suitcase-style opening
Height-adjustable suspension system
Water-resistant sailcloth fabric
Why people love it: It feels like a suitcase when packing, but wears like a comfy backpack—no compromise.
- Check it out on Tortuga’s website
- Price: ~$350
Tip: Use Tortuga’s packing cubes for max efficiency.
13. Arc’teryx Granville 30 Backpack – Best for Rainy Climates
Known for alpine gear, Arc’teryx delivers elite craftsmanship in the Granville 30, especially if weather protection matters.
Capacity: 30L
Best for: Urban travel, rainy destinations, commuters
Features:
Advanced weatherproof fabric (AC² technology)
Waterproof zippers
Minimalist yet functional compartments
Hidden laptop sleeve
Why it shines: It’s almost impossible to get your gear wet—even in downpours.
- View the Granville 30 on Arc’teryx
- Price: ~$240
- Ideal for: Seattle, Portland, Ireland, or anywhere wet.
14. Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 – Best for Business Travelers
German brand Deuter combines ergonomic design with business-ready polish in the AViANT 36.
Capacity: 36L
Best for: Business travel, hybrid work/leisure trips
Features:
Padded back system
Removable organizer
Separate laptop & document storage
Meets most international carry-on limits
What sets it apart: It’s ultra-comfortable to carry and super sleek—perfect for work trips with a casual edge.
- See it on Deuter’s official website
- Price: ~$190
- Tip: Pair it with a packing folder for wrinkle-free shirts.
15. Gregory Border Carry-On 40 – Best for Airport Warriors
Gregory is known for hiking packs, but the Border 40 is optimized for airport speed and convenience.
Capacity: 40L
Best for: Frequent flyers, urban explorers
Features:
Dedicated TSA-friendly laptop section
Side and front handles
Durable water-resistant nylon
Split-case design like a suitcase
- Check it on Gregory’s website
- Price: ~$179
- Tip: This is a quiet favorite among airline crew and airport staff.
Quick Comparison Table – 15 Best Travel Backpacks of 2025
| Backpack | Capacity | Best For | Price (USD) | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nomatic Navigator 32L | 32–41L | Tech-savvy travelers | ~$299 | Sleek design with RFID + laptop protection |
| Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40 | 40L | Backpacking & air travel | ~$185 | Hiking-style straps + airline carry-on |
| Peak Design 45L | 35–45L | Creators & digital nomads | ~$299 | Modular for cameras + full access panels |
| Tropicfeel Shell | 22–40L | Eco-conscious & minimalist travel | ~$249 | Built-in wardrobe & expansion system |
| Thule Subterra 34L | 34L | Business & urban travel | ~$129 | PowerPocket + trolley sleeve |
| REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 | 40L | Outdoor adventures | ~$149 | Trail-to-town hybrid with hydration sleeve |
| Samsonite Crossfire | ~30L | Budget travel & daily use | ~$79 | Lightweight + USB port |
| Bellroy Transit Plus 38L | 38L | Stylish city breaks | ~$289 | Premium design + weatherproof fabric |
| Patagonia Black Hole 32L | 32L | Day trips & hiking | ~$149 | Recycled & weather-resistant materials |
| Timbuk2 Never Check | 27L (expandable) | Urban travel & work trips | ~$179 | Expandable + suitcase handle pass-through |
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | 35L | One-bag travel | ~$200 | Bold, structured clamshell layout |
| Tortuga 40L | 40L | Remote workers abroad | ~$350 | Height-adjustable + suitcase opening |
| Arc’teryx Granville 30 | 30L | Rainy city travel | ~$240 | Ultra-weatherproof + minimalist design |
| Deuter AViANT Pro 36 | 36L | Business travel | ~$190 | Organized interior + comfort back system |
| Gregory Border 40 | 40L | Frequent flyers | ~$179 | TSA-friendly + split case layout |
Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Travel Backpack for 2025
Whether you’re chasing sunsets on the Pacific Coast, hopping from city to city in Europe, or heading to a national park for a weekend unplug, the right travel backpack can change the way you move. In 2025, it’s no longer just about how much you can carry—it’s about how well your backpack works with your travel style.
FAQ – Travel Backpacks 2025
Q1: What size backpack is allowed as a carry-on in the USA?
Most airlines allow up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (around 35–45L). Always check your airline’s carry-on policy.
Q2: Are travel backpacks better than rolling suitcases?
Yes—for mobility, uneven terrain, and hands-free travel. Backpacks are ideal for flexible trips and public transport.
Q3: What features should a good travel backpack have in 2025?
Look for laptop compartments, water resistance, expandable space, padded straps, and lockable zippers.
Q4: Which is the best travel backpack for digital nomads?
The Nomatic Navigator and Tortuga 40L are top picks for tech storage, organization, and carry-on compatibility.
Q5: Is it worth investing in a $200+ backpack?
Absolutely—high-quality backpacks last for years, protect your gear, and reduce packing stress.
Related Post you may like:
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
