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The 19 Best Travel Backpacks And Lightweight Carry-Ons' For Fashionable Travelers In 2023, Per Reviews
Leave your bulky suitcase at home.
If you haven't yet mastered the art of minimal packing, you know what might help? A travel backpack. The best ones are designed with several pockets to organize all your clothing, toiletries, tech, and more in one place without requiring you to rummage through it to find things.
See some of the best travel backpacks below:
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The right backpack may even inspire you to ditch your bulky suitcase. Not checking a bag not only saves you time at the airport, but frees up your hands to do better things, like grabbing a cup of Starbucks coffee right before you get on your flight.
That being said, there are times when a suitcase is necessary, especially if you're going on a longer trip. On those occasions, travel backpacks come in handy for things you need to access quickly, like your passport during international travel, a laptop, or light jacket if you're prone to feeling cold while flying.
Need some inspiration before you finally hit "add to cart"? From super packable duffel style-carry ons' to lightweight stylish weekend bags, transit backpacks you can use for work, extra colorful go-bags, and budget-friendly essentials, there's a backpack on this list for every kind of traveler. (You're welcome.) See below for the best travel backpacks you can buy in 2023, per customer reviews.
Pros
- Less than $50
- USB port for connecting a power bank
Cons
- Doesn't include the power bank
This laptop-friendly backpack has more than 19,700 reviews and five stars on Amazon, but it's only 40 dollars—talk about a steal. It's designed with padded straps to help you avoid shoulder fatigue, and a wide-mouth frame that allows you to open up the bag to see all your belongings easily at a glance.
Rave Review: "I waited nine months to post this review because I wanted to see how this backpack held up. It has surpassed my every expectation. I can cram tons of stuff into it, it’s durable, and has held up to a ton of abuse on my part. It also has all the right compartments to keep my stuff organized and the price just can’t be beat."
Weight | 1.8 pounds |
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Dimensions | 16.9 x 11.2 x 7.5 inches |
Capacity | Not provided |
Bago Backpack Duffle Bag
Bago Backpack Duffle Bag
Pros
- Water and odor-proof compartments
- Foldable for easy storage
Cons
- Prone to wadding
Adjust the straps to use this as a backpack or hold the straps on each side like a duffel. In its huge main compartment, this bag can store a week's worth of stuff.
Rave Review: "I just received this bag today and upon first impression—it's brilliant! Seriously, the way you can just fold this bag up when it's not in use is a great feature I haven't personally seen on other duffel bags and it holds a good amount."
Weight | 1.5 lbs |
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Dimensions | 11 x 15 x 27 inches (folded 11.8 x 12.6 inches) |
Capacity | 80 L |
Cuyana Leather Backpack
Cuyana Leather Backpack
Pros
- Interior sleeve for laptop
- Can be worn as a purse or backpack
Cons
- On the pricier side
This leather pick—believe it or not—actually fits a 13-inch laptop. It features a zippered compartment for your valuables, slots for your phone and keys, and straps that allow you to carry it on your shoulder as a purse or backpack. Grab it in your choice of three colorways.
Though this one doesn't have online reviews, this editor-approved pick is a cult-favorite thanks to its sleek Italian leather design, adjustable notches, and wide back straps.
Weight | Not provided |
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Dimensions | 9.6 x 13.3 x 7.2 inches |
Capacity | Not provided |
Baboon To The Moon Go-Bag
Baboon To The Moon Go-Bag
Pros
- Available in several fun colors and prints
- Lightweight
Cons
- No easy access pocket
This go-bag, which comes in a bunch of vibrant colors, fits about three to five days worth of clothing and other essentials. It's TSA-approved as a carry-on item, and also comes with adjustable straps so that you can carry it like a backpack or a duffel—whatever suits your needs.
Rave Review: "This is the perfect bag. I've struggled to carry my bags through the airport and on to the plane in the past. This bag is a dream come true. It’s lightweight (even when crammed full it holds so much) and so ergonomically-friendly!"
Weight | 3.5 lbs |
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Dimensions | 10.5 x 20.5 x 12.5 inches |
Capacity | 40 L |
Pros
- Comes with a charging port
- Designed with tear-resistant fabric
Cons
- Doesn't include battery pack
This backpack made from durable material that supposedly doesn't tear has more than 4,500 positive ratings on Amazon for plenty of reasons. It's made with a USB port attached to the bag that allows you to charge your tech pretty much anywhere. The main pocket is also extra large, meaning you can pack clothes, slippers, and toiletries with ease.
Rave Review: "I bought this backpack as a carry-on for a long international flight. I was able to fit so much inside and was extremely impressed at how well it held up. I kept the electronics and valuables in the biggest pouch, and I used the smaller pouch for things like my passport and chargers that I would need to access quickly."
Weight | 1.5 lbs |
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Dimensions | 17.2 x 5.4 x 11.6 inches |
Capacity | Not provided |
The North Face Borealis
The North Face Borealis
Pros
- Padded straps
- Comfy chest strap
Cons
- Product color may be off from photos
With over 2,900 positive reviews and five stars on Amazon, this backpack gets tons of customer love. It has a top handle and highly-padded straps for optimal comfort when it's on your back. With pockets galore and a fleece-lined laptop sleeve, you'll be able to easily and comfortably store all your essentials in it. It also has a bungee strap front system for slipping in a sweatshirt or a water bottle.
Rave Review: "This bag fits very comfortably on the back and the chest strap doesn't crowd the boobs like other packs do. It is compact, but can also manage to comfortably hold a couple binders, notebooks, and a laptop. The padding for the laptop is very nice, especially with the rigid back. So, if you have a thin laptop you don't have to worry about unnecessary torque."
Weight | 2 lbs |
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Dimensions | 19.8 x 13.3 x 9.8 inches |
Capacity | 28 L |
J World New York Sundance Rolling Backpack
J World New York Sundance Rolling Backpack
Pros
- Wheels for easy transport
- Pockets for your smaller valuables
Cons
- Customers say wheels are a little noisy
If you prefer a rolling backpack, this 20-inch bag with an adjustable handlebar (and over 6,000 positive ratings!) is for you. It's kind of a steal when you can catch it on sale for just $80, and its fully padded interior includes two large compartments along with several internal pockets. (Plus, there are three exterior zipper pockets to store smaller things like snacks, your phone, and the like).
Rave Review: "This backpack is sturdy, beautifully organized, and can hold a lot. It can stand up alone and I can leave pockets open as I pull things in and out as I work. The sturdy wheels [can] handle terribly bumpy parking lots. The colors are vivid and cheerful."
Weight | 4.6 lbs |
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Dimensions | 20 x 13 x 9 inches |
Capacity | Not provided |
Rains Trail Cargo Backpack
Rains Trail Cargo Backpack
Pros
- Waterproof exterior
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Cons
- No outside pockets
If you're looking for a backpack that's sleek and minimalistic, this one's for you. Besides how stylish it is, this bag's main feature is that it has a totally waterproof exterior—meaning you can store all your tech inside and rest easy knowing everything will remain unaffected by the elements.
Rave Review: "The minimalist look of the bag was my first attraction. There are two interior pockets to hold a computer and other gear securely with enough [extra] room for what I need to take with me. I was looking for something that didn't scream 'backpack'. This has been a great purchase."
Weight | Not provided |
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Dimensions | 20 x 11 x 4.5 inches |
Capacity | Not provided |
Do you stuff your backpack to the brim every time you travel? If that's a "yes," you'll definitely appreciate that this bag has 40 whole liters of space. It has a place to hold your shoes, laptop, power bank, and all the toiletries you usually bring along. You'll also love that it's extra large, but still TSA-approved.
Rave Review: "This is an excellent bookbag. It has a bunch of different compartments and it’s very spacious. Also, it’s lightweight and the material is very durable."
Weight | 1.4 lbs |
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Dimensions | 20 x 13 x 8 inches |
Capacity | 40 L |
Pros
- Attaches to rolling luggage
- Made from recycled polyester
Cons
- Less organizational pockets than other bags
This bag is so popular that it has sold out multiple times. It's made with an exterior laptop pocket for easy access when you're heading through security, as well as multiple catch-all compartments for tickets, passports, and the like. The flap remains closed with an invisible magnet to keep the design super sleek, and there's even a pass-through strap at the back for slipping it over your rolling luggage handle.
Rave Review: "I am obsessed with my new backpack. I was pleasantly surprised by how much it can fit without looking bulky on my back. The fabric and make looks and feels high-quality. The bag has granted me many compliments while out and about already. LOVE!"
Weight | Not provided |
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Dimensions | 17.5 x 7.25 x 12 inches |
Capacity | 27 L |
Pros
- Opens up like a suitcase
- Can attach backpack to a luggage pole
Cons
- Customers say water bottle compartment is small
With more than 2,400 positive ratings on Amazon, this less-than-$100 travel backpack opens up like a duffel to reveal tons of packing space. The bag also comes with three packing cubes, which make it easier to organize and store your items, since you can divide them into sections.
Rave Review: "I bought this backpack to use as my personal item when we travel by air...It is perfect for this use, as it fits under the airplane seat and has a strap that fits over my carry-on. The best feature I love about this backpack is that it opens up like a suitcase! It's easy to pack, and has a thick, sturdy handle at the top of the [bag] as well."
Weight | 2.7 lbs |
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Dimensions | 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches |
Capacity | Not provided |
Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack
Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack
Pros
- Water-repellent fabric
- Buckle closures
Cons
- On the pricier side
Built with plenty of storage compartments, this Lululemon backpack was designed for someone who's always on the move. It features side pockets for items you want to frequently reach with ease, adjustable exterior straps to hold a jacket or yoga mat with, and buckle closures that keep your items secure.
Rave Review: "The bag is so spacious and sturdy. This is exactly what I was looking for to use on my upcoming international trip with my baby...It looks classy, too—though, a little bit boxy."
Weight | Not provided |
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Dimensions | Not provided |
Capacity | 25 L |
Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Pros
- Made with 100% vegan materials
- Fabric is water-resistant
Cons
- Customer say material feels a little heavy
This simple but chic backpack has an internal laptop sleeve that's easily accessible, as well as two side pockets for slipping in water bottles or other necessities. Plus, there's also a catch-all front pocket and mini compartment in the back for storing valuables.
Rave Review: "I took [the bag] with me on a flight to California, and it fit well under the seat. I also used it to hold my beach essentials when I went to the beach and for bike rides around the bay. It’s cute and functional."
Weight | 2.6 lbs |
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Dimensions | 13.3 x 5.3 x 17.5 inches |
Capacity | 20 L |
Carhartt Legacy Hybrid Convertible Backpack
Carhartt Legacy Hybrid Convertible Backpack
Pros
- Adjustable straps
- Made from durable fabric
Cons
- Not for you if you want a larger option
Customers say this Carhartt backpack is smaller than other bags, but very much multi-functional. It can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel-esque tote.
The bag is made from heavy-duty fabric so that it can withstand rain and cold, and features extra pockets, like a padded laptop sleeve and side compartments, for optimal storage opportunities.
Rave Review: "I love the versatility of this bag. It's very well-made and easy to use. The size is perfect—big enough to hold a laptop plus other items, but small enough that it's not in the way. Great travel bag."
Weight | 1.5 lbs |
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Dimensions | 17 x 14.5 x 3.5 inches |
Volume | Not provided |
Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack
Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack
Pros
- Very spacious
- Can convert from backpack to duffel bag
Cons
- On the pricier side
Able to hold a whopping 45 liters, this Away backpack seems to do it all. Thanks to its removable straps, it can convert from a backpack to a duffel. The bag can also handle any weather or environment. It's made with abrasion and weather-resistant recycled materials, which— yep—means it's sustainably-designed, too.
Rave Review: "I am pleasantly surprised with how much stuff I could put in this bag! I took it on a weekend trip and was able to fit everything I needed. I love that it has several pockets to store small things that you want to keep handy. I've been a fan of Away luggage for years and I'm glad I get to add this bag to my collection."
Weight | 3.3 pounds |
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Dimensions | 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches |
Capacity | 45 L |
JanSport Central Adaptive Backpack
JanSport Central Adaptive Backpack
Pros
- Designed for use by people with limited mobility
- Can be attached to mobility devices
Cons
- Less spacious than other bags
Designed for use by disabled people or people with limited mobility, this Jansport backpack can fit on to a variety of mobility devices. It's also designed with tangle-proof shoulder straps, fumble-free release buckles, and a shorter height than other bags to make accessing the bottom of it a little easier.
Rave Review: "This bag has such a great design. I love how it comes with two straps (short and long). The lining is water-resistant, which is great for spillage."
Weight | 1 lb 2 oz |
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Dimensions | 16 x 13 x 6 inches |
Capacity | 21 L |
VGOAL Carry-On Backpack
VGOAL Carry-On Backpack
Pros
- More than 15 pockets
- Affordable
Cons
- Only comes in two colors
If you enjoy meticulously organizing your clothing and travel items, you'll love that this backpack features more than 15 storage compartments to help you do just that. It's also built with a laptop sleeve and elastic bands to secure your clothes in place.
Rave Review: "We planned a trip, but the bag we had was not enough and decided to order this backpack. I’m more than happy. It came very quickly, the quality is great, and it has soooo many pockets! Absolutely love it!"
Weight | 3.6 lbs |
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Dimensions | 20.5 x 13 x 8.7 inches |
Capacity | 35 L |
Monos Metro Backpack
Monos Metro Backpack
Pros
- Can be paired with a suitcase
- Comes with a detachable pouch
Cons
- On the pricier side
Monos' Metro Backpack isn't just nice to look at, it's also plenty functional. The travel bag is designed with a detachable pouch, known as a Metro Kit which you can use to house your valuables, and a built-in trolley sleeve so you can attach it to any Monos' suitcase.
Rave Review: " I LOVE this bag. I was worried that the bag might look too big on me (I'm five-foot-two), but it's perfect. I love how easy it is to stay organized. The separate zipper access to the laptop sleeve is the BEST ever for flying!"
Weight | 3 lbs |
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Dimensions | 11.5 × 16.5 × 6 inches |
Capacity | 18 L |
Pros
- Wrap-around zipper
- Built-in laptop sleeve
Cons
- On the pricier side
If you prefer travel backpacks that open up like a suitcase, this Cotopaxi bag is your pick. It's built with a full wrap-around zipper, so you can plop it open on your bed for a bird's-eye view of what you've packed. It also comes with a padded laptop and tablet sleeve, making it ideal for work trips.
Rave Review: "I can fit a week's worth of clothing in this bag and it fits on every airplane. If you really stuff it full, it still fits under the seat in the smaller airplanes and up top on the larger ones. If you travel frequently by air, this is a great alternative to a roller bag."
Weight | 3 lbs 4 oz |
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Dimensions | 19 x 12 x 9 inches |
Capacity | 35 L |
Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
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