A good travel backpack lets you move easily through airports, train stations and city streets with your hands free. Unlike hiking packs, travel backpacks are designed for organization and easy packing, often opening like a suitcase. With so many styles on the market, choosing the right one depends on your trips, your body and how you pack.
This guide explains the features that matter so you can choose a travel backpack that fits your needs.
Travel Backpacks vs. Hiking Backpacks
- Hiking backpacks are often tall, top-loading and built for carrying heavy loads on trails, with strong hip belts and frames.
- Travel backpacks often have clamshell openings, laptop compartments, lockable zippers and stowable straps, and are sized for airline carry-on limits.
If your trip includes multi-day trekking, a hiking pack may be better. For city travel and flights, a travel backpack is usually more convenient.
Choosing Capacity
Backpack capacity is measured in liters.
- 20 to 30 liters: Daypacks and personal items, or minimal packers on short trips
- 30 to 40 liters: A common range for one-bag carry-on travel
- 40 to 45 liters: Maximum size for many carry-on limits; best for longer trips or bulkier clothing
- Over 45 liters: Often too large for carry-on and better suited to checked luggage or trekking
Larger is not always better. A big bag invites overpacking and can be heavy to carry. Many travelers find 30 to 40 liters is a good balance.
Carry-On Compatibility
Airlines set carry-on dimensions, not liter limits. A 40 liter backpack from one brand may be shaped differently from another. Check the bag’s dimensions against your airline’s limits. Soft backpacks can sometimes compress, but when fully packed they may exceed limits. Budget airlines often have smaller limits.
See our carry-on packing list for packing within limits.
Opening Style
Clamshell Opening
The bag unzips fully like a suitcase, letting you see and reach everything. This is popular for travel because packing and unpacking are easy.
Top Loading
The bag opens at the top, like a hiking pack. It can be harder to reach items at the bottom, but the design is often simpler and sometimes lighter.
Hybrid Designs
Some packs combine a top-loading main compartment with side or front access zippers.
Fit and Comfort
A pack that fits well feels lighter.
Torso Length
Some travel packs come in multiple sizes or have adjustable harnesses for different torso lengths. If you are particularly tall or short, look for adjustable options.
Shoulder Straps
Padded, contoured straps spread the load. Some designs are shaped for different body types.
Hip Belt
A hip belt transfers weight to your hips, which helps with heavier loads. Many travel packs have removable or stowable hip belts.
Sternum Strap
A sternum strap helps stabilize the shoulder straps.
Back Panel
Padded or ventilated back panels improve comfort, especially in warm weather.
Try packs with weight in them if possible. Many outdoor and travel stores have weighted bags for testing.
Organization Features
- Laptop compartment, ideally separate and easy to reach for security screening
- Quick-access pockets for passports and phones
- Internal mesh pockets for small items
- Water bottle pocket
- Compression straps to reduce size when the bag is not full
Some travelers prefer a simple main compartment combined with packing cubes. See are packing cubes worth it?
Stowable Straps
Some travel packs have straps that tuck behind a panel. This is helpful if you must check the bag or want to carry it like a duffel.
Materials and Durability
Common materials include nylon and polyester in various weights. Look for:
- Water-resistant fabrics and coatings
- Durable zippers, such as well-known brands
- Reinforced stitching
- Warranty coverage
Note that most backpacks are water resistant, not waterproof. A rain cover can help in heavy rain.
Security Features
- Lockable zippers
- Hidden pockets against your back
- Slash-resistant materials on some packs
Practical habits matter as much as features, such as keeping the bag in sight and wearing it on your front in crowded places.
Weight of the Pack
Empty pack weight matters for carry-on weight limits and comfort. Feature-rich packs with frames and padding weigh more. Balance features with weight.
Pairing With a Daypack
Many travelers carry a small daypack or sling for day trips, either packed inside or as their personal item. See our personal item bag guide.
Backpack or Wheeled Bag?
Backpacks work well for:
- Cobblestones and stairs
- Multi-city trips with trains and buses
- Hands-free movement
Wheeled bags work well for:
- Smooth airports and hotels
- Heavier loads
- Travelers who prefer not to carry weight on their backs
See carry-on vs. checked bag and hardside vs. softside luggage.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- What airlines do I fly most, and what are their limits?
- How long are my typical trips?
- Do I need a laptop compartment?
- Will I walk long distances with the bag?
- Do I want clamshell access?
Trying On a Travel Backpack
When you shop in person, load the pack with weight similar to what you will carry. Loosen all straps, put the pack on, then tighten the hip belt first if it has one, followed by the shoulder straps, load lifters and sternum strap. Walk around for several minutes, climb stairs if possible and notice any pressure points.
If you buy online, check the return policy before you order. Pack it at home with your usual travel items and walk around your neighborhood before removing tags.
Common Mistakes When Buying
- Choosing by liters alone without checking dimensions
- Buying the largest pack allowed, which invites overpacking
- Ignoring empty weight when airlines have weight limits
- Skipping fit adjustments that make a heavier pack comfortable
- Overlooking warranty and repair options
Caring for Your Pack
Empty the pack after each trip, shake out debris and spot clean with mild soap. Air dry fully before storing. Check zippers and buckles for damage and contact the manufacturer about repairs if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size backpack is carry-on friendly?
Many travelers use 30 to 40 liter packs, but check dimensions against airline limits.
Is a 45 liter backpack allowed as carry-on?
Some are sized to common limits, but not all airlines allow them, especially budget carriers.
Do I need a hip belt?
A hip belt helps with heavier loads and long walks.
Are travel backpacks waterproof?
Most are water resistant. Use a rain cover in heavy rain.
Can I use a hiking backpack for travel?
Yes, though access and organization may be less convenient.
The Bottom Line
Choose a travel backpack by capacity, airline dimensions, fit and organization. For many travelers, a 30 to 40 liter clamshell pack with a comfortable harness and a laptop sleeve works well. Try packs with weight in them and match the bag to how you travel.
Editorial note: Trail Packed is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.