The 7 Best Travel Backpacks Reviewers Swear By

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HuffPost staffers recently got to chatting about their favorite unisex travel backpacks. Some like a compact pack intended for a laptop and wallet. Some crave complex luggage full of pockets and sections. Some want a roomy knapsack that fits a suitcase’s worth of clothes. All want a versatile, long-lasting bag that will make traveling just a little bit easier.
Unlike tote bags, duffles or suitcases, backpacks don’t have to be dragged or rolled. Many fit airport carry-on restrictions and will allow you to navigate hands-free through airports, trains and terminals.
To help you find your perfect travel bag, we’ve rounded up some favorites from our own team plus top-selling rucksacks with rave reviews and a few high-capacity backpacks that were previously recommended to HuffPost by devoted practitioners of packing light.
Ahead, you’ll find bags at a variety of different budgets and sizes — yet all are high-quality, durable travel backpacks with receipts to prove it.

Amazon
Carhartt advanced backpack
Another promising review: “I got this for my big girl college bag and it’s perfect, comfortable has enough pockets and when i’m walking to class in the rain all my books stay dry.” — Aniya Surratt

Timbuk2
Timbuk2 Wingman backpack duffel
Promising review: “Love this bag for short 2-3 day trips. I don’t like checking bags and I can fit a few changes of clothes in compression sacks with shoes in it no problem. I also like the fact that it has dedicated pockets for my both my laptop and my tablet. If you like traveling light, this bag is for you!” — Jason

Amazon
Coowoz carry on waterproof backpack
Promising review: “I absolutely love this bag! I bought it to stuff as much in it for a personal bag on an international flight. Boy did I cram a lot in the bag! It fits the personal bag qualifications, so it’s a great companion when trying to cheat those extra charges on air travel. Definitely recommend this bag!” — Kaylee

Pakt
Pakt travel backpack
Promising review: “I’ve only used it on one trip so far but I’m SO happy with it. I go on a lot of 2-5 day trips and I have a lot of other gear I need to take with me for work, so having all my personal belongings in a backpack that functions like a suitcase is absolutely PERFECT for my needs. This backpack seems like high quality constructions, the zippers are so satisfying, decent amount of space and flexibility, the large water bottle pouch on the side is excellent… easy 5 stars.” — James Schulz

Amazon
Matein travel laptop backpack
Promising review: “This backpack is Amazons #1 backpack and for a good reason. It has many different pockets that fit all your needs and is extremely durable. I personally have had one for about 3 years now and it still is in very good shape. It’s also waterproof which is super useful since it would be bad it water got in any electronics that you may have in your bag” — Evan W

Amazon
Herschel Little America laptop backpack
Promising review: “I’ve had this backpack for a couple of years now. It’s my personal item whenever I travel by plane and it fits so much! I’ve also used it for weekend trips. I really like the laptop sleeve as it protects my MacBook and I don’t have to worry about it when I travel. The quality of the bag is really great, like I said I’ve had it for a couple years already but still looks good!” — Justine

Amazon
Thule 28L Aion backpack
Promising review: “This is a great backpack work perfect and all clothing go perfect.” — Emilio Escartìn

Amazon
Osprey Fairview 40 travel backpack
Promising review: “I ordered this pack to use for a 9 day trip to Ireland and Scotland. With the help of two packing cubes I was amazed at how much I was able to fit in here. When I got home I somehow had 2.5 loads of laundry to wash. I am 5’1 and I ordered size small.” — E

Wandrd
Wandrd PRVKE Lite
Promising review: “I really love this bag. It is small enough to comfortably fit under an airline seat. It carriesmy laptop and has a special compartment for a camera from the outside of the bag, Youcan get to it easily , Fits easily on my back and I am tall! Has a special fuzzy space in thetop for your phone! Would buy it again!” — Alice G