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 15 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 road tested dozens of backpacks for months to determine the best of the best for our readers. We considered each backpack’s weight, capacity, price, comfortability, style, and how well its held up.
Ahead, discover our editors’ and contributors’ recommendations for the weather-resistant carry-on bags, ultralight hiking backpacks, and sleek business-friendly options to bring on your next adventure.
Our top picks:
Best for weekend trips: Quince Revive Nylon backpack
Best for long vacations: Roam The Continental backpack
Best for business travel: Monos Metro backpack
Best for everyday use: Lo & Sons The Rowledge backpack
Best splurge option: Peugeot Voyages Laptop backpack tote
This gallery is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s first-ever Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
