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10 Best Travel Backpacks for Women, Tested and Reviewed

Your favorite suitcase just got a new BFF.

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I know what you're probably thinking: travel backpacks are nowhere near as chic as travel totes! Well, my friends, I'm here to prove you wrong. Backpacks can be as easy on the eyes as any cute purse and as spacious as any duffel bag...if you shop right. And I'm here to help you do just that.

As you probably know, the best travel backpacks have lots of pockets and compartments, are lightweight and compact, and feel super comfortable (no aching shoulders allowed on vacay!). So, I gathered some top-rated options that feature all of the above and more—think: thick padded straps, air-mesh back panels, and trolley sleeves you can slip over suitcase handles. Here’s a sneak peek at a few of 'em:

Our top picks for the best travel backpacks for women in 2024:

Nice, right? Ahead are even more travel backpacks with exceptional reviews. Whether you need a sturdy somethin'-somethin' for a weekend trip or a lightweight pick to use as an everyday work bag, feast your eyes on these 10 backpacks you'll wanna take with you e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e.

Amazon’s Choice
Large Travel Backpack for Women
Credit: Amazon

Pros

  • Anti-theft zippered pocket
  • Fits under the seats of most major airlines

Cons

  • Can get heavy, per some reviewers

Shoutout to TikTok for bringing this one into our lives! This viral backpack has become a cult favorite for its compact size yet super spacious interior. (Believe me, there’s more than meets the eye with this gem!) With two main pockets, two laptop sleeves, a shoe compartment, and a wet bag, you can bet there’s lots of room to work with. The best part, though, might be the built-in charging port, which can juice up your phone on the go.

Material: Polyester
Dimensions: 17" x 3" x 42"
The ReNew Transit Backpack
Credit: Everlane

Pros

  • Durable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Some larger laptops (15" and up) won't fit in the laptop pocket, per some reviewers

For all the jet-setters out there, this bad boy has an exterior pocket for your laptop, which eliminates the stress of rummaging through your backpack to take it out in the security line at the airport. Genius, right? Plus, it has a trolley sleeve so that it can sit proudly on top of your roller bag for easy strolling.

Material:100% recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish
Dimensions:17.5" x 7.25" x 12"
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The Expandable Backpack
Credit: Béis

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Keeps everything organized

Cons

  • According to some reviews, the material can be stiff

Where do I even begin with this fan-fave cutie? First off, and most importantly, it's expandable. (Shout-out to all my fellow overpackers!) Yep, when you think you might've filled this puppy up to the brim, all you have to do is zip it open one more time and bam—you've got more space. It also has a versatile water bottle pocket that can be used outside or inside the bag, plus a key leash and a luggage sleeve.

Material:Recycled polyester
Dimensions:13" x 15" x 7"
Allpa 28L Travel Pack
Credit: REI

Pros

  • Air-mesh back panel
  • Four grab handles for multiple carrying options

Cons

  • No place for your water bottle

Customers specifically love this option for its clamshell-style opening, which makes it easier to find something you're looking for without having to dig through the whole bag. TBH, it's like a carry-on suitcase in backpack form—and much more lightweight, of course! I'll take one in every color.

Material:TPU/ballistic nylon
Dimensions:19" x 12" x 9"
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most versatile

Luka Laptop Backpack

Laptop Backpack
Credit: CALPAK

Pros

  • Hidden zippered pocket in luggage sleeve
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Luggage sleeve is too small for some suitcases, per some reviewers

Stylish and compact enough to be your work, school, or travel backpack, this perfectly puffy option has multiple exterior and interior pockets (hello, shoe and laptop compartments!) for all your on-the-go essentials. And BTW, you won't have to worry about getting it all scraped up, thanks to its scratch-resistant material, which will give it a much longer lifespan. Pair it with the Luka Duffel (that I personally love so much) for a cute travel set sitch.

Material:Polyester
Dimensions:16" x 12" x 7"
best water-resistant

Away The Outdoor Backpack 26L

The Outdoor Backpack 26L
Credit: Away Travel

Pros

  • Two water bottle pockets
  • Zippers are large and smooth

Cons

  • Does not have a hook for keys

Best for those who need something that can withstand any outdoor conditions, this weather- and abrasion-resistant backpack will hold strong through rain or shine. Several reviewers mention that it works great as an all-day work bag, and as an excursion bag for activity-focused trips. So...shall we go hiking?

Material:100% recycled polyester
Dimensions:19" x 12.6" x 7.7"
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best faux leather

Monos Metro Backpack

Metro Backpack
Credit: Monos

Pros

  • Built-in trolley sleeve
  • Hidden back pocket with magnetic snap closure for small valuables

Cons

  • Does not have a water bottle pocket

Not only does this option have a five-star rating, but it's a favorite amongst Cosmo editors! I personally love this vegan leather style from Monos for its chic, minimalistic design and the fact that it can hold so much. The little detachable pouch on the front is also great for plane rides—you can store your necessities in there (skincare, medication, etc.) and pop it off whenever you need it.

Material:Nylon and vegan leather
Dimensions:11.5" × 16.5" × 6"
Wunderlust Backpack 25L
Credit: Lululemon

Pros

  • Water-repellent fabric
  • Sturdy

Cons

  • Straps can get a little uncomfortable, per some reviewers

Along with a super spacious drawstring compartment, this baby has two side zippered pockets for your water bottle or small items, plus adjustable exterior straps that can hold a yoga mat (go you) or a jacket. It's also available in black, if that goes better with your aesthetic.

Material:Nylon
Dimensions:14.2" x 6.1" x 20.1''
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Revive Convertible Backpack
Credit: Athleta

Pros

  • Water-repellent fabric
  • Interior water bottle sleeve

Cons

  • Not as spacious as some of the others on this list

Need a backpack but don't always want to rock the double straps? This cute and compact bag lets you switch up your look in a snap thanks to its removable long strap, which allows you to transform it into a crossbody. You know what they say: getchu a bag that can do both.

Material:Recycled polyester
Dimensions:Not listed
Amazon’s Choice
10L/15L Hiking Backpack 
Now 15% Off
Credit: Amazon

Pros

  • Water- and tear-resistant material
  • Easy to pack

Cons

  • Water bottles don't fit in the designated pocket, per some reviews

On the hunt for something that doesn't take up a lot of room, but still has enough space for things like clothes and a tablet? You're looking at it. This Amazon pick is so tiny and malleable that it can fold into a little carrying pouch pocket for easy packing! It was designed for day-long hikes, but it would be great for any excursion, if ya ask me.

Material: Nylon
Dimensions:9.06" x 3.54" x 15.55"
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What to look for when buying a travel backpacks:

cosmo line breaker

When shopping for a backpack to bring on your next getaway, you'll want to come prepared. There are loads of different styles—with a variety of bells and whistles—out there, and it's important to know what to look for. With that said, here are some important qualities and features to keep an eye out for when searching for your ideal travel backpack:

Durability

A travel backpack should last you a long time—regardless of whether you go abroad a couple of times a year or every week. If you want to feel confident that your backpack will withstand bad weather or steer clear of scratches, we recommend picking ones made of water- and/or scratch-resistant materials.

Support

Even if you think your back can handle any sort of backpack, you should look into styles that will provide you with the most support and comfort. Backpacks with breathable mesh back panels and adjustable, padded shoulder straps exist to make carrying your bag so much easier, and way more comfortable.

Special features

Think about the must-have features you can't live without. Do you always need your emotional support water bottle within reach? Will you be using your backpack alongside a suitcase? Are you always losing your keys? Take your time when thinking about these things so that you find The One that checks all your boxes—even the super niche ones.

Why trust Cosmo?

shape, rectangle

Our lifestyle team includes Lifestyle Director Rachel Torgerson, Lifestyle Editors Christen Johnson and Hannah Chubb, and Assistant Editor Annabel Iwegbue—collectively we have decades of experience researching and selecting the best buys for you.

We spend all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we'd want for ourselves. Our shopping roundups also adhere to the 15 Percent Pledge—this one included.

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