For disorganized people who prefer to fly by the seat of their pants, backpacks are the no-brainer choice when it comes to travel bags that won’t weigh them down. The travel backpack, at best, offers the capacity to streamline up to up to one week’s worth of clothing; at worst, it’s a sad sack that leaves its contents more jumbled than when it was first stuffed in. If you’re looking to avoid the latter situation, it’s best to buy a backpack that’s already designed to organize your travel essentials for you.
Whether you’re looking for a lightweight commuter style, the ultimate weekender bag, or something to take on a plane, we sought out the best travel backpacks from across the internet. While our favorites like Lululemon are included, we also threw in some budget-friendly (but still top-rated) wildcards from Amazon — because, you know, plane tickets cost a pretty penny. Click ahead to get acquainted with the ride-or-die travel accessory that’s built to keep your disorganized butt moving smoothly through airport security lines, during daily commutes, or back and forth between classes.
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This slouchy flap-top backpack is not just easy on the eyes, it’s the ideal versatile item to lug around your essentials when you’re exploring a new city on foot. Reviewers marvel at how lightweight the bag is, noting the stylish quilted appearance always wins them compliments when they carry it out and about.
Shop Free People
FP Movement Quilted Hiker Pack, $, available at Free People
If you have the tendency to overstuff your bags with heavy things, consider getting this duffel-backpack hybrid that’s every bit as stylish as it is functional. Weighing at just 2.7 pounds with a multitude of pockets, it will be able to fit a week’s worth of clothing if you also use compression packing cubes. To turn it into a duffel bag, simply unhook the bottom part of the back straps, tuck them in the mesh compartment, and attach the cross-body strap.
Shop Calpak
This has no business looking this stylish for a backpack that costs just over $30 — no wonder 80% of reviewers have given it a raving five-star endorsement. It basically functions like an oversized packing cube, but with thoughtful details like a wet bag compartment, accessories pocket, and a separate laptop sleeve. There’s even a sneaky slot for shoe storage.
Shop Amazon
Vecave 14 Inch Laptop Backpack, $, available at Amazon
We have already talked about Bellroy’s high potential to make the best travel gifts, but its newest launch has upped the ante yet again. The Venture Ready Pack has all the features you need to accommodate every essential you can possibly need for a short trip, from stretchy mesh pockets that can contort to fit bulkier items to a side compartment that fits a large water bottle (there’s a drainage slip in case of spillage). The best feature is by far the waterproof ripstop material, made from 100% recycled nylon offcuts.
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Bellroy Venture Ready Pack 26L, $, available at Bellroy
If you’re worried about getting pickpocketed while traveling, this sleek and efficient travel backpack will put your mind at ease. The anti-theft pocket is hidden at the back, big enough to fit your passport, wallet, and other things you don’t want to lose. There’s also a fleece-lined zipper pocket for your sunglasses. The water-resistant fabric, USB charging port, and padded straps make this the perfect all-arounder for journeys long and short.
Shop Nordace
Nordace Siena Smart Backpack, $, available at Nordace
If you’re an overachiever who commutes to work, then the gym, then the grocery store, and so on, the Wunderlust Backpack will keep up with you with no problem. It features water-repellent fabric, a trolley sleeve, side pockets for water bottles, and a front straps to clip on your jacket or even yoga mat.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack 25L, $, available at Lululemon
Going through TSA security check at the airport is a stressful and chaotic experience, to say the least. This backpack is designed to help you maneuver the process with ease, thanks to a zillion front pockets at the front — to stow your phone, wallet, passport, notebooks, and important travel documents — and a laptop compartment that sits on the back end and can be fully unzipped in a cinch. You can pack up to three pairs of shoes, five shirts, and three pairs of pants in this small-but-mighty case. The brand has also thrown in a toiletry bag for free.
Shop Solo
SOLO Grand Travel TSA Backpack, $, available at Solo
Keep things light and comfy at the airport or in the car with this flexible medium-sized foldover backpack, which can be rolled up and neatly compressed into a little pouch. Standing at just over 18 inches, it weighs next to nothing, giving you a magical packing solution for when you’re edging dangerously close to your baggage weight limit.
Shop Away
Away The Packable Backpack, $, available at Away
The North Face is no stranger to durable, waterproof, and highly sought-after backpacks, but the Kaban 2.0 was specifically designed for, “…commutes and short-duration travel.” Some all-star features include a slide-through luggage handle opening, two water bottle pockets, a side grab handle for duffel carry, and a 15-inch laptop pocket. It’s the perfect companion for a quick overnight trip or a hefty commute to the office.
Shop The North Face
The North Face Kaban 2.0, $, available at The North Face
The BANGE weekender is the closest you’ll get to a suitcase on your back. You can expand the zippers and buckles to your liking and organize your belongings with its many compartments. We’d say it’s perfect for a quick weekend trip that isn’t worth dishing out extra dollars for a checked bag.
Shop Amazon
BANGE Weekender Carry-on Backpack, $, available at Amazon
Picture it: you board the plane, your phone is at a measly 20%, and you bust out your charger only to find out the airline you chose doesn’t have a single outlet in your aisle. It happens to the best of us but now, never be left tech-less on a flight again with Ytonet’s USB charging bookbag. Please note, the backpack itself does not charge your tech but makes your device much more accessible when hooked up to a battery pack. Costing just $21 after the markdown, it’s a total steal.
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Ytonet Travel Backpack for 15.6 Inch Laptop, $, available at Amazon
Whether it’s for weeklong trips or gym commutes, this duffel bag and its handy-dandy shoe compartment have got you covered. Reviewers love the water-resistant fabric, and the plethora of strategically placed zipped pouches that make packing a breeze.
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Mouteenoo Travel Duffel Backpack, $, available at Amazon
Stay organized, prepared, and comfortable with Mystery Ranch’s all-in-one suitcase, duffel, and backpack. Its zipper clamshell opening gives you easy access to your clothes without making a mess and the mono-mesh dividers make it easy to find exactly what you need. The list of features is endless, but if you like to bring a solid wardrobe with you wherever you go, we recommend this bag.
Shop Amazon
Mystery Ranch Mission Rover Travel Pack, $, available at Amazon
Lo & Sons’ Catalina weekender bag collection is a total bestseller amongst R29 readers so, we trust that the brand’s travel backpacks are just as reliable. The Hanover 2 is a great lightweight laptop bag for college students and anyone frequently taking their office on the road with them.
Shop Lo & Sons
Lo & Sons The Hanover 2, $, available at Lo & Sons
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