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10 Best Traveling Backpacks 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Osprey Daylite Plus Commuter Backpack, Wave Blue

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,189
Fit and Comfort
Material and Durability
Organization and Accessibility

Most important from
2701 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The backpack offers a high level of comfort from the first use, fitting well and feeling comfortable immediately.
Material and Durability
The Daylite Plus is versatile, lightweight, and durable, making it a great choice for daily use.
Organization and Accessibility
The dual-use hydration pack and laptop sleeve are practical, offering ease of access to water and secure laptop storage.
Weight
Perfect for hiking and traveling, the backpack remains lightweight and well-ventilated, preventing heat buildup on your back.
Security Features
The zippers are designed with enough resistance to prevent them from being easily opened by others in crowded areas, adding a layer of security.

The Osprey Daylite Plus Commuter Backpack is a versatile choice for travelers. Its compact size (18.9 x 11.02 x 9.45 inches) and light weight (1.29 pounds) make it easy to carry around, especially for day trips or casual commutes. The capacity might be limited if you plan to carry a lot of gear, but it's designed to handle the essentials efficiently.

The mesh-covered die-cut foam back panel ensures comfort and good ventilation, which is beneficial during long periods of wear. The material appears to be durable. Organization is a strong point, with storage tailored to various needs throughout the year. Accessibility should be convenient for quick grabs while on the go. Security features are not mentioned, which could be a consideration if you are carrying valuable items.

Style-wise, the Wave Blue color and design should appeal to both men and women, fitting well in casual settings. It ranks well among casual daypack backpacks, making it a reliable option for everyday use and travel purposes.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,189
Fit and Comfort
Material and Durability
Organization and Accessibility

Most important from
2701 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The backpack offers a high level of comfort from the first use, fitting well and feeling comfortable immediately.
Material and Durability
The Daylite Plus is versatile, lightweight, and durable, making it a great choice for daily use.
Organization and Accessibility
The dual-use hydration pack and laptop sleeve are practical, offering ease of access to water and secure laptop storage.
Weight
Perfect for hiking and traveling, the backpack remains lightweight and well-ventilated, preventing heat buildup on your back.
Security Features
The zippers are designed with enough resistance to prevent them from being easily opened by others in crowded areas, adding a layer of security.
#2

FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Lightweight Outdoor Daypack Hiking,Camping,Travel Backpack for Men Women Blue

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Fit and Comfort
Material and Durability

Most important from
7193 reviews

Capacity
Versatile and great for extended use, the FENGDONG 40L Daypack comfortably handled the demands of a three-day trip, carrying multiple water bottles and snacks without causing shoulder strain.
Fit and Comfort
The shoulder straps are wide enough to distribute weight evenly, making it easier to carry heavy loads for long periods.
Material and Durability
Sturdy construction and ample storage make this backpack a reliable choice for day trips or short excursions.
Organization and Accessibility
The multiple compartments provide excellent organization, ensuring easy access to essentials.

The FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Lightweight Outdoor Daypack is a versatile option for hiking, camping, and travel. With a 40L capacity, it provides ample space for all your essentials. The multi-compartment design, including a main zipped compartment, a zipped front pocket, and two side pockets, facilitates easy organization and accessibility of your belongings. The inclusion of a separator and a small zippered pocket in the main compartment adds to its organizational features.

Made of high-density polyester material, the backpack is water-resistant, tear-resistant, and built to endure rugged conditions, making it a durable choice for outdoor activities. The added reinforcement at stress points enhances its longevity. Comfort is a priority with the FENGDONG daypack, thanks to the breathable mesh padding on the shoulder straps and back, which helps keep you cool and reduces strain on your shoulders. At 1.9 pounds, the backpack is lightweight and can be compactly folded into its own pocket for easy storage when not in use.

However, it lacks advanced security features such as lockable zippers or anti-theft designs, which might be a concern for some travelers. The style is sleek and unisex, appealing to both men and women. While the blue color option is attractive, the aesthetics might not appeal to everyone looking for more color variety. The backpack is a solid choice for those seeking a lightweight, durable, and comfortable backpack for outdoor adventures, although it could benefit from enhanced security features.

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Fit and Comfort
Material and Durability

Most important from
7193 reviews

Capacity
Versatile and great for extended use, the FENGDONG 40L Daypack comfortably handled the demands of a three-day trip, carrying multiple water bottles and snacks without causing shoulder strain.
Fit and Comfort
The shoulder straps are wide enough to distribute weight evenly, making it easier to carry heavy loads for long periods.
Material and Durability
Sturdy construction and ample storage make this backpack a reliable choice for day trips or short excursions.
Organization and Accessibility
The multiple compartments provide excellent organization, ensuring easy access to essentials.
#3

Osprey Daylite 44L Carry-On Travel Pack, Black

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Fit and Comfort
Material and Durability

Most important from
108 reviews

Capacity
The size is spot on – easily packing a week’s worth of clothes with room for a computer, chargers, and toiletries.
Fit and Comfort
The shoulder straps are well padded and can be tucked away to avoid dangling when fitting into overhead bins.
Material and Durability
High-quality materials make it resistant to tears and light rain, which is super reassuring.
Organization and Accessibility
Great design with lots of pockets and compartments to keep everything organized.

The Osprey Daylite 44L Carry-On Travel Pack is a versatile and sizable option for travelers who need ample storage without exceeding carry-on limits. With a 44-liter capacity, it provides generous space for packing, making it suitable for extended trips. The pack is lightweight at 1.22 kilograms (2.68 pounds), reducing the burden during travel while maintaining durability through high-quality materials.

The laptop sleeve accommodates up to a 16-inch laptop and facilitates quick TSA access, adding to the pack's practicality for business travelers or those needing to stay connected on the go. The AirScape backpanel and backpack straps, along with a sternum strap, enhance comfort and fit, making it easier to carry for long periods. However, some users might find the single compartment limiting for organizing various items, potentially requiring additional packing cubes or pouches to keep things tidy.

While the pack meets carry-on size restrictions when compressed, it might require careful packing to ensure it fits the depth requirements of certain airlines. Security features aren't extensively highlighted, which might be a concern for those prioritizing anti-theft measures. Aesthetically, the pack has a sleek and modern design, suitable for both casual and professional settings. The Osprey Daylite 44L Carry-On Travel Pack is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of capacity, comfort, and durability, though it may require additional organization solutions.

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Fit and Comfort
Material and Durability

Most important from
108 reviews

Capacity
The size is spot on – easily packing a week’s worth of clothes with room for a computer, chargers, and toiletries.
Fit and Comfort
The shoulder straps are well padded and can be tucked away to avoid dangling when fitting into overhead bins.
Material and Durability
High-quality materials make it resistant to tears and light rain, which is super reassuring.
Organization and Accessibility
Great design with lots of pockets and compartments to keep everything organized.

Buying Guide for the Best Traveling Backpacks

Choosing the right traveling backpack is crucial for ensuring comfort, convenience, and safety during your trips. The perfect backpack should fit your travel style, the duration of your trips, and the type of items you need to carry. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a traveling backpack, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
CapacityCapacity refers to the volume of the backpack, usually measured in liters. This spec is important because it determines how much you can carry. Backpacks typically range from 20 liters for day trips to 70 liters or more for extended travels. For short trips or minimalist packers, a 20-30 liter backpack might suffice. For longer trips or those who need to carry more gear, a 40-70 liter backpack would be more appropriate. Consider your travel duration and packing style to choose the right capacity.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are crucial for ensuring that the backpack feels good on your back, especially during long periods of wear. This includes the backpack's size, the adjustability of the straps, and the presence of padding. Backpacks come in different sizes to fit various torso lengths, and many have adjustable harness systems. Look for padded shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a hip belt to distribute weight evenly. Try on the backpack with some weight in it to ensure it fits well and feels comfortable.
Material and DurabilityThe material and durability of a backpack determine how well it can withstand the rigors of travel. Common materials include nylon, polyester, and canvas, each offering different levels of durability and water resistance. Higher denier fabrics (e.g., 600D) are generally more durable. If you plan to travel in various weather conditions, look for water-resistant materials or a backpack with a rain cover. Choose a backpack made from sturdy materials to ensure it lasts through many trips.
Organization and AccessibilityOrganization and accessibility refer to the design features that help you keep your items organized and easily accessible. This includes the number and type of compartments, pockets, and zippers. Some backpacks have multiple compartments for separating clothes, electronics, and other items, while others have external pockets for quick access to essentials. Consider how you like to organize your belongings and choose a backpack with a layout that suits your needs.
WeightThe weight of the backpack itself is important because it adds to the total load you will be carrying. Lightweight backpacks are easier to carry but may compromise on durability and features. Heavier backpacks might offer more padding and organizational features but can be cumbersome. Balance the need for a lightweight backpack with the need for durability and features. If you plan to carry the backpack for long periods, a lighter option might be more suitable.
Security FeaturesSecurity features are important for protecting your belongings from theft. These can include lockable zippers, hidden pockets, and cut-resistant materials. If you are traveling to areas where theft is a concern, look for backpacks with these security features. Consider your travel destinations and the level of security you need to keep your items safe.
Style and AestheticsWhile not as critical as other specs, the style and aesthetics of a backpack can still be important for personal preference. Backpacks come in various designs, colors, and patterns. Choose a style that you like and that suits your travel personality. Remember that a backpack that looks good to you will make you feel more confident and happy during your travels.

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