Compare and Review the 15 Best Travel Backpacks For Women
Even if you are new to traveling, you probably already know the importance of a backpack. While it might seem convenient to carry around the old bag you’ve used since 8th grade, this is not always the best option. In my experience, a good travel backpack makes your travels a lot smoother.
There’s lots to consider. Today, good backpacks are built with security measures. Does yours? Is it comfortable? This list of the best travel backpacks for women will help you avoid the same mistakes. This list of the best travel backpacks for women will help you avoid the same mistakes.
Here are my top picks for the best travel backpacks for women, from weekend travel bags to one-bag travel carry-ons.
1
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: Best Women’s Travel Backpack Overall
While it isn’t specifically designed as a women’s backpack, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a popular choice for women looking for a good carry-on backpack for travel. It’s durable, stylish, and impressively functional.
This versatile backpack features a clamshell opening that makes it super easy to access anything in the main compartment without needing to dig. The mesh zippered compartments help keep things organized. In this well-organized backpack, I have found that I don’t need packing cubes. The Cotopaxi Allpa is made of a tough 1000D polyester, with a thick layer of TPU that provides water and abrasion resistant. The YKK zippers are beefy and confidence-inspiring. This external laptop pocket makes it easy to remove my device from airport security. This travel backpack is great because I don’t have to dig around in the main compartment for my laptop. The 42L is a bit larger if you need more space. On the other end of the spectrum, the 28L version is perfect for super light packers and is small enough to fit under an airplane seat and count as your personal item on most flights.
Buy it if you…
Easy packing with clamshell opening
Great internal organization
Impressive durability
Don’t buy it if you…
Not many external pockets
A bit small for extended trips (the Allpa 42L will be better for some)
- 2
- REI is well known for its affordable yet awesome gear, and the REI Co-op Ruckpack Recycled Pack is no exception.
- The design of this bag is built to fit women, with narrower straps and a larger hip belt for distributing weight better. Compression straps make it easier to pack your gear. They also lift your load. The REI Co-op recycled pack is versatile. It can be used as a
both a backpacking and outdoor bag
- . The daisy-chain can be used to attach additional items. There are also trekking pole attachments, and two bottle holders. This bag is more versatile than most travel packs! The bag has a lot more versatility than other travel bags. Not only are you getting the best bang for your buck, but the REI Co-op Ruckpack Recycled Pack is also eco-friendly: it’s made with recycled materials that are bluesign(r) approved, helping you cut down on waste.
- Buy it if you…
Designed for a women’s fit
Eco-friendly recycled materials
Great weight distribution
Comfortable shoulder strapsSide pockets keep water bottles and snacks accessibleEnough space for one-bag travel or trekkingDon’t buy it if you…
The laptop sleeve lacks padding
Doesn’t have many inner pockets
Less stylish than many travel packs
- 3
- This is a bag jam-packed with organizational features that pair well with your busy day-to-day life, but is also perfect for taking along as a carry-on bag. The Aer travel bag is incredibly durable and great for keeping things neat and tidy. It also counts as a personal piece on most flights. The backpack is made of durable ballistic nylon and has held up well to extended use. The backpack is also smartly designed. This bag’s 28L capacity is small, but you can fit a lot of items in it. This bag’s main compartment can be opened flat, making it easy to find small items. The easy-access shoe compartment (which fits men’s sizes 13 and up) and laptop compartment are also great organizational features. The bag has many pockets to store your accessories. It also features padded straps on the shoulder and sides that help reduce the weight. The hip belt is available separately. The Aer Travel Pack 3 is a great carry-on, even at full capacity. Even at full capacity, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is ideal as a carry-on.
- Buy it if you…
- Easy access pockets and a main storage compartment that lies flat
- Can handle 3-7 days worth of packing
- Ultra-durable materials
Well-padded shoulder straps
- Don’t buy it if you…
- Lots of straps
- Hip belt is separate
Heavy
5
NOMATIC Travel Pack: Best Travel Laptop Backpack for Women The design team at NOMATIC named this backpack the “most functional travel pack ever,” and our gear testers agree. We were impressed with the Nomatic backpack ‘s smart design, durability, and versatility. When using the bag as a carry on, you can easily slip the pass through shoulder straps to your main luggage handle. Then wheel it along. The organization of the bag is excellent. The quick-access compartment also includes a space for a small tablet. The NOMATIC Travel Pack also has weather-resistant materials and waterproof zippers. This bag will keep out rain much better than most travel backpacks.That said, our review did flag one downside:
the shoulder straps could use more padding. Especially with the 30L size, it’s not the most comfortable option for long hauls on your back.
They don’t have sufficient padding to make a long journey with this bag on your back comfortable, particularly in the 30L size.
Still, the NOMATIC Backpack impressed us across the board, which is why it remains our top pick for the
- best laptop backpack
- .
- Buy it if you…
- Great functionality features, including pass-thru straps to attach to your wheeled luggage
Weather-resistant
- More organized than most laptop backpacks
- Don’t buy it if you…
- Not enough padding in the shoulder straps
Small for a travel backpack
6
The Monos Metro backpack is a real eye-catcher–its sleek, minimalistic design makes it one of the most stylish backpacks on the market.This backpack has two options when it comes to materials: nylon twill with vegan leather accents or full ultra-microfibre vegan leather. The nylon twill and vegan leather are water-repellent and scratch-resistant.My favorite thing about this backpack is the storage system. The Monos Metro’s unique clamshell design lets the main compartment open completely flat. There is a separate compartment for your laptop, which can be up to 15″. It’s great that the laptop sleeve is located in the middle, as it distributes weight evenly. It’s also sandwiched between water-repellent and waterproof materials, so your gear stays good and protected.
Monos Metro bags come standard with the new QuickSnap(tm) Modular Kit System. The magnetic system attaches the Metro Kit interchangeably to the backpack. This allows for quick detachment, and easy reattachment. You can easily store your daily essentials and access them when you are on the move. Metro Kit is included. Just unsnap the Metro Kit and go.
Buy it if you…
Water-repellent & scratch-resistantStorage space opens up completelyQuicksnap system is included
Don’t buy it if you…ExpensiveNot much padding in the shoulder straps
7
- If you’re anything like me, safety is a top priority when it comes to traveling. The team behind the Pacsafe Venturesafe Travel Pack has taken into consideration most of the safety concerns that travelers have. It’s one of ‘s
- top picks for
- anti-theft backpacks
. Seriously, this is the bank vault of travel backpacks.
- Firstly, there’s the
- eXomesh Slashguard technology
that protects the contents of your travel backpack’s front pocket. It’s basically a stainless steel wire mesh frame to stop flyby attacks (otherwise known as cut-and-runs).
There is also a Roobar Deluxe locking system in place, which is appealing for anyone who travels with lots of gear. The system lets you secure zips and an anchor cable at a single locking point. The 45L capacity is enough for a carry on. You can carry this bag with you on the daily commute without worrying about losing your belongings. If you are looking for a long-lasting, versatile bag, then the Venturesafe Travel Pack 45L is your best bet.
Buy it if you…
Plenty of safety features to prevent theft
Effective storage system
Durable materials
Don’t buy it if you…
- When packed to the brim, it can be difficult to fit on your shoulders
- Expensive
- Heavier than many travel backpacks
8
- There’s something special about
- leather travel backpacks
. The Kodiak Leather Katmai is made of premium cowhide leather, which gives it a unique look. This travel backpack has a sleek look thanks to the black nylon on the inside. Three zippered pockets are located on the front (small, medium and large). This travel backpack is not only functional, but also stylish. It is made of high-quality leather
LightweightDon’t buy it if… PriceyNot suitable for long periods of travel
Lacks padding in the shoulder straps9After
reviewing the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L
, we can confidently say that it is perfect travel companion for
digital nomads who are always on
Buy it if you…
It will last a lifetime if looked after properly
- Made with high-quality leather
- Lightweight
- Don’t buy it if you…
Pricey
- Not suitable for long periods of travel
- Lacks padding in the shoulder straps
- 9
After
reviewing the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L, we can confidently say it’s the perfect travel companion for digital nomads who are always on the move
.
The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L has a sturdy lockable zipper to protect your gear while you’re on the move. This bag is perfect for city-hopping or urban travel. It will keep your gear safe and organized while in transit. It’s easy to find things in the luggage compartment thanks to its simple dividing system. It’s simple and easy to use, which is why I like it. It’s not overdone. The shoulder straps have plenty of padding and are very comfortable. In my opinion, this is the best carry-on backpack for comfort and support. The Tortuga Travel backpacks are available in two sizes, the 30L or the 40L. 30L is toward the small end for travel packs, so unless you’re a really light packer, I don’t think you can go wrong with the 40L, which fits carry-on size restrictions around the world.
Buy it if you…
Compact design great for carry-on
Simple storage system
- 17” laptop compartment
- Don’t buy it if you…
- Not suitable for outdoor use
The 45L bag may not be suitable for international airlines
- More expensive than most travel packs
- 10
- Osprey Fairview 40: Best Carry-On Hiking Backpack for Women
The Osprey team built the Osprey Fairview 40 to fit a woman’s frame specifically, creating a hardy travel bag that will last you forever, thanks to its durability and handy lifetime guarantee. Our gear team
tested Fairview 40 under different conditions. They found that this backpack is more at home in the wilderness than many other travel backpacks. The two sizes are both suitable for those shorter than 6 feet. It also has two front compression straps that can be adjusted to keep the bag compact. The Osprey Fairview comes in two color schemes, rainforest green or misty gray. Darker colors tend to hide dirt better than lighter ones, especially if you are trekking. You’ll feel how light this backpack is as soon as you put it on your shoulders. It’s a great backpack for both travel and hiking. All in all, it’s a perfectly well-rounded backpack for any woman on the go.Buy it if you…Durable materialsFunctional colors
Incognito strap system can be tucked away
Great suspension system
Works for both travel and hiking
Don’t buy it if you…
Not suitable for women taller than six feet
- Less stylish than more urban-themed travel backpacks
- 11
- I love this Peak Design Travel Backpack because it does it all: I can proudly carry it with me on work trips, it’s great for multi-day travel, and it’s also super organized for all my gear.
Based on our
- Peak Design Travel Backpack testing
- , it’s easily one of the most stylish and versatile travel backpacks out there,
- balancing business function with a look that’s easy on the eyes
.
The organization of the Peak Design Travel Backpack is nothing short of genius, and it blows other travel packs out of the water. The Peak Design Travel Backpack has compartments for all of your essentials. They are easily accessible from the top, sides, front and back. The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a great travel bag that has a lot of compartments. It’s also weatherproof and made from nylon canvas, which protects your tech gear. This bag has a nice feature that makes it stand out from other travel bags: the weatherproof zippers in the external storage compartments. There’s also a well-padded laptop pocket. This is the bag you need to match your varied lifestyle. It’s a small travel backpack, but if you don’t need much space it is perfect. It’s on the small end for travel packs, which is perfect if you don’t need much space.
Buy it if you…Sleek and professional appearanceTop, rear, front, and side accessTuckable straps
Lifetime guarantee
Comes with storage pockets for all your accessories
Don’t buy it if you…
Side handle’s placement throws off the weight distribution if you carry sideways
12
- Osprey Aura AG 65: Best Backpacking Backpack for Women
- If you’re looking for a backpacking bag that’ll accompany you on your travels for years to come, then the Osprey Aura AG 65 is for you. This is definitely a step up from most travel backpacks in terms of durability and comfort in the outdoors.
- You’ll always stay comfortable and dry thanks to this bag’s plush yet breathable shoulder straps, ventilated waist belt, and breezy back panel. This backpack’s key feature is its Anti-Gravity suspension. The new AG suspension technology is a great way to distribute the weight evenly. Its accessibility is really what makes it stand out. This bag features a main compartment as well as a separate storage space for camping gear. This backpack can be turned into a daypack with the removal of the lid. It’s this versatility that makes it my top pick for a backpacking backpack!
- Buy it if you…
- Anti-Gravity suspension
Tons of padding in the shoulder straps
- Supportive hip belt
- Great for long backpacking trips
Detachable daypack
Plenty of storage pockets
Don’t buy it if you…Heavier than other travel packsToo big for carry-on13Osprey Kyte 48: Best Hiking Backpack for Women Osprey has never let me down when it comes to durability and functionality (it’s by far my
favorite brand for backpacks
), and the same goes for the Osprey Kyte 48.
This bag is a proper workhorse with tons of useful features. The integrated rain cover is easy to attach and remove. A lot of travel packs don’t include a rain cover, so it’s great to see that this bag has one included.Other awesome features include trekking poles and sleeping mat/hiking tent attachments, plus lots of pockets and organizational features to make this bag an outstanding bag for hikers.The LightWire frame suspension system distributes most of the weight to your hips, so it feels very light while you’re walking. This bag has an old-fashioned back panel which is tight and does not allow much airflow if the weather is hot. This
solid backpack
- is your hiking companion for life, thanks to the
- Osprey lifetime guarantee
- .
- Buy it if you…
- Great organizational features and storage pockets
Robust suspension system
- Built-in rain cover
Attachments for sleeping gear and trekking poles
Lifetime guarantee
Very comfortable shoulder straps
Don’t buy it if you…
Not enough room for multi-day hikes
The back panel is not very breathable
14
WANDRD PRVKE: Best Photography Backpack for Women
- The WANDRD PRVKE is the ultimate backpack for photographers. The bag is made of ballistic nylon and waterproof Tarpaulin to keep the contents dry and protected from abrasions. Our
- hands on review of the WANDRD PrVKE
- revealed some impressive features. The internal organization is particularly well-designed.
- The optional camera cube fits nicely into the main compartment, and you can grab it in a pinch. The laptop sleeve has been strategically placed in the bag’s back to allow you easy access, even when it is full. The bag is available in three different sizes to suit your luggage requirements. It comes in three different colors, black, Wasatch Green, and Aegean Blue. The only downside is the weight, which comes in at 3.7 pounds when the bag is fully loaded. However, the materials used in this bag are top-quality, so this is a fair trade-off, in my opinion.
- Buy it if you…
- Camera-ready features
Waterproof and ultra-durable materials
- Stylish
- Comfy shoulder straps
Don’t buy it if you…
Heavier than other travel packs
The camera cube costs extraNo hip belt15
At first glance, the Patagonia Black Hole 25L doesn’t look like anything special. It’s a sturdy travel daypack
you can use for day trips, such as hiking, running errands or meeting friends in the park. This bag has a compartment for your laptop and plenty of storage pockets to keep you organized. It has a compartment for your laptop and plenty of storage pockets to keep you organized.
If you are looking for a versatile daypack with great functionality without breaking the bank, then this backpack is worth checking out.
Buy it if you…
Weather-resistant and durableGreat organizationAffordableDon’t buy it if you…The laptop pocket is not easy to access and lacks padding
What to Look for in a Travel Backpack for Women
- There isn’t much of a difference between travel backpacks for men and women, so the essential things you look for in a travel bag remain the same (like materials and durability, for example). There are, however, some things that make certain travel bags a better fit for women.
- Is it a Good Fit for Women?
- There’s more to a travel backpack than design, volume and features. Travel packs should be designed to fit comfortably. You should consider the hip belt and shoulder straps when it comes to fitting. Straps are usually padded and narrower on the shoulders. This helps to keep the load lighter on your frame. This keeps the load lighter on your frame.
- Is it a Fashionable Backpack for Women?
- Fashion essentially boils down to the design and colors of the bag, and your own personal preference. I would suggest choosing bags that are low-profile and sleek to avoid drawing attention to you. But honestly, I have never been a fan of how they look. Dark colors are my favorite. Travel packs are best in dark colors like blue, black or green because they show less dirt. The Del Dia versions are all unique, made from Cotopaxi’s leftover materials. No two are the same. Plus, it’s made from 100% recycled fabrics – aligning with the brand’s commitment to sustainability
- .
- Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Backpack for Women
- I’ve included quite a selection of the best women’s travel backpacks here, but now you’re more equipped to choose the right one for you.
We are personally impressed by the
Aer 3
with its functional design. This combination of sleek minimalist design, highly organized interior, and compartments dedicated to your tech keeps you organised without sacrificing style. It’s all about how you like to travel and what you want to do with your time. You might prefer to travel by hiking, city hopping or for work. The travel backpacks listed below are the best. When you find your best travel backpack for women, please let me know below in the comments!