Best Travel Backpacks For Women 2023

May 26, 2023

With organizational pockets and easy-to-access laptop sleeves, the best travel backpacks for women are cleverly designed, functional and sleek looking, to boot. Innovative features help you get through security in a breeze, not to mention, free up your hands for your passport or a coffee as you rush towards your gate. If you’re seeking a new travel-ready backpack to add to your collection, there are several reputable brands, like Peak Design, Nomatic and Monos, whose products are both sturdy, long-lasting and stylish. That means they’ll stick with you for many years and keep you looking good as you rack up those miles.

The best travel backpacks for women are both stylish and built to last.

Travel backpacks come in many styles, from one-bag carry-ons to foldable underseat luggage that can accompany you on your next flight. For female passengers, specifically, we sought out styles that are versatile and chic enough to also be used after your trip, making it an investment piece you can include in your daily rotation. Whether you’re jetting off to a big city, seeking outdoor adventures far from home, or boarding a plane for a weekend work trip, it’s always a good idea to have a solid and dependable backpack in your arsenal. Below, we’ve selected the best travel backpacks for women to get you on your way.

Peak Design

Dimensions: 20.9 x 13.4 x 7.9 inches (expanded) | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Capacity: 33 liters (expanded) | Waterproof: Yes | Laptop compartment: Yes

This versatile backpack, which is the smaller version of Peak Design’s popular 45 liter pack, is loaded with features that make it a great travel companion. The 15-inch laptop sleeve is easy to access even when you have it crammed to the gills, and the back panel unzips like a clamshell so you can easily organize your clothing or shoes. While this pack isn’t specifically designed for women, it can be used everyday for commuting and travel. The back panel molds nicely to the body so it’s comfortable to carry around a city, but it can also be slide over a roller bag using the luggage pass-thru. It comes in three colors: Sage Green, Midnight Blue and Black.

One of the main reasons it tops our list is because of its expandability: The compressed size holds 27 liters, but it expands to 33 liters when you need to carry more belongings. This is an excellent feature, making it easy for both daily use and weekend travel without the bulky pack.

REI Co-op

Dimensions: 25 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Capacity: 40 liters | Waterproof: No but raincover included | Laptop compartment: Yes

The REI Ruckpack is the ideal carry-on for one-bag travel for extended trips. Forbes Vetted contributor Hannah Singleton spent countless hours with it secured to her back during a month-long Europe trip, which included city exploring and lots of hiking. The women-specific fit of the back panel and shoulder straps really make a difference—they’re shaped so that it curves around the chest which provides a more secure fit, which is super important: If there’s any gaping between the pack and your shoulders, it can cause pain.

While this pack is relatively comfortable for hiking, where it excels is its versatility. It has the full-zip design of a travel bag, the hydration-compatibility of a hiking pack, and a ventilated back panel and supportive hip belt (which is more minimal than most backpacking packs but heftier than most travel bags.) You’ll find organizational pockets through the entire pack, from the side panel to the inside of the top. Plus, if you need to check it on a flight, the back panel zips up to protect the straps so they don’t get snagged or ripped. It comes in both classic Black as well as Cedar, a warm reddish-brown shade.

Matador

Dimensions: 3.75 x 3.75 x 5.75 inches packed | Weight: 10.6 ounces | Capacity: 22 liters | Waterproof: Yes | Laptop compartment: No

Foldable backpacks are beneficial when you want to stash a bag inside a larger one to use as a daypack when you arrive at a destination. They’re often lightweight so you’ll barely notice them when you’re traveling. Take the Freerain22 from Matador, for example: It weighs less than a pound and stows away into an incredibly small package (about the size of a grapefruit.) But once you unfold it, it has an array of features, like a roll-top closure, a removable hip belt and thick mesh shoulder straps, so it securely holds your belongings and is comfortable to wear.

On the exterior, you’ll find two pockets to store gear you need to access regularly, like sunscreen, a phone or a granola bar. Best of all, it’s fully waterproof so it can stand up to the task whether you’re traveling to Iceland, the Pacific Northwest, or beyond. Keep in mind, however, that foldable bags like the Freerain22 will be less structured than their traditional counterparts, so you won’t get the comfort you’d find in a standard travel or daypack.

Monos

Dimensions: 11.5 x 16.5 x 6 inches (without the metro kit add-on) | Weight: 2.4 pounds | Capacity: 18 liters | Waterproof: No, water-resistant| Laptop compartment: Yes

The ideal travel backpack for women is functional, comfortable and stylish, and Monos’ Metro Backpack checks all of those boxes. The sleek, streamlined design—and selection of fashion-forward hues—makes it easy to pair with any outfit, which is refreshing for city-oriented trips when you don’t want to look like you came straight off the hiking trail. But although it has a minimal, fresh look, it is also well-designed with plenty of organizational pockets, like a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve and spill-proof compartment for dirty shoes or a wet swimsuit.

This pack is also part of Monos’ modular kit system called QuickSnap and comes with a little pouch (pictured above) which can be easily snapped on and off depending on your desired volume. And speaking of size, at 18 liters, this backpack is roomy enough to fit essentials but small enough to slide under your seat as a personal item. You can easily pair it with your standard carry-on luggage and feel like you still have enough space for a week-long work trip.

Arc'teryx Equipment

Dimensions: 19 x 22 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Capacity: 25 liters | Waterproof: Yes | Laptop compartment: Yes

In classic brand fashion, Arc’teryx is toeing the line between urban-ready design and technical features with the Granville 25 pack. It’s not designed as a travel backpack, but due to its 25-liter size and waterproof exterior, it’s a worthy candidate for your next personal item—especially for the digital nomad or travel professional. The back panel and shoulder straps are made of breathable mesh, but inside are divider pockets that make it easy for you to organize your chargers, notebooks, and (up to 16-inch) laptop. The minimal profile looks both professional and modern, and at less than 2 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight.

Amazon

Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Capacity: 40 liters | Waterproof: No, water-resistant | Laptop compartment: Yes

Minimal on the outside but oh-so-functional on the inside, the Nomatic 40L Travel Bag is the perfect travel companion when you want to only use one bag. It’s constructed with a high-quality tarpaulin material so it is incredibly durable, even in the face of rough handling or unpredictable weather conditions. Organization is where this bag truly shines. While 40 liters is already a decent amount of space, as with most packs, travelers can inevitably find themselves shoving one last item in a backpack that is bulging at the seams. The blocky design of this pack really allows you to maximize its space, and it features thoughtfully designed pockets with dividers that make it easy to keep your belongings organized and accessible. Our favorite is the clamshell opening back panel (which fits up to a 15.5-inch laptop) that opens away from the rest of the pack so you can move efficiently through airport security.

Another standout feature is the pack’s innovative strap system. You can carry it as a traditional backpack and then transform it into a duffel bag whenever the need arises (like if you’re navigating the crowded subway in New York City). Overall, this is a great pack for traveler’s that like the minimal aesthetic, but want the full functionality of a travel backpack.

Cuyana

Dimensions: 15.1 x 11 x 7 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Waterproof: No, water-resistant | Laptop compartment: Yes

If you’re looking to make a statement with the timeless design of a leather backpack, Cuyana currently makes one of the most beautiful and functional options on the market. Its minimalist aesthetic and clean lines demonstrate exceptional craftmanship, allowing the high-quality leather to be the true star of the show. Whether you’re strolling city sidewalks or attending a business meeting, this backpack adds a touch of elegance to your outfit whether you choose Black, Cappuccino or Stone-hued pebbled leather. The back straps (which are thin but strong) are adjustable to fit your body, and the interior has storage pockets for a laptop, charger, and other accessories.

It’s important to note that leather backpacks require more care to maintain than nylon alternatives. While the leather develops a rich patina over time, it is susceptible to scratches and may need conditioning to look its best. However, when cared for properly, a genuine leather bag is a great investment that will last many years. To see what it takes to maintain over time, read Cuyana’s full leather care guide.

Pacsafe – Official North America Store

Dimensions: 13.4 x 10.2 x 4.7 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Capacity: 8.5 liters | Waterproof: No | Laptop compartment: Yes

The Pacsafe Convertible Backpack is a reliable and secure travel accessory for those that prioritize safety, making it perfect for solo women on the go. Designed for the modern traveler, this backpack combines functionality with anti-theft features that give you much-needed peace of mind when you’re walking around in a foreign city. It’s made of slash-proof materials and has RFID-blocking pockets and lockable zippers. Just note that you’ll want to get acquainted with these mechanisms before using it on your journeys, or else you may lock yourself out of your bag—just a sign that it is doing its job well.

The versatility of this pack is another highlight. It easily converts from a traditional backpack with an 11-inch laptop sleeve to a stylish crossbody bag, so you can use it in any situation. In many cases, a crossbody bag is more secure than a backpack because it is closer to your body and protected by your arm, but you often sacrifice some storage space. For travelers looking for an all-purpose, 2-in-1 bag, this is one of the best on the market.

Our team at Forbes Vetted has overseen the publishing of numerous travel shopping guides, connecting readers with the best backpacks, cargo carriers and more. The author of this article, Hannah Singleton, is a regular contributor with dozens of travel and gear stories under her belt. Before Singleton became a travel writer, she spent years working as a backpacking guide running multi-day trips in Yosemite, Yellowstone, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks. Singleton tapped into her own expertise while selecting the best travel backpacks for women, including a personal recommendation for our top carry-on pick: the REI Ruckpack.

This guide is regularly updated to keep you informed on current products and prices. In its latest August 2023 update, we pinpointed key specs to help you make your decision, such as whether or not each backpack includes a laptop compartment. We also rounded up more relevant travel gear stories for you to shop, which can be found at the end of this article.

When picking the best travel backpacks for women, Forbes Vetted contributor Hannah Singleton first drew upon her own backpacking experience and industry knowledge, singling out reputable brands that are known for well-made gear. Materials were extensively researched to ensure that each pick on our list is durable and built to last. Since a trip can range from a weekend getaway to a neighboring city to a month-long backpacking excursion in a different country, we made sure to include a wide range of sizes and styles, from slim, minimalist bags to rough-and-tumble designs.

Finally, we took customer reviews into account; our picks each garnered an average of at least four out of five stars (the Cuyana Leather Backpack and Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack don’t have customer reviews listed on their sites, but we chose to include them based on the former’s luxe leather material and the latter’s stellar anti-theft features.)

Travel backpacks for women come in an array of styles, but here are some of the key features to look out for when you’re shopping:

Travel backpacks feature closure styles that allow for easy packing so you get the organization of a suitcase but the functionality of a backpack. For example, many backpacks, like the REI Ruckpack, open like a clam-shell to provide full access to the main compartment, while others, like the Peak Design Travel Backpack and NOMATIC Travel Bag, fully unzip at the back panel. Many on this list, like the Monos Metro Backpack and Matador Freerain22, are top-loading, making them ideal as a personal item but less functional as a primary bag when you’re pairing them with packing cubes.

The closure style you chose will ultimately come down to personal preference, but consider your intended usage before you decide on the type you want.

Consider the size backpack you need for your travels. Backpacks have two sizes: capacity (listed in liters) and dimensions (listed in inches or centimeters.) The dimensions will dictate whether or not the backpack fits carry-on size requirements, while the capacity will give you an idea of the amount of packing space you have.

Everyone’s packing requirements are different, but in general, weekend travel bags will be around 25 to 35 liters, while backpacks with at least 40 liters will be better suited for week-long and extended travel. However, if I were buying one bag for all my travels, I would opt for a 40-liter bag to fit a variety of clothing or outdoor gear.

If you’ll be walking long distances with your backpack or hauling it from place to place, you may want to shop for a travel backpack that has a well-padded and ventilated strap system, which includes the shoulder straps, hip belt, chest straps, and any accessory straps like load lifters (located on the shoulder straps.) Hip belts can help disperse some weight from your shoulders, and a chest strap can also distribute the weight evenly for more comfortable carrying.

Brands that make hiking backpacks, like REI Co-Op, will have the most robust strap systems, while other brands, like Peak Design, may have more minimal straps.

Each airline has different size requirements, so the size of the backpack you can carry on a plane varies greatly. However, as a general guideline, most airlines allow carry-on bags with dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or no more than 45 total inches if you add all the measurements together). Keep in mind that these dimensions include the wheels, handles, and any external pockets.

To ensure compliance with your airline's carry-on size restrictions, we recommend you check their website before your flight. Large airlines like Delta and United have standard policies, while some airlines (often smaller ones) may have stricter regulations or weight limits for carry-on bags. You’ll also encounter different rules when flying internationally, so pay close attention as you may change airlines during your overseas journey. For example, the REI Ruckpack works as a carry-on for all domestic and intercontinental flights, but you may struggle to fit it in to the small overhead bin on European flights with smaller airplanes.

One of the primary advantages of traveling with a backpack is the freedom it provides. Backpacks offer greater mobility than other types of luggage, and—most importantly—you can have both hands-free, allowing you to navigate crowded airports, busy streets, or uneven terrain with ease. But versatility is also notable: If you are planning a hiking vacation, a travel backpack can cross-over as your backpacking pack, too.

Unlike hardside luggage, backpacks are flexible and can be easily compressed or expanded based on your needs. Some bags, like the Peak Design Travel Backpack, have an expandable design to actually adjust the size of your pack. As you acquire belongings and souvenirs, you can just unzip for extra space. This enhances versatility; you can use the same pack for a weekend adventure as a month-long trip abroad.

Backpacks also make the perfect personal item if you like to travel with classic carry-on luggage. Picks like the Monos Metro Backpack and Cuyana Leather Backpack expand your useable space so you can pack extra clothes or keep your travel necessities close at hand so you don’t have to rummage through your luggage to find your headphones, passport or phone charger.