Travel
A Personal Item Backpack is the Secret to Fly Without Bag Fees
Your backpack must hold everything you need, whether you’re jetting off on a trip or heading into the office. With laptop sleeves, water bottle holders and all sorts of zippered compartments, a backpack needs to fit your necessities without feeling too heavy or bulky.
To find the best bags to take you from work to play, we tested over 50 different backpacks, including travel backpacks, daypacks for hiking, laptop backpacks, carry-on backpacks and more to find the top-performing styles. Pair these packs with packing cubes and a carry-on suitcase for your most well-organized vacation yet.
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Pros
- Chest and hip straps
- Included rain cover
- Fit more than some carry-on suitcases in our tests
Cons
- No luggage trolley sleeve
Fitting more than some carry-on suitcases in our tests, this Cotopaxi travel backpack had a spacious interior that holds everything from our standard packing test and more. The clamshell opening (similar to how a hard-side suitcase opens) makes for easy packing. The mesh compartments separate your clothes while it’s still easy to see everything you have packed. It includes thoughtful comfort features like padding in the shoulder straps, chest and hip straps and a breathable mesh back. The shoulder straps tuck away, so you can check this carry-on backpack in a pinch. Our testers appreciated the included raincover if you ever got caught in bad weather, but the bag itself also has a water-resistant coating for extra protection.
This pack is also available in 28L (which makes a great personal item!) and 42L. We think the 35L pack is ideal for most travelers as it fits the same as some carry-on suitcases without getting too heavy or bulky, which can be uncomfortable to carry. When evaluating this bag, we appreciated that the laptop sleeve could easily accommodate a 15-inch laptop. Note that this pack lacks a luggage trolley sleeve, so it doesn’t stack easily on rolling luggage.
RELATED: 13 Best Travel Backpacks of 2024, Tested by Experts
| Capacity | 35L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22″ x 12″ x 10″ |
| Weight | 3 lb 8 oz |
| Main compartment access | Clamshell/Front-loading |
| Laptop sleeve | Fits 15″ laptop |
Pros
- Nearly 100,000 reviews on Amazon
- Affordable price
- Convenient storage pockets
Cons
- Power bank not included for the charging port
At just $22, no other pack can beat the value of this MATEIN backpack. It’s affordable without sacrificing features like two mesh water bottle holders, padded straps, ample zippered compartments, a padded laptop sleeve and a USB charging port to charge your phone on the go (power bank not included). This bag has over 97,000 reviews on Amazon with 23 different color options. It’s sold in two sizes to accommodate either a 15.6-inch or 17-inch laptop.
When evaluating this bag, we were especially impressed with the amount of storage compartments. This pack has a hidden zippered compartment in the back to hold valuables like a passport when traveling. It has two front pockets to hold keys, wallet, phone, pens and more. Plus, it has a luggage trolley on the back to sit conveniently on top of rolling luggage. This pick makes a great personal item when traveling or as an everyday commuter bag!
| Capacity | 30L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18″ x 12″ x 7.8″ |
| Weight | 1 lb 9.6 oz |
| Main compartment access | Top-loading |
| Laptop sleeve | Two options: 15.6″ or 17″ |
Pros
- Front bungee system to hold a jacket or sweatshirt
- Durable exterior material
- 18 color options
Cons
- Sporty look isn’t for everyone
Head back to campus with a backpack that’ll go with you from classes, to the gym, to extracurriculars and back to your dorm. Enter the Borealis backpack from The North Face. We have been recommending this backpack for years because it has a great design for students. Whether you’re in high school or college, this pack can hold a laptop (in a separate padded compartment), textbooks, water bottles, notebooks, a sweatshirt and more while still feeling comfortable to carry.
In our Lab evaluation, the exterior fabric held up to abrasion and water-resistance tests. Our testers reported that this pack is comfortable to carry (even when packed to the brim), thanks to the padded straps and the waist and chest straps. We especially liked the thoughtful features, like a fleece-lined zipper pocket for glasses and a front bungee system to hold a jacket. Shop this pick in 18 colors.
RELATED: Best Backpacks for High School and College Students in 2024
| Capacity | 28L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12″ x 6.5″ x 19.5″ |
| Weight | 2 lbs 5 oz |
| Main compartment access | Top-loading |
| Laptop sleeve | Fits 16″ laptop |
Pros
- Comfortable padding on the straps and back
- Organizational pockets and compartments
- Great for travel and commuting
Cons
- Only available in three dark colors
Nothing ruins a trip quicker than a damaged laptop. Keep your technology safe with this laptop backpack from Timbuk2. It features a separate padded laptop compartment that can even fit larger computers up to 17 inches. There are internal sleeves to hold e-readers and iPads as well. There’s generous padding on the back, padded shoulder straps and an optional chest strap to better distribute the pack’s weight.
One GH analyst uses this backpack regularly when bringing his laptop to and from work. He even brought this backpack on a recent trip to China and appreciated the built-in luggage trolley sleeve. He said, “It’s comfortable to wear and the pockets keep everything I need well organized.”
| Capacity | 20L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18.9″ x 11.4″ x 5.3″ |
| Weight | 2 lb 6 oz |
| Main compartment access | Top-loading |
| Laptop sleeve | Fits 17″ laptop |
Pros
- Can be used as a backpack or crossbody weekender bag
- Water-resistant exterior
- Tons of organizational pockets
Cons
- Smaller water bottle holder
Ditch your suitcase for a quick weekend trip away with this Calpak weekender backpack. It’s designed to hold everything you need for a few days away: clothes, footwear, toiletries, a water bottle, books, a laptop and more. The backpack straps can be tucked away and the pack includes a crossbody strap, so you can wear it like a traditional weekender bag — two bags in one!
The pack unzips around the side like a suitcase for easy packing. It includes compression straps that help keep everything in place. There are two spacious front pockets to hold must-have items and a separate padded laptop sleeve for easy access. The sleek exterior is water-resistant and available in 11 shades including classic neutrals and bold hues. “I regularly use this pack on trips because it can fit an impressive amount without becoming uncomfortable to carry,” reported one tester. “I use it as a personal item with no carry-on, so I can save a few bucks by avoiding bag fees.” One tester did note that the water bottle holder was too small to fit her bottle.
| Capacity | 26L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18″ x 12″ x 7.5″ |
| Weight | 2 lbs 14 oz |
| Main compartment access | Clamshell/Front-loading |
| Laptop sleeve | Fits 17″ laptop |
Pros
- Can be worn as a backpack or duffel bag
- Available in four sizes
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- Difficult to put the bag in and out of its self-storage pocket
This Patagonia bag’s rugged, water-resistant exterior helps protect your items, even in inclement weather. It’s made with recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate to prevent water from seeping in. The backpack straps tuck away, so you can wear it either as a backpack or as a traditional duffel bag with an included crossbody strap. When not in use, this backpack stuffs into the small side pocket for convenient, built-in storage. It can be tough to get the duffel in and out of the pocket as it is a tight fit. The Black Hole duffel is avaialble in 40L, 55L, 70L and 100L sizes. We recommend the 40L size as it’s spacious enough to fit a week’s worth of clothes without feeling too heavy to carry for most people.
If you’re looking for a smaller backpack, we recommend the Patagonia Refugio pack; it’s great for everyday wear when traveling as it’s made with water-resistant materials and includes a well-organized interior.
| Capacity | 40L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 19.7″ x 12.5″ x 8.5″ |
| Weight | 2 lbs. 7.5 oz |
| Main compartment access | Clamshell/Front-loading |
| Laptop sleeve | No laptop sleeve |
Pros
- Accessible from the front, side and back
- Converts from a 35L bag to a 45L or 30L bag
- Backpack straps tuck away
Cons
- Heavy
Designed for both longer and shorter trips, this innovative Peak Design bag has a 35L capacity but you have the option to compress it to create a 30L day bag or expand it to 45L. This bag also converts to a duffel bag by conveniently tucking the backpack straps away, which is helpful if you ever want to check the bag when flying. You can access the bag’s contents from the front, side and back, so it’s easy to grab everything you need when on the go. Online reviewers especially liked this feature for easy access to camera equipment when traveling.
The main compartment only has one divider (which can roll down, but isn’t removable), so we found it helpful to use packing cubes to keep everything organized. There are small zippered pockets in the front to stash must-have items like a phone, keys, wallet and lip balm.
| Capacity | 45L max capacity when expanded |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22″ x 13″ x 9.5″ (at 35L capacity) |
| Weight | 4 lbs 6 oz |
| Main compartment access | Clamshell/Front-loading |
| Laptop sleeve | Fits 16″ laptop |
Pros
- Padded back and straps
- Removable hip belt for ergonomic support
- Built-in whistle
Cons
- Hand wash only
Because you can’t go hiking empty handed, bring a lightweight daypack like this top-tested Osprey backpack. This backpack features two stretchy water bottle holders on the side that fit larger bottles. It has padded straps with a chest strap and a removable hip belt for ergonomic support, important on longer hikes. The chest strap includes a built-in whistle to alert other hikers on the trail.
The front compression straps can hold wet or dirty clothes to keep them separate from the main storage compartment. Many online reviewers liked to put a rain jacket there in case they encountered bad weather. It has a separate back compartment that can either hold a hydration pouch or a 14-inch laptop — it’s the perfect bag to bring from the trails to the street. Note that this backpack is hand wash only.
| Capacity | 20L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.45″ x 11.02″ x 18.9″ |
| Weight | 1 lb 4.6 oz |
| Main compartment access | Top-loading |
| Laptop sleeve | Fits 14″ laptop or hydration pack |
Pros
- Sleek look with nylon exterior and leather detailing
- High-quality, long lasting design
- Option to add a monogram
Cons
- Most expensive pick in the roundup
TUMI is known as a status symbol for its luxurious travel products; they offer long-lasting, high-quality products and exemplary customer service. This nylon backpack with leather detailing is a staple among frequent business travelers. It has a sleek, professional look while still being comfortable to carry with padded straps. You have the option to add a customized monogram to the front of the backpack.
Grace Wu, Good Housekeeping Institute textiles product analyst, has tested dozens of backpacks, but she continues to use her 10-year-old TUMI backpack. She reports that it is “surprisingly spacious” and feels “high quality.” The brand offers a limited warranty on many of its products with low-cost repairs.
| Capacity | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.0″ x 14.0″ x 8.3″ |
| Weight | 3 lbs 4.8 oz |
| Main compartment access | Top-loading |
| Laptop sleeve | Fits 15″ laptop |
Pros
- Eight chic shades
- Spacious interior without feeling bulky
- Separate padded laptop sleeve
Cons
- Water bottle holders aren’t stretchy
If you want a backpack that’ll maximize your packing space without sacrificing style, The Backpack from Beis is ideal. We were immediately impressed with the spacious interior that can fit multiple packing cubes. The top unzips all the way around for easy packing. It features two water bottle holders on the side — testers liked to use one for a water bottle and the other for an umbrella. Some testers wish the holders were stretchy or adjustable to accommodate larger bottles.
The separate padded laptop sleeve makes it easy to grab your computer without unpacking your whole bag. Featuring a luggage trolley sleeve, this bag pairs perfectly with the brand’s matching carry-on suitcases. Plus, it’s available in eight stylish shades with over 3,000 online reviews (an average 4.8 rating!). This bag is the ultimate travel companion.
RELATED: Beis Luggage Review 2024: Does it Live up to the Hype?
| Capacity | 22L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13″ x 19″ x 5.5″ |
| Weight | 1 lb 12.8 oz |
| Main compartment access | Top-loading, opens all the way around unlike other picks. |
| Laptop sleeve | Fits 15″ laptop |
Other backpacks to consider
While these packs didn’t make the shortlist, they’re high quality backpacks that performed well in our testing that you should consider:
A favorite for students from elementary school to college, this popular backpack from JanSport is made with durable, long-lasting materials, including a reinforced suede bottom. It has a simple design with two front pockets and a large interior with a laptop sleeve. It lacks organizational features that can be helpful when traveling, but is a great option for students.
Another great professional option, this faux leather backpack from Calpak has a sleek look that’s great for commuters with a separate laptop sleeve and a surprisingly roomy interior. It’s also available in 25 colors — multiple GH editors have this bag in bold hues, including pink and purple! While it has an attractive look, this backpack couldn’t accommodate bulkier items like shoes or a sweatshirt because of its shape.
Away offers a variety of smart travel products to make your trip easier, including this extra-large 45L convertible backpack. The backpack straps tuck away, so you can use it as a duffel bag. Testers liked the comfortable straps and well-organized interior. Our main concern with this bag is that the zippers sometimes came loose in our testing.
RELATED: Away Luggage Review: Are the Popular Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?
How we test backpacks
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and travel experts who have tested over 50 backpacks in recent tests. Testing styles designed for travel, school, hiking and more, both GH pros and our consumer testers used the backpacks before giving feedback on comfort when wearing a full pack, ease of use, convenience of pockets, appearance and more.
✔️ Backpack strap comfort and fit: We look at each backpack’s straps to ensure they have padding and other comfort features like mesh for airflow. We also look for chest and hip straps, especially for hiking backpacks.
✔️ Material durability: Using a specialized abrasion tester, we evaluate the fabric’s durability to ensure it will hold up against wear and tear.
✔️ Compartments including a laptop sleeve: We rate each pack’s compartments and pockets to ensure there is ample storage space that’s easily accessible. We put a laptop in the laptop sleeve to rate how well it fits and is protected.
✔️ How the backpack opens: Backpacks usually have one of two opening types: top opening or front opening.
- Top-loading backpacks have a zipper around the top of the bag, so it opens to one large compartment that you can fill. These are great to hold must-have items as everything is easily accessible, but they aren’t designed to fit clothes and shoes.
- Front-loading backpacks (also known as clamshell-style packs) unzip around the side so they open up like a book for easy packing. These bags are better suited for packing clothes and toiletries as they will fit more, but items aren’t as easily accessible when on the go.
✔️ Packing space: We pack each backpack with a standard load to rate how much each backpack can fit. We also rate the ease of opening and closing the pack when full.
How to choose the best backpack
Consider where you’ll use the backpack before purchasing.
- Travel: Some travel backpacks are designed to hold what you’ll need each day on vacation while larger ones are designed to hold a few days worth of clothes. Clamshell-style packs are best suited for carrying outfits — they can even be used as a personal item if your airline charges for carry-on bags.
- Hiking: A lightweight pack is a must when heading on a hike. Look for styles with chest and hip straps to better distribute the weight for a more comfortable feel mile after mile. Some hiking backpacks also include a pouch for a hydration pack.
- Business: Backpacks for business travel must include a padded laptop sleeve and ample space to hold what you need when attending meetings or conferences. Look for sleek materials like leather in neutral shades for a professional look.
Check the pack’s total volume and packing space. If you plan to bring your backpack on a plane, compare the bag’s dimensions to your airline’s allowed personal item or carry-on dimensions to ensure you can bring it onboard.
Look at the backpack’s weight. Avoid heavy styles that will weigh you down. Leather tends to be heavy compared to nylon and other synthetics, which are lighter in weight.
Ensure the backpack has the compartments you need. If you plan to bring your laptop with you when traveling, make sure the laptop sleeve can accommodate your laptop’s size. In our tests, testers appreciated backpacks with water bottle holders — especially adjustable or stretchy holders to fit larger bottles. Other helpful compartments to look for include sleeves for iPads or e-readers, key holders, hidden zippered compartments for valuables and easily accessible front pockets.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour has been testing backpacks and other travel products for the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab since 2018. She has tested over 100 backpacks, bags, suitcases and packing cubes! She has a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University. She loves to travel and regularly brings her Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack along on her travels, including trips to Japan, Copenhagen, Mexico, Utah and more.
More on our top-tested backpacks:
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute‘s Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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