Best Travel Backpacks
Top travel backpacks ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Osprey Farpoint 40
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Meets most carry-on size limits
- Meets most carry-on size limits
- Stow-away harness for checking
Cons
- No dedicated water bottle pocket on sides
- No dedicated water bottle pocket on sides
- Hip belt is minimal for heavy loads
Don't buy this if…
- At 40L capacity this bag may exceed strict budget airline carry-on limits — measure before flying.
- At 40L capacity this bag may exceed strict budget airline carry-on limits — measure before flying.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Expandable 35L to 45L
- Expandable 35L to 45L
- Weatherproof 400D nylon
Cons
- Premium price
- Premium price
- Heavy at 4.9 lbs empty
Don't buy this if…
- The expansion to 45L pushes past many carry-on limits — fly with it at 35L for guaranteed overhead fit.
- The expansion to 45L pushes past many carry-on limits — fly with it at 35L for guaranteed overhead fit.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Durable TPU-coated exterior
- Durable TPU-coated exterior
- Clamshell opening like a suitcase
Cons
- 35L may be small for extended trips
- 35L may be small for extended trips
- No external water bottle pocket
Don't buy this if…
- Del Dia color combinations are random from remnant fabric — each bag is unique and non-returnable for color.
- Del Dia color combinations are random from remnant fabric — each bag is unique and non-returnable for color.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Maximum carry-on size at 45L
- Maximum carry-on size at 45L
- Waterproof sailcloth fabric
Cons
- Heavy at 5.2 lbs empty
- Heavy at 5.2 lbs empty
- Bulky when not fully packed
Don't buy this if…
- At maximum carry-on dimensions, this bag may not fit in smaller regional aircraft overhead bins.
- At maximum carry-on dimensions, this bag may not fit in smaller regional aircraft overhead bins.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Integrated rain cover included
- Integrated rain cover included
- Adjustable torso length
Cons
- Less structured than clamshell designs
- Less structured than clamshell designs
- REI members get better pricing
Don't buy this if…
- The integrated rain cover adds weight — remove it if you are an ultralight packer in dry climates.
- The integrated rain cover adds weight — remove it if you are an ultralight packer in dry climates.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- RFID-blocking pocket
- RFID-blocking pocket
- Waterproof tarpaulin base
Cons
- 30L may be small for multi-week trips
- 30L may be small for multi-week trips
- Heavy for its volume at 4 lbs
Don't buy this if…
- The magnetic water bottle pocket can interfere with credit cards stored in adjacent pockets.
- The magnetic water bottle pocket can interfere with credit cards stored in adjacent pockets.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 60L for extended travel
- 60L for extended travel
- Zip-off 20L daypack included
Cons
- Too large for carry-on
- Too large for carry-on
- Daypack adds bulk when not detached
Don't buy this if…
- The 60L pack must be checked on flights — it exceeds all major airline carry-on limits.
- The 60L pack must be checked on flights — it exceeds all major airline carry-on limits.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 1680D Cordura ultra-durable nylon
- 1680D Cordura ultra-durable nylon
- Suspended laptop protection
Cons
- Minimal hip belt support
- Minimal hip belt support
- Only one external pocket
Don't buy this if…
- The suspended laptop compartment works best when the bag is standing upright — dropping the bag can still cause impact.
- The suspended laptop compartment works best when the bag is standing upright — dropping the bag can still cause impact.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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