12 Best Travel Backpacks For Different Kinds of Travellers — Including A Viral Backpack That TikTokers Are Raving About
For many folks, the humble backpack is something that follows us everywhere, whether it is a work commute or an overseas trip, and has all our essentials we need throughout the day. But what makes a backpack a good one? Backpacks should have enough compartments to organise our daily or travel essentials, be well-built to withstand wear and tear, and comfortable to wear without adding strain to our shoulders or neck.
Here are the top-selling backpacks online suitable for every purpose and occasion.
Best travel backpacks with large capacities
Great for overpackers, bargain hunters who don’t want to pay for check-in luggage on budget flights, and everyone in between. There’s a reason why seasoned travellers love these travel backpacks.
This is the viral travel backpack that you may have seen on TikTok, which has a whopping 8.4mil views and counting. People are obsessing over this travel backpack ’cos it’s not only affordable, it’s perfect for travellers who don’t want to check in luggage (hello, budget flights!). Besides having multiple pockets in and outside the bag, you also get a dedicated shoe compartment at the base of the bag and two clips on each side so you can fit more stuff in while maintaining the shape and size of the bag. There is even a dedicated USB port where you can attach a power bank to so you can easily charge your tech gadgets on the go. Large Travel Backpack, $47.82. Buy it here
At first glance the CabinZero Classic Backpack and the TikTok-viral travel backpack share many similarities, like the boxy design with side clips. What makes this bag different is its added layer of security – the sliders on the main compartment can be secured with a travel lock, so you can worry less about having your belongings pickpocketed and enjoy more of the travelling. CabinZero Classic Backpack, 44L Capacity, $109. Buy it here
The makers of this travel backpack call this the ‘ultimate travel backpack’, and we are not inclined to think otherwise. In addition to its large capacity, you get a weather-resistant TPU exterior, splash-resistant zippers, shockproof laptop compartment, anti-theft pockets for your valuables, and ergonomic shoulder straps to evenly distribute heavy loads. Basically, everything you want in a travel backpack. It also opens like a suitcase to make your packing even easier. Comes in Black, Lava Red, Army Green, and Navy Blue. COR Surf Travel Backpack, $148.60. Buy it here
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, $489
Peak Design bags are highly regarded for their innovative and versatile design, featuring premium materials that ensure durability and weatherproofing. Their bags often have a sleek and stylish aesthetic, and this is the same for their 45L Travel Backpack. The travel backpack features a weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell and a 900D waterproof bottom liner (D, or denier, is a measure of thickness or density, and hiking bags are usually found in the 400D – 600D range). Ultralight padded foam lines the entire bag so you know you can be rough with this bag and not worry a thing. Comes in Black and Sage. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, $489. Buy it here
Best backpacks for work trips
These backpacks are sleek and stylish enough for the boardroom, but are also practical and roomy enough for your laptops and other tech gadgets that you need to be the MVP of your work trips.
Bellroy is a carry goods brand founded in Australia that is well-known for its high quality and minimalist designs. The Via Backpack is one such product, with a slim design which features a fold-down front panel so you can easily reach and retrieve your items. It fits laptops up to 16 inches, and even has a raised mesh compartment so you can keep fragile items like your sunglasses out of the crush zone. It is also water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your gear when it rains. Comes in Black, Navy, and Saltbush. Bellroy Via Backpack, $199. Buy it here
Swedish company Thule (say “too-lay”) makes bags that are well-known to be tough, weather-resistant, and highly functional. Which is what you’d expect from a maker of outdoor and transportation products ranging from the likes of bike racks, strollers, to backpacks and luggage. Unlike other backpacks, Thule bags offer all-round padded protection for laptops with an elevated laptop compartment which protects the laptop from all angles when you drop your bag. For added convenience, the side and top zippers allow you to access bag contents easily and conveniently. Available in black. Thule Paramount Backpack 27L, $198.98. Buy it here
TIMBUK2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe, $269.13
In addition to looks, there are two areas most consumers look at when purchasing a bag – build quality and compartments. The Timbuk2 Authority Backpack checks all boxes in that regard. Not only are Timbuk2 bags well-built, but they are also backed by a lifetime warranty. This utilitarian bag comes with a lot of compartments – stretchy mesh zippered pouch, pen holders, soft-padded compartments for your tech gadgets, and a padded main compartment which fits laptops up to 17 inches. The ventilated padding on the back panel and shoulder straps provides extra comfort when you’re carrying all the heavy tech stuff. Comes in Eco Black Deluxe, Eco Nightfall, Eco Static, and Eco Titanium colours. TIMBUK2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe, $269.13. Buy it here
BOLD, previously known as Bow, was started by Singaporean Mandy Chan in 2015. Her first bag Quiver X – a multifunctional bag that seamlessly transforms from a backpack to a gym bag or a crossbody bag – achieved full funding within three days of listing on Kickstarter. Kinesis is the latest iteration of the multifunctional work bag and comes with a slew of cool features like anti-theft zippers, touch sensitive pouch so you can use your phone while keeping it in the bag, and various compartments in and outside the bag for your laptop, clothes, shoes, and practically anything you want. It is also made of water-resistant fabric and zippers. Comes in Earth Beige, Raven Black, and Midnight Blue. BOLD Kinesis V2 18L Ultimate Work Backpack, $197. Buy it here
Best lightweight travel backpacks
Perhaps all you need is a personal item carry-on bag for the flight or you’re just a light packer. Better yet, something that doubles up as a backpack for everyday use once you touch down as well. These lightweight options are the best backpacks for you.
MUJI Less Tiring Backpack, $39
Hellolulu Mini Carter Backpack, $109
Hellolulu is a lifestyle bag brand from Hong Kong known for their minimalistic but functional designs. The aesthetically pleasing Mini Carter Backpack is perfect for travel – the boxy shape fits more items than you think, and the water-resistant coating on the bag ensures your contents are safe from the elements. The bag exterior has a soft and silky feel to it, so it’s perfect for you if you like to have a less rugged bag to complement your holiday fashion. It also has a padded compartment for laptops up to 13 inches.
Comes in a wide range of colours with creative names like Fog Khaki, Tropical Blue, Soft Gray, Flat Black, Dark Sapphire, Capulet Olive, Pink Bean, Saxony Blue, and Soap Purple. Hellolulu Mini Carter Backpack, $109. Buy it here
Crumpler Year On Year Slim Everyday/Work 16" Backpack, $200
Crumpler bags are synonymous with youthful, vibrant designs and high-quality workmanship. They are made to withstand a good amount of use, and they even come with a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship. The Year On Year Slim Backpack features a large top opening with an aluminium G-hook so you can expand your bag when your shopping trip yielded more than you had planned for. The Cordura fabric and water-resistant laptop zipper ensures your precious tech gadgets are safe from rain and spills. Available in seven colours. Crumpler Year On Year Slim Everyday/Work 16" Backpack, $200. Buy it here
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