A good backpack is a must to travel stress-free — whether you are on foot through gnarly trails, wandering in and out of urban areas, or flying for work. Top brands of travel backpacks blend durability, comfort, and smart organization to help you keep all of your essentials safe and close at hand just like travel wallets (also read — Best Travel Wallets). Todays best backpacks have something for everyone; you have your rugged, adventure-ready names like Osprey, Deuter, and Gregory, to more sleek, urban, go-to-work or class brands like Tumi, Nomatic, and Herschel. Sustainable brands like Patagonia, Cotopaxi, and Fjällräven are more eco-conscious options too. So here are more than 20 of the best backpack brands for travel to help you decide what might become your ideal travel buddy.
Best Backpack Brands
Why Choosing the right Backpack Brand Makes a Big Difference?
A high-quality travel backpack ensures:
- Durability: Made with the same material as bulletproof glass.
- Comfort: They have ergonomic designs to keep you away from back and shoulder pain.
- Features: Organisation in mind – smart compartments and unique details inside and out.
- Style: A style that suits your personality and travel needs.
Whether hiking in the mountains, backpacking across Europe, or constantly on a plane for work, the right brand can also spare you stress and make you enjoy your travel a little more.
1. Osprey – Best for Adventure and Hiking Travel
This is one of the most trusted backpack brands among both travelers and hikers around the world. Osprey backpacks are also known for their rugged construction and ergonomically friendly design features such as adjustable suspension systems, padded hip belts, and numerous pockets.
Popular Picks:
- Osprey Farpoint 40 (perfect carry-on look)
- Osprey Atmos AG (good for backpacking and long hikes)
2. Deuter – German Engineering for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Deuter has been designing and manufacturing backpacks for over 120 years. Their bags are made for those of us who want to answer the call of the wild in comfort and ease. They include breathable back systems, durable zippers and water repellency.
Top Choices:
- Deuter Futura Vario (trekking)
- Deuter Aviant Access (urban travel)
3. Nomatic – Stylish and Sleek for the Digital Nomad
If you’re a serious traveler or digital nomad, Nomatic has backpacks that bring minimalism to maximum organization. Their bags have stitched openings for laptops, tech devices and personal items.
Best Options:
- Nomatic Navigator Backpack
- Nomatic Travel Pack
4. Patagonia – Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Backpacks
Patagonia is far more than outdoor gear — it’s the status symbol of its commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly materials. They’re durable, lightweight, and more fashionable than what your dad lugs around.
Recommended Picks:
- Patagonia Black Hole Pack
- Patagonia Arbor Grande
5. North Face – Durable Backpacks for Every Kind of Terrain
When it comes to outdoor adventure, The North Face is a household name. Their backpacks are celebrated for tough construction, ergonomic comfort and multiple uses.
Best-Selling Backpacks:
- The North Face Borealis
- The North Face Recon
6. Gregory – Comfort-Focused Travel Backpacks
Gregory (67L and 69L) Gregory makes ergonomic backpacks that focus on comfort and fit. Their packs are great for long hauls, hiking and long term traveling.
Popular Models:
- Gregory Baltoro
- Gregory Jade
7. Samsonite – Trusted Luggage Brand with Travel Backpacks
One of the most recognizable luggage brands, Samsonite travel backpacks are made to be as durable as possible, while still maintaining sleek, business appropriate designs. They are great for traveling professional who needs versatility between a professional and casual look.
Top Picks:
- Samsonite Tectonic Lifestyle Crossfire
- Samsonite Pro Slim Backpack
8. Herschel – Stylish Backpacks for Urban Travelers
If style is an important factor, Herschel backpacks are known for their vintage-looking styles. They work well for city travel, casual trips or light commuting.
Most Popular Models:
- Herschel Little America Backpack
- Herschel Settlement Backpack
9. Fjällräven – Iconic Scandinavian Design
Fjällräven is famous for its classic Kånken backpack, now a global icon. In addition to looking cool, Fjällräven makes tough travel packs that are designed for usability and the environment.
Top Picks:
- Fjällräven Kånken
- Fjällräven Greenland Backpack
10. Tumi – Premium Travel Backpacks
Tumi is a high-end travel brand that makes premium backpacks that look and feel professional. They are a favored choice, particularly when it comes to business travelers because of their professional appearance, strength and intelligent organization.
Popular Models:
- Tumi Alpha Bravo Sheppard
- Tumi Harrison William Backpack
11. Cotopaxi: Colorful Gear for Sustainable Travel
Cotopaxi is a relative newcomer to the travel backpack scene. They sell stylish, sustainable bags that are colorful, made responsibly, and give part of profits to global poverty reduction.
Best Options:
- Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack
- Cotopaxi Luzon Backpack
12. Arc’teryx – Technical and High-Performance Packs
Arc’teryx backpacks are known for technical precision, weather resistance, and durability. They’re often chosen by serious outdoor travelers and mountaineers.
Top Picks:
- Arc’teryx Bora AR
- Arc’teryx Mantis
13. Pacsafe – Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpacks
Pacsafe is popular among safety-driven travelers for its anti-theft details such as lockable zippers, RFID protection and cut-resistant straps. These are great for travel around a busy city, or for taking internationally.
Popular Models:
- Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP
- Pacsafe Metrosafe
14. Lowe Alpine – Adventure-Ready Backpacks
Lowe Alpine are a specialist outdoor backpacks brand with strong load support and durability. They perform great for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering.
Recommended Picks:
- Lowe Alpine AirZone Trek
- Lowe Alpine Phase 32
15. Columbia – Affordable and Reliable
And what rounds out a look better than a sleek backpack? Colombia has some great affordable options with enough durability for a student, casual traveler, or weekend adventurer. They are made with weather resistant materials and convenient compartments.
Best Options:
- Columbia Northport Daypack
- Columbia Zigzag Backpack
16. Eagle Creek – Best for Organized Travel
Eagle Creek offers a variety of packable duffels and bags that are designed to help you pack for one journey and then store everything you need in just one place, when not in use. Their bags typically contain separate shoe, electronic, and clothing compartments.
Popular Picks:
- Eagle Creek Global Companion
- Eagle Creek Wayfinder
17. Thule – Smart Scandinavian Travel Gear
Thule backpacks are functional, sleek, and travel-ready, making them popular among digital nomads and urban explorers. They’re known for smart laptop compartments and minimalist designs.
Best Choices:
- Thule Subterra Backpack
- Thule Landmark Travel Pack
18. Kelty – Best for Budget Backpackers
Kelty is also known for offering affordable and functional travel backpacks which many hikers and campers prefer. They were that elusive combo of comfort, durability and affordability.
Recommended Models:
- Kelty Redwing Backpack
- Kelty Coyote
19. Everlane – Minimalist and Stylish
Sustainable brand Everlane has chic, minimalist travel backpacks that are popular with style-savvy travelers. Their backpacks are all about eco-friendly materials and urban functionality.
Best Options:
- Everlane Modern Snap Backpack
- Everlane Transit Backpack
20. REI Co-op – Best Quality Travel Gear For The Outdoors
For more great budget travel and hiking backpacks, check out our guide on thebest backpacks. They are the favorite of outdoor lovers and enjoy great reputation.
Popular Models:
- REI Ruckpack 40
- REI Trailbreak
21. Under Armour – Sporty and Casual Travel Packs
Under Armour backpacks are lightweight, sporty and versatile for your short trips, gym, or your day at school.
Best Options:
- Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack
- Under Armour Roland Backpack
