The best travel backpacks on every discerning travellers wishlist

Best backpacks for travel

Maybe one of the most popular travel backpacks on the market right now, you’ll find a Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack on most ‘best of’ lists. And it’s not hard to understand why; it’s a rugged, carry-on sized pack with excellent internal organisation and modular features, making it practical, comfortable and durable. The full-wrap zipper lets you unpack widely, while internal mesh panels help you maintain organisation without needing to use additional packing cubes. Plus, its harness system, padded straps, and hip belt help distribute load more comfortably than simple carry-only packs making it great for both hiking adventures or work trips. It also features a luggage pass-through strap for sliding it over rolling cases. Things to consider include that some reviewers have noted that the internal mesh “pockets” don’t always hold shape, which can make loose gear shift and it’s not fully waterproof, so you may want to use a rain cover in wet conditions.

Weight: 1.3kg | Capacity: 25 litres | Laptop compartment: Yes | Hip belt: Yes

For travellers who value style + tech + organisation, this pack is a smart pick. The ability to compress/expand volume means you can fly with it packed light, then expand for longer trips. The weather-resistant shell and highly organised internal layout make it especially good for travellers with laptops, electronics, and those moving between hotels/cities rather than pure outdoor hikes. Something to note is that because it weighs 2 kg empty, if you load it heavy or walk long distances, you’ll appreciate the hip belt, but some reviewers have reported the harness is less cushioned than heavy-duty hiking packs.

Weight: 2.05kg | Capacity: 45 litres | Laptop compartment: Yes | Hip belt: Yes

This pack is a classic for carry-on travel, made super versatile by its relatively light weight (for its capacity), robust construction, and hidden harness/hip belt system. For Aussie travellers flying domestic or international, it hits airline carry-on size limits reasonably well while giving hiking-grade comfort when walking between terminals or through city to accommodation. Coming in the Fairpoint (designed for men) or Fairview (designed for women) styles, the designs are gender-specific for a better fit. The internal compression straps keep everything secure, while the laptop sleeve and toiletries pocket make packing seamless.

Weight: 1.6kg | Capacity: 40 litres | Laptop compartment: Yes | Hip belt: Yes

Best travel backpack for organisation

Carl Friedrik are known for their refined designs with luxe touches and their 72-hour backpack does exactly what it promises: allows you enough space to pack for a three-day sojourn. The clamshell style backpack is a great business-to-travel hybrid. It opens frontally so you can lay your gear flat and see everything at once, making it ideal for frequent flyers. Its rigid shape helps it maintain form whether empty or packed, while the external carriage sleeve lets it slide over rolling luggage handles seamlessly. Something to keep in mind is because it lacks a hip belt, heavier loads beyond 8kg will press on shoulders and the internal pockets are a bit rigid with less stretch, so oddly shaped gear may struggle. Coming in both plush nubuck leather or 100 per cent recycled nylon, you can choose the bag that pairs well with your personal style.

Weight: 1.3kg | Capacity: 25 litres | Laptop compartment: Yes | Hip belt: No

Best travel backpacks for short trips

If you want a versatile, stylish backpack at a really strong pricepoint, the July Carry All might be what you’ve been looking for. The design is clean, minimal, and well suited to everyday and travel use with structured sides that help it stand upright even when not full. The QuickPass hidden pocket gives you on-the-go access to essentials like phone or passport without a full unzip and a luggage strap on the back lets you slide it over rolling suitcases. This bag is built for city flights, day travel, and commuter hybrid use. It’s not ideal for heavy hikes or off-road treks. Its smaller capacity means you need to pack carefully or pair it with a larger bag for longer trips.

Weight: 1kg | Capacity: 20 litres | Laptop compartment: Yes | Hip belt: No

Antler’s Discovery Roll Top Backpacks are revered for their functionality without compromising on style. The roll-top opening adds flexibility and provides extra space – perfect for anyone who tends to drift into post-budget holiday spending territory. The essentials can fit nicely in the zipped side pockets, giving you ample space in the main compartment. There is also a dedicated laptop compartment, internal dividers, a water bottle holder, and a chunky external cord to help secure extra belongings. Plus, its lightweight design makes it the perfect travel companion for short trips, minus the backache.

Weight: 0.9kg | Capacity: 18 litres | Laptop compartment: Yes | Hip belt: No

Best travel backpack for long holidays

The Patagonia Black Hole MLC is built like a tank, with recycled materials, excellent durability, and convertible carry modes that make it super versatile (you could wear it as a backpack, tote bag, or duffel). For Aussie travel where you might go from city flights to remote spots, this is incredibly useful. Made from recycled polyester, the fabric is woven in the cross-weave that’s customary for the long-lasting Patagonia Black Hole series of bags; it’s incredibly durable and waterproof. While excellent for general travel, this option may not offer the same highly ergonomic harness/back support as the pure hiking-packs if you’re walking long trail distances with heavy loads. 

Weight: 1.6kg | Capacity: 45 litres | Laptop compartment: Yes | Hip belt: Yes