I’ve spent months trying to track down the best travel backpacks, and trust me, not all are created equal. Between city breaks, long-haul flights, and spontaneous weekend getaways, I’ve learned the right backpack can make or break your trip — and yes, it’s totally worth the investment.
As spacious as a suitcase but with all the added benefits of one of the best laptop backpacks, i.e. somewhere to store your devices safely and neatly, travel rucksacks are – without a doubt – a frequent jet-setter’s idea of heaven.
Forget what you thought you knew; travel backpacks are no longer reserved for those who are off to find themselves on their gap year (though, if that’s you, no judgement), but are actually a savvier way of packing everything you could possibly need into way less luggage.
SKIP TO FAQs:
What is the best backpack to take on a plane?
If you’re looking for a travel backpack that’ll fit under your seat, we can’t recommend Antler’s Discovery design enough. It’s stylish and compact, with a 16.5” laptop pocket, internal divider pockets, water bottle compartment and room enough for clothes and shoes inside. If you need something big enough for a few days but small enough to go in the overhead locker, Eastpak’s Travelpack is the one. It can be carried on your back or as a holdall/weekend bag, is water-resistant and comes with a 30-year warranty (!).
Will a 35L backpack fit under airplane seat?
It’s unlikely you’ll find a 35L backpack that’ll fit under an airplane seat, as, according to airline policy, any personal items stowed beneath seats should not exceed 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches – and a 35L bag would usually be bigger.
From designs that render your favourite four-wheel hard-shell case entirely redundant, to sleek cabin-sized styles that’ll see you through a long weekend away, we’ve found the best women’s travel backpacks to buy in 2025. See them all below.
How we tested
To find the best travel backpacks, we put a range of styles through their paces — from sleek city-friendly laptop backpacks to carry-ons suitable for weekend trips. A selection of these bags were tested and reviewed for comfort, capacity, and clever design details, like easy-access pockets, padded laptop sleeves, and supportive straps that don’t dig in during long days of travel. We also considered durability (can it handle being thrown into an overhead bin?) and style, because looking chic in our airport outfits is half the fun.
Follow