Best Travel Backpacks for Women

Travel content creator Laurie Ferraro finds her Dagne Dover Neoprene Backpack never fails to come in handy during plane travel, particularly while traveling through airport security. “My two favorite features are the detachable shoe bag—whether I’m using it for shoes or to separate my liquids—and the easy access phone pocket on the top,” she says. “I’m notorious for setting my phone down somewhere in an airport and forgetting it, so this pocket has been a game changer.” Christane Darline, travel expert and lead content creator of the Journeys With Kris solo travel blog, agrees that this backpack is a must. “What I like is that the bag is water resistant with a dedicated spot for every travel necessity: socks, wallet, phone, lip balm, passport—and an interior sleeve locks in your laptop, as well,” she says.

Available in six classic colors as well as a seasonal hue, this backpack comes in three sizes and is easy to clean at home using mild detergent under cold water. The interior lining is made from recycled plastic bottles, meaning you can feel good about the eco-friendly aspect of this purchase, too.

Those in the market for a petite backpack that houses just the essentials should consider Patagonia’s Atom Sling backpack, which features one over-the-shoulder strap and contains several small zippered pouches. Jen Tenzer, founder of The Soloist, deems it her “go-to daypack for a short day of exploration.” The travel planner adds, “I can fit everything I need for the day—including a water bottle and light extra layer—without weighing myself down.” The backpack is water-resistant, comes in seven different colorways, and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

The Briggs & Riley Essential Backpack is equal parts efficient and stylish, making it an excellent pick for a fashion-forward traveler. “To take advantage of [the brand’s]complimentary monogramming to add a personal touch,” urges Arianna Sartzetakis, founder of Uncover More. Sartzetakis adds that the backpack, which comes with a lifetime guarantee, offers plenty of pockets for day-to-day necessities, as well as secure compartments for valuables. Padded neoprene backpack straps make the backpack comfortable to carry, while mesh padding promotes air circulation.

Christy Woodrow, founder of the blog Ordinary Traveler, is assured her belongings are safe with the Venturesafe® Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack. “I love this brand for its anti-theft features,” she comments. “It includes interlocking zippers and stainless steel cables for enhanced security, in addition to slash proof stainless steel wire mesh. I love the locking system for added protection.” Available in two sizes, the backpack, made from recycled polyester, offers a padded sleeve for laptops up to 15 inches, features many side and interior pockets, and can even be carried as a briefcase.

Weighing in at just half a pound, this nylon backpack easily folds up into a small square when not in use—travel coach Heather Markel likes to place one in her suitcase before hitting the road. “Once traveling, it serves as a hiking day-pack, with plenty of room for water, snacks, extra clothing, and more,” she explains. But the bag makes for an excellent personal item, too. “For longer travel periods, it ends up as my ‘purse’ on the plane,” Markel adds, noting that she places her laptop and camera gear inside.

Valerie Joy Wilson, the content creator behind Trusted Travel Girl, swears by the Lo & Sons Westholme backpack for a number of reasons: For starters, it’s ultra durable. “I pack mine like crazy with camera gear and laptops—tons of heavy equipment—and it always holds up,” says Wilson. She also appreciates the bag’s padded insert, its soft leather, and the open slit in the back, which makes it easy to sit the backpack on top of a suitcase handle when traversing through the airport. The bag strikes the right balance of being both subtle and stylish, Wilson adds, noting, “It looks sleek and is super high end, but being a block backpack, it’s nondescript enough to not draw too much attention or make you a target.”

Hiking enthusiasts will fall for the Oasis 18L Hydration Pack from TETON Sports, designed for braving the elements. Featuring everything from bungee-shock storage to a safety whistle, this pack is designed to make outdoor excursions as seamless as possible. “The numerous pockets and compartments ensure that all your essentials are organized and within reach, whether you're packing camera gear or just some snacks for the trail,” notes Jessica Morrobel, travel content creator at Traveling with Jessica.

Ringing up at well under $100, the Matein Backpack is a budget favorite of Adriannea Smith, travel content creator and founder of the travel agency Standby With Adrie. Smith notes this backpack opens up to function as a suitcase, holding just as much as your typical carry-on. Despite its capaciousness, the backpack is still comfortable to wear for long periods of time. “The Matein backpack prioritizes ergonomics with its padded shoulder straps and back panel, reducing strain and providing a comfortable carrying experience, even during long journeys,” Smith comments. It can easily fit under airplane seats and contains an interior organizer compartment, luggage strap, strategically placed handles, and more.

Those who like to keep a range of camera lenses and other photography equipment on hand while traveling should check out the WANDRD Gear All-New Prvke backpack, available in three sizes and allows for customization options. You can purchase the bag solo, or add on the photography bundle or pro photography bundle, for example. “I was comforted knowing my tech was well-protected within thick foam-lined pockets and compartments,” shares Chesley McCarty, a design and portrait photographer who recently spent several months traveling abroad. “It can take on quite a bit of volume, but I always found it to be comfortable and easy to wear for long stretches moving through the city,” she adds. McCarty made use of a hidden pocket to store her passport, and the bag also offers a water-bottle pocket, removable chest strap, and fleece-lined phone pocket, among other features.

Travelers who like to keep a laptop in tow will want to look into the ONA Camps Bay Backpack, which contains a padded pouch and also provides plenty of storage space for camera equipment. “It is hard to find an aesthetic backpack that is designed to hold camera gear, but the ONA Camps Bay backpack does exactly this,” notes Nicola Easterby, founder of travel and food blog Polkadot Passport. Easterby appreciates the bag’s high-quality, water-resistant waxed canvas material. The backpack’s interior dividers for camera and lens organization can be removed as desired, making it a versatile accessory.