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Updated Jan 5, 2022
| Travel Backpack | Price | Our Verdict | Check Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | SwissGear 1900 Travel Gear ScanSmart Laptop Backpack | $$ | Best for Technology |  |
  | OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack | $$$$ | Best for Durability | |
  | YOREPEK Travel Laptop Backpack | $ | Best for Affordability | |
Travel gear is sometimes difficult to sort through. More often than not, we’re advertised things that may not even be USEFUL! Then there are things that make traveling so much simpler, and so much more fun! That’s where these best travel backpack brands enter!
Travel backpacks are extremely practical, no matter how long you’ll be gone, or where you’re going. The best backpacks available right now, not only have storage compartments for tablets and laptops, but have enough room for you to be able to pack for a whole week!
Top 3 Best Travel Backpack Choices
| Travel Backpack | Price | Our Verdict | Check Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SwissGear 1900 Travel Gear ScanSmart Laptop Backpack | $$ | Best for Technology | |
| OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack | $$$$ | Best for Durability | |
| YOREPEK Travel Laptop Backpack | $ | Best for Affordability | |
SwissGear 1900 Travel Gear ScanSmart Laptop Backpack – Best for Technology!
Details
Product Dimensions: 18.5″ (46.99 cm) H x 13.5″ (34.29 cm) W x 9.0″ (22.86 cm) D, Product Weight: 2.5 lbs, rugged oversized zippers. Holds Laptops up to 17″ (43.18 cm). Oversized works best for large children and adults.
The SwissGear Travel backpack is one of the most reliably constructed backpacks on the market right now. Made from extremely durable 1200D Polyester and built to be “oversized”, this backpack is going to last you for a LONG time. But with this backpack, it’s all about the little details that come together to make a great product!
The lay-flat design makes it simple for you to get through airport security in a flash! Make your trip to the UK or your trip to Vietnam’s best beaches even easier with this awesome travel backpack.
There is an inner laptop sleeve, padded for extra protection, as well as a small compartment for tablets. This tech-friendly backpack also sports an integrated media pocket with headphone port, zip mesh accessories pocket, front organizer zip compartment, quick-access zip pocket, a water bottle pocket, and even a carabiner!
The backpack itself is extremely comfortable to carry for long periods of time. The extra padding on the back panel, mixed with the airflow back panel “venting technology”, as well as the contoured shoulder straps, allow for maximum comfort. Not only that, but it comes in eight different colors and mixtures of colors! All in all, an amazing travel backpack for all of your travel and tech needs!
Pros
- Lots of Little Pockets
- Lays open for easy computer/tablet scanning at airport security
- Large Oversized design
- Headphone port
- Water Bottle pocket
Cons
- Some reports of zipper breaking
- No guide for what each pocket/features are for
What Buyers Like
With over seven thousand reviews on Amazon alone, over 75% of them are five stars! Customers who purchased this backpack were extremely happy with all of the accessory pockets, how easily they could grab their devices or items from the quick access pockets, as well as how quickly they could go through security!
There was even one customer who said they traveled for two weeks with only this backpack filled to the brim, and they STILL loved how comfortable it was!
Final Verdict
The amount of pockets and tech-friendly features on this travel backpack make it our number one pick! Not only is the quality of the material 10/10, but the tech-friendly pockets make it worth the money. Easily unzip this travel backpack, lay it open on the conveyer belt, and make your way through security without taking out your laptops or tablets! However, not recommended for individuals who prefer simple designs, as this has a LOT going on!
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OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack – Best for Durability!
Details
Soft touch padded neoprene grab handle. Product Dimensions: 19.5″ (49.53 cm) H x 14″ (35.56 cm) W x 10″ (25.4 cm) D. Product Weight: 3.5 Lbs (1.59 kg). Capacity: 1800 Cubic Inches (4572 Cubic CM). Laptop Pocket: 15.5″ (39.37 cm) H x 10.5″ (26.67 cm) W x 1″ (2.54 cm) D
Click here to see reviews and prices for the OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack on Amazon
Our number two pick for top travel backpacks out right now is the OGIO Renegade RSS backpack! Not only does it come with integrated foam panels to keep your laptops and tablets safe, but it is incredibly durable. The OGIO comes with all of the comforts of a great backpack and so much more!
There is an “armor” protected, dedicated laptop compartment that can fit a 15” (38 cm) laptop easily. Not to mention, it has a crush resistant tech vault pocket with soft tricot liner to keep your phones and iPods extra protected while you’re out and about! This incredible travel backpack also includes a Hybrid Unibody Back-Panel for comfort, airflow, as well as extra padding!
The OGIO
Pros
- Durable and sturdy material
- Lots of storage options
- Extra padding for comfort
- Fits neatly under airplane seats
Cons
- Only laptops 15” (38 cm)
- A little on the heavy side for a travel backpack
What Buyers Like
Buyers who purchased this bag were extremely excited about how great it held up to frequent travel, as well as daily wear and tear. There are a lot of reviews about how easily customers can pack things into this travel backpack. One said, “I’ve never had an issue with storage, the main compartment expands very nicely and the extra side pockets make everything easy to get to.”
Other customers were extremely happy with how well the straps and handles managed to stay just as comfortable as the first day they purchased it. Additionally, other consumers were very happy with the price!
Final Verdict
The OGIO Renegade Travel Backpack makes our list at number two because of how incredibly durable it is! Customer review after customer review was all about how this thing can hold its own, even with the most active travelers. We don’t recommend this bag for anyone with a laptop over 15” (38 cm) . The inner pocket is great for storage, as well as organization with the right packing cubes! All in all, an excellent, heavy-duty travel backpack for you!
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YOREPEK Travel Laptop Backpack – Best for Affordability!
Details
Product Dimensions: 19.0″ (48.26 cm) x 14.6″ (37.08 cm) x 10.2″ (25.91 cm). Capacity: 11.89 Gallons (45 L). Separate compartment holds laptop 17” (43.18 cm). Polyester fabric shockproof, as well as high density nylon lining. TEAR / WATER RESISTANT
Click here to see reviews and prices for the YOREPECK Travel Laptop Backpack on Amazon
The YOREPEK travel backpack makes its way onto our top three list because of all the bells and whistles that come with it at such an affordable price. Not only does it come with an oversized main compartment, but it also has so many other features! All in all, it’s a top of the line travel backpack at a ridiculously reasonable price!
Firstly, the YOREPEK travel backpack can not only fit a 17” (43.18 cm) laptop, but it also has a full on USB port for charging your devices! Secondly, the headphone jack and two easy front access pockets make it extremely simple to listen to your favorite music and audio books while traveling. Thirdly, there are so many little extra features like a water bottle pocket, side adjustable pockets, and a secondary main compartment that set this travel backpack ahead of the rest.
Along the same lines as the extra features, this travel backpack is also really comfortable and practical. You can fit all your travel needs in one bag that isn’t uncomfortable during those long travel days. The extra padding on the back panel and in the straps really add to the overall quality of this travel backpack!
Pros
- Works as travel backpack and everyday backpack
- Easy access pockets
- Affordable
- USB Charging Port
- 17” (43.18 cm) Laptops, as well as smaller laptops and tablets
Cons
- Some reports of seams tearing after months of use
- Battery pack for USB port not included
What Buyers Like
The reviews for the YOREPEK travel backpack are all about the extra storage and the affordable price. Not only that, but the customers who used the USB port charging for their phones LOVED it! Really great for traveling the world on a tight budget! Furthermore, lots of reviews were focused on how much you could fit into this travel backpack in one trip!
Final Verdict
The YOREPECK Travel Laptop Backpack makes our list at number three because of how much you get for such a small price! We love that it has incredible features, like the USB port, water bottle pocket, and all the sections and pockets for your travel needs! However, we love the price even more! Not recommended for those who want something a little more durable. Altogether, an amazing travel backpack for the cost!
Best Travel Backpack Buyers’ Guide
A travel backpack is a long term investment. The backpack you buy should serve you well for years to come.
This is why it’s very important to take your time to evaluate different backpacks before making your purchase. Here is what to look for so you can end up with a travel backpack that will make your adventures even more enjoyable.
It Should Be Big Enough to Fit your Stuff but a Good Fit on your Back
The most important thing when choosing a travel backpack is to make sure it offers the storage space you need. Here is a general guide to the different travel backpack capacities:
- 10 to 30 liters: Day walks and hikes
- 35 to 50 liters: Multi-day trips
- 65+ liters: Extended outdoor adventures and long trips
While being large enough, the backpack should be proportional on your back otherwise it will be awkward and uncomfortable to carry. Whether you have a short or long torso, make sure the backpack can fit on your back and allows you to adjust the fit for comfort.
Overall, the right size to go for is one that accommodates all the essentials you will be bringing along with spare room for some extras and fits well on your back.
If you intend to use your travel backpack as carry-on luggage, ensure that the backpack you choose is within carry on luggage requirements. A carry-on travel backpack is 35-40 liters in volume.
A Good Travel Backpack Should Have Multiple Compartments
The advantage of having multiple compartments and pockets is that you can organize your gear for easy access. You don’t have to rummage through stuff in order to get what you need.
You can pack your clothes in the main compartment, stow accessories such as your umbrella and sandals in the top compartment, and keep soiled shoes in a side compartment separated from the other belongings.
You can also keep handy items such as your wallet, keys, cards, and travel documents in a hidden yet easy access pocket. Some backpacks also have external mesh pockets for water bottles.
However, the quantity of pockets isn’t all that matters. The pockets and compartments should be practical and functional.
A Travel Backpack with an Internal Frame is Ideal
Internal frame backpacks are comfortable, snag-free, and attractive. While you can find external frame backpacks where the frame sticks out from the pack, these are bulky, unattractive, and the rods tend to catch on things.
In addition to the stylish looks and snag-free design where the supporting rods are built-into the bag, internal frames are usually made of lightweight yet high-strength materials such as carbon fiber. This keeps them light on the back without sacrificing durability.
It Should Be Made of a Water Resistant Material
Whether you will be exploring city streets or adventuring in the great outdoors, it’s inevitable that you will get caught up in the occasional drizzle. You should be able to count on your backpack to keep your belongings dry.
In order to protect your stuff from getting wet, the travel backpack should be at least water resistant. It should be made of a water resistant and quick drying material such as nylon, polyester, leather, or canvas. Waterproof travel backpacks are also available if your need the utmost rain protection.
In addition, it’s a nice bonus if the backpack comes with a rainfly you can use to cover the backpack if you find yourself in a torrential downpour. When you don’t need it, the rain cover folds up compact and fits in a pocket out of the way.
The Zippers Should Be TSA Friendly and Lockable
Zippers are an essential feature in a travel backpack but they are not enough to deter opportunistic thieves. For added security, look for heavy-duty zippers you can lock together.
At the same time, the zippers shouldn’t give TSA officials a hard time. TSA-friendly locks feature a release valve that TSA employees can use to open the backpack without breaking the zipper.
It Should Have Thick Padded Shoulder Straps
The main benefit of a travel backpack, the ease of carrying, is attributable to the should straps. They distribute a heavy load evenly on the back making the load more comfortable to carry.
Travel backpacks that are a pleasure to carry come with thick and padded shoulder straps. As the heavy load bears on your shoulders, thick straps won’t dig into your flesh and cause pain.
They will distribute the weight to your shoulders and help take some pressure off your lower back. The padding should have a one-piece construction to ensure it doesn’t thin out or split.
Look for a Contoured and Padded Back Panel
A lumbar-shaped back panel that conforms to your back is incredibly comfortable to carry. This is because the weight is distributed evenly on your back.
The contoured back follows the natural arch of your back, which helps keep back pain at bay. Since the backpack isn’t lying on your back, there is space for airflow so your back can breathe and you won’t end up with a hot, sweaty back.
A Padded Hip Belt Makes a Heavy Load Easier to Carry
A well-designed and padded hip belt can make a world of difference in how comfortable a heavily loaded backpack feels on your back.
If you’re after the biggest travel backpack you can get and will be carrying it on your back for a considerable distance, make sure it’s equipped with a hip belt. Not only will it support the weight your hips have to bear, it will ensure the load is evenly distributed on your back.
This way, it makes a heavy backpack easier and more comfortable to bear. Make sure the hip belt is adjustable too so you can fine-tune it for optimal comfort and support.
A Front Loading Backpack Provides a Pleasant Experience
While you will come across many top-loading travel backpacks, these are a nightmare when it comes to retrieving something on the fly. You have to open the top and get everything out.
A front loading backpack offers a much more pleasant experience. It opens wide, like a suitcase, giving you a view of everything you’ve packed. You can retrieve what you need fast without having to disturb the other items.
Other Nice To Have Features For Your Travel Backpack
- Compression straps give you a way to tighten the load, compress the backpack, and reduce movement of the gear.
- A strap cover comes handy for securing the straps so they aren’t hanging loose and likely to catch on things.
- Reflective accents such as piping help keep you visible whether you’re walking, cycling, or hiking in low-light situations.
- Attachment points such as clips and hooks are great to have on a travel backpack for outdoor adventures. They come handy for attaching items such as trekking poles or fishing rods.
- A daypack or waist pack you can detach and take out during the day when exploring the city is a nice bonus. You can also go for an expansion gusset that allows you to expand the capacity.
- Grab handles give you a way to grab the bag and get going, especially when you’re in a hurry to catch a train or bus.
- A wheeled backpack will give you the flexibility to roll or carry the backpack. You can roll it on smooth surfaces and carry it when walking on rough grounds.
The Best Travel Backpack for You!
We’ve put together our top three list of the best travel backpack brands just for you! This way you can find something affordable, something tech friendly, and something extremely durable without having to pore over hundreds of reviews! No matter what type of travel backpack you need, we’ve got you covered!
good article. Thanks for your info. Overall I love the yorepek travel bag. Thanks once again.