The Best Travel Backpacks for Women, for Every Type of Trip
Q: Are there any travel backpacks for women that you particularly recommend?
A: Yes! But, different trips call for different backpacks! These are the *favorites* that I’ve found!
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With SO many travel backpacks on the market, it can be challenging to weed through them all! But I’ve done the heavy lifting for you! No pun intended… ;)
After sampling *countless* travel backpacks for women, I decided to consolidate my favorites into ONE list. Whether you’re looking for a backpack for trekking through the woods or closer commutes into the office, I’ve got you covered!
Check out my favorite travel backpacks for women, for every type of trip!
The best travel backpacks for women, for every type of trip!
Best travel backpacks for: Sightseeing
These are all-around backpacks that can handle a FULL day of exploring a new city. You’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again because they easily transition from running errands around town to two weeks sightseeing through Rome. These are high-quality, durable bags that can stand up to being tossed around a bit. And yet, still very attractive!
Scroll down to find out why each of these travel backpacks made my shortlist!
Madewell Transport Rucksack — I’ll be bringing this bag with me *everywhere* during my upcoming 6-week summer trip through Europe! This backpack can store a lot without getting too heavy if I’m walking around all day. And I love the wanderlust look! I also find that leather bags hold up really well during travel; some slight wear only adds to their appeal!
Rains Waterproof Backpack — Honestly, I love everything this Danish rainwear brand makes! I first discovered Rains on a trip to Copenhagen and tried on about six different rain jackets before picking a winner. Since then, I’ve expanded my collection and bought gifts for friends too! If you’re traveling to a rainy destination, bring this minimalist-style backpack and ensure your valuables stay dry!
Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack — Popular for a reason. My Fjällräven bag makes travel life easy. It seems to fit WAY more than it should, it’s water-resistant, and you can carry it in a couple of different ways. However, if you’re looking for a bag with tons of pockets, this isn’t it. I’d pair this bag with some mini travel bags for added organization inside.
Herschel Little America Backpack — This classic backpack manages to be equal parts utilitarian AND good-looking. I’ve also had fantastic customer service from the Herschel brand; they stand behind their product quality. When the shoulder strap on my Novel Duffel Bag broke after a year of use, their support team expedited a new strap to me for free!
Madewell Lorimer Backpack — Want a slightly upgraded version of a traditional backpack? The Madewell Lorimer Backpack is your best bet! I love it in black, which can double as a commuter bag to work.
Topo Designs Rover Pack Mini Backpack — This one is on my wish list!!! I love all of their fun color combos!
Best travel backpacks for: Trendy destinations
These travel backpacks value form a little more than function. They’re perfect for luxe destinations where you’d rather not shlep around a camping-style backpack. Even though they’re effortlessly chic, they’re still solid travel bags! Zippers and hidden pockets make it easy to stow away valuables while you’re on the move.
Scroll down for details!
Rebecca Minkoff Edie Backpack — I’m *obsessed* with this versatile Chanel-style backpack!!
Ganni Small Leopard Print Backpack — A small and cute addition to any travel outfit, perfect for holding necessities while running around all day!
MZ Wallace City Metro Backpack — If you’re looking for sophisticated travel bags (in MANY shapes and sizes), look no further than MZ Wallace. I love their luxe details like leather zipper pulls and high-quality hardware. I think this bright red mini backpack is downright adorable, but I’m also digging this slightly larger gunmetal travel backpack!
Matt and Nat Mavi Vegan Backpack — How *sleek* is this minimalist, fashion-forward backpack?! It lays nearly flat on your back and looks a bit like a purse. It would even pair well with a dress!
Best travel backpacks for: Business trips
Needing a backpack that looks professional and *definitely* fits your laptop? These are my favorite business backpacks for women, either for work trips away from home or daily office commutes!
Tumi Voyager Carson Nylon Backpack — A splurge-worthy, high-quality backpack that you’ll feel comfortable using in front of clients. This one has gorgeous gold hardware and TONS of intelligently-placed pockets you didn’t know you needed!
Lo & Sons Rowledge Backpack — Another fantastic backpack for business travel, and it’s currently *HALF OFF*!
Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack — A more affordable business backpack option that still looks professional and holds a 15” laptop!
Best travel backpacks for: Outdoor activities
Looking for a travel backpack that’s durable enough for a FULL day of hiking? These two backpacks have supported me throughout my U.S. road trip and visited 28 National Parks with me! I highly highly recommend them to anyone in need of an outdoor day pack!
Patagonia Atom 8L Sling — I have become BEYOND obsessed with this little backpack. It’s the perfect size for day hikes because it’s small enough to stay light on your back! And yet, somehow, it fits WAY more than it should — two water bottles, an extra layer, snacks — I’ve stuffed a *lot* into this little guy during longer treks. The single shoulder strap looks cute on the trail too!
Osprey Women’s Tempest 20L Backpack — I’ve lugged this backpack all over the world with me! I love the separate hydration pack pouch, trekking pole loops, and the optional chest strap for hiking. I also find that Osprey makes some of the best packs for women! They’re specially designed to support our hips and backs, and come in lots of sizes! As someone who has dealt with lower back issues for years, finding a pack that’s *actually* comfortable is critical!
Best travel backpacks for: Long weekends
While a standard-size backpack is a good option for an overnighter, it’s usually too small for a weekend away. For trips lasting 2-4 nights, these larger backpacks are your best bet! They’re ideal for someone who dislikes the shoulder strap pressure of a traditional weekend duffel.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L Bag — MY FAVORITE. This duffel is *incredibly* versatile! You can carry it via its top handles, its removable shoulder strap, OR its removable backpack straps! Additionally, the waterproof material is tough AF. I brought the 55L Black Hole Duffel bag to Patagonia for two weeks and wish I could own this bag in EVERY size!
Gregory Women's Maya 40L Backpack — Similar to Osprey, I find that Gregory makes great hiking packs for women, with ample back support for curvier shapes!
There you have it! My favorite travel backpacks for women, for EVERY type of trip! Do you have any favorites that didn’t make my list?? Share them with us in the comments below!
