It also has a handy shoulder strap should you just want to get somewhere fast and not unpack all the straps. And second, we like to stow away the straps before we board the plane so we can move through the narrow aisles and put the bag in the overhead compartment or under the seat with ease. Travel backpacks tend to be boxier so theyre basically shaped like a suitcase. While not a deal-breaker, we really like it when travel backpacks have stowable shoulder straps that can be hidden away. 30L, 45L, 50L, etc.). All of the Osprey backpacks we looked at today are high-quality gear, and they would all make excellent travel companions. But here are our thoughts on backpack sizes: Note: Your trip length doesnt necessarily correspond to backpack size. You will definitely use it much more than you need to, and trust me, you do not want to have to carry all of your items with you all the time. It isnt, it is a roller bag. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In addition to that, the shoulder straps are adjustable and padded all of these features were put in place to ensure that you stay comfortable while carrying this bag. Hiking backpacks tend to be long and skinny so its harder to utilize the space in your bag as well as the boxier travel backpack. See Our In-Depth Review:Tortuga Outbreaker Review. And, of course, the Fairview is designed specifically for women so thats a solid bonus. However, if you want to utilize this added security feature, you will have to porches a padlock separately. Deciding which one you should get will come down to how you like to travel and what kind of storage you want in your backpack. Since you'll be wearing it on your back, you want it to sit just right and be comfortable. Weve already written up a guide to packing with packing cubes so we think you should check it out. The Outbreaker is also one of the only backpacks weve seen that has an adjustable torso length so it fits a wide range of people. See on, The Best Travel Backpacks: Our Favorites For 2019, The Best Affordable Gear Hauling Travel Backpack, The Best Minimalist Gear Hauling Travel Backpack, The Best Streamlined Minimalist Travel Backpack, Allbirds Comparision Guide | Our In-Depth & Long-Term Wear Test, Allbirds Review | Testing The Worlds Most Comfortable Shoes, Best Travel Shoes Fashionable & Comfortable Shoes for Traveling, The Best Travel Shoes For Men | Our Picks For Most Comfortable and Stylish Mens Shoes For Travel, Osprey Farpoint: 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop, Tortuga Outbreaker: X-Pac Waterproof Sailcloth, Aer Travel Pack 2: 1680D Cordura Ballistic N. If you plan on using both a backpack and a suitcase then your backpack can be smaller. When it comes to the Sojourn backpacks, the 3 versions have all the exact same features; theyonly differ in their respective sizes. Let's take a deeper dive into Osprey backpacks to see if they're worth it! Their goal is to design only high-quality products that last a long time, so if environmental impact is high on your values, Osprey strives for just that. Which as we all know, a day pack is a must for travel. Thank you! The Osprey Porter series of travel backpacks is another super solid travel bag that lets you haul a lot of stuff at an affordable price its no surprise that its one of the most popular travel backpacks. For a shorter trip, Id say the 55 is the ideal one. And also, all of them have several different pockets, both inside the main compartment as well as on the exterior. Furthermore, bags come in different shapes and configurations so you shouldnt judge size on liters alone. Whether you purchase an Osprey backpack or opt for another brand, the important thing is that you have somewhere to pack your belongings. On the lid there is a zippered mesh panel for all those fiddly extras. In general, hiking bags have a more advanced shoulder harness and hip belt, and the bag is designed to sit closer to your body. The most obvious difference between the two styles is how the bag opens. Thank you, we appreciate your support! There are so many out there at many price points, but fear not, we're here to help! Are you traveling in the winter? If you are specifically looking for this type of backpack,then immediately hop over to the latter part of the review. It is the only Fairview thatdoesnt feature a zip-off daypack or removable sleeping bag straps. All of them are unisex and highly adjustable, so they will fit everyone perfectly. Their carry-on-sized backpacks are also perfect for light travelers who want to keep everything in one place and not have to deal with wheeled carry-on bags (although they do make those as well)! Youll also want to look at the amount of padding found on the shoulder straps because some bags have a ton and some have very little. The ultimate guide to the best travel shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Ultimately, the Meridian 22 wheeledbackpacks gets top marks from me because they can handle my lifestyle and I dont have to worry about my luggage breaking down. That doesnt mean traditional backpacks arent comfortable but theyre usually not as comfortable as hiking style harnesses especially when youre carrying a heavy load. Thats because youll do laundry on longer trips so the amount you pack on a 5-day trip really isnt different than packing for a 7-week trip. So if you can get over that, then you have yourself a solid travel backpack. Since we dedicate ourselves to travel at Pilot, we wanted to highlight the best backpacks for travel that Osprey offers. The best travel backpacks have a bit of rigidity/structure and this helps distribute the weight of the bag across your entire back and it helps keep the load tight against your body. Because it is lightweight and durable. The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. There are dozens of backpacks designed for travel on a market and weve tested a lot of them (as you can see in the photo above). Its also cheaper than most travel backpacks at the max carry-on size range but it also has a basic shoulder harness so its not as comfortable as other bags. That said, the cooler-looking backpacks tend to be less comfortable than hiking-style backpacks but there are a few that strike a nice balance of form and function. You can see some of their basic specifications below. Because she had back problems at that time I was stuck hauling it around which was a nightmare. That said, many travelers forgo a hip belt on smaller bags because it helps keep things streamlined since the hip belt does add bulk. for hiking mountains). Are you a fashionista with a lot of clothes but plan on using Uber/taxis as opposed to public transportation? And if you think 45L is a little too big then you should check out the Setout Divide as it is essentially the same travel backpack but its smaller at 34L max. Whether you want to get a backpack for travel, day trips, hiking, or just to have, they have all kinds of sizes, features, and more. What We Like About The Aer Travel Pack 2: The Aer Travel Pack 2 was designed to be both cool looking and functional perfect for urban travel. There are generally two ways bag manufacturers add structure: through a lightweight internal frame (i.e. Dont get a 70L backpack if youre only going away for a few days! The best budget travel tips sent straight to your inbox. The 40L doesnt have a daypack. Thats because a backpack makes you think very carefully about what you bring because youre physically limited to what you can actually fit in your bag. Recommended Travel Backpacks With A Hiking-Style Harness: The Osprey Farpoint and Osprey Fairview (womens version of the Osprey Farpoint) are travel backpacks but have hiking-style shoulder harness and hip belts its a solid mix of both worlds. Get Pilot. Another great thing that Osprey remembered to include in the design of all of the backpacks is the sternum strap with an emergency whistle. This backpack is a little more expensive, but if you're a frequent carry-on traveler, it could very well be worth the price tag. This is the most efficient shape for packing as it allows you to easily utilize all the space in your backpack. Having theft deterrent luggage is a must whether their rolling backpacks or regular suitcases. It comes with the convertible aspects of the Farpoint but also includes a detachable daypack. The Ozones capacity is 45 L. No hip belt on the Meridian means ALL weight is carried on the shoulders. The larger two backpacks also allow for a kangaroo style attachment of the daypack, for when you want to have all your smaller valuables handy. The 40L version has a padded tablet sleeve, whereas the larger 3 backpacks have a laptop sleeve. Your email address will not be published. As you can see, the shoulder straps on the hiking-style backpack (left) are positioned lower on the bag and curve up and around the shoulders. But, there is plenty of room in the main compartment for your laptop, so if you dont mind tucking it in between a few t-shirts, youll be good to go with the Sojourn. One of the big names in backpacks for hiking and traveling is Osprey. Here are some of our top choices: OspreysFarpoint 40is a popular travel backpack for a good reason. Traveling light allows you to easily navigate busy train stations, cobblestone streets, endless staircases, and everything else that gets thrown at you. Are these Wheeled Backpacks TFG Approved? Stay tuned for tomorrows post to find out the final result of my review and if I recommend this bag for your next trip. At A Glance: Osprey's Best Travel Backpacks. Please read these posts to learnmore about how to choosea suitcase or a travel backpack. If you are going to be spending a lot of time on airplanes, you should definitely get a carry-on version. To have a repair made, you have to first make a claim. Even though its not really meant to be a carry-on, you might just be able to sneak it inside the cabin if you dont fully pack it that is. The Osprey Transporter range is perfect for travel and the Transporter Wheeled Duffel is on the top of the list. What We Like About The Tortuga Outbreaker: I think Tortugas idea when they built the Outbreaker was to make a travel backpack that includes everything a traveler would want in a backpack. That being said, Osprey backpacks are well made and built to last, so you can consider it an investment, especially if you're keen on backpacking for your travels. The straps are hidden in the back of the bag, Your email address will not be published. As you get ready to start your next adventure, you're probably thinking about packing. Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us. Look for a sleek and utilitarian backpack. Yes, its nice when backpacks take steps to help keep the elements out but you should buy a cheap rain cover if youre really worried about protecting your backpack from the rain (almost every bag has an accompanying rain cover thats usually sold separately but some bags come with them). If you would like to find out more about the Fairpoint, you can check out my detailed comparison of the 40 and 55 backpacks. And in addition to all of that, it is the cheapest out of the bunch. Size: 19.3H X 13.8W X 8D IN. Then you might want a suitcase. And the Kelty Redwing line is great for budget travelers. For a new backpack, expect to spend a minimum of around $140 but some bags cost $300+. The process is quick, easy, and very neat. In the rest of the review, well take a look at 3 great unisex backpacks. Lets take a look at our list of the best travel backpacks on the market. One important thing to remember is that most budget airlines are usually more concerned with the weight (and not the physical size) of your carry-on bags. Its personal preference but we feel it does make the backpack more comfortable if youre a heavy packer. They are a great alternative for a traditional suitcase because they usually have more pockets and compartments, which allows for better organization. Yes, it has basic backpack straps but we prefer to carry this bad-boy as a shoulder bag. Travel backpacks zip open like a suitcase and hiking backpacks have a single opening at the top (usually closed with a drawstring). I looked more closely at this bag (on Amazon) and found that it doesnt have straps. I particularly like this feature, because it means that when you want to take just the daypack along with you, you will still have a designated compartment for your electronics. So what does this mean? The backpacks that have a capacity of up to 50L usually conform to most airlines standards for a carry-on. Recommended Women-Specific Travel Backpacks:Kelty Redwing 40, Osprey Fairview 40, & Osprey Fairview 55 are all women-specific backpacks. In this review, well take a look at several different travel backpacks that they offer, and help you choose the one that is perfect for your needs. They occasionally offer discounts, but they won't take the price below around $70. Its 45L size and rectangular shape mean you can carry a lot of stuff but it still complies with carry-on size regulations. The rest of its features are very much alike to those of the larger two backpacks. You're set to bring it all over the EU as your carry-on. This helps protect your stuff from rain. That being said, Osprey backpacks come with adjustable torso length, so you can make adjustments to ensure your backpack has the perfect fit. The Kelty Redwing backpack tends to get overlooked probably because it is marketed as a hiking backpack but it is quietly one of our favorite travel backpacks. Still, they are also comfortable to wear and offer loads of space for packing all of your necessities. And, as you can see from the table, the 55 and 70 Faipoints also feature a zip-off daypack. Whether you want a smaller backpack that can be used for any travel or one that can hold all your hiking gear, they definitely have an option for you. I trust Osprey packsfor this job. As mentioned, the shoulder straps are pretty basic so its not going to be super comfortable for extended carry especially if its fully packed out. They make rugged bags with clean and simple styling. Those are the main differences between these 4 different versions of this Osprey backpacks. What We Like About The TLS Mother Lode Weekender: The best thing about the eBags Weekender is the price its often on sale for $90-$110. It looks almost identical to a suitcase and offers ample storage for all your travel needs when unzipped. Make the planning experience more fun by collaborating with your travel buddies! But, if youre too lazy to click, our favorite packing cubes are made by Eagle Creek. Id go for the Ozone solely because it seems to offer a fuller package than the other two it is lighter, it has a larger daypack and it comes in a carry-on size. Suitcases and luggage like Monos and Away are essential for air travel. Alright! I dont have to worry about snapping. The Fairview backpack is very similar to the Fairpoint; in fact, it is actually the womens version of it, and it shares most of Fairpoints features. Trust us, you can fit a ton of stuff in the 45L version as it is designed to be the max size for a carry-on bag. Keep reading below to see our in-depth reviews of each backpack. Even if you think you dont really need a detachable daypack, consider getting one; trust me youll love it. Made with water-resistant fabric, you can take this backpack on any of your travels and know that it will withstand your adventures. Theyre convertible rolling backpacks. In addition to considering the cost of a backpack, warranty policies are also important to investigate, especially when the backpacks are more expensive. Unfortunately, well-made travel backpacks arent cheap and some are downright expensive. Keep your feet happy while still looking fashionable with these comfortable men's travel shoes. Please visit this page to learn more about theOsprey Meridian 22 wheeledbackpacks. That said, the Porter series excels as a purpose-built gear-hauling backpack perfect for city hopping and urban travel. A slightly bigger bag will let you carry those bulky items. You should double-check their policies first, as some forms of damage aren't covered under their warranty. So, if you really want your bag to be as comfortable as possible then you might want to look into backpacks that come in multiple size options. Im telling you this from personal experience; a friend talked me into getting a travel backpack with a detachable daypack, and Ive been forever grateful to him ever since. Traveling for work? Some backpacks put the compartment in the front of the bag which probably isnt as safe and the distance from your back might add extra strain to your load. First of all, you should decide on whether you want to get a backpack that you can also wheel around when your shoulders get tired, or you just want a regular one. This particular womens backpack is available in 3 variants. They've outlined everything on theirwarranty page. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made on Amazon in addition to other retailers featured on the blog. Bag makers have a tough job of striking a balance between organization and weight i.e. We put these wool shoes to the test to see if you should buy a pair. Additionally, a few companies are starting to offer backpacks with female-specific designs which usually means the shoulder straps are shaped to better fit the female anatomy. In addition to that, there is also anadjustable harness, as well as a hipbelt. Youll also love the ability of the larger two versions to utilize just the daypack when youre on the go. Well, its partially marketing (I mean, they all sound pretty impressive). This style generally conforms to the shoulder so it keeps the bag from pulling away from your back. Why nylon? While not a deal-breaker, another nice feature we like is the sturdy handles on the top and the side of the bag. Traveling with only a backpack gives you freedom that you wont experience with a suitcase. The travel planner that takes fun and convenience to a whole other level. By the way, the Osprey Aura is the female version of the Atmos. While I dont like the fabric as much as the Farpoint I never having to worry about getting any rips or tears. The Tortuga Outbreaker is the most full-featured, do-everything, withstand-anything-you-throw-at-it travel backpack out there. Ive traveled Europe with a backpack strapped to my back dozens of times and over the years Ive personally tested over twenty of the most popular travel bags to bring you what I think are the best backpacks for travel on the market (yes, Im a backpack nerd). Weve put together quite a few different packing guides to help you out. What We Like About The Osprey Porter Series: While its not quite as comfortable as its Farpoint/Fairview cousin, in our testing weve found the Porter to be comfortable enough for city travel. With a big backpack, you will have a lot of weight on your shoulders. UPDATE: Tortuga recently slightly revamped their Setout backpacks to now include load-lifter straps to make them even more comfortable. However, there isno dedicated laptop pocket, which is something you should be aware of. But youll want to check airline requirements and actual bag dimensions since they do vary. For example: What does all this mean? The 46L version is our recommended size for most travelers since it meets (or comes close) to carry-on size. Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. But there really isnt one single backpack that is perfect for everyone since every traveler has different needs and requirements for example, someone doing weekend trips will have different needs than someone doing a 12-month trip through Europe. While Osprey backpacks do come with a higher price tag, they're worth it for the quality they bring and the number of options. If youre doing business travel then you might want a bag thats sleeker and a bit more stylish. One important factor with getting any backpack is making sure the fit is right. I say that because the daypack can be detached from the main body of the Farpoint, which will in turn make it smaller and lighter. That is actually a smaller backpack that can be detached from the body of the Fairpoint and it is much more practical for day-to-day adventures. Due to back problems I am no longer able to travel with my beloved Osprey Farpoint packand purchased the Osprey Meridian 22 as a replacement. The Meridian is made of tougher ballistic nylon, the day pack clips on/off, and holds 50 L. The smaller Ozone is made of thinner nylon, the day pack zips on/off in a U-shape, that is a bit more awkward to manueuver than the clips. There is also a slightly smaller version called the TLS Mother Lode WeekenderJunior. Are you a barebones minimalist traveler? ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, PRIVACY POLICY| TERMS & CONDITIONS| DISCLOSURE. Furthermore, if you travel with a carry-on size backpack then you also wont have to worry about expensive checked bag fees or the airlines losing your luggage. Therefore, pack wisely. Although current carry-on restrictions may disqualify these on certain airlines I still travelwith the 22 size to help me downsize my gear. So,look out for the number thats in the name of the backpack. Since Osprey is a big company, they make backpacks for various occasions. Hi, I'm James and I want to teach you how to travel Europe on a budget. Additionally, all Osprey daypacks have padded laptop sleeves and several different pockets that will keep all your necessities perfectly safe. Are they worth it, though? Another feature I like about the Meridian is the handle. Travel backpacks come in multiple different styles some are sleek and urban, while others are full-on outdoorsy (and kinda ugly). It's Osprey's lightest travel backpack and easily fits within EU carry-on dimensions. But honestly, we wouldnt get too hung up on the fabric details since any bag we mention in this article is going to be plenty durable for your trip. Its a very zen-like way to travel that you wont truly understand until you do it. Look no further than theTransporter Global Carry-Onif you're looking for a more investment-level carry-on backpack. more pockets = more bulk. On the inside, the Ozone Convertible doesnt differ much from the previous two backpacks. As you look at backpacks youll notice that manufacturers will throw all kinds of impressive-sounding fabric names at you. It also hasinterior compression straps, but it has an internal organization pocket as well as an internal security pocket. Disclosure: Pilot is supported by our users. So if you have money to burn you might want to check it out. Recommended Travel Backpacks That Come In Multiple Sizes:The Tortuga Outbreaker has an adjustable torso and the Osprey Farpoint and Osprey Fairview come in multiple sizes (i.e. Another nice feature that some bags offer is weather-sealed zippers. And it even looks the same with the glossy recycled Polyester they have used. That is what I particularly like about this model you dont have to sacrifice any good features if you opt for the smallest version of it. See Our In-Depth Review:Aer Travel Pack 2 Review. These bags are super lightweight and its shoulder harness and hip belt make this bag crazy comfortable. Additionally, it is also quite easy to tell from the pictures if an Osprey travel backpack features a smaller, detachable daypack if it looks like its pregnant then it most certainly does. OK for a short period of time, on/off trains, stairs, short distances. That said, it still looks like an outdoorsy backpack so it doesnt have that sleek/urban styling that a lot of people like. They may be expensive, but they are tough and durable. The Ozone Duplex has various padded handles for when you are carrying this as luggage. So what size travel backpack is best? This is a men's backpack and doesn't have a women's alternative, although we might suggest the. We may earn a small commission fee when you click on affiliate links on our website, and all recommendations are independently reviewed. Well, as comfortable as you can be with 40+ pounds on your shoulders. To learn more about our suggested travel gear, please read the following: The Osprey Meridian only has shoulder straps, no hip belt. Something went wrong while submitting the form. There are a few other very small differences but thats the main difference see our in-depth reviews below to learn more. Osprey currently has an app called Digital Pack Sizing, which you can use to find your backpack measurements. And while it can hold a pretty good amount of stuff, its relatively small liter size means its better suited for minimalist travelers. If you're looking to check off more items on your digital nomad packing list, make sure to check out our own list to make sure you've got everything covered! Try it out yourself. XS, SM, M & L). Some might say they included too much but there is no denying that this is a super solid backpack. The compression straps also act as an anti-theft feature because once they are buckled, the zipper of the backpack is not visible and cannot be accessed that easily which is a big benefit! Be aware that companies measure volume differently so Brand As 35L might be different than Brand Bs 35L. an advanced shoulder harness system with a suitcase-style opening). See Our In-Depth Review:Osprey Farpoint 55 ReviewOsprey Farpoint 40 Review. the shoulder straps and hipbelt. Its also made out of extremely tough and water-resistant fabric. You should also pay attention to the laptop compartment (assuming youre traveling with a laptop or tablet). We take a deep dive into the world of Allbirds. Sure, it is a top-loading backpack so its a pain to pack/unpack but its a joy to wear it is designed to be worn for hours at a time. That said, most airlines are more concerned about the weight than the size. The most important thing is being able to access the laptop from the exterior of the bag i.e you dont need to unpack the bag to remove the laptop when going through airport security. Backpacks are generally measured in liters (e.g. The Ozone Osprey Duplex is another great backpack for travel. But the design isnt as practical for travel. In fact, some people actually prefer comfort to practicality its all personal preference. As for their other features, they are very much similar apart from their sizes, obviously.