14 Best Travel Backpacks | Get The Best Travel Rucksack

Finding the perfect backpack or rucksack for your travels can be a challenge. We reached out to frequent travellers and industry experts to get their advice on which backpack you should be using.

From a travel backpack that hides odour to a super lightweight travel rucksack, we have it all.

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#1 Minaal Daily

I live out of the Minaal Daily, literally. All of my clothing, technology and other gear fit in this small backpack. The Minaal daily is light and compact, and also durable. For example: Sometimes I add 10+ kg of weight to the bag and all of the seams and handles remain strong. The bag also looks great and works both for travel and for work meetings, etc.

Contributor: Michael Alexis from World Traveller

3 points

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#2 FCS Mission Premium Surf Backpack

The FCS Mission Surf Backpack has been my go-to travel and surf backpack for many years now. It’s pretty much top-of-the-line when it comes to FCS’ backpack line. You can tell that it is designed specifically with surfing in mind, as it has an array of pockets for all of your surf accessories. Thanks to the 43L design, you can fit your whole wetsuit inside. There are small pockets on the front that are lined with mesh so you can keep your other accessories dry.

That same pocket comes with a “wet zone”, which is essentially a few drainage holes, perfect for if you have wet gear. As an on-the-go worker, I need to have my laptop with me. I love the fact that the FCS Mission comes with a hidden laptop pocket, lined with neoprene and a suspension harness for safekeeping. On the very top of the backpack, there are two small, fleece-lined pockets, perfect for my sunglasses and cell phone.

I sometimes find myself travelling in wetter areas, so the storable, polyester raincoat cover is extremely helpful. It also doubles as somewhat of a changing mat for post-surf sessions. Beyond all the cool features, this thing is extremely comfortable to wear. The shoulder straps are nicely padded, the aluminum-reinforced back support is solid, and the hip protectors throw in some added support. For the nomadic surfer, this backpack is a no-brainer.

Contributor: Tyler Connaghan from finbin.net

1 point

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#3 Venture Safe backpack

I’m more than obsessed with my Venture Safe backpack. It holds ever thing I need and more, is perfect for digital nomads (camera and laptop space, woo!) AND to top it off, it’s decked out with the latest anti-theft technology.

When you’re carrying around a few grand worth of equipment on your back, I’ll take any extra peace of mind I can get. Nobody can slash through the bag, the zippers are “smart” zippers which interlock, and your can clip it to a nonmoving object to prevent thieves from swiping it out from under you. I can’t travel without this bag now!

Contributor: Nina Ragusa from Where in the World is Nina

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#4 Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack

I have been nomadic for 3.5 years and this backpack is perfect for long term travel. I use the backpack as a carry on for flights, it fits easier on planes than roller bags. There is also a detachable day pack, that is comfortable and convienent. The backpack is still in great condition and I have been living out of it for 3.5 years. When people ask me where I live, my reply is out of my osprey backpack!

Contributor: Kesi Irvin, Kesi To and Fro, Travel Blogger

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#5 SwissGear Travel Gear 5977

This SwissGear knapsack comes in both black and grey, and it has a ton of external pockets to conveniently hold your valuables. It can fit a 17-inch laptop, and it was designed while keeping TSA-check needs in mind. There’s also space for 2 water bottles, so with this bag, you’ll always be well hydrated.

Contributor: Caleb Backe from Maple Holistics

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#6 OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack 50L

This hiking knapsack from OutdoorMaster comes in 8 different color options. It has a spot for holding a laptop, and it has a waterproof rain cover so that your stuff is safe no matter what the conditions are outside. It has a lot of pockets to hold all of your things, and it’s super comfortable to wear. And for under $40, this backpack is a must-buy for your next adventure.

Contributor: Caleb Backe from Maple Holistics

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#7 Solgaard Lifepack: The Solar Powered and Anti-Theft Backpack

Lifepack offers 10 handy features for consumers to enjoy when taking both their office work and personal items on the go, including always having backup power for smartphones, great quality Bluetooth speakers, a built-in lock, two hidden pockets with RFID protection, two pockets in the shoulder straps, lockable zippers, plus a workzone and a lifezone for both work items and personal belongings.

The backpack also offers an integrated lock with lockable zippers that keep belongings safe and secure when traveling. The lock itself is a 6mm stainless steel cable that cannot be removed from the bag. Reinforced fabric around the lock exit point is reinforced while the cable itself can wrap around a table or chair. In addition to its three-digit, customizable combination, the lock also doubles as a bottle opener.

Contributor: SOLGAARD DESIGN

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#8 eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender

eBags is an online retailer that specializes in travel gear. Their bags are a little less adventure-specific than the other bags on this list, but would work for an off-the-beaten-path trip if required. What sets these bags apart from the others are the amount of travel-specific features that are crammed in, like compression straps, divided compartments, mesh zip pockets and expanding internal capacities should you pick up a few extra souvenirs along your travels.

The designers of these packs thought about every possible need and added it, which also adds a little weight, but when you need instant access to your laptop, a separate zip compartment accessible from the outside of the pack is a nice feature.

Contributor: Paul Ronto from RunRepeat.com

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#9 REI Ruckpack 40

This pack is a great pack for those traveling that may have a bit of adventure planned. It has pockets for water bottles, your phone, a laptop, a hydration bladder, and even attachments for trekking poles. It opens wide with a full-zip design and has additional side entry ports to access specific gear without needing to open the whole pack. The zippers are lockable, and the harness stows away should you need to check this bag to avoid any conveyer-belt mishaps. The inside is organized with multiple pockets and sleves to keep smaller things organized and comes complete with an included rain fly.

Contributor: Paul Ronto from RunRepeat.com

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#10 Acme Made Divisadero Traveler Backpack

The Acme Made Divisadero Traveler Backpack is modern, lightweight and a travel friendly bag. Plenty of storage for all your work and travel needs. Transition from the office to jet setting off without the need for another bag. The Divisadero Traveler Backpack offers ample storage, padded shoulder and back support. All while having the security and peace of mind that your devices are protected in our padded and quilted pocket.

Contributor: Maccabee PR for Acme Made

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#11 LiteGear's Rolling Mobile Pro

The Ultimate Rolling Stow-Below/Go-Bag converts from a backpack to rolling bag, fits under all airline seats and holds all your stuff - while letting you pack tight and light. Traveling for a weekend, week or even longer? This bag is up to the challenge.

Contributor: Magi Raible, CEO & Creative Director from LiteGearR Bags

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#12 25L Alberta Pack

The 25L Alberta Pack just launched in Black, Blue, and Grey. It is made from the finest quality materials including waterproof nylon and YKK zippers! It can fold down into a pouch only 7 inches long.

Contributor: Christopher S. Kelly, ckelly19519.com

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#13 Errant: The Ultimate Everyday Backpack by Boundary

Boundary recently raised over $1 million on Kickstarter for their new every day carry pack, the Errant Pack! The Errant Pack is lightweight with a robust array of features to keep you organized on the road. The founders are avid mountain bikers and photographers, so they made sure the pack is great for commuting, riding and camera gear. The new Boundary Errant Pack weighs just 2.1 lbs and has a lifetime guarantee.

Contributor: Cavin Nicholson from Boundary Supply

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#14 Huxton's odor-proof backpack

With the holiday travel season quickly approaching, you are going to need to stash your stash to keep it safe, concealed, and handy while on-the-go...without sacrificing style or swag. Huxton, one of the leading experience-based cannabis brands in the U.S., has launched a collection of scent-proof travel bags that are a must-have for people on-the-go.

The travel bag collection is not only double-lined for the highest industry standard of odor protection, but they are water resistant and lockable, too, making them a must to protect your goods. Huxton’s scent-proof travel collection features bags available in three sizes, including a high volume backpack, a toiletry bag ideal for carrying your compact goods, and a pocket protector ideal for a go-to pouch or when you just need to conceal the essentials. Designed for the “experience aficionado” looking to enjoy proudly while traveling, Huxton's inconspicuous smell-proof bags can be used by themselves or stashed together for your smell-proof carrying style and cannabis concealing needs.

The travel gear collection starts at $15.

Contributor: Chelsea Johnson from HUXTON

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