Best Travel Backpacks for Every Budget & Adventure — Starting at $16

We found tons of options for the best travel backpack!

We’ve tested and vetted the best travel backpacks in 2025. From traveling in the airport to hiking, and everything in between!

Here are our best options for the best backpack for travel in 2025:

1. The Wonhox backpack is roomy, affordable, and could potentially fit more than your carry-on luggage. 

This backpack can do more than carry-on luggage! It counts as a personal item, fitting under the seat in front of you, and has a ton of space. With this roomy backpack, you can likely ditch carry-on fees, and it checks off the list of essential features.

This backpack is our best travel backpack overall because it’s under $25 and comes in many different colors, making it a very affordable option for all budgets and styles. It has a luggage strap which makes traveling on flights a breeze, and many different organizational features, including a bottom shoe compartment, a separate wet bag, an exterior USB charging port, a 14″ laptop compartment, side pockets, and more!

Collin owns this travel bag which is super similar and currently on sale for $2 less. 🤩

2. When it comes to the best travel backpack for women, the Kaya bag is our most stylish pick.

This durable bag is perfect for any minimalist packer who is looking for something just as stylish as it is functional. It’s the perfect size for typical traveling. Our Hip sidekick, Emily, actually scored this on sale and said it’s worth the splurge. It comes in nearly 30 gorgeous faux leather colors and will be your perfect companion for just the essentials. It also features a luggage strap, making airport trips even easier.

3. Outdoorsy travelers will appreciate this backpack no matter where your travel adventures lead you. 

The Osprey Farpoint series is ideal for travelers who plan to head on many different adventures from city to wilderness! Made from durable recycled materials, these backpacks are tough and come in various colors. They feature a comfortable LightWire frame suspension, padded straps, and a ventilated back panel. Plus, we love that the harness, back panel, and hip belt can be zipped away for checking the bag for flights or worn during strenuous hiking.

The backpacks provide a large lockable main compartment, internal compression straps, and multiple pockets for all your gear and then some. Overall, the Osprey Farpoint series is praised for its comfort, durability, and smart design, making it a top choice for adventurous travelers.

4. This travel backpack turns into a tote and is the best option if you need versatility.

If you’re looking for a versatile backpack that can double as a tote, this is going to be your new carry-all bag when traveling! It features water-resistant nylon and has over five pockets. It even has a built-in USB port!

They are lightweight and the perfect size, easily fitting a water bottle on the side. You’ll be comfortable wearing this as a travel backpack all day, from airports to amusement parks. Many people love the pocket placement as it makes it easy to find their things. The tote-to-backpack feature is unique and functional.

5. This spacious travel backpack is organized and looks the most like a suitcase if you’re only toting one bag around.

This option is rated by Travel & Leisure as the best budget-friendly carry-on backpack, so of course, it had to make our top list of frugal picks! It’s unlike most backpacks because it unzips and folds out to the side like a traditional suitcase. Plus, it comes with three packing cubes with compression buckles to help you stay organized and maximize your packing during every trip.

To top it off, it has a separate laptop compartment that even some suitcases can’t match! It also features an adjustable cup holder on the side, so whether you’re toting a large water bottle or a skinny one, it will fit securely. When traveling, you can easily tuck away the shoulder straps and slip them over a suitcase handle with ease.

6. Well-traveled kids will appreciate this best backpack for kids. 

The Osprey Daylite Jr. is hands-down one of the best travel backpacks for kids, and it checks all the boxes parents care about, too. It’s lightweight but still roomy enough to hold school supplies, snacks, or travel gear—without weighing little shoulders down. The padded, adjustable straps and chest clip keep it comfy and secure, while the ventilated back panel makes a huge difference on warm days or long outings. As a bonus, it’s made with durable, water-resistant fabric, so you don’t have to stress about every spill, splash, or drizzle.

Inside, you’ll find a spacious main compartment for the big stuff, a quick-access front pocket for those grab-and-go items, and stretch mesh side pockets that easily fit water bottles. Parents will also appreciate the reflective details that add a layer of safety for walks to school or evening adventures. It’s the perfect “one-and-done” backpack that works for travel, school, or weekend hikes—and your kiddo will actually love carrying their own gear.

Don’t let these travel deals fly by your radar. ✈️