The 15 Best Lightweight Backpacks for Travel in 2024

Video: Top 10 Best Travel Backpacks for One Bag Carry-on Travel.

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Imagine this: You’re standing at the airport, ready to embark on your next adventure. You’ve got your passport, your tickets, and a sense of excitement in the air. But there’s one thing missing – the perfect backpack. The one that will carry all your essentials, keep you organized, and won’t weigh you down. Well, look no further! We’ve done the research and testing to bring you the ultimate guide to the best lightweight backpacks for travel in 2024. Whether you’re a minimalist traveler or a seasoned explorer, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find your perfect travel companion!

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Looking for a quick answer to your backpack needs? Here are the top picks for the best lightweight backpacks for travel in 2024:

  1. Best Overall: Osprey Farpoint 40
  2. Best Convertible: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
  3. Best Budget: AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack
  4. Best Traditional: Patagonia Black Hole 25L
  5. Best for Photographers: WANDRD PRVKE 31L
  6. Best Compression: Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set
  7. Best Organization: Nomatic Travel Pack
  8. Best Customizable: Tortuga Setout Divide
  9. Best Expandable: Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
  10. Best Value: REI Co-op Ruckpack 40
  11. Best for Hiking: Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL
  12. Best Waterproof: Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack
  13. Best Style: Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
  14. Best for Foot Travel: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
  15. Other Carry-on Backpacks We Liked: Tropicfeel Shell Backpack, Roam The Continental, Nomatic Travel Pack, Matein Travel Backpack

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Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the details, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind when choosing a lightweight backpack for travel:

  • Size matters: Look for a backpack that meets the carry-on size restrictions of most airlines. This will save you time and money at the airport.
  • Weight distribution: Opt for a backpack with a well-padded hip belt and shoulder straps to distribute the weight evenly and reduce strain on your back.
  • Durability: Choose a backpack made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of travel.
  • Organization is key: Look for backpacks with multiple compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.
  • Comfort is king: Consider features like adjustable suspension systems, breathable back panels, and padded straps for maximum comfort during long hours of wear.
  • Water resistance: Look for backpacks with water-resistant or waterproof materials to protect your belongings from unexpected rain showers.
  • Versatility: Consider whether you need a backpack that can also be used for day trips or outdoor adventures.
  • Budget: Set a budget and stick to it, but remember that investing in a high-quality backpack can save you money in the long run.

Now that you have these tips in mind, let’s explore the world of lightweight travel backpacks!

Background: The Evolution of Lightweight Travel Backpacks

brown wooden boat moving towards the mountain

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Traveling light has always been a goal for adventurers, but it wasn’t until recent years that lightweight travel backpacks became a popular choice. The rise of budget airlines and stricter carry-on restrictions prompted travelers to seek out backpacks that were not only lightweight but also compact and versatile. Backpack brands responded to this demand by designing innovative backpacks that prioritize weight reduction without compromising functionality.

Today, lightweight travel backpacks come in a variety of styles, sizes, and designs to cater to different travel needs. From minimalist backpacks for short trips to feature-packed backpacks for long-term travel, there’s a lightweight backpack out there for everyone. So, let’s explore the best options available in 2024!

Best Overall: The Perfect Balance of Weight and Functionality

Video: 11 GENIUS backpacks for international travel (Best of 2023 ).

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When it comes to finding the best overall lightweight backpack for travel, the Osprey Farpoint 40 takes the crown. This backpack strikes the perfect balance between weight and functionality, making it a favorite among travelers worldwide.

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is designed to meet most airlines’ carry-on size restrictions, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. With a spacious main compartment and multiple pockets, it offers ample storage space for all your essentials. The backpack features a comfortable suspension system with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt, allowing for even weight distribution and reducing strain on your back.

One of the standout features of the Osprey Farpoint 40 is its zip-away harness and hip belt, which allows you to convert it into a duffel bag for added convenience. This versatility makes it a great choice for both city explorations and outdoor adventures.

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Best Convertible: Versatility at Its Finest

Video: By FAR, the Best Travel Bag (& it’s not even close).

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If you’re looking for a backpack that can adapt to any travel situation, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the ultimate choice. This convertible backpack offers versatility at its finest, allowing you to customize it to suit your needs.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L features a modular design with customizable dividers, giving you the freedom to organize your belongings efficiently. It also has a dedicated laptop and tablet compartment, ensuring your tech gear stays protected during your travels.

What sets the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L apart is its innovative strap system, which allows you to carry it as a backpack, a duffel bag, or a sling bag. This adaptability makes it perfect for any travel scenario, whether you’re exploring a bustling city or hiking through rugged terrain.

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Best Budget: Affordable and Reliable

Video: These 7 Budget EDC Backpacks are a STEAL (~$100 USD ).

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Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. The AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack is an affordable and reliable option for budget-conscious travelers.

Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack doesn’t skimp on features. It offers a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets for organization, and a padded laptop sleeve. The backpack is made from durable polyester and features a water-resistant exterior, ensuring your belongings stay dry in light rain.

With its comfortable shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap, the AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack provides a comfortable carrying experience. It also meets most airlines’ carry-on size restrictions, making it a convenient choice for air travel.

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Best Traditional: Classic Design with Modern Features

Video: My Favorite Travel Backpacks from 5 Years of Reviews (Best Travel Backpacks of All Time).

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For those who appreciate a classic design with modern features, the Patagonia Black Hole 25L is the perfect lightweight backpack for travel. This backpack combines timeless aesthetics with practical functionality, making it a favorite among style-conscious travelers.

The Patagonia Black Hole 25L features a durable ripstop nylon construction with a water-resistant finish, ensuring your belongings stay protected in unpredictable weather conditions. It offers a spacious main compartment, a padded laptop sleeve, and multiple pockets for organization.

What sets the Patagonia Black Hole 25L apart is its commitment to sustainability. The backpack is made from recycled materials and features a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that’s free from harmful perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). So, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you’re making a positive impact on the environment.

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Best for Photographers: Protecting Your Precious Gear

Video: Best Camera Backpacks 2024 | 7 Camera Backpacks You Need For Travel.

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If you’re a photography enthusiast, you know how important it is to protect your precious gear while traveling. The WANDRD PRVKE 31L is the ultimate backpack for photographers, offering a perfect blend of functionality and protection.

The WANDRD PRVKE 31L features a customizable camera cube that can hold a DSLR camera, multiple lenses, and accessories. It also has a dedicated laptop compartment and multiple pockets for organization. The backpack is made from durable and weather-resistant materials, ensuring your gear stays safe in any conditions.

What sets the WANDRD PRVKE 31L apart is its attention to detail. It features magnetic tote handles, hidden passport pockets, and a secure roll-top closure, making it a stylish and practical choice for photographers on the go.

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Best Compression: Maximize Space and Minimize Bulk

Video: The BEST Compression Packing Cubes | Eagle Creek, Peak Design, and More!

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If you’re a master of packing light and want to maximize every inch of space in your backpack, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set is a game-changer. This compression cube set allows you to compress your clothes and belongings, minimizing bulk and maximizing space.

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set includes two compression cubes of different sizes. Simply pack your clothes into the cubes, zip them up, and then compress them using the compression zippers. This not only saves space but also keeps your clothes organized and wrinkle-free.

Made from ultra-lightweight and water-resistant materials, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set is a must-have for travelers who want to make the most of their backpack’s capacity.

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Best Organization: Stay Neat and Tidy on the Go

Video: 9 Packable Daypacks For Minimalist Travel & Why You May Need One In Your Carry-On Backpack.

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If you’re someone who loves to stay organized while traveling, the Nomatic Travel Pack is the perfect backpack for you. This backpack is designed with organization in mind, offering a plethora of pockets and compartments to keep your belongings neat and tidy.

The Nomatic Travel Pack features a unique lay-flat clamshell opening, allowing you to easily access your belongings without rummaging through your backpack. It has a dedicated laptop compartment, a shoe compartment, and multiple pockets for smaller items. The backpack also includes a laundry bag and a water bottle pocket.

What sets the Nomatic Travel Pack apart is its thoughtful design features, such as RFID-blocking pockets, a retractable key leash, and a strap system that allows you to attach it to your luggage. With the Nomatic Travel Pack, you’ll never have to worry about misplaced items or cluttered backpacks again.

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Best Customizable: Tailor Your Backpack to Your Needs

Video: Best Travel Backpack for One Bag Travel in 2024.

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Every traveler has unique needs and preferences when it comes to their backpack. The Tortuga Setout Divide is the ultimate customizable backpack, allowing you to tailor it to your specific requirements.

The Tortuga Setout Divide features a modular design with multiple compartments and dividers, giving you the freedom to organize your belongings efficiently. It has a spacious main compartment, a padded laptop sleeve, and multiple pockets for organization. The backpack also expands from 26 liters to 34 liters, providing extra space when you need it.

What sets the Tortuga Setout Divide apart is its comfortable carrying experience. It features a padded hip belt, adjustable shoulder straps, and a breathable back panel, ensuring maximum comfort during long hours of wear.

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Best Expandable: More Room When You Need It

Video: Best Expandable Backpacks | Travel Essentials | Travel + Leisure.

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Sometimes, you need a little extra space in your backpack to accommodate souvenirs or unexpected purchases. The Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack is the perfect solution, offering expandability when you need it.

The Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack features a unique clamshell design that allows it to expand from 24 liters to 38 liters. This means you can pack it as a compact carry-on backpack and then expand it to fit more items on your return journey.

Made from durable and water-resistant materials, the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack is built to withstand the rigors of travel. It also features a comfortable suspension system with padded shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel, ensuring a comfortable carrying experience.

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Best Value: Quality and Affordability Combined

Video: This is the Best Travel Backpack Under $80 (tomtoc 40L review).

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Finding a backpack that offers both quality and affordability can be a challenge, but the REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 ticks all the boxes. This backpack provides excellent value for money, making it a top choice for budget-conscious travelers.

The REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 offers a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets for organization, and a padded laptop sleeve. It features a durable nylon construction with a water-resistant finish, ensuring your belongings stay protected in light rain.

What sets the REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 apart is its comfortable carrying experience. It has adjustable shoulder straps, a padded hip belt, and a ventilated back panel, ensuring maximum comfort during long hours of wear.

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Best for Hiking: Lightweight and Trail-Ready

Video: Watch This BEFORE you buy a backpack.

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If you’re planning to embark on outdoor adventures during your travels, the Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL is the perfect lightweight backpack for hiking. Designed with hikers in mind, this backpack offers a comfortable carrying experience and ample storage space for all your gear.

The Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL features a women-specific fit and a ventilated back panel, ensuring maximum comfort during long hikes. It has a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets for organization, and a separate compartment for a hydration system.

What sets the Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL apart is its lightweight construction and ergonomic design. It distributes weight evenly across your back, reducing strain and fatigue during extended hikes.

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Best Waterproof: Keeping Your Belongings Safe and Dry

Video: BEST WATERPROOF BACKPACKS: 7 Waterproof Backpacks (2023 Buying Guide).

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When it comes to protecting your belongings from unexpected rain showers, the Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack is the ultimate choice. This backpack is not only lightweight and compact but also fully waterproof, ensuring your gear stays dry in any weather conditions.

The Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack is made from high-quality waterproof materials and features sealed seams, keeping water out even in heavy downpours. It offers a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets for organization, and external attachment points for additional gear.

What sets the Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack apart is its packability. It can be folded into a compact size and stored in its own pocket, making it perfect for travelers who want to save space in their luggage.

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Best Style: Fashionable and Functional

Video: 10 Personal Item Backpacks | Best Carry-On Bags for Travel.

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Who says you can’t be stylish while traveling? The Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus combines fashion and functionality, making it the best choice for style-conscious travelers.

The Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus features a sleek and minimalist design, perfect for those who appreciate understated elegance. It offers a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets for organization, and a padded laptop sleeve. The backpack is made from durable and water-resistant materials, ensuring your belongings stay protected in light rain.

What sets the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus apart is its attention to detail. It features magnetic tote handles, hidden passport pockets, and a secure roll-top closure, making it a stylish and practical choice for the modern traveler.

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Best for Foot Travel: Comfortable and Convenient

Video: BEST TRAVEL BACKPACKS: 7 Travel Backpacks (2023 Buying Guide).

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If you prefer to explore new destinations on foot, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is the perfect backpack for you. Designed with foot travel in mind, this backpack offers comfort, convenience, and durability.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack features a comfortable suspension system with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt, ensuring a comfortable carrying experience. It offers a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets for organization, and a dedicated laptop sleeve.

What sets the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack apart is its rugged construction. It’s made from durable and weather-resistant materials, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. The backpack also features lockable zippers and a stowable harness, allowing you to use it as a duffel bag when needed.

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Other Carry-on Backpacks We Liked

Video: 7 Best Carry On Backpacks [One Bag Travel Packs!].

In addition to our top picks, there are several other carry-on backpacks that caught our attention. While they didn’t make it to the top of our list, they are still worth considering for your travel adventures:

  • Tropicfeel Shell Backpack
  • Roam The Continental
  • Nomatic Travel Pack
  • Matein Travel Backpack

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Our Testing Process

Video: The 5 Best Packable Backpacks For Travel.

At Backpack Brands™, we take our testing process seriously to ensure that our recommendations are based on real-world performance. Our team of experts rigorously tests each backpack in various travel scenarios to evaluate its weight, functionality, durability, and comfort.

We put the backpacks through their paces by packing them with different types of gear, wearing them for extended periods, and subjecting them to simulated travel conditions. We also consider user feedback and reviews to gather insights from real travelers.

Our goal is to provide you with unbiased and reliable recommendations, so you can make an informed decision when choosing a lightweight backpack for your travels.

Tips for Buying a Carry-on Backpack

Video: Travel Backpack vs. Rolling Suitcase (In-Depth Carry On Buyer’s Guide).

Choosing the right carry-on backpack can be overwhelming, given the plethora of options available. To help you make the best choice, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Consider your travel style: Think about the type of travel you’ll be doing and the specific needs you have. Are you a minimalist traveler or someone who likes to be prepared for any situation? This will help you determine the size, features, and organization options you need in a backpack.

  2. Check the dimensions: Make sure the backpack meets most airlines’ carry-on size restrictions. Look for backpacks that are within the specified dimensions to avoid any issues at the airport.

  3. Try it on: If possible, try the backpack on before making a purchase. This will give you a sense of how it feels on your back and whether it’s comfortable for extended wear.

  4. Consider the weight: Every ounce counts when it comes to lightweight travel backpacks. Look for backpacks that prioritize weight reduction without compromising functionality.

  5. Read user reviews: User reviews can provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of a backpack. Pay attention to feedback regarding comfort, durability, and organization.

  6. Consider the warranty: Check if the backpack comes with a warranty or guarantee. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the manufacturer stands behind their product.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect carry-on backpack for your travel adventures.

FAQ

person holding green and black backpack

What is the best backpack to take on a plane?

The best backpack to take on a plane is one that meets most airlines’ carry-on size restrictions, offers ample storage space, and provides a comfortable carrying experience. Some top choices include the Osprey Farpoint 40, Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, and AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack.

Read more about “Best Backpack Brands for Travel in 2024”

Which backpack is best for traveling?

The best backpack for traveling depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an all-around performer, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a great choice. If versatility is important to you, consider the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L. For budget-conscious travelers, the AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack offers excellent value for money.

Which is the lightest backpack?

The lightest backpacks are typically made from lightweight materials like nylon or polyester. Some of the lightest backpacks on the market include the Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack and the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set.

What backpack can hold the most weight?

Backpacks have weight limits that vary depending on their design and construction. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications for each backpack to determine its weight capacity. Some backpacks, like the Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL, are designed for hiking and can handle heavier loads.

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Conclusion

woman walking on street surrounded by buildings

After extensive research and testing, we’ve determined that the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the best overall lightweight backpack for travel in 2024. Its perfect balance of weight and functionality, combined with its comfortable carrying experience, make it the top choice for travelers worldwide. Whether you’re embarking on a short city break or a long-term adventure, the Osprey Farpoint 40 has got you covered.

In conclusion, finding the best lightweight backpack for travel is a personal journey. It’s important to consider your specific needs, preferences, and budget when making a decision. We hope that our comprehensive guide has provided you with the information you need to find your perfect travel companion. Happy travels!

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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