Every single item you own will be transported in your backpack, which will serve as your temporary residence. Selecting the ideal one for you is therefore crucial for your journey.
There are many different factors that go into choosing the right backpack, and they vary depending on the individual. Comfortable, robust, big or small are just a few. Making a choice on your own can be very difficult given the abundance of options. We’ve written a guide to the top women’s travel backpacks as a result.
What Makes A Women’s Travel Backpack Useful?
First of all, there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying male or unisex backpacks. No matter where you’re going, your top priority when purchasing a backpack should always be comfort so you can wear it all day.
Women’s backpacks are especially made with the female body shape and different weight-carrying in mind. The male bags have different padding, length, and straps, which is essential for a comfortable fit because the bag needs to be in line with your center of gravity.
Bottom line: There are some excellent unisex backpacks, some of which I have reviewed below, but women’s backpacks typically feel more comfortable as the weight increases.
Best Travel Backpacks For Women
1. Patagonia Black Hole 25L
Pros
- Versatile for normal use or hiking
- Perfect for organization
- Uses recycled materials
Cons
- Only for the minimalist traveler
- Sport look may not appeal to some
- No waist strap
This is a fantastic little hiking backpack. One of our favorite companies, Patagonia, produced the sturdy and high-quality pack. Due to its suitability for short-distance travel and urban settings, it makes a fantastic go-to backpack for your everyday life as well.
It is sized and fitted specifically for a woman’s torso. Similar to a school backpack, it has a main compartment for your belongings, a front stash pocket for small items, and a second zippered pocket for accessories and smaller items.
It is incredibly soft while also being very breathable. This is a compact travel bag that’s great for day trips. It also functions well as a city bag thanks to the internal pocket that can hold a laptop. The daisy chain loops, which let you attach a yoga mat or climbing equipment, are another fantastic feature.
2. Backpack Duffle Bag
Pros:
- It is 100% recyclable
- There are 2 padded removable shoulder straps to carry the duffel like a backpack
- The bag can fit into its own pocket for an easy storage
Cons
- The bag does not have a rigid structure to it, meaning that it won’t protect your fragile articles
A true master of all trades, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L. The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is laminated with polyester ripstop on the exterior to provide abrasion resistance and a water-resistant finish. These Patagonia bags have withstood years of being dragged, thrown, kicked, and carried across the majority of the nation. The Black Hole has two handles that you can use to carry it by your side or a strap that you can wear over your shoulder or as a backpack. The Black Hole is also offered in three additional sizes: 40, 55, and 100 liters. (An out-of-production 120-liter model was what we initially tested.) The bags are identical in every way except for size; however, the smaller sizes have a wider selection of colors—up to 13—than the larger sizes. When the duffle is opened up, the Black Hole’s stuff sack transforms into a storage pocket. We’ve repeatedly put Patagonia’s well-known replacement and repair guarantee to the test and never had a problem.
3. Troubadour Goods Ki Backpack
Pros
- Materials for sustainability that use vegan leather and recycled plastic.
- Has mesh and zipper pockets for daily items and fits the majority of laptops.
- serves as a stylish, timeless, day-to-night travel backpack.
Cons
- The price is in the $200+ range (but it’s worth it)
- Although it can’t accommodate a jacket or multiple outfit changes, this is part of the tiny backpack’s charm.
This compact, fashionable daypack has all the features I’ve been looking for in a small, fashionable travel backpack that can accommodate a laptop.
I really admire Troubadour Goods for their eco-friendly business practices, and when I tried the Ki Backpack, I was blown away by how light it was, as well as by the pockets, the materials, and the quality.
I like how this daypack, which only has 10L, is similar in size to a purse. I look for a small travel backpack that doubles as a stylish purse so I can look great whether I’m out during the day or at night. I also prefer it when the bag matches an elegant outfit for a special occasion or dinner.
4. Anti-theft Travel Backpack
Pros:
- Plenty of safety features to prevent theft
- Effective storage system
- Durable materials
Cons:
- When packed to the brim, it can be difficult to fit on your shoulders
Expensive
If you’re anything like me, your main concern when traveling is safety. Fortunately, the Pacsafe Venturesafe Travel Pack’s designers took most travel safety concerns into consideration. It’s one of TravelFreak’s top picks for anti-theft backpacks.
The first is the eXomesh Slashguard technology, which shields the items in your backpack’s front pocket. To prevent flyby attacks (also called cut-and-runs), it essentially consists of a stainless steel wire mesh frame.
Your belongings are neatly organized by the storage system. A carry-on bag can easily fit inside of it because of its 45L capacity. Its dimensions are also compact enough for carry-on luggage on the majority of aircraft.
On your daily commute, you can use this bag without worrying about your belongings. The Venturesafe Travel Pack 45L is your best option if you want a durable, multipurpose bag.
5. Osprey Ozone
Pros
- Carry On Size
- Wheels
- Versatile
Cons
- Not a trekking backpack
- Not comfortable with heavy loads
The Osprey Ozone Travel Pack 46 is one of the best wheeled backpacks available and is made for the discerning traveler.
For simple transportation, both the padded hipbelt and shoulder harness stow away. For simple transport, it can be fastened to the wheels of the range. Even better, it has an interior zipped compartment that’s ideal for stinky hiking boots.
We’ve been using this pack intermittently for two years and can confidently say that it fits an astounding amount of stuff, but it’s uncomfortable to wear when the load is very heavy.
If you have a lot of valuables, this is one of the best backpacks for traveling, but it’s not great for hiking!
6. Nomatic Travel Pack
Pros
- Expandable
- Internal divider
- RFID-blocking pocket
Cons
- Only for the minimalist traveler
- Weight of 1.9 kg
An additional excellent product from this company is the Nomatic Travel Pack. Even though it wasn’t specifically created for us, it is still among the best small backpacks for women and fits well.
If you travel light, this 20-liter daypack can be expanded to 30 liters, making it very versatile for travel. There is an integrated compression packing cube, a separate shoe compartment, and an internal zip-shut mesh divider that allows you to separate clean and dirty clothing.
If that wasn’t enough, the bag also contains a sleeve for a laptop of up to 15″ which is TSA-approved because it lays flat, has concealed pockets, and an RFID-blocking pocket to safeguard your electronic data!
7. Away Small Everywhere Zip Backpack
Pros
- Great style and design, and at 14L, it feels light, almost like a purse
- A convenient zipper exterior pocket is located on the front, and the main cavity has a laptop sleeve in the back.
Cons
- Some women might find that the 14L capacity isn’t enough to fit a jacket or sweater along with your other daily items.
- There are only three colors available right now, but it seems like most customers would be content with black, gray, and navy.
- Up to $175 was the new price, but (!) You can still try Away risk-free for 100 days with free shipping.
The Away Small Everywhere Zip Backpack, one of my favorite daypacks that I stand by as sleek, trendy, stylish and fashionable (and I’m picky), is excellent as a personal item on a flight during travel or simply as a day bag while you’re on a trip.
Since I reviewed it, they updated the backpack! The updates are wonderful enhancements to this daypack, which is a practical size and appears more fashionable and elegant than ever.
8. Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack
Pros
- Yes, if your brother or boyfriend insists on borrowing it from you, you can because it has a timeless design that appeals to both men and women.
- a suspension system for weight management along with a front-loading design and strong materials.
Cons
- Nothing about the build is gender-specific.
- The straps are adequate and useful but unattractive, and they can be folded inside the bag if you want to use it as a shoulder bag.
$299 for the 35L and $349 for the 45L may make some brands look like better value, but with a lifetime guarantee, maybe this is competitive pricing.
Since Tortuga Backpacks is one of the top manufacturers of backpacks for travel, it only makes sense that we would recommend their Outbreaker Backpack in 35L (the international maximum carry-on size) as an option for female travelers.
This minimalist backpack in a square shape is practical and stylish. As the US maximum, it is also available in a 45L size. carry-on standard size.
The 35L product weighs 4.6 lbs, which is a little bit too much considering it is not a 60 or 70L bag with all the extras. But, it does fit up to a 17″ laptop and has weather-resistant durable Zippers from YKK that won’t rip while being transported. Everything depends on sturdy zippers. We’ve seen other travelers with bags that won’t close, and we never want to go through that!
9. United By Blue 15L Commuter Backpack
Pros
- enough pockets to organize small items during travel and days spent sightseeing.
- Sleek and minimal design, and lightweight for everyday carry during travel days
- It’s reasonably priced at under $100, in my opinion.’ There is a Lifetime Guarantee as an added bonus.
- Lightweight and packable
Cons
- a padded pocket that can hold small laptops. This is not the travel bag for you if your laptop is larger.
- It’s not exactly advised to be machine washable with spot clean care.
What’s cool is that this 15L travel bag is vegan, water-resistant, and made from recycled materials like recycled polyester and nylon, all for an affordable price point of $98 right now!
It perfectly fits my MacBook Air. It also fits Dan’s 14″ I wouldn’t use any laptop larger than 15 inches; the MacBook Pro fits snugly.
I like the idea of packing a smaller backpack inside a larger suitcase. And this bag definitely makes that possible. This bag is incredibly packable and practical for traveling to business meetings or city exploration because there isn’t much padding.
10. Sundance Rolling Backpack
Pros
- a regular backpack is not as versatile.
- Better on your back; you can roll your belongings rather than carrying them if your back needs a break.
- Wheeled backpacks now offer much higher levels of quality, functionality, and support than they did ten years ago.
- can be used for any kind of travel, with the possible exception of trekking.
Cons
- Due to the harness and the wheels, they have a tendency to be a little heavier and larger than standard backpacks.
- Usually not as comfortable to carry on your back for extended periods of time as a regular travel backpack. This is caused by the rod that passes through the bag’s back and the wheels, which can occasionally snag on your back.
Wheeled backpacks are a great option for women who don’t want to carry a heavy bag around all the time on their trip, as I mentioned above.
However, it might be wiser to purchase a more conventional backpack if you intend to travel extensively while backpacking in regions like Southeast Asia.
If you won’t be traveling to a new location that requires extensive walking, wheeled backpacks are fantastic.
They can be an excellent way to transport your belongings without putting additional strain on your back or shoulders if you typically just travel between locations to drop off your luggage.
11. The Travel Hack Cabin Backpack
Pros
- There are so many, but if I had to choose, I would say the nylon shell and waterproof liner that give you security during unforeseen downpours.
- Along with an attractive and contemporary minimalist design in Black or PD’s signature sage color, this bag has padded waist and shoulder straps.
Cons
- If you value quality materials and a bag for life, the high cost of a 45L is justified.
- No features for sizing that are specific to women.
- Several pockets, but still a good number. If you’re searching for a bag with hip strap pockets and other features, keep this in mind.
My favorite feature of this bag, based on my experience with it, is how basic and minimalistic it is. The Travel Hack Cabin Backpack is of outstanding quality. The Travel Hack Cabin Backpack is faultless, and I don’t just mean that because other bags have reviews that complain about torn pockets or broken zippers.
Although it only comes in one size, this bag is a good size for female travelers. However, it is adjustable, and I continue to find the straps to be of a high caliber and to be trusted. Because the bag can, in fact, be expanded, it is particularly worth mentioning. You can access a few more liters of space when the entire front of the bag is unzipped.
12. Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L
Pros
- Carry-on compliant, external laptop sleeve for airport use, works well with other products in the Topo ecosystem of luggage
- Designed for one-bag travel if your use is for a long weekend, short trip or daylong getaway
Cons
- No characteristics of the build that are unique to women.
- The straps are adequate and practical but unattractive, and they can be folded inside the bag if you want to use it as a shoulder bag.
Topo is a men’s and women’s clothing company that makes unisex items for people of all genders. They make products for every use case, but travel is one that they cater to particularly well. Their products have vibrant colors, large playful zippers, and plenty of pockets.
For weekend getaways and road trips, I’ve used the Topo Global Travel Bag in the 30L size a ton. This bag is my favorite because it has a large interior and a distinctive size. This is to say that it is more rectangular than the other travel backpacks I’ve used, which makes it useful for packing shoes, clothes, and a few travel accessories.
13. Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
Pros
- With passport pockets, a laptop pocket that fits in airport security, and carry-on dimensions, it was designed with travelers in mind.
- I could tell right away that this bag has sturdy construction and high-quality materials, making it well worth the price.
- If the 38L size is too large for your needs but you still adore the style, it is also available in 20 and 28L.
Cons
- Bellroy’s products come with a 3-year warranty, so even though the price is on the higher end, take that into account.
- I feel like the zippers are a little stiff and difficult to break in. Compared to other zippers that slide more smoothly, the zippers move somewhat slowly and with more effort.
The Bellroy backpack impressed me right away because of its sturdy construction. Just by feeling the exterior, I can tell that it is made of a fabric that is water-resistant, which is a crucial component for my preferences in a travel bag. It turns out that the body is constructed from recycled materials, which I appreciate from the standpoint of sustainability.
The 38L size of this transit backpack is great for use as a large commuter bag, a nice-sized weekender backpack, or a larger-end daypack. Furthermore, it is quite structured as opposed to thin and slouchy, which I prefer in a bag because it maintains its shape.
I like it a lot because it is lighter than other bags of the same size. When you are hauling the bag around for a while, the weight is very important. Both the interior and the straps are roomy.
14. Tropicfeel Shell
Pros
- Really fucking versatile
- Truly novel and unique
- Packs up easily
Cons
- Not big enough for big trips
- Not cheap (yet not expensive)
Even though this may not be a backpack designed specifically for women, it deserves a place on this list.
Since we are talking about traveling by airplane, having everything organized can completely change the game. At that point, the Tropicfeel Shell Backpack really starts to shine.
The Shell, the company’s flagship item, is a small to medium-sized backpack with lofty goals. How cool is it that the first item is a 3-in-1 extendable backpack that starts out as a 22-liter pack, rolls up to 30 liters, and then, with the addition of a detachable pouch, becomes a 40-liter titan?!
The Shell has a detachable hanging packing cube that serves as a portable, pre-loaded travel wardrobe in addition to being a 3-in-1 adjustable backpack that you can use as a day pack, overnight pack, or carry-on pack. Never before has packing and unpacking a backpack been so simple.
The compartment system keeps everything in order and neatly tucked away while you’re traveling, allowing you to easily access everything without making a mess later.
15. Tom Bihn Techonaut 45L
Pros
- Strong zippers and amazing materials. useful side-grab handle for duffel-style carrying.
- A great option for a weekender backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment.
Cons
- Some travelers might consider the price to be excessive, but consider the high-quality nylon ripstop and water-repellant zippers!)
- Lacking any feminine characteristics and probably being too wide for small women.
This backpack is great for weekend trips because it can accommodate both a laptop and items like packing cubes filled with several sets of clothes.
Dan also owns the Tom Bihn Synapse from a company known for using high-quality materials. Tom Bihn is a good option if you want to avoid ever having to purchase another 45L travel backpack again.
Given that it’s not excessively narrow and appears chunky at first glance, the Tom Bihn Techonaut is a good bag for women who might fall into the size M and up category.
How Can Women Pick The Best Travel Backpack?
Size and capacity, features, and price are a few factors to take into account when choosing the best backpack for women. The type of travel you will be doing will determine how subjective everything is, of course.
Capacity And Overall Size
- Choose the size according to your travel gear
- 40-50L are manageable, count as carry on and it’s an overall best choice
- 60+L are great for camping, hiking and long travels
Note: Men’s and women’s backpacks frequently differ in size. For instance, a men’s version might be 44 liters and a woman’s version might be 40 liters. As a result of their smaller frames, women’s packs are also a little bit narrower. You might be sacrificing capacity for fit.
What To Look For In A Travel Backpack For Women
The key features you look for in a travel bag (like materials and durability, for instance) are the same for men and women’s travel backpacks because there isn’t much of a difference between them. However, there are some factors that make some travel bags more appropriate for women.
Is It Suitable For Women?
The volume of the bag does not affect whether it fits or not when discussing storage capabilities. You should think about the straps and hip belt when it comes to fit.
A woman’s body is typically better suited for these features. Typically, the straps are narrower at the shoulders and have more padding. Additionally, the hip belt is typically wider to evenly distribute the weight here. This keeps the weight off of your body.
Is It A Women’s Fashionable Backpack?
Fashion essentially comes down to your personal taste and the style and color scheme of your bag. To avoid drawing additional attention to yourself, I advise choosing bags that are sleek and low-profile, but to be honest, I’ve never been concerned with appearances. Here, utility is far more significant.
Having said that, I must admit that I much prefer dark hues. Colors like black and dark greens or blues are always excellent choices because they will show less dirt and scuff marks as you move around.
Final Thoughts
The best women’s travel backpacks are all included in this article, but you are now better prepared to select the one that is best for you. It really comes down to your preferred mode of transportation and your planned activities. That might entail going on a hiking trip, visiting several cities, or taking more business-related trips. In any case, give it some thought because this bag ought to last you a very long time.
