Whether you’re heading to Sydney, Bangkok, or Rome, you’re going to need something to pack all your travel goodies in. Once the trademark of school children, skaters, and mountaineers, backpacks have seen a renaissance of late with high fashion houses and luggage companies reinventing just what they can do. If you’re looking for the best travel backpacks that will be perfect from check-in to check-out, then take a look below at some of our faves.

P.S. If you like this story, you may also be interested in our picks for the very best travel luggage for all price points.

The best travel backpacks for stylish sightseers

1. Boondocker 26L | Passenger

Size: 50 x 15 x 30cm
Material: 100% recycled materials for inner and outer (outer is also water resistant)
Why we love it: Bold, eco-friendly comfort

Available in a variety of eye-catching colourways so you can easily see them in overhead lockers or at baggage claim, the Boondocker is a reliable travel pack that we fully endorse. It recently accompanied us on a bleisure (sorry, not sorry) trip for over three weeks across multiple countries and was super sturdy and durable.

The addition of the chest strap really helped when we couldn’t resist buying souvenirs and the external zip to the laptop compartment meant we didn’t have to dig around for things. Two elasticated pockets are perfect for water bottles and both the outer and the lining are crafted from 100% recycled materials.

Grab your Boondocker 26L

2. The Roll Top | Stubble & Co

Stubble & Co The roll top backpacks on two models
The Roll Top

Size: 30 x 44 x 15cm
Material: Recycled PET
Why we love it: Style and comfort

We’ll be the first ones to admit that when the roll top style of backpacks started showing up at retailers we weren’t necessarily sold. But we take that all back now and this is the product that changed our mind. Crafted from robust recycled PET materials, this lightweight backpack is a dream to wear and a delight to interact with and bonus: it’s waterproof.

There’s a special pocket for your laptop with an external zip for easy access and we love the outside pockets that hold drink bottles and umbrellas with ease. The 20L version is super spacious, making it ideal for carry-on luggage or day-to-day.

We also need to mention the cushioned back panel and extra fastening on the straps that helps spread the weight and reduces any back pain. This British brand is doing backpacks up right and we’re all about it.

Read more about The Roll Top from Stubble & Co

3. Philis Backpack | Carhartt

Size: 50 x 33 x13cm
Material: Polyester
Why we love it: Rugged style

Available in a selection of colours (we love the Hamilton Brown version) the Philis Backpack from Carhartt is a hard-wearing travel backpack that will take you from the beach to the mountains. The zip flap closure adds a stylish element to this water-repellent option that includes a padded inside pocket, adjustable shoulder straps, and room for a water bottle on the sides.

Learn more about Carhartt’s Philis Backpack

4. F.A.R. Convertible Backpack | Away

F.A.R. convertible travel backpack by Away

Size: 55 x 34.5 x 24cm
Material: Polyester Recycled Polyester
Why we love it: Two bags in one

Looking for a sustainable backpack to accompany you to one of the world’s most eco-friendly hotels? The F.A.R. Convertible Backpack from travel brand Away is crafted from ​​recycled materials and looks pretty darn good to boot. The lightweight, high-strength polyester is also water and abrasion-resistant but the real coup here is the fact that the bag converts into a backpack or duffle depending on your needs. Coming in at a whopping 45L, the interior and exterior compression systems will help you fit all your clothes and accessories in here with ease.

Find out more about the F.A.R. Convertible Backpack from Away

5. The Velocity Backpack | TUMI x McLaren

Size: 43x14x30.5cm
Material: 100% Ballistic Nylon
Why we love it: All the tech! Especially the USB port and the zip pocket with cable for a power bank

This collab between travel giant TUMI and motoring behemoth McLaren is a delight for travellers who appreciate elevated engineering. Tech and fashion come together in The Velocity Backpack that has a moulded front panel to echo aerodynamic automotive design and to hopefully get you through immigration that little bit faster. A padded laptop sleeve, USB charging port, and CX6® carbon fibre accents are all highlights of this generously proportioned backpack, plus the Papaya accents gives the bag a signature McLaren touch.

Read more about the Velocity Backpack from TUMI and McLaren

6. Hype

Hype backpacks

Size: 42 x 30 x 12cm
Material: Polyester
Why we love it: Budget-friendly and colourful

Looking for a basic, brightly coloured backpack that won’t cost you the earth? Hype has become synonymous with fun backpacks and is a much-beloved brand by students across the globe. The brand’s signature backpack shouldn’t be discounted if you’re looking for a carry-on bag that can fit 3-5 days worth of kit in it (we’ve actually travelled for weeks with just one of these faithfully and reliably by our side).

Come for the patterns and stay for the durability.

Shop backpacks from Hype

7. Lost in Berlin | Lipault

Lipault Lost in Berlin backpack
Size: 38 x 26 x 15 cm
Material: 52% Polyurethane gum material effect with touch of peach skin and water repellent / 48% Polyester
Why we love it: Affordable cool
Small but mighty, the stylish Lost in Berlin backpack by Paris-based Lipault is the perfect accompaniment to any travel adventure. Water repellent and holding up to 12 litres, the industrial style carry-all comes in an array of muted matte colours (we are fans of Iced Latte) to suit any wardrobe. The fully lined interior caters to any travel-related spills inside, while the rubber-effect polyurethane material it’s crafted from means it’s easy to clean on the outside too.

Read more about the Lost in Berlin backpack from Lipault

8. Transit Line Travel Pack 28L, Castlerock | Heimplanet

Size: 32 x 50 x 19 cm
Material: Dyecoshell
Why we love it: Sturdy, multi-day carry-on

Serious travellers will undoubtedly already know about the Heimplanet, as the German brand has been making some of the most innovative tents since 2003. They also do bags though, and their 28 litre Transit Line Travel Pack is a game changer.

The water-resistant back features a front zipper pocket, perfect for passports and a top pocket with key loop. There’s a laptop compartment in case you need to work while you’re away and a bottle pocket on the outside. But what we love the most are the tuck-away straps that double as a trolley sleeve.

Learn more about the Transit Line Travel Pack 28L, Castlerock from Heimplanet

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