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Keep everything you need in arm's reach.
Though summer is here and we're all eyeing a getaway, airline travel is a bit of a mess right now. (Namely, the rules around checked bags keep changing, and it is not easy to keep up). We don't blame you if you want to skip checked baggage altogether, but in lieu of crossbody bags that can get unwieldy, allow us to make the case for travel backpacks. There are some pretty stylish travel backpacks for women on the market, from editor-beloved brands like Béis and Delsey, to Amazon budget options you can have on your doorstep overnight. Plus, they help you stay organized, keep your essentials within arm's reach, and avoid any baggage fees.
Below, we rounded up nine of the best travel backpacks money can buy. Some of our picks are editor-tested and approved, like the travel backpack that changed the way Digital Designer Soumi Sarkar travels. The backpacks we haven't had the chance to test yet come from brands whose luggage we've tested and trust, or come highly recommended from thousands of reviewers. Scroll on to find the backpack that best suits your needs. We promise you won't look like you're headed to the first day of school with these strapped over your shoulders.
Digital Designer Soumi Sarkar sought out an airline-approved travel backpack and was pleasantly surprised by this Amazon option. Even when it was stuffed with items, the padding on the straps made it easier to carry. "I really liked the backpack. It has so many compartments, which really helped me stay organized because I brought a lot of stuff: clothes, shoes, toiletries, documents, and all else," Sarkar says. "Unlike having to shove things down in a traditional backpack, this was really easy to pack because it opened all the way and laid flat, kind of like opening up a traditional suitcase."
This budget backpack is great for the tech-savvy traveler. It comes with separate sleeves for a laptop and iPad and a built-in USB charging port. "I was sick of heavy crossbody bags and wanted a backpack to better distribute the weight," Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie says. "It’s a personal item with the capacity and organization of a carry-on. I actually fit more in here than I did in my rolling suitcase."
When Senior SEO Manager Rachel Crocetti needed a travel backpack last-minute, this was her winner. She snagged it just before a Costa Rica trip, and says it's "held up really nicely" following the international travel. With a 40-liter capacity, it has a ton of packing space, and comes with three packing cubes to organize it all.
If you need a bag that can take a beating, go with this laptop backpack McKenzie swears by. "I originally bought this at a Fjallraven outlet looking for a new daily commute bag. The padded laptop sleeve was desirable, but when the cashier mentioned she'd trusted it for five straight years of commuting and flying in and out of Chicago, I was sold. Just two days after purchase, I brought it with me to an open-air concert that poured rain the entire time," she says. "Sure enough, everything inside was bone-dry when I got home, and the exterior was dry just four hours later. I'm now a major fan."
If you're unsure of which option on this list to buy, consider going with a travel-minded brand whose products you trust. Delsey, for instance, has been making high-quality luggage since 1946, so you can trust the brand's backpacks are just as good as the suitcases. "Delsey's weekender bag is the most overpacker-friendly personal item I've ever tested. This backpack puts everything I love about it in a new frame," McKenzie says. "The exterior combines a sturdy TEFLON-coated fabric with chic leather touches, and the interior is still that vibrant red color that I adore. Plus, it comes with RFID protection (radio-frequency identification) and ergonomic tote handles for extra convenience.
Away's travel backpack has one of the most low-profile designs, making it a sleek option for business travel. There are plenty of pockets to keep any files, documents, or supplies organized. A padded pocket can fit up to 16-inch laptops, and it even has a magnetic zipper lock for closure. "This book bag seems very well made and looks stylish," one reviewer wrote. "The lines are simple and elegant. The backpack feels comfortable."
Over-packers know the importance of an expandable backpack, and Béis delivers. It can be unzipped for an extra two inches of space, so if you had a shopping spree on your trip, you'll have room for your finds on the way home. There's even a hidden, expandable water bottle pocket that can be used inside or outside the backpack. "The style is very minimal and it is compact but holds plenty!" one reviewer wrote. "I didn't want a bulky bag to travel with and this hit the mark. I am amazed at how much I was able to fit in here and then have some space."
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