Dragging an overstuffed bag through the airport is stressful and inconvenient. I quickly learned how much a well-designed travel backpack improves the experience.
The best backpacks are durable, organised, and TSA-friendly. They protect your devices, streamline packing, and ease airport navigation.
For business trips, weekend getaways, or digital nomad life, the right bag simplifies travel.
Here are my Top 5 Travel Backpacks of 2025 that I genuinely recommend:
- Airvault 60L Vacuum Seal Backpack – perfect for long trips when you need to pack a lot.
- Expandable Travel Backpack (30–42L) – great for weekend trips or short getaways.
- Tolaccea Carry-On Backpack (40–50L) – ideal for 4–5 day travels with plenty of space.
- Waterfly Travel Hiking Backpack (22L) – best for day hikes, commuting, or everyday use.
- Tolaccea Travel Laptop Backpack (40–45L) – excellent for business trips or camping adventures.
In this guide, I’ll go through capacity, comfort, durability, and special features for each backpack, plus tell you who each one is best suited for — so you can find the perfect travel companion.
What Makes a Carry-On Backpack Perfect for International Travel
Before we jump into the reviews, here are the key things that make a backpack worth buying:
- Durability that lasts: Look for fabrics that are tough, strong zippers, and high-quality stitching. Your backpack should survive baggage handlers and rainy days.
- Smart organisation: Laptop sleeves, separate shoe compartments, and wet/dry pockets keep your gear tidy.
- Comfort for long days: Padded straps, breathable backs, and optional chest/waist straps can save your shoulders on long walks.
- TSA-friendly design: Lay-flat openings make security checks much quicker.
- Tech-friendly features: Built-in USB ports or a cable management system can be a lifesaver for frequent flyers.
- Size flexibility: Expandable designs let you pack light or go all-out for longer trips.
- Water resistance: Keeps your clothes and gadgets safe if you get caught in the rain.
How to Pick the Perfect Travel Backpack
Finding the right travel backpack doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s really about thinking through a few basics and matching the bag to your trip.
Start with how long you’re going away.
A quick weekend trip? Go for something small and light. Planning a longer adventure? You’ll want a backpack with a bit more room to play with.
Then think about how you travel. Business trip? You’ll need a laptop sleeve. Outdoor getaway? Make sure the bag is tough and water-resistant so it can handle a bit of rain or dirt.
Also, be honest about how much stuff you carry. If you like to pack everything “just in case,” look for compartments that keep clothes, shoes, and gadgets organised. Extra pockets for wet gear or small essentials are a big win.
And please don’t ignore comfort. Padded straps, a breathable back, and adjustable fittings will make a world of difference when you’re lugging your bag around all day.
A few little extras can make travel smoother too — things like USB charging ports, TSA-friendly locks, or hidden pockets.
Finally, think long term. Spending a bit more on a durable backpack means you’ll have one that sticks with you for years, instead of falling apart after a couple of trips.
At the end of the day, the best backpack is the one that feels good on your back, fits your essentials, and makes travelling less of a hassle.
Top 5 Travel Backpacks of 2025 – Reviewed
Here’s my honest take — no marketing fluff, just real insights from someone who actually packs, flies, and hikes with these bags.
1. Airvault 60L Vacuum Seal Travel Backpack — Best for Long Trips
If you’re an overpacker like me, the Airvault 60L is a lifesaver. Its built-in vacuum compression system reduces the bulk of your clothes by half. You can fit 18–20 outfits without stressing about space.
The integrated air pump even inflates pool floats or camping gear. TSA-approved locks, USB 4.0 ports, and padded sleeves for laptops up to 19 inches keep everything secure and powered. Wet/dry compartments separate clean and dirty items.
Why it’s great:
- Packs 18–20 outfits while still fitting carry-on limits.
- Built-in air pump can even inflate pool floats or camping gear.
- TSA-approved lock, USB 4.0 charging ports, and a luggage strap for smooth travel.
- Wet/dry compartment, padded laptop sleeve (up to 19″), and odour-proof TPU bag.
Cons:
- Heavy When Empty
- High Price Point
Made from waterproof nylon and able to carry up to 30kg without losing its shape, this is a serious workhorse for business travellers, frequent flyers, and adventurers.
Best For: Long-term travellers, digital nomads, and heavy packers who need to maximise space and efficiency.
2. Expandable Travel Backpack (30–42L) — Perfect for Weekend Trips
The Expandable Backpack is my go-to for short getaways. Start with 30L, expand to 42L, and suddenly there’s room for extra gear — cameras, jackets, or snacks.
It’s TSA-friendly with a lay-flat design and fits most airline overhead bins. Laptop compartment holds devices up to 15.6 inches. An external USB port keeps your devices powered. Padded straps make it comfy on your back.
It lacks a dedicated shoe compartment, but its versatility makes up for it. School, work, weekend adventures — it does it all.
Why it’s great:
- Laptop section fits 15.6″ (and up to 17.3″ in the main compartment).
- TSA-friendly 90–180° opening for stress-free security checks.
- USB charging port and hidden security pockets for valuables.
- Comfortable padded back panel and straps.
Cons:
- Lacks Specialised Pockets: It doesn’t have a dedicated shoe or wet/dry compartment, which some travellers may miss.
- Basic Materials: While durable, the materials are not as premium or rugged as some higher-end competitors.
It fits in overhead bins for most airlines (yes, even budget ones like EasyJet and Spirit). You can use it as a laptop bag, work bag, or travel pack — which makes it a great all-rounder.
Best For: Weekend warriors, students, and budget-conscious travellers who need one bag for every occasion.
3. Tolaccea Carry-On Travel Backpack With Laptop Compartment
The Tolaccea Carry-On is perfect if you want a carry-on backpack that flies smoothly. TSA-approved lay-flat openings make packing and security checks effortless. Expandable from 40L to 50L, it fits a 4–5 day trip perfectly.
Laptop sleeves up to 17.3 inches, shoe compartments, wet/dry pockets, and a side handle that converts it into a briefcase make it extremely practical. Padded straps and a breathable back panel keep your shoulders happy.
It’s a little bulky when full, but if you love organisation and durability, this backpack is a winner.
Why it’s great:
- Expands up to 50L — good for 5-day trips.
- Dedicated laptop pocket (up to 17.3″), plus a separate shoe compartment.
- Two aluminium-lined wet/dry pockets keep odours and moisture contained.
- The side handle lets you carry it like a briefcase.
Cons:
- Can Be Bulky: When fully expanded, the bag can feel a bit rigid and might be a tight fit on smaller planes.
- Heavy Empty Weight: The robust build adds to the bag’s weight even before you pack.
Made from tear-resistant polyester with tactical straps and SPS zippers, this is one of the toughest backpacks on the list.
Best For: Those who want a highly organised packing system. Dedicated air travellers, business professionals, and more.
4. Waterfly Travel Hiking Casual Backpack (22L) — Best for Day Hikes & Commuters
Light, compact, and versatile — that’s the Waterfly Backpack. At 22L, it’s perfect for day trips, commuting, or casual hikes. Ten pockets keep your essentials organised, and reflective cords add extra safety when walking at night.
Made from waterproof nylon with strong zippers and ergonomic padding, it’s durable and comfy. Not for long trips, but ideal as a daily travel backpack for students, commuters, and hikers.
Why it’s great:
- 22L capacity with 10 pockets for smart organisation.
- Reflective elastic cords add safety when walking at night.
- Waterproof nylon + SPS zippers rated for 10,000+ uses.
- Ergonomic padded back and straps for all-day comfort.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: At 22L, this is not a bag for multi-day trips and won’t fit a full travel wardrobe.
- Fewer Travel-Specific Features: It lacks a TSA lay-flat design, luggage strap, or USB port.
Perfect for those who need a reliable bag for daily use, Commuters, students, and casual hikers.
5. Tolaccea Travel Laptop Backpack (40–45L) — Excellent for Business & Camping
Looking for Best backpack for travel and work the Tolaccea Laptop Backpack is all about organisation. Separate waterproof compartments keep wet and dry items apart. Laptops up to 17 inches fit comfortably, and quick-access pockets hold passports, wallets, and power banks.
Padded straps, chest and waist support, and multiple grab handles make it comfy to carry—durable zippers and a bottle pocket round it out.
No USB port on the latest version, and it’s a bit bulky, but if security and organisation are your priority, this backpack delivers.
Why it’s great:
- Two waterproof compartments lined with aluminium film for wet/dry separation.
- Lay-flat TSA design for easy airport checks.
- Fits laptops up to 17″ plus an extra 15.6″ device.
- Adjustable chest/waist straps for stability on longer treks.
Cons:
- No USB Charging Port: The new upgraded version of this backpack does not include a USB port, which some users may miss.
- Bulkier Design: The added features and robust construction make it heavier and less streamlined than some minimalist options.
Best For: Business travellers, campers, and anyone who wants maximum organisation and security in a single bag.
How to Pick Your Travel Backpack
- Short trips: Waterfly (22L) or Expandable Backpack (30L)
- Business travel: Tolaccea Laptop Backpack
- Adventure / heavy packing: Airvault 60L or Tolaccea Carry-On
- Weekend warrior: Expandable Backpack or Tolaccea Carry-On
Pro tip: Pack heavy items close to your back, use packing cubes, and always air out your backpack after trips. A well-cared-for waterproof travel bag lasts for years.
Final Travel Backpack Tips
Pack heavy items near your lower back for better weight balance. Use packing cubes or the Airvault’s vacuum compression to maximise space. For example, in the Airvault 60L, you can pack up to 20 outfits, a pair of shoes, toiletries, and your laptop.
The Expandable Backpack can hold three to four days’ worth of clothes, a laptop, and travel essentials. For the Tolaccea Carry-On, imagine fitting in five outfits, toiletries, and your work equipment easily.
The Waterfly Hiking Backpack is perfect for day trips with space for a jacket, water bottle, snacks, and a tablet.
The Tolaccea Laptop Backpack comfortably accommodates four sets of clothes, toiletries, and your tech gadgets. After your trip, empty your backpack, air it out, and store it dry; it’ll last for years.
A good travel backpack should make your life easier, not harder. Pick one that fits your needs, feels good on your back, and can survive your next adventure.
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