How to travel one-bag only: the best backpacks for weekend trips and long hauls alike for 2026

A trusty backpack is an essential bit of kit for any traveller, ideal for bringing on a plane as a cabin bag, hiking up mountains, interrailing across Europe, or just carrying with you as you explore a new city. But not just any old rucksack will do if you want it to last, be comfortable and perform as you need it to. This is why we’ve put hundreds to the test and rounded up the very best travel backpacks to take on holiday. To do this, we’ve considered each backpack's weight, capacity, price, comfort, style, and how well it holds up so you can buy with confidence knowing you’re choosing the perfect bag for your unique needs.

Best travel backpacks at a glance:

• Best backpack for weekend trips: Carl Friedrik 72-Hour Backpack
• Most versatile: Stubble & Co Travel Backpack
• Best backpack for volume: Lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack
• Best backpack for everyday use: Dickies Lisbon Backpack
• Best backpack for business travel: Troubadour Apex Backpack 2.0
• Best splurge option: Harber London Roll Top Backpack
• Best hiking backpack: Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

Editor-approved top travel backpacks

• 

  Harber London Roll Top Backpack

  Pros: chic, feels luxurious, plenty of pockets, interchangeable front pocket for additional versatility, YKK zippers
  Cons: a little heavy for use on long day trips

  If you had to pick one luxury backpack to travel with, the Harber London Roll Top has to be it. This brand offers the ultimate in high-end British leather goods, with all products being created out of grain leather by expert craftspeople in Spain. It’s certainly not a bargain buy, but you’ll know what you’re paying for as soon as you get your hands on it. The vintage style and a chunky military grade buckle fastening are giving old-world explorer vibes, but the clever design is anything but old-fashioned. There’s a padded laptop sleeve (fits a 16” device) and tablet pocket, a detachable front pouch, a suitcase passthrough band and a magnetic chest strap that’s extremely easy to undo. It's undeniably pricey, but we think it’s worth it.

  Editor review: "This is by far the chicest backpack I’ve owned, and it’s garnered plenty of compliments while in use, too. Thankfully, it’s equally as functional as it is stylish, with a roomy inner compartment that’s just the right size for my daily needs, and lots of all-important inner sleeves for keeping things organised. This bag saw me through several long days sightseeing on a recent trip to Japan and, after a week of being carted from long haul flight to train to bus to metro, it returned home in perfect condition. It is a little heavy, which is to be expected given the thick leather material, but the included sternum strap helped lessen the load on longer days. I also appreciated the front travel pack, which comfortably kept my passport and all my tech essentials to hand, and I like that there’s the option to swap it out from the more traditional front pocket (perfect for the daily commute) to the travel one (when heading off for a flight) when needed." Charley Ward, commerce writer

  • Size: 39 x 29 x 13.5cm
  • Weight: 1.5kg

• Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation backpack

  Pros: many pockets (both inside and outside), padded mesh back panel, recycled material
  Cons: hefty price tag

  The Navigator backpack, made from recycled ballistic nylon, can be expanded to meet your needs, with a reasonably sized main compartment, 2 card pockets and 3 media pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve for up to 15” screens. We love the quick access back pocket, with magnetic snap fastening, and the ability to customise your bag with free embossed monogramming. Despite its deceptively small appearance, global director of audience development Lara Kramer managed to use this backpack for a weekend away, packing all her clothes, toiletries and an extra pair of sandals.

  Editor review: “Tumi’s backpacks are the perfect combination of functional and comfort. The shoulder straps are well-padded and easily adjustable, and the bag also features a padded mesh back panel for additional support. For easy lifting, there is also a leather top carry handle that adds to its versatility,” – Lara Kramer, global director of audience development

  • Size: 55 x 35 x 24cm
  • Weight: 1.5kg

• 

  Herschel Kaslo Daypack Tech

  Pros: luggage sleeve, made from recycled materials, water bottle pocket
  Cons: earbuds pocket is only compatible with Apple products or others that are similarly shaped

  There’s something quite military about this backpack – a bit Swiss Army knife. And when it comes to packing in a small bag, that’s very welcome. The Kaslo Daypack looks very basic from the outside, but open up the main areas (there are two of them) and you’ll find a crazy number of zipped pockets, mesh compartments and card holders to securely store everything from pens and earbuds to your iPad and book. This bag is deceptively roomy, and editor Meaghan Kenny says it's a great personal item for long-haul flights, allowing her to pack two days' worth of clothing inside.

  Editor review: “It’s so easy to carry, thanks to its buckle that connects the two straps, which helps better distribute the weight and keep the backpack secure,” Meaghan Kenny, US Associate commerce editor

  • Size: 43 x 32 x 29cm

• Lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack 45L

  Pros: massive 45L capacity, seamlessly converts between duffle and backpack, water-repellent fabric
  Cons: higher price point, can feel hefty when fully packed to capacity

  Over-packers will like this one, or bring it along to supplement your case on long-haul trips. This generous 45L offering from Lululemon easily bridges the gap between a classic sports duffle and an ergonomic travel bag. Stowable shoulder straps allow you to convert it instantly from a holdall into a backpack when you need to navigate stairs or run along long airport concourses hands-free. It’s made to last too, built from a heavy-duty, water-repellent fabric. Inside, there’s plenty of organisational pockets, including an external pocket to keep dirty shoes separate from clean holiday outfits – something that, once you have, you’ll wonder how you lived without.

  • Size: 58 x 33 x 24cm
  • Capacity: 45L
  • Weight: 1.3kg

• Kapten & Son Fyn Backpack

  Pros: distinctive design, stylish aesthetic, water-repellent material
  Cons: Velcro and zip closure top can be slightly fiddly when packed to the brim

  German brand Kapten & Son excels at creating minimalist designs for urban travellers. This Fyn backpack is one of their standout designs. It’s crafted from chic matte recycled PET, with a distinctive courier-style top flap that opens up to reveal a deceptively spacious interior. Inside, five internal pockets and a padded 15” laptop compartment keep your daily travel essentials organised nicely. But it’s all about the looks with this one: the bag’s stylish contrasting palette ensures it looks right at home wandering around European capitals without spoiling your outfit.

  • Size: 43 x 26.5 x 12cm
  • Capacity: 14L
  • Weight: 0.85kg

• ROKA London Heathrow Duffel in Canvas

  Pros: Charming design, weather-resistant canvas, can be carried as a tote or worn as a rucksack
  Cons: Lacks the rigid technical back support needed for long-distance hikes

  ROKA London is well-loved for its cheerful weather-resistant bags is a gamut of vibrant shades – all designed to tackle fickle weather with ease. The Heathrow Duffel is one of the brand’s largest offerings and allows for double the versatility of a regular backpack: it can be carried via its sturdy webbing grab handles or thrown over your shoulders as a hands-free backpack. The durable canvas material has been treated to repel rain, and the bag features a wide zipped opening that makes packing and rummaging for items straightforward. It’s a great choice for a full suite of trips, from relaxed staycations to a handy cabin bag, or even a large gym bag for days you need to bring more of your gear with you.

  • Size: 45 x 26 x 26cm
  • Capacity: 30L
  • Weight: 0.7kg

• 

  Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

  Pros: innovative design with built-in packing cubes for easy organisation, stowable packing straps, clamshell opening
  Cons: none noted

  Matador has done something cool here, creating a roomy backpack-come-duffel bag with built-in packing cubes, accessible via a wide clamshell opening. It means you can sort clothes by type, day or activity – a great choice to accompany you on a backpacking or camping trip where unpacking is more difficult. Better yet, it's made mostly from recycled materials, with strong YKK zippers that won't bust open when you least need it.

  Editor review: “As someone who is obsessive about organisation – especially while travelling – this backpack ticks all my boxes. The compartments act as packing cubes, making my preferred style of packing (popping pre-planned outfits together and packing them in the order I'll wear them) a breeze. I keep one compartment for dirty laundry, so that clean clothes are kept fresh, and one for things I want to keep to hand, such as toiletries and chargers. This is the only choice for Type A travellers.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor

  • Size: 26 x 56 x 23 cm
  • Weight: 1.1kg

• 

  Stubble & Co Hybrid Backpack 20L

  Pros: Exceptionally durable, weatherproof construction
  Cons: 20L size is better for overnight trips than longer getaways

  For those who need one reliable bag that will take you from office straight through to a long weekend hiking, Stubble & Co’s Hybrid Backpack hits the sweet spot. It’s made from durable, waterproof recycled materials with sealed YKK zips, making it specifically designed to weather sudden downpours without a drop seeping inside. Then it’s got a padded 16” laptop pocket, water bottle holder, and ergonomic shoulder straps that sit comfortably across the chest. All that, and it’s compact enough to slide effortlessly under an airline seat. All in all, it’s a robust, long-lasting investment for active travellers.

  • Size: 44 x 29 x 16cm
  • Capacity: 20L
  • Weight: 0.95kg

• Bagsmart Blast Travel Backpack

  Pros: Excellent interior organisation, expanding capacity for flexible packing, purse-friendly price
  Cons: Aesthetics are more functional than fashion-forward

  Bagsmart has earned a loyal following amongst savvy travellers for its extra-functional designs (it’s long been one of our bestselling underseat cabin bag brands), and so its clever Blast Travel Backpack earns a spot in our round-up here, too. It’s been built specifically to tackle carry-on restrictions while maximising internal space, this bag functions much like a soft-shell suitcase thanks to its wide-opening main compartment. Inside, you'll find dedicated storage slots for tech, toiletries and clothing, alongside compression straps to keep your gear tightly secured on-the-go. The padded back panel and breathable shoulder straps make carting heavier loads through busy airport terminals surprisingly comfortable. At this price point especially, it’s an excellent choice.

  • Size: 46 x 31 x 20cm
  • Capacity: 28L to 35L (expanded)
  • Weight: 1.0kg

• 

  CabinZero Classic Cabin Backpack

  Pros: ultra-lightweight, 25-year warranty, clam-shell opening, fits strict cabin bag dimensions
  Cons: minimal internal padding on shoulder straps for heavier loads

  British brand CabinZero has put much work into developing a backpack that frequent fliers will love in a 20-strong colour range – and all for the purse-friendly price of £60; something especially impressive given the brand offers a lifetime warranty. Its Classic Backpack has a clamshell opening and self-standing design for efficient packing, plus two handles for grab-and-go convenience. Inside, there’s a padded laptop sleeve and spacious internal pockets, plus a tracking tag to keep your essentials secure and organised. Lockable sliders add extra peace of mind, while side compression straps maximise on space. It’s available in three sizes, depending on your needs – in 28L (a good underseat bag), 36L, and 44L (the sweet spot for cabin luggage). YKK zips and a water-resistant coating will keep it in good shape even after multiple flights.

  • Size: 45 x 31 x 20cm (36L version)
  • Capacity: 36L
  • Weight: 0.7kg

• Carl Friedrik 72-Hour Backpack

  Pros: good looks, quality construction, large inner compartment, seven pockets, three colours and two material choices, clamshell opening
  Cons: expensive

  Carl Friedrik's designs are always so lovely, and the same goes for its ultra-sleek 72-hour backpack. This bag is sized to airline carry-on restrictions, so you can head off to the airport for a weekend away hands-free – but there is a luggage passthrough band if you're travelling with an additional case. Choose from plush nubuck leather or 100 per cent recycled nylon – both are rather lovely.

  Editor review: “As a self-confessed chronic overpacker, I’m naturally sceptical about a vessel promising to hold enough for a specific timeframe. But Carl Friedrik’s 72-hour backpack does just that, enticing me to rise to the challenge and embark on a three-day adventure to the Kent coast with everything I needed on my back. Design-wise, it’s as sleek as can be – smooth black nylon with a ribbed front that unzips to reveal a Tardis-esque compartment. With little need for spare footwear, I successfully rolled enough clothes into neat rows to return home with some stuff unworn. The inside pouch is ideal for slipping my laptop in and out while on the move without disrupting the contents too much, and I’m grateful there aren’t too many hidden pockets – there’s little risk of losing trinkets here. It’s a little too bulky and sturdy as an everyday office backpack, but that’s not the intention; pack up, head off!” Connor Sturges, digital assistant

  • Size: 30 x 46 x 18cm
  • Weight: 1.3kg

• Peak Design Travel Backpack

  Pros: very hardwearing, meets carry-on size requirements, expandable side pockets, water-resistant, 100 per cent carbon neutral construction
  Cons: none that we can see

  This weatherproof bag is available in 30L or 45L sizes, but whichever one you choose, you can rest assured that the available space has been optimised. The Peak Design backpack is perhaps the most cleverly designed rucksack we’ve had the pleasure of testing. We love the minimal exterior design, the chic neutral colourways, and the fact that it’s made from 100 per cent Fair Trade certified carbon neutral materials, but don’t be fooled by its apparent simplicity!

  Inside, there are pockets galore, with compartments made specifically for your keys, passports and travel accessories. The clamshell opening makes this one easy to pack (and unpack), while the seriously expansive side pockets are ideal for a water bottle or even a tripod. Despite its sleek appearance, there are a number of handles to help you carry this travel backpack or lift it up into the overhead locker with ease, and the detachable hip belt offers handy support for longer hikes.

  Editor review: “This compact and solidly workaday number (which I predict will be very long-lasting, as it’s sturdy, weatherproof and has an abrasion-resistant thread) is good for a mini business trip, a day outing or a low-maintenance overnighter with a single outfit change. The main compartment is zip-around, with a sturdy frame, so you can open and use it almost like a small carry-on suitcase, making it a no-rummage bag. There’s an in-built laptop sleeve, small side pockets inside for cables and pencils, and a smaller compartment at the bottom for underwear and accessories. A small exterior pocket at the top will house a phone and wallet and there are discreet side pockets for water bottles. Handy and unobtrusive.” Lydia Bell, senior features editor

  • Size: 53 x 33 x 18cm
  • Weight: 1.4kg

• Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

  Pros: adjustable fit, additional side handle, waist strap, clamshell opening, available in men’s and women’s sizes
  Cons: those travelling for long periods of time might need something bigger

  Osprey has been on the luxury bag scene since 1974, so it’s no wonder they know how to make a good travel backpack. Sized for carry-on and exceeding expectations on pockets and packing capabilities, we found this one to be perfect for trips away – even long haul. You’ll find pockets all through this thoughtfully designed rucksack, ideal for easy access to your travel essentials and providing a safe place to store anything valuable. The addition of a laptop sleeve and internal compression straps helped to keep everything secure and allowed us to make the most of the space available. We found it easy to keep our packing organised, which is no mean feat when using a backpack. The zipped front access was a much-appreciated touch when it came to packing and unpacking.

  Editor review: “When shopping for a bag to take on a big trip to India, I knew whatever I chose had to meet a few criteria. It needed to fit British Airways carry-on limits (because I’m a cheapskate who won’t pay for checked luggage), be lightweight enough to fling on and off of trains while travelling through India, be wearable for ease – and be roomy enough to pack clothes to tide me over for a two-week trip. The Osprey Farpoint 40 checks all those boxes. I love the fact that the main compartment is accessed with a large zip on the front rather than at the top of the bag, so it can be packed lying down. It also means that, when looking for items while travelling, I don’t need to unpack everything. The padded harness system is super comfortable, and the many pockets are great for keeping things like my passport, chargers and phone organised and safe. Although this is a carry-on travel backpack, it’s not enormous, so I still needed to pack light – but this stopped me from overpacking with heavy items I wouldn’t have ended up wearing anyway.” Sarah James, digital editor

  • Size: 55 x 35 x 23cm
  • Weight: 1.5kg

• F.A.R Convertible Backpack

  Pros: very large while still within most carriers’ carry-on size limits; good backpacking backpack
  Cons: not completely watertight in heavy downpours after a certain period of time

  If you’re in need of a travel backpack with generous capacity, this 45L offering from Away is one well worth considering. The F.A.R convertible backpack is one of the largest travel backpacks we’ve seen, perfect for longer trips away where you’re hoping to fit all your luggage into a very portable rucksack. While this bag fits well within most airlines’ carry-on limits, the compression straps and inner pockets will help you squeeze in as many items as possible. The chest strap will help you take the weight! Of course we’re always here for the eco-credentials, so plus points have been awarded for the use of recycled materials in its construction, which are both durable and water resistant.

  Editor review: “I took this bag for a weekend away recently and was impressed by how much I could fit inside – it was considerably more than I could squeeze into my carry-on. For one-bag travel, it’s a really good bet – it’s going to be my new go-to for festival season and on long weekends away, where I need to account for multiple outfit changes in a day. I will say, however, that at one point I was caught in a downpour, and some of the rain did seep inside the bag. As a result, it might be better suited for summer trips,” Charley Ward, commerce writer

  • Size: 28 x 18 x 43cm
  • Weight: 1kg

• Horizn Studios SoFo travel backpack

  Pros: made from recycled materials, carbon-neutral shipping, 16” laptop pocket, expandable design, waterproof base and lining, heat-resistant
  Cons: on the pricier side

  We love Horizn Studios for bags in general, so we had high hopes for their travel backpack and have been suitably impressed. This smart backpack, complete with a padded 16” laptop section, is expandable and one of the more spacious rucksacks we tried. We feel you could easily use this to pack for a week-long trip away, and packing is made easy thanks to the clamshell opening. We particularly rate this for camping or hiking holidays, as it’s a hard-wearing bag made out of water-sealed cotton canvas with a tight, high-density weave, treated with synthetic wax, so it’s completely heat and waterproof.

  Editor review: "First of all, this is an incredibly roomy bag – it’d easily cover a three-night trip for me, and I always overpack. I think the design is really smart. There are loads of zippered pockets and compartments, so you can easily keep things separate for easy access. One of my favourite features is that the main compartment is accessible from the top or via a zip at the back, which is so handy if you need to grab something from the bottom of the bag – no more rummaging required. I’ll absolutely be bringing this with me on my next trip abroad, and it’ll be useful for festival season too." Abigail Malbon, global audience development manager

  • Size: 32 × 50 × 17cm
  • Capacity: 29L to 34L when expanded

• 

  Bellroy Transit Backpack

  Pros: comfortable, multiple storage pockets, laptop sleeve, great as carry-on luggage or a day bag, water-resistant ripstop fabric.
  Cons: difficult to fit a water bottle in the side pocket if the back is packed full, no trolley sleeve.

  It says a lot when a brand makes it onto a single list, twice, but we had to add another superb travel backpack from Bellroy. This time it's a larger offering - their 28L Transit Backpack. In line with their Venture pack, the Transit showcases unrivalled organised design with pockets specifically crafted for certain needs (like the lined sunglasses pocket) and compression straps to keep your packing firmly in place and squashed down! The laptop sleeve, thin top compartment and water bottle holder at the side make this an ideal bag for commuters as well as travellers, so it’s likely this will become your everyday go-to rucksack.

  Editor review: “I recently travelled with this backpack for a four-day stay in Venice, where I wanted to avoid struggling with wheeled luggage and the multitude of bridges in the city. By using the roll method, I was able to fit two pairs of trousers (including jeans), two tops, a shirt, a dress, and pyjamas in the main compartment, and then my delicates in the zip-up pouch. For easy access, I popped my carry-on washbag into the external pocket. Overall, it was really easy to pack everything I needed while still feeling streamlined and comfortable to carry,” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

  • Size: 53 x 36 x 19cm
  • Weight: 1.1kg

• 

  Briggs & Riley convertible backpack duffle

  Pros: many pockets, some with RFID blocking protection to help prevent identity theft, comfortable stowable straps
  Cons: expensive

  Editor review: "If security is top of your list when choosing a travel backpack, this Briggs & Riley offering is sure to tick all your boxes. First of all, this one is so padded it looks more like an SLR camera bag than anything else, particularly with its multiple compartments and pockets with locking zips and a clamshell opening. It’s water-resistant, too. Unusually, some of the many pockets are even lined with RFID protection, not something that many bags offer but that some people might feel is essential for keeping their identity, cards and phone super secure. Our tester thinks it’s a great option for longer trips. “You could easily fit a week’s worth of clothes in this bag,” he says, “and it was really comfortable, with thick padding on the reverse side that meant I couldn’t feel my laptop against my back at all.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

  • Size: 47 x 31 x 18cm
  • Weight: 1.6kg

• 

  Bellroy Venture Ready Pack 26L

  Pros: quick-access top pocket, laptop sleeve and letter-sized document slip, hidden side pocket for valuables, bike light loop, water-resistant fabric
  Cons: none that we can see

  This travel backpack is the organised traveller’s dream! Australian brand Bellroy is renowned for its innovative travel kits (once you try their popular tech kit, you’ll never want to travel without it), and this bag showcases its designer prowess. With dual storage sections, loads of pockets and a laptop sleeve, there’s a place for everything in this bag, making it convenient to use in a multitude of scenarios. As well as being a great (albeit small) cabin bag, the water-resistant material that comes in three neutral colours makes this a perfect day sack for hiking and camping. It’s only 26L (available in one size), but the smart storage solutions allow you to fit in more than you expect.

  • Size: 50 x 33 x 19cm
  • Weight: 0.9kg

• Aer Pro pack

  Pros: many pockets, very spacious, well-padded to protect tech and valuables
  Cons: large size better suited to male torsos than female torsos

  This bag may be small (20L), but it makes the most of what it’s got. The main section on the bag is roomy, ideal for clothes and toiletries when heading off on a weekend break. In addition to that, there are also various pockets to fill, including a hidden luggage tracker pocket, and thankfully, YKK zippers, which are known for strength, so when you overpack, these won’t let you down. Aer is already a well-loved brand, brought into being by a successful crowdfunding campaign, so they know what we want and how to deliver!

  Editor review: “This is a super spacious backpack with pockets for literally everything. I’m a photographer and it’s perfect for travelling days as it fits in my large camera and all additional tech too, and the padding makes me feel reassured that my gear is properly protected on the move. It’s a little big for work days – I use my Antler Chelsea backpack when commuting – but for weekends away it’s great. Also, who needs packing cubes when you’ve got about 10 pockets? There are plenty of compartments for all your toiletries, make-up and other essentials.” Sophie Knight, senior visuals editor

  • Size: 45 x 30 x 14cm
  • Capacity: 20L

• 

  STM dux versatile tech backpack

  Pros: Side opening zips to reveal organised shelves, top opening compartment, removable zip-up pouch, comfortable to wear
  Cons: Slightly bulky shape

  It’s always helpful to find a great product on Amazon, for urgent delivery, and this 30L travel backpack is one to bookmark. The STM Dux is all about providing protection for your precious cargo (which you can pack a lot of), with heavy padding all round and a hard bottom designed to withstand impact. The internal laptop sleeves are suspended too, to avoid any unnecessary knocks should your bag ever get dropped. This bag has both top and side openings for easy access and packing, as well as multiple zip-up compartments, two laptop sleeves and removable shelves, negating the need for packing cubes.

  Editor review: "While they are removable, I think the best feature of this bag is the storage shelves. I loved using them when packing for a weekend away – storing my shoes at the bottom, clothes on the middle shelf and delicates on the top. It makes travelling hand luggage-only far easier," Lauren Burvill, commerce editor.

  • Size: 50.8 x 33 x 24cm
  • Weight: 1.7kg