Best Travel Backpack 2026: Peak Design vs Nomatic

Today we are going to show you how to find the best travel backpack for your trips.

After many years on the road and trying different backpacks in many different situations, we have elaborated the ultimate list of backpacks.

This guide, will help you decide on what kind of bag meets your needs considering different factors.

So if you want to find out what is your perfect travel backpack, let’s dive in!

The best travel backpack in 2026

If you are in a rush and want to see what is the best travel backpack in 2026, our choice is the 45L Peak Design Travel Backpack.

Deciding between Peak Design and Nomatic? Jump to our side-by-side comparison. Otherwise, keep scrolling for the list of the 11 best travel backpacks.

Editor’s Choice

+ Elegant Design

+ Expands from 30L to 45L

+ Easily accesible and great organisation

– Padding on shoulder strap could be improved

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What is the best travel backpack?+

Our picks, in order

• Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
• Tortuga Setout Backpack
• Osprey Kestrel 38L
• Osprey Kyte 38L
• Osprey Farpoint 40L
• Osprey Fairview 40L
• WANDRD PRVKE 31
• Osprey Ozone 42L
• Osprey Atmos AG 65
• Osprey Aura AG 65

Peak Design vs Nomatic: which one should you buy?

These two were our finalists, and the question we get asked most. We used both before choosing, so here is the short answer: the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if you want one bag that changes size, the Nomatic Travel Bag 40L if you want the lighter bag with more pockets.

Why we chose the Peak Design:

1. It changes size. At 35L it goes in the cabin on most airlines, it expands to 45L when you need room for shoes or a jacket, and it compresses to 30L as a day bag. The Nomatic is always 40L.
2. Design. This is subjective, but we think the Peak Design looks better, and its lifetime warranty is hard to beat.

Why you might prefer the Nomatic: it is half a kilo lighter, it has more organisation out of the box (over 20 features, including a shoe compartment), and it doubles as a duffel. Nomatic now calls it the Travel Duffel Bag 40L. Don’t confuse it with the Nomatic Travel Pack (20L, expands to 30L) or the Nomatic Backpack: those are smaller laptop and commuter bags, not a 40L travel bag.

Carry-on sizes: European airlines usually allow 55 x 40 x 20-23 cm and US airlines 22 x 14 x 9 in. Both bags are close to those limits when full, so check your airline before you pack them to the top. The new EU passenger rules approved in July 2026 only guarantee a free personal item of 40 x 30 x 15 cm, not a free cabin bag, and they won’t apply until 2027.

Overview of the best travel backpacks in 2026

In this table, you will see an overview of the information you will find in this post.

To know more about the details of each backpack keep reading.

How to choose the best travel backpack

As we said, the process of looking for the best travel backpacks is time-consuming. With so many options between different backpack brands, price points, and features, it’s hard to know where to start and to choose the right one.

Some things you need to consider to find your perfect travel backpack:

• Fits your body shape and height
• Is functional and comfortable to carry
• Has good weight distribution
• Can carry and protect your belongings
• Is easy to pack and unpack
• Meets your budget

Key Features For A Backpack

• Front-loading and Top-loading. Many backpacks are top-loading, which means they open at the top. Some of them, have an additional side zip to make it easier to access the stuff at the bottom. These tend to be taller backpacks.
  As per front-loading, you just zip them open face down, with everything within instant reach. Which make them more functional and accessible
• Waist strap. Using a waist strap helps to distribute the load around your whole body instead of just your shoulders. This is important to prevent painful shoulders and for a more comfy way to move.
• Weather resistant. It is great to have a bag which is weather or water resistant, or at least with a cover to prevent it to get soaked.
• Ventilation. Some backpacks come with a back panel which is breathable and provides separation between your back and bag to prevent your back from sweating against your bag.
• Water bottle pockets. Honestly, this is a must. Water is essential and most of us always travel with a bottle of water, thus a water bottle pocket is well needed.
• Padded shoulder straps. This is important to carry your backpack comfortably when loaded.
• Useful compartments. Compartments can also help you to organize things better. Ideally, you should have a compartment for laptop, side pockets for bottles, extra pockets for accessories, etc. Packing cubes can also be helpful for this.
• Compression straps. This will help you to compress your stuff even more, making it more manageable to move around.
• Dimensions (Portable). It might not a deal breaker for everyone, but carry-on size lets you save time, headaches and avoid additional luggage fees on some airlines. We are light packers and we always manage to travel with carry on luggage and makes life easier.

What is the best size for a travel backpack?

Travel backpacks come in a wide range of sizes, and the volume is expressed in liters.

For us, the best size for a travel backpack is that which you can carry comfortably for hours. That is why we always try to pack light, and only packing the strictly necessary. Also, this will make moving around easier, and even avoid fees at the airport if you opt for a carry on size.

The weight is one of the most important factors. The bigger the heavier, and the more stuff you’ll put on it.

Ultimately, the best backpack size for you will be given by your travel style.

There is hardly one bag perfect for all occasions. Are you normally a backpacker jumping from place to place and traveling for long? or maybe you enjoy many short vacations to visit more places? Will you be carrying your laptop and some more electronics normally? Or maybe going on campings?

As you can see there are endless options and combinations. So you really need to think this through to make sure you choose to win.

Moreover, we have learned that you need to pay for quality. You don’t want to do a poor investment to find out that after a couple of days traveling your backpack is falling apart. That is a pain in the ass.

Summarizing, what size do you need for the best travel backpack?

• Consider how you will be moving around (flights, buses, road trips, etc)
• Consider the type of accommodation (hostels, Airbnb, guesthouses, camping, etc)
• Think about the kind of clothes and accessories you travel with normally.
• Destinations and seasons.
• Packing habits- Do you normally pack light or do you normally need a large bag?

Once you have an idea for each of those points, you’ll be able to find your perfect backpack.

You can find many tips on how to pack for any trip on this post.

Travel backpacks size guide

The best travel backpacks in 2026: reviews

When considering all the different factors explained previously, these are our top choices.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Best Overall

Dimensions: 56cm (22″) x 33cm (13″) x 24cm (9.5″) | Capacity: 30-45L (35L by default) |Weight: 2.05 kg (4.5 lb) |Weatherproof: Yes | Hip Belt: Yes| Laptop compartment: Yes | Front Loading: Yes | Carry On Size: Yes |

The 45L Travel Backpack from Peak Design is the backpack I have been looking for a long time.

In the beginning, I had serious doubts about choosing Peak Design vs Nomatic. But after I used them both the 45L travel backpack was a closer match to my needs

As backpackers and photographers, finding the best travel backpack has proven to be one of our biggest challenges. Sometimes the bag was too heavy, did not the right size, it was mainly gear orientated, etc.

But not this time. That’s why we have chosen the 45L Travel Backpack from Peak Design as our #1 choice. It does not matter what kind of traveler you are, because this backpack has you covered. It also goes one step beyond with the different organization cubes.

It is a versatile, durable, and beautiful carry-on travel backpack. Features top, side, front and rear access via intuitively placed weatherproof zips. It also has a dedicated laptop compartment and a small one for tablets.

Meets international carry-on size requirements, but expands to be a 45L gear-hauler and collapses to be a 35L day pack, making it unmatched for 1-bag travel. It also has tons of internal and external pockets.

View At Peak Design

Nomatic 40L Travel Bag

Best For Digital Nomads

Dimensions: 53cm (21″) x 36cm (14″) x 23cm (9″) | Capacity: 40L |Weight: 1.55 kg (3.4 lb) |Weatherproof: Yes | Hip Belt: Yes| Laptop compartment: Yes | Front Loading: Yes | Carry On Size: Yes |

As I mentioned before, I really considered the Nomatic backpack vs Peak Design bag at the beginning. And even though I chose the latter, it does not mean this can be your perfect travel bag.

The Nomatic travel bag is highly functional and can be used as a backpack or duffle pack, with over 20 innovative features

They raised $3 million on a Kickstarter campaign, so you can have an idea of the potential.

Every single part of traveling has been accounted for in the design and it will change your journey forever. The design process began by combining the best features of a backpack, duffle bag, and luggage, into one easy-to-carry bag.

It offers a ton of features and is with no doubt one of the best travel backpacks right now. A great thing is that qualifies as a carry-on.

View At Nomatic

Tortuga Setout Backpack

Best For City Travelers

Dimensions: 55,8cm (21.9″) x 35,5cm(13.9″) x 22.8cm (8.9″) | Capacity: 45L |Weight: 1.77 kg (3.9 lb) |Weatherproof: Yes | Hip Belt: Yes| Laptop compartment: Yes | Front Loading: Yes | Carry On Size: Yes |

Tortuga Setout Backpack is another versatile backpack easy to use for any type of trip and a great main compartment.

Although it is a multipurpose bag, this backpack is better suited for cities rather than adventures due to its design. The materials are excellent, but the waist belt is not the most comfortable. The front-loading makes it easier to use and is also gentle on pockets with excellent organization It is a stylish bag without drawing much attention, which is a good thing.

It is probably one of the best backpacks to travel light.

Update: Tortuga no longer makes the Setout. The link below now lands on Tortuga’s current travel backpack, so read the specs above as those of the bag we actually tested.

View At Tortuga

Osprey Kestrel 38L

Best Men’s Travel Adventure Backpack

Dimensions: 75cm (29.5″) x 31cm(12.2″) x 11.4cm (8.9″) | Capacity: 38L |Weight: 1.54 kg (3.4 lb) |Weatherproof: Yes | Hip Belt: Yes| Laptop compartment: No | Front Loading: No | Carry On Size: Yes |

I can only say good things about the Osprey Kestrel 38L.

This is the backpack I first used for our trip around the world for a year. I got on it all my clothes and gear and made the job really good. If you do not travel with many gadgets and want to travel comfy, this is your bag for sure.

It is comfortable, ideal for trekking or hiking, and the compression straps make it really compact. On the other hand, if you are not a light packer, this might feel small.

Once you know how to adjust the torso and the waist belt, you’ll start to love it even more.

To me, this is one of the best travel backpacks for men. Also is a great backpack for world travel. This is the one I used for my one year trip around the world.

View At Amazon

Osprey Kyte 38L

Best Women’s Travel Adventure Backpack

Dimensions: 70cm (27.5″) x 33cm(13″) x 30cm (11.8″) | Capacity: 36L (now 38L) |Weight: 1.47 kg (3.2 lb) |Weatherproof: Yes | Hip Belt: Yes| Laptop compartment: No | Front Loading: No | Carry On Size: Yes |

Finding a backpack that fits properly for a year-long trip around the world was not easy. Until we found the Osprey Kyte 36l. (Osprey now sells it as the Kyte 38)

A manageable backpack with great size.

Now, not everybody can fit everything on a 36L and a small daily bag, but she did. So if you pack light and are up to adventures, this is a great choice.

It is comfortable, ideal for long hikes, and compression straps make it really compact. All that makes this model one of the best women’s travel backpack.

Once you know how to adjust the torso and the waist belt, you’ll start to love it even more.

View At Amazon

Osprey Farpoint 40L

Best Men’s All Purposes Backpack

Dimensions: 54cm (21.2″) x 35cm(13.8″) x 23cm (9″) | Capacity: 40L |Weight: 1.44 kg (3.2 lb) |Weatherproof: No | Hip Belt: Yes| Laptop compartment: Yes | Front Loading: Yes | Carry On Size: Yes |

If there is someone who has experience in the best travel backpacks, that would be Osprey with no doubt.

With the Osprey Farpoint 40L, you can expect to cover all the basics for any kind of traveler. It simply makes the job good for the city, short trekking, and all.

It is functional, sturdy, and very durable like all the Osprey stuff. The backpack straps and waistband adjusted easily to balance the weight.

The compression straps do a great job not only keeping everything in place but also adding a layer of security. The exterior straps are mounted by another layer of ripstop fabric that encases all the zippers, making them difficult to locate and access while strapped down tightly.

If you like to travel light and agile, you will enjoy this bag. It won’t top the ease and accessibility of a rolling suitcase in an airport, but it’s close. Also, is one of the best carry on backpacks for travel.

View At Amazon

Osprey Fairview 40L

Best Women’s All Purposes Backpack

Dimensions: 54cm (21.2″) x 35cm(13.8″) x 23cm (9″) | Capacity: 40L |Weight: 1.44 kg (3.2 lb) |Weatherproof: No | Hip Belt: Yes| Laptop compartment: Yes | Front Loading: Yes | Carry On Size: Yes |

If there is someone who has experience in the best travel backpacks, that would be Osprey with no doubt.

The Osprey Fairview 40L is the women’s version of the Farpoint 40: the same bag, with a harness and hip belt cut for a shorter torso and narrower shoulders. It covers all the basics for any kind of traveler, from the city to short treks.

It is functional, sturdy, and very durable like all the Osprey stuff. The backpack straps and waistband adjusted easily to balance the weight.

The compression straps do a great job not only keeping everything in place but also adding a layer of security. The exterior straps are mounted by another layer of ripstop fabric that encases all the zippers, making them difficult to locate and access while strapped down tightly.

If you like to travel light and agile, you will enjoy this bag. It won’t top the ease and accessibility of a rolling suitcase in an airport, but it’s close.

View At Amazon

WANDRD PRVKE 31

WANDRD now sells the fourth version of this bag (PRVKE 31L V4). The specs below are the current ones.

Best Backpack For Photographers

Dimensions: 47cm (18.5″) x 30.5cm (12″) x 16.5cm (6.5″) | Capacity: 31L (expands to 35L) |Weight: 1.49 kg (3.3 lb) |Weatherproof: Yes | Hip Belt: Not Included| Laptop compartment: Yes | Front Loading: Yes | Carry On Size: Yes |

The Wandrd Prvke is a functional backpack that can do a little bit of everything. With a great design, it is durable and the roll-top expands it from 31L to 35L.

Thanks to its robust weather-resistant design, your belongings will be safe as well. Although is not our top choice if you need to carry the bag for the whole day. The reason is this does not fit the body perfectly as many of the previous bags reviewed.

It comes with different customizable options depending on your travel necessities. But with no doubt, this is a top choice for photographers due to the organization and space provided.

Many photographers doubt between Nomatic vs Wandrd. Both are great for this purpose with no doubt, but ultimately it will come to how much gear you want to carry around.

Its small size makes The Wandrd the best backpack luggage for photographers.

View At Amazon

Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On 40L

Best Wheel Backpack

Dimensions: 55cm (21.5″) x 36cm (14″) x 25cm (10″) | Capacity: 40L |Weight: 2.03 kg (4.5 lb) |Weatherproof: No | Hip Belt: No| Laptop compartment: No | Front Loading: Yes | Carry On Size: Yes |

The Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On (the model we tested was the older Ozone 42L) is basically a backpack with wheels. Its durable nylon material will remind you of a backpack. The lightweight aluminum frame gives it structure and the oversized wheels give it great stability on uneven surfaces and it rolls easily.

The handle extends easily and is not flimsy like the ones that cheaper, lower quality suitcases and rollerboards have. The main compartment is only compromised somewhat by the intrusion of the handle which prevents the “bottom” of the suitcase to be perfectly flat. A wide nylon fabric divider lets you separate and compresses a layer of clothing (like shirts) in the bottom section preventing them from sliding around and arriving at your destination as a wadded-up ball of clothing. The top of the compartment is split into two sides each with a zippered mesh pocket.

The handle retracts and extends smoothly and is quite sturdy in spite of the overall lightness of the suitcase. As you can see, this is a backpack for travellers looking comfort.

View At Amazon

Osprey Atmos AG 65

Best Men’s Camping Backpack

Dimensions: 87cm (34.2″) x 39cm(15.3″) x 41cm (16″) | Capacity: 65L |Weight: 2.19 kg (4.8 lb) |Weatherproof: Yes | Hip Belt: Yes| Laptop compartment: No | Front Loading: No | Carry On Size: No |

The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is the perfect backpack for travel on long-haul trips and for campings due to its comfort and capacity.

The detachable top section is incredibly useful. The way the solid hip straps fold out of the way makes it easier to transport the bag around (flights, car journeys). The breathable back is very impressive and effective. Build quality is obviously extremely high.

Pockets are well placed around the bag, with the two on the hip straps being particularly useful.

View At Amazon

Osprey Aura AG 65

Best Women’s Camping Backpack

Dimensions: 85cm (33.4″) x 38cm(15″) x 40cm (15.7″) | Capacity: 65L |Weight: 2.11 kg (4.6 lb) |Weatherproof: Yes | Hip Belt: Yes| Laptop compartment: No | Front Loading: No | Carry On Size: No |

The Osprey Aura AG 65 is the perfect backpack for travel on long-haul trips and for campings due to its comfort and capacity.

The detachable top section is incredibly useful. The way the solid hip straps fold out of the way makes it easier to transport the bag around (flights, car journeys). The breathable back is very impressive and effective. Build quality is obviously extremely high.

Pockets are well placed around the bag, with the two on the hip straps being particularly useful.

View At Amazon

Other backpacks worth checking

If you still think none on the previous bags are for you there are some others that might worth checking:

• eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (now sold by Samsonite)
• Osprey Aura AG 50
• Aer Travel Pack 4 (28L or 35L)

Conclusion: what are the best backpacks for travelling?

There is not really one fitting all purposes, you need to know first your travel style to find your perfect match.

But after trying many different bags, we can say these are the best backpacks for travelers as of today.

Let us know in the comments below which is your favorite.

P.S. Don’t forget to check our guide to travel light with minimalist backpacking