Backpacking can be a lifestyle or an occasional occurrence. Either way you need a quality backpack that will accommodate your needs as perfectly as possible.
Recommendations of backpacks bellow are based on the criteria that we determine a must-have based on our backpacking experience.
Size: between 35-85 liter
Dimensions: to be considered a normal checked bag by at least vast majority of airlines
Purpose: accommodating backpacking trips in duration between 1-8 weeks
Requirements: partially or completely waterproof, waterproof compartments, decent back support, comfortable to wear for up to around two hours, at least some content is theft protected
If your criteria is different than the one above, first check our recommendations. if you still feel unsatisfied with the choices, try to incorporate your individual criteria in the backpack search. Some companies produce variety of different travel backpacks, meaning that if you prefer a certain company due to previous experience, you can still be able to find the one that suits you by browsing their inventory.
Our recommendations:
35-45 liter
Volume of theese backpacks is smaller so you must pack light. Around 40l backpack represents the high volume average for sport backpacks to give you some idea of how much stuff can you store in it. If you will go to a tropical climate such volume could work for you with a possible additional smaller backpack. But if you are going somewhere colder, you will need bulky clothes that you will have some problem stuffing inside the backpack.
Budget: Bovip hiking backpack
Bovip features three main compartmens and smaller ones inside the two bigger ones. The backpack is water resistant and does not include rain cover.
Honestly I went backpacking once with a really budget non-waterproof backpack when the rain started. I used a large trash bag to cover it while on my back. It worked decently and only the part touching my back was wet, while all the thing inside were dry. So in the event when a downpour catches you, there are some solutions if you have to keep moving.
Mid-range: Wovoka hiking backpack
Water resistant but with rain cover (so no need to keep that trash bag close) and simple in design. There is one main compartment with a double zipper. Given the size, lack of compartments will probably not be an issue for an average user. On the side there is a hole that can serve for hydration pack or phone cables (charging, headphones,..).
Premium: Deuter Futura pro
Deuters are on the high end but if you are not in a hurry you can probably wait for a sale that could make this purchase a bit cheaper. It is the most comfortable backpack of the group thanks to the spring steel frame. It is more slender and higher than the rest, so part of the comfortability is on you; proper weight distribution. What it potentially lacks are some attachment loops for sleeping mats, or sleeping bags, but if you do not need that it offers a cleaner design and less chances for a part of it to get caught on something.
45-55 liter
Theese backpacks provide a volume on the low side, but that is not necessary an obstacle for a person that travels light or does not require a variety of clothes and amenities with them.
If you are of smaller build, this one could be decent for you (smaller clothes, smaller shoes, etc.).
Budget: Homiee travel backpack
This budget version includes rain cover and enough adjustability to be used for travels. It has two main separate compartments with a waterproof barrier between them. That means you can store your wet shoes or clothes in the lower compartment and the rest will stay dry.
Mid-range: Aveler lightweight internal frame backpack
Aveler offers a similar backpack to the budget version, but does not have a separate wet compartment.
Premium: Osprey Rook 50
Osprey Rook 50 represents the high end of this range. It is cheaper than the same range Deuters and offers a complete set of accessories, amongst other separated bottom compartment and additional attachment loops.
55-65 liter
An average travel backpack with enough storage capacity to travel comfortably for a long time. You can take bulkier clothes and more amenities.
Budget: Bseash waterproof backpack
Rain cover included, smaller separated compartments are also found on this backpack. Nothing fancy, but it will get the job done.
Mid-range: Protector plus
Protector plus looks more like a military style backpack and offers a couple ways of carry. It has one big compartment with inside separators. If you will open it often, the suitcase-like design could be problematic.
Premium: Deuter Futura vario pro
Simple and very comfortable backpack with a separate compartment for your sleeping bag. It opens from the top and the middle, which is well appreciated when carrying heavy but often-used items.
Premium – special: Thule Landmark
This backpack was added to the list due to its unique design. There can be two separated backpacks, or one bigger if you connect them together. The bigger backpack has a suitcase style opening that is security wise fantastic (when you have the smaller backpack attached to the big one), and most zippers boast with loops that can be used to lock it to the zipper pulls.
65-75 liter
The volume is on the upper spectrum and a full backpack can weigh quite a lot.
Budget: TianYa Outdoor
This budget backpack does not have a frame for an additional back support. The main compartment does only have one space without separators, but there are smaller separate compartments outside.
Mid-range: Mountaintop internal frame backpack
Mountaintop has a quite decent internal frame that does support your back. It does have some attachment points if the volume of the backpack is not sufficient.
Premium: Osprey Atmos AG
Atmos AG 65 provides the best back support in this volume range and adjustability features are fantastic. It does all you need it to do, but will make your wallet a lot lighter.
75+ liter
On the peak of the backpack volume chart we can find 75+ liter travel backpacks. If you need one of those, train your back and legs first, because 75l could easily mean additional 30kg that you will carry on your back.
Budget: N Nevo Rhino hiking backpack
Basically it is a very big bag with two openings and a frame for back support. There are some smaller compartments and attachment points and of course a rain cover.
Mid-range: Teton sports outfitter
A decent backpack that does look a bit cheap but provides most needed functionalities. It has a detachable top part that could be worn as a waist belt pack.
Premium: Deuter Aircontact Pro
This backpack boasts with 70+15l volume and all needed functionalities. Quality is outstanding and durability non disputable. If you (really) need a a quality backpack this big, this one could make you happy.
Remember to put heavier objects in first, otherwise you will be carrying a lot of weight high and that will make you unstable and back-aching. If you have a problem that you will need heavy objects often, do consider a backpack that can open from top and bottom.
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