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18 Best Travel Backpacks For Women Of 2024, Per A Travel Expert, Editors, And Reviews

Leave your bulky suitcase at home.

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Jewelyn Butron

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If you haven't yet mastered the art of minimalist packing, you know what might help? A travel backpack. The best travel backpacks for women are designed with several pockets to organize all your clothing, toiletries, tech, and more in one place without requiring you to rummage through it to find that one thing you need.

"You need a backpack that offers value for your money while effectively meeting your travel needs," says travel expert Alexandra Dubakova, head of marketing at FreeTour.com, a website for booking local tours. The right backpack may even inspire you to ditch your bulky suitcase. Not checking a bag not only saves you time at the airport, but frees up your hands to do better things, like grabbing a cup of Starbucks coffee right before you get on your flight.

See some of the best travel backpacks for women below:

That being said, there are times when a suitcase is necessary, especially if you're going on a longer trip. On those occasions, travel backpacks for women come in handy for things you need to access quickly, like your passport during international travel, a laptop, or a light jacket if you're prone to feeling cold while flying.

To find the best backpacks for every kind of traveler, Women's Health curated this list using feedback from a travel expert and our own lifestyle editors. See below for the best travel backpacks for women you can buy in 2023, according to editors, experts, and reviews.

Most Budget-Friendly Travel Backpack For Women

Kroser Laptop Backpack

Laptop Backpack
Pros
  • Less than $50
  • USB port for connecting a power bank
Cons
  • Doesn't include the power bank

This laptop-friendly backpack has more than 19,700 reviews and five stars on Amazon, but it's under $40—talk about a steal. It's designed with padded straps to help you avoid shoulder fatigue, and a wide-mouth frame that allows you to open up the bag to see all your belongings easily at a glance.

Dubakova likes this backpack because it has an aqua blue inner lining that's more unique than the usual basic black or brown. "That pop of color makes it so much easier to spot my stuff inside the bag," she says. "I'm always digging around to find things, so having that brighter interior sounds super handy." On the downside, she doesn't love that the zippers are bulky and visible, since they make the pockets an easy target for thieves.

Rave Review: "I waited nine months to post this review because I wanted to see how this backpack held up. It has surpassed my every expectation. I can cram tons of stuff into it, it’s durable, and has held up to a ton of abuse on my part. It also has all the right compartments to keep my stuff organized and the price just can’t be beat."

Weight1.8 pounds
Dimensions16.9 x 11.2 x 7.5 in
CapacityNot provided
MaterialPU leather, nylon
Most Comfy To Hold Travel Backpack For Women

The North Face Borealis Backpack

Borealis Backpack
Pros
  • Padded straps
  • Comfy chest strap
Cons
  • Product color may be off from photos

With over 2,900 positive reviews and five stars on Amazon, this backpack gets tons of customer love. It has a top handle and highly-padded straps for optimal comfort when it's on your back. With pockets galore and a fleece-lined laptop sleeve, you'll be able to easily and comfortably store all your essentials in it. It also has a bungee strap front system for slipping in a sweatshirt or a water bottle.

Isabel McMahon, a Women's Health social media editor who's always on-the-go, says that this bag is so comfortable and durable, she's been using it for years. "The laptop sleeve is next-level, and the padded back is essential for a long travel day." She also says it’s perfect for an office-to-gym bag, or as a weekend trip carry-on. On the other hand, her only complaint is that there are a lot of straps and clips hanging off of the bag, which can sometimes get in the way, she says.

Rave Review: "This bag fits very comfortably on the back and the chest strap doesn't crowd the boobs like other packs do. It is compact, but can also manage to comfortably hold a couple binders, notebooks, and a laptop. The padding for the laptop is very nice, especially with the rigid back. So, if you have a thin laptop you don't have to worry about unnecessary torque."

Weight2 lbs
Dimensions19.8 x 13.3 x 9.8 in
Capacity28 L
MaterialCotton, polyester, nylon lining
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Most Lightweight Travel Backpack For Women

Baboon To The Moon Go-Bag

Go-Bag
Pros
  • Available in several fun colors and prints
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • No easy access pocket

This go-bag, which comes in a bunch of vibrant colors, fits about three to five days worth of clothing and other essentials. It's TSA-approved as a carry-on item, and also comes with adjustable straps so that you can carry it like a backpack or a duffel—whatever suits your needs.

Reviewers say they love how spacious this bag is and that the zipper is located in the back, so it's not exposed while you're wearing it, making it hard for others to open it. Customers also say that they like that the travel backpack is waterproof and durable, though they wish it had more interior and exterior pockets. When the bag isn't filled to the brim, it loses structure, so it can look a little lumpy.

Rave Review: "This is the perfect bag. I've struggled to carry my bags through the airport and on to the plane in the past. This bag is a dream come true. It’s lightweight (even when crammed full, it holds so much) and so ergonomically-friendly!"

Weight 3.5 lbs
Dimensions 10.5 x 20.5 x 12.5 in
Capacity40 L
Material Phthalate-free PVC fabric, stardust polyester lining
Most Fashionable Travel Backpack For Women

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

The ReNew Transit Backpack
Pros
  • Attaches to rolling luggage
  • Made from recycled polyester
Cons
  • Less organizational pockets than other bags

This bag is so popular that it has sold out multiple times. It's made with an exterior laptop pocket for easy access when you're heading through security, as well as multiple catch-all compartments for tickets, passports, and the like. The flap remains closed with an invisible magnet to keep the design super sleek, and there's even a pass-through strap at the back for slipping it over your rolling luggage handle.

Reviewers say that they like that this bag is clean and chic, and pretty roomy inside, though it could have more organizational pockets. Some customers also report that the color of the actual bag may be slightly different in person than what's pictured on site, so that's something to keep in mind. Overall, reviewers love that the bag is easy to access, water-resistant, and easy to clean.

Note: Certain colors are out of stock, but can be preordered.

Rave Review: "I am obsessed with my new backpack. I was pleasantly surprised by how much it can fit without looking bulky on my back. The fabric and make looks and feels high-quality. The bag has granted me many compliments while out and about already. LOVE!"

WeightNot provided
Dimensions 17.5 x 7.25 x 12 in
Capacity27 L
Material Renewed materials (plastic water bottles), recycled polyester
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Best Tear-Resistant Travel Bag For Women

UGrace Vintage Laptop Backpack

On Sale
Vintage Laptop Backpack
Pros
  • Comes with a charging port
  • Designed with tear-resistant fabric
Cons
  • Doesn't include battery pack

This backpack made from durable material that supposedly doesn't tear has more than 4,500 positive ratings on Amazon for plenty of reasons. It's made with a USB port attached to the bag that allows you to charge your tech pretty much anywhere. The main pocket is also extra large, meaning you can pack clothes, slippers, and toiletries with ease.

Customers who have used this backpack say it is sturdy with plenty of pockets and that it's easy to hold. They also say that the fabric is pretty durable, and that the straps are thick which make it comfy on the shoulders. However, some users said that they wished the bag was a little roomier, as it appears bigger than what it actually is.

Rave Review: "I bought this backpack as a carry-on for a long international flight. I was able to fit so much inside and was extremely impressed at how well it held up. I kept the electronics and valuables in the biggest pouch, and I used the smaller pouch for things like my passport and chargers that I would need to access quickly."

Weight1.5 lbs
Dimensions17.2 x 5.4 x 11.6 in
CapacityNot provided
Material Polyester, artificial leather
Cult-Favorite Travel Backpack

Cuyana Leather Backpack

Leather Backpack
Pros
  • Interior sleeve for laptop
  • Can be worn as a purse or backpack
Cons
  • On the pricier side

This leather bag—believe it or not—actually fits a 13-inch laptop. It features a zippered compartment for your valuables, slots for your phone and keys, and straps that allow you to carry it on your shoulder as a purse or backpack. Grab it in your choice of three colors.

Though this one doesn't have online reviews, this editor-approved pick is a cult-favorite thanks to its sleek Italian leather design, adjustable notches, and wide back straps.

Weight Not provided
Dimensions 9.6 x 13.3 x 7.2 in
CapacityNot provided
Material Italian leather
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Best Travel Backpack For Women With Storage Compartments

Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack

Wunderlust Backpack
Pros
  • Water-repellent fabric
  • Buckle closures
Cons
  • Side pockets can't fit a water bottle

Built with plenty of storage compartments, this Lululemon backpack was designed for someone who's always on the move. It features side pockets for items you want to frequently reach with ease, adjustable exterior straps to hold a jacket or yoga mat with, and buckle closures that keep your items secure.

Rave Review: "The bag is so spacious and sturdy. This is exactly what I was looking for to use on my upcoming international trip with my baby...It looks classy, too—though, a little bit boxy."

Weight Not provided
DimensionsNot provided
Capacity25 L
Material Recycled polyester, nylon
Best Travel Backpack For People With Limited Mobility

JanSport Central Adaptive Backpack

On Sale
Central Adaptive Backpack
Pros
  • Designed for use by people with limited mobility
  • Can be attached to mobility devices
Cons
  • Less spacious than other bags

Designed for use by disabled people or people with limited mobility, this Jansport backpack can fit on to a variety of mobility devices. It's also designed with tangle-proof shoulder straps, fumble-free release buckles, and a shorter height than other bags to make accessing the bottom of it a little easier.

Rave Review: "This bag has such a great design. I love how it comes with two straps (short and long). The lining is water-resistant, which is great for spillage."

Weight1 lb 2 oz
Dimensions16 x 13 x 6 in
Capacity21 L
Material Recycled polyester
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Best Travel Backpack For Women With Wheels

J World New York Sundance Rolling Backpack

On Sale
Sundance Rolling Backpack
Pros
  • Wheels for easy transport
  • Pockets for your smaller valuables
Cons
  • Customers say wheels are a little noisy

If you prefer a rolling backpack, this 20-inch bag with an adjustable handlebar (and over 6,000 positive ratings!) is for you. It's kind of a steal when you can catch it on sale, and its fully padded interior includes two large compartments along with several internal pockets. (Plus, there are three exterior zipper pockets to store smaller things like snacks, your phone, and the like).

Rave Review: "This backpack is sturdy, beautifully-organized, and can hold a lot. It can stand up alone and I can leave pockets open as I pull things in and out as I work. The sturdy wheels [can] handle terribly bumpy parking lots. The colors are vivid and cheerful."

Weight4.6 lbs
Dimensions 20 x 13 x 9 in
CapacityNot provided
Material PU coated materials
Best Waterproof Travel Backpack For Women

Rains Trail Cargo Backpack

Trail Cargo Backpack
Pros
  • Waterproof exterior
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
Cons
  • No outside pockets

If you're looking for a backpack that's sleek and minimalistic, this one's for you. Aside from how stylish it is, this bag's main feature is that it has a totally waterproof exterior—meaning you can store all your tech inside and rest easy knowing everything will remain unaffected by the elements.

Rave Review: "The minimalist look of the bag was my first attraction. There are two interior pockets to hold a computer and other gear securely with enough [extra] room for what I need to take with me. I was looking for something that didn't scream 'backpack.' This has been a great purchase."

WeightNot provided
Dimensions 20 x 11 x 4.5 in
CapacityNot provided
MaterialPolyester
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Best Spacious Carry-On Travel Backpack For Women

Matein Travel Backpack

On Sale
Travel Backpack

Do you stuff your backpack to the brim every time you travel? If that's a "yes," you'll definitely appreciate that this bag has 40 whole liters of space. It has a place to hold your shoes, laptop, power bank, and all the toiletries you usually bring along. You'll also love that it's extra large, but still TSA-approved.

Rave Review: "This is an excellent bookbag. It has a bunch of different compartments and it’s very spacious. Also, it’s lightweight and the material is very durable."

Weight1.4 lbs
Dimensions 20 x 13 x 8 in
Capacity40 L
Material Nylon
Best Travel Backpack For Women For Pairing With A Suitcase

Monos Metro Backpack

Metro Backpack
Pros
  • Can be paired with a suitcase
  • Comes with a detachable pouch
Cons
  • On the heavier side

Monos' Metro Backpack isn't just nice to look at, it's also plenty functional. The travel bag is designed with a detachable pouch, known as a Metro Kit, which you can use to house your valuables, and a built-in trolley sleeve so you can attach it to any Monos suitcase.

Rave Review: " I LOVE this bag. I was worried that the bag might look too big on me (I'm five-foot-two), but it's perfect. I love how easy it is to stay organized. The separate zipper access to the laptop sleeve is the BEST ever for flying!"

Weight 3 lbs
Dimensions11.5 × 16.5 × 6 in
Capacity18 L
Material Felt made from recycled plastic water bottles
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Best Foldable Travel Backpack For Women

Bago Backpack Duffle Bag

On Sale
Backpack Duffle Bag
Pros
  • Water and odor-proof compartments
  • Foldable for easy storage
Cons
  • Prone to wadding

If you're looking for a more lightweight but spacious option, this is it. Adjust the straps to use this as a backpack or hold the straps on each side like a duffel. In its huge main compartment, this bag can store a week's worth of stuff.

Rave Review: "I just received this bag today and upon first impression—it's brilliant! Seriously, the way you can just fold this bag up when it's not in use is a great feature I haven't personally seen on other duffel bags and it holds a good amount."

Weight 1.5 lbs
Dimensions11 x 15 x 27 in (folded 11.8 x 12.6 in )
Capacity80 L
Material N/A
Best Travel Backpack For Women For Organizing Your Items

Asenlin Travel Backpack

Travel Backpack
Pros
  • Opens up like a suitcase
  • Can attach backpack to a luggage pole
Cons
  • Customers say water bottle compartment is small

With more than 2,400 positive ratings on Amazon, this under-$100 travel backpack opens up like a duffel to reveal tons of packing space. The bag also comes with three packing cubes, which make it easier to organize and store your items, since you can divide them into sections.

Rave Review: "I bought this backpack to use as my personal item when we travel by air...It is perfect for this use, as it fits under the airplane seat and has a strap that fits over my carry-on. The best feature I love about this backpack is that it opens up like a suitcase! It's easy to pack, and has a thick, sturdy handle at the top of the [bag] as well."

Weight2.7 lbs
Dimensions18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 in
CapacityNot provided
Material Polyester Oxford cloth material
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Most Chic Travel Backpack For Women

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Pros
  • Made with 100% vegan materials
  • Fabric is water-resistant
Cons
  • Customer say material feels a little heavy

This simple but chic backpack has an internal laptop sleeve that's easily accessible, as well as two side pockets for slipping in water bottles or other necessities. Plus, there's also a catch-all front pocket and mini compartment in the back for storing valuables.

Rave Review: "I took [the bag] with me on a flight to California, and it fit well under the seat. I also used it to hold my beach essentials when I went to the beach and for bike rides around the bay. It’s cute and functional."

Weight2.6 lbs
Dimensions‎13.3 x 5.3 x 17.5 in
Capacity20 L
Material Neoprene, zinc-alloy hardware
Smallest Travel Backpack For Women

Carhartt Legacy Hybrid Convertible Backpack

Legacy Hybrid Convertible Backpack
Pros
  • Adjustable straps
  • Made from durable fabric
Cons
  • Not for you if you want a larger option

Customers say this Carhartt backpack is smaller than other bags, but very much multi-functional. It can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel-esque tote.

The bag is made from heavy-duty fabric so that it can withstand rain and cold, and features extra pockets, like a padded laptop sleeve and side compartments, for optimal storage opportunities.

Rave Review: "I love the versatility of this bag. It's very well-made and easy to use. The size is perfect—big enough to hold a laptop plus other items, but small enough that it's not in the way. Great travel bag."

Weight1.5 lbs
Dimensions17 x 14.5 x 3.5 in
Volume Not provided
Material Polyester
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Best Weather-Resistant Travel Backpack For Women

Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack

F.A.R. Convertible Backpack
Pros
  • Very spacious
  • Can convert from backpack to duffel bag
Cons
  • Only available in three colors

Able to hold a whopping 45 liters, this Away backpack can pretty much do it all. Thanks to its removable straps, it can convert from a backpack to a duffel. The bag can also handle any weather or environment. It's made with abrasion and weather-resistant recycled materials, which—yep—means it's sustainably-designed, too.

Rave Review: "I am pleasantly surprised with how much stuff I could put in this bag! I took it on a weekend trip and was able to fit everything I needed. I love that it has several pockets to store small things that you want to keep handy. I've been a fan of Away luggage for years and I'm glad I get to add this bag to my collection."

Weight3.3 pounds
Dimensions21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 in
Capacity45 L
Material Polyester
Best Travel Backpack For Women For Work

Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack

Allpa Travel Pack
Pros
  • Wrap-around zipper
  • Built-in laptop sleeve
Cons
  • The bag can get floppy when stuffed

If you prefer travel backpacks that open up like a suitcase, this Cotopaxi bag is your pick. It's built with a full wrap-around zipper, so you can plop it open on your bed for a bird's-eye view of what you've packed. It also comes with a padded laptop and tablet sleeve, making it ideal for work trips.

Rave Review: "I can fit a week's worth of clothing in this bag and it fits on every airplane. If you really stuff it full, it still fits under the seat in the smaller airplanes and up top on the larger ones. If you travel frequently by air, this is a great alternative to a roller bag."

Weight3 lbs 4 oz
Dimensions 19 x 12 x 9 in
Capacity35 L
MaterialPolyester, nylon lining
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How our team chose the best travel backpacks for women

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Women's Health

For the past few months, Women's Health editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, have been researching the best travel backpacks for women to buy online. WH consulted travel expert Alexandra Dubakova and our lifestyle editors, and also vetted thousands of expert reviews to find the very best options available online.

What should I look for in a travel backpack for women?

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There's an endless selection of travel backpacks for women for you to load up on, but here are a few things you should look out for to find the best ones.

Durability

Lugging a backpack through airports, tossing it into overheads on trains and buses, or folding it down for storage will put your travel bag through the wringer, so it's important you grab something that's durable. "A durable backpack is more cost-effective because it provides greater longevity and offers value for your money," Dubakova says. You can get a sense of a bag's durability by looking at the bag's seams, she explains. Make sure it doesn't have loose threads or inconsistent stitching.

When it comes to the most durable fabrics, Dubakova recommends cordura. "It is resistant to abrasion, weather-resistant, and more rugged compared to nylon," she says. She also recommends compromising between the bag's heaviness and durability. "For example, canvas bags are sturdy, and the material is durable, but it is considerably heavy," Dubakova says.

Support

You'll know whether a bag is supportive depending on how comfortable you are, and since you may wear your backpack for quite a while, you definitely want something that feels good to throw on. "A comfortable backpack will evenly distribute the weight of its contents to avoid pain and pressure on the shoulder or back and any injuries," Dubakova says.

To find a backpack that will be as comfortable as possible, Dubakova recommends looking for ones with adjustable shoulder straps, padded backs, and adjustable hip belts. This will allow you to toy around with it to get the perfect fit.

Design

When it comes to design, you should consider how your bag will make the experience of traveling better. For example, Dubakova recommends bags with mesh back panels, since they can ensure there's enough airflow to prevent you from heating up and sweating when you're on-the-go. Other special features someone might enjoy include pockets of different sizes, individual storage bags to accompany the bag, or even a sleeve to store your laptop.

Finally, you should get something you think is cute or aesthetically-pleasing. Travel backpacks come in different sizes, color schemes, and prices, so choose something that works for you.

Headshot of Jasmine Gomez
Jasmine Gomez
Commerce Editor

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.  

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