We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Luggage + Bags Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags Find Your Perfect Travel Backpack A personalized backpack recommendation for your needs based on T+L editors' tests By Travel + Leisure Editors Travel + Leisure Editors Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on December 18, 2023 Photo: Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples If you're looking for a new backpack, you've come to the right place. T+L editors are constantly testing products to determine the best ones out there for all your travel needs, and those are awarded our Travel + Leisure Trusted Seal of Approval. We know backpacks are among the most important travel products — you need one that's comfortable, keeps your items organized and secure, and matches your style whether you're sightseeing or headed to the office. T+L editors have tested over 100 backpacks in our testing lab and out in the real world, bringing them on our trips, our commutes, our theme park days, and more. Use this quiz below to find the best one for your needs that aced our editors' tests. Simply answer a few questions about what you prioritize most in a backpack, and we'll present one that fits your needs. T+L's Personalized Backpack Picks How We Test Backpacks To test backpacks, we take into consideration several factors, and those factors vary with each test. When shopping for a commuter backpack, you're most likely concerned with comfort and security of your valuables. For a carry-on backpack, however, you may be more interested in capacity and organizational features. And a hiking backpack, you'll want something durable and possibly waterproof. First, when testing a particular type of backpack, we determine which attributes we (and other travelers) care about the most — such as capacity, organization, durability, and more — and we design the test to evaluate those features. For a hiking backpack, we'll take it out on the trails to see how it holds up to our needs. For an anti-theft backpack, we'll have editors slash it with box cutters to test protective features and try to pick through any locks featured on the bag. Whatever methodology we create, we apply it to each and every bag of that type equally to make sure that all backpacks receive the same treatment. Editors take notes, record insights, and take photos throughout the testing process. After the testing period has ended, we sift through the observations and opinions on each product to determine which are the best to recommend to you for your trips. Those that ace our tests receive our Travel + Leisure Trusted seal of approval. Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker Read More of Our Recommendations Take the quiz above to find the best backpack for your needs. Or if you prefer to browse our top choices by category, check out these articles. The Best Carry-on Backpacks The Best Anti-theft Backpacks The Best Mini Backpacks The Best Laptop Backpacks