The 14 Best Backpacks for Every Type of Traveler, From Campers to Commuters — Starting at $37

I’ve been traveling to all corners of the globe since I was 20. I don’t want to age myself, but that’s almost two decades filled with memorable experiences like backpacking across Europe, exploring the beautiful island of Kyushu after university, and traveling across the Swiss Alps as a restaurant critic in my current job. And after all of these years, I always use a backpack as my go-to travel bag. While I've dabbled in side bags, slings, and minimalist crossbody purses, I find no other bag has such ease of use, practicality, functionality, or reliability as a backpack.

It’s taken a while to find just the right fit for me — as an adventurous traveler and adrenaline-seeker, I’m always moving around, which is why I choose a bag that doesn’t weigh me down. But I’ve found that there are plenty of perfect bags for just about every adventurer out there, from campers to commuters and day trippers to full-on backpackers. 

Whether I'm hiking in the Alps during the summer or shopping on a High Street in London, here are the best packs for the job. From lightweight and waterproof to classy and even run-way worthy, these travel backpacks fit the bill for every occasion, and I'm confident that there's something to suit every type of traveler.

For the City-goer: Fjallraven Kanken Pack

Pretty much everyone in Sweden has a Fjallraven backpack these days. When I was in Stockholm last year visiting restaurants like Petri, BORD and Brutalisten, no matter where I was in the city, I would see adults and kids sporting them. Mirroring the 1970s Swedish kids school bag aesthetic, the Fjallraven pack is lightweight and durable, which makes it well-loved by Swedish mothers and a great day bag for travelers, too. When Fjallraven reinvented the Kanken bags a few years ago, hikers took the bags on day trips because the lightweight Vinylon F fabric could withstand dirt and even moisture — but my advice would be to go for the bigger version: the Kanken Outlong, which comes with extra side pockets. Both bags have a spacious main compartment that opens up very wide so you can stuff a rain jacket or a kid's lunch box inside.

For Campers: Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack 27L

My personal favorite camping backpack is the Kajka 65-Liter Backpack from Fjallraven, but it comes with a hefty price tag. If you're looking for something that's budget-friendly and delivers the same level of durability and space, I'd recommend the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Pack. Available in a mini 27-liter tote, a mini 30-liter backpack, a full-sized 32-liter backpack, and extra-large 45-liter backpack, it's highly versatile with lots of pockets to comfortably store your camping gear and a convertible design that expands its carrying possibilities. Its weather-resistant exterior even reminds me of a tent, and is super lightweight and durable so if anything spills on the side of the backpack, you can just easily wipe it off with a damp cloth or even rinse it under cold running water and it dries really quickly.

For Bikers: Vibrelli Hydration Backpack

Bikers love the Vibrelli Hydration Backpack because of its versatility. Rather than reaching into your bag for a water bottle, the hydration backpack allows you to drink up to 2 liters of clean water free from the handy bite-valve, which is drip-free and made with medical-grade materials to keep your water fresher for longer. Although the bag is technically a hydration pack, there are other perks to it, which also makes it great for hiking, skiing, and other trekking expeditions; the bag is lightweight, there are fully adjustable waist and chest straps, a space to attach your helmet, and internal pockets and bungee straps to store your essentials, as well as an emergency whistle and rear reflector patch to make your night rides safer.

For Minimalists: Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Canvas Backpack

Could this be the most chic backpack out there? Even a Parisian wouldn’t frown at the sight of the Le Pliage backpack by Longchamp on the Champs-Élysées. A pioneer in French elegance since the 1940s, Longchamp has reinvented the everyday backpack and turned its iconic Le Pliage handbag into a backpack. Durable recycled nylon makes easy cleaning of the bag if it gets dirty or stained with an oily croissant (guilty!), but the greatest perk is that it is incredibly lightweight and stylish; it's easy to use around Paris as you shop up and down the street looking for souvenirs, pastries, and a French boyfriend. Minimalist travelers will appreciate its lightweight, streamlined design, and the fact that it folds into a tiny little bag that fits in the palm of your hand. A classic bag for a classic traveler — oui, bien sûr!

For Solo Travelers: Shrradoo Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack

The Shrradoo Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack is a perfect bag for travelers who don’t have companions watching over their bag as they explore busy markets and other touristy sights, where things can get very crowded and pickpocketers are sure to pounce. It's equipped with its designated, 17-inch laptop compartment and comes with extra space for other accessories. The beauty of the bag is that it is secure and stocked with a small anti-theft pocket, which is hidden in the lower back part of the bag to keep your passport, wallet, and phone safe. There is also a handy USB charging port to help you charge your smartphone on the go, and the straps are well-cushioned for comfortable carrying.

For Business Travelers: Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack

If you have struggled to find a great backpack that doesn’t look like you are going out into the woods, check out Samsonite’s Classic Leather Backpack. Sporting a very sleek design, the luxe-looking leather material and metal hardware helps it put a sophisticated finishing touch on your smart-casual outfit. At first glance, it's a clear classic travel bag for any business traveler out there, but once you look inside, you will discover that its main two compartments pack a lot of space, making it the ultimate companion for any trip. There's room to put your lunch, tech gear, notebooks, umbrella, and extra clothes that you might need throughout the day. Don't miss this chance to get it on rare sale at Amazon.

For Skiers: Unigear Ski Boot Bag

Winter is fun in the Swiss Alps but when it comes to packing light, it’s not an easy feat for skiers. But one bag that makes travel slightly less arduous as a powder head is the Unigear Ski Boot Bag, which happens to be an Amazon best-seller. There are small compartments for your tech gear and wallet, but the piece de resistance is how the 50-liter bag can fit not just your ski clothes, scarf, and gloves, but your ski boots and helmet, too. It comes in five different colors and has earned an impressive 4.8-star rating from shoppers, one of which raved, "Everything fits perfectly and the backpack makes it easy to free up your hands to carry [a snow]board."

For Hikers: L.L.Bean Ridge Runner Day Pack

This 26-liter bag is an ideal choice for hikers and trail runners who want something light on their backs to increase their productivity on their feet. The ultra-durable 100D triple ripstop nylon doesn’t weigh you down and remains lightweight when the pack is firmly secured on your back — even when it's filled with gear. The mesh-covered density foam on the back is a thoughtful detail that trekkers will find refreshing once things get sweaty, and you'll be delighted to find extra compartments and pockets to stash all of your trail essentials.  What's more, there's even a loop attachment for elastic trekking poles.

For Backpackers: Mystery Ranch Glacier Pack

Gone are the days where I traveled with a hefty backpack on my bag for a month, but if I did do it today, I would definitely revert back to the Fjallraven Kajka 35. This 35-liter backpack is ideal for backpacking around Europe or our very own national parks on long weekend benders because everything has a home inside it; there’s a place for dirty laundry hidden as an internal mesh pocket in the main compartment, a side pocket to put your Nordic walking sticks, three zippered pockets that can be detached and used as separate side bags, and finally a rain cover. It's clear why it's a top backpack for travelers who don’t want to live out of a suitcase. However, I’m a light packer and don't want to leave you overpackers without an option. For an all-around pick with ample space, the 70-liter Mystery Ranch Glacier Pack is the best bet — and it's on sale!

For Commuters: Hap Tim Laptop Backpack

This backpack is my top choice for commuters who fear that their laptop or notebook will not withstand all of the bumping and knocking at the TSA security line or on the long hours crammed in busy, peak-hour trains. The durable water-resistant exterior helps keep all of your tech dry, while the inside is slightly padded with a wide, adjustable sleeve to fit most notebooks and computers. The best part about the bag is that there is a strap to secure it onto your carry-on luggage handle, so you don’t have to lug it on your back. The straps are also shock-absorbing for optimal comfort and to eliminate strain, which is a bonus for people who are still learning the art of packing light.

For Super Organized Travelers: Vashy Laptop Backpack

If you always have trouble finding your headphones, iPhone, tablet, and other knick-knacks, you have to buy the Vaschy Vintage Daypack. This lightweight rucksack is ready for any adventure, but I think it works best for people who carry a lot of tech with them during their travels. There are so many little pockets for gadgets and a secure location for your tablet — not to mention side pockets for your water bottle or umbrella, as well as inner drawstring pockets to separate your coat and lunch from all of your gear. If you ask me, there is no excuse to not travel efficiently when you have the Vaschy Vintage handy because everything is so well-organized in the roomy backpack.

For Stylish Jet-setters: LXY Vintage Faux-Leather Backpack

For travelers who like their luggage to feel more like a high-fashion accessory, the LXY Vegan Leather Backpack is one of the most stylish options out there with its vintage look and elegant vegan leather. Beyond its polished look, it's an excellent companion thanks to its well-pocketed design, which features multiple compartments for your essentials and a padded pocket to safely store your laptop and tablet. There are also hidden buttons on the side so you can expand the bag if you need more space, and the adjustable straps are made with a soft synthetic leather to sit firmly nestled on your shoulders without any fuss. 

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