A backpack may be the most essential piece of travel gear for men (and anyone). Whether you’re an adventurer seeking the main pack for your next hike or a business traveler who prefers a backpack over a briefcase for safely storing your laptop, these recommended travel backpacks for men – compiled with the help of travel experts and consumer reviews – have you covered.
(Note: Prices below were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to inflation or supply chain issues.)
Best Overall Travel Backpack: Thule Aion 28L Travel Backpack
(Courtesy of Thule)
This versatile pack is an environmentally friendly buy: Available in two neutral colors (nutria brown and black), it’s made entirely from recycled materials. The Aion backpack is superb for short to mid-length trips away. Its back section can be unzipped suitcase-style for easy packing, and the 28-liter bag can be expanded to a 32-liter capacity for additional space. It has smaller pockets for electronics and a water bottle, too. With waxed canvas fabric on the outside, this men’s travel backpack is durable, and a flexible TPU lining means your possessions are protected from moisture. Travelers say they appreciate the bag’s spacious interior and comfortable straps. This backpack also comes in a 40-liter size.
Best Carry-on Travel Backpack: Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L
(Courtesy of Peak Design)
If you’re looking for a backpack that can double as carry-on luggage, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is a top choice, with easy access to everything you need. This bag has a weatherproof shell and offers quick access to its top pocket with an easy-to-open latch. There are three interior dividers for maximum organization and separation. You’ll also find a number of internal pockets for your smaller possessions and a sleeve for a 15-inch laptop.
The bag comes in two sizes: 20 liters (around 5 gallons) or 30 liters (around 8 gallons). Its side pockets expand to hold water bottles or a tripod, and the backpack’s straps tuck out of sight when needed. Travelers say the bag works great for everyday use, as well as short trips and weekends away.
Best Laptop Backpack: Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack
(Courtesy of Nomatic)
This expandable pack is full of useful features for international travelers: Its front pocket helps you store your devices, cables and other small objects, while the neatly divided main compartment has plenty of space for your clothes and larger possessions. A laptop up to 16 inches can fit inside. The bag can be expanded from 32 to 41 liters in capacity, so it’s easily large enough to serve as your primary luggage for a multiday trip – or perhaps even longer if you’re a light packer. Travelers love that it has plenty of space with a supremely well-designed layout for organization.
Best Large Travel Backpack: Tortuga Outbreaker 45L
If you’re looking for a men’s backpack that can hold all your possessions for a longer trip, the 45-liter Tortuga Outbreaker is a formidable choice. It can be treated like a suitcase with its front-loading main compartment (which opens clamshell-style). With mesh pockets breaking up the main compartment as well as two front pockets, two external water bottle pockets, and special laptop and tablet sleeves, the bag is highly organized despite its large size. It also has padded straps plus hip and sternum belts to help you carry the fully loaded pack with ease.
Customers report that they’ve been able to travel for lengthy trips with the Outbreaker, calling it compact and well designed. A smaller 35-liter option is also available if you’re traveling on airlines with strict carry-on size restrictions.
Price: $350 or less
Shop now: Tortuga
Best Small Travel Backpack: ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack
For a small, lightweight travel backpack for men, you can’t beat this option on Amazon (or its price tag). In addition to a spacious main compartment, the ZOMAKE backpack features a combination of zippered and mesh external pockets, including a privacy pocket for a passport wallet, phone and other important items. When not in use, this backpack can be folded into the size of a sandwich bag, making it a good packable option as well.
Price: $21.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Leather Travel Backpack: Leatherology Parker Backpack
(Courtesy of Leatherology)
For a stylish leather option, consider the Leatherology Parker Backpack. Available in colors like cognac and onyx, the 17.7-inch-tall backpack has a front zippered pocket and two main compartments. You’ll also find a laptop sleeve that zips, plus two open pockets on the sides. Opt to have your initials debossed or hand-painted onto the leather for a personal touch if you order from the Leatherology website. Consumers say the bag is well crafted and an excellent size.
Price: $380 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Travel Backpack With Wheels: Samsonite Detour Convertible Wheeled Hybrid Backpack
Designed with organization in mind, this rolling backpack has a laptop compartment large enough to hold a 15.6-inch laptop and smaller stash pockets for devices and accessories, plus a padded back and straps for comfort. Constructed from durable fabric with water-resistant coating, the bag has a stowable wheel cover and an aluminum telescopic handle. If you use a luggage tracker, this wheeled backpack has a built-in holder for an Apple AirTag. Users of this bag say they like the durability and amount of space that the bag has.