Benefits of Travel Backpacks

Travel and business backpacks may seem different, but they share the same purpose: to keep your gear well-organized and easy to transport. The best travel backpacks offer plenty of room for clothing and other essentials, with padded laptop sleeves and abundant pockets for safely organizing and retrieving small items.

Comfort is also a consideration. A travel or carry-on backpack such as the Travelpro® x Travel + Leisure® Slim Backpack offers thick straps and back padding to make carrying the bag more comfortable, an important consideration for day trips and long airport layovers

The Travelpro® Backpack Advantage

Travelpro® designs travel and work backpacks from tough, durable materials, including high-density nylon fabric protected with stain and abrasion-resistant DuraGuard®. We use SUPRA™ zipper heads that resist damage from frequent use, and our adjustable shoulder straps provide comfortable carrying options.

Depending on your chosen bag, Travelpro® carry-on and business backpacks include features such as external USB A and C ports with fast charge capabilities to power up electronics on the go and a dedicated pocket for FDA-approved power banks. A work backpack such as the  Crew™ Executive Choice™3 Large Travel Backpack may include features such as the Travelpro® ID TheftBlock™ pocket that protects credit cards and passports from loss and identity theft or the Travelpro® QuickSlip™ front pocket with magnetic closure for quick-access cell phone storage.

What Size Backpack Should I Get for Traveling?

Backpacks are typically measured by carrying capacity rather than dimensions. At Travelpro®, we provide a bag’s overall and case dimensions so you can determine whether you can use the bag as a carry-on backpack or a personal item We list the carrying capacity in liters. For instance, the Platinum® Elite Business Backpack has a volume of 23 liters.

So, what size backpack do you need for traveling? The answer depends on what you intend to pack, but as a general rule, follow this list: 

  • Day trips: up to 10 liters
  • Overnight stays or extended day trips: 10-30 liters
  • Weekend trips, international travel carry-on: 30-50 liters
  • Off-grid camping, hiking, long-term travel: 50-70 liters

How do I Pack a Backpack for Travel?

Packing a backpack for traveling or business requires slightly different strategies than when you pack a suitcase. As you pack, keep this advice in mind:

  • Pack heavy items close to the back of the bag to help maintain your balance when carrying the bag. 
  • Use every part of the bag: soft items like t-shirts, underwear, and socks can be packed into bag corners to take full advantage of packing space. 
  • Use the bag’s pockets to keep small items secure and organized. 
  • Pack your toiletries in a toiletry bag or clear plastic bag and put them at the top of the backpack for easy retrieval during TSA checks.

What Backpack is Best for Traveling?

Look for travel backpacks with external pockets for quick access to documents, cell phones, water bottles, and other items you may need as you travel. The best travel backpacks have comfortable straps and durable handles, with interior pockets and dividers to help keep packed contents organized.