If you travel with the wrong backpack, every airport line, bus station, and cobblestone street reminds you of it. The right backpack, though, feels like a compact little home on your shoulders — organized, comfy, and airline-friendly.
In 2025, travel backpacks have become smarter: more built-in organization, better laptop protection, and fabrics that can handle rain, rough handling, and years of trips. Independent testers and travel sites keep highlighting 30–45L carry-on backpacks as the sweet spot for most travelers, especially around the 40L size that fits in overhead bins on most airlines.
Below is a friendly, AdSense-safe, SEO-optimized guide to the best travel backpacks for 2025, including comparisons, pros and cons, and Amazon-ready product mentions you can easily turn into affiliate links later.
How to Choose the Best Travel Backpack in 2025
Before we dive into specific bags, it helps to know what actually matters:
1. Capacity & Size
- 30–35L: Great for minimalists, weekend trips, or people who pack ultra-light.
- 40–45L: Ideal “one-bag travel” size for most people. A 40L backpack (around 22 x 14 x 8 in) typically fits a week’s worth of clothes and is still carry-on compliant for many airlines. tortugabackpacks.com
2. Carry Comfort
Look for:
- Padded shoulder straps
- A proper hip belt (shifts weight off your shoulders)
- Ventilated back panel if you’ll walk a lot in hot weather
3. Organization
Modern travel backpacks often include:
- Separate laptop sleeve
- Front organizer pockets for cables, passports, pens
- Internal mesh pockets for small items
- Some include packing cubes in the box, which is a big plus for travel.
4. Materials & Durability
Quality bags use:
- Water-resistant fabrics like nylon, polyester blends, or advanced sailcloth
- YKK zippers and sturdy buckles for long-term use
5. Airline Friendliness
If you hate baggage fees, focus on:
- Carry-on dimensions that meet typical limits
- Under-seat-friendly designs for budget airlines
- Backpacks that can compress down when partially full
Quick Comparison: Top Travel Backpacks for 2025
Here’s an at-a-glance look at some of the best travel backpacks you can find on Amazon or brand sites in 2025:
| Backpack | Capacity | Style | Best For | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matein Travel Laptop Backpack | ~30L (daypack/travel) | Tech + travel | Budget travelers, students, digital nomads | Amazon |
| LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack | 40L | Carry-on with cubes | One-bag travel, men & women | Amazon |
| Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack | 40L | Carry-on with cubes | Travelers who love packing cubes | Amazon |
| Taygeer Travel Backpack | Under-seat sized | Compact cabin bag | Budget airline & under-seat travel | Amazon |
| Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L | 40L | Premium one-bag | Long-term travel, frequent flyers | Amazon & Tortuga site |
| Nomatic Travel Pack 20–30L | 20–30L | Sleek EDC + travel | Short trips, business & urban travel | Amazon & Nomatic site |
You can easily convert each mention into an affiliate link by linking the backpack name to its Amazon product page.
1. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack (Best Budget Travel Option)
The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack has become a go-to choice for many travelers and commuters thanks to its low price, roomy design, and a smart layout that works for both daily use and short trips. One recent review notes it’s been used for dozens of trips over two years with no major wear, staying lightweight and comfortable.
Key Features
- Padded laptop sleeve (fits many 15.6″ laptops)
- Hidden anti-theft pocket
- Built-in USB charging port (use your own power bank)
- Water-resistant polyester fabric
- Luggage strap to slide over suitcase handles
Pros
- Very affordable vs. many “premium” travel bags
- Works as both everyday backpack and travel bag
- Organized enough for cables, documents, and travel essentials
- Compact size makes it easy to move through crowded airports
Cons
- Not a dedicated one-bag travel pack (capacity is closer to a large daypack)
- Minimal hip support, so it’s less comfortable when fully loaded for long walks
- Less structure and protection than high-end travel-specific backpacks
Best For
Budget-minded travelers, students, and digital nomads who want one backpack for school, work, and occasional trips. It’s easy to recommend as a starter backpack: just search “Matein Travel Backpack” on Amazon and you’ll find multiple color options and frequent discounts.
2. LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack (Best Carry-On With Packing Cubes)
The LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack is frequently listed among Amazon’s top travel and laptop backpack best-sellers. It’s designed as a carry-on suitcase in backpack form, and many versions include built-in or bundled packing cubes.
Key Features
- 40L capacity with suitcase-style clamshell opening
- Often sold with 3 packing cubes included
- TSA-friendly laptop compartment on many models
- Water-resistant exterior
- Multiple compartments to separate shoes, clothes, and tech
Pros
- True carry-on size with lots of internal volume
- Packing cubes make it much easier to stay organized
- Works as a single bag for a week-long trip if you pack reasonably
- Plenty of pockets for chargers, toiletries, and travel documents
Cons
- When fully packed, it can feel heavy if you don’t use the hip belt properly (or if the model doesn’t include one)
- Style is practical but not as sleek/minimal as some premium options
- Not as rugged as high-end travel brands designed for hardcore one-bag travelers
Best For
Anyone wanting a budget-friendly one-bag solution that still offers a lot of organization and a suitcase-style opening. For affiliate content, you can recommend it like:
“You can check the latest price and color options for the LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack on Amazon.”
3. Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack (Best Budget One-Bag Travel Pack)
The Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack often appears in “best carry-on backpack” lists, particularly praised for including packing cubes at a very affordable price point. Travel & Leisure highlights it as a great value choice with packing cubes built in.
Key Features
- 40L capacity, typically flight-approved as a carry-on
- Comes with 3 dedicated packing cubes
- Multiple internal and external pockets
- Adjustable straps and compression for a slimmer profile
Pros
- Excellent value for money in the 40L travel category
- Packing cubes help new travelers pack neatly and efficiently
- Easy to open like a suitcase for quick packing and unpacking
- Works well for both trips and occasional business travel
Cons
- Less premium feel than high-end travel brands
- Padding and harness system may not be as comfortable for very heavy loads
- Not ideal if you carry a very large laptop or lots of fragile tech
Best For
Travelers who want a true carry-on travel backpack with cubes included but don’t want to spend premium prices. On a blog, you can suggest searching “Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack” on Amazon and then add your affiliate link to the product name.
4. Taygeer Travel Backpack (Best Under-Seat & Cabin Companion)
For budget airlines or travelers who like to keep everything under the seat in front of them, the Taygeer Travel Backpack is a solid compact option. It’s been called “life changing” by some reviewers thanks to its combination of organization and under-seat-friendly design, and it has been highlighted as an Amazon favorite. People.com
Key Features
- Multiple compartments (including a wet gear pocket)
- Side pocket that can hold a 30 oz bottle
- Designed to fit under many airline seats
- Works as both a laptop backpack and a small travel bag People.com
Pros
- Great personal item size for strict airline rules
- Highly organized interior for tech, clothes, and toiletries
- Comfortable straps for its size and typical load
- Often available at a very low price during sales
Cons
- Smaller capacity vs 40L bags, so not ideal as your only bag for long trips
- Not designed for heavy loads or long one-bag travel adventures
- Some travelers may find it too compact if they like to pack extra outfits
Best For
Short trips, carry-on-plus-personal-item setups, and budget airline flyers. In an affiliate-ready sentence, you might say:
“If you need an under-seat backpack, look up the Taygeer Travel Backpack on Amazon and choose the size that best matches your airline’s personal-item rules.” People.com
5. Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L (Best Premium One-Bag Backpack)
If you want a serious, long-term one-bag travel solution, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is one of the most trusted options in 2025. It’s specifically designed around airline carry-on limits and built to maximize comfort and durability for frequent travelers.
Key Features
- 40L capacity, carry-on approved at 22 x 14 x 8 in (approx.) tortugabackpacks.com+1
- Fully adjustable harness with a supportive hip belt
- Laptop and tablet sleeves
- Weather-resistant materials (e.g., advanced sailcloth or waterproof fabrics on newer models)
- Suitcase-style opening and well-thought-out internal organization
Pros
- Designed for comfort while fully loaded, with a proper hiking-style harness
- Builds on years of feedback from one-bag travelers and reviewers
- Very durable fabric and zippers for long-term use
- Enough space for 7–10 days of travel if you pack strategically
Cons
- Noticeably more expensive than budget Amazon-only brands
- Slightly heavy compared with ultra-minimalist packs due to padding and structure
- Overkill for travelers who only take a trip once every year or two
Best For
Frequent flyers, digital nomads, and long-term travelers who want to ditch checked luggage and invest in a premium carry-on backpack. While Tortuga sells directly on its own site, some versions and older models also appear on Amazon, making it easy to drop in affiliate links to “Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L” product listings.
6. Nomatic Travel Pack 20–30L (Best for Short Trips & Urban Travel)
The Nomatic Travel Pack is a sleek, techy backpack that expands from 20L to 30L, making it ideal for people who want a bag that works as both an everyday backpack and a short-trip travel pack. Reviews in 2025 highlight its many pockets, sunglasses case, retractable key leash, and impressive weather resistance.
Key Features
- 20L base, expandable to 30L
- More than 20 pockets, including hidden and RFID-safe pockets
- Hard-shell sunglasses case
- Water-resistant materials and sealed zippers
- Strap system that lets you carry it as a backpack or briefcase
Pros
- Perfect crossover bag: everyday carry + weekender
- Extremely organized — ideal if you love a spot for every gadget
- Premium materials and stylish, minimalist look
- Compact enough for strict carry-on and even many under-seat rules when not expanded
Cons
- Price is on the higher side for the capacity
- Some travelers might find the number of pockets overwhelming
- 30L expanded size is still small if you want one bag for long trips
Best For
Urban travelers, business trips, and carry-on-only flyers who typically travel 1–3 days at a time and care about style and tech organization. You can easily mention: “Search for ‘Nomatic Travel Pack’ on Amazon to compare the 20L–30L version and color options.”
Which Travel Backpack Is Right for You in 2025?
Here’s a simple way to decide:
Go for the Matein Travel Backpack or Taygeer Travel Backpack (especially for under-seat use).
Choose LOVEVOOK 40L or Asenlin 40L — both are carry-on-friendly and come with packing cubes, making them very affiliate-friendly picks.
Invest in Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L (or a similar premium 40L travel backpack). tortugabackpacks.com
The Nomatic Travel Pack 20–30L is ideal for city breaks and business trips.