Article Overview
Last Updated 2018
The beautiful beaches of Costa Rica are just waiting for your toes to dig into the warm sand. The history of the Inca Trail is dying to be uncovered. Wherever you decide to go this year, you’re going to need one of the best backpacks for traveling.
Travel backpacks are a little different than backpacking packs. You’re going to want something that can fit in an overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you while you fly. But you also want room for clothes, footwear, travel documents, and the camera or other media you’ll use to capture your once-in-a-lifetime journey!
The Patagonia Black Hole Backpack
The Patagonia Black Hole series offers weather resistance and style! This pack offers a total gear capacity of 32 liters or 1,952 cubic inches. For a quick comparison, that’s the rough equivalent of being able to stuff half a keg of your favorite brew on your pack, comfortably!
The Black Hole 32L Pack is engineered with 13-ounce, 450-Denier 100% Nylon Polyester Ripstop fabric that has been laminated with the TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) film and a durable water repellent finish. This fabric is 50% solution-dyed in the manufacturing process and, unlike some companies, Patagonia isn’t hiding the steps in its supply chain.
With a base weight of 1 pound, 14 ounces, a heavy-duty molded back panel designed for both comfort and durability, and a reinforced handle mounted on top of the pack for easy hauling, the Black Hole is a great pack for the urban commuter and distance traveler alike.
Because so many of us live and work remotely these days, you can’t have a travel backpack without laptop carry compatibility. That’s why this Black Hole backpack contains a padded sleeve that’ll accommodate most 15″ laptops. If you aren’t carrying a laptop, however, this sleeve doubles as storage for a hydration reservoir.
Finally, a unique feature of the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack is its “hybrid” access. The integrated folding lid covers the main zipper pocket, providing an extra degree of water resistance. But you’ll also be able to access the main compartment using the second zipper down the side of the pack.
A quick word of warning here, though, some users have found that, because the side zipper zips from top to bottom, water does get into the bottom of the pack in the wettest of conditions. So, if you’re really sold on this pack, but you’re heading off to the jungle for the rainy season, you might also consider a 32L rain cover!
The North Face Gnomad
The North Face Gnomad pack was designed specifically for inclement weather. It’s a great choice if you’re commuting through those brutal Northeast winters or you’re planning to travel to the rainy side of the Big Island of Hawaii! In either situation, this pack will carry what you need, and most importantly, keep it safe!
The North Face Gnomad offers 27 liters or 1,648 cubic inches of gear capacity. If you’re having trouble visualizing the extent of that space, it’s roughly equivalent to the combined size of 650 golf balls! Unless you’re going on vacation just to hit the driving range for a week straight, you’ll have plenty of space for all your essential gear.
The pack’s internal frame gives is structure and rigidity even when empty and the patented FlexVent™ suspension system offers a comfortable mesh back panel and includes custom injection-molded shoulder straps. With a base weight of 2 pounds, 14 ounces, it’s a little heavier than the Patagonia Black Hole 32L but offers a little more in the way of durability.
The North Face Gnomad pack is engineered with 420-Denier Nylon with TPE PVC Coating and reinforced with 420-Denier Embossed Nylon with TPE PVC Coating. The pack’s roll-top closure with 9-hook latch offers a superior degree of weather resistance and the padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve in the main compartment is specifically designed to keep your laptop safe from any bumps or drops.
The reflective print on the front of the pack increases your visibility in low-light situations and two secure-zip front pockets allow for easy storage and organization of items you’ll need quick access to. Perhaps best of all, this North Face pack is backed up by The North Face’s Lifetime Guarantee and Free Return Policy!
The Arcteryx Brize Backpack
This pack is great for the most adventurous of world travelers! With a total gear capacity of 32-liters or 1,952 cubic inches, you’ll be able to bring plenty of gear along whether you’re heading to the tropics or prepping for some peak climbing!
The Arcteryx Brize is designed as a daypack that easily converts to your go-to travel backpack. The main compartment of the pack is most easily accessed from the top but quicker access can be obtained via a zippered front pocket. Side pockets are the perfect size for 1-liter water bottles and can also double as easy storage for your trekking poles.
The bottom panel of this Arcteryx pack is engineered with N630p Nylon fabric with a 6,6 plain weave. The body of the pack consists of N420p-HT Nylon with that same 6,6 plain weave. The pack also boasts two compression straps on either side to assist with weight distribution and dual front daisy chains for additional secure storage.
Overall, the Arcteryx Brize 32L is a great all-around travel backpack for those traveling domestically or internationally. The one drawback I’ll point out is the lack of a padded laptop compartment anywhere inside this pack. For the digital nomads out there, that can be a deal-breaker. But if you aren’t worried about laptop safety or the need to work while you’re traveling this is an awesome pack!
The Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack
So, I’ve tried to save the best for last! The Tortuga Outbreaker was recently voted as the “Best Carry On Travel Bag” by The Wirecutter. And while you might think that’s an odd category for a traditional “backpack” to land in, we’re all about crossovers and hybrids more than ever these days, and the Tortuga Outbreaker is one of the best on the market for 2018.
Despite its whopping 45-liter capacity, the Outbreaker still fits into the 22 x 14 x 9 inch standard that most airlines use to determine appropriate carry-on size. This is the pack for the dedicated business traveler that’s also a die-hard outdoor adventurer!
The Tortuga doubles as a backpack and rolling bag, giving you the freedom to haul your gear when needed and fit into those airport crowds when desired. The Outbreaker is engineered with X-Pac waterproof sailcloth, which consists of four distinct fabric layers (outer to inner): 210-Denier Nylon with a durable water repellent and UV resistant coatings, black polyester “X-Ply,” 0.25 mm PET film, and 50-Denier polyester taffeta backing. The back panel is padded with Ariaprene foam for added comfort.
If laptop storage space is your main concern, the Tortuga boasts space for a 17″ laptop and a 13″ tablet. Separate compartments also provide easy organization for chargers, cables, and other accessories. For those of us that never enjoy unpacking our bag to put our laptop in a separate bin through security, the Tortuga has solved our issue by creating the lie-flat zip laptop compartment that allows us to simply open that half of our pack as it goes through security rather than removing our laptop altogether.
While the Tortuga Outbreaker is a bit more expensive than the other travel backpacks I’ve mentioned above, it allows you to pack like you’re bringing a normal suitcase while still retaining the flexibility to go anywhere and do anything once you arrive at your destination!
It’s All About Functionality!
Whatever your choice, I caution against excess. One of the beauties of traveling, in my mind, is that we learn to survive, and often thrive, with less. We learn to adapt to our new surroundings and we find out more about ourselves than we ever would have if we hadn’t set out for unknown lands. The education and growth that occurs when we travel happen within. It’s not so much a product of the “stuff” we are able to bring along with us!
That said, I hope that you’ve found the information on the best backpacks for traveling useful in the quest to find the ultimate travel backpack for your next adventure. Keep in mind, it’s not where we end up that matters, it’s what we learn along the way that counts!
About The Backpack Guide
At The Backpack Guide, we’re always looking for new trails and wildernesses to explore. We’re also excited to see and share photos of our readers with their new backpacks. Please don’t hesitate to share your latest adventure or backpack purchase with us on social media by tagging @thebackpackguide on Instagram and Facebook!
As always, please leave any questions, comments, or concerns below and we hope you enjoyed the information we’ve presented here for you today!
Safe Travels in 2018!
The Backpack Guide
Comments
This was such a great post. I just got back from studying abroad and really stressed over which backpack to get. I wish I had the option of reading this sooner!
Author
Thanks Nick!
I hope whichever pack you chose worked for you, and that you can look forward to the next time you’re shopping!
Cheers!
Tucker
Hi, when you are getting a backpack for travelling, looking cool will probably be your highest priority. It is smart to get good quality, because these types of bags well rip at the zippers, and then you will have a very frustrating experience, not to mention the having to buy another backpack.
Author
You bring up a great point in your comment Jake! Zippers are going to be one of the places that get the most stress on a backpack. All that opening and closing and trying to shove in that last extra item can cause zippers to rip or get stuck. As a general rule of thumb, I like to look for backpacks that have YKK zippers!
Hello Tucker, I must say that this article is very helpful and informative. I was looking to get some backpacks for me and my close friends as we enjoy spending time outdoors even if it is winter and cold. Your article really helped me to discover some pretty powerful backpacks which are affordable yet quality.
Author
Hi Danijel! I’m very happy to hear that! You might also be interested in the Arcteryx Alpha FL pack if you’re looking for something that will hold up in the cold of winter. But if cost is your primary concern, I definitely recommend one of the packs from this post, or even the Kelty Redwing 44, which you can read my full review on here!
The Patagonia Black Hole backpack is beautiful, and very elegant. I would love to get that one, and I love that it has a compartment for a laptop. You definitely saved the best for last. Airline check ins have frustrated me several times, because my backpack was 1 cm over the allowed measurements – I mean, “Are you kidding me?” So, the Tortuga backpack is one I can confidently take on a plane while still being able to carry what I need. I like its design on the inside too, it looks indeed like a mini suitcase. Very practical. I may get it for an upcoming trip.
Author
I’m glad you found a couple of options that you’re interested in from this post Christine! What kinds of trips do you typically need a travel backpack for? I.e. how many days, typical weather, etc. I also have a review of the Kelty Redwing 44 that you might be interested in. It’s currently my go-to travel backpack!
Hi, Tucker,
As a matter of fact, I’m looking for a new backpack. I love to travel and I need something that can acommodate my belongings, but is quite flexible and easy to carry with me on board.
Based on your reviews, I think I could either do the The Patagonia Black Hole Backpack or the The Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack. However, if I needed to carry my laptop, I’d prefer the latter as my laptop is on the bigger side and I don’t think the other one would have enough room.
I don’t usually care for liquid capacity, but it’s always good to have some.
Thanks for writing this up. I look forward to reading more from you.
Author
Thanks Enrique! I definitely think the Tortuga is the way to go if you need to carry your laptop, but I’m currently rocking the Kelty Redwing 44, which does have a laptop sleeve for safe carry and convenient access. You can read my full review of the Redwing 44 here if you’re interested!
Hi Tucker. Thank you for sharing these best backpacks for traveling. Traveling sometimes with heavy loads can be so stressing especially when part of the journey required walking some distance while we struggle with carrying our heavy loads. I have found these journeys easier with the aid of my traveling backpack; I love it definitely.
These backpacks you have shared are lovely especially number 2. The Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is definitely my way to go because I love traveling with my laptop. Sweet backpack.
Regards!
Author
Hey There! I pretty much always travel with my laptop as well. It’s hard not to when it’s my primary source of income! Do you already have a Tortuga pack? And if not, what travel backpack are you currently rocking?
I already have Picked ny favorite: The Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack. I love the facts of it being black, the variety of compartment that it have and the usage of micro grid fabric that allows me to see the content of the different pockets. This feature alone can save you a lot of time when looking for something specific.
You’ve done a great review! Thanks!
Author
Thanks Juan! That is by far one of the more popular travel backpacks in this post and I must agree with you that being able to see the contents of your pack when you open it up will save lots of time. I couldn’t tell you how long I’ve spent rummaging around in a pack or dumping out the entire contents to find what I’m looking for!
Thank you very much for the awesome review! I love this post because I love to hike, so naturally backpacking is essential to that! I actually have the The Arcteryx Brize Backpack, and you are right when you say it is for the most adventurous of us all! I love this backpack, though I admit, it does suck that it lacks a laptop holder. That being said, my wife hikes with me, and she does have a backpack that has one!
Author
Really glad to hear that Jessie! Thank you for sharing your personal experience with the Brize backpack. What type of pack does your wife carry?!