The best travel backpacks for toting your holiday essentials
European summer is well underway, and we can safely bet you've seen some of your friends soaking up the sun in all their Instagram posts. If you're one of the lucky ones heading overseas soon, packing is probably front of mind. On top of your luggage, you'll need something to tote your essentials around each day – which is where these backpack options come in.
The ideal backpack will depend on what kind of traveller you are, and what you need in a bag. If you're a heavy packer, you might want a bag you can use as a carry-on and as a day-to-day travel companion. If you're more savvy, you might only need something small. Do you want a USB port? Something that clips closed to avoid any snatching in a foreign country? We have all the options covered below.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Inateck Carry-On Backpack
Dimensions: 55 x 34 x 18cm
This 40-litre backpack is so lightweight it only weighs 1.65kg when it's empty. However, its size means you can fill it with whatever you need to get you through that long-haul flight. There's space for a laptop, spare clothes, a tablet, a toiletry bag and your biggest water bottle if you want to bring that, too.
While its size is more suited to plane travel than day-to-day wandering, it has a dual zipper design and two lock heads so you can easily protect your things from being stolen. The bag also comes with a rain cover for any surprise wet weather, making it an excellent option for daily use as well.
Epzia Large Travel Backpack Women
Dimensions: 32cm x 20cm x 42cm
Another choice for those who like to bring the kitchen sink, this larger backpack has space for your bulky laptop or tablet, while also containing a waterproof compartment for any wet clothes or towels. It even has a space for shoes, so you can swap between slides and sneakers on the flight. When it comes to daily adventuring, the bag has a zip-closure pocket to the back, so you can store your valuables to sit against your body when you wear it, ensuring extra security from theft. Best of all, it has a USB port, so you can charge your phone on the go.
WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack
Dimensions: 18cm x 9cm x 38 cm
If backpacks aren't your thing, this sling backpack is worn across the body, which is also a safe measure against theft and snatching. It has a hidden earphone hole, so you can listen to music while keeping your phone safely stored. With a number of small compartments on the inside, you'll find safe storage for your passport, wallet, hand sanitiser, and all other travel essentials.
adidas Originals Micro Backpack Small Mini Travel
Dimensions: 17cm x 8cm x 25cm
A great option for light travellers, this is perfect for meandering the streets of a new city with just the essentials. It has a number of zip-closure compartments so you can bury all your valuables, and wear it securely either as a bag or a cross-body option. Made from recycled content, you can also feel great knowing that your travel companion isn't harmful to the planet. Buy it here in black or rust.
RAINS MSN Bag Mini
Dimensions: 34.5cm x 30.5cm x 12cm
Made from matte water-resistant fabric, the MSN Bag Mini from RAINS is both durable and stylish. Modelled to look like a school bag, the twin carabiner closure makes it extra secure. It has one main compartment with an internal laptop pocket, making it a versatile travelling option.
Samsonite Mobile Solution Eco Essential Backpack V2 Antm
Dimensions: 29cm x 40cm x 15cm
Samsonite is renowned for its travel-savvy designs, and the Mobile Solution Eco Essential Backpack is no exception. While empty, it weighs less than a kilogram, and the adjustable, padded twin straps add extra comfort. It has two slip pockets to the interior, and zip pockets for easy access to the two front compartments. The sleek, black exterior looks amazing and also has a water-resistant coating.
American Tourister Zork 2.0 Backpack 2
Dimensions: 32cm x 46cm x 16 cm
Another option that's designed for travel, the Zork 2.0 Backpack from American Tourister is highly functional and perfect for rougher adventures. With padding to the back and straps for extra comfort, you'll barely feel it if you keep your contents light, given the bag itself weighs less than a kilogram when empty. The laptop compartment has an anti-theft design to keep your computer safe, and the bag also has a USB port that'll take care of your charging needs if it's a long time between hotel pit stops.
PETA AND JAIN Zoe Mini Backpack
Dimensions: 21.5cm x 18cm x 9.5cm
You'd have to be an expert packer to use this teensy backpack on a big, adventurous holiday – but we believe in you! This is the kind of bag you might want to pop in your larger luggage and use more on day trips out of your accommodation. It's ideal for fitting a phone, passport, wallet, and water bottle – the true essentials. With detachable twin shoulder straps, you can convert this one to a cross-body bag if the moment (or your outfit) calls for it. It also has an internal pocket with a zip closure, so you can keep your valuables safe inside.
PETA AND JAIN Didi Crossbody Bag
Dimensions: 19cm x 13cm x 9cm
Safe travellers often speak of the importance of keeping your phone secure while moving around foreign countries, given levels of safety are often different from what you might expect at home. This small cross-body bag can be worn around the neck or shoulder to ensure your phone is always on hand, and much harder for anyone to steal. It's also really stylish – we love the light pink option, but it also comes in black, white, and green.
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