10 Best Travel Backpacks 2026 in the United States

The Osprey Daylite Plus Commuter Backpack is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and efficient travel backpack. Weighing just 1.29 pounds, it is incredibly lightweight, making it suitable for long commutes or day trips without adding unnecessary bulk. Its dimensions of 7.87 x 10.24 x 16.93 inches offer a decent capacity for everyday essentials, though it might be slightly limited for extensive travel or packing larger items. The material quality is generally high, reflecting Osprey’s reputation for durability and premium design.

The internal hydration sleeve is particularly useful for staying hydrated during adventures or long days out. The large main compartment provides easy access to your belongings, and the organization is well-tuned for each season, as claimed by the manufacturer. However, the backpack could benefit from more specialized compartments to enhance organization further. Fit and comfort are strong points, with a design that caters to a wide range of body types, ensuring the backpack remains comfortable during extended use.

The general design and build quality should offer reasonable protection for your belongings. Accessibility is straightforward thanks to the panel-loading main compartment, though the lack of additional quick-access pockets may be a drawback for some users. The absence of weather resistance might be a concern for travelers who often find themselves in unpredictable weather conditions. In summary, the Osprey Daylite Plus Commuter Backpack is well-suited for daily commutes, casual hikes, and short trips, offering a good balance of lightweight design, comfort, and durability, albeit with some limitations in capacity and weather protection.

The Thule Landmark Backpack 40L is a solid choice for travelers looking for a carry-on sized backpack that balances capacity and organization. Its 40-liter capacity is roomy enough to pack for short trips yet compact enough to meet most airline carry-on limits. Weighing around 1.44 kg (3.17 lbs), it maintains a reasonable weight, making it comfortable to carry without feeling bulky.

The backpack is well-designed for organization, featuring a dedicated laptop compartment that fits up to a 15" MacBook and a 12.9" tablet, along with specialized pockets like the hidden CashStash for valuables such as passports and money. Security is a strong point with LoopLocks that secure the zipper pulls and help deter theft. Accessibility is convenient with the arrangement of compartments, making it easier to find essentials on the go.

This backpack is appealing to adventure travelers who want reliable security features and good organization in a manageable size. Those prioritizing lightweight materials or enhanced weatherproofing might consider comparing it with other options.

The WATERFLY Small Lightweight Packable Backpack is designed for travelers needing a compact, easy-to-carry daypack. Its standout feature is the foldable design, allowing the bag to shrink to about half its size for convenient storage inside a larger suitcase or backpack. Weighing only around 290 grams (10.2 ounces), this backpack is very light, reducing shoulder strain during long days out. Made from recycled nylon with polyester linings, it offers decent durability and a smooth feel on the shoulders.

With a 16-20 liter capacity (some specs list 16L, others 20L), it’s suitable for carrying daily essentials such as a water bottle, snacks, a light jacket, and small personal items. The organization includes one main compartment, two front pockets, and a removable zipper pocket, which helps keep things tidy but may not offer the padding or specialized slots found in larger travel backpacks.

This backpack suits travelers who want a simple, lightweight, and packable option for day trips, hiking, or as an extra bag during travel. It is a practical choice for light, everyday use but is less ideal for those needing heavy padding, advanced security, or robust weather protection.