Best Travel Backpacks for Women
Travelpro Women’s Platinum Elite
This backpack is perfect for frequent travellers who appreciate an organised packing system and a sleek design.
- Smart layout with an add-a-bag sleeve for easy transport.
- Magnetic closure pocket for quick access to essentials like your phone or passport.
- It is on the pricier side for its size.
Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack
This option suits adventure seekers looking for a robust and versatile pack for their travels.
- Detachable shoulder strap allows for duffle-style carrying.
- Includes a well-padded compartment for laptops and a compression strap for stability.
- Lacks external compartments for quick access to smaller items.
SwissGear 3576 Laptop Backpack
This stylish yet durable backpack is ideal for those who want to maintain a fashionable edge while travelling.
- Multiple interior pockets help keep belongings organised.
- The wide opening at the top makes it easy to load and unload.
- It has limited capacity, which may not suit everyone.
Which travel backpack for women is best?
When it comes to travel backpacks, the versatility they offer is unmatched. Available in various sizes, materials, and styles, there’s a perfect option for every type of trip.
In our experience, when selecting a travel backpack for women, we need to consider factors such as carrying capacity, compartment layout, and the comfort of the straps and back panel. For instance, the Travelpro Women’s Platinum Elite Backpack is fantastic for both business and leisure trips, whereas others might cater more to those ready to backpack across Europe or Southeast Asia.
Key Considerations When Buying a Travel Backpack for Women
Capacity
Small backpacks designed for personal items on flights typically range from 10 to 20 cubic litres. If you need a backpack for a few days’ worth of clothing and plan to use it as carry-on luggage, look for something between 30 and 40 cubic litres. For longer trips where the backpack serves as your main luggage, aim for sizes between 50 and 80 litres.
Comfort
Unlike wheeled luggage, travel backpacks require you to carry them everywhere, so comfort is paramount. Factors influencing comfort include strap width and padding, back panel cushioning, and features like mesh for airflow. We’ve found that sternum and waist straps really help distribute weight, especially on larger packs.
Construction
Given the wear and tear travel backpacks endure, durability is essential. Opt for lightweight yet sturdy materials like ripstop or high-denier polyester and nylon. Ensure zippers have metal hardware rather than plastic, as they tend to last longer.
What to Look for in a Quality Travel Backpack for Women
Compartments
Many backpacks come with additional compartments, enhancing their functionality. External pockets are great for items you need quick access to, while side mesh pockets are perfect for water bottles. Some models include a hydration reservoir compartment or laptop sleeves for tech-savvy travellers.
External Attachment Points
These points are beneficial for securing items that don’t quite fit inside your pack. They’re often found on larger backpacks, but some smaller models feature them as well.
Water Resistance
Weather can be unpredictable while travelling, so having a backpack made from water-resistant material or one that includes a rainfly is a smart choice.
USB Charging Port
Some backpacks are equipped with a USB port for charging devices on the go. However, these typically don’t include a power bank, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.
Grab Handles
While small backpacks usually have a single grab handle, larger ones may feature multiple handles for easy lifting in various situations.
Price Range for Travel Backpacks for Women
Expect to spend around £30 for the most budget-friendly options. High-quality, larger backpacks from reputable brands can range up to £300 or more.
Travel Backpack for Women FAQs
Can I use a regular school backpack for travel?
A. While a regular school backpack may suffice for infrequent travel, dedicated travel backpacks offer enhanced durability and functionality for frequent travellers.
Are travel backpacks for women different from those for men?
A. Yes, travel backpacks for women often have smaller designs and potentially thinner straps to fit a woman’s frame better. However, many unisex options are available that cater to all users.
What’s the Best Travel Backpack for Women to Buy?
Top Travel Backpack for Women
Travelpro Women’s Platinum Elite
Summary: With its sleek style and smart organisation, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is a popular choice for those who travel frequently.
Key Features: The add-a-bag sleeve allows easy transport over wheeled luggage, and the magnetic closure pocket keeps your essential items safe yet accessible.
Consideration: Although it may seem pricey for its size, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Best Value Travel Backpack for Women
Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack
Summary: Perfect for adventurous travels, the Fairview combines durability with a sleek design.
Key Features: It features a detachable shoulder strap and compression strap for easy carrying and stability, alongside a padded laptop compartment.
Consideration: It lacks external compartments for quick access to smaller items.
Alternative to Consider
SwissGear 3576 Laptop Backpack
Summary: This stylish travel backpack stands out for its durability and organisation.
Key Features: With multiple interior pockets and a wide opening at the top, it facilitates easy packing and unpacking.
Consideration: Its smaller size may not meet everyone’s capacity needs.