If you’re a frequent traveler, then a good travel backpack is essential since it’ll be one of your main companions during your trips. And if you’re a female traveler, then any backpack just wouldn’t do.
The best travel backpacks for women are generally lighter and mainly designed to accommodate women’s body shapes and sizes. These backpacks usually have narrower shoulder straps and hip belts to better fit the proportions of the female body. They also come in a wider variety of colors and designs that are typically considered more feminine but unisex colors and designs are becoming more popular.
If you’re about to embark on a globetrotting adventure and you don’t know which backpack to get, then I made this list of the best travel backpacks for women to help you decide. Let’s get to it!
Best Travel Backpacks for Women Reviewed
Osprey Fairview 40
Best value with generous capacity and proven durability
The Download
With a gender-specific fit, the Osprey Fairview 40 ensures both comfort and convenience throughout your travels. It’s lightweight yet can hold so much with plenty of organizational features, making it one of the best travel backpacks for women.
It has an adjustable harness and breathable back panel that guarantee a secure and comfortable fit while you’re on the go, and these features can be conveniently stowed away when you need to check in your bag during a flight. It has a separate pocket that can accommodate up to a 16” laptop for easy access, which is great for digital nomads. It also has a front shove-it pocket where you can keep frequently used items.
Its 40-liter capacity can carry everything you’d need for a 10-day trip in summer or spring without having to do a lot of washing. The best part is that it comes in a domestic carry-on size so you don’t need to worry about purchasing a checked baggage allowance.
The Specs
- Dimensions: 9.06 x 13.78 x 21.65 inches
- Weight: 1.55 kg
- Material: Nylon
- Total Capacity: 40L
- Color Choices: Zircon Red, Night Jungle Blue, Winter Night Blue, Black
Stuff I like
- Adjustable torso fit
- Large panel zip access to the main compartment
- Lockable sliders on the main compartment zipper
- Dual front compression straps
- Large front shove-it pocket and external zip toiletry pocket
- Padded top and side handles
- Stowaway back panel, harness, and hip belt
- Quick access zippered 16″ laptop and tablet sleeve
- Two internal compression straps hold contents securely
- Internal front flap zippered mesh pocket
- External gear attachment loops
Where to get it
Gregory Jade 38L
Versatile backpack for any kind of adventure
The Download
The brand Gregory was founded out of a passion for creating reliable backpacks for even the most grueling adventures. It pioneered a suspension system that focuses on anatomical fit to work with various bodies. While the Gregory Jade backpack is designed mainly for hiking and mountaineering, it’s also great for international travel because of its durability.
With the FreeFloat suspension technology, you get a dynamic fit for a balanced carry. This backpack has a tensioned mesh ventilation system to help you cool down. Its belt is contoured to your hips and lower back while supporting the weight of your items so you can move freely. The hip belt also has pockets to keep your phone and other essential items secure but still accessible.
With a nearly 40-liter capacity, the Gregory Jade 38L is more than just a daypack. It offers all-day comfort for longer trips which makes it one of the best travel backpacks for women.
The Specs
- Dimensions: 22.05 x 7.87 x 13.78 inches
- Weight: 1.23 kg
- Material: 210D Honeycomb Cryptorip HD Nylon & 210D High Tenacity Nylon
- Total Capacity: 38L
- Color Choices: Midnight Navy, Ethereal Gray, Ruby Red
Stuff I like
- Adjustable torso with 3.5″ of adjustment for a custom fit
- Gregory’s patented FreeFloat dynamic hip belt and 3D hip belt design
- Full-length tensioned mesh
- Extra large hip belt pockets
- Constructed from Lifespan foam for added comfort
- Raincover in the dedicated zippered pocket
- Hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger
- Top zippered pocket with reflective attachment points, key clip, and a security pocket
- Dual side stretch mesh pockets with pass-through
- Front stretch mesh pocket with durable fabric front panel and secure buckle closure
- Adjustable attachment loop and upper shock lock
- Custom comfort-grip molded zipper pulls
Where to get it
Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 SL
Biggest capacity with lightweight design
The Download
The Deuter Aircontact Lite is designed for everything – be it long-distance and international travel, backpacking, mountaineering, or trekking. It has a sleek and lightweight design while the interiors are spacious enough to fit everything you’d need for several days.
The Slim Fit (SL) variant features a narrower shoulder harness, a contoured hip belt, and a shorter back length. These features make it a great option if you’re looking for the best travel backpacks for women.
While it has an excellent capacity of 45 liters, you can further expand it to carry more items with its extendable 10-liter pack collar. It has side compression packs to regulate the volume for a stable and balanced carry. It also has lots of internal and external pockets so you can easily organize your items.
The Specs
- Dimensions: 29.13 x 11.81 x 9.45 inches
- Weight: 1.7 kg
- Material: Polyester
- Total Capacity: 45L+10L
- Color Choices: Maroon-Graphite, Ink-Jade, Aloe-Forest, Caspia-Ivy, Lagoon-Ivy, Shale-Graphite
Stuff I like
- Perfect load distribution through the X-frame
- Padded hip belt and pull-forward hip fins
- VariQuick System
- Load adjustment straps and adjustable sternum belt
- Stretch front pocket and side pockets
- Lid compartment and height adjustable lid
- Elasticated inner compartment for storing wet or sweaty clothing, water reservoir, etc.
- Inside compartment to keep your valuables safe
- SOS label
- Separate bottom compartment with zip-on base
- Removable backpack lid
Where to get it
Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus
A stylish and sturdy weekender backpack
The Download
If you’re looking for something a little more stylish, then the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus is a great option. Made with water-resistant polymer and leather materials, it comes in a simple and minimalist design, yet it’s sturdy and durable. It has a generous capacity of 38 liters which makes it the perfect weekend travel bag. If you’re traveling in the summer or spring, you can even use it for longer trips as it can fit so much even though it comes in a carry-on size.
The main compartment offers a lot of space for your clothes, shoes, and other items. It has a separate compartment on the back that can fit a 15’’ laptop for easy access and with extra space for accessories and smaller items. This travel backpack also features side zip pockets for storing your phone, passport, and other important items, while keeping them secure from pickpockets and thieves.
With contoured padding on the back, a detachable sternum strap, and a waistbelt, the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus is comfortable to carry while supporting the weight of the pack.
The Specs
- Dimensions: 12.99 x 9.45 x 21.65 inches
- Weight: 1.5 kg
- Material: Polymer and Leather
- Total Capacity: 38L
- Color Choices: Black, Night Sky
Stuff I like
- 38L capacity meets carry-on size restrictions
- Quick access 15″ laptop compartment for hassle-free airport checks
- Hidden external-access pockets
- Internal compression straps help fix gear in place and reduce bulk
- Removable sternum strap and hideaway waist to evenly distribute loads
- Breathable back padding
Where to get it
Venture Pal 40L Daypack
Venture Pal 40L Daypack
The Download
Don’t be fooled by its name. The Venture Pal 40L may be called a “daypack” but it has a generous capacity of 40 liters and this is more than enough to fit clothes and shoes for several days. While it’s not specifically made for women, it’s extremely lightweight which makes it great for those with smaller body frames.
Its main zipped compartment is spacious enough to carry most of your items. The main compartment features one separator and a small zippered pocket for easy organization. This backpack also has one zipped front pocket and two side pockets for storing away small and frequently used items while keeping them accessible.
This bag is also foldable so you can bring it with you as an extra bag for longer trips. It comes in a variety of colors and fun prints.
Made from high-quality nylon material, this backpack is tear-resistant and water-resistant. It’s great for mountaineering and trekking, and even as a carry-on bag for international travels. Retailing for under $40, this bag is one of the best travel backpacks for women on a budget.
The Specs
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 6.3 x 19.3 inches
- Weight: 0.3 kg
- Material: Nylon
- Total Capacity: 40L
- Color Choices: Green, Dew, Orange, Black, Blue, Gray, Navy, Purple, Black Leaf, Purple Leaf
Stuff I like
- Upgraded wet pocket design to keep your belongings dry
- Two side pockets
- Tear-resistant and water-resistant
- Reflective fabric to keep you safe during nighttime activities
Where to get it
7 Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Backpack
While all of these are great options, a travel backpack isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” item. The best travel backpack for some people may not work for others. Here are some important factors that you should consider when choosing a backpack for traveling.
1. Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of your travel backpack is important. How many days are you traveling for? Are you planning to go mountaineering? Are you visiting a foreign city? These are questions that you need to ask yourself before buying.
For extended trips, you’d need a large backpack to fit all your clothes without having to do your laundry as often. Meanwhile, you only need a smaller backpack for weekend getaways. Make sure that your backpack can fit all your essentials. Also, if you plan to use it as carry-on luggage, make sure that it meets airline size restrictions.
2. Fit and Comfort
The best travel backpacks for women are designed to accommodate female body shapes and sizes. Most of them feature an adjustable harness and padded shoulder straps for a comfortable fit. These backpacks may also have hip belts that conform to various hip and waist sizes.
By choosing a gender-specific backpack, you get a better fit for your body type.
3. Organizational Features
Another factor to consider is your organizational needs and whether you need specific features like internal pockets, laptop compartments, and side pockets.
If mountaineering and hiking are more your speed, then you probably won’t need a backpack with a dedicated laptop sleeve. It would be wise to get a backpack with organizers and pockets for your water bottle or trekking poles.
On the other hand, if you’re a digital nomad who’s traveling long-term and through different countries, then a laptop or tablet compartment is a must. Evaluate the number and type of pockets and compartments before purchasing a backpack.
4. Material and Durability
When shopping for a travel backpack, always check the material used. Backpacks made from nylon and polyester are highly durable. Water-resistant or waterproof coatings are also beneficial as they’d be able to withstand different weather conditions.
Consider the quality of stitching and the zippers used as these little things can also affect the backpack’s durability and longevity.
5. Weight and Portability
If you’re traveling for an extended period or if you’re flying to your destination with no checked luggage, it’s always best to go for a lightweight backpack. This is especially helpful if your flight booking has weight restrictions for carry-on bags.
6. Price and Budget
When looking for a travel backpack, it’s important to set a specific budget and look for items within that price range. There are hundreds of brands out there offering numerous options at different prices so finding that perfect backpack for you shouldn’t be a problem.
If you’re planning to get a backpack as a long-term travel companion, then a high-quality one would be a worthy investment. You don’t want to buy an affordable one only to have it break on you after a couple of trips.
7. Reviews
Before purchasing a backpack, make sure to read reviews and recommendations from other travelers to get some insight into the product’s performance and durability. Remember that everyone has different travel needs and preferences, so check for reviews that align with your specific requirements.
Final Thoughts
Travel bags are essential as they can make or break your trip.
Finding the perfect bag for your trips may not be easy with so many options out there, so I hope that you find this post helpful, especially if you’re looking for the best travel backpacks for women. If you have any questions, fire away in the comments below!
Eva is a content writer and digital creator who's passionate about traveling, photography, and fitness. When she's not writing or traveling, she enjoys watching movies on Netflix and playing Sims 4 and Animal Crossing. She also dabbles in graphic design and video editing.
This post was last updated on 2025-01-10 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.