Whether you’re a backpacker, an exotic destination volunteer, or someone who loves weekend getaways, the best travel backpacks for men could make a big difference in your overall traveling experience.
They’ll not only give you enough space to carry all the essentials but also make it easier to keep everything organized inside. And let’s not forget to mention how crucial it is to pick a backpack sturdy enough to withstand all your adventures.
However, choosing the perfect backpack that makes traveling easy can be challenging. After all, there’re tons of brands in the market. And it’s not surprising to see most of them claiming to be the best money can buy.
So, to make it easier for you to get the best possible value from your purchase, we have come up with the ultimate list of travel backpacks for men.
Best Travel Backpacks for Men: What to Look For Before Making a Purchase
When you’re purchasing a travel backpack, there are a couple of things that you need to consider. Let’s give you a rundown of all of those factors to give you a better idea of how to choose the best backpack for traveling:
Total Capacity
Before anything else, you must ask yourself how much stuff you plan to carry inside the backpack. The market has pretty much backpacks that cater to all capacity needs, from smaller ones ranging from 30 liters to large ones at a whopping 80 liters.
For travelers, something in the middle of the scale works the best. That is, the sweet spot for traveling backpacks is anywhere from 40 liters to 45 liters. As a matter of fact, most of the popular travel backpacks are within this range.
Backpacks from 40 to 45 liters are small enough for easy carrying and offer more than the required space for a week or two of clothing and items. If you’re a weekend adventurer, a 30-liter backpack should be perfect.
Dimensions
For most travelers, dimensions are a pretty crucial consideration, especially for those who love to travel abroad. Most of the similarly sized travel packs don’t have too much variation in dimensions.
And if you’re wondering why, it’s primarily because of carry-on restrictions. Although there’re no standardized size requirements for carry-on backpacks for domestic and international flights, 22 x 14 x 9 inches are the universally accepted dimensions.
Organization Features
If you really want to get the best traveling experience, you need to get something with thoughtfully placed pockets and extensive organizational layouts. Otherwise, keeping all your valuables, headphones, portable DACs, and other electronics and accessories separated will be hard.
On that note, the perfect layout mostly depends on the items that you plan to carry inside the travel backpack. And you need to consider what works best for you when you’re planning for a travel.
But in general, it’s wise to pick a backpack with a dedicated laptop and tablet sleeve. Now, when it comes to backpacks with these sleeves, make sure they’re large enough to accommodate your devices.
Moreover, make sure that the tablet and laptop sleeves are well-padded. Otherwise, the devices will receive little to no protection while you’re traveling.
Alongside that, check whether the travel backpack comes with water bottle pockets. Although it’s not a standardized feature on some packs for traveling, bottle pockets make it easier to keep yourself hydrated while traveling.
Durability and Build Quality
The best travel backpacks should come with a construction capable of handling the rough nature of travel. And regarding durability, the construction material plays the most crucial role.
For example, you’ll find some backpacks with high denier ratings, which are more durable than others. But in general, most packs for traveling come with a mix of different denier materials. And for those wondering, denier is a measurement of the fabric’s thickness.
Other than that, see whether the backpack comes with coatings to resist water and dust. This is important as you wouldn’t want your belongings, especially electronics, to get drenched in water when the weather takes a turn.
On that note, it’s quite important to consider the backpack’s weight. Some packs will go all-in regarding the build, making the travel pack unnecessarily heavy.
They are not really ideal picks. And if you travel abroad quite frequently, you should consider choosing something that’s light in weight.
Generally, for backpacks within the 40 to 45-liter range, the weight should be anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds.
Carrying Comfort
While comfort is somewhat subjective, a few crucial features can make a travel backpack a breeze to carry on the back. Typically, you’ll find the best travel backpacks for men with hip belts and shoulder straps that boast thick padding.
Load-lifters and sternum straps are also helpful in making the travel backpack easy to carry. They ensure an even distribution of the heavy load and eliminate the chances of fatigue.
Moreover, some will come with grab handles and alternative carry options. If you’re one of the travelers who like to carry packs in over-the-shoulder or suitcase-style, check whether the backpack you choose comes with additional carry methods.
Other Travel Pack Features
Besides all the factors described above, there’re some other aspects that you need to check while searching for the best travel backpacks for men.
First, see whether the backpack comes with lockable zippers. This feature will give you peace of mind while you’re away from your pack.
Second, check how easy it is to open the zippers and access different backpack compartments. A pack that comes with smooth zippers will let you quickly take out something essential while you’re on the roads.
Last but not least, consider whether the backpack can attach to a rolling suitcase. Most travel packs will come with a pass-through handle or sleeve to make this possible. And it’s a great feature for those who travel abroad.
Best Travel Backpacks for Men Reviewed
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
A versatile travel pack for weekend travelers
TL:DR;
When you’re on the hunt for one of the best travel backpacks for men that’s easy to organize, comfortable to carry, and ready to face challenging weather conditions, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is for you.
It comes with an easy-to-pack clamshell design, which makes light packing a breeze. But if you’re not someone who packs light, this backpack is also available in a 42-liter option. That variant has more than enough room inside to let you take everything you need for your adventure.
No matter which option you pick, you can gain full peace of mind about your belongings while traveling with this pack. It features a construction of 1000-denier, has panels of 840-denier nylon, and flaunts TPU coating on the exterior. Thanks to that, it can handle anything you throw at it.
There are handles on all four sides, allowing you to easily grab it no matter where you put it. More importantly, it comes with adjustable straps, making it easier to keep the pack on your back for a prolonged time.
The Specs
- Weight: 48 oz
- Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches (35L)
- Exterior Coating: TPU-coated
- Build Materials: 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling
- Main Compartment Style: Clamshell
- Zippers: Security anti-theft YKK zippers
What’s in the Box?
- Raincover
Stuff I like
- Durable build quality
- Well-executed organization feature
- It comes in different color options
Stuff I like less
- No water bottle storage
- It doesn’t have any load lifter straps
Where to get it
Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L
An easy-to-customize travel backpack that’s large enough for every need
TL:DR;
Most tend to pack with expensive gear and electronics while traveling. And these travelers often need easy access to all their belongings stored in their backpacks. If you belong to this group, the Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is the perfect choice for you.
This travel backpack is designed to adapt to your needs. To be exact, you can call it the Swiss Army knife for backpacks. It’s highly adjustable and can be customized pretty according to your needs.
Now, while most customizable bags utilize complex designs, the Peak Design Travel Backpack can go from 45-liter to 30-liter in seconds. And the great part is that it offers great convenience in both the compressed 30-liter and 45-liter modes.
Another great thing about the Peak Design Travel Line Backpack is that it’s easy to access. There’s a back panel, which you can use to store your computer or tablet. And whoever likes to carry both, there’s a similar panel on the front as well.
Moreover, there are easy access points on the side and top. Thanks to such a design, it won’t be hard to take out what you need at the moment you need it. The whole backpack is wrapped up in a thick nylon canvas shell, which is durable and looks pretty sleek.
The Specs
- Weight: 72 oz
- Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches (45L)
- Exterior Coating: Double Poly Coated
- Build Materials: 900-denier waterproof bottom line and 400-denier nylon canvas external shell
- Main Compartment Style: Back-panel loader
- Zippers: Smooth zippers with theft-deterrent webbing
What’s in the Box?
- 1x Stowable Sternum Strap
- 2 x Cord Hook External Carry Strap
Stuff I like
- Easy to access
- Highly adjustable and customizable
- Build tough
Stuff I like less
- It can be a bit too heavy for some travelers
- It’s not carry-on complaint when expanded
Where to get it
Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
Cheap and no-frills backpack that comes with an enticing price tag
TL:DR;
You really don’t need to spend a lot to get one of the best travel backpacks for men. Take the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack, for example. As the name suggests, it checks all the basics, which means you won’t have any complaints, especially when you consider the price tag.
Want to know what makes this affordable backpack worth purchasing? To start with, it comes with a zippered laptop sleeve, easy-access pockets, and a well-organized main compartment. In the easy-access pockets, you can keep all your travel documents safe, which is a big plus for a travel backpack.
In addition to that, this Amazon Basics backpack comes with internal and external compression straps. The shoulder straps of the backpack come with a good amount of padding, allowing you to keep it on your back for an extended time without facing any issues.
What’s more important is that the backpack is carry-on compliant. This means you can travel abroad without worrying too much. As the internal volume is 45 liters, you can easily pack all your essential items and have room for more inside the pack.
The Specs
- Weight: 58 oz
- Dimensions: 21.5 x 15.75 x 8.25 inches (45L)
- Exterior Coating: Water-resistant coating
- Build Materials: 420-denier and 1680-denier nylon
- Main Compartment Style: Clamshell
- Zippers: Full-expansion SBS zippers
What’s in the Box?
- Backpack
Stuff I like
- Good overall capacity
- Decent organization features
- Easy access zippers
Stuff I like less
- It doesn’t have any lockable zippers
- Has a very basic look
Where to get it
Yeti Crossroads Backpack 35L
A great travel backpack with a heavy focus on premium craftsmanship
TL:DR;
You may know Yeti as one of the premium brands that offer insulated drinkware and coolers. But their focus on superior craftsmanship isn’t just limited to those products. The brand has a lot of offerings, ranging from outdoor living to backpacks.
When it comes to backpacks, the Yeti Crossroads Backpack is basically the one for those who want a rugged yet premium travel backpack. In terms of durability, the brand utilized TuffSkin Nylon, which is an expedition-grade material.
The material is 700-denier and resistant to water and abrasion, allowing you to get extended use without facing any structural issues. Also, the exterior is PU-coated, making it easy to clean.
But it’s not just the durable build that makes this backpack get a spot on this list of the best travel backpacks for men. It has a heavy focus on overall ergonomics and comfort.
There’re contoured shoulder straps that come packed with EVA foam. Also, you’ll find a no-pressure back panel, which will let you easily carry the backpack all day.
The interior of the bag shares a similar story. It comes with a dedicated sleeve for laptops and features many other organization features.
The Specs
- Weight: 62 oz
- Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 20 inches (35L)
- Exterior Coating: PU-coated
- Build Materials: 700-denier TuffSkin Nylon
- Main Compartment Style: Clamshell
- Zippers: Smooth zippers
What’s in the Box?
- Removable straps
Stuff I like
- High-end and durable build quality
- Comes in different color options
- Easy to access and has many organizational features
Stuff I like less
- A bit too heavy for a 35L backpack
- The side pockets are a little too small
Where to get it
Thule Aion Backpack 40L
A sleek-looking 40L backpack that you can count on
TL:DR;
You may also know about Thule, a Swedish brand best known for offering quality roof racks and bikes. But aside from those two, they’re also in the market for backups.
But among all the packs in its range, the Thule Aion is the best pick. And even though it’s available in the 28L option, the 40L pack is the one for serious travelers.
Nonetheless, one of the main highlights of this pack is that it comes with a premium build quality. As a matter of fact, Thule has made this backpack go through rigorous testing to ensure that it lasts the test of time.
In addition to that, the backpack looks pretty sleek. But sleekness doesn’t do much in terms of travel backpacks, and Thule knows that exactly well. That’s why it has integrated functional features. For example, it has a removable TPU rolltop.
Regarding space and organization, there are plenty of zippered openings for all your devices and valuables. Also, it features a dedicated water bottle storage.
The Specs
- Weight: 52 oz
- Dimensions: 22.2 x 17 x 5 inches (40L)
- Exterior Coating: PFC-free water-resistant coating
- Build Materials: Waxed P600 Polyester Canvas
- Main Compartment Style: Clamshell
- Zippers: Smooth lockable zippers
What’s in the Box?
- Backpack
Stuff I like
- Premium build
- Sleek and highly functional design
- Removable rolltop
Stuff I like less
- It doesn’t come with a hip belt
- The padding for the laptop sleeve is a bit too thick for large laptops
Where to get it
Final Words On the Best Travel Backpacks for Men
No matter what you say, a travel backpack is more than just a bag to store all your belongings. It’ll be a companion to all your journeys. But whether it can make traveling easier depends on whether you have one of the best travel backpacks for men.
That said, rest assured, each one of the backpacks on the list above is the best for the money. All you need to do now is choose one by considering your size requirement, comfort preferences, and additional features that you need.
Slava is a man of mystery and no-one seems to know exactly where he is at any point in time. When he isn't enjoying writing about all things audio and technical he can be found researching his next project of interest. The man never rests.
This post was last updated on 2025-03-17 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.