Whether you’re looking for a lightweight commuter style, the ultimate weekender bag, or something to take on a plane, we sought out the best travel backpacks from across the internet. While the premium likes of REI, The North Face, and Lululemon, are included, we also threw in some budget-friendly (but still top-rated) wildcards from Amazon — because, you know, plane tickets cost a pretty penny. Click ahead to get acquainted with the ride-or-die travel accessory that's built to keep your disorganized butt moving smoothly through airport security lines, during daily commutes, or back and forth between classes.
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Best Travel Backpack For Commuting
Lululemon Urban Nomad Backpack
If you're an overachiever who commutes to work, then the gym, then the grocery store, and so on, the Urban Nomad Backpack will keep up with you no problem. It features water-repellent fabric, a hardback with lumbar support, side pockets for water bottles, and more convenient designs for people on the move.
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Lululemon Urban Nomad Backpack, $, available at Lululemon
Best Travel Backpack For Clothes
Mystery Ranch Mission Rover Travel Pack
Stay organized, prepared, and comfortable with Mystery Ranch's all-in-one suitcase, duffel, and backpack. Its zipper clamshell opening gives you easy access to your clothes without making a mess and the mono-mesh dividers make it easy to find exactly what you need. The list of features is endless, but if you like to bring a solid wardrobe with you wherever you go, we recommend this bag.
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Mystery Ranch Mission Rover Travel Pack, $, available at REI
Best Lightweight Travel Backpack
LeSportsac Medium Wayfarer Backpack
Keep things light and comfy at the airport or in the car with this flexible medium-sized foldover bag. Snatch it off the clearance aisle now while it's still half-off at Nordstrom Rack and fully stocked in six assorted colorways.
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LeSportsac Medium Wayfarer Backpack, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Best Travel Backpack For Overnight Trips
The North Face Kaban 2.0
The North Face is no stranger to durable, waterproof, and highly sought-after backpacks, but the Kaban 2.0 was specifically designed for, "...commutes and short-duration travel." Some all-star features include a slide-through luggage handle opening, two water bottle pockets, a side grab handle for duffel carry, and a 15-inch laptop pocket. It's the perfect companion for a quick overnight trip or a hefty commute to the office.
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The North Face Kaban 2.0, $, available at The North Face
Best Travel Backpack For Personal Items
Away The Backpack
Now entering the ring at a mere 17.5 inches tall, is Away's sleek and efficient travel backpack perfect for a trip through the skies. Its water-resistant nylon, zippered laptop pocket, hidden passport pocket, and padded straps make The Backpack the perfect addition to your upcoming flight. Choose from five muted earth tone colorways and get a move on with your hands free of any stray belongings.
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Away The Backpack, $, available at Away
Best Affordable Travel Backpack
Made By Design Travel Backpack
For just under $50, Made By Design's 19-inch travel backpack will keep your travel load light, items organized, and wallet happy.
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Made By Design Travel Backpack, $, available at Target
Best Weekender Travel Backpack
BANGE Weekender Carry-on Backpack
The BANGE weekender is the closest you'll get to a suitcase on your back. You can expand the zippers and buckles to your liking and organize your belongings with its many compartments. We'd say it's perfect for a quick weekend trip that isn't worth dishing out extra dollars for a checked bag.
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BANGE Weekender Carry-on Backpack, $, available at Amazon
Best Travel Backpack For Electronics
Ytonet Travel Backpack for 15.6 Inch Laptop
Picture it: you board the plane, your phone is at a measly 20%, and you bust out your charger only to find out the airline you chose doesn't have a single outlet in your aisle. It happens to the best of us but now, never be left tech-less on a flight again with Ytonet's USB charging bookbag. Please note, the backpack itself does not charge your tech but makes your device much more accessible when hooked up to a battery pack.
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Ytonet Travel Backpack for 15.6 Inch Laptop, $, available at Amazon
Best Duffel Travel Backpack
Mouteenoo Travel Duffel Backpack with Shoe Compartment
Whether it's for weeklong trips or gym commutes, this duffel bag and its handy-dandy shoe compartment have got you covered.
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Mouteenoo Travel Duffel Backpack with Shoes Compartment, $, available at Amazon
Best Travel Backpack For Students
Lo & Sons The Hanover 2
Lo & Sons' Catalina weekender bag collection is a total bestseller amongst R29 readers so, we trust that the brand's travel backpacks are just as reliable. The Hanover 2 is a great lightweight laptop bag for college students and anyone frequently taking their office on the road with them.
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Lo & Sons The Hanover 2, $, available at Lo & Sons
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