The 9 BEST Travel Backpacks for Women – I Tested Them All!

I’ve been traveling for the majority of the past 11 years, sometimes fully nomadic for 10 months at a time. Over the years, I’ve tested quite a few travel backpacks, and while some may look pretty, it really comes down to durability, functionality, and bang for my buck when I think about my favorite women’s travel backpacks.

I’ve tested every single one on this list myself, in many cases, for a decade or more. These are the best travel backpacks out there for women:

• Most convenient pockets: Pakt Travel Backpack
• Smartest: Nordace Siena
• Sturdiest: Baggallini
• Best anti-theft: Pacsafe X Travel Safe
• Best for carry-on only travel: REI Co-op Ruckpack 40L
• Most stylish: Monos
• Best for outdoors: Deuter Aircontact 45+10
• Best waterproof: Exped Typhoon

1. Pakt Travel Backpack

I’ve been using the Pakt Travel Backpack for nearly four years now, yet it still looks like the day I got it. I initially received this backpack as part of a social media project, but it quickly became my ride or die carry on for all of my electronics.

The main reason is how easy it is to access the pockets, particularly for one’s laptop while in airport security. You can unzip the entire thing like a suitcase, or just unzip the top for quick access to the laptop sleeve. Security-wise, though the zippers don’t lock, the laptop is in the middle of the bag and would be hard to swipe. There are also hidden pockets going in just about every direction, and it makes organization for disorganized people (like me) simple. There’s an all-important waist strap, and thick backpack straps, which helps it stay comfortable despite how heavy mine always is.

It’s not the prettiest on this list, but it’s the one I reach for almost every time for how sturdy and easy it is to use. Read my full Pakt travel backpack review for more info.

2. Baggallini

The Pakt is more what I would call a masculine looking bag, though it fits the female frame well. But if you’re looking for something a bit more stylish, Baggallini’s bags have a bunch of features and stand the test of time. Each ‘bagg’ has RFID blocking pockets, they’re made from lightweight nylon material, many of them, including this backpack, are expandable, and when I shared about bringing them on our winter Japan trip on my Instagram, I got so many DMs and comments from Baggallini lovers saying theirs had lasted for years. I’ve been using mine for about a year, and it’s great. It’s also reasonably priced at $130.

They don’t have as much structure as some of the other bags on this list, so if you’re looking for something to hold delicate items like electronics, it’s probably not ideal, but it would work well for a laptop or tablet and a single camera, among other important carry-on items. Read my full Baggallini review for more on all of their bags.

3. REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Pack

I bought this bag back in 2012 when I was about to embark on my big solo trip to Thailand, which was the start of this entire blog. I traveled carry-on only with this backpack for over a year, and have used it extensively since, and not a single part of it has broken. This thing is truly a tank.

The only downside is my laptop would be in the water bladder sleeve in the inside of the bag, which meant I had to dig in order to get it out in security lines. Still, this backpack is over a decade old and still kicking! It doesn’t have all the pockets and features of the Pakt or the style of the Monos (later on this list) or Baggallini, but it got me through a full year of being a nomad without even flinching. It also works well for hiking shorter trails as a hiking backpack. At $169, I’m of the opinion that it’s a steal.

4. Nordace Seina

The Nordace Siena is a ‘smart backpack’ with the ability to charge your electronics with the built-in USB charger, along with a water-resistant exterior to keep your belongings dry in unpredictable weather.

The ergonomic design and padded straps make it super comfortable to wear for long periods, whether you’re hiking through the airport or strolling through city streets. And priced competitively (at $109), it’s a smart investment for those who need to stay charged and connected when they travel. It also looks super classy and comes in a wide range of colors from classic red or black to pink, aqua, and dark green. Read our full Nordace Siena review for more.

I’ve also done a full comparison of Pacsafe vs. Nordace.

5. Pacsafe X Anti Theft 20 Backpack

Back when I first started traveling in 2012, I bought Pacsafe all the things. I was even a brand ambassador with them for a few years since I was so passionate about the products. When staying in hostels, there’s nothing that gave me better peace of mind than using their bag locker, and I loved that the zippers could all be hooked and hidden on the backpacks. The 20L anti theft backpack was the most useful for me as a carry-on, and features RFID blocking technology as well as anti-slash material, hidden pockets, and zipper hooks that make a quick pick-pocketing impossible. For those traveling in Europe, particularly in Spain or Italy, this is a must.

They also make many sizes, including a 55L backpack I still love and use, and crossbody bags with the same anti-theft technology.

6. Monos Metro Backpack

Easily the most stylish on this list, the Monos Metro Backpack and Duffel comes in a wide variety of colors, including bright yellow, sage green, and purple, in addition to the usual suspects like black and beige.

It features a minimalist exterior with clean lines and a durable water-resistant shell, perfect for both urban explorations and as a flight carry on.

Inside, you’ll find a surprisingly spacious main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve as well as detachable front pouch with a whole organization system. From a quick-access front pocket for your phone and wallet to interior pockets for smaller items like keys and chargers, everything has its utility.

It also pairs perfectly with Monos luggage, sliding onto the handle with ease. I love this combo for when I want to arrive looking chic.

7. Exped Typhoon

I switched to the Exped Typhoon for a while when I was doing more hiking and backpacking, especially if it was a day hike where I might experience rain (hello, Patagonia!), it also gave me more peace of mind when traveling on smaller boats in Indonesia where your bag is basically just resting on top of the deck getting splashed. If you truly want your stuff to be in a bag that’s not just ‘water resistant’ but fully waterproof when properly rolled and sealed, this is the one.

I would probably have used it forever, but I started to worry about my electronics getting jostled since there’s really no insulation or padding. It also lacks any kind of pockets or organization system, so I’d have to just stack things in there. That said, I really appreciated it truly kept things dry. It comes in many sizes as well from 15 to 30 liters.

8. Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack:

Now, let’s talk about the Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack. As a female traveler, finding a backpack that fits just right can be a challenge, but Osprey has nailed it with this one. It’s also front-load and looks a little more stylish than the REI.

The women-specific design means it contours to my body comfortably, even when fully loaded. It’s got all the features I need for long-term travel, including a stowaway harness and detachable daypack. And at a mid-range price point, it’s a solid investment for that lasts. We love their hiking backpack carrier as well now that we have a toddler.

9. Deuter Aircontact Core 45+10 Backpack:

If you’re planning an extended backpacking trip, the Deuter Aircontact Backpack is worth considering. With its generous capacity and adjustable suspension system, it’s designed to comfortably carry heavy loads for days on end.

The ventilated back panel keeps you cool and dry, even in hot and humid climates, while the integrated rain cover ensures your gear stays dry in wet weather. And while it’s on the higher end ($230) in terms of pricing, the durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious travelers and hikers alike. I just might have to give our Deuter backpack carrier the edge over the Osprey!

My Favorite Travel Backpack

Right now, the bag I’m still loyal to is the Pakt. It’s been my main bag for over four years. It may be one of the pricier bags on this list, but there’s a reason it goes out of stock so often – people love how well this bag holds up and how intelligently it’s designed. After all the punishment I’ve put it through, it doesn’t show any signs of wear. My second place is the REI Co-op ruckpack. It may not be as stylish as some of the others, but when it comes to products that last, it does!

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