13 best travel backpacks for women who like to pack light
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Investing in one of the best travel backpacks means more than just a practical choice for your trips – they serve as stylish accessories that make a statement during your travels. After months spent testing and tracking down the best travel bags, I've quickly learned that not all are created equal. Between city breaks, long-haul flights, and spontaneous weekend getaways, I’ve learned the right backpack can make or break your trip — and yes, it’s totally worth the investment.
As spacious as a suitcase but with all the added benefits of one of the best laptop backpacks, i.e. somewhere to store your devices safely and neatly, travel rucksacks are – without a doubt – a frequent jet-setter's idea of heaven.
Forget what you thought you knew; travel backpacks are no longer reserved for those who are off to find themselves on their gap year (though, if that's you, no judgment), but are actually a savvier way of packing everything you could possibly need into way less luggage.
What is the best backpack to take on a plane?
If you're looking for a travel backpack that'll fit under your seat, we can't recommend Antler's Discovery design enough. It's stylish and compact, with a 16.5” laptop pocket, internal divider pockets, water bottle compartment and room enough for clothes and shoes inside. If you need something big enough for a few days but small enough to go in the overhead locker, Eastpak's Travelpack is the one. It can be carried on your back or as a holdall/weekend bag, is water-resistant and comes with a 30-year warranty (!).
Will a 35L backpack fit under airplane seat?
It's unlikely you'll find a 35L backpack that'll fit under an airplane seat, as, according to airline policy, any personal items stowed beneath seats should not exceed 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches – and a 35L bag would usually be bigger.
From designs that render your favourite four-wheel hard-shell case entirely redundant, to sleek cabin-sized styles that'll see you through a long weekend away, we've found the best women's travel backpacks to buy in 2025. See them all below.
How we tested
To find the best travel backpacks, we put a range of styles through their paces — from sleek city-friendly laptop backpacks to carry-ons suitable for weekend trips. A selection of these bags were tested and reviewed for comfort, capacity, and clever design details, like easy-access pockets, padded laptop sleeves, and supportive straps that don’t dig in during long days of travel. We also considered durability (can it handle being thrown into an overhead bin?) and style, because looking chic in our airport outfits is half the fun.
Why you can trust us
At Glamour, our recommendations are rooted in honest expertise and real-world testing. Our shopping editors independently research and evaluate every product we feature, leaning on years of experience in fashion and travel accessories to highlight what truly works - from everyday commuter backpacks to travel-ready luggage and tech-friendly laptop compartments. We focus on durability, design, functionality and value so you can trust that when we call something “the best,” it’s because we’ve put it through its paces and know it deserves a spot on your travel roster.
Ahead, the best travel backpacks in 2026.
Why we love it: As Stubble & Co's bestselling bag, we expect a lot – and we're not disappointed. This design comes in 15, 30 and 30L capacities and is the ultimate silhouette for all weather conditions thanks to its lightweight yet entirely waterproof shell. If you're going somewhere and don't yet know your full itinerary, then this is the bag for you, as it'll cover all bases.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 30cm (rolled) 63cm (unrolled) x 44cm x 15cm.
- Colours: 11.
- Waterproof: Yes.
- Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 16".
- Other features: Bike light anchor for enhanced cycling safety, breathable and cushioned back panel for comfort, ergonomically designed comfortable straps, elasticated side pockets for bottle, umbrella, or lock, reflective trim enhances visibility, water-resistant zips and waterproof seams, compression straps for added storage, internal organisation with mesh pockets.
Save when you shop for the best travel backpacks with these Stubble & Co discount codes.
Why we love it: For anyone craving simplicity, Carl Friedrik’s Ayrton Backpack is one of those pieces I reach for when I want to stay hands-free while making even a jeans-and-T-shirt outfit feel elevated. The silhouette is clean and understated, but the grained black leather gives it a quiet confidence that never feels try-hard. Using it day to day, I’m constantly reminded why this is an investment piece. Inside, the recycled polyester lining is durable and thoughtfully laid out: a dedicated laptop compartment comfortably fits my 16” MacBook, while the interior slip pockets and zipped pocket easily hold my iPhone, Kindle and even my iPad. The large exterior front pocket is perfect for travel essentials, and the subtle monogram detailing adds just enough personality without overpowering the design.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: W30 x H40 x D13cm.
- Colours: Black, dark olive, chestnut.
- Waterproof: Water resistant.
- Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 16".
- Other features: Large exterior front pocket, 2 interior slip pockets, a zipped pocket, and an integrated holder attaches the bag to your suitcase.
Discovery Backpack in Meadow Purple
Why we love it: One of the best-selling luggage brands across our luggage guide, Antler’s backpack proves exactly why the heritage name continues to lead the way in modern travel. Offering a generous 28L capacity that works just as well for commuting as it does for longer trips, this backpack brags a streamlined back sleeve that slips neatly over my suitcase handle for hands-free ease. Crafted from recycled polyester with twisted ripstop reinforcement, it feels impressively lightweight yet tough enough to handle daily wear, while the water-resistant finish gives welcome peace of mind when the weather turns.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 20 cm.
- Colours: Seven to choose from.
- Waterproof: Water resistant.
- Laptop sleeve: Yes.
- Other features: Internal divider, water bottle holder, and an external cord for strapping on extra belongings.
Use these Antler discount codes for savings on the best travel backpacks in 2026.
The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L
Why we love it: Whether you're off to one of the best Greek islands or are adventuring around the Scottish Highlands, this 45L convertible backpack holds a carry-on suitcase worth of essentials for up to a five-day excursion. So it's safe to say you're covered. It's full of thoughtful organisational features (like the dual interior and exterior compression systems that help you pack more in), and is worth every bit of the investment if you're off and about on the regular.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 55cm x 34.5cm x 24cm.
- Colours: 3.
- Waterproof: Water-resistant.
- Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 15".
- Other features: Removable shoulder straps that easily convert into a duffle, chest strap, anti-theft hidden easy-access exterior pocket for a passport or cell phone, exterior hidden daisy chains to attach outdoor pouches, carabiners, and other essentials, multiple pockets inside and out, meets the airline requirements for most major airlines as carry-on luggage.
Why we love it: With a dedicated 15”-16” laptop pocket, padded tablet sleeve, and a spacious main compartment with document and mesh zip pockets, this backpack keeps your gadgets and work essentials perfectly organised. Two elastic cargo net water bottle pockets, quick-access front storage, and an internal key clip mean everything has its place, while contoured shoulder straps and a luggage pass-through keep it comfy whether you’re commuting or jet-setting. Crafted from 100% nylon with durable metal hardware, plus recycled liner and webbing, it’s as sustainable as it is sleek —practical, polished, and effortlessly stylish.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: W10.5” x D7.5” x H17.3”.
- Colours: 6.
- Waterproof: No.
- Laptop sleeve: Yes.
- Other features: Large main compartment with a sleeve, mesh zip pocket, and two large volume water bottle pockets.
Holland Park Medium Ziptop Backpack
Why we love it: This is the kind of backpack I'd reach for on shorter day trips or weekend travel, one that doubles effortlessly as a polished work bag. Radley’s medium zip-top Holland Park backpack feels quietly refined, with a clean silhouette that works just as well in the office as it does on the move. Inside, the padded laptop sleeve will keep your tech protected without adding bulk, making it ideal for streamlined packing and lighter travel days. It’s practical, unfussy and thoughtfully made.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H36 x W28 x D11cm.
- Colours: Black.
- Waterproof: Water resitant.
- Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 13".
- Other features: Satchel handle, adjustable straps, zipped front pocket, ring for keys.
Save money on the best travel backpacks with these Radley promo codes.
Why we love it: From everyday commutes to the office to overnight stays and road trips, Monos' Metro backpack is definitely one of our faves. The nifty QuickSnap™ Modular Kit System allows the interchangeable Metro Kit (great for toiletries) to be easily detached or swapped to suit your needs. Obsessed.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 30cm × 40cm × 15cm.
- Colours: 10.
- Waterproof: Water-resistant.
- Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 15".
- Other features: Vegan leather, scratch resistant, small hidden back pocket with magnetic snap closure for your phone, passport, wallet or small valuables, privacy compartment made with waterproof fabric for gym clothes or a wet rain jacket, zippered pouch, two interior pockets, one shoe compartment, and large sleeve lined with soft PET felt for extra organisation, comes with the Metro Classic Kit.
Why we love it: Fancy something sporty-yet-chic looking? Rains' Trail Mountaineer bag is where it's at. With waterproof protection and room enough for a few days of clothes (or more, if you're planning on outfit repeating), this silhouette is one of the more stylish styles we've come across. It doesn't scream “I'm going travelling”, but it has all the features.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 47cm x 29.5cm x 18cm.
- Colours: 5.
- Waterproof: Yes.
- Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 16".
- Other features: Coated zip opening, single main compartment, zip pocket in top flap, mesh bottle pocket, external back zip pocket, side compression straps with buckles, bungee cord external storage, adjustable padded backstraps, webbing carry handle, adjustable chest strap.
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Why we love it: Available in six chic colours, this travel backpack is as stylish on the city streets as it is on the trails. Designed with an Air Flow Back System, it keeps you cool and dry, while chest and hip straps make carrying even the heaviest load a breeze. Rain? No problem – a cleverly concealed cover has you sorted. Hydration compatible and complete with bottle pockets, bungee cords, compression straps, and a water-resistant finish, this backpack is practical, sleek, and totally ready for whatever your day (or weekend escape) throws at you.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: Unspecified.
- Colours: 6.
- Waterproof: Water resistant.
- Laptop sleeve: No.
- Other features: Bottle pocket, chest & hip straps, compression straps.
Why we love it: A typical hiking style travel backpack, Mountain Warehouse's Carrion is capable of carrying up to 65L. That's a lot of stuff that would otherwise require multiple handbags/shoulder bags/tote bags. It remains lightweight and durable, though, to ensure you're comfortable, and is currently on sale at 42% off the original price.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 68cm x 41cm x 38cm.
- Colours: 2.
- Waterproof: Has a rain cover.
- Laptop sleeve: No.
- Other features: Padded airmesh back, ladder lock adjustable straps, load balance adjusters, multiple pockets.
Save when you shop for the best travel backpacks with these Mountain Warehouse discount codes at checkout.
Osprey Unisex Farpoint Wheels 65 Wheeled Bag
Why we love it: If you're going long-haul and hopping from one airport to the next, a backpack is all well and good until your shoulders start to ache and you feel like you're about to topple over. This travel backpack has the added appeal of wheels, so you can manoeuvre it around like a suitcase should you need to. Super handy.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 70cm x 41cm x 34cm.
- Colours: 2.
- Waterproof: No.
- Laptop sleeve: No.
- Other features: Stowable tensioned mesh backpanel with padded shoulder straps and hipbelt, large front panel access makes for easy packing and unpacking, front panel zippered top pocket for smaller items, front mesh pockets, compression straps internal and external, compatible with the Osprey Farpoint 40/Osprey Fairview 40 Daypack attachment loops/external attachment points.
Save when you shop for the best travel backpacks with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: With quick access to a laptop compartment and an ‘invisible’ external pocket made specifically for your passport, this streamlined travel backpack will be your best friend for hassle-free business trips. Open it up to find a large interior compartment – big enough for two packing cubes worth of clothes – and compression straps to keep everything even more snug. The only thing we'd love is brighter colours.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 53cm x 36cm x 19cm.
- Colours: 3.
- Waterproof: Water-resistant.
- Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 16".
- Other features: Front pocket with key clip, soft-lined sunglasses pocket, padded shoulder straps, contoured back panel, sternum strap for carrying comfort, internal AirTag pocket, 3-year warranty.
Samsonite Ecodiver 38L Travel Backpack S
Why we love it: It's no secret that Samsonite is one of the leading brands in high-quality luggage, and this Ecodiver travel backpack will show you why. With a spacious interior, a plethora of features and a stylish outer design, the small silhouette is feature-heavy but compact, fitting into many cabin sizes. It's also constructed from Recyclex™ which ensures that it's a more sustainable option for travel.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 54cm x 34cm x 24cm.
- Colours: 3.
- Waterproof: Water-resistant.
- Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 17.3".
- Other features: Samsonite Legal warranty (2 years), 10.5" tablet pocket, spacious interior, compression strap, top and side handles, adjustable shoulder straps, zipper pulls, reflective details, USB port for charger, water bottle pocket.
