Are you an adventurer constantly seeking the next thrilling journey or outdoor escapade?
If you're nodding along enthusiastically, you're in the right place.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the "Best Outdoor Travel Bags for 2023." Whether you're an intrepid explorer, a frequent hiker, or a seasoned globetrotter, we understand that choosing the perfect travel bag can make or break your adventure.
In this blog, we'll present you with an in-depth review of these top contenders. Let's dive into their unique features, durability, and what sets them apart from outdoor travel gear.
Let's dive into the best outdoor travel bags of 2023!
7 Best Outdoor Travel Bags
The Loowoko 50L Hiking Backpack is a cost-effective outdoor adventure companion, offering top-tier performance and quality without breaking the bank.
This backpack has undergone significant upgrades based on customer feedback, resulting in a comprehensive, feature-rich design.
Top Features:
- Exceptional Value: This backpack truly shines when it comes to delivering outstanding performance without breaking the bank, offering top-notch quality and dependability that rivals high-end alternatives while remaining budget-friendly.
- Extensive Enhancements: The Loowoko backpack has undergone significant upgrades, including improvements to its fabric, straps, and zippers. These enhancements result in superior durability and overall performance, ensuring that it can stand up to the rigors of outdoor adventures.
- Tailored for Comfort: Designed to focus on comfort, this backpack forgoes an internal frame to provide a more pleasurable outdoor experience. Its breathable mesh shoulder straps, ample sponge padding, and widened, thickened S-type shoulder straps work in unison to minimize stress on your shoulders, enhancing overall comfort during your journeys.
- Rain Ready: Made with tear-resistant polyester and nylon fabric, perfect for outdoor weather. Additionally, it includes a waterproof rain cover pouch located in the bottom compartment, offering protection from heavy rain and ensuring your valuable belongings remain dry.
- Ample Storage: With a generous 50-liter capacity and a lightweight design at just 2.1 pounds, this backpack is the ideal choice for trips lasting 3-5 days and outdoor adventures. It not only meets the size requirements of most airlines but also caters to both men and women, making it a versatile option for various travelers.
Pros:
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps and back support for better ventilation and reduced strain.
- Adjustable chest and waist belts for a personalized fit.
- Durable, water-resistant, tear-resistant nylon fabric.
- Multiple compartments for organized storage, including a convenient bottom zipper.
- Quick-access surface and hip belt zippers for essentials.
- Interior zipper pocket to secure important items.
- Deep, secure mesh side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas.
- Includes rain cover.
Cons:
- Some users may prefer backpacks with internal frames for added structure.
The TETON Sports Explorer backpack is a top-selling internal frame backpack on Amazon that offers a remarkable array of features, making it perfect for hiking, backpacking, and camping enthusiasts.
This backpack is designed to create enduring memories on your adventures and is available in 65L, 75L, and 85L sizes, ensuring room for all your essentials.
Top Features:
- Unbeatable Design: The continued popularity of this backpack is no accident. Packed with an impressive array of features, all available at an appealing price point, it has solidified its reputation as a top choice for hikers and campers. It's the reliable companion you need for your outdoor adventures.
- Built for the Toughest Challenges: Engineered with durability in mind, the TETON Sports Explorer is prepared to face various adventures head-on. Whether you opt for the 65L, 75L, or 85L sizes, you'll find the ideal amount of space for your gear, with a keen focus on accommodating hydration needs.
- Glowing Recommendations: Countless satisfied customers have bestowed thousands of 5-star reviews on this backpack.
- TETON Sports Commitment: When it comes to addressing any questions or concerns, you can place your trust in TETON's outstanding product support team. They are committed to providing you with the assistance you need, ensuring that you can quickly return to your outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Multi-directional compression straps
- Outstanding value for its impressive features, a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Offered in three sizes to accommodate a range of adventurers and their gear.
- Highly customizable for a comfortable and tailored fit.
- Designed for durability and airflow, ideal for long hikes and excursions.
- Abundant storage compartments, including a dedicated sleeping bag space.
- Spacious sleeping bag compartment
Cons:
- The larger sizes (75L and 85L) may be overly spacious for individuals with petite frames or shorter trips.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack combines the comfort and low-profile harness typically found in backpacking packs with the convenience of a versatile travel companion.
With a 35-liter capacity, this pack keeps your essentials organized and easily accessible, whether you're embarking on a nearby journey or an adventure abroad.
Top Features:
- Comfortable Design: The Allpa travel pack offers a comfy suspension system that evenly spreads the weight with contoured shoulder straps, a padded hip belt, an air-mesh back panel, and an adjustable sternum strap, keeping you comfy on long journeys.
- Durable Build: Made from strong materials, including 1,000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon, the Allpa is built to last and protect your belongings.
- Easy Access: It has a suitcase-style zipper for the main compartment, making it easy to see inside, and a shortcut zipper for quick access. There are also mesh compartments and extra pockets for organization.
- Tech-Friendly: The Allpa has padded sleeves for laptops and tablets, accessible from an outside zipper. It also has a top compartment for passports and small essentials.
Pros:
- Comfortable suspension system for extended wearing.
- Sturdy construction designed to withstand the rigors of travel.
- Efficient access to the main and side compartments for easy organization.
- Dedicated sleeves for laptops and tablets ensure tech protection.
- Enhanced security with theftproof webbing on external zippers.
- Reinforced grab handles
- Has a rain cover
Cons:
- The 35-liter capacity may restrict packing for extended trips with larger gear requirements.
The REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ is a versatile travel pack that embodies the perfect balance between a mothership and a satellite set.
With an 80-liter capacity, it offers 60 liters of pack space for your journey and an additional 20-liter daypack for exploring your destination.
This well-crafted travel companion is designed for comfort, sustainability, and organization.
Top Features:
- Sturdy and Sustainable: This travel pack is now expertly fashioned from rugged, recycled ripstop nylon, ensuring it not only endures the rigors of travel but also aligns with eco-friendly principles. It's a choice that combines durability with environmental consciousness, making it an excellent option for travelers who prioritize sustainability.
- Personalized Comfort: Lightly padded shoulder straps and a sliding shoulder strap harness provide the flexibility to adjust the fit to your torso length, ensuring optimal comfort. The sternum strap plays a dual role, offering both extra support and stability, with its buckle serving as a built-in survival whistle.
- Ventilation and Stability: A mesh back panel offers cushioning and ventilation, effectively cooling your back during prolonged journeys. Including compression straps and load-lifters ensures that the pack's weight remains close to your body, enhancing stability and overall comfort.
- Adaptable Daypack: The travel pack includes a versatile 20-liter daypack that can be seamlessly attached to the main pack, creating a combined capacity of 80 liters. Alternatively, it can be carried separately when traveling light, and it features a convenient tablet/hydration sleeve for added functionality.
- Intelligent Organization: The REI Ruckpack stands out with its full-zip design, making packing and unpacking a breeze. Additionally, it incorporates hidden daisy chains for attaching gear, a side panel tailored for travel essentials, dual bottle holders, and a dedicated sunglass stash pocket to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly, crafted from recycled and bluesign®-approved materials.
- Adjustable design for a personalized and comfortable fit.
- Versatile daypack for exploring your travel destination.
- Efficient organization and easy access to essentials.
- Perfect for unexpected weather conditions with its rain cover.
Cons:
- The combined 80-liter capacity may be more than needed for travelers on shorter trips.
The Peak Design Travel 45 Backpack debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Show in 2018 and quickly garnered three best-in-show awards.
Why the acclaim? Perhaps because it was meticulously designed to cater to every traveler's needs.
Whether you're embarking on a 2-week journey or a weekend outing or need a versatile daypack or camera bag, this backpack has you covered. No two trips are the same, so having a bag that adapts to your needs is essential.
Top Features:
- Adaptable Sizing: This 45L backpack is perfect for trips lasting four days or more, offering generous space for bulkier items.
- Travel-Ready: Designed for international carry-on compatibility with theft-deterrent zippers, a luggage tag holder, and roller bag integration. Stowable shoulder and waist straps make bag checks hassle-free.
- Unmatched Accessibility: Effortlessly access your gear with rear and dual-side access via sturdy zippers and a front zip panel for better organization.
- Spacious Capacity: Expansion zips provide flexibility, and external carry straps are neatly stored under magnetic flaps.
- Well-organized: Expandable side pockets, a soft-lined top pocket, internal mesh pockets, and dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves keep your items organized.
- Day-Long Comfort: Stowable hip belts, adjustable strap attachments, sternum straps, and grab handles ensure daily comfort.
- Tough Build: Crafted from weatherproof, recycled materials with reinforced waterproofing, ultralight foam for protection, and a high-visibility interior.
- Eco-Friendly: Environmentally responsible with Fair Trade certification, carbon neutrality, and a lifetime guarantee.
- PD Travel Ecosystem: Fits Peak Design Packing and Camera Cubes, enhancing travel organization.
Pros:
- Exceptional versatility to suit various trip lengths and styles.
- Thoughtful organization and multiple access points for ease of use.
- Stowable hip belt and sternum strap enhance comfort.
- Rugged and weatherproof construction ensures durability.
- Commitment to sustainability and a lifetime guarantee.
Cons:
- The 45L capacity might be excessive for minimalist travelers on shorter trips.
The Peak Design Travel 45 Backpack offers unparalleled versatility and organization, making it an excellent choice for travelers with varying needs.
With its sustainable construction, accessibility, and comfort, it's a reliable and adaptable companion for many journeys, from extended trips to quick getaways.
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag
The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag, with a 40-liter capacity, embodies modern-day sensibilities, making it the perfect carry-on for both leisurely vacations and efficient business trips.
This messenger-style backpack design stands out on its own and integrates seamlessly with other Topo Designs day bags and packing accessories.
Featuring 15 well-designed pockets, including a spacious laptop sleeve and a roomy main compartment, this bag ensures there's a dedicated spot for all your weekend essentials.
While its slim profile can make it feel compact, it's important to note that using the water bottle pockets can add width, potentially causing minor inconveniences in crowded spaces like subway or airplane aisles.
However, using durable fabrics and intelligent internal organization ensures that this bag is set to accompany you for many adventures. In our comprehensive review of the best travel backpacks, we'll delve into how this bag stacks up against the competition.
Top Features:
- Generous 40-liter Capacity: Perfectly sized for hassle-free carry-on travel, this backpack offers ample space to accommodate your essentials. Its thoughtfully designed capacity ensures you have room for everything you need.
- Adaptable Design: Sporting a versatile messenger-style design, this backpack easily integrates with various other Topo Designs accessories, allowing for a seamless and customized packing experience.
- Exceptional Durability: Crafted from robust materials, this backpack is engineered to withstand the test of time, guaranteeing a long-lasting and dependable companion for your travels.
- Efficient Organization: With a total of 15 well-structured pockets, including a generously sized laptop sleeve and a spacious main compartment, this backpack is purpose-built to keep your belongings well-organized and readily accessible throughout your journey.
Pros:
- Weight Distribution: The bag distributes weight nicely, ensuring comfort during travel.
- Highly Organized: Featuring a structured organization with various pockets, making it an excellent choice for meticulous packers.
- Comfortable and Removable Straps: The bag's comfort is enhanced by removable straps.
- Sturdy Handles: Reinforced handles for easy and secure carrying.
Cons:
- Not for Minimalists: The bag may have too many pockets for minimalist travelers.
- Airplane Seat Fit: It's not designed to fit under an airplane seat, which might concern some travelers.
- Loose/Large Items: This may not be the best choice for those with loose or large items to carry.
The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag is a practical and versatile companion for travelers seeking an organized and efficient packing solution.
While it's ideal for those who appreciate smart organization, the 40-liter capacity may be excessive for minimalist travelers on shorter journeys.
However, its durability, comfort, and integration options with other Topo Designs accessories make it a well-rounded choice for various travel scenarios.
The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is designed to make the most of the available carry-on space, striking an impeccable balance between the comfort of a backpack and the space and organization of traditional luggage.
Its exterior, constructed with tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers, offers robust protection against sharp objects and elements.
Unzipping the main clamshell reveals a remarkably spacious interior with several organizational features that simplify packing.
Notably, the front panel excels in keeping electronics and chargers organized. Among the bags we've tested, the Tortuga excels at combining the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack with the storage and organization of traditional luggage.
Top Features:
- Optimized for Carry-On: This backpack is expertly designed to maximize your carry-on allowance, catering to travelers who prefer to avoid the hassles of checked baggage and expedite their journey.
- Built to Endure: Crafted from tear-resistant sailcloth and featuring sealed zippers, the backpack's exterior ensures remarkable durability and unwavering protection, safeguarding your belongings from the rigors of travel.
- Efficient Organization: Inside the backpack, you'll discover an intelligently designed interior that strikes the perfect balance between spaciousness and organization. Notably, the front panel is ideal for keeping electronic accessories in place.
- Tailored Comfort: With a high degree of adjustability in terms of torso length, shoulder straps, and the waist-belt system, this backpack accommodates a variety of body sizes, ensuring a personalized and comfortable fit for every traveler.
- Optimal Weight Distribution: The backpack excels at distributing the weight of your load effectively, significantly enhancing your comfort during your travels.
Pros:
- Space and Organization: A well-organized interior focusing on practicality.
- Adjustability: Highly adjustable to accommodate different body sizes.
- Durable Construction: Tear-resistant materials and sealed zippers ensure longevity.
Cons:
- Non-Stowable Shoulder Straps: Some travelers may prefer stowable shoulder straps for convenience.
- Potential Durability Concerns: While sturdy, concerns may arise about the bag's durability during airport handling.
The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L combines the best aspects of backpacks and luggage, making it an excellent choice for travelers who need to maximize their carry-on space.
Its well-organized interior and adjustability cater to various body sizes, enhancing comfort during extended journeys.
While non-stowable shoulder straps may be a minor inconvenience for some, the backpack's overall durability and convenience make it a compelling option for various travelers.
FAQs
Can Outdoor Fabric Be Washed?
Yes, most outdoor fabrics can be washed, but it is important to check the care label first. Some fabrics may require special care, such as washing or dry cleaning.
To wash outdoor fabric, follow these steps:
- Remove any loose dirt or debris with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
- If the fabric is removable, remove it from the frame and place it in a washing machine.
- Wash the fabric gently with cold water and a mild detergent.
- Air dry the fabric or tumble dry it on low heat.
How To Use Travel Bags?
Travel bags are designed to make it easy to carry your belongings with you when you travel. They come in various sizes and styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
To use a travel bag, simply pack your belongings inside and zip it up. You can then carry the bag by the handles or shoulder straps.
Here are some tips for using travel bags:
- Choose a bag that is the right size for your needs. If you are overpacking, your bag will be too heavy and difficult to carry.
- Pack your heaviest items at the bottom of the bag. This will help to distribute the weight evenly and make the bag easier to carry.
- Use packing cubes to organize your belongings. This will help you to find what you need quickly and easily.
- Make sure to pack all of your essential belongings, such as your passport, travel documents, and medications.
What To Put In Travel Backpack?
When packing a travel backpack, it is important to choose items that are essential and that you will use on your trip. You should also pack comfortable items that will not take up too much space.
Here are some suggestions for what to put in a travel backpack:
- Passport and travel documents
- Medications
- Phone charger
- Camera
- Snacks and drinks
- A change of clothes
- A light jacket or sweater
- Toiletries
- A small book or magazine
You may also want to pack additional items depending on your destination and the activities you plan on doing.
For example, if you go hiking, you may want to pack a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
The Bottomline
In the world of travel, the right backpack can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a cumbersome one. After a thorough review of some of the best travel backpacks of 2023, it's clear that each option has its unique strengths.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your unique travel style and needs. Whether you're an adventurer, a minimalist, or a business traveler, there's a backpack that's just right for you!