How to Choose the Best Travel Backpack For Men

Rambling down cobbled streets in Europe or flying to your eco-lodge on a remote island requires more than just a backpack. These travel-ready packs are built for comfort, with a padded hip belt and sternum strap to distribute the weight.

Topo Designs flies under the radar compared to Cotopaxi and Osprey, but their Global Travel Bag has thoughtful travel-ready features like a divisible main compartment that opens clamshell-style, expandable side water bottle pockets, and many zippered storage spots.

Comfort

Whether you’re trekking across the jungle to reach your eco-lodge or rambling along cobbled streets in Europe, it’s important that your carry-on backpack feels comfortable on your back and shoulders. If you’re looking for a backpack that blends stylishness with durability and comfort, check out the Aer Everywhere Pack. Its separate laptop compartment protects your electronics, and its main compartment features a 180-degree flat-open zipper that makes it easy to grab clothes or accessories without unpacking everything. It also has a hidden pocket to store an AirTag or other travel tracker, so you can find your bag if it gets lost.

For those planning on a longer trip that requires more hiking or location changes, you’ll want a larger, more rugged backpack that can handle your gear and the demands of the adventure. The Tortuga Lite backpack delivers on both fronts leather computer bag with a hip belt that transfers the weight of your belongings to your lower body, which helps you avoid fatigue over long distances.

While not as well-known as other brands, Topo Designs packs are incredibly rugged and functional. The Global Travel Bag 30L, which our testers loved, features plenty of internal organization options, including vertical daisy chain webbing for securing extra items, expandable side water bottle pockets, and a padded laptop sleeve that runs along the backpanel.

Space

Travel backpacks need to hold lots of things, including clothes, shoes, and toiletries. Look for bags that have dedicated compartments or organizers to keep your items organized and easily accessible. For example, the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack has a padded pocket for your laptop so you don’t have to dig through the main compartment. It also has a front pocket with multiple zippered pockets so you can store your passport, chargers and other essentials.

If you’re planning to take a trip around the world, you want a travel backpack with plenty of room. The Quilted Everywhere Bag is a great option for this type of trip, as it includes a closet system that turns the backpack into a suitcase. This way, you can avoid checked luggage fees while still bringing a lot of clothing and other gear for the trip.

Another good option for a long trip is the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L. This backpack is sleek and stylish with a fully padded 17.3-inch laptop compartment that’s ideal for work commutes or business trips. It has lots of other useful storage options, like side water bottle pockets and front pockets for phones, external batteries, pens and other accessories.

Security

A travel backpack for men must be able to provide the basics, such as a separate laptop pocket that safeguards your device during the journey. Other security features, like lockable zippers and RFID-blocking pockets, are also helpful for preventing theft in crowded or tourist destinations. In addition to these essentials, a travel backpack for men should have a sleek appearance to appeal to business travelers.

The Novex Laptop Backpack is an excellent option for professionals looking for a travel backpack for men with solid anti-theft measures and a stylish appearance. This bag’s slash-resistant materials and lockable zippers offer a layer of protection that is especially important in crowded places or unfamiliar locations. Its main storage compartment offers a generous space for a 17-inch laptop and plenty of room for other devices, books and accessories. There is best handbag manufacturers even a pocket that allows you to add an AirTag or other tracking device, ensuring your gear is easy to find in case it gets lost.

Another stylish option is the AMBOR Laptop Backpack, which boasts a number of useful features that make it suitable for day-to-day use and travel. Its water-resistant material helps keep your belongings safe and dry, while its padded compartments and multiple handles ensure comfort during long commutes. This travel backpack for men is ideal for students, business professionals and anyone seeking a lightweight yet spacious carry-on.

Value

The value of a backpack depends on how often you travel and the amount of gear you carry. Investing in a quality pack can make it worth the price. Packs from reputable brands, such as Osprey and Aer, are well-worth the investment because they are durable, comfortable, and versatile. They also come with a lifetime guarantee and can help you avoid checked bag fees on international flights.

In the splurge category, you can find premium options such as the Tom Bihn Techonaut, which is a favorite among dedicated one-bag travelers. Its reputation for durability and adaptability is well worth the high price tag, though you will need to invest in an internal frame, hip belt, and compression straps (optional) to get the most out of it.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, this Samsonite bestseller offers a lot of features for the price. It has a spacious main compartment that fit clothes for at least four days and includes a padded laptop sleeve and stretchy pockets for water bottles or a camera tripod. It also has four points of entry to the main pocket, making it easy to grab items without unzipping the backpack.