Choosing the best travel backpack for men is a difficult choice if you don’t know where to start.
This article will break down the different types of backpacks available to help you figure out which one might be right for you, and tips on choosing the perfect pack and what features it should have.
After being a full-time traveler for over 5 years and having been on numerous road trips around the world, I surely know how to choose the best travel backpack for men.
A QUICK LOOK: THE BEST TRAVEL BACKPACK FOR MEN
Because not everyone has the time to go through a complete guide about the best travel backpack for men, here is a quick look to make your life easier:
- Most practical: Osprey Porter 30L Travel Backpack
- Most Durable: Nomatic 20L Travel Pack
- Best Affordable Travel Backpack: Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
- Most Elegant Best Travel Backpack for Europe: Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack
Of course, there are numerous details to know before purchasing. For this reason, we’ll dive into all of them as well as the pros and cons later in this article.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING
Choosing the right backpack for traveling isn’t easy with so many factors to consider – weight, design, comfort, the top backpack brands, and the list goes on. My advice is to make a list of what you’ll need your backpack for and narrow down what’s most important to you.
But, just for you to have a starting point, here are the essential elements to consider.
Before diving into the main details, make sure to check the ultimate travel packing list for the best backpacks as well as everything you should carry along when going abroad.
SIZE & CAPACITY
First and foremost, if you’re mostly just taking day trips, you’ll need a smaller backpack that won’t be too heavy, and that will keep you comfortable. Oppositely, if you’re going on a more extended trip, you’ll need something bigger that can fit everything you need.
Make sure to also think about the climate where you’ll be traveling, as you’ll likely want a backpack made of waterproof or breathable material.
FEATURES
Features are another important consideration when choosing a backpack. Do you need a built-in rain cover? A hip belt? Padded shoulder straps? Think about what’s important to you and what will make your travels easier.
For instance, when planning a trip to Tulum, you’ll need to pack all you need for Mexico and a large main compartment will come in handy.
In addition, you’ll also want to stay hydrated and a water bottle pocket is, in this case, a must-have. Most travel backpacks for men do have one, but not all – this is why you’ll have to check before purchasing.
Apart from that, a chest strap is another feature not to underestimate. Whether you plan to carry heavy gear or keep your backpack on your shoulder the whole time, having that extra comfort layer is indispensable.
PADDED SHOULDER STRAPS
Padded shoulder straps are essential when you’re carrying a lot of stuff because thin straps dig into your shoulders and put pressure on your back and neck.
Sure, backpacks with foam-padded straps keep you comfortable; however, if that’s not enough, try a rolling bag with an extendable handle – pull it along when it’s too much to lug.
PADDED LAPTOP SLEEVE
Do you bring your computer with you wherever you go? If you do, make sure it’s as safe as possible. Keep your laptop in a protective sleeve inside a sturdy backpack; the rip and grip mechanism will prevent it from shifting about.
Pockets for technological accessories like your phone and charger, as well as a clip for your keys, are also useful. So, take all of these factors into account, and you’re sure to find the perfect backpack for your travels.
HOW LONG SHOULD A BACKPACK LAST?
The short answer is, of course, it depends on the material. But there is much more to it. A backpack, unlike other products, can last several years if you take good care of it. Needless to say, the higher the quality the longer it will last.
On the flip side, if you decide to go for a cheaply made backpack and travel with lots of gear inside, expect to last considerably less – sometimes not even a year.
WHAT SIZE BACKPACK CAN YOU TAKE AS A CARRY-ON?
You are indeed allowed to carry a travel backpack as a carry-on when flying. Naturally, some airlines have flexible rules, and others have stricter guidelines, so I’d recommend checking the company’s policy before flying.
But as a general rule of thumb, most commercial airlines allow passengers to bring a backpack as a carry-on with a maximum of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
On top of that, the ideal maximum weight for a carry-on travel backpack is 40 liters. Some companies indeed permit travelers to have a 45-liter one, but you will often be asked to check it in more often than not.
9 BEST TRAVEL BACKPACKS FOR MEN
Traveling isn’t always fun, and you’ll need to plan your trip wisely if you want to enjoy it – and getting the best travel backpack for men surely will help.
You want a comfortable one with which you can carry a lot of gear and a practical one that won’t get you in trouble. Here are 9 of the best travel backpacks I would recommend any day, no matter your destination.
OSPREY PORTER 30 TRAVEL BACKPACK
The Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack is a handy bag to have while traveling, making your life less stressful and much easier when taking it around with you.
It has several pockets to store all your belongings. One lockable sleeve for storing your laptop in and numerous small compartments in the front panel for your travel essentials. Lastly, its large main compartment allows you to keep all your clothes and more.
The bag itself is made out of durable nylon and polyester materials with reinforced straps, which is certainly something to consider and will last for years to come.
On the other hand, it’s worth noting that it may not be the best option in terms of comfort when
All things considered, the Osprey Porter 30 makes traveling a lot easier and less stressful – perfect for those who like to be prepared for every eventuality.
NOMATIC 20L BACKPACK
The Nomatic is the perfect backpack for everyday use when traveling. It is made with high-quality materials and features various pockets and compartments to help you stay organized.
This pack is built to ensure you stay your best and brightest no matter how long your days may be. It features a plethora of pockets and compartments that work together to help you stay organized.
The backpack also includes a padded laptop sleeve and a water-resistant coating to protect your belongings from the rain. The front compartment works as a quick-access pocket, while the internal water-resistant zipper will protect any items you place inside from the rain or snow.
A downside that I’ve noticed when traveling with the Nomatic bag is that, despite the high-quality material, it gets dirty quite quickly, which may be a deal-breaker for some. Also, the zippers sometimes get stuck in the corners, and that may easily add some stress if you’re in a rush.
But, to sum up, it is simply the best travel backpack for men and I couldn’t recommend it enough. If you happen to work remotely and want to start traveling the world, it is by far the most appropriate digital nomad backpack I can think of.
The Most Functional Day Pack EVER!
The Nomatic 20L Travel Pack is perfect for everyday use and for those shorter 1-3 day adventures.
With 20+ innovative features and a minimalist design, this functional day pack gives you confidence for life on the move!
EAGLE CREEK GLOBAL COMPANION TRAVEL PACK
The unique design of this bag has everything you need for a long trip – a built-in rain Cover protection, comfortable padded straps, and a laptop sleeve that helps you protect your equipment.
While it isn’t a water-resistant bag, the built-in protection will allow you to keep your gear away from water the whole time if needed, and that is a great benefit.
It is made with Bi-Tech fabric, which means that it will certainly last you a long time. Of course, expect it to last less if you fully pack it when traveling around the world for a long time. You should be aware that it’s pretty bulky, and that can be a deal-breaker for those who want to travel light and comfortably.
While it is the best travel backpack for men who want to take a long trip, it isn’t the most favorable option to roam around town or go to the office.
Lastly, while there are expensive backpacks on the market (that are worth the value, of course) the Eagle Creek companion is affordable while being a premium one in most parts.
AMAZON BASICS CARRY-ON TRAVEL BACKPACK
The Amazon Basics carry-on backpack may not sound like the highest-quality one, but it is the perfect choice for travelers looking to pack in full force.
When empty, the bag weighs 3.64 pounds, and it won’t add lots of weight to your shoulders.
The backpack is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring compartments and pockets galore so you can pack everything. Your clothes, electronics, shoes, toiletries, and more without worrying about losing something important or overpacking.
The Amazon Basics is the best travel backpack for men since it is also designed with comfort in mind, featuring straps that distribute the weight evenly. Of course, it also comes with a padded laptop sleeve and several small compartments to organize your gadgets and documents.
Unfortunately, it isn’t equipped with a water bottle pocket, which is a bummer but not a deal-breaker for most users. All in all, it is the cheapest travel bag you can get, the quality is excellent as well, and it’s a great value for money digital nomad backpack.
SAMSONITE CLASSIC LEATHER BACKPACK
The Samsonite Classic backpack is your typical stylish and sophisticated backpack that is perfect for carrying your belongings with you on the go.
It features a spacious interior with multiple compartments to help you organize your belongings, and it also comes with a handy shoulder strap for easy transport. Plus, the beautiful leather construction ensures that this backpack will last for years to come.
It’s essential to note that you may not store all your clothes and gear for many days since the space is quite limited. However, it is easily one of the best choices in terms of design and as an addition to a regular piece of luggage.
The laptop sleeve inside can hold a 14-inch laptop, and the main compartment is enough to store all your travel essentials, some clothes, and gadgets can stay in the external pockets. Apart from that, you can choose between the Black and Brown versions to remain stylish with any outfit.
A downside that I need to highlight is that while it is built with great material, it isn’t the most durable and will probably not last many years – unless you keep it with extra care at all times.
It is also the best travel backpack for Europe since you can bring enough gadgets for a long holiday while remaining fashionable in London’s streets, Paris, or Milan.
INCASE ICON BACKPACK WITH WOOLENEX
The Incase Icon backpack is another comfortable backpack for anyone who needs to carry more than just their travel essentials.
The roomy interior allows this bag to handle the rigors of modern-day traveling while still looking polished enough for presentations or meetings at work if needed.
Woolenex insulation on both sides of the bag keeps your laptop safe from water damage under any circumstances, and that is a side to consider. The exterior pockets are easy to reach and perfect for securing accessories, chargers, etc., without having to dig through your whole pack.
This ergonomically designed backpack can hold a 16-inch laptop, lots of weight if necessary, and endless gadgets despite its sleek appearance.
I want to mention that it isn’t the typical travel bag inside which you can carry all you need for days. Instead, you can pack for 2 to 3 days at most.
PACSAFE METROSAFE LS450 25L ANTI-THEFT BACKPACK
The Pacsafe is large and sturdy enough to hold a tablet, laptop, or clothes for light travel. It has an anti-theft design backed by anti-cut materials and RFID-blocking pockets to keep your data safe.
This security feature makes this product an easy choice for people who plan to travel in unsafe areas. You won’t need to worry about your personal belongings being stolen at any time, and that is a relief.
The straps are incredibly well-padded, and you won’t suffer from the weight on your shoulders, even when fully packed.
You have 4 different color options – Deep Navy, Earth Khaki, Black, and Dark Tweed.
Last but certainly not least, if you want a versatile bag for traveling on a road trip but also to commute to work, this is simply the best one I could ever recommend.
You may think that it isn’t the best travel backpack for men since it only has a 25-liter capacity. But you’d be surprised to know that it can hold enough to spend days on the road, and you should definitely check it out.
Sure, it is one of the most expensive backpacks on this list but Pacsafe is one of the top backpack brands and you’ll stay safe wherever you plan to travel and this only is worth checking out.
PATAGONIA DISPERSER ROLL-TOP PACK 40L
The Patagonia disperser roll-top backpack is a unique item that has been designed to be your perfect companion for your travels. It features a waterproof roll-top closure which guarantees no water will get in, while the shockproof exterior also protects against minor scratches and bumps.
The spacious interior offers enough room for clothes, shoes, toiletries, and any other necessities you might need for your trip.
Also, the ergonomic padded shoulder straps make carrying it easier on you regardless of the equipment you decide to take along.
An important point to observe is that it doesn’t have exterior pockets. However, it offers plenty of room and several tiny compartments inside, which is excellent for remaining organized.
On the flip side, I dislike the Patagonia Disperser (that is purely personal preference) because it doesn’t have a laptop sleeve.
For this reason, if you are a remote worker who plans to travel the world, this is probably not the best travel backpack for men for you, and I highly recommend the Nomatic one below.
REI CO-OP BACKPACK 40L
The REI backpack is ideal for any traveler from backpackers to campers to minimalist guys. Its large size allows you to take all the essentials with you on your outdoor adventures while still fitting in overhead compartments.
It is equipped with an external water bottle sleeve, an extra pocket on the other side, and a last one at the bottom. If that’s enough, a long bag is built in the padded straps, and this is exactly what every traveler could ever want.
You’ll be happy to know that this model comes in 3 different colors – Blue Indigo, Black, and Rustic Gold. In addition, it isn’t waterproof but rather water-resistant and will not let any water in low rainy conditions. However, you’ll need to put the rain cover in case of heavy rain.
Did I mention that it also comes with a laptop sleeve that can hold up to a 15″ computer? Needless to say, it is just the right fit for any travel.
Last but not least, the REI backpack is a must-have for hiking since you can easily carry hiking poles around. This is an excellent option if you’re planning to spend 5 or more days on a road trip or if you’re researching the best travel backpack for men to explore the world.
MORE PRODUCT GUIDES
If you are planning a road trip or an international adventure, be sure to check out these other product guides that will make your life easier abroad:
- Best Camera Gear For Travel
- The Ultimate Travel Packing List For Any Trip
- 9 Must-Have Camera Accessories For Photographers
- 17 Most Useful Road Trip Accessories – Complete Guide
- 11 Best Business Travel Backpacks In 2023 (For Men & Women)
CONCLUSION – WHAT IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE BACKPACK?
All things considered, the most comfortable of them all is the Nomatic 20L travel backpack. It looks stunning, and waterproof, and it’s just the one that will keep your gear as organized as possible.
Apart from that, over the past years, Nomatic has quickly become one of the most reputable top backpack brands and it’s certainly worth checking out.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
Search and book accommodation worldwide.
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Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.
Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
Search all rental cars in your next destination.
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