17 Essential Travel Backpacks for Women

Warmer weather is upon us which means later nights and longer PTO breaks (hopefully!). Be prepared this summer season with a quality backpack whether you have travel plans booked or are hoping, praying, wishing that someone mentions a weekend girl's trip. Heck - even if you are traveling from home to the office you’ll want a secure accessory to take your laptop to and fro.

Knowing where to find the best of the best backpacks has never been easier. We’ve rounded up some top-rated options that are ideal for anyone female-identifying and ready to frolic from place to place. Skip out of town with weightless shoulders (figuratively, of course) with these 17 travel backpack options for women.

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Best Travel Backpacks for Women

Terra 26L Laptop Backpack Duffel, $175 at Calpak

Backpack or duffle, backpack or duffle…why not both? The Terra bag from Calpak can quite literally transform before your eyes from a flat-lying duffle into a backpack and back again. It weighs 2.7 pounds and has padded shoulder straps, a luggage trolley sleeve, a clamshell opening, a compression strap and much more. One reviewer is obsessed with it saying, “Used this as my only bag on a 5-6 day trip and it was perfect. Love that the material is so easy to wipe and obsessed with the color. There are so many good pockets. And a few that are super easily accessible to get to things quickly to go through security or for other items you want easy access to. Perfect carry-on bag.” Bonus: It’s made using 27 recycled plastic bottles! Terra 26L Laptop Backpack Duffel, $175.00 at Calpak

Samsonite Mobile Solution Deluxe Backpack, $200 at Macy’s

Travel in style with this minimalistic backpack from Samsonite. It has a water-resistant coating, a padded interior pocket that fits most laptops up to 15.6”, multiple exterior and interior pockets, a key leash and a SmartSleeve to slip over a luggage handle. One customer reviewed the 4.5-star product saying, “This backpack is stylish while being very functional. It has many compartments that allow for organization. I used it daily on my trip to Venice. The double zippers allow you to lock them together so no worries of someone getting into your pack when in a large crowd. It is not overly big, but big enough for most things when sightseeing.” Samsonite Mobile Solution Deluxe Backpack, $200 at Macy’s

Osprey Fairview 55 Travel Pack, $220 at REI

Osprey knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to travel essentials. This 4.7 star-rated backpack is designed to be lightweight  and is ideal for women on the go. It features a torso and sternum strap, a mesh-covered back panel that is breathable, internal and external compression straps to keep the pack tight and a fully detachable daypack. This is perfect for longer trips when you need a full suitcase and carry-on in one. Osprey Fairview 55 Travel Pack, $220 at REI

Command the Day Backpack 25L, $128 at Lululemon

If you’re on the hunt for a “quick flight” or a “commuting to work” backpack, this option from Lululemon has everything you need. It’s spacious, water repellent and features an interior padded pocket that fits a 16" laptop. It also has a trolley-pass pocket so you can easily stack it on top of your roller bag. Command the Day Backpack 25L, $128 at Lululemon

Crossbody Sling Backpack, $33.99 on Amazon

Reaching new heights this summer? This backpack from Waterfly is ideal for anyone going on a long hike. With 31,000+ reviews and a 4.6 rating, there’s not much more we need to say. But you can take it directly from one customer, “I bought this for my week vacation touring California and it was absolutely perfect for theme parks and hiking in the national parks. It's super lightweight and holds a lot for its size. The pouch on the strap is perfect for a cell phone and sunglasses. It holds a very large-size water bottle and is still very comfortable on your back.” Crossbody Sling Backpack, $33.99 on Amazon

LONGCHAMP Le Pliage Energy Travel Bag, $495 at Nordstrom

Turn to Longchamp for your next long journey. Their Le Pliage bag is ideal for a weekend adventure. It can be carried as a backpack or duffle with the hand straps and features a zip-around main compartment closure and front pocket. Inside it has a large zip pocket, compression strap, and smartphone pocket so you can keep everything in place despite any bumps in the road. LONGCHAMP Le Pliage Energy Travel Bag, $495 at Nordstrom

The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack, $75 on Amazon

Posture approved backpack? Count us in. The Jester backpack from North Face has a 4.7-star rating with 3,000+ reviews and is crafted specifically for women. It is made with a FlexVent suspension system that is certified by the American Chiropractic Association. This system features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps, a comfortable, padded back panel, and a breathable lumbar panel. The backpack itself features a 15” padded laptop sleeve, sternum strap, lots of storage and more. The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack, $75 on Amazon

Beis The Expandable Backpack, $98 at Revolve

No one does travel accessories quite like Beis. This backpack is expandable (why aren’t they all!), made from recycled plastic water bottles, and features a padded laptop sleeve, key leash and more. One reviewer raved, “I love this backpack! Over the years, I've bought many backpacks and never found the right one. As a traveler, I usually get tote bags, but when I saw this Beis bag, I was sold! It's definitely something I'd recommend to friends and family. 1. The material is excellent (easy to clean) and the straps are very comfortable. 2. The different compartments are so convenient for carrying the basics and more. 3. The design of the bag (can be worn in two ways). 4. The price!” Beis The Expandable Backpack, $98 at Revolve

Indi Diaper Backpack, $215 at Dagne Dover

This one goes out to the traveling mothers out there. First of all - you’re superwoman. Second of all - this diaper backpack will help carry all of your essentials. It looks like a regular, chic backpack but does much more. It has a front zip pocket for easy access to wipes, a luggage sleeve and a binky key ring. It also comes with a zippered pouch, stroller clips, a wipeable changing mat and more (if you can believe it). Just like one reviewer shared, “It's stylish, functional, and has all the pockets and compartments I need to keep all my baby's essentials organized. The material is durable and easy to clean, and the adjustable strap makes it comfortable to carry. I also appreciate the insulated bottle pockets and the included changing pad. Overall, this diaper bag has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to any new parent!” INDI DIAPER BACKPACK, $215 at Dagne Dover

Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack, $200 at REI

This option from Cotopaxi has everything you need for a long journey. It can hold 35 L and features a low-profile harness, zippered mesh interior pockets that act as built-in packing cubes, a full-wrap zipper, a 15” padded laptop sleeve and a rain cover. They have truly thought of everything with external zippers that feature theftproof webbing sewn across the openings and back panel opening to place the straps so all loose ends are tucked away. You really can’t go wrong with this 4.7-star-rated backpack. Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack, $200 at REI

The Transport Rucksack, $215.50 at Madewell

Madewell went above and beyond their classic totes and thankfully brought us this leather carryall. It’s made from Italian vegetable-tanned leather and features four pockets and two closures - a drawstring and a collar stud. The backpack is a high-quality option perfect for quick trips or commuting, which is exactly how one reviewer has been using it, “I recently started a new job and I have to commute via bus to get there. Because I don’t like carrying multiple bags, I needed a backpack that could fit my needs. Thankfully this bag does just that. I’m able to fit a small laptop, shoes, my lunch, a book and a small umbrella. And I usually have some space to spare. It’s also worth noting that the bag looks very sophisticated.… All-in-all, this is the perfect bag. I’d definitely recommend purchasing it. You won’t be disappointed.” The Transport Rucksack, $215.50 at Madewell

Coowoz Large Travel Backpack Women, $36.99 on Amazon

For a more affordable option, you can turn to this travel backpack from Coowoz. The suitcase-style backpack has over 5,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. It has a waterproof exterior, padded straps, a separate shoe compartment and wet bag, a USB charging port, a luggage strap, and more. It truly does it all, just like one reviewer shared, “This backpack somehow bends the rules of physics to fit several outfits, a pair of shoes, carry-on toiletries and a few personal items. All of the compartments are really well designed, including a pocket in the back cushion that is good for anti-theft. I’ve taken this on three trips so far and the zippers and stitching are holding fast despite pushing it to its limits on an international trip.” Coowoz Large Travel Backpack Women, $36.99 on Amazon

Dakota Neoprene Backpack, $215 at Dagne Dover

We’re back with another backpack option from Dagne Dover. This one is their classic Dakota design that is simple yet effective. It is made from water-resistant Neoprene material and comes with a shoe bag and detachable neoprene pouch. Dagne Dover thought through every detail with a hidden phone pocket, padded laptop sleeve, a key clip, and five interior pockets.  Dakota Neoprene Backpack, $215 at Dagne Dover

Tumi Just in Case Nylon Travel Backpack, $150 at Nordstrom

This option from Tumi is sleek and spacious. It features a luggage sleeve, a large, two-way zippered main compartment opening and a removable pouch to add smaller belongings. It is lightweight and perfect for carrying your airplane essentials like a laptop, water bottle and snacks. Tumi Just in Case Nylon Travel Backpack, $150 at Nordstrom

Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC Pack, $199 at REI

Nothing screams “I’m ready for the outdoors” more than Patagonia gear. This backpack can transform before your eyes into a duffle with a padded extension strap that acts as a hipbelt when you’re in backpack mode. That’s not all - it also has two packing compartments with a deeper pocket for clothing and shoes and a padded second layer for your electronics. One reviewer shared their affection saying, “Love this backpack for its multi-use capabilities, love all the pocket options, and its ability to be used as a weekend traveler.” Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC Pack, $199 at REI

Cirrus, $218 at Caraa

This option from Caraa is unique in more ways than one. Its cloud-like, nylon material is not only different in texture but also made from 100% recycled material. The 4.9-rated rucksack backpack has 11 pockets, an interior power bank pocket, water-resistant and antimicrobial lining and a luggage sleeve. Not to mention it also comes with a shoe and wet pouch! Cirrus, $218 at Caraa

The Everywhere Zip Backpack, $195 at Away

Away has entered the chat. The well-known travel brand does more than just rolling carry-ons. Their backpack is a perfect example of expertise shared cross-category. It is made from water-resistant nylon and features a deep, wraparound zipper opening that extends the main compartment forward. It has a classic padded laptop pocket that is elevated with a magnetic locking zipper, a key clip, padded shoulder straps and more than we can list. Take it from one buyer, “I love everything about this backpack. Lots of space, is lightweight, and is nice looking without all the straps hanging from it. Worked really well for me traveling in Italy.” The Everywhere Zip Backpack, $195 at Away