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The handles, stitching, and hardware are strong and dependable. Even the plastic components feel solid and well built. Unfortunately, the material isn’t as rip-proof as the bags we tested from Goruck or Patagonia. We also wish the shoulder straps had a bit more padding. However, we found that it was a lot easier to pack than the Patagonia Black Hole backpack, which lacks the open-flat main compartment you’ll find here. Finally, the excessive “The North Face” branding may be a pro or con depending on your associations with the brand.

Best Leather Travel Backpack: Nex Explorer

Overall dimensions: 12.4″ x 16.7″ x 7″ | Volume: 23L | Weight: 2.83 pounds | Warranty: None

Nex is a new luggage brand on the scene, and we’ll give it props for its great suitcases, but we think its standout product might just be its travel backpack. While the other bags we’ve highlighted here are more on the technical side, Nex’s leather joint is great for adding a touch more distinction to your travel kit. The bag is tricked out with pockets, each with its own purpose. Hell, there’s even a small pouch to put your luggage tracker in case your bag decides to go off on its own vacay. The Explorer is big enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop, which has its own compartment decked out in a protective cotton lining. Because there are so many pockets, you might end up forgetting where exactly you placed that one specific item you packed. Although the bag doesn’t fully open up, the zipper does extend far beyond where most other bags would end so that you can more easily get into the pack and find what you need.

Our tester used this bag for a five-day trip, stuffing it with overflow that he couldn’t put into his carry-on. He loved how the bag had a trolley sleeve so that it could slip onto the handle of his rolling bag, and it made it so he came back from his vacation without any back pain since the Explorer almost never left its place atop the carry-on.

Best Convertible Travel Backpack Duffle: Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag Mini

Baboon to the Moon

Go-Bag Mini 32L

Pros & Cons

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• Lightweight
• Small but still able to hold a lot

• No laptop sleeve
• Could use more external pockets

Overall dimensions: 9.5” x 18.5” x 12” | Volume: 32L | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Warranty: Lifetime

If you miss the glossy exterior of vintage Patagonia Black Hole bags, then this classic travel bag is a stylish and colorful alternative. It’s a slimmed down version of the brand’s famous duffel bag, ideally sized for weekend trips. More lightweight than similarly sized backpacks, it won’t slow you down sprinting between terminals. The Go-Bag also has plenty of pockets without totally overloading the main compartment, which is spacious enough for up to three days of clothing—if you pack light. The D-shaped opening makes it easy to pack, while quick-access pockets and wraparound daisy chain webbing let you keep EDC items close at hand.

Best Patagonia Travel Backpack: Patagonia Black Hole Backpack

Overall dimensions: 18.8″ x 11″ x 5.9″ | Volume:25L  | Weight: 1.41 pounds | Warranty: Patagonia’s ‘Ironclad Guarantee’

We went back and forth on whether to include Patagonia’s Black Hole Backpack or one of the brand’s larger duffel bags, which also come with backpack straps. Ultimately, we opted to include both for different reasons. The backpack edition of this iconic bag doesn’t open flat, and a relatively small main compartment opening at the top will make it harder to pack for weekend trips. However, we love the slick look, durability, and feature set of the backpack enough to give it the edge. It’s also surprisingly spacious given its size and slim look. As you can see in the pictures below, the Black Hole backpack has a streamlined aesthetic, and even when it’s stuffed full you won’t look like a kindergartner with a too-big backpack. (Speaking of aesthetics, we do miss the glossy exterior of vintage Black Hole bags.)

For outdoor trips, this bag has a sternum strap (which can be tricky to remove) and a TPU-coated polyester material for weather resistance. Strips of daisy chains on the straps and front panel can be used to clip on extra gear as well. We found the padded straps and back panel to be comfortable and breathable during extended use. The weight balance also impressed us. We didn’t find it to be quite as durable as the Black Hole duffels we’ve tested, but it’s tough enough to use outdoors or as your daily commuting bag. In fact, of all the bags featured here, it’s the only one we’d use on a daily basis.

Best Minimalist Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa

Cotopaxi

Pros & Cons

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• Can be toted in various ways
• Spacious
• Fully opens for easy access

• Only fits laptops up to 13 inches

Overall dimensions: 19” x 12” x 9″ | Volume: 28L | Weight: 2.62 pounds | Warranty: Lifetime Warranty

For an under $200 bag, the Allpa has a lot of impressive features.It has a suitcase-style zipper compartment, yet the back straps, sternum strap, and waist straps make it easy to carry hands-free. Like similar outdoor bags, it’s covered in a TPU-coated polyester lining. However, unlike the Voyager or Black Hole packs, Cotopaxi includes a rain cover (and a compartment to store it), a simple feature that makes a major difference if you’re actually using it outdoors. Sturdy handles on the top, bottom, and sides make it easy to pick up and stow. On the inside, mesh compartments let you organize plenty of gear and clothing (and prevent said items from falling out when you unzip). The exterior top pocket is more conveniently placed than on some other bags as well.

Cotopaxi also won us over with its colorful designs. As much as we like the all-black version, we love the color combinations available even more. Style wise, we definitely give it the edge over The North Face and Patagonia bags. We also love that the back straps and waist straps stow away. We should note that travelers with larger laptops may want to look elsewhere, as its padded laptop compartment maxes out at 13-inches. If you want something with more space than a traditional backpack but don’t want a duffel-sized bag weighing you down, the Allpa is a versatile and attractive unisex pick.

Best Trail-Ready Travel Backpack: Osprey Fairpoint Travel Backpack

Overall dimensions: 14” x 22” x 9” | Volume: 40L | Weight: 3.49 pounds | Warranty: Lifetime

Osprey’s Fairpoint backpack feels a little over-designed in places, but it’s definitely ready for hitting the trails (just check out that built-in emergency whistle on the sternum strap). The attractive and streamlined convertible bag is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, featuring padded, extra-ventilated straps and back panel, making it great for long-haul treks. A lightweight frame distributes weight and holds the bag’s shape, which is ideal for ergonomics and weight distribution but stops the bag from standing up when you set it down.

The first time you use this pack, you’ll notice it has maybe too many straps. Most of these are functional, like compression straps, sternum straps, padded waist straps, load lifter straps, adjustment straps, with a bunch of others made, presumably, to attach even more Osprey products. We do wish the bag were water-resistant, but it’s overall a comfy, light, and easy to pack travel bag. For travelers with a lot of heavy gear to haul, it’s a reliable solution.

Osprey Fairpoint Travel Backpack, tested and reviewed by Timothy Beck Werth

Osprey Fairpoint Travel Backpack, tested and reviewed by Timothy Beck Werth

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This technical backpack has a waterproof design and heavy-duty construction. It’s the kind of pack you can take around the world and back again, and even the most incompetent baggage handlers would struggle to hurt this bag. Unlike most backpacks, the GlobeRider has an internal aluminum frame to hold its shape and safeguard its contents. For your comfort, it has all-over padding for all-day wear. Finally, it earns bonus points for its many durable handles, exterior daisy chain webbing, and cool colorblocking.