Having the perfect travel backpack for women is essential for ensuring you have all the travel necessities you need when exploring the cities or hiking through exotic rainforests. Especially for us women, we cannot even begin to explain how often our boyfriends or male friends threw a bunch of stuff into a drawstring sports bag and called it good (Cringe).
Safe to say, they always end up miserable because the drawstring cords cut into their shoulders, and their stuff is a mess since there are no compartments! It’s just this big gaping hole, literally and figuratively! Maybe our friends and boyfriends are just the minority and extremely messy and carefree, but seeing them struggle brought to light the requirements that we women need from our bags.
They aren’t just travel backpacks; they are our homes away from home: containing our womanly necessities, makeup, skincare, cameras, change of clothes, important documents and tickets, food rations, and honestly, the list could go on for eternity because we pack everything neatly and strategically in our day bags.
However, we will say not every woman needs the same type of traveling backpack; for example, we need a compact, flexible backpack that is lightweight so that we can squish it in our carry-ons and then unravel it for our daily excursions.
At the same time, another woman would prioritize having different compartments for her cameras, cords, laptop, batteries, notebook, etc. Therefore, we knew it was of unparalleled importance to write an in-depth guide to the best travel backpack for women; just as we are unique from one another, so are our needs for the mini-homes we call travel backpacks.
In this guide, we will be covering the best traveling backpacks for women in various categories such as style, simplicities, compartmentalization, anti-theft, durability, and more! Plus, We made sure to include a budget-friendly option and a spendier option to choose what works for you without compromising on quality.
Best Travel Backpack For Women
How To Choose A Women’s Travel Backpack: A Buyers’ Guide
It’s an important choice when choosing a women’s travel bag, and just like most luggage, the bag does not only reflect your style but is the connection between a good day and a bad day. Some backpack designs suit some women better, and some suit others like they were born for each other. Sadly the answer is not universal, and that’s why we made a guide to buying backpacks for travel, especially centered on female buyers.
Because buying your backpack should take a lot of attention to detail. Before we dive in, we also wanted to mention the one thing to keep in mind is that when choosing a bag, you’ll want to make sure it’s unisex or specifically tailored for women because the key differences between a male backpack and a female backpack are determined because of the different sizes.
Women usually have shorter thighs and shoulders, narrower shoulder height, and waist belts adapted for women’s hip positions. We looked for bags that either was unisex or made for women, so your shopping research is a little easier now
Best Durable Traveling Backpack For Women:
*We didn’t want to compromise durability for this category, so both bags are similar in price*
Spendy: Durable Travel Backpack
REI Co-op-Trailsmith Tote:
Spec:
- 2 colors are an olive green color called fjord, and a mustard yellow called rustic gold
- Tuckable straps
- can be used as a tote
- Rugged, strong exterior made from 1,050 denier nylon
- Capacity: 26 L
- Dimensions(inches): 19 x 13 x 5
- Weight: 1 pound and 10 oz
- Torso Length Size: 16-19 inches
- The laptop sleeve compartment fits up to 15inches
- carry on compatible for most airlines (check with your airline)
- recycled polyester interior
Pros:
- Extremely rugged 1,050-denier nylon ensures the bag can withstand even the hardest conditions. You should have no problem taking this on hiking trips or trips around town.
- Separate spot for your laptop (yayy)
- Padded straps, because unpadded straps are the devil.
- 2 spots for big 32 oz water bottles on the sides of the travel backpack, or you can adjust the size of the holders to fit smaller bottles.
- Different zipper compartments, which means your bag wont to be a black hole.
- Meets bluesign® criteria for reducing the impact of textiles!
- Straps can be tucked in when not in use, and the bag can be used as a tote instead. We love this because sometimes adjustment is necessary throughout the day no matter how comfortable.
Cons:
- Spendy, typically for this size we like to stay under $80 but this is just a little over that.
- Limited color range, is not a deal-breaker but for Y it is lol
- We wish the water bottle holder had an additional strap on top to ensure it doesn’t fall out when you’re tipping over.
Spendier: Durable Womens Travel Backpack
The Northface Base Camp Duffel- xs
Click Here To Get: https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/equipment-luggage-duffels/base-camp-duffel%E2%80%94xs-nf0a52ss?variationId=ZU3
Specs:
- Comes in 5 different colors: TNF red, TNF black, Summit Gold, Rose Dawn, Kelp Tan TNF Camo Print
- Water-resistant
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Rugged exterior to endure tough environments, including double stitching, weather-resistant D-zipper, and extra bartacks.
- padded side handles
- different zippered compartment, such as inside the main compartment there is a secret mini zipper compartment.
- The side of the duffel has a mesh pocket to put more stuff
- compression straps: 4
- built-in identification tag that is water-resistant
- shoulder straps that are detachable
- Earned exploration without compromise badge, over 75% recycled material, and or other metrics listed on the product page.
- Dimensions(inches): 11x18x11
- Design: Boot is from 840D Recycled Ballistic Nylon With Non-PFC DWR Finish, and body is recycled 1000d polyester.
- Capacity: 31 L
- Weight: 2 pounds and 2.2 oz
Pros:
- padded side handles because no one likes losing circulation after holding a bag for an hour.
- A bigger capacity for fitting stuff on those longer days works especially well for hiking trips
- with rugged design so it should hold up pretty well in harsh areas.
- eco friendly!
- built-in id tag, because you never know if you’ll lose your bag
- lifetime guarantee, the Northface stands by their products.
- The good color variety for different taste
- Compression straps for compacting it down come in handy
Cons:
- water-resistant but not waterproof or weatherproof, which means you’ll have to be careful if it’s pouring rain.
- expensive
- We wish there were more compartments
- Since it’s designed to be a duffel it won’t be as comfortable as a backpack style would be.
Best Simple Lightweight Travel Bag For Women
Budget Lightweight Travel Bags For Women
REi flash 18
Click Here To Get: https://www.rei.com/product/148592/rei-co-op-flash-18-pack
Specs:
- 18L capacity
- 4 colors
- Weight: 9.5oz
- Frame: Frameless
- Dimensions(inches): 18 X 10 X 8
- Torso length: 15-21in
- Fits Waist: 26-42in
- Removable back panel
- Hydration compatible
- Can be turned inside out to use as a stuff sack
Pros:
- Compact lightweight Design
- Comes in 4 colors/ designs
- Made from recycled materials
- Bluesign approved
- Can be used with a reservoir (reservoir is not included)
- Flexible (frameless)
- Detachable hip and sternum straps
Cons:
- No side pocket water bottle holders
- No laptop sleeve compartment
- Only 1 main compartment
- Not waterproof
Spendier Lightweight Bags for Women Who Travel
Patagonia ultralight black hole tote pack
Click Here To Get: https://www.rei.com/product/155777/patagonia-ultralight-black-hole-tote-pack
Specs:
- Capacity: 27L
- 4 colors
- Weight: 13.1 oz
- Frame: Frameless
- Dimensions (inches): 15.5 X 10.25 X 8
- Made from recyclable and sustainable materials
- 2 Carrying options
Pros:
- Able to be compacted down into its pocket
- Can be used as a tote or backpack
- Flexible (frameless)
- Stretchy water bottle pockets
- Fair Trade Certified sewn
- Bluesign Approved body fabric
- Multiple compartments
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- expensive
Best Flexible Bag For Women:
Flexible Travel Bags On A Budget
Osprey Daylite Pack
Specs:
- Available in 6 colors: black, acorn, cosmic red, dream purple, medium grey, and oasis dream.
- Contains recycled material
- Airscape mesh over foam ensures ventilation and comfort.
- Eva foam through the padded harness
- whistle included
- a hip belt that can be removed
- the main compartment has a large opening to see easily into the bottom
- Works with compatible Osprey bags, so you can attach it to them
- compression straps
- 2 spots to place waterbottles
- small front pocket to put things you need in a jiffy
- This bag is compatible with a hydration reservoir up to 3 L (not included).
- Frameless
- Laptops up to 13 inches can fit inside laptop sleeve
- Dimensions (inches): 17×10.25×8
- Weight: 1 pound and 1 oz
- Capacity: 13 L
- water resistant
Pros:
- Lightweight bag and extremely flexible so you can squish it in your carry-on.
- Small enough to not be annoying for a long day in the city.
- Breathable shoulder pads and back so you don’t get all sweaty
- One of the nicer-looking bags we have found.
- Strap above the water bottle holder so your water bottles are less likely to fall out.
- eco-friendly
- Can be latched on to compatible osprey bags.
- A hydration reservoir can be used with this bag.
Cons:
- very small capacity, so you won’t be able to fit a ton in here
- only fits smaller laptops
- not waterproof
Spendier Flexible Bags For Travel
The Northface Basin 24 Pack
Click Here To Get: https://www.rei.com/product/212271/the-north-face-basin-24-pack
Specs:
- NextVent back and shoulder straps are comfy and ventilated
- available in TNF black and Banff blue
- includes a ripstop and boot to ensure the bag is positioned securely and comfortably
- included rain cover
- a small compartment in the exterior for grabbing things you need quickly
- Big main compartment for stuffing all you need for the day easily and accessibility
- 2 spots to put your water bottles!
- is compatible with a small hydration reservoir (not included)
- includes whistle
- can hold tracking poles via attachment
- frameless
- hip belt for comfort
- dimensions(inches): 19.7x11x6.7
- weight: 1 pound and 7 oz
- capacity: 24 L
- Can hold laptops up to 13 inches in laptop compartment
- 4 zipper compartments
- water repellent
- recycled nylon ripstop, and non-PFC durable finish
Pros:
- Comes with a rain cover, we wish more companies included this for free because they are super helpful when you get caught in a random downpour (looking at you, Florida).
- Good size that is not too big and not too small works perfectly for day trips!
- Flexible so we can squish hit down in our carryons
- compatible with hydration reservoirs
- well-ventilated shoulder straps and back, because eww sweaty back!
- water repellent
Cons:
- Expensive
- one main compartment, we hate digging in our bags for stuff
- material is good quality but we worry about snagging it
- we didn’t see anywhere that stated it met the criteria for eco-friendy
Disclaimer: All products suggested are based on our personal opinion of what is the best travel backpack. These product recommendations are based on information we found via research that we linked per product for where we found the information. We also have a mixture of personal usage and knowledge of what makes a good travel backpack for women because we have tried various kinds for different needs when we travel, school, and work. However, in no way are we experts or professionals on the matter, and these are merely suggestions based on our personal opinion of what is considered the “best.” Everyone’s needs are different, so these bags may or may not work out for you. Please always double-check information and specks before purchasing, as retailers and manufacturers can change them suddenly without notice.
Our Favorite Travel Day Pack For Women:
Budget Travel Backpacks:
Osprey Fairview Travel Pack Carry on
Click Here To Get: https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/fairview-travel-pack-carry-on-40-FAIRVEW40.html?sku=10001133&nulsc=true
Specs:
- Capacity: 40 Liters
- 8 colors
- 2 Sizes
- Weight: 1 lb 1oz
- Frame: Litewire peripheral frame
- Dimensions(inches): 21 X 14 X 9
- Made from bluesign approved fabrics, sustainable and durable fabrics
- Attaches to some other Osprey bags
- Removable Hipbelt
- Compression straps internal and external
- Dual side water bottle pockets
- Laptop sleeve for 15-inch laptops
- Lockable sliders on main compartment zipper (locks not included)
Pros:
- Hydration reservoir compatible
- Tablet/laptop compartment
- Flexible, lightweight design
- Has a built-in whistle on the sternum strap, you never know when you’ll need one
- Grab handle doubles as a luggage passthrough
- Designed for women YASSSSSS
- Harness and hip belt can be stowed away in a zipper compartment
- Carry on compliant with most airlines (always be sure to check as this can always change per airline)
Cons:
- No hydration reservoir compartment
- Not waterproof
Spendier Travel Bags
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel bag 40 L
Click Here To Get: https://www.patagonia.com/product/black-hole-duffel-bag-40-liters/49338.html
Specs:
- Capacity: 40L
- Available in 3 other sizes
- Multiple colors
- Weight: 2 lbs 0.8 oz
- Dimensions(inches): 21 X 13.7 X 10.6
- Frame: Frameless
- Removable shoulder straps
- Can be compacted down into its own pocket
- Made from recycled materials
- Bluesign approved body fabric
- Meets most airline carry on requirements (always be sure to check as this can always change per airline)
Pros:
- Compact flexible design
- Multiple colors
- Durable and sustainable fabrics
- Can be used as a carry on for some airlines
- Multiple carrying options
- Weather-resistant
Cons:
- No laptop sleeve or tablet compartments
- No water reservoir compartment
- No side water bottle pockets
Cute and Petite Travel Backpacks For Women
Budget:
Herschel Classic Backpack Mini
*All information found on Herschel product page linked below?*
Click here to get: https://herschel.com/shop/backpacks/classic-backpack-mini?v=10787-05025-OS
Specs:
- Available in 18 different styles and colors such as purple, flowers, rose, and more.
- zippered compartment
- the straps are adjustable
- small front pocket for all your quick grabs
- the interior is the signature Herschel stripes
- Dimensions (inches): 11x8x4.75
- Capacity: 9 L
- Weight: 0.84 pounds
- limited lifetime warranty
Pros:
- we love the simplicity of this travel bag
- extremely lightweight
- stylish design can be used for days out in the city and night outs so you don’t lose your wallet and phone!
- reputable brand Herschel is a classic
Cons:
- Only has a front pocket and the main compartment, so not much organization that you can do with this bag.
- Might be a little too small for some, however, it fits a power bank, wallet, passports, makeup, small compact umbrella, keys, AirPods, and our phones.
- not water-resistant
Spendier:
Fjallraven Kanken Mini Pack
*All Information found on FJallraven Kanken site and REi Product page both linked below ?*
Click Here To Get: https://www.rei.com/product/123736/fjallraven-kanken-mini-pack?color=ROYAL%20PURPLE
Click Here To Get: https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/bags-gear/kanken/kanken-bags/kanken-mini?v=F23561%3a%3a7323450598020
Specs:
- Available in an enormous amount of colors, too many to list lol
- lifetime repairs
- long straps that can be adjusted to fit people of all sizes
- small front pocket and side pockets
- removable foam cushion
- reflective logo
- made from vinylon f fabric
- can be a travel backpack or a bag
- built-in identification tag inside the mini bag
- water resistant
- fluorocarbon-free impregnation
- 100% polypropylene webbing
- Dimensions: 29 cm x 20cm x13cm
- Capacity: 7 L
- Weight: 220 g
Pros:
- Classic and popular mini travel backpack, we saw at least 3 of these every day in Europe and they were popular during college too!
- So many color options! Y wants to get them all lol
- Perfect size for a day out at the beach or night out with friends
- strong exterior despite our initial thoughts when we first got them.
Cons:
- mini backpack stains easily so be careful with light colors and jeans!. Y stained both bags because the straps were too long and the bag was hitting her jeans =(
- Straps can dig into your shoulders if the bag is packed too much
- the side pockets are useless because they are so small and the bag is not stretchy.
- Don’t remove the foam! We made the mistake of removing the foam thinking it was packaging ?
- expensive
Best Stylish Bags For Women:
Budget:
Augur High Capacity Canvas Vintage Backpack
*All information found on the Amazon product page linked below ?*
Specs:
- Capacity: 35L
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Dimensions (inches): 12.6 X 7.87 X 18.11
- Comes in multiple colors
- Main compartment fits a 17 inch laptop
- Hidden anti theft pocket
Pros:
- Lightweight stylish design
- Lots of compartments
- Made from durable fabrics
- Can be used for travel and everyday use because of its stylish design
- Great quality for the price
Cons:
- The soft material means it can fray or rip over time
- Also might be prone to stains, and hard to clean
- Straps are lightly padded
Spendier:
Herschel Supply Co. Eco Novel Duffel
*All information found on REIs product page that is linked below ?*
Specs:
- Capacity: 42.5 Liters
- 2 Colors
- Weight: 2 lbs 3.7 oz
- Dimensions (inches): 20.5 X 11.75 X 11
- Removable Shoulder strap
- Shoe compartment
- Made from recyclable materials
- Meets most airline carry on requirements (always be sure to check as this can always change per airline)
Pros:
- Sustainable so you feel better about your impact
- Stylish design, no wants to look cringe
- Can be used as a carry on for some airlines
- Shoe compartment to keep shoes separate
- Multiple carrying options
Cons:
- No laptop compartment
- Not waterproof, When you live somewhere where it rains 75% out of the year this is a problem
- No water bottle pockets, what????
- Not a lot of organizing compartments
Best Tech Travel Backpacks For Women:
Budget:
LOVEVOOK laptop backpack for women
*All information found on Amazon in the link below ?*
Specs:
- Available in 21 different colors (depending on the size you choose) and designs such as pink, light green, black, cow print, floral and more.
- Available in three different sizes for laptop sizes up to 17 inches (the size we are reviewing), 15.6, and 14 inches.
- nylon material
- padded staps
- Multiple pockets: electronic organizer pocket, wide open pocket, a mesh pocket, small front zipper pocket, large zip pocket, and narrow top pocket.
- USB port so you can leave your stuff in the bag while charging
- anti-theft pockets
- breathable design so you don’t get that icky feeling
- a special spot for a phone
- a special feature where it can be slid onto a luggage handle
- can be a travel backpack or held via the handle
- dimensions(inches): 16.5 x 12.5 x 6.5
- weight: 2.13 pounds
- side pocket for water bottles
Pros:
- This bag has it all with the multiple organization opportunities via the various pockets
- Clean and stylish design that works for pretty much everyone
- Made with technology in mind since they offer different sizes for different laptop sizes
- Convenient USB port for secure charging of your products near you
- Great price and great quality
- Highly rated on Amazon
- One of the best laptop backpacks we found and we searched a ton
Cons:
- We don’t know how we feel about the nylon, we worry about scuffs down the road and stains. But as long as you’re not clumsy you should be fine.
- USB port can eventually wear down and not work
- Warranty unknown
Spendier:
Nomatic Travel Pack
*All information found on the Nomatic Product site linked below?*
Specs:
- available in black
- expandable from 20L to 30 L
- includes sunglass case, travel pack, retractable key leash
- water resistant
- durable material
- ykk zippers
- straps can go from travel backpack to a briefcase-style, talk about nifty!
- magnetic water bottle sleeves
- SAfety for cards with RFID built-in storage spot
- hidden pockets
- weight: 4.16 pounds
- dimensions(inches): 18.5x12x6-9.5
- capacity 20L-30 L
- laptop compartment dimensions (inches): 16×10.5×1.5
- Tablet compartment dimensions(inches): 12.5×9.5x.5
- can slide onto luggage handles
- a spot to place your shoes
- cord pass-through for security when charging your stuff
- highly rated and featured on various sites.
Pros:
- It’s crazy how much tech travel backpacks can have in them, that we never would have even thought of as important. such as the cord pass-through, and built-in RFID technology
- Can fit clothes, a set of shoes, a laptop and a tablet! that is crazy!
- sleek professional design works for everyone
- durable material for those frequent airport conveyor belts
- tuckable straps
- The expandable size is so convenient, that this bag can serve various purposes.
- Tech pocket to organize wires and other things
Cons:
- Expensive
- We wish it was waterproof because it holds electronics and or important documents.
- Heavy bag, for those long days every pound counts
- Waist straps are not included, we recommend waist straps because they help distribute the weight better.
Best Anti-Theft Travel Bag For Women:
Budget:
SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack Travel
*All information found on the Amazons product page linked below ?*
Specs:
- Available in various colors such as purple, grey, black, red, and blue
- Capacity: 15.5 Liters
- Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
- Dimensions(inches): 14 X 10 X 6
- Meets most carry on size requirements (always be sure to check as this can always change per airline)
- Water-resistant
- Zipper tunnel locking features
- Anti-slash fabric is incorporated into the bottom of the bag, and the straps
- RFID protection
- The main compartment can hold a 13-inch laptop
Pros:
- Keeps valuables safe
- Keeps your personal information safe with RFID protection
- Can be used as a carry-on
- Lightweight and compact
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Plain school backpack look
- Unknown warranty
- Not waterproof
- Small lock
Spendier:
Pacsafe Go 15L Anti-Theft Backpack
Click Here To Get: https://pacsafe.com/collections/backpacks-1/products/pacsafe-go-15l-anti-theft-backpack
Specs:
- Capacity: 15 Liters
- Weight: 1.18 lbs
- Dimensions (inches): 14.4 X 9.8 X 5.1
- Slash guard strap
- RFID protection
- eXomesh slash guard protection
- Zipper locking and fastening features
- Water-resistant
- The main compartment fits a 13-inch laptop
- Made from recyclable materials
- Side pockets for water bottle
- Hidden storage pocket
Pros:
- Keeps your valuables and your identity safe
- Water-resistant
- Compact lightweight design
- Eco-friendly
- Built-in security via RFID protection
- The strap is made with slash guard material so it will be harder to steal.
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not waterproof
- Side pockets only fit smaller water bottles
- It says Pacsafe on the front, which kinda gives away that you’re trying to protect something ?
Best Travel Backpack For Women FAQ
Generally, a 40 L – 50 L bag will suffice for a week-long trip. Make sure to pack properly.
The safest bag to carry will have multiple straps; hold it close to your body, such as a backpack. You’ll also want it to have secured zippers and built-in locking mechanisms to prevent easy unzipping.
Yes, theft-proof backpacks have additional security measures to help prevent slashing from sharp objects and stronger zippers with zip locks to secure them. in place. This is vital for traveling in busy areas; thieves will not be able to easily open your bag without you knowing.
The best bag or purse to prevent pickpockets is a bag that has covers over the zipper compartments and locks on the zippers, as well as a slash-proof material.
You’ll want to ensure your carry-on backpack does not exceed the dimensions of your airline provider. These sizes vary across different airlines, so it’s best to check each airline before flying.
Pacsafe specializes in making anti-theft backpacks, and the modern and stylish designs are also popular with women.
The best-size backpack to travel with will depend on the type of travel you are doing and how long you’ll be traveling for, but generally, a 40 L bag is a safe bet.
Your carry-on bag should not exceed the dimensions of 45 linear inches, so something that adds up to this range will be your max. Keep in mind airlines have slowly started to enforce this rule more often now.
A tsa friendly backpack is a bag that is easily asseible for tsa. if you put an unapproved tsa lock. onit, it would not be tsa approved.
If you loved this post and found it informative, then you should check out our other guides and product reviews for travel! Will we link them below ?
Love this list! Currently doing a research on a backpack for my next trip, and you have some great suggestions
Great list. I have a North Face Recon backpack specifically for women and love it, though I am looking for additional options for my photography needs.
I am actually looking for a new backup so this article is very useful! Thank you very much 🙂
Great list! this has been helpful to decide as I am planning a very long trip and I need something like a light backpack! Thanks for sharing
This is so helpful! It can be difficult to find a backpack suiting all of your needs, but you laid out the pros and cons of each nicely. I personally like carrying around a mini backpack during the day, and thus the Herschel Classic Backpack Mini would be a perfect fit for me.
Great blog! Definitely very informative 🙂
This is such a helpful post! I think having a backpack specifically designed for women has made such a difference for me.
Definitely bookmarking this page for my next purchase. One can never have enough backpacks!
What a helpful post! I love traveling with backpack, they’re much more practical than trolleys and other types of luggage 🙂