Ah, the travel backpack. There’s something so freeing about traveling with only one bag on your back and nothing in your hands. When I was younger, I’d almost always picked a travel backpack over a checked suitcase due to the sheer practicality of ’em.
Traveling with a backpack forces you to cut down on many of the unnecessary things you probably won’t even use on your travels. With one bag, you’re able to easily move from location to location, always having just enough and never too much.
And then, there’s the carry-on. I find them equally as convenient as the backpack for short weekend trips. You just toss it into the overhead compartment of a plane, and voila! Nothing more to worry about.
When the flight lands, you just grab the bag and be on your merry way out of the airport. The last thing you want to do is spend an extra 30-45 minutes waiting for your luggage at baggage claim, especially when you could be using that time to explore.
Checked luggage? My least favorite. It costs extra money to check a bag, you’ve gotta arrive at the airport early, and you’re stuck at baggage claim for longer than you want to be.
If you’re also team travel backpack / carry-on, investing in something that’s high-quality and long-lasting is the way to go. But this is the hard part. There are bags literally everywhere, by every brand you could possibly think of.
That’s why I’ve narrowed it down to a handful of travel bags that I swear by, thanks to their minimalist style, durability, and quality.
If you’re looking for a specific type of travel bag, you can jump to these sections:
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CARRY-ON SUITCASES WE LOVE
Monos Carry-On Pro
If you all don’t already know, I own Monos everything. Carry-on, duffel bag, packing cubes, backpack — you name it. I love the sleek design of their travel gear and the fact that they’re a responsible, eco-friendly brand.
Let’s talk carry-ons though; I recommend all of them. They have a few different designs and sizes, but the quality and craftsmanship is the same.
The Monos Carry-On is the standard option and also the most affordable suitcase offered by the brand. It comes equipped with all the staple features of a quality suitcase (unbreakable polycarbonate shell, sturdy telescopic handle, TSA-approved lock, whisper-quiet wheels, and all-premium materials).
The Carry-On Plus is one size up. You get a bit of extra space, yet it’s still small enough to fit in the plane overhead compartments.
The Monos Carry-On Pro (pictured above) has a neat feature that I really love – there’s an additional zippered compartment on the front of the luggage. This external compartment features a 15” laptop sleeve and three additional zippered pouches for all the other little things you may want easy access to.
Paravel Aviator Carry-On
I’m personally a huge fan of Paravel. All of Paravel’s travel gear is not only made of sustainable recycled materials but also has durable construction and sleek design. I mean, have you seen the suitcases? Classic and sophisticated, to say the least!
The bestselling item from this brand is its carbon-neutral Aviator Carry-On, another suitcase that I own and love! I’ve had this bag for 5+ years now and it’s still as sturdy as it was on day one.
Pricewise, it’s an investment, sure. But just like the others on this list, this suitcase is meant to last you a very long time. Plus, Paravel suitcases come with a 10-year limited warranty which covers manufacturing defects.
All of Paravel’s suitcases are flight regulation-friendly. There are 2 different carry-on sizes fit to fly in different ways:
- Aviator Carry-On | designed to fit in the overhead bin of almost any flight, anywhere in the world.
- Aviator Carry-On Plus | provides more room and fits nicely in the overhead compartment of major US airlines, but may need to be checked on smaller planes. I have this one, and I haven’t run into any planes where it hasn’t fit!
It’s currently available in eight different colors. All of the color combos are extremely elegant, classy, and stylish.
Sterling Pacific Cabin Travel Case
When you think of a luxury aluminum suitcase, Rimowa might come to mind first—but after getting my hands on this 40L Cabin Travel Case, I’ve deemed that Sterling Pacific is in a league all its own.
If you’re a frequent flyer or a business traveler looking for that “buy it for life” luggage, Sterling Pacific offers just that.
While other brands cut corners with plastic parts, Sterling Pacific has done away with them entirely. Every component is crafted from premium materials, like high-grade aluminum, ensuring these suitcases can handle a lifetime of travel—literally. They even back it up with a lifetime warranty, so you know they’re built to last.
You’ll be captivated by the small yet thoughtful details—like the full-grain Italian aniline leather handles that feel as luxurious as they look, or the TSA double combination latch locks that’ll deter anyone from getting into this suitcase without your permission.
And for those who love a sleek, modern vibe, Sterling Pacific now offers an all-black version of their iconic suitcase. It’s the same impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail, but with a bold, sophisticated edge that’s impossible to ignore.
Starting at $2,000, Sterling Pacific isn’t for everyone, but it could be the perfect companion for travelers who refuse to compromise on quality, security, or style.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SMALLER? They also have a 35L Cabin Travel Case, another fan favorite.
WEEKENDERS / TRAVEL DUFFELS WE LOVE
Monos Metro Duffel
This is a personal staple of mine — the Monos Metro Duffel. This lovely (and surprisingly spacious bag) is designed with style and functionality in mind, featuring a sleek and minimalist design that pairs perfectly with a carry-on suitcase.
The Monos Metro Duffel is my go-to bag when I’m just traveling for 2-3 days or when I need a bit more capacity than what can fit inside my carry-on suitcase.
Because it’s got a luggage handle pass-through sleeve, it’s able to sit on top of a wheeled suitcase without toppling over, so you can be hands-free while commuting through airports and hotels.
We love how thoughtful the bag’s compartments and pockets are. The duffel has a large main compartment that can accommodate all your essentials for a weekend getaway, but also a variety of other pockets for easy organization, including a padded laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 15-inch laptop.
Another perk? The Metro Duffel acts like a 2-for-1 special. The bag consists of the Metro Duffel (the big bag itself) and the Metro Classic Kit (the detachable zippered pouch in the front of the bag).
Bellroy Weekender
Bellroy is one of our favorite brands because of just how high-quality and thoughtfully designed their pieces are. The Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L is no exception.
We love it because its got functional pockets in all the best places, plus in comes in simple earthtone colors that are easy on the eyes.
Its sleek barrel shape keeps things clean and simple, while snap-down ends let you open it wide for easy packing. Need quick access? There’s an external pocket with a key clip for your essentials.
Inside, thoughtful details like slip pockets and a raised mesh zip compartment keep smaller items secure and organized. Strong, rolled-edge handles and grab loops at both ends make it easy to haul, and the detachable padded shoulder strap keeps things comfy on the go.
Plus, the luggage pass-through and storm flap-protected zip make it a traveler’s dream.
TRAVEL BACKPACKS WE LOVE
WHY I LOVE TRAVEL BACKPACKS – Most backpacks tend to be lighter than standard luggage (yet still very durable) and smaller, too — usually fitting neatly beneath the seat in front of you.
Plus, it serves multiple purposes. You can easily take your carry-on backpack from the airport to your day out in the city, to the beach, and beyond. A good travel pack will have tons of pockets, providing you with a place to store everything. The ultimate blend of functionality and organization!
Here are some of our favorite brands/products in this category.
Bellroy Transit Backpack
Best for: Weekend trips, work trips, minimalists
It’s no secret that we love everything Bellroy, which is why this had to be our first recommendation. The Bellroy Transit Backpack is the perfect backpack for the modern traveler.
This weather-resistant backpack is designed with organization and convenience in mind, featuring a spacious 28-liter capacity that can accommodate all your essentials for a day trip or even a long weekend getaway.
One of the standout features of the Transit Backpack is its functional touches. The full-zip clamshell opening allows for easy accessibility without needing to rummage and make a mess of your belongings, and the large quick-access front pocket fits things like A5 notebooks and small tablets.
The backpack also has two features we love: a padded laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 16-inch laptop and–our #1 must-have feature–a luggage pass-through strap.
Plus, look at its sleek design! Modern indeed.
Need a larger backpack? The Bellroy Transit Backpack is also available in a 38-liter size (great for longer trips and extended stays).
Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Backpack
Best for: People who want peace of mind with anti-theft tech
The Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Travel Backpack is another one of those super intentionally-made backpacks made for the modern adventurer.
This backpack is designed with security in mind, featuring anti-theft technology that’ll give you peace of mind that your belongings are safe and secure: puncture-resistant interlocking zippers that can be locked with a padlock, cut-resistant straps, fabric reinforced with a steel mesh inlay, and RFID-blocking pockets to protect your sensitive information.
With a spacious 45-liter capacity, the Pacsafe EXP45 is perfect for long trips and extended stays. The main compartment is roomy enough to hold all your essentials, while the external compression straps work to keep the bag compact when you’re ready to fly.
The water-resistant backpack also has our two must-haves for a quality pack: a luggage pass-through and a padded laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 16-inch laptop.
We also love that it comes with a 5-year Pacsafe warranty!
Available Sizes: 45L (The Pacsafe GO line comes in 34L and 44L options)
WANDRD – The PRVKE Bag
Best for: People who travel with camera gear
Calling all travel photography enthusiasts out there!
The PRVKE Pack is an award-winning camera-friendly travel bag that’s been praised for its innovative design and high-quality materials. In fact, it’s even been featured and recommended by the likes of Forbes, USA Today, and National Geographic.
Best of all? The WANDRD team recently made a ton of new updates to this bestselling backpack line.
Expect new and improved features including the hidden passport pocket, a luggage pass-through strap, stronger magnets in the tote handles, updated zipper u-pullers, and velcro-and-roll cinch strap webbing organization.
We also love that it’s all-weather-friendly. While the bag isn’t submerge-proof, the weather-resistant materials and zippers make it as close to ‘waterproof’ as you can get!
You’ll need to head on over to their site for a full list of all the new features because the list is HEFTY.
Available Sizes: 21L, 31L, 41L
Osprey Farpoint and Fairview
Best For: Multi-week trips, backpacking, cobblestoned destinations
Two of my favorite travel backpacks are the Osprey Farpoint and the Osprey Fairview — they’re both essentially the same backpack but the Fairview is slightly tweaked to better fit women.
The Farpoint and Fairview are two of the most fully-featured travel backpacks on the market because they incorporate many features that you’d find in a traditional hiking pack, but it’s marketed as a travel bag as well. Gotta love these multipurpose backpacks!
They have multiple sizes available, which is awesome for trip customization (40L, 55L, 70L, 80L).
Both backpacks have Osprey’s beloved frame suspension system, which transfers the load from harness to hipbelt. This design helps reduce shoulder and upper back pain by distributing the weight evenly across your hips, making it much more comfortable for long days of travel or hiking.
If you get the larger sizes, they come with a zip-off daypack which is an incredible 2-in-1 feature. On transit days, you can use the attached daypack for additional storage; then at your destination, you can unhook it and use it for your city exploration or day trips needs!
Available Sizes: 40L, 55L, 65L (wheeled option), 70L
Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Luggage 80-Liter
Best For: Multi-week trips, month-long trips, heavier loads
The Osprey Sojourn 80L is the ultimate multi-tasker made for people who want the best of both worlds. It can be wheeled or carried as a backpack!
Rolling luggage is great, but sometimes the terrain is too rough and you need a backpack. The Osprey Sojourn’s got you covered.
If you’re one to pack heavier loads when traveling, this is the perfect travel companion for you. This luggage is designed with the long-term traveler in mind, featuring a spacious 80-liter capacity that can accommodate all your essentials for longer trips.
The backpack also features a sturdy aluminum frame that can support heavy loads. Just like the two Osprey packs above, the Sojourn comes with a detachable daypack, which can be used separately for shorter excursions.
Osprey Aura 65 Women’s Backpacking Pack
Best for: ladies on backpacking trips or longer adventures abroad
This is another one of my personal favorites when it comes to backpacking trips! (Also, can you tell I’m a huge fan of Osprey yet?)
The Aura 65 Backpacking Pack (the men’s version is the Atmos) has a rather spacious 65-liter capacity, making it perfect for extended trips abroad as well as overnight backpacking trips.
The design features are what make this backpack a game-changer for trips that involve long walks from train stations to hotels or multi-day hikes: the padded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps make it easy to customize the fit, while the hip belt provides extra support to take the load off your shoulders—something I really appreciate when I’m carrying gear for hours.
What I love most is the Anti-Gravity suspension system, which not only makes the pack feel lighter but also hugs your body comfortably, making heavy loads much easier to manage.
This is by far my favorite feature, especially when it comes to commuting from city to city on travel adventures in Europe or Asia!
Available Sizes: 50L, 65L
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