The Most Stylish and Comfortable Travel Backpacks for Women

Best Overall: Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

View at Everlane ($75)

Why We Love It: It's so stylish, it makes even sweatpants and a hoodie look chic.
What to Consider: The material is soft, so it's a bit floppy when empty.

This backpack may be incredibly sleek and stylish, but it's more than just a fashionable accessory to tote around. Featuring a water-resistant finish, a luggage handle pass-through strap, and seven pockets including one for a 15-inch laptop, this backpack is a must-have for everything from travel to daily commutes to errands around town. And that's exactly why it's our top pick — while most backpacks offer a pocket or two and a sleeve for a small laptop, the ReNew truly gives you space for everything, including an oversized laptop. You can tell it was designed with travel in mind, but it works as an everyday bag as well thanks to its durable build. Not to mention, it's made entirely of recycled materials, and it's super easy to clean.

Material: Recycled polyester | Dimensions: 17.5 x 12 x 7.25 inches

Best for Organization: Monos Metro Backpack

View at Monos ($215)

Why We Love It: It opens clamshell style, so you can easily find what you're looking for.
What to Consider: The straps are only lightly padded.

This monochromatic pack is two bags in one thanks to a small Metro Classic Kit attached to the front. The backpack itself features plenty of interior compartments, including a zippered pouch, a mesh pocket, a privacy compartment for clothes, and a felt sleeve that fits laptops up to 15 inches long. The Metro Classic Kit perfectly stows away a phone, passport, powerbank, and keys. Both bags are made of water-resistant and scratch-resistant materials.

Material: Vegan leather, nylon | Dimensions: 15.9 x 11.4 x 6.6 inches

Best Drawstring Top: Madewell Transport Rucksack

View at Madewell ($228)

Why We Love It: The leather is designed to burnish with wear, so it just looks better over time.
What to Consider: It's on the pricier side.

This timelessly gorgeous rucksack deserves a place in every wardrobe — especially if you're often on the go. The bag features a trendy drawstring top with a stud-closure flap for extra security, while an external pocket and three internal pockets expertly hide away all your essentials. The rucksack even received a coveted Gold Rating from the Leather Working Group, which promotes sustainable practices in the leather industry.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 14.5 x 10.5 x 7 inches

Related: Packable Backpacks for Travelers Who Always Bring Home More Than They Packed

Best Lightweight: Caraa Cloud Stratus Backpack

View at Caraa Sport ($160)

Why We Love It: It's one of the lightest options on the market.
What to Consider: It's on the larger side.

It doesn't get much lighter than Caraa's Cloud Stratus pack, which weighs in at just one pound. Made of an ultra-light waterproof Italian nylon, it's the perfect pick for minimalists, travelers, and frequent gym-goers. While it makes the perfect carry-on thanks to its built-in luggage strap, laptop sleeve, and multitude of pockets, it's also collapsible, so you can easily pack it away. Snag it in half a dozen colors, including silver and neon yellow.

Material: Nylon, vegan leather | Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 5 inches

Best Vegan: Matt & Nat Brave Vegan Backpack

View at Matt & Nat ($195)

Why We Love It: The material is so sleek, it could pass for leather.
What to Consider: The skinny straps may not be quite as comfy on the shoulders as wider straps.

This neutral and uniquely boxy pick is lined with a vegan, eco-friendly nylon made from 100 percent recycled water bottles — which comes as no surprise, considering Matt & Nat is a completely vegan and cruelty free company. The backpack has a compartment for your 15-inch laptop and three interior pockets for items like phones, keys, pens, and small electronics. We love the olive shade, but there are three other rich colors to choose from, too.

Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 16.5 x 13 x 5.75 inches

Most Versatile: Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack

View at Lululemon ($128)

Why We Love It: You can use it as a gym bag one day and a travel carry-on the next.
What to Consider: Lululemon recommends spot cleaning only.

The perfect commuting bag, this water-repellant backpack can fit a 16-inch laptop and so much more. Several interior pockets hold small items like your phone and wallet, and the bottom compartment separates your dirty gym clothes from your lunch and other essentials. Reinforced shoulder straps allow you to comfortably carry a heavy load all day, while a luggage strap converts the backpack into a carry-on. No matter where you're headed, the City Adventurer makes the journey easier.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 16.1 x 11.4 x 7.1 inches

Best Foldable: Paravel Fold-up Backpack

View at Paravel ($65)

Why We Love It: You can take it with you virtually anywhere thanks to its compact size when folded down.
What to Consider: The material is, understandably, much softer and more pliable than that of other options on our list.

Convenience meets style in this sporty fold-up backpack from Paravel. While expanded, the sturdy pack fits everything from a 15-inch laptop to a day's worth of clothes — but when it's not in use, it folds down into a small, 6- by 6-inch pouch. Each backpack is made using 15 recycled plastic water bottles, and the whole thing weighs less than a pound when empty. You can personalize it with a custom embroidered monogram for just $15, too.

Material: Nylon| Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 9 inches

Related: The Most Stylish Mini Backpacks With Just Enough Room for the Essentials

Best for Personalization: State Lorimer Backpack

View at State Bags ($110)

Why We Love It: If you've ever longed for a backpack featuring cartoon hot dogs, rocket ships, or croissants, this one can make that happen.
What to Consider: While it is water-resistant, it's not fully waterproof.

This simple-yet-stylish backpack is made of durable material you can personalize with monograms, patches, and fun symbols like roller skates or palm trees. But no matter how you customize the outside of the bag, the inside will always impress with a 13-inch laptop sleeve, a spacious main compartment, and plenty of interior and exterior pockets. The feature we love most? The sneaky side zipper entry that allows you to grab what's in the bottom of your bag without having to rummage.

Material: Nylon, polyester | Dimensions: 16.93 x 12.6 x 5.12 inches

Best Anti-theft: Pacsafe Citysafe CX Backpack

View at Amazon ($115-$246)

Why We Love It: You can travel essentially worry-free when you've got this backpack in tow.
What to Consider: The main zippered compartment is a bit rigid and requires both hands to zip and unzip.

You'd never know by looking at it, but this bag has all of Pacsafe's thoughtful security features built in: RFID-blocking technology, a cut-proof mesh liner, and interlocking zippers to name a few. In addition, the backpack also boasts a padded laptop sleeve, two card slots, an expandable umbrella or water bottle pocket on each side, and plenty of interior pockets. We love the style and that it comes in several trendy hues.

Jamie Hergenrader, Editorial Director of commerce content at Travel + Leisure, has owned this bag for years and takes it on most trips. It's also her go-to bag for work. "Whether I'm riding the subway to work or transiting around on a trip, I feel like my belongings are safe," she says. "I particularly love the subtle zipper security on both exterior pockets, meaning someone can't quickly unzip to access anything. I also like the feature that allows me to hook one of the straps to a stationary object (like a chair leg or a pole on public transit) for extra security." She also appreciates the trolley sleeve for slipping it over the telescopic handle of a suitcase.

Material: Nylon, polyester | Dimensions: 15.4 x 10.6 x 6.3 inches

Best Budget: Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L Packable Pack

View a Eddie Bauer ($30) 

Why We Love It: It's affordable, versatile, and folds down into a tiny, practical carrying case.
What to Consider: It's not available in neutral colors like black or beige.

If you need a backpack with sufficient features that won't hurt your wallet, consider this option from Eddie Bauer. It's lightweight, water-repellant, and equipped with plenty of exterior and interior pockets. It even features four loops on the front for a carabiner or clip light attachment. When you're not using the pack, you can fold it up into a handy little carrying case that easily stows away.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 9 inches

Best Eco-friendly: Fjallraven Water-resistant Re-Kanken Backpack

View at Amazon ($85-$90)

Why We Love It: Its production process uses less water, energy, and chemicals than similar backpacks.
What to Consider: It's one of the smaller backpacks on our list.

This rectangular bag is so sleek and stylish, you'd never guess it's made entirely of polyester recycled from plastic water bottles (11 of them, to be exact). It's got a spacious main compartment, a front pocket with a zipper, and two side pockets for easy transport of water bottles, umbrellas, or other essentials. Unlike most backpacks, it boasts dual top snap handles so you can carry it with one hand without discomfort or worrying it'll break. It's available in several colors ranging from black to electric blue.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 14.9 x 10.6 x 5.1 inches

Related: 5 Travel Bags for Every Type of Trip, According to a T+L Editor

Best Luxury: Tumi Hilden Backpack

View at Tumi ($345)

Why We Love It: It has a pocket for everything.
What to Consider: It's the most expensive option on our list.

This pack by Tumi manages to look polished and practical at the same time, making it easy to pair with both comfy travel clothes and more stylish looks for exploring cities. It's got room for a 13-inch laptop, a change of clothes, and all your other belongings thanks to a crazy amount of pockets, including one that can be accessed from the inside and outside of the bag. It also features a sturdy luggage strap, a waterproof finish, and an option for monogramming.

Material: Nylon, leather | Dimensions: 14.3 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches

Best Mini: Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

View at Nordstrom ($125)

Why We Love It: It's compact yet spacious.
What to Consider: It's too small to fit a laptop.

If you typically travel light, this cute mini pack by Longchamp may be the pick for you. At just 12 inches tall, it's the smallest option on our list, but it packs a powerful punch. Constructed with a surprisingly roomy main compartment and an interior pocket, the little backpack offers ample room to fit everything you need for a day of travel or commuting. It also has a water-resistant lining and leather trim, meaning it's equally functional and stylish.

Material: Nylon, leather | Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 3.75 inches

Best Fleece-lined: Herschel Supply Co. Little America Mid-volume Backpack

View at Herschel Supply Co. ($100)

Why We Love It: Its leather straps, metal pin buckles, and striped interior liner make it look and feel like a luxury item.
What to Consider: Its minimalistic design features less pockets than other backpacks on our list.

You may be wondering why fleece is necessary on a backpack. Well, on this particular bag, the fleece lining is in the laptop sleeve — which means your computer will remain free of scratches, dents, and weather-related damage while you're on the go. The backpack also features a zip front pocket, a drawstring closure, and unique magnetic fastened straps that help keep the bag secure.

Material: Polyester, leather | Dimensions: 16.25 x 11 x 5.25 inches