One of the most important things a traveler can find is the perfect backpack. Like any great travel companion, your pack will be with your through all of your adventures—near, far, urban, outdoors—so you want to make sure that it has all the qualities you need most (just like your favorite travel shoes). Something that is comfortable enough to tote around all day, lightweight enough so that it won’t break your back after a few hours, and also something stylish enough that you feel attractive and confident throughout your trip.
Related: 11 Stylish Leather Backpacks for Women
Backpacks are more than just the school bag of your past; they're the best bag for walking around a new city, an amusement park, hiking, or even as an alternative to luggage. No matter what your planned activity, there is a style for you. Whether you are looking for a sporty utilitarian one, or a more compact design with a pop of color, a backpack is the perfect bag to carry while on the go. By using a rucksack, you can distribute the weight of everything you want to carry, which means back pains aren’t an issue. Also while using a backpack, the degree of mobility is increased, so no more personal items spill out when you bend over.
We saved you a boatload of personal research and scoured the market for what's available. Here are our picks for the best backpacks for traveling, whether you are looking to take a week-long escape, a weekend getaway, a day trip, or just a short hike in a nearby recreational area. Read on to see our favorite stylish traveling packs for women.
Filson Rucksack
In case of rain, this Filson backpack has a cotton oil–finish rugged twill for water-resistant protection. It also comes in tan and black.
To buy: zappos.com, $350
Knomo London Mayfair Nylon Beauchamp Backpack
This sleek black nylon backpack has tons of pockets and a padded 14-inch laptop section inside.
To buy: amazon.com, $179
Madewell Transport Rucksack
This Madewell rucksack has plenty of pockets inside and out and is made with a beautiful Italian vegetable-tanned leather that will only look better with wear.
To buy: madewell.com, $198
Everlane Modern Snap Backpack
Everlane has made this stylish snap flap backpack using a strong cotton twill and leather lining, giving it a sophisticated touch for your next trip.
To buy: everlane.com, $68
Matt & Nat Brave Faux Leather Backpack
This boxy, neutral pick is actually lined with an eco-friendly nylon made from recycled water bottles. It has two side-slip compartments and a special pocket inside that's sized to fit your phone.
To buy: zappos.com, $116
Tumi Hagen Backpack
This pack by Tumi manages to be both polished and rugged at the same time, making it super transitional. It's got a padded laptop sleeve and a water-resistant pocket for your water bottle that can be access from inside and out.
To buy: tumi.com, $225 (originally $425)
Doughnut Montana Water-repellent Backpack
Don't let the throwback style fool you: this pack has plenty of features. It's lightweight; the straps are comfortably padded; and it includes a detachable pouch you can use as a casual clutch. It's also available in a dozen more colors.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $79
Herschel Supply Co. Little America Mid-Volume Backpack
This Herschel pack has a fleece lined laptop sleeve pocket, as well as ventilated mesh back padding, to keep you cool while on the go.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $100
Pacsafe Slingsafe LX300 Anti-Theft Backpack
This Pacsafe backpack helps prevent pickpocketing and bag slashing, making it one of safest bags on the market.
To buy: ebags.com, $70
Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack
This water-resistant nylon backpack comes in 13 colorways and folds down flat in case you'd like to pack it to use as a day bag on your trip.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $125
Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L Packable Pack
When you don't need this ultralight bag, it packs away into one of its front pockets for easy storage. It's also water-resistant and outfitted with four D-rings for toting along extra gear.
To buy: eddiebauer.com, $15 (originally $30)
Fjallraven Water-resistant Re-Kanken Backpack
Sometimes a pop of color is all you need to make a gloomy day exciting.
To buy: bloomingdales.com, $90
Osprey Women's Aura 65 AG Backpack
When it comes to hiking, a good pack can go a long way. Use this design by Osprey for your next outdoor adventure.
To buy: amazon.com, from $240
Lululemon On My Level Rucksack
The perfect commuting bag — this one can fit a 13-inch laptop and so much more. There are tons of pockets to keep you organized. And side and top access points make it super convenient to get to what you need.
To buy: lululemon.com, $148
