17 Stylish and Comfy Travel Backpacks for Women

By Katie Fish
Updated: April 15, 2019
Courtesy of Retailers

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

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.

Related: 11 Stylish Mini Backpacks With Just Enough Room for the Essentials

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.

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Everlane Modern Snap Backpack

Courtesy of Everlane

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

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Knomo London Mayfair Nylon Beauchamp Backpack

Courtesy of Amazon

This sleek black nylon backpack has tons of pockets and a padded 14-inch laptop section inside.

To buy: amazon.com, $179 

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Madewell Transport Rucksack

Courtesy of Shopbop

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: shopbop.com, $198

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Caraa Cloud Stratus Backpack

Courtesy of Caraa

It doesn't get much lighter than Caraa's Cloud Stratus pack, which weighs in at just one pound. Made of an ultra-light water-resistant Italian nylon, it's the perfect pick for a minimalist.

To buy: caraasport.com, $195

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Matt & Nat Brave Vegan Leather Backpack

Courtesy of Matt & Nat

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. There are lots more colorways to choose from, too.

To buy: mattandnat.com, $150

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Lululemon On My Level Rucksack

Courtesy of Lululemon

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

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Pacsafe Slingsafe LX300 Anti-theft Backpack

Courtesy of eBags

Numerous technical components on this Pacsafe backpack will help prevent pickpocketing and bag slashing, making it one of safest bags on the market.

To buy: ebags.com, $70

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Paravel Fold-up Backpack

Courtesy of Paravel

Convenience meets style with Paravel's sporty fold-up backpack. You can personalize it with a custom embroidered monogram for just $15, too. 

To buy: tourparavel.com, $65

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Dagne Dover Dakota Large Backpack

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

Currently available in 13 colors, this chic neoprene backpack is the lightweight carry-all you've been looking for. Ideal for a weekend getaway or to use as your carry-on personal item, it's got a just-right amount organizational components and adjustable straps for maximum comfort. 

To buy: dagnedover.com, $195

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Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-theft 17L Backpack

Courtesy of eBags

Though it doesn't look like it, this bag has all of Pacsafe's thoughtful security features built in: from RFID-blocking to a cut-resistant mesh liner to the ability to lock the zippers shut.

To buy: ebags.com, $130

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VBG VBIGER Canvas Backpack

Courtesy of Amazon

Amazon reviewers are really into this retro-style canvas pack that can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop. The straps are padded and there are lots of pockets to keep your smaller sundries organized.

To buy: amazon.com, $29

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Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L Packable Pack

Courtesy of Eddie Bauer

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)

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Fjallraven Water-resistant Re-Kanken Backpack

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Sometimes a pop of color is all you need to make a gloomy day exciting.

To buy: bloomingdales.com, $90

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Tumi Hagen Backpack

Courtesy of Tumi

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 accessed from inside and out. 

To buy: tumi.com, $259 (originally $325)

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Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

Courtesy of Nordstrom

This water-resistant nylon backpack comes in 8 colors 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

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Herschel Supply Co. Little America Mid-volume Backpack

Courtesy of Nordstrom

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

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Herschel Mini Nova Backpack

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Recently released in this vibrant, tropical print, the Mini Nova from Herschel is the statement bag you need for a music festival or day of light adventuring.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $50

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