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
State Slim Lorimer Backpack
State updates a basic backpack design with a modern color-block pattern. Plus, every purchase will also deliver a backpack — packed with supplies — to an American child in need.
To buy: shopbop.com, $90
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
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: zappos.com, $179
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, $30
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
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
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 $237
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
L.L.Bean Continental Rucksack
This L.L.Bean rucksack has a retro design but has a place for everything, with outside pockets for easy access and a special interior sleeve that holds a laptop or tablet.
To buy: llbean.com, $79
Jansport Hatchet Backpack
The bold red of this Jansport backpack will elevate your style, while the practical design provides the durability and function needed for your next adventure.
To buy: amazon.com, $60
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
Coach Leather Bleecker Backpack
A leather backpack like this stylish design by Coach is great for travel, and the rugged leather will only get better with age.
To buy: coach.com, $698
Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
This bold-colored neoprene bag is versatile and spacious enough to use as a carry-on or a gym bag, but also stylish, so it can be worn around the office or toted along to dinner.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $175
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
