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Best Backpack

If you're a frequent traveler, you appreciate the ability to efficiently fill a single pack and be on your way. With built-in organizers, space-saving compression straps and expansion panels (and don't forget the laptop sleeves), these backpacks make it easy to stow all your gear. With designs ranging from sleek to rugged, our list includes a range of quality backpacks to meet any taste.

These 10 travel backpacks were selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.


Away Convertible

1. Away Convertible Backpack 25L

The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 25L from Away is perfect for day trips, hikes or road trips. Dual compression systems help you make the most of the space, as do multiple pockets. The bag converts from backpack to duffle with easy grab handles, and it includes a water bottle pocket and padded laptop sleeve. Made from recycled, water-resistant materials, it protects your belongings wherever you go.


Matein Backpack

2. Matein NTE Laptop Backpack

The Matein NTE Laptop Backpack provides great value for its price point with a durable, water-resistant exterior, plenty of pockets for your gear (including an anti-theft pocket) and ample space for any weekend trip. The laptop sleeve/compartment is TSA friendly, and the pack includes an external USB charging port and an internal USB charging cable to help keep you powered up as you're on the go. You can pick the size that meets your needs and the color that suits your style.


Thule Subterra Backpack

3. Thule Subterra Backpack 34L

A sleek option for an everyday travel backpack, the Thule Subterra includes a removable packing cube to organize your gear in the main compartment. Dedicated compartments are set aside for your electronics, including a 15-inch laptop sleeve and charger pocket. Traveler-friendly features include a quick-access side panel, an exterior zippered pocket and a pass-through sleeve to attach to rolling luggage.


Eddie Bauer Backpack

4. Eddie Bauer Voyager 3.0 Backpack 30L

A great travel backpack, the Voyager 3.0 by Eddie Bauer provides the efficiency frequent travelers want. It includes dual access to the main compartment, multiple storage pockets, including a laptop sleeve, and a hideaway panel to cover belongings. A luggage handle pass-through makes for easy attachment to your rolling luggage.


Cotopaxi

5. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

A carry-on compatible backpack, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack provides a spacious interior with built-in organization for easy trip prep. Other helpful features include anti-theft zippers, tuck-away straps, a padded laptop sleeve and a side handle as an alternative carry option, not that you'll need the latter with the weight-distributing low-profile harness. An array of colorful options is available with contrasting trim.


Everlane

6. Everlane's The ReNew Transit Backpack

A smaller option perfect for weekend getaways or an air-travel personal item, the ReNew Transit Backpack offers a stylish choice in a variety of muted earthtones. This lightweight pack from Everland includes zippered exterior pockets, an exterior laptop sleeve and two water bottle holders. It's also made from mostly recycled/renewed materials, making it a good choice for the environment.


Osprey

7. Osprey Sojourn Porter

As a carry-on travel backpack, Osprey's Sojourn Porter includes several handy features, such as a padded laptop sleeve, internal compression straps to keep loads under control and an easily stowable harness and hipbelt. The Airscape back panel keeps you cool while jaunting through the airport. Efficient packers can also fit a week's worth of clothing, and shoppers can pick from a wider variety of colors than typical for high-end backpacks.


Pacsafe

8. Pacsafe Anti-Theft Backpack

A great option for safety-conscious travelers, the Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Carryon Backpack boasts an array of anti-theft features, including cut-resistant fabric, lockable zippers, exterior locks to anchor down your bag and special safety pockets for personal documents. The bag contains a lot of standard travel benefits as well, such as comfortable straps, numerous pockets and a convenient clamshell design. Bonuses: it comes in two sizes and uses recycled materials.


Vancropak

9. Vancropak 40L Travel Backpack

An affordable and sturdy option, the Vancropak 40L Travel Backpack opens like a suitcase and packs a lot in with interior compression straps and multiple pockets. Exterior straps and zippers can expand the case for an additional two inches of storage space, and anti-theft features help keep your belongings secure. Padded straps make for comfortable carrying and can be stowed when not needed.


ebags

10. eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack

An affordable and lightweight alternative to a traditional suitcase, the Mother Lode Travel Backpack is chock-full of strategic pockets and compartments (laptop, boarding pass, etc.) in addition to its generous storage capacity. It's also expandable thanks to the compression straps, making it possible to fit all you need for your trip.


About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards


Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.


Panel of Experts


Jan Shroeder

Jan Schroder is an Atlanta-based travel writer and Editor-in-Chief of The Travel 100, a monthly digital publication. She also publishes the Girl on the Go blog. An award-winning journalist, Jan is a former newspaper columnist and author of several books. During her freelance career she contributed to Fodor's, Orbitz, ShermansTravel, WestJet Magazine and Global Traveler magazine. Dancing the tango in Argentina and hiking in the Azores are at the top of her bucket list. Follow her @janschroder.


Heather Raulerson

Heather Raulerson is a freelance travel writer and photographer who left a traditional 9-5 job to explore the world. She spent a year backpacking through Europe and Asia, even living in Thailand for 4 months. A lover of SLOW travel and getting to know the local culture, Heather is always exploring with her camera. She has been featured in several publications. Follow her adventures at raulersongirlstravel.com.


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Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.