Best backpacks 2024

Backpacks are an everyday essential for hikers and holidaymakers alike, as well as commuters up and down the country.

We test the best travel backpacks for comfort, durability and ease of packing. We also measure how much usable space each bag has in the main compartment compared to manufacturer claims.

As well as our rigorous tests at Which? HQ, we take each backpack on trips across London to see how they fare when out and about. 

Our three Best Buy backpack recommendations stand out from others at the back of the pack – including one cheaper backpack that we've named our Great Value pick.

The best backpacks for travel and days out

Only logged-in Which? members can view the backpack test results below. 

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The backpacks we tested 

All the backpacks we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best backpacks from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Berghaus Unisex Trailbyte 30 

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Capacity 30 litres

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Need to know 46 x 32 x 18cm (HxWxD), chest strap, padded laptop and phone pockets, two side pockets, top loading 

Fjallraven Travel Pack 

Available from Fjallraven (£220)

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Capacity 35 litres

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Need to know 49 x 33 x 20cm (HxWxD), interior packing cube style, 15" laptop pocket, padded leather handle, clamshell loading

Herschel Kaslo Backpack Tech 30L

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Capacity  30 litres 

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Need to know 49 x 36 x 18cm (HxWxD), two side pockets, felt-lined 15/16" laptop pocket, chest strap, luggage trolley sleeve, clamshell loading

Mountain Warehouse Legion Laptop Bag 35L

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Capacity 35 litres 

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Need to know 52 x 30 x 23cm (HxWxD), rain cover, padded 15" laptop pocket, chest and waist straps, clamshell loading 

North Face Recon Day Backpack

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Capacity 30 litres 

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Need to know 49 x 29 x 19cm (HxWxD), laptop pocket, two external side pockets, chest strap and removable waist belt, top loading

Planning an outdoor adventure? Take a look at our recommendations for the best tents, best sleeping bags and best camping chairs.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

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Capacity 40 litres 

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Need to know 56 x 32 x 23cm (HxWxD), stowaway harness and hip belt, padded top and side handles, compatible with Farpoint daypack, whistle on chest strap, clamshell loading

Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L

Available from Patagonia (£155)

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Capacity 32 litres 

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Need to know 51 x 27 x 21cm (HxWxD), padded 15" laptop pocket, two external side pockets, chest strap, top loading 

Quechua NH Escape 500 (32L)

Available from Decathlon (£44.99)

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Capacity  32 litres

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Need to know 50 x 28 x 23cm (HxWxD), 17" laptop and 15" tablet pockets, 6.8" phone pocket, two external side pockets, strap to connect to suitcase, chest and waist straps, clamshell loading

Check out the best walking boots and waterproof jacket brands, as well as the best vacuum and thermos flasks.

Stubble & Co: The Adventure Bag 

Available from Stubble & Co (£195)

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Capacity  42 litres

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Need to know 53 x 36 x 24cm (HxWxD), interior packing cube style, rain cover, 16" laptop pocket, side handle, clamshell loading

Trespass 30L Multi Function Backpack Albus

Available from Argos (£20)

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Capacity 30 litres

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Need to know 45 x 30 x 20cm (HxWxD), two exterior side pockets, chest strap, top loading 

How we test backpacks

We select the most popular backpacks from UK retailers and put them through a series of tests. We buy all the products we test so you know our reviews aren't influenced by freebies. We regularly revisit the backpacks on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing - and when we find them we do.

Each backpack is assessed on the following:

Comfort

A panel of testers of different genders try out all the backpacks and rate them on how comfortable they feel on their back and shoulders, how well they stay in place while walking, and how easy they are to adjust.

Durability

We use weights to stress-test the handles and straps, as well as putting the zips and straps through repeat usage, before checking for signs of damage.

Ease of packing

We pack each with the same checklist of items including clothes, shoes, books, gadgets and chargers to see how easy they are to pack.

Water resistance

We shower each backpack with water to simulate getting caught in rain to assess how well they keep your belongings dry.

Size

We individually count ping pong balls into each bag until full to measure how much ‘usable’ space you have in the main compartment compared with the manufacturer’s claimed litre size.

Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

20L, 30L, 40L or more? What size backpack do I need?

You may ask: what size backpack should I take travelling? 

Backpack capacity is measured in litres, and typically varies from 20 litres to 80 litres. It’s hard to visualise ‘litres of space’, but as a general guide:

• 20-30L: sometimes called daypacks, 20 litre backpacks are suitable for day trips where you’ll only be carrying lightweight clothing, some lunch and a couple of drinks. It's a good size for a commuter’s backpack – especially if it includes a laptop pocket.
• 30-40L: a better size for a long weekend away or a day trip where you need to bring more with you.
• 40-50L backpacks and bigger: more suitable for longer camping trips, expeditions or extended holidays.

Start planning better holidays using the expert tips in our free monthly travel newsletter.

Best backpack features to look out for

Adjustable or fixed frames

Adjustable frames allow you to lengthen or shorten the back. They tend to be heavier, but the upside is you can adjust them to your torso length until you get the perfect fit. And you can share one pack between two people simply by adjusting the frame depending on whose turn it is to do the carrying.

If you’re buying a fixed-frame backpack, it’s even more essential that you try the pack on, load it with a few heavy items and walk about to see how it feels before you buy. Some retailers will be happy for you to do this in the shop. If you’re buying online, don’t remove the tags or throw away the packaging until you’re sure it feels right.

Women may find they get a better fit from a women’s backpack that’s designed to fit the female hip-to-torso ratio more effectively.

Hip belts for support

For larger backpacks, a well-fitting hip belt (that sits on the hips, not around your waist) is the key to minimising the strain on your spine and shoulder muscles.

Padding

A padded hip belt and shoulder straps can go a long way to reducing discomfort on a long hike with a heavy pack. Even in summer with a lightweight pack, check that the strapping fabric isn’t too rough, as you may be able to feel it rubbing through lightweight clothing.

Ventilation

If you tend to build up a sweat, look for a backpack with a specially designed ventilation mesh or shaping that allows air to circulate between your back and the pack.

Waterproofing

It can be annoying enough if you get caught out in a downpour without the added hassle of all your gear getting soaked. Some backpacks are made of waterproof fabric, which can help to keep the worst of the weather off - but to make extra sure you might want to look for one with an integral rain cover.

Pockets and clips

Easy-to-reach mesh pockets for water bottles, secure pockets for your phone, and clips or straps for fixing items such as walking poles, are all useful features, depending on your needs.

Do airlines allow backpacks?

Yes. Useful features to look out for on backpacks if you want to take yours on a plane include side carry handles, straps that zip away and accessible pockets for items such as earbuds, laptops and water bottles. Our tests found some clear differences in backpacks that have more packable space and versatility.

Take a look at some more information on choosing the best hand luggage.

What is the best backpack to take on a plane?

Many budget airlines are quite restrictive with their baggage allowances and baggage allowances vary, so check an airline's baggage policy before deciding on the best backpack for travelling. 

Check the dimensions of the bag (both when you buy it and when you've packed it). Size is what the airline will take into account. Two backpacks of the same litre capacity can be significantly different in size. Remember that how much stuff you cram into all the pockets in a backpack can affect the overall dimensions

Underseat storage - the backpacks we've tested are most likely too big to fit as underseat luggage. For this you’ll probably need a backpack smaller than 30 litres – or one that has been specially designed for underseat storage.

Cabin bags - all the bags we tested will be suitable as cabin bags on at least some airlines. We tested 30 and 40 litre backpacks. However, as it's about dimensions when it comes to assessing airline baggage, this doesn't mean all backpacks of the same litrage would also be suitable. 

Be wary of backpacks that market themselves as ‘cabin-sized’ or similar, as there is so much variation.

Check out the best suitcase and best cabin suitcase brands for alternatives.