The best hardside luggage: 7 sturdy bags that won’t let you down
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The best travel backpacks for men for weekend trips & long getaways
Whether traveling for work or pleasure, the right travel backpack will add an element of ease to your expedition. Shop these nine editor-approved picks.
Travel has become an integral part of our lives, offering opportunities for adventure, exploration and personal growth. While on your journey, having a reliable and versatile travel backpack will provide convenience and allow you a hands-free experience.
For recreational travelers, you’ll want a pack that can carry a variety of necessities, such as clothes, toiletries and outdoor essentials. And if you’re a business traveler, consider a backpack that’s designed to store tech devices and documents.
Ready to choose yours? Keep reading to shop the best travel backpacks for men of 2023.
Read more: Shop the best waterproof backpacks
Best overall pick
Specifications Material: 100% recycled nylon
Size: 11.2 x 18.4 x 6 in.
Capacity: 19L
Pros & Cons
Available in three colors
Foldable and doesn’t take up space
Made from recycled materials
Bag isn’t padded
No internal compartments apart from a zipper pocket
Highly functional yet shockingly light, the packable backpack from Away rises above standard backpacks. This is because the bag folds into a small zip pouch, making it extra portable if you prefer to pack light.
It has a trolley sleeve, which allows you to slide it into another suitcase easily. And if you’re looking for comfort, lightly padded backpack straps help with the weight on your shoulders even when you’re walking for hours at end.
Crafted from durable 100% recycled nylon fabric, this backpack is waterproof to protect your belongings from the elements. And with a 19-liter capacity, it can hold a lot, but its nylon material ensures the bag itself remains lightweight.
The packable backpack isn’t only about utility — it's also fashionable. Its stylish, smart design makes it a perfect accessory and our top choice for the best travel backpack for men.
Best lightweight backpack
Specifications
Material: Lightweight, high-strength polyester
Capacity: 26L
Dimensions: 19 x 12.6 x 7.7 in.
Pros & Cons
Spacious
Waterproof
Plenty of storage compartments
Higher price point compared to other brands
The F.A.R. backpack is a great backpack for adventurous men. This bag, crafted from sturdy yet lightweight polyester, is water and abrasion-resistant, which can withstand the rigors of outdoor travel and daily use.
Its versatile design, featuring large side pockets and a sleek hidden pocket, has earned rave reviews. Even when you’re packing substantial items like water bottles, this backpack’s spaciousness and structure remain intact.
One standout feature is the F.A.R. backpack’s many compartments, designed to stash all your essentials securely. Reviewers like the added convenience of the carry-on strap and the "secret" side pocket, perfect for tucking away vital items on the go.
Several reviews liked its durability and a few noted that it was perfect for hiking, the beach, and airline travel. It keeps items close, safe, and easily accessible.
Best luxe backpack
Specifications
Material: Nylon
Capacity: 15.9L
Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 5.5 in
Pros & Cons
Elegant design
Plenty of small compartments
Ideal for travel and work
Self-repairing YKK zippers
Compartment for water bottle is smaller than some expect
The Rhapsody Essential Backpack by Briggs & Riley is tailor-made for those who frequently hop on flights to their next meeting or enjoy exploring cities. It's spacious compartments and lightweight design hold more than you think it can, making it a breeze for organization.
This backpack’s interior has been thoughtfully designed too. It has a soft textured lining in a contrasting color, which makes finding things easy. A laptop compartment with an integrated padded sleeve protects your laptop so you don’t have to worry about it slipping and sliding.
If your back and shoulders need support, this backpack will do the trick with its aerated mesh back padding and adjustable padded neoprene straps, making this a great men’s backpack for work too.
Fun fact: You can protect your personal data against digital pickpockets because the Rhapsody Essential backpack is built with an RFID-blocking pocket. You’re all set for business travel!
Best for work and travel
Specifications
Material: Water-resistant coating polyester
Capacity: Not specified Dimensions: 9 × 13 × 5.5 in.
Pros & Cons
Water-resistant
Has clip for keys
Padded interior
A mix of big and small compartments
Not as heavy duty as some prefer
Can be top-heavy
The Carrier GSD backpack is Samsonite's all-in-one solution for the modern professional on the go. With a dedicated 15.6-inch padded laptop compartment and a separate sleeve for your tablet, this backpack caters to all your tech needs.
It comes with plenty of room for your electronics, and a generously organized main compartment to store personal belongings. Additionally, it has a USB cord pass thru and pocket, a tricot-lined sunglasses pocket and dual pockets for more storage.
Comfort is key with this men’s travel bag thanks to adjustable shoulder straps with S-curve ergonomics and a padded air-mesh back panel. And if you want to ease your shoulders, just slip it over your luggage handle using its SmartSleeve.
Best carry on
Specifications
Material: High-density waterproof material
Capacity: 25L
Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.8 x 5.9 in
Pros & Cons
Has a shoe compartment
Can be used as an overnight or weekend bag
Fits more than it looks
Very affordable
Charger allows USB-A ports only
Material doesn’t feel high quality
On the lookout for the perfect travel companion? Look no further. The Coofay Travel Backpack for Men is a stylish yet multifunctional backpack designed with travel convenience at its core. It’s big enough to fit four to six pieces of light clothing or hold books and a separate laptop compartment big enough for a 15.6-inch laptop.
For hands-free convenience, this backpack has a USB charging port, which can be connected to a power bank inside the bag, and a cell phone connected to the outside through a data cable, allowing you to charge your cell phone or iPad.
It’s the ideal carry-on backpack for flights since it meets most airlines’ boarding requirements. And if you need it for a quick transfer of belongings, you can pack items into it at the airport since it opens and folds 180 degrees like a suitcase.
Best affordable option
Specifications
Material: Polyester
Capacity: 30 L
Dimensions:12 x 18 x 7.8 in.
Pros & Cons
Plenty of compartments
Material feels sturdy
Many color options
Charger allows USB-A ports only
Not fully waterproof
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack is crafted with durable polyester material and bolstered by metal zippers. It’s a great option not just for travel but for work and school too. Rated 4.7 stars by users, it’s a favorite for its multiple compartments and pockets. There’s a separate one for your laptop, a spacious packing one and a front one with many pockets.
Your valuables will be protected from sticky fingers with a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back. A built-in USB charger outside and a built-in charging cable inside give you convenient tech gadget charging.
Design-wise, it has a comfortable soft padded back with thick but soft multi-panel ventilated padding, while breathable and adjustable shoulder straps absorb the weight from your shoulders. Additionally, because it has a wide range of color options, this backpack makes a great travel backpack for women too.
Best large backpack
Specifications
Material: Durable polyester fabric
Capacity: 50 L
Dimensions: 18 x 13.5 x 6.5 in
Pros & Cons
Many color options
Extra large capacity
Has straps that keep large pockets from falling open
Two-year warranty
Shoulder straps can be thick on smaller frames
Tends to fall forward
Are you someone who just can’t pack light when you travel? This huge Yorepek Travel Backpack integrates practicality, convenience, and style in a single sturdy package. With an impressive carrying capacity of 50 liters, it boasts more than 10 pockets, multipurpose compartments and a 17-inch laptop pocket, so you can carry all your travel gear in one bag.
Despite its size, it can be unfolded 90 to 180 degrees for greater ease during airport checks and there’s a luggage strap so you can fit the backpack on your suitcase. This also comes with an external USB port and a built-in charging cable to charge your phone and other electronic devices on the go.
Best small travel backpack
Specifications
Material: 100% polyester
Capacity: 27L
Dimensions: 20 x 12x 9 in
Pros & Cons
Plenty of compartments
Made with recycled fabric
Three-year warranty
Can feel heavy
Looking for a travel backpack for men that’s smaller but still fits all your things? The Samsonite Detour Travel Backpack is the one for you This all-purpose backpack offers versatility and capacity in one, making it the perfect companion for business, overnight, or weekend trips.
Made of long-lasting, durable water water-resistant polyester, your belongings will be protected while a full zip opening lets you pack easily. You get mesh storage, zippered quick-access side and top pockets too.
For ease of travel, it has a Smart Sleeve that fits over luggage handles and for hoisting the backpack onto trolleys and conveyor belts, there are front, top and side carry handles.
Best sport and travel backpack
Specifications
Material: 100% polyester
Capacity: 26L
Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 7 in
Pros & Cons
Made from sustainable materials
Great for outdoor activities
Waterproof
Only two color options
Prefer travel backpacks that are more basic and that can even take you hiking? Nike’s Sportswear RPM backpack can do the job. It’s big enough to hold a laptop and other essentials while multiple zippered pockets keep smaller items intact.
The back and shoulder straps are padded and there’s a stabilizing chest strap to distribute the backpack’s weight, so you’ll still feel like you can walk for ages, which makes this a great hiking backpack.
What is an excellent travel backpack for men?
The best travel backpacks for men have several key traits. These include durable materials like polyester or nylon that is waterproof and tearproof so it can survive your wildest adventures, a design that is practical for your travel needs, sections for organized packing, and the utmost comfort so you can wear it for long hours.
Is a more expensive men's backpack worth the investment?
Yes, investing in a higher-tier backpack could pay off in the long run. The best backpacks for men often guarantee superior fabric quality and construction, ensuring longer use. They also often offer advanced comfort such as padded shoulder straps, back support and more compartments of different sizes for organization.
Which men's travel bags get our approval?
Given the availability of diverse and high-quality options, this can be a tough question. However, two men's travel backpacks on our list outshine the rest.
The Packable Backpack from Away is a standout with its lightweight, sleek style and smart design and it's just the right fit for an active traveler.
TheBriggs & Riley Essential Backpack, on the other hand, wins on strength and design, offering unmatched comfort and organization. This makes it the best backpack for travel. While it may be an investment, it’s worth the money as it’s classic and can double up as a stylish backpack for work Choosing the best travel backpack for men depends on your personal needs and preferences. Take into account all the options and your budget before you make a decision. Your ideal travel (and work) partner awaits!
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Prices updated on 12/11/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Sherelyn Goh
A former women's lifestyle magazine editor, Sherelyn Goh has worked with all things beauty, health, style and travel and finds a thrill in discovering and testing new products. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she enjoys food, travel, working out and cooking.
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