Finding the perfect backpack to travel with can often seem overwhelming, especially for women who are looking for something comfortable, stylish, and practical all at once. Whether you’re heading off on a short backpacking adventure, a weekend city break, or a remote work getaway, the right bag needs to balance fashion and function effortlessly. Travel gear brands are now designing backpacks that go beyond basic storage, offering features such as anti-theft technology, ergonomic support, and sustainable materials. But how can you find the best travel backpacks for women among so many options?
Below, I’ll take a look at some of the most unique travel backpacks for women, including compact carry-ons and larger backpacks that are ideal for longer trips. I travel with a backpack for all of my adventures, so I know how important it is for a backpack to have certain features. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a spontaneous traveller, having a backpack that combines smart design with lasting comfort is essential, so you can focus on your trip above all else.
- Important features to consider when choosing a travel backpack
- Best travel backpacks for women
- Why choosing the right travel backpack matters
Important features to consider when choosing a travel backpack
With so many backpack choices now available for travellers, it can be hard to know what features are the most important. Here are a few that I tend to look for when I’m upgrading my travel backpack:
- Comfort and fit – Things like a ventilated back and padded shoulder straps are ideal for long-distance travels.
- Organization – Having multiple pockets, a laptop sleeve, and hidden zippers to help keep all of my essentials organized is always useful.
- Durability – Having at least a water-resistant backpack with tear-proof fabrics can help your backpack withstand heavy use and different climates. If you’re using your backpack in an urban setting, this might be less of a deal-breaker for you.
- Capacity – For shorter trips, a 20-30L backpack should do the trick. With longer trips though, you’ll want more space, so I’d opt for above 30L.
- Security – Backpacks with anti-theft zippers and built-in locks will give you peace of mind while travelling in crowded areas.
Now, let’s take a look at some of my favourite travel backpacks for women that might pique your interest if you’re on the hunt for new travel gear.
Best travel backpacks for women
Neo Backpack from Troubadour Goods
The Neo Backpack from Troubadour Goods is ideal for female travellers on the move. This sleek, London-based brand is known for blending sustainable materials with smart designs. The lightweight structure of the backpack, along with its clean silhouette, makes it look polished enough for a business person to use yet versatile enough for a weekend trip. If you’re looking for a backpack that can be used for both business and pleasure, the Neo Backpack is a fantastic choice.
Some highlights that make the Neo Backpack stand out among other travel backpacks for women include:
- CrashPad Cocoon laptop sleeve that protects your device while on the go.
- Lightweight build so you don’t feel overly burdened when carrying your backpack for long periods of time.
- Waterproof with a fluorocarbon-free waterproof coating.
- Discreet front pocket with magnetic closure for easy access to your accessories.
- Integrated luggage sleeve that works with your carry-on suitcase.
What I love about this backpack from Troubadour Goods are the responsive shoulder straps that contour to your body, and the integrated luggage sleeve that can be used to seamlessly make your way through the airport or the streets of a new city. And the great thing is that they offer international shipping and easy returns too!
Kamarg Pro Green from Kamarg Backpacks
If you’re on the hunt for a minimalist backpack that’s both functional and sustainable, the Kamarg Pro Green from Kamarg Backpacks could be the right fit for you. With a compact 16 liters capacity and weighing just 650g, it’s light enough for long travel days but it still has enough space to hold all of your essentials, like a laptop, clothing, and travel documents. Its sleek, structured shape and organic colour palette make it one of the best travel backpacks for women who want to look effortlessly stylish, whether that be working remotely or heading abroad.
The size of the Kamarg Pro Green makes it especially comfortable for smaller frames. It’s made from rainproof sailcloth and genuine leather, as well as recycled plastic hardware so it’s sustainable and durable. Some other features to be aware of are:
- Padded laptop compartment for up to a 16” MacBook. Separate tablet sleeve too.
- Internal bottle holder.
- Quick-release fasteners on the front for easy access.
- Rain cover available to purchase for protection against rain and dirt.
- Back panel is padded to ensure all-day comfort, regardless of the length of your trip.
Kamarg Backpacks is based in Austria, and every backpack is crafted under fair working conditions in Portugal. They offer international shipping too, but make sure you check their returns policy before placing your order. For international orders, you’ll be asked to pay for the return shipping but the company will refund you the full purchasing price as well as the postage cost later. You’re only a few clicks away from getting the perfect compact backpack to travel with.
Everyday Hemp Rolltop Backpack from 8000Kicks
One backpack that I’ve had for a number of years is the Everyday Hemp Rolltop Backpack from 8000Kicks in beige and green. It’s a backpack that stands out for its sustainability, versatile design, and incredible travel-friendly features. The primary fabric used is hemp, which has a distinct texture and is both durable and eco-conscious. For female travellers looking for a bag that offers good travel functionality but also aligns with sustainable values, this hemp backpack is a very appealing choice.
Here are some of the Everyday Hemp Rolltop Backpack’s key features that set it apart from its competitors:
- Made from 100% hemp with PFC-free water-repellent coating.
- Expandable capacity from 18 liters up to 39 liters.
- Easily fits a 15” laptop and it’s designed to fit under an airplane seat for carry-on travel.
- Anti-theft pocket accessible only from the back.
- Built-in USB plug for charging while on the go.
8000Kicks is based in Portugal and their products are available for worldwide shipping. The roll-top design of this backpack in particular gives it flexible volume and a casual look that can be used for light travel, city breaks, and weekends away. After using it for several years, I can honestly say that it’s still in pristine condition and doesn’t look to be wearing out anytime soon.
ARNE Backpack from Braasi Industry
The ARNE Backpack from Braasi Industry is an urban-travel hybrid that’s manufactured in Prague with European-sourced materials. This unique backpack offers a high level of performance, with features like a roll-top design, ultra-light construction, and quality technical fabrics like X-Pac®. This design makes it ideal for travellers planning a short city break or a longer adventure where having flexible volume is essential. Although the ARNE Backpack offers quite a lot of volume, you won’t find it to be as big and bulky as a hiking backpack.
What’s interesting about Braasi Industry is that this family-owned company produces all of their products in their workshop, meaning everything is handmade with materials from European producers. A few key features of the ARNE Backpack to note are:
- Premium materials such as X-Pac® fabric (durable and weather resistant), YKK Aquaguard® zippers, and extra padding for comfort.
- Roll-top closure allows for a capacity of up to 40 liters. It can become more compact when not filled.
- Padded back makes it ideal for longer travel days, alongside adjustable straps.
- Clean design so it can easily be used for sightseeing or for business use when needed.
If you’re on the lookout for unique travel backpacks for women, Braasi Industry has a very good selection that suits all travel needs. The ARNE Backpack is a strong choice for travellers who want durability without any bulk. For something a little different, the EVO II X-Pac is also a phenomenal choice with a 35 liter capacity and additional storage space on the outside.
The Expandable Travel Backpack by Almond Oak
The Expandable Travel Backpack by Almond Oak is designed for one-bag travellers, with a thoughtful blend of expandability, lightweight materials, and travel-friendly organization. For women who prefer a compact yet capable backpack that can handle travel and daily use seamlessly, this backpack definitely delivers.
Almond Oak is based in the United Kingdom and their brand is built around the one-bag philosophy, so things like weight, performance, and versatility are the focal points. Here’s some more information about The Expandable Travel Backpack’s features:
- Expandable capacity from 25 liters up to 30 liters – a good range for carry-on travel and extended daily use.
- Weighs just 855g which is ideal if you want less bulk.
- Padded laptop sleeve for up to a 16” device and a luggage sleeve for stacking on your suitcase.
- Clamshell suitcase-style opening and a hidden passport pocket for safety.
- Water-resistant 280D nylon PU-coated exterior, YKK zippers.
This backpack is particularly suited well for women who want a travel-friendly backpack that can easily be used in different situations, without requiring a hiking-style backpack. The expandability is a big bonus if you’re planning to grab some souvenirs during your trip.
CIVIC Travel Bag – Waxed Canvas 26L by EVERGOODS
If you value durability and versatility, the CIVIC Travel Bag – Waxed Canvas 26L by EVERGOODS is an excellent backpack to have for all types of trips. The size of the bag makes it spacious enough for a weekend getaway or for holding digital nomad gear. It’s still compact enough to stay manageable and not feel bulky. What I particularly like about the CIVIC Travel Bag is the waxed-canvas shell that gives it a classic appearance and a refined look.
EVERGOODS is based in the US, but they offer worldwide shipping, making all of their bags accessible for travellers in any region. They partner with a historic Scottish mill to produce the custom cotton-wax shell on the CIVIC Travel Bag that’s designed to age gracefully over time. Some additional features that make it one of the best travel backpacks for women are:
- External features like side-water bottle pockets, side-access utility pocket, luggage pass-through sleeve.
- Padded and fully suspended laptop compartment that fits up to a 16” MacBook.
- Stretch sleeve for documents or tablets, a mesh zipper pocket, and a security pocket.
- The waxed canvas gives a distinct textured heritage-inspired aesthetic.
Overall, the CIVIC Travel Bag 26L is a great travel-ready, stylish backpack that bridges the gap between elegant design and functionality. Personally, I find it to be the perfect fit for women who want a versatile, dependable bag that can be used equally as well during city trips and for longer journeys.
Why choosing the right travel backpack matters
Choosing the right backpack matters when travelling because it can directly affect how organized, comfortable, and confident you feel on the go. The right bag should support your body rather than weigh you down, and it needs to keep your valuables safe and adapt to the way you travel. A well-designed backpack also saves time and stress by giving you direct access to your essentials when you need them. The best travel backpacks for women all have something a little different to offer, so do your research before ordering to make sure you find the best fit for your adventures.
If you have any questions about the above backpacks featured in my list of the best travel backpacks for women, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to check out my other gift guides, such as the best beach gear to travel with or the best travel accessories for Europe, as well! You can also find more travel tips and travel gear featured on my Instagram and TikTok pages.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I would personally recommend.
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