Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
You never know when youll need an extra bag on your travels.
Credit:Travel + Leisure
In most cases, packable backpacks are used as secondary, just in case bags.
Below, see which packable backpacks came out on top.
It would benefit from a roomier water bottle holder.
Credit: Nordstrom
The title of best overall packable backpack goes to none other than the Bellroy Lite Daypack.
The backpacks comfort and security were two other areas of importance for our team.
It was also lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Credit: Travel + Leisure
With an 18-liter capacity, it runs a bit smaller than some of the other styles we tested.
The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a grab-and-go, high-performance backpack.
Its a bulkier style and may require some effort to pack it into the internal pocket.
L.L.Bean is no stranger to well-made travel bags, and the Stowaway Day Pack is proof.
I love all the versatile features for commuting, traveling, or hiking.
It’s equipped for all types of adventures, which can be hard to come across in a backpack.
Pack it as tightly as you want, too.
you could also pack it into an internal pocket for storage.
Theres no padding or dedicated laptop sleeve.
Inclassic Tumi style, the sleek bag definitely falls into the chic category.
The impressive characteristics dont end at its looks, though.
Other features travelers will love include a luggage sleeve, adjustable backpack straps, and a front zip pocket.
I admittedly own the Tumi just-in-case folding duffel and tote already and love them both.
While this is lightweight and fairly thin in material, it feels much more substantial than other folding backpacks.
It has a very obvious activewear look and might appear out of place in a city or workplace environment.
Its key feature is its waterproof construction, which our teamtested in our labby spraying it with multiple showerheads.
Water beaded off the material, and when I reached inside, my hand wasn’t wet at all.
The fabric did an excellent job at repelling water, confirmsAnna Popp.
We were also thoroughly impressed with the space in the main compartment.
Finally, the zippable roll-top closure is the true MVP of this backpack, helping to compress everything inside.
Lastly, you might easily pack it into its own pocket to make it as small as possible.
Waterproof features include interior sealed seams, a roll top closure, PU-waterproofed Robic nylon, and sealing zippers.
Even the front exterior pocket has sealing zippers and is considered water-resistant.
The water bottle sleeve is located on the inside of the bag, which could potentially result in spillage.
We loved that it has several pockets, including an easy-access front pocket and a lightly padded laptop sleeve.
“I love this as an everyday backpack,” T+L testing editorJackie Cuccosaid after six months of testing.
Even though it folds down easily, it still weighs nearly 3 pounds.
Some travel scenarios, like camping, require a heavy-duty, fit-it-all kind of packable backpack.
If thats what youre looking for, you need this Gregory Alpaca Duffel.
Furthermore, this convertible bag is outfitted with several features that keep organization and comfort top of mind.
Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack: This backpack earned our nod of approval thanks to its spaciousness and packability.
More specifically, it could use a few interior pockets or pouches.
Ultimately, we preferred the other Matador option in our main list.
portability, and functionality of the style.
We placed bags under airplane seats in overhead bins on our airplane set to see how portable they felt.
If you plan on traveling overnight or over longer distances with the backpack, opt for a structured style.
This will help keep the contents more organized.
These synthetic materials are more likely to stand up to regular use.
Theyre also typically smaller, more lightweight, and usually have fewer pockets and other organizational features.
If its the former, youll need to confirm it can fit in the airplanes overhead compartment.
If its the latter, itll need to fit under the seat in front of you.
Check the size regulations of your airline and then compare against the products dimensions.
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: L.L. Bean
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Zappos
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Backcountry
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Paravel
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Athleta
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: REI
Credit: Travel + Leisure
