Backpacks are often the best option for traveling without the need for checking a bag. We take all of our travel backpacks on trips before we review them so we can show you what we like & dislike about each bag.
We carry a backpack on virtually all of our flights, so we have had the opportunity to try out a number of bags over the years. In this section, our team shares our likes & dislikes about the backpacks that we travel with.
Small hiking daypacks offer travelers a pint-sized option for when a larger backpack seems like overkill. The Osprey Tempest 9 hiking backpack aims to fill that role with a feature-packed bag. Who would have thought that you could pack so many features into such a little bag? After surviving the Camino de Fatima(a multi-day trek …
The OGIO Metro backpack is a staple of the business traveler. I see this bag adorn the shoulders of many frequent flyers with their company’s logo embroidered on the front, and for good reason: it is a durable laptop backpack that has a ton of internal organization. The Metro is well-made and is comfortable on …
I was first introduced to Topo Designs while browsing the r/onebag subreddit, and their American-made Y-Pack is one of the simplest (and most wallet-friendly) that they produce. With a simple construction and vintage-inspired design, Topo Designs makes their bags stand out with unique colorways and built-to-last materials. The Y-Pack is no exception. Topo Designs has …
The eBags Mother Lode Duffel bag offers travelers ample internal organization in a small footprint that fits under most airline seats. If you are looking for a small duffel bag for overnight trips, or a purpose-built personal item to complement your carry-on bag, the Mother Lode Duffel may be for you. The sub-$50 price tag …
The Bellroy Classic Backpack is a 20L backpack that was designed with the urban adventurer in mind. This stylish backpack boasts high-quality materials and a modern design that exudes sophistication without screaming for attention. While the price tag is a shocker, I fell in love with this backpack as soon as I saw it up …
Wow. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning as I pulled a silver Topo Designs Mountain Pack out of the box. On initial review, this 36.8L backpack has every feature I look for in carry-on bag: an easy-access laptop sleeve, sturdy harness system, cinch straps, bottle holders, exterior attachment points that actually make sense, …
Let me be clear: this bag is an absolute tank. The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (formerly known as the TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible) has been my go-to carry-on bag for over 10 years. The Mother Lode was with me on my first international flight to London, it was by my side when I …
eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack Long-Term Review Read More »
I love traveling with packable ultralight daypacks. These types of bags are made with lightweight materials and can be packed inside a larger backpack or carry-on. This way, you can use the ultralight daypack at your destination as a smaller bag for when it isn’t practical to carry around your larger gear. I find these …
Long-Term Review: Ascend Dash 720 Lightweight Backpack Read More »
Millican (https://www.homeofmillican.com/pages/about-us) prides itself in crafting functional bags from recycled materials for the conscious traveler, and that mission is evident upon inspection of this 25-liter toploader charmingly named Oli The Zip. After using this backpack for months, it istime for a full-blown review. This zip-top backpack model comes in a variety of neutral colors: Millican’s …
