Travel backpack or hiking rucksack?
A travel backpack opens like a suitcase, with a zip all the way round, so you can find things without emptying it. On larger travel packs the harness zips away to protect it in the hold. A hiking rucksack loads from the top and carries heavy weight better over long distances on foot.
What size travel backpack?
- Underseat and small cabin bags (around 20–28L): the free personal item on budget airlines, for a weekend away. Soft, frameless packs squeeze into bag sizers most easily.
- Cabin bags (around 36–44L): hand luggage only for a week, on airlines with a larger cabin allowance.
- 70L and above: backpacking trips and checked bags. Osprey's 70L travel packs come with a detachable daypack for days out from base.
Airline size limits change often, so always check your airline's current dimensions for underseat and cabin bags before you fly.
Women's travel backpacks
Osprey's women's travel packs use a women's-specific harness and hip belt with an adjustable back length, so a full pack carries comfortably between stations and hostels. See all women's rucksacks.
What to look for in a travel backpack
- Clamshell (suitcase-style) opening so you can pack and unpack like a suitcase.
- Lockable zips on the main compartment.
- A padded laptop sleeve if you work on the move.
- A stowaway harness on larger packs so straps do not snag on baggage belts.
- Compression straps to keep a half-full pack tidy.
Travel backpack FAQs
What is the best backpack for travelling on a plane?
A front-opening, frameless pack within your airline's cabin or underseat limits, with lockable zips and a laptop sleeve. Soft packs fit bag sizers more easily than framed rucksacks.
Can a 40L backpack be carry-on?
Often, on airlines with larger cabin allowances, as long as it is not overstuffed. Budget airlines usually charge for anything bigger than a small underseat bag, so check before you book.
Should I get a travel backpack or a duffel?
Choose a backpack if you will walk any distance with it. A duffel bag is easier to live out of if you are travelling by car.
