These Brilliantly Organized Travel Backpacks Are a Must for Any Vacation

We updated this guide in January 2023 to ensure all products tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab were in stock and reflected current prices.

A well-organized backpack is a must when it comes to travel. It keeps everything you need within reach and gives you hands-free mobility to hold other items such as a cell phone or carry-on suitcase. It's also a superior way to pack for trips on unknown and various terrains: A rolling suitcase may work great on smooth airport floors, it likely won’t be as agile on cobblestone streets or sandy beach conditions. Plus, it makes the perfect personal item when flying as underseat luggage.

To find the best travel backpacks that can stand up to any trips, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab pros evaluate backpacks for durability by measuring tear strength, strap strength and abrasion resistance to make sure the bag can stand up to rough handling for years to come. We also consider the amount of padding in the straps, useful extras and overall weight to find the most comfortable backpacks. Our picks are top performers from our previous tests along with new styles that have exciting features and rave reviews.

Our top picks:

Check out our top backpack picks below and keep reading to learn all of GH experts' ultimate backpack shopping tips to find the best pack for you. Pair your new travel backpack with packing cubes and a hardside suitcase for your next vacation.