Top 10 Minimalist Travel Backpacks (2023)
The best minimalist travel backpacks work for multiple uses: day trips, carry-on, hiking, and more. Here are some of the best travel backpacks on the market…
Key Takeaways
Are you a traveler looking for a minimalist backpack that meets your needs? Look no further! From the Peak Design packing cubes to the Osprey Farpoint pack for men, there are a variety of options available. We recently did some research on the best minimalist travel backpacks and found that they all have unique features that make them great for different activities such as hiking, working remotely, and carrying camera gear. If you’re looking for a bag that is lightweight, comfortable, and secure, the Tortuga Outbreaker is a great option that is also waterproof. Be sure to check out all the features of the bags and pick the one that works best for your travel style!
A Good Travel Backpack
A good travel backpack is like a favorite hat. It’s comfy, it serves a purpose, and you don’t like traveling without it. Once you find one you like, you’ll gladly trek it all across the world.
Finding the best minimalist travel backpack can be hard, though. It needs to hold enough, but be lightweight. It needs to be sleek, but organized. It needs to work for short trips and long trips.
How do you get all that in one backpack?
Well, it depends on your main purpose for you backpack. If you’re primarily going to use it for hiking or working remotely, you’re going to need different features. So, I’m providing a varied list that will hopefully include the best backpack for you!
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Top 10 Minimalist Travel Backpacks
I’ve made this top 10 list to cover a range of uses, from multi-purpose to more specific. That way, you can peruse various options to determine the best fit for you.
I did follow some general guidelines for every backpack, though. In my opinion, the best minimalist backpack gives you easy access to your personal items and water bottle, and has at least one small pocket for better organization. I also tried to pick top picks with comfortable features, like a hip belt, compression straps, chest straps, and more, depending on the type of backpack.
Basically, I looked for which bags pack the biggest punch with the most minimalist designs. Hopefully, you’ll find the best option for your travel style.
1. Men’s Osprey Farpoint 40
This is the newest version of the well-loved Osprey Farpoint pack for men. The earlier version has 5-stars on Amazon with nearly 3,800 ratings, and so far, the ratings for this new version is following suit.
Osprey Farpoint bags come in multiple sizes. The one I’ve linked to is 40L (hence the 40 in the name) and is one of the most popular. It’s a great lightweight backpack that follows all airport guidelines for carry-on bags. So, it’s compact but still holds a lot and you don’t have to worry about getting through airport security.
It has a sleek, versatile design made with highly durable fabric. It has a stowaway back panel, chest harness, and hip belt, making it a great option for hiking.
The Farpoint bags are designated “Men’s” because they are longer than a standard woman’s backpack. This accounts for men’s torsos that are typically longer and shifts the weight accordingly. If you’re a taller woman, this pack might work for you. But, chances are, you’ll prefer the next option…
2. Women’s Osprey Fairview 40
The Osprey Fairview packs are the female version of the Farpoint. They have different names to make it easier to differentiate between the two different sizes.
The Women’s Fairview is for shorter torsos and thus works best for women. However, these backpacks aren’t strictly for the specified gender. Both styles have a unisex design and colors.
It all comes down to size. If you have an above-average torso length, you might want to opt for the Farpoint and vice versa.
3. Osprey Porter
Yep, I have another Osprey backpack on this list. They really are a leading travel bag brand. This model comes in two sizes: Osprey Porter 46 and Osprey Porter 30. Remember, the numbers stand for capacity in liters.
Like the Farpoint and Fairview, this bag is carry-on size with a sleek, compact design. Unlike the Farpoint and Fairview, these come in One Size and aren’t designated for men or women.
Choosing between the three types of bags will mainly come down to size and capacity.
4. Tortuga Outbreaker
The Tortuga Outbreaker is a good option for those looking for waterproof material. This bag is made from sailcloth which keeps your items dry in wet conditions.
It’s worth noting that it’s not waterproof as a whole. However, it does have weather-resistant, lockable zippers. As an added bonus, it uses Ariaprene foam padding for comfort.
5. Cotopaxi Allpa 28L
The Cotopaxi Allpa travel pack definitely looks like a minimalist bag with its simple rectangle design. Like the Osprey bags, they come in different carrying capacities. I have linked to the more popular small pack, but it also comes in 35L and 42L.
It’s design is suitcase-style with a full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment. Inside, it has a large zippered mesh compartment on the right side and subdivided zippered mesh compartments on the left side.
6. Peak Design Everyday Backpack
The Peak Design travel backpack comes in 15L, 20L, and 30 L capacities. I’ve linked to the 20L model because it’s a happy compromise.
It’s also a carry-on backpack that meets international max carry-on standards. Many Peak Design models have locking features to prevent theft.
This backpack also makes the list because of Peak Design’s packing cube options. These packing cubes help you fit as much stuff as possible in a smaller bag.
7. CADeN Camera Backpack
Since we’re trying to cover a variety of different needs, we must include a bag for hobbyists and professional photographers. This comfortable backpack fits a lot of camera gear.
It’s made with waterproof fabric and has two side pockets to give you a bit of extra space, including a side pocket for a water bottle.
8. Tomtoc Compact Sling Bag
If you want an ultra-compact option, then this sling bag is for you. It’s an everyday carry bag that slings across your chest and shoulder.
It’s a great option to take with you when you travel, even in addition to other travel backpacks on this list. It’s perfect to use once you reach your final destination. It keeps your wallet, keys, passport, and more secure as you sightsee and explore.
9. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Now it’s time to include a backpack that’s perfect for traveling workers. Whether you’re going on a business trip or are a remote worker, this backpack is ideal for businessmen and women.
It’s slim, water-resistant, and has a USB charging port. It fits up to a 15.6 inch laptop, which works great for a 13, 14, or 15-inch laptop, too.
It has a laptop compartment and two other zippered main compartments with pockets for other important things, like your phone. The adjustable shoulder straps are padded for added comfort.
10. Mountaintop Little Kid Camping Backpack
This list wouldn’t be complete without a backpack for tiny travelers. While many of the above backpacks can work for bigger kids and teenagers, they’re too big for little ones.
This Mountaintop backpack is the right size for young kids between 3-6 years old. It’s lightweight and comfortable and enables them to carry their own water, tablet, stuffed animal, and any other light gear.
Which is your favorite?
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