Top 5 Travel Backpacks for Women: Buyer’s Guide

Imagine finally booking that dream trip—sun-drenched beaches, bustling ancient cities, or quiet mountain trails calling your name. You’ve got the tickets and the excitement is buzzing! But then reality hits: what are you going to carry everything in? For women travelers, the backpack choice is huge. It’s not just about stuffing clothes in; it needs to fit right, carry weight comfortably, and still look good.

Choosing the perfect travel backpack can feel like solving a puzzle. Too big, and you pay extra fees or strain your back. Too small, and you leave essentials behind. Many standard packs just don’t fit a woman’s frame well, leading to sore shoulders and frustrating unpacking experiences. Finding that sweet spot between capacity, comfort, and style often feels impossible.

Don’t let the wrong bag slow down your adventure! This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down what really matters in a travel backpack designed for women. You will learn exactly what features to look for, how to measure for the perfect fit, and discover top-rated options that make carrying your world on your back feel easy and enjoyable.

Ready to ditch the discomfort and pack smarter? Let’s dive in and find the travel companion that will carry you through your next great journey.

Top Backpacks For Travel Women Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1
Taygeer Travel Backpack for Women, Carry On Backpack with USB Charging Port & Shoe Pouch, TSA 15.6inch Laptop Mochila Flight Approved, Nurse Bag Casual Daypack for Weekender Business Hiking, Pink
  • Convenient Usb Port: Large carry on backpack for women with built in USB charger outside and built in charging cable inside, this suitcase school backpack for travel purse offers you a more convenient way to charge your phone while walking. Please note that travel laptop backpack for shcool women doesn't power itself and does not include a powerbank and cable, usb charging port only offers easy access to charge. The travel backpack with water bottle pocket fits a Stanley 30 oz (900ml) cup
  • Roomy Capacity & Multi-Pocket: Dimensions 16.8*11*7 inch, Light Weight 0.79 Kg(1.74 lb), has 3 main large compartments and 9 allocated inner and side pockets. Makes your item organized and easier to find. College laptop bookbag backpack with laptop compartment holds a 15.6 inch laptop and a 12.9 iPad, pink travel backpack providing a dedicated space for your pen, textbooks, wallet, clothes, shoes, bottle and other travel essentials. At the same time,travel backpack carry on is water resistant
  • Flight Approved Laptop Backpacks: 180 degree zipper closure helps you pass through the security check quickly. Airplane travel essentials for women fits overhead and under the seat. Carry on backpacks for traveling on airplane also meets airline carry-on requirements, applicable for airlines such as Easy Jet, Spirit, Jet Blue, Frontier, United
  • Be Handbag or Backpack: The womens travel backpack for airplane designed with padded adjustable shoulder strapsand 2 padded handles make it easy to transform this weekender backpack for school from hand bag to backpack. Luggage Strap of work bookbag for women provides a more flexible carrying experience. Two padded grab handles are set on top and side of the personal item travel backpack. Note: when used as a handbag, you can thread the shoulder strap through the luggage strap for convenience
  • Widely Used: Hybrid Conversion(School Bag/Duffle Bag/Bookbag/Travel Bag/Teacher Backpack/Nurse Backpack). Large backpack bookbag for women can be used in several different ways, served as daily college backpack, traveling backpack for women work bag. Carry on luggage backpack is perfect for weekender, travel, college, daily use, and is also the best birthday gifts for women daughter. The backpack purse for women can be cute school backpack for girl, perfect for back to school gift for girlfriend
SaleBestseller No. 2
LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack for Women & Men, Airline Approved Carry On Luggage with 3 Packing Cubes, TSA Overnight Bags, Waterproof Personal Item Bag, Weekender Essentials Backpacks fits 17" Laptop
  • 【Versatile & Airline-Approved】Sized at 18 × 14 × 8 inches, this carry-on backpack fits perfectly under the seat or in the overhead bin. Approved by Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue, and other budget airlines, it's the ideal personal item for hassle-free air travel.
  • 【Spacious & Organized】With 40L a capacity, 4 compartments, and a lot of pockets, designed to allow you to easily separate and organize your travel personal items, this travel backpack can accommodate 3-7 days worth of travel items.
  • 【3 Extra Packing Cubes & Wet Pockets】This carry-on bag includes 3 extra packing cubes – 2 storage bags and a shoe bag – as well as a built-in wet compartment pocket. Perfect for storing wet clothes, towels, and toiletries, these packing accessories ensure your belongings remain dry and prevent any leaks or moisture from affecting your other items.
  • 【Durable & Comfortable】Built to withstand the challenges of travel, this carry on backpack is made from tear-resistant, water-resistant, and abrasion-resistant materials. It also has adjustable shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and shoulder straps, ensuring comfort during long trips; a travel essential.
  • 【Secure & Practical】This large travel backpack features a suitcase-style opening for easy access to your belongings at security checkpoints. There's also a padded electronics compartment and umbrella/water bottle pockets on the side. A luggage strap is attached to the back.
Bestseller No. 3
BAGSMART College Laptop Backpack, Travel Backpack for Women, Quilted Casual Daypack, Water-Resistant Bookbag for 15.6 Inch Laptop, Camel
  • STYLE MEETS FUNCTIONALITY: Our women's backpack combines style and practicality, you don't have to compromise on fashion for functionality which allows you to showcase your unique style while comfortably carrying all your essentials. Dimensions:17.3×11.8×7.9 inches
  • AMPLE COMPARTMENTS: Stay organized and prepared with the BAGSMART Laptop backpack. With its thoughtfully designed compartments, you can easily separate and store your 15.6" laptop, books, supplies, and more. No more searching for items in a cluttered bag - everything has its place.
  • ENHANCED COMFORT: The padded straps ensure an even distribution of weight, while the breathable mesh on the backside keeps you cool and provides ergonomic support for your back. Even when filled with heavy books and supplies, you can enjoy a comfortable carrying experience
  • VERSATILE ALL-IN-ONE BACKPACK: TSA Friendly, the strap on backside allows easy slides over suitcase handle, whether you're going on summer holiday, weekend getaways, family trip, hiking, camping, or any other outdoor activity, our travel backpack is a reliable companion, a real travel essentials you must have
  • EXCELLENT QUALITY: The BAGSMART Water-Resistant College Backpack is crafted from soft and durable Taslon fabric, ensuring it withstands daily wear and tear. The smooth and sturdy zipper guarantees long-term use. Making it a reliable choice that will last throughout the college year and beyond
Bestseller No. 4
LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack for Women, TSA Carry On Backpack Flight Approved Luggage, 40L Water Resistant Personal Item Daypack Large Weekender Bag fit 17 inch Laptop with 3 Cubes, Beige-black-brown
  • Carry On Backpack for Women: One of the standout features of this travel backpack is its 40L large-capacity design, which includes 14 pockets, separate laptop compartment fits 17 inch laptop, for easy organization and storage. Whether you're packing for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, you'll have ample space to pack all your travel essentials, from clothing and toiletries to books and gadgets.
  • EXTRA 3 Packing Cubes: The travel backpack for women comes with 3 different-sized packing cubes, allowing you to easily organize your clothing and personal items. This makes it easy to find what you need in any situation, without having to dig through your backpack to find your favorite sweater or pair of socks.
  • Travel Backpack Airline Approved: this carry on backpack meets most airline regulations, making it a great option for traveling by air. The suitcage backpack is TSA friendly, the laptop compartment on the back can be opened 180 degrees, meaning you can easily pass through security checks and carry it as a personal item backpack on your flight. What's more, the backpack is designed to fit comfortably under airplane seats and in overhead compartments, allowing you to travel worry-free.
  • Luggage Backpack: This womens travel backpack also features a suitcase-style opening, which allows for quick and easy access to your belongings. This is especially convenient if you're constantly on the move and need to pack and unpack quickly. The trolley sleeve and anti-theft pocket add to the convenience and security of this Luggage backpack, making it a great option for traveling to unfamiliar places.
  • Waterproof Pocket: The wet and dry separation pocket is great feature of this Laptop backpack women. It's perfect for storing toiletries and personal care items without worrying about leaks or spills. This ensures that your belongings stay dry and hygienic, making it easier to maintain personal cleanliness such as electric toothbrushes and towels, while traveling.
Bestseller No. 5
BAGSMART 30L Travel Backpack for Women, Carry on Backpack for Airplanes, Gym Backpack with Shoe Compartment, Lightweight Travel Bag Fits 15.6 Inch, Water-Resistant, Desert
  • Ample Compartment: BAGSMART Travel Backpack provides generous room and diverse compartments, effortlessly segregate and store your 15.6" laptop, books, supplies. Meets airline carry-on requirements. Dimensions:17.3×12.6×7.9 inches
  • Jewelry Safekeeping: Our carry on bag offers PVC pockets for jewelry storing, different sizes transparent pockets keep your belongings separated and always find the jewelry you need. Bid farewell to rummaging through a chaotic bag
  • Practical Features: A separate shoe compartment on the side maintains cleanliness and organization. The Padded 15.6" laptop compartment towards the backside, keeps electronics easy to access and provides reliable protection against impacts. Additionally, the back strap conveniently fits over a suitcase handle for effortless transport
  • Enhanced Comfort: Made of lightweight and soft fabric. The padded straps ensure an even distribution of weight, provides ergonomic support for your back, while the breathable mesh on the backside keeps you cool. Even when filled with heavy supplies, you can enjoy a comfortable carrying experience
  • Style Meets Functionality: This Travel Bag harmoniously merges style with practicality, showcase your unique style while comfortably carrying all your essentials. A real must have for international travels, business trip, go out to party, cruise vacation and other outdoor activities
SaleBestseller No. 6
coowoz Travel Backpack For Women Men,Carry On Backpack,Hiking Backpack Waterproof Outdoor Sports Rucksack Casual Daypack Travel Essentials(Olive Green)
  • 【Travel Backpack for women】This backpack is made of waterproof durable polyester, good air permeability and heat dissipation with two padded shoulder straps, offers lightweight carrying and of force reinforcement,keeping cool when you carry it for a long time. And it is tough, firm and does not fade.
  • 【Separate Shoe Compartment Design & Wet Bag】Main pocket x 2, laptop compartment x 2 (fit for a 13” tablet and 14” laptop respectively), and many other pockets for different purposes. The wet bag is made of high density water resistant material can help you to separate dry items and wet items,if you have wet clothes or towel,you can put it in wet bag. A separate shoe compartment can help you carry and keep your shoes better in your travel bag.
  • 【Laptop Backpack】 Main pocket x 2, laptop compartment x 2 (fit for a 13” tablet and 15.6” laptop respectively), and many other pockets for different purposes.
  • 【Multifunctional backpack】Versatile Backpack: Hybrid (backpack/gym bag/shoulder bag/travel bag) conversion. Several different ways can be used. It can be used as an everyday backpack, a roomy college bag, a professional backpack for a laptop or everyday use anywhere, perfect for weekend getaways, occasional use.
  • 【SPACIOUS】External dimensions: (L*W*H)32cm*20cm*42cm 12.6*7.87*16.53inch;Weight:1.7LB/0.77KG.Size:25L.This size backpack can hold 1-2 days of travel clothing and other supplies, suitable for short trips.
Bestseller No. 7
LIGHT FLIGHT Travel Laptop Backpack Women, 17.3 Inch Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Hole, Water Resistant College Bookbag, Black Computer Backpacks for Work, champagne
  • LARGE CAPACITY - The separate laptop compartment fits up to 17.3'' laptop. Large main compartment roomy for daily necessities, such as A4 folders, magazines, tablet, chargers, power bank and clothes.
  • CONVENIENT POCKETS - Front zippered pocket of the backpack allows you to put your small items in an organized manner. Backside hidden pocket to keep your phone or other valuable items. Side pockets for water bottle or umbrella.
  • EASY CHARGE – You can charge the phone via the side pocket’s hole so that you don’t need to take the portable charger all the time. Just keep up your phone and be on the go.
  • COMFORTABLE - Mesh padded shoulder straps relieves the pressure on shoulders to provide wear comfortability. Back luggage strap of the bag is easy to transport.
  • MULTIPURPOSE - Its simplistic, stylish look makes it as a bookbag, laptop backpack, work backpack, travel backpack, college backpack as well as backpack.
Bestseller No. 8
LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack for Women, 40L Carry On Backpack Flight Approved, Large Personal Item Bag Fits 17 inch Laptop, TSA Approved Luggage with 3 Packing Cubes,Waterproof Weekender Gym Daypack
  • 【LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack for Today's Woman】 Elevate your travel style with a backpack that marries fashion with function. Crafted from Sturdy, scratch-resistant materials, this pack stands out in the crowd.
  • 【Space Like No Other - A Whopping 40L】Whether you're jet-setting for a weekend or heading out for longer, we're talking 40L of spaciousness. Plus, special compartments designed just for your 17.3inch laptop and 12.9-inch iPad! Think a weekend's worth of outfits, your tech gear, and then some.
  • 【Keep It Clean and Dry】 Along with 2 packing cubes and an isolated shoe pouch, our backpack features a built-in wet bag. Made of high-density waterproof material, it's perfect for your damp clothes or toiletries, ensuring everything else stays dry.
  • 【Fly with Ease】 Sized right at 18*14*8 inches, it's not just a favorite for major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue; it's also a breeze at security checks. Slide it under your seat or pop it in the overhead bin—either way, it's a snug fit.
  • 【Tough Build, Easy on Your Back】Those premium zippers? They're designed to withstand the rough and tumble of travels. Reinforced stitching ensures longevity. And with its ergonomic breathable mesh straps, trust us, your shoulders will be singing praises.

Choosing Your Perfect Travel Companion: A Backpack Buying Guide for Women

Finding the right travel backpack makes a big difference on your adventures. A good backpack carries your things safely. It also keeps you comfortable while exploring. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

Several important features make a travel backpack great. Think about what you need for your trips.

Capacity and Size

  • Liters Matter: Backpack sizes are measured in liters (L). A weekend trip usually needs 30-45L. Longer trips often require 50-70L. Don’t buy too big; you will only fill it up!
  • Carry-On Compliance: Check airline rules. Many bags must fit under the seat or in the overhead bin. Look for bags around 40L if you want to avoid checked baggage fees.

Comfort and Fit

  • Adjustable Suspension: A good bag moves with your body. Look for adjustable shoulder straps. This helps the weight sit right on your hips, not just your shoulders.
  • Padded Back Panel: This keeps air flowing between you and the bag. It stops your back from getting too sweaty.
  • Hip Belt: A sturdy hip belt transfers most of the weight to your strong leg muscles. This is essential for comfort.

Access and Organization

  • Clamshell Opening: Unlike top-loading hiking packs, travel bags often open like a suitcase (clamshell). This lets you see everything easily.
  • Dedicated Pockets: Look for padded spots for laptops and tablets. Separate shoe compartments are also very useful.

Important Materials for Durability

The material of your backpack affects how long it lasts and how heavy it feels.

Fabric Strength

  • Nylon and Polyester: These are the most common materials. They are strong and resist tearing. High-denier nylon (like 600D or higher) means tougher fabric.
  • Water Resistance: Most travel bags have a water-resistant coating. This protects your electronics from light rain. For heavy downpours, you might need a separate rain cover.

Hardware Quality

  • Zippers: Always check the zippers. Look for big, strong zippers, often from brands like YKK. Weak zippers break first, so quality hardware matters.
  • Buckles and Straps: Plastic buckles should feel thick and sturdy, not flimsy.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality shows up in the details. Paying a little more often saves you trouble later.

Quality Boosters
  • Stitching: Double or triple stitching in high-stress areas (where straps meet the bag) means the bag lasts longer.
  • Compression Straps: These straps let you cinch down the bag when it is not full. This keeps the load stable and stops things from shifting around.
Quality Reducers
  • Internal Frames: Some cheap bags lack a proper frame. Without a frame, the bag sags and puts all the weight on your shoulders, even if it looks full.
  • Excessive Padding: Too much padding adds weight when the bag is empty. You want padding where you need it (straps, back panel), not everywhere.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you travel most often. This shapes what features you prioritize.

The Weekend Warrior (2-3 Days)

You need a smaller, lighter bag (30-40L). Easy access is key so you can grab what you need quickly at the airport or on the train.

The Digital Nomad (Long-Term Work/Travel)

Laptop protection is non-negotiable. Look for TSA-friendly laptop sleeves that open flat. Organization for chargers and cables becomes very important.

The Adventurer (Light Hiking/City Exploration)

You need comfort for long walking days. Features like a stowable rain cover and durable water resistance are crucial. You might want external water bottle pockets.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Women’s Travel Backpacks

Q: Are travel backpacks better than rolling suitcases for women?

A: Yes, often they are. Backpacks let you use your hands freely. They handle stairs and cobblestones much better than rolling bags.

Q: How do I choose the right capacity for a one-week trip?

A: For one week, most women find 40L to 45L perfect. This size often fits the carry-on limit for most major airlines.

Q: What is the difference between a travel backpack and a hiking backpack?

A: Travel backpacks open like a suitcase (clamshell). Hiking packs usually only open from the top. Travel packs focus more on organization and less on extreme weather protection.

Q: Do I need a specialized “women’s fit” backpack?

A: It helps a lot. Women’s specific packs usually have shorter torso lengths and hip belts shaped to fit curvier hips better. This greatly improves comfort.

Q: How heavy should an empty travel backpack be?

A: A good quality empty travel backpack should weigh between 3 to 5 pounds (about 1.4 to 2.3 kg). More than that eats into your weight limit.

Q: Are built-in USB charging ports useful?

A: They are convenient, but they only pass power from a battery you supply. The port itself does not hold a charge. They make charging your phone easy while walking.

Q: How important is locking capability?

A: Very important for hostel stays or budget travel. Look for zippers that have holes so you can attach your own small luggage lock.

Q: What is a “torso measurement” and why do I need it?

A: Torso measurement is the distance from your neck bone down to your hip bones. This measurement tells you which size of bag frame fits your spine best for proper weight distribution.

Q: Should I buy a backpack with wheels?

A: Some backpacks combine wheels and straps. This offers flexibility. However, the wheels and extra frame add significant weight when you decide to carry it.

Q: Can I wash my travel backpack?

A: You can spot clean most bags with mild soap and water. Deep washing is risky as it can damage the water-resistant coating. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first.