Searching for the best travel bakNo matter how much of a minimalist you strive to be, every traveler needs to carry something on their trips. At the very least, you’ll need a reliable backpack to, well, have your back! From clothes and cellphones to tablets and toiletries, travel backpacks for men can keep all your essential items organized.
What Does The Best Travel Backpack For Men Look Like? — A Few Essential Features
Finding the best backpack for men isn’t a straightforward endeavor. For instance, men who frequently travel on business will have different priorities than those who like to go camping. While these personal considerations will affect which backpack is right for you, there are a few general features we feel every traveler should keep in mind.
For instance, a good travel backpack for men should feel comfortable. There’s nothing worse than walking through an unfamiliar city with a shoulder strain and sweat on your back. When researching travel backpacks for men, always examine whether there’s sufficient padding on the shoulder straps. Top-tier travel backpacks should also have a moisture-wicking technology like a mesh screen that will prevent chafing on hot summer days.
On the subject of comfort, you need to examine your backpack’s total weight and load capacity. While we all love to cram as much stuff as possible in our luggage, your body can only handle so much. You should also see if your backpack has a hip belt or sternum strap to help evenly distribute the weight.
Not only is weight a significant concern for your aching back, it will help determine whether your travel backpack is OK per the TSA. Anyone who does a lot of flying should double-check their preferred airline’s dimension and weight requirements and compare them with their backpack. A travel backpack that goes over these limits could cause severe headaches in the airport.
Lastly, it’s essential to review your travel backpack’s durability. It’s a safe bet you’ll experience a bit of turbulence, so you need a bag that can withstand the tumbles of travel. Generally, the higher the denier count on a bag’s outer material, the longer it will last. Please don’t forget to check whether your travel backpack has waterproof technology to protect against rainy days.
From Price Conscious To Premiere Quality — The Best Travel Backpacks For Men
If you’re new to globe-trekking, you may be wondering what features define the best travel backpack for men. Well, since every traveler has different preferences and goals, there will never be one “best travel backpack for men.” Customers always have to (literally) weigh their backpack options before making a purchase. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t features most of the best backpacks for men share.
First, let’s go through a few key design elements you should look for in a travel backpack. Afterward, we’ll share a few of the best travel backpacks for men in various price ranges.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L
If you don’t mind spending extra for quality, then Peak Design’s 30L Everyday Backpack should be on your wishlist. This premium backpack features innovative FlexFold internal dividers to help you customize your bag to your preferences. As a bonus, you could easily access your items using external carry straps as a sling. Whether you’re sitting or walking, it shouldn’t take long to access anything you desire using this sleek backpack.
For both comfort and security, the Peak Design 30L comes equipped with magnetized technology and an adjustable sternum strap. There are also theft-deterrent loops on the Everyday Backpack’s zippers to keep you safe while trekking through new cities.
While the Peak Design 30L might not have enough space for long outdoor treks, it will protect your gear from the elements. This backpack is made with a 400D nylon shell that’s weatherproof and eco-conscious. Get this: the company uses only recycled materials to make these environmentalist-approved bags.
One potential downside of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is its 15″ laptop sleeve. Some critics argue this exterior pouch doesn’t offer the same degree of protection as other backpacks. However, even people who complain about this feature often admit Peak Design’s product should still be considered the best travel backpack for men.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 14.2 x 7.8 x 20.5 inches
- Weight: 4.55 pounds
- Carrying capacity: 30 L
- Material: Nylon and polyester fabrics
Pros
- Exceptional customizability with flexible interior dividers.
- Lifetime guarantee.
- Durable & weatherproof nylon material.
- Made with eco-friendly recycled materials.
- Anti-theft loops around zippers.
Cons
- Expensive
- Laptop sleeve doesn’t offer superior protection.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Men’s Travel Backpack
Founded in the 1970s, Osprey is an old and respected name in the backpack space. Arguably, the best travel backpack for men in Osprey’s extensive catalog remains the iconic Farpoint 40 Men’s Travel Backpack.
The key reason behind the Farpoint 40’s success is its comfortable design. Not only does this backpack have mesh-lined shoulder straps, it has a convenient hipbelt. Both of these features help evenly distribute weight and prevent chafing on long walks through your travel destination.
Travelers are also impressed with this Osprey bag’s spacious main compartment, which comes with a theft-deterrent locking feature. This pack also has an easy-access, scratch-free “stash pocket” where you can safely store sensitive items like sunglasses.
The Farpoint 40 can easily transition to a shoulder strap or a carry-bag thanks to included compression pads and side handles. So, even if you think you’re a smidge over approved carry-on levels, you could compress the Osprey to fit your airline’s standards.
On the downside, some travelers claim the Osprey Farpoint 40 doesn’t offer enough space for quick-access items. Some people have also complained about the lack of internal dividers to organize their luggage. However, if you’re a minimalist traveler who mostly goes to cities, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is one of the more comfortable options.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
- Weight: 3.17 lbs.
- Carrying capacity: 40 L
- Material: 210-denier ripstop nylon/600-denier packcloth
Pros
- Comfortable mesh-lined shoulder straps and hip belt.
- Scratch-resistant stash pocket.
- Compression pads make Farpoint easy to stow away on flights.
- Zipper on the main compartment has a locking feature.
Cons
- Lack of internal organization.
- Not ideal for long outdoor treks.
Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
We know what you’re thinking: How could Amazon Basics be on a list of the best male travel backpacks? True, Amazon Basics is far from the best-designed travel backpack, but it does have enough redeeming features to merit a quick mention.
The obvious reason to consider the Amazon Basics backpack is its price. At about $50, this backpack is a viable option for budget travelers. If you’d prefer to spend on food, accommodations, or experiences, then it may “pay” to go with Amazon Basics’ offering.
Although this backpack has a tasteless, bulky design, at least it doesn’t scream “Amazon” with its subtle branding. Also, this bag can handle a respectable 40 L and comes with many useful features. For instance, the Amazon Basics backpack has compression straps, a padded back panel, and polyethylene foam on the shoulder pads. There’s also an easy-access front compartment, a 17″ laptop sleeve, and an included sternum strap and hip belt.
Don’t get us wrong; the Amazon Basics travel backpack has plenty of flaws you should be aware of. Since this is a budget buy, you shouldn’t be surprised if a few seams rip or one zipper flies off after months or years of use. There’s also no internal organization in the main compartment, so you should use packing cubes for the best results.
However, if you’re going on short trips and don’t care too much about style, the Amazon Basics backpack will probably get the job done. No, this isn’t the best choice for long-term travel gear, but it has many attractive qualities for short-distance budget travelers.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 21.5 x 8.25 inches
- Weight: 3.64 lbs.
- Carrying capacity: 40 L
- Material: Polyester
Pros
- Cheap
- Holds 40 L and is carry-on approved.
- Foam-covered shoulder straps and back.
- No overt “Amazon” branding.
Cons
- Design aesthetic is a bit tacky.
- Zippers have been known to break.
- No side water pouch.
- Stitching may start tearing after repeated uses.
Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
The Nomatic 40L Travel Bag may not be the sleekest looking bag, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most functional. There’s a good reason business travelers are some of the biggest fans behind this premier backpack.
What this “square bag” lacks in style, it makes up for with its many well-thought-out design elements. For instance, it’s possible to switch from duffel bag to backpack with the Nomatic Travel Bag’s patented sling design. The company also makes it easy to attach this bag to rolling luggage as you’re headed through the airport.
As you start examining the many openings on the Nomatic Travel Bag, you’ll soon notice this company thought about many features not found in other packs. For instance, this travel backpack has a separate slot for shoes and a custom laundry bag for dirty clothes. You’ll also find an easy-to-access water bottle pouch with an interior waterproof coating. For your privacy, the top of the Nomatic Travel Bag has an RFID-protected pocket for storing sensitive documents like your passport.
Some people complain about this bag’s top laptop compartment, which makes it difficult to grab something from the interior case quickly. Others claim the duffel bag/backpack harness system can be a bit clunky in practice.
Overall, the Nomatic 40L Travel Bag is well-suited for people who want maximum space with a durable design. While all of the unique design elements may not work perfectly, this bag has many special features that should help travelers on trips of about 3 – 7 days.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 9 inches
- Weight: 3.3 lbs.
- Carrying capacity: 40 L
- Material: Tarpaulin
Pros
- Huge interior space, yet still carry-on compliant.
- Heavy-duty tarpaulin material.
- Special compartments for shoes, dirty laundry, and water bottle.
- Privacy-focused RFID pad for sensitive documents.
Cons
- Placement of laptop compartment isn’t ideal.
- Lackluster “box” design.
- Some people don’t like the duffel bag/backpack switch feature.
Gregory Zulu 55
If your idea of “travel” includes the great outdoors, then the Gregory Zulu 55 may be up your alley. This isn’t an ideal urban travel backpack, but it has many features that will make your life easy when trekking in the backcountry. For instance, the Gregory Zulu 55 has attachments for trekking poles, stretchable side pockets, and an easily accessible front panel.
Another reason outdoorsy men love the Gregory Zulu 55 is its adjustable sternum strap, adaptable suspension, and flexible hip belt. All of these features make it simple to carry even a full load in the Gregory Zulu without breaking too much of a sweat.
Speaking of sweat, the Zulu 55’s mesh back design helps wick moisture with ease. There’s also no need to fret over rain damage thanks to Gregory Zulu 55’s included rain cover.
While this backpack isn’t the ideal design for urban travelers, it’s an excellent option for men who enjoy camping or hiking while on vacation. If you’re only interested in outdoor-related trips without worrying about bringing work (i.e., your laptop) with you, then the Gregory Zulu 55 could be a versatile option.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 26.77 x 9.84 x 15.75 inches
- Weight: 3.3 lbs.
- Carrying capacity: 55 L
- Material: 210D Nylon
Pros
- Versatile option for camping, hiking, and short non-work trips.
- Ergonomic shoulder straps and flexible hip belt.
- Moisture-wicking nylon on the back.
- Ideal for travelers who need extra space.
Cons
- No laptop sleeve.
- Too large for TSA carry-on
So, What’s The Best Backpack For Men?
As mentioned above, there will never be one men’s travel backpack to “rule them all.” Every product has different pros and cons depending on what kind of traveler you are. For example, people who are budget travelers will have a different set of priorities to professional photographers. Please take the recommendations above into consideration as you shop for the best male travel backpack.
