Ultimate Guide to the Best Travel Backpack Australia 2023

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Recently, we purchased a new travel backpack for our family travels. We had been researching the best travel backpack brands for a while, as there are a lot of options. I read various travel backpack reviews to decide what would be the best backpacks for our family’s current needs.

After years of travelling I know it’s important to ask yourself a few questions before rushing out to purchase a pack. Firstly, you need to consider who will carry the backpack?  What will you put in the backpack? Do you need a laptop backpack to keep your laptop safe or will one of the cheap travel backpacks do?

Another big consideration is the comfort factor, the best travel bags are usually lightweight and fit your shoulders and back comfortably, so you can get on with travelling without worrying about back and neck strain. We are planning a trip to Germany so want to make sure we had something comfortable for a longer trip.

Click here to see the best travel backpack in Australia now!

To save you hours of research, I have compiled this Australian backpacks guide to help you answer all these questions. I have gathered information on some of the top travel backpacks from the best backpack brands as well as their various features so you can choose one of the best backpacking bags for your needs.

best travel backpack australia

Contents

Compare Best Travel Backpacks Australia 2023

The table below will you easily compare the different Australian backpack brands and their products, which are reviewed in this guide.

NameImageTypeCapacityWeightDimensions (HxWxD)RatingPrice
Osprey Packs Farpoint 55 Travel BackpackOsprey Farpoint 55 Men's Travel Backpack Jasper Red, Small/MediumMain55L1.8kg61 x 33 x 33 cm4.5Check
Kelty Redwing 50 BackpackKelty Redwing 50 BackpackMain50L1.6kg66 x 41 x 30 cm4.0Check
Gregory Mountain BaltoroGregory Mountain Products Men's Baltoro 65, Ferrous Orange, SmallMain65L2.5kg69 x 28 x 43 cm4.5Check
Osprey Nebula 34 Laptop BackpackOsprey Nebula Men's Laptop Backpack, Sentinel GreyLaptop34L1.1kg48 x 31 x 30 cm4.0Check
Asenlin 40L Travel BackpackAsenlin 40L Travel Backpack ,17 Inch Laptop Backpack Flight Approved Luggage Carry On Water Resistant Computer Backpack for Weekender Overnight Large Daypack BlackMain/Laptop40L2kg47 x 32 x 24 cm4.5Check
Zomake Packable Lightweight BackpackZOMAKE 35L Lightweight Hiking Backpack,Handy Foldable Water Resistant Travel Daypack Packable Camping Backpack for Men Women (Amry Green)Carry On35L0.3kg33 x 24 x 42 cm4.0Check
Osprey Packs Farpoint 70 Travel BackpackOsprey Farpoint 70 Men's Travel Backpack, Volcanic Grey, Medium/LargeMain70L1.7kg61 x 33 x 33 cm4.0Check
Thule AllTrail Women’s BackpackTHULE TALF145MON THULE AllTrail 45L Womens TechPack, Monarch, 45 L CapacityMain/For Women45L1.4kg62 x 30 x 32 cm4.5Check
Osprey Women’s Aura 50 AG BackpackOsprey Packs Osprey Pack Aura Ag 50 Backpack, Vestal Grey, MediumFor Women50L1.8kg81 x 36 x 36 cm4.5Check
Cabin Max® Equator 44L BackpackCabin Max Equator 44L BackpackCarry On44L1.3kg56 x 23 x 36 cm4.5Check

Top 10 Best Travel Backpacks Australia 2023

Here is a handy reference list of the best travel backpacks Australia offers – see all full travel backpack reviews below!

  • Osprey Packs Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack, 55L
  • Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack, 50L
  • Gregory Mountain Baltoro Backpack, 65L
  • Osprey Nebula 34 Laptop Backpack, 34L
  • Asenlin Travel Backpack, 40L
  • Zomake Packable Lightweight Backpack, 35L
  • Osprey Packs Farpoint 70 Travel Backpack, 70L
  • Thule AllTrail Women’s Backpack, 45L
  • Osprey Women’s Aura 50 AG Backpack, 50L
  • Cabin Max® Equator 44L Backpack, 44L

Why And When Is It Best To Travel With A Backpack?

The best backpacks Australia has are not just for young travellers staying in dorm rooms. A back pack is for various types of travellers who want the freedom of having their hands free and not having to wheel a bulky suitcase around.

best travel backpack australia

The best backpacks for travel give you flexibility when you turn a corner and see a set of stairs or arrive at a hotel with no elevator. Plus bagpack is the perfect type of bag if you travel with children as it allows you to have your hands free to hold a little one’s hands without trying to wheel a suitcase and keep the kids safe.

What To Consider When Buying The Best Travel Backpack Australia 2023?

Do you travel light? Are you physically fit? Do you need to carry a laptop or tent on your travels? What else do you need to know when looking to buy?

Travel backpack brands offer backpacks for all people and occasions; there is not a “one size fits all” backpack.

Whether you are looking for the best hiking backpack Australia offers, the best daypack for travel or the best backpack for Europe or Asia, it is important to give yourself time to understand exactly what it is you need from a backpack and the time to find it.

Size

These days it is easy enough to buy backpacks online (when considering where to buy travel backpacks I do recommend online as it is usually the cheapest option), but when doing so remember to consider the size. Too small and you won’t be able to fit all your family’s things in, too big and you may have to check the bag in unnecessarily or pay for excess baggage.

best travel backpack australia

It is also important to consider who will be carrying the backpack. A tall man and a petite woman have very different frames. I recommend you aim to find the best lightweight travel backpack that meets your needs in all other areas.

Type

These days many travellers are opting for a carry on backpack Australia has and there are some great options out there for the best carry on luggage backpack. However, there are still just as many awesome bags with various compartments for those travellers who like to bring loads of stuff with them.

When looking at the best backpack brands, Australia has and their products, consider whether you want a front loading or top loading bag. Basically, this means do you want to access your things via the top of the bag or the front. In my view, front loading packs are far easier; they are similar to a suitcase and usually have various compartments making it easy to locate your items.

Compartments

Talking about compartments, when looking for the best backpack Australia has for you, consider what items you will carry and what things you may need to access quickly, and how often. A sleeping bag or change of clothes does not have to be as easy to get to as a rain cover, phone, camera, passport, tickets or laptop.

Internal compartments are important too, helping to keep things organised and easy to find when you need them. These days travellers are taking various technology with them and so there are some great packs on the market with compartments designed to keep these items safe. 

For example, if you’re taking your laptop, then you may want to consider the best laptop backpack Australia has.  Below in the reviews, there are some great options if you are after the best laptop backpack for travel. These packs have compartments designed to keep your laptop safe and secure whilst travelling as well as easily accessible.

best travel backpack australia

Straps

Comfort is paramount when purchasing the best backpack for travel and these days ergonomics are a priority for designers which means the best quality backpacks all come with comfortable straps.

A good strap system will spread the load of the backpack across your back, with most of the weight resting on your hips via the hip belt. Some of the best backpacks for traveling come with pockets in the hip belt for snacks or small phones.

Things to consider when looking at straps include padding, breathable fabric, are they removable, adjustable, do they stow away for plane travel and do they have any pockets.

Backpack straps are adjustable around the hips, the shoulders, and even across the chest to keep the shoulder straps in place regardless of body shape.

Other Key Features

Key features for travelling outdoors are a water-resistant fabric, quick access to rain cover, water and snacks. If you are planning to use daily for work, study or commuting, a reflective strip or option of adding a blinking light might be important for you.  

There is no one “best backpack in the world”, it must suit your needs. Keep this in mind when choosing and try not to get dazzled by features.

Laptop/Other Gadget Compartments

best travel backpack australia

If you travel with a laptop, look for a pack with a built in laptop compartment. These compartments have padded sleeves which are designed to keep your laptop safe and secure whilst travelling.

Other packs have certain compartments for mobile phones, keys, passports, tickets and cameras.

Carry Handles

The addition of carry handles gives extra flexibility. Carry handles means you don’t always have to wear your backpack on your back; you may be able to stow your straps and carry as a traditional suitcase. Carry handles also aid in putting your back in overhead plane lockers as well as on buses.

Water Resistant

A water resistant fabric is great for a backpack. It is one less thing to think about if it starts to shower, or you accidentally spill something on your backpack. It gives you that bit of extra time to find cover, or grab your rain cover to ensure your backpack and its contents are protected.

Top Travel Backpack Reviews Australia 2023

Below we review our recommendations for the best backpacks for travelling.

Osprey Packs Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack Review

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men's Travel Backpack Jasper Red, Small/Medium

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Main
  • Capacity:  55L
  • Weight: 1.8kg
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 61 x 33 x 33 cm

This Osprey Travel Backpack is designed to carry loads of up to 25 kgs. It comes with a detachable daypack complete with laptop sleeve and a scratch free pocket for your eye wear. Made from Nylon Ripstop fabric, the Farpoint 55 is water resistant.

The main compartment of these Osprey backpacks Australia offers are accessed via a large zippered panel, which can be secured with locks. The laptop and tablet sleeve is also lockable. Internal and external compression straps allow you to secure items inside the backpack and reduce the overall external size if required.

A considered design, the trademark LightWire frame suspension system transfers the weight of the backpack to the hip belt, keeping the strain off your shoulders. A frame sheet spreads the weight across the back. These Osprey packs Australia has provides the option of stowing the shoulder straps and hip belt in a zippered compartment, streamlining your baggage for transport.

Osprey is a respected brand with good customer service and the Osprey Farpoint 55 Australia has is a good pack with well thought out features and comfort in mind.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack Review

Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack

Rating: 4.0

Specifications:

  • Type: Main
  • Capacity:  50L
  • Weight: 1.6kg
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 66 x 41 x 30 cm

The Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack is a simple backpack with less focus on features and more on comfort.

The suspension system for this pack allows for on body adjustments, by loosening all the straps before you put the pack on and tightening them while you are wearing the pack you ensure a customised fit.

The main compartment can be accessed from the top zippered panel, or via a larger zippered panel below the compression straps. Padded and ventilated back panel helps to keep you cool while wearing the pack.

The padded hydration sleeve doubles as a laptop pocket, so no dedicated laptop sleeve. You can carry tent poles or a fishing rod in deep side panel/pockets.

Some reviews have raised a disappointment at the lack of features, for example, no rain cover pocket at the bottom of the pack, no internal compression straps, no lockable zippers. However, others rate this pack as the best 50L backpack available so it could be your perfect fit.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Gregory Mountain Baltoro 65L Review

Gregory Mountain Products Men's Baltoro 65, Ferrous Orange, Small

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Main
  • Capacity:  65L
  • Weight: 2.5kg
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 69 x 28 x 43 cm

One of the largest travel backpacks you’ll find is the Gregory Mountain Baltoro 65L. This backpack is most suitable for long trips or for those after the best hiking packs Australia has.  They have a huge capacity and plenty of features to make it comfortable to use, even during extended periods.

The unique design of this Australian backpack keeps the load stable, making it easier to carry. With a 65L capacity and enough pockets and storage compartments, this is a backpack to keep you truly organised whilst travelling. 

The backpack includes ‘free float suspension’, and the material allows for additional airflow as well as moisture wicking mesh. The wide hip belt includes a pocket for easy access to smaller phones or a wallet and suspension to align with your hips for the ultimate comfort.

There are two entry points to these Gregory packs Australia offer – the top and the front. The top offers quick access whilst the front u-zip panel is great for packing and organising. There’s also a bottom pocket with a detachable divider for separating goods.

The shoulder straps can be height adjusted for the best fit, and with a side bottle pocket and also an included rain cover, you’re getting a great deal.

Of course, a huge backpack like this won’t be suitable for all, but for those interested, it’s sure to last for years.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Best Laptop Backpack For Travel Australia 2023

Osprey Nebula 34 Laptop Backpack Review

Osprey Nebula Men's Laptop Backpack, Sentinel Grey

Rating: 4.0

Specifications:

  • Type: Laptop
  • Capacity: 34L
  • Weight: 1.1kg
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 48 x 31 x 30 cm

The Osprey carry on backpack is packed with pockets and heaps of space, for a laptop backpack.

With a streamlined design and lockable zippers, reviews indicate this is good value for money. Described by Osprey as urban to trail, the Osprey Nebula is sturdy enough for travel, commuting or a sometimes outdoors trip. Key features include a blinker light attachment for cycling at night, a padded laptop sleeve which has separate zippered access, large organisation front pocket and a top grab handle.

Mesh pockets are great for quick access and visual recognition, this pack has incorporated these at the sides and front and within the organisation pocket. The suspended mesh ventilated back panel keeps you cooler by creating some airflow between you and the pack. The removable hip belt gives you more options.

The hanging padded laptop sleeve keeps your laptop off the ground and closes to your back for a more comfortable carry.

The Osprey Nebula is a great choice for those looking for the best small travel backpack.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Asenlin Travel Backpack Review

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack ,17 Inch Laptop Backpack Flight Approved Luggage Carry On Water Resistant Computer Backpack for Weekender Overnight Large Daypack Black

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Main/Laptop
  • Capacity: 40L
  • Weight: 2kg
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 47 x 32 x 24 cm

The Asenlin is a functional bag, intuitive in its design and offers plenty of space at 40 litres capacity.

This upgraded bag includes a large main compartment which opens right up for easy packing and organisation. There are three included packing cubes – a small, medium and large – which makes staying organised super simple. The front organisation pocket can hold loose bits and pieces, and there is a laptop pocket in the rear which can fit a 17″ laptop.

Comfortable shoulder straps as well as compression straps make this backpack complete. It’s also been reinforced for strength, and it also comes in a range of funky designs.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Best Carry On Travel Backpack Australia 2023

Zomake Packable Lightweight Backpack Review

ZOMAKE 35L Lightweight Hiking Backpack,Handy Foldable Water Resistant Travel Daypack Packable Camping Backpack for Men Women (Amry Green)

Rating: 4.0

Specifications:

  • Type: Carry On
  • Capacity: 35L
  • Weight: 0.3kg
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 33 x 24 x 42 cm

One of the lightest weight travel backpacks you’ll find is the Zomake Packable Lightweight Backpack. This is a foldable backpack for travellers who need plenty of space but without all the bells and whistles.

The bag arrives folded in a small package. It literally folds into itself and unzips to reveal the entire bag. Straight away it’s clear this bag would make a great day pack or long weekend bag, with a 35L capacity and super lightweight construction.

There are essentially 4 compartments – the front pocket (which is what it folds in/out of), the main compartment and 2 front zippered pockets to keep accessories within easy reach.

The worry with such a lightweight backpack is whether the weight will disperse nicely when filled, but the bag does a pretty good job at being comfortable for such an affordable bag.

The shoulder straps, whilst not super comfortable, sit nicely. There is a buckle on the front to secure the straps in place and to take some tension off your shoulder. Unfortunately, a hip strap is not included, which would be better to balance weight. The bag can also be a bit tricky to fold down again.

You’ll also find side pockets for drinks, side buckles to help compress the load and space for a laptop.

The lightweight makes it great for carry on and there are some awesome colours to choose from. Whilst this bag is not perfect, it is definitely a good deal as it’s available at a super low price.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Best Travel Backpack For Europe Australia 2023

Osprey Packs Farpoint 70 Travel Backpack Review

Osprey Farpoint 70 Men's Travel Backpack, Volcanic Grey, Medium/Large

Rating: 4.0

Specifications:

  • Type: Main
  • Capacity: 70L
  • Weight: 1.7kg
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 61 x 33 x 33 cm

The Osprey Farpoint 70 travel backpack comes in 2 sizes, s/m 67L or m/l 70L and includes a daypack. Even better, it comes with a lifetime warranty!

Osprey packs are made to last a lifetime and are backed by the Osprey “All Mighty Guarantee” without any loopholes. Osprey state that they will “repair any damage or defect for any reason free of charge – whether it was purchased in 1974 or yesterday. If we are unable to perform a functional repair on your pack, we will happily replace it.”

Not classified as lightweight, this size backpack is for a longer trip, or a trip that requires a bit more gear. The inclusion of the daypack, easily zippered off the main pack, means you can carry minimal weight with you while you explore, and has a designated laptop sleeve.

Made from durable fabric, stow away straps for travelling, internal and external compression straps, padded handles and plenty of internal and external pockets. This pack is a solid choice for travelling.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Thule AllTrail Women’s Backpack Review

THULE TALF145MON THULE AllTrail 45L Womens TechPack, Monarch, 45 L Capacity

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Main/For Women
  • Capacity: 45L
  • Weight: 1.4kg
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 62 x 30 x 32 cm

One of the best backpacks for women is the Thule AllTrail Womens backpack. This is a bag designed to be optimised to your individual dimensions, making it super comfortable to travel with.

With this backpack,  women will love the shoulder straps; it has some of the best shoulder straps of any bag I’ve seen – they are thick, strong and of good quality. They are designed with a special curved shape, which is better for hugging to your chest. The position of the shoulder straps can be height adjusted, so it’s great for short and tall people.

The hip strap is made of the same thick material, and one side can be used to add additional accessories (like a drink bottle or camera holder) with an additional purchase.

The bag is quite flat when empty and weighs around 1kg. This particular model has a 45 L capacity offering plenty of space, but note the same bag is also available in a 35 L model – perfect for those wanting the best carry on backpack Australia has.

To pack, the bag is opened from the top, and you can also easily access things directly from the zippered centre of the bag. Even when packed to capacity, it stays relatively thin. The side can be used to hang hiking accessories and it’s water resistant with the included rain cover – a must for weathering all conditions. There is space for a laptop too.

For a versatile bag for women for all day comfort, this is one of our top picks.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Best Travel Backpack For Women Australia 2023

Osprey Women’s Aura 50 AG Backpack Review

Osprey Packs Osprey Pack Aura Ag 50 Backpack, Vestal Grey, Medium

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: For Women
  • Capacity: 50L
  • Weight: 1.8kg
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 81 x 36 x 36 cm

The Osprey Women’s Aura 50 AG Backpack is a large pack and is receiving great reviews with regards to its comfort factors.

With a focus on designing a comfortable, larger sized pack for women, Osprey has delivered. A trademarked AntiGravity suspension system and curved design, the Aura 50 transfers the weight easily to the comfortable hip belt. This is so important for a pack this size. It is no good wearing this on day 1 of a 10 day trip and realising your neck and shoulders are paying for it.

The harness is adjustable while you are wearing the backpack, and the hip belt has pockets for snacks, phone or sunscreen—plenty of pockets without being confusing, compression straps, lockable zippers and bottom sleeping bag storage.

This is a big pack that is well designed. If a bit more space and comfort are high on your priority list, this might be the backpack for you.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Cabin Max® Equator 44L Backpack Review

Cabin Max Equator 44L Backpack

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Type: Carry On
  • Capacity: 44L
  • Weight: 1.3kg
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 56 x 23 x 36 cm

The original Cabin Max Equator was a popular bag, and this particular model is the upgraded 2.0 version of the existing Equator bag. It includes all the best features of the original with a few upgrades to make it even better and is the perfect option for those after the best backpack for carry on.

This backpack travel bag is specifically designed to fit the carry-on restrictions of nearly all major airlines (and it can be underfilled to fit others).

You’ll find heaps of zippered pockets and compartments on this bag. On the front, there are 2 zippered pockets and one with a D-ring for easy storage of keys. This section unclips from the buckle to reveal a mesh screen, a few other pockets as well as a hidden pocket for valuables. There’s also a felt pocket designed to store laptops up to 15 inches.

The main compartment opens up to reveal a huge amount of space – you have a 44L capacity and there is a dividing panel which can be removed to keep your luggage organised.

This bag makes a great carry on bag with a grab handle on both the top and side and with the ability to pack away the shoulder straps, it can be used just like a carry bag.

When it comes to comfort, the 2.0 model includes thicker shoulder straps and padded backing for more comfort. The bag also has strengthened compression straps, room for accessories for hiking and drink bottles and comes in a few different, stylish designs. There is also a thin but welcomed hip strap. 

All in all, this is a well constructed and affordable bag, and with a 3 year warranty, there’s very little not to love about this Australia backpack.

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

You can find all the best product reviews here, carry on luggage here or click here for our guide to the best hiking backpacks.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

By Anne Sutherland-Smith

Anne Sutherland-Smith is the founder of the Pretraveller and Everywhere Australia blogs which focus on travel planning. Anne has extensively explored her home country of Australia. As a result, she writes from personal experience to help others plan their Australian trips.