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Backpacks aren’t just for globetrotters heading for the mountain trail. From casual to designer, there are numerous stylish options appropriate for cities all over the world, and they’re the perfect alternative to standard daypacks or travel purses. Keep reading to find our our favorite cute backpacks for travel!
Cute Backpacks for Travel
Table Of Contents
Backpacks are perfect for jetsetters because they leave your arms and hands free to move and go, an awesome addition to your capsule wardrobe. Cross airports, cities, and towns with ease and style!
Below are 14 gorgeously designed cute backpacks for travel; one of them may be your new favorite travel companion!
Best Backpack for Travel
These backpacks are perfect for city days, as they aren’t oversized and are meant to carry your essentials. If you want a bigger backpack than any of them featured here, check out TFG’s favorite, the Osprey Packs Farpoint 55.
Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack
Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack
For the ultimate in travel safety, we love the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack. The main compartment is so roomy, while the side and inner compartments make it easy to organize everything.
Along with a sleek and unique design, this travel backpack features endless security features, including locking zippers, locking straps, a slash-resistant body and straps, and RFID blocking slots and pockets. Buy it here!
If you want an alternate option, the Tumi Voyageur Hilden backpack is equally popular for travel, as it has a sleek look, several organizational pockets, a laptop compartment for 13” laptops, and a trolley sleeve. Travelers especially love that you can activate Tumi Tracer®, a unique 20-digit number that allows you to recover your bag if it’s ever stolen or lost.
Please note: Whether you choose to use anti-theft or regular backpack, always use additional anti-theft products like a bra pouch to hide the majority of your cash.
Tumi Women’s Voyageur Carson- Calais Backpack
Tumi Voyageur Calais
We love Tumi suitcases, so it’s not surprising that they also make trendy travel backpacks. The Voyageur Carson is a sleek and sophisticated bag that’s perfect for business or daily travel. Although lightweight in design, it’s durable enough to carry so much.
Along with a laptop pocket, it also has several small open and zip pockets to organize small essentials, and padded shoulder straps. Buy it here!
If you want an alternate option, the Tumi Voyageur Hilden backpack is equally popular for travel, as it has a sleek look, several organizational pockets, a laptop compartment for 13” laptops, and a trolley sleeve. Travelers especially love that you can activate Tumi Tracer®, a unique 20-digit number that allows you to recover your bag if it’s ever stolen or lost.
Find out what our readers have to say about their Tumi Bags in our review!
Rebecca Minkoff’s Julian Backpack
Rebecca Minkoff’s Julian
This gorgeous backpack is the Rebecca Minkoff’s Julian – it’s a certified Travel Fashion Girl favorite. I’ve had it for over a year and it’s my favorite travel purse ever!
This line-quilted tote comes with a unique zip and spacious design with a top carry handle that’s super convenient. It’s a great accessory for New York tourists; the classic, street-style appeal of these cute backpacks for travel match the local fashion flavor. My favorite feature? The deep charcoal hardware – there’s just the right amount of edge.
It also has space in a “secret” zipped back pocket – perfect to conceal your passport! This is TFG Approved! Buy it here!
Check out this review on Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack and find out why we think this is one of THE best purses for travel ever!
Heshe Vintage Leather Backpack
Heshe Vintage Leather
This stylishly constructed vintage backpack is both versatile and classic. A simple design and sleek leather exterior gives this piece a designer feel, working nicely with your wardrobe in Sydney.
It also comes equipped with an easy zip opening and multiple pockets for storage. Choose among the variety of colors to suit your unique personality. Buy it here!
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack
Pacsafe Unisex Backpack
If you’re looking for an anti-theft backpack, Pacsafe offers a great selection, with the Unisex Citysafe CX being our favorite. This convertible backpack can also be used as a crossbody bag, making it one of the most versatile travel bags.
The bag has a laptop compartment, top handle, and top zip closure so you can keep everything safe and secure. Buy it here!
Scarleton Chic Casual Backpack
Scarleton Chic Casual
This classic leather backpack from Scarleton is an awesome buy; it comes with a sleek and simple design that can work with just about any casual day look.
Plus, it’s an affordable and cute backpack for the eco-conscious traveler. Take this bag with you as you stroll the fashionable streets of Buenos Aires. Buy it here!
Herschel Retreat Backpack
Here comes a new take on the traditional backpack; Herschel Retreat Backpack comes with a drawcord cinch closure accentuated with a strap detailed top flap.
This clean-cut structure is perfect for the casual, Type A travelers looking for a no-fuss bag on their travels around the globe. Digital nomads and round-the-world trippers might find this to be a refreshing alternative to the standard outdoor type bags. Buy it here!
Fjallraven Kanken Classic Pack
Fjallraven Kanken Classic Pack
The Kanken from Fjallraven is one of the most popular backpacks for travel. One of the best features is how durable it is. It’s made from a dirt-resistant and water-resistant fabric that you can wipe clean.
The design is minimal and there aren’t many pockets, but it does have an internal sleeve for a laptop, plus a front zipper pocket to easily access your smaller accessories. Plus, the Ox Red hue is so gorgeous! Buy it here!
Matt & Nat Brave Faux Leather Backpack
Matt & Nat Brave Faux Leather
Matt & Nat is another brand recommended by readers and we can easily see why. The Brave backpack has a versatile, city chic look that’ll help polish up your travel outfits in an instant. With a roomy interior and plenty of pocket storage, this piece will keep your belongings secure and your ensemble fabulous.
Style aside, Matt & Nat is also a sustainable brand that utilizes eco-friendly strategies when creating their pieces. The Brave backpack, for instance, has an interior lining made from recycled plastic bottles. With a stylishly minimal look, a functional interior and an environmentally conscious origin, the Brave is a clear winner! Buy it here!
High Sierra Loop
For outdoorsy trips, there’s no need to sacrifice style when you have the High Sierra Loop backpack. It offers plenty of cute prints with lightweight technical materials so you can stay active without the need for an ultra-sporty backpack.
As a plus, the backpack also comes equipped with an assortment of useful compartments and pockets. Buy it here!
Marc Jacobs Nylon Mini Biker Backpack
Marc Jacobs Nylon Biker
Marc Jacobs recreates the sporty bag and infuses it with luxurious hardware and the brand’s logo stamp. It’s a perfect item for Tokyo backpackers, chic moms, and traveling students who want a spacious bag in designer style. For an option that fits a laptop, try this larger Marc Jacobs nylon backpack with sleek gold hardware.
This is my new “personal item” backpack and I LOVE IT!!!! It’s so chic yet practical, too. It has a nice open space so I can customize it with packing organizers and I also use it instead of a traditional laptop backpack. This is TFG Approved! Buy it here!
Longchamp Le Pliage
Longchamp’s Le Pliage line has been an easy favorite here at TFG, so it was only natural that we feature the backpack from this coveted collection as well.
Its simple yet sleek design makes it an easy piece for travelers to throw on with just about anything. With a water resistant nylon, it’s also quite durable. Our favorite perk? This backpack easily folds flat so that you can pack it with ease! Buy it here!
Read our Le Pliage Longchamp backpack review and find out why female travelers love this bag!
Calpak Kaya Faux Leather Laptop Backpack
Calpak Faux Leather
This inexpensive faux leather bag from Calpak ranks high on our list of cute backpacks for travel; it’s a lovely bag that suits all styles and seasons.
I.N.C. Elliah Convertible Backpack
I.N.C. Elliah Convertible
The elegant Jetsetter Convertible morphs into a sundried tomato handbag when needed; head into the streets of Paris visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the famed Le Marais shopping district.
Minimal hardware, detachable straps, and leather material are some of the features that make it a perfect urban purse for the designer obsessed traveler. Buy it here!
Here is a quick review of the 14 cute backpacks for travel:
| BRAND / MODEL | READERS SAY | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack |
"Along with a sleek and unique design, this travel backpack features endless security features." | Check Price | |
|
Tumi Women's Voyageur Carson Backpack |
“The Voyageur Carson is a sleek and sophisticated bag that’s perfect for business or daily travel. Although lightweight in design, it’s durable enough to carry so much.” | Check Price | |
|
Rebecca Minkoff's Julian Backpack |
“It's a certified Travel Fashion Girl favorite. This line-quilted tote comes with a unique zip and spacious design with a top carry handle that's super convenient.” | Check Price | |
|
I.N.C. Elliah Convertible Backpack |
“Minimal hardware, detachable straps, and nylon material are some of the features that make it a perfect urban purse for the designer obsessed traveler.” | Check Price | |
|
Heshe Vintage Leather Backpack |
“A simple design and sleek leather exterior gives this piece a designer feel, working nicely with your wardrobe in Sydney." | Check Price | |
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack |
"This convertible backpack can also be used as a crossbody bag, making it one of the most versatile travel bags." | Check Price | |
|
Scarleton Chic Casual Backpack |
"This classic leather backpack from Scarleton is an awesome buy; it comes with a sleek and simple design that can work with just about any casual day look." | Check Price | |
Herschel Supply Co. City Backpack |
“This clean-cut structure is perfect for the casual, Type A travelers looking for a no-fuss bag on their travels around the globe.” | Check Price | |
|
Fjallraven Kanken Classic Pack |
"One of the best features is how durable it is. It’s made from a dirt-resistant and water-resistant fabric that you can wipe clean." | Check Price | |
|
Matt & Nat Brave Faux Leather Backpack |
“The Brave backpack has a versatile, city chic look that’ll help polish up your travel outfits in an instant." | Check Price | |
|
High Sierra Loop Backpack |
"For outdoorsy trips, there's no need to sacrifice style when you have the High Sierra Loop backpack." | Check Price | |
|
Marc Jacobs Nylon Mini Biker Backpack |
"It's a perfect item for Tokyo backpackers, chic moms, and traveling students who want a spacious bag in designer style." | Check Price | |
|
Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack |
“Its simple yet sleek design makes it an easy piece for travelers to throw on with just about anything.” | Check Price | |
|
Calpak Faux Leather |
This inexpensive faux leather bag from Calpak ranks high on our list of cute backpacks for travel; it's a lovely bag that suits all styles and seasons. | Check Price |
Do you have any cute backpacks for travel to recommend? Comment and share!
For more travel purses, please read:
- Top Anti-theft Travel Purses for Women
- Best Cross Body Purses for Travel
- Best Laptop Bags
- Best Camera Bags for Travel
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Nice article on the best backpacks for travel, I bought a Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack from the site, a few years ago, because of your review. It’s one of the most carried bags in my closet. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Everyone,
Having read through all this, and from my own experience…light is always better! Therefore I offer the following 3
items for consideration. very small and handy wallet:
Chums Surfshort wallet
One small and very attractive waistbag by Patagonia.
and last, The Patagonia LW 15L Courier bag. All of these work for men and women. And the Courier bag holds a LOT plus has a zip top and wide, comfy and adjustable strap. Currently at $41.50 at
Patagonia. Regular price is $59, and I highly recommend black!
I have dozens of bags, including Baggallini ( which has gone downhill the past few years). This bag is the best of all of them!!! Hope you guys check it out…along with my other faves. My luggage is from Tortuga and is very lightweight, the “right” size for my 5’3” ht. And will expand from 27 to 32 ( or 34L) with a simple zipper, a feature I’ve never had to use. For ultra lightweight
packing cubes and pouches…I like Eagle Creek the best. With back problems and being older, the lighter the better for me. Hope this is helpful.
Happy Travels.
Connie
PS- wanted to add the photos, but couldn’t see any way to do it. Sorry
Henri Bendel is closed…RIP super cute convertible backpack. 🙁
It is such a shame that Henri Bendel has closed Stephanie 🙁
I really like Pacsafe products, their small backpacks are ultra secure and some are quite stylish.
Hi Dianne, thank you for sharing your recommendation of Pacsafe, their backpacks are quite popular amongst our readers, particularly their anti-theft backpacks! 🙂
I read this article and I bought the sole society backpack in black. It is very stylish, and great price, I use for meetings and it fits my laptop, and to go sightseeing as well, I wanted a bag that will do both. I want this one to work for me, I tried it in the last 3 months in three countries, I am happy except for one thing, the flap in front has a magnetic clasp that it is really difficult to close, and it opens easily, it is worse when the bag is full. This bag will be much better if it had a buckle instead so that you could secure it, you could fit more items that way. That will be the only thing I wish sole society changes. Other than this the bag is awesome, I will keep trying it in two more trips in January from Peru to Japan.
I love bags from Matt & Nat. They are a Canadian vegan company who makes their bags out of recycled bottles! You’d never guess when you look at them. Their most popular design for backpack is the ‘Brave’ one, which comes in different colors depending on the season, but the black one is a permanent staple!
Hi Alex!
Love your post! I just stumbled across your blog and love it! I am in search of a travel backpack myself and can’t seem to find one, but this post has helped a lot!
I am looking for a backpack that is fashionable yet practical for my camera that I recently purchased – something I can travel with, take as a carry-on when flying, and possibly hike in! Is there a backpack out there like that or do I just need to purchase a backpack for hiking and a fashionable one for when my husband and I are out and about? Thanks so much!
A TFG team member actually just picked up the NorthFace Isabella for a daypack and she loves it! Big enough for a camera but not too large! If you’re looking for something that’s more of a suitcase size carry-on I always loved my Osprey Farpoint 40L, it’s the perfect size for carry-on! Happy travels!
I am a professional photographer and just use an insert for my gear while traveling because my camera backpacks dont really work for traveling. There are several brands of bags for photographers that are super cute as well as nice. But be willing to spend 200-500 on a bag that can hold your gear. Or just use your favorite bag amd get a mountainsmith insert for about $30. I just did that to a recent backpacking trip to puerto rico and it worked perfectly in my backpack with room to spare for everything else I needed.
Hi!
I love your blog by the way. I am heading to Europe (Germany, Austria, and Czech Republic) for a two week honeymoon next week. It will be my first time traveling overseas and your blog has been helping me the most to prepare for this exciting trip. So thank you! 🙂
I am trying to find the best fashion backpack to take over there. I am trying to decide between your number 1 Rebecca Minkoff Julian Black Backpack or your number 2 Marc Jacobs. Which one would you choose to stay comfortable and have your things to stay protected at the same time as you travel around Europe?
Thanks for all of your help again!
I love the Rebecca Minkoff! It’s a great bag and has lasted me for so long! Happy travels Alexandra!
I got one from Target that is similar to the Sole Society faux-leather bag, but I seriously lust after the Marc Jacobs or Jetsetter!!!!
I’m so happy with my Rebecca Minkoff backpack. It was a splurge but since I only have one bag/purse/shoulder bag it’s been well worth it on my long term travels
Which looks better on a plus-size very busty girl – a cross body bag or a backpack? I’m a mom, so even though I’d prefer to go bagless when sightseeing, I have to carry a bag or purse of some sort. I feel like my cross body bag emphasizes my chest to the point of making me self conscious, but backpack straps make everything pop out more too. I need to be securely hands-free, so a shoulder bag doesn’t really work. Suggestions?
Hi Dominica, great question! I agree that a cross body bag is difficult to wear without splitting your bust in half. I think the key to create an overall cleaner bust line is to make sure you have the right bra size. It wasn’t until I got to England that I found an extensive range of bra lines and had a proper fitting. Bravissimo was a complete game changer! http://www.bravissimo.com/perfectfit/ If you’ve never had one, make sure to go to a specialty bra store if you can – it will do wonders!
With that being said, a backpack would be slightly easier to wear once you have nicely paired down girls. Alternatively, a shoulder bag would draw the least amount of attention. If you choose this route I would suggest to walk with a firm grip on the shoulder strap and to avoid holding it on the side of the street. Instead, place it on the side closest to buildings. Hope this helps!