You’ve come to the section where picking the right backpack will be one of the most important parts of your travel planning. This part can be very confusing since there are so many backpacks available. When choosing the best minimalist backpack for your trip always think of quality over a ‘good looking cheap bag’. You can go with a budget option however that travel backpack may not last. There’s nothing worse if your backpack fails in the middle of your trip.
I prefer minimalist backpacks that are less than 50 liters, I try to be as minimalist as possible. That being said you’ll be surprised just how much you can carry using a 40 / 45-liter pack.
What to look for in a minimalist backpack:
- Water-Resistant: Make sure the bag is water-resistant or waterproof. Traveling during a rainy season can be miserable if your bag becomes soaked along with your clothing.
- Loading style: My very first backpack was a top loader which was a pain because the items on the bottom were difficult to access. I look for backpacks that open like a suitcase or have the ‘U Zip’ type opening
- Compartments: any good backpack will have multiple compartments allowing you to store your belongings. Make sure the laptop compartment is in the back, a side compartment to keep an umbrella and a simple side pocket to keep your water bottle.
- Security Features: Most backpacks don’t come with a security feature allowing you to secure the zippers. That’s where TSA-friendly locks come in to secure your bag.
- Padded Hip belt: This simple feature will help distribute the weight of the bag more evenly.
These minimalist backpacks will come in handy with trips that are 10, 14 even 30 days long. These bags are carry-on friendly so you save money on ‘bag check’ fees. Let’s take a look at your options.
Favorite Minimalist Backpacks:
1) Osprey – Porter Travel Pack 46-liter
This carry-on bag is just plain impressive with loads of space, depending on how well you can pack. You’ll have plenty of space for a 3 week trip no problem. I can’t get over the sleek design and functionality of this backpack. It has a bucket style opening to make packing so much easier and it has a ‘straight-jacket’ style compression with padded sides for bag protection. The laptop or tablet is stored in the back of the bag. There’s a reason why seasoned travelers love this backpack. Don’t sleep on this one!
Osprey - Porter Travel Pack 46-liter | Features | Price |
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46 liter capacity Enough space for a 3 week trip Bucket style opening Straight-jacket style compression Padded sides for protection Stowaway harness and hip belt Osprey Quality | Check For Price |
2) Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
This bag is very much like the Ospery Porter main difference it’s a 40 liter. This also double as a duffel bag with stowaway harness (in back panel) and hip belt tuck away. Rear side zipper allows you to store your 15” laptop
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack | Features | Price |
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40 liter capacity Can double as a duffel bag Quick access zippers Lightweight and durable Stowaway harness and hip belt Osprey Quality | Check For Price |
3) Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Backpack
The Pacsafe is a favorite with travelers with its anti-theft design and two lockable main compartments. The fabric is cut resistant for max security (lightweight steel mesh) protects against ‘slash and grab’ type theft. Love the Interlocking zippers with cut resistant fabric.
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Backpack | Features | Price |
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45 liter capacity Anti-theft technology Interlocking zippers Made of Cut resistant fabric External & internal compression straps which can be stowed away | Check For Price |
4) NOMATIC 40L Travel Bag – Duffel/Backpack
This bag is very impressive with its design boasting 20 + features. This is a highly organized bag that was made with the frequent flyer / traveler in mind. Nomatic boasts their bag is “the most functional bag ever”.
NOMATIC 40L Travel Bag- Duffel/Backpack | Features | Price |
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40 liter capacity Water Resistant Contains waist Straps + laundry bag Multiple compartments Converts to duffel bag 20 + features | Check For Price |
5) Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L
The Peak Design can expand from a 35L to a 45L which means you can convert it to a day pack whenever you feel like it. Made of weatherproof 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas shell.
Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L | Features | Price |
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Expandable 35 liter to 45 liter pack Can double as a day pack Weatherproof Quick-access pockets Stowaway straps and hip belt Quick access zips to rear, side, and front | Check For Price |
6) F-Light 4WD 45L Midnight Travel Bag
I use this bag mainly for my domestic US travel and it’s perfect for a 7 to 10 day trip. If you wanted to, you can go on a summer-long trip with this roller + a 30 liter backpack. That’s a total of 75 liters you can easily stow away as carry-on luggage. All in all it has a very impressive design and carry-on friendly.
F-Light 4WD 45L Midnight Travel Bag | Features | Price |
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45 liter capacity Roller type carry-on Internal compression straps Lockable zippers Made from recycled polyester | Check For Price |
7) Monos – Carry-On Plus
Here’s another roller carry-on however Monos takes pride with their rollers as this comes with a limited lifetime warranty (cosmetic is not covered) and contains TSA-approved anti-theft locking zippers. This comes loaded with; a built-in compression pad, anti-microbial interior fabric, aerospace-grade, water-resistant hard shell. Monos believes in their product so much they offer 100 days to try it out. If you don’t like it, send it back. Lastly, they offer free shipping to US and Canada.
Monos – Carry-On Plus | Features | Price |
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48 liter capacity Poly-carbonate shell TSA approved locking zippers Built-in compression pad Monos Quality Free shipping to US and Canada | Check For Price |
8) TOTWO – 40-liter Expandable Backpack
This is a budget bag I tested and it survived a 10 day trip. For a 40 liter bag I was impressed with the durability this had at just $45. However, it lacks some basic features, no hip straps and no way to tuck the shoulder straps away even though it doubles as a duffel bag. Enough room for 10 days’ worth of clothing, a 15 inch laptop and toiletries. It boasts multiple compartments for easy storage and waterproof.
TOTWO - 40-liter Expandable Backpack | Features | Price |
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40 liter capacity Inexpensive for a backpack Waterproof Can be used as a duffel bag | Check For Price |
9) Konelia Anti-Theft Sling
A sling bag that is 13″ x 6.3″ x 4.3″ makes a great day pack holding about 10 liters. I can carry enough to make a walking day tour more comfortable. The dimensions of the bag are 13” x 6.3” x 4.3” however don’t be fooled this can carry a lot. I suspect the capacity is about 10 liters. Some features included; scratch and water resistant, USB charging and anti-theft lock.
Konelia Anti-Theft Sling | Features | Price |
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10 liter capacity Crossbody sling bag Anti-theft lock Waterproof Excellent minimalist day pack | Check For Price |
10) WEIXIER Anti-Theft Sling Bag
This is the exact same sling bag I have and love it. It makes a damn impressive day pack. I was able to fit my 10.1 TAB + Case + tablet keyboard + cables + mouse + power bank + a book. I still had some room left over. Additional features include; scratch and water resistant, USB charging and anti-theft lock. The dimensions of the bag are 12.9” x 6.2” x 4.3” Although it’s not specified I suspect the capacity is about 10 liters. Considering what I was able to put in my sling bag I was impressed.
WEIXIER Crossbody Sling Bag | Features | Price |
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10 liter capacity Crossbody sling bag Anti-theft lock Waterproof Roomy with organized pockets Excellent minimalist day pack | Check For Price |
To sum up, these are just a few examples of minimalist backpacks for just about any budget that can make your travels more comfortable and convenient. From my own personal experience, I prefer a 40 to 45 liter backpack with a cross-body sling bag. With how I pack I find it so easy and convenient.
Minimalist Backpack vs Roller Suitcase?
If you plan to travel the world visiting multiple countries and doing lots of activities, a roller suitcase may be a little cumbersome getting in the way. Carry-On rollers make far more sense when you’re visiting 2 – 3 countries for 9 to 12 days. You’re essentially staying 3 to 4 days in each country so that’s fine. If you’re planning a serious trip going to several counties from hostel to hostel and off the beaten path, then a versatile backpack is the way to go. I typically will use my roller for my domestic trips but a backpack for international trips.
My #1 Minimalist Backpack Pick:
Osprey – Porter Travel Pack 46-liter
There are certain things you just can’t sacrifice when choosing a backpack and that’s quality. Your goal is for a backpack to last a long time when you travel all over the world. For me, that backpack is the Osprey 46-liter Porter backpack.
Osprey - Porter Travel Pack 46-liter | Features | Price |
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46 liter capacity Enough space for a 3 week trip Bucket style opening Straight-jacket style compression Padded sides for protection Stowaway harness and hip belt Osprey Quality | Check For Price |
Summary
Finally, a good travel backpack will last you years making all your trips and vacations that much better. Keep in mind you’re making an investment. The above backpacks are just part of a long list of great travel bags but you decide what will be best for your needs. In my opinion, choosing the absolute best travel backpack best suited for you is probably the most important step.