Lightweight To Anti-Theft: 16 Stylish Travel Backpacks You’ll Want For Your Next Trip
From sleek designs for city travel to ones with smart storage to keep everything from snacks to diapers
By Lek Xuan Ping -
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Especially if you’re travelling with kids, a good backpack can be a lifesaver. It keeps your hands free to hold o to wandering tots while carrying everything from diapers and snacks to tablets and extra clothes. That’s why you need the right bag — one that’s functional, stylish, and ready for anything. And who says a backpack can’t be both?
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the most practical and stylish backpacks that’ll keep your journey organised and effortless. Scroll down to browse the perfect travel backpack for your needs — and save this list for your next adventure!
Best Lightweight Travel Backpack
Fjallraven High Coast Backpack 24
If you love the outdoors or just need a backpack to keep all your essentials while exploring the city, the Fjallraven High Coast Backpack 24 is a top pick. Made with eco-friendly, recycled polyamide, this durable yet lightweight backpack features a waterproof base to keep your belongings dry. You can place it on playground or cafe floors without worrying about damp surfaces or accidental spills. Plus, its spacious interior and handy laptop sleeve keep your items organised and secure. There’s also enough room for baby essentials like diapers, wipes, or milk bottles, making it easy to carry necessities for everyday outings.
How much: From $114
The North Face Boulder Tote Pack
Looking for a lightweight bag that adapts to your needs? The Boulder Tote Pack seamlessly transforms from a functional backpack to a chic tote bag. Its roomy interior and thoughtfully designed compartments make it easy for you to organise essentials like snacks, toys, or a change of clothes without compromising style. Perfect for travelling or a weekend getaway, it’s crafted from durable, weather-resistant material to keep all your belongings safe. Plus, with its ergonomic design and padded straps, it promises comfort for all-day wear.
How much: From $102
Bellroy Cinch Backpack
For minimalist travellers, the Bellroy Cinch Backpack is the perfect choice. Crafted from Relaxo Weave, a sustainable material made from 100% recycled nylon, this bag is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. As a mum, you’ll appreciate the fold-over closure, which secures with a click, and the drawcord that provides quick access to essentials like wet wipes and small toys. With a hidden front pocket, aluminium key hook, and an internal slip pocket for your Apple AirTag, it keeps your gear organised and easy to find, all while looking sleek and stylish.
How much: From $125
Most Stylish Backpack That Doesn’t Look “Touristy”
Gnome & Bow Dryna 14” Laptop Backpack
The Gnome & Bow Dryna Laptop Backpack is where sophistication meets durability. Made from high-quality nylon and leather, it features a well-organised interior with compartments, including a dedicated 14-inch laptop sleeve. Its smart design keeps your essentials neatly organised, whether you’re heading to the office, running errands, or travelling around the city. With its minimalist design and premium materials, the Dryna is perfect for you if you want to look and feel great while travelling.
How much: $398
Kipling City Zip S Backpack
Looking for a backpack that’s as stylish as it is functional? The Kipling City Zip S Backpack has you covered. Its spacious main compartment and front zip pocket offer plenty of room for your essentials, while the adjustable shoulder straps ensure all-day comfort. Complete with a handy key clip, this versatile backpack will quickly become your go-to for travelling in style. Plus, its high-quality construction guarantees years of reliable use, whether it’s for school runs, errands, or more travelling.
How much: From $108
Best Travel Backpack for Organisation Lovers
The Sophia Label Cosy Luxe XL Commuter Backpack
The Cosy Luxe XL Commuter Backpack strikes the perfect balance between sleek design and everyday functionality. It’s slim enough to navigate through busy streets, yet spacious enough to carry everything you need throughout the day.
With a hidden front zip pocket for quick access to your essentials and a smooth dual-zip main compartment, it keeps you organised without the fuss. Plus, the 16-inch laptop sleeve and extra pockets ensure everything has its place. To make your journey even more seamless, the back luggage slot lets you slide the backpack right onto your luggage, keeping your hands free for carrying or holding your child.
How much: $98
Herschel Little America Backpack
The Herschel Little America Backpack combines smart organisation with sustainability. Made from eco-friendly EcoSystem 600D fabric and crafted from 100% recycled water bottles, it’s the perfect choice if you want to be eco-friendly while staying organised.
With a padded sleeve for your 16-inch laptop and multiple pockets for your essentials, everything has its place. The expandable water bottle pockets fit all sizes, ideal for a water bottle, milk bottle, or small food container. Plus, the easy-access zipper and U-pull closure make it simple to grab what you need when you’re in a hurry.
Complete with adjustable, padded shoulder straps, this backpack makes staying organised effortless, wherever your day takes you.
How much: From $114
Best Anti-Theft Backpack
Pacsafe Women’s Citysafe Anti-Theft 8L Backpack Petite
Want to travel with peace of mind? The Pacsafe Women’s Citysafe Anti-Theft Backpack is all you need. Compact yet secure, this backpack is packed with advanced anti-theft features, including interlocking zippers, cut-proof material, and RFID-blocking pockets to keep your credit cards and IDs safe from unauthorised scanning.
For extra security, the detachable, adjustable shoulder strap is reinforced with wire, allowing you to lock the backpack to fixtures like tables or chairs so you can protect your phone, DSLR camera, passport, tablet, and other valuables while exploring or attending to the little ones.
Beyond security, the backpack offers smart organisation. The main compartment, with its interlocking zipper, includes a padded sleeve for an 11-inch tablet. Additional pockets — including a dedicated phone pocket and side compartments for water bottles or an umbrella — help keep your essentials neatly organised and easy to access.
How much: from $149
XD Design Bobby Soft Daypack
Ready to level up your daily carry? The Soft Daypack blends durability, modern style, and smart security features to keep you moving through your day with ease. Crafted from high-quality RPET fabric and textured PU, this bag is as tough as it is stylish.
With its anti-theft flap-top design, Fidlock closure, and twist-lock zippers, you’ll have peace of mind as you go about your day. Inside the backpack, you’ll find a dedicated 16-inch laptop pocket to protect your tech, along with an RFID-protected pocket to safeguard your cards and personal info from unauthorised scanning. Juggling travel and little ones can be difficult, but this organised and secure bag makes it easier to keep everything you need close at hand.
How much: From $122
Best Convertible Travel Backpack (Backpack to Tote/Sling)
Longchamp Le Pliage Original M Backpack
Though it’s on the pricier side, the Le Pliage Backpack is a timeless classic worth every penny. Since its introduction in 1993, this iconic design has stood the test of time, inspired by the delicate art of origami.
Crafted from recycled nylon canvas, this ultra-lightweight backpack is perfect for your next getaway. It’s spacious enough to fit your 14-inch laptop, while the wide, adjustable shoulder straps keep you comfortable no matter how much you’re carrying. The flap and handles are made from luxurious Russian leather, and the distinctive “ears” and snap closure make this bag instantly recognisable from a mile away. Whether you’re running errands or travelling with kids, this stylish and practical backpack makes it easy to stay organised on the go.
How much: $195
Motherhouse Yozora Two-Way Bag M
Need a backpack that doubles as a stylish one-shoulder bag for travel? The Yozora 2-Way Bag is the perfect choice. Crafted from soft Nappa Milling Leather, this bag transforms with a quick pull of the strap, giving you two looks in one.
Designed for convenience, the Yozora 2-Way features dual-sided pockets for easy access to your travel documents or snacks as you navigate airports or sightsee. Ultra-lightweight and durable, this leather bag is your go-to companion for travel that doesn’t sacrifice style.
How much: $388
Charles & Keith Duo Quilted Drawstring Two-Way Backpack
Looking for a bag that works as hard as you do while travelling? The Duo Quilted Backpack is all about mixing function with style. The slouchy design and quilted finish add a stylish touch to your travel wardrobe, while the braided straps and playful drawstring give it a unique look.
The best part? Simply adjust the braided straps and this bag transforms from a hands-free backpack to a chic tote.
How much: $125
Beyond The Vines Parapack 002
The Parapack 002 is the ultimate versatile travel bag. Made from 100% recycled ripstop nylon, it’s water-resistant, durable, and can easily convert from a backpack to a tote.
It features multiple pockets inside and out to keep everything organised, and the waterproof zipper and secure drawstring closure ensure your belongings stay safe. Plus, the detachable D-ring is ideal for hanging small essentials like your keys or hand sanitiser. Lightweight, functional, and ready for any adventure, the Parapack is the travel bag you’ve been looking for.
How much: $129
Bonus: Best Backpacks Under $100
MAH Siro Backpack 11L
Built to last, the MAH Siro Backpack is crafted from the brand’s self-developed tech material, offering superior water, tear, and wear resistance compared to regular polyester. With its 600-denier polyester construction, it’s designed to withstand your everyday use.
The spacious main compartment gives you plenty of room for your essentials, while the side and back zipper pockets keep everything organised and easy to access. The padded 14-inch laptop sleeve ensures your device stays secure, and with adjustable padded shoulder straps, you can shop till you drop or carry heavier loads comfortably throughout the day.
How much: from $47.40
When I Was Four Jotter Book Kraft Backpack
For a bit of nostalgia, the Jotter Book Backpack takes you back to your childhood days — complete with spelling tests and homework.
Sturdy and reliable, this kraft backpack keeps your essentials secure and is fully washable, making it easy for you to clean after everyday use or little mishaps during trips with your child. With adjustable straps, it offers a comfortable fit as you explore.
How much: $59.90
Uniqlo Roll Top Backpack
For the perfect mix of style and practicality, you’ll love the Uniqlo Roll Top Backpack. Made from durable cotton canvas, it blends a refined design with everyday functionality, while a slide fastener at the back ensures quick and easy a16 Travel Backpacks For Your Next Adventureccess to your essentials. Its roll-top design and roomy interior adapt to whatever you need to carry, whether it’s your essentials or a few extra items for your child.
In collaboration with luxury brand JW Anderson, the backpack is embroidered with their signature logo, adding a subtle yet stylish touch. The spacious interior provides ample room for your belongings, while cushioned shoulder straps and a sturdy grip tape handle offer comfort and convenience as you carry it throughout the day.
How much: $59.90