You’re navigating a bustling airport, weaving through crowds with effortless ease. Your sleek, sophisticated backpack in tow, a true reflection of your adventurous personality. It’s more than luggage, as it’s a loyal companion during those long hours, hiking trips and layovers. But how do you choose the perfect backpack for your next big trip?
This comprehensive guide is all you would need to equip yourself with the right information, read on to learn more about the best, most luxurious travel backpacks for men:
Features to Consider:
- Comfort is King: Look for ergonomic designs with plush padding on the shoulder straps and a sturdy back panel. Opting for bags with back ventilation helps you stay cool and comfortable during long journeys and hot destinations.
- Built to Last: Certain high-quality backpacks are crafted with quality premium materials, like ballistic nylon or tear-resistant fabric, to withstand the rigors of constant travel. Sturdy zippers and reinforced stitching are excellent additions to these backpacks, providing great peace of mind and comfort in use.
- Organization at Your Fingertips: A well-organized backpack is a traveller’s dream. Thus, backpacks with multiple compartments, pockets, and a dedicated laptop sleeve are necessities for organising your gear and ensuring its easy accessibility throughout your travels.
- Weatherproof Warrior: Go for backpacks with weather-resistant coating to protect your belongings from unexpected downpours or light snow flurries. Some even come with a built-in rain cover to protect your valuables. In our experience, this is an integral feature to have – you’ll be thankful when it’s raining buckets!
- Consider the Weight: Although high-end features are great, a lightweight backpack is the real deal. The right travel backpacks for men prioritise portability coupled with slick features; however, they are also light in weight.
- Hydration Hero: Easy-access water bottle pockets can accommodate a variety of bottle sizes. In fact, some backpacks even feature insulated compartments to keep your beverages cool.
- Security Matters: Invest in a backpack with integrated security features like lockable zippers or slash-proof materials to keep your items safe. Ensure you get hidden compartments in your backpack for passports, travel documents and ID cards.
Varieties of Travel Backpacks for Men
- Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L: This versatile travel bag can be carried as a backpack or duffel (or convertible suitcase!). This backpack is made from durable recycled materials and weighs 1,635 g (3 lbs 10 oz). Additionally, the Black Hole features a padded laptop compartment, expandable compartments, and webbing loop that can be slipped on to your rolling luggage for maximum ease.
- Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L: This large duffel bag is ideal for extended trips or expeditions. With a padded-base to protect items from wear and tear, weather-resistant recycled materials, it features a durable design with a large main compartment and external pockets for organization. Additionally, this Patagonia Duffel also has removable shoulder bags when used as a duffel.
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack: This carry-on compatible backpack is perfect for ultimate comfort and adventure travel. Made from recycled nylon ripstop, it has a comfortable suspension system, a built-in hip belt, and expandable compartments for additional gear. Ideal for a 3-5 day trip, the Allpa also has attractive features such as a rain cover, padded laptop and tablet sleeve as well as a shortcut zipper for easy access.
High-End Travel Backpacks for Men
- Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L: This weatherproof backpack is great for travel and adventure. It boasts a comfortable suspension system, expandable compartments, and easy access to gear through its unique closure system – with top, front, rear and side zippers. Furthermore, the exterior is made from a weatherproof 400D recycled nylon canvas shell and the bag is 100 percent carbon neutral.
- Osprey Farpoint 40L: A popular option for travellers, the Osprey Farpoint 45L is a carry-on compatible backpack with a focus on comfort and organization. In fact, it includes a ventilated back panel, a built-in hip belt, dedicated laptop compartment, fine-tuneable torso adjustments and breathable hip adjustment belts. All these features are typical of a high-end backpack and this is certainly not one to sleep on!
- Topo Designs Global Travel Bag: This bestselling convertible travel bag can be carried as a backpack, duffel or rolling suitcase – offering 3-way carry-on carry capabilities. Moreover, it is also made from durable ballistic nylon, heavy-duty crush-proof wheels for durability and attachment clips for convenience in carrying luggage when travelling. This bag is pure luxury, and one of the best travel backpacks for men. Further, the materials and dye have been crafted to last and zippers attached with security loop – certainly one to consider!
- Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack 40L: “Packs like a suitcase, carries like a backpack” is how the makers describe the Tortuga Outbreaker. It is designed for lightweight travel, prioritises space and functionality, making it perfect as a carry-on bag. Furthermore, the bag boasts a well-ventilated back panel, built-in hip belt for heavier loads, the Tortuga Outbreaker maximises comfort for long trips.
- Osprey Arcane Large Day: The ideal everyday backpack, Osprey Arcane is the answer for a comfortable, minimalist style. Made from recycled nylon, featuring a padded laptop compartment, pockets, and comfortable carrying straps that are ideal for daily/regular use.
- Carl Friedrik City Hopper: Crafted from vegetable-tanned leather, the Carl Friedrik City Hopper is almost always out of stock! If you’re lucky enough to bag this piece of true & stylish luxury, it will transform your everyday life. Pictured in a chocolate colour, this minimalist backpack boasts a foldable design to expand and minimise bulk. The Carl Friedrik City Hopper is comfortable and lightweight and is also made of premium nubuck leather and custom, nickel-silver-finished hardware.
- Sandqvist Ilon: Another best-selling rolltop backpack, this Ilon is great for everyday commuting or light travel. Made from organic cotton canvas and 100% recycled polyester, it has a simple design with a padded laptop sleeve and a single external water bottle pocket with a 1 year warranty.
- Finisterre Nautilus: A sustainable option made from recycled PET, the Finisterre Nautilus is a 23L backpack which is great for everyday wear. It features a clean, luxurious design with a padded laptop sleeve and waterproof zips.
You may want to read: Travel backpacks for women
Choosing The One: Travel Backpacks for Men
With a clear understanding of your travel style and needs, you should the most important features for you. Frequent flyers might prefer a lightweight, carry-on compatible backpack. However, adventure enthusiasts might want a feature-rich rucksack with superior comfort and durability.
Here is a table to help you decide the best option:
| Feature | Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L | Osprey Farpoint 45L | Topo Designs Global Travel Bag | Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack 40L | Osprey Arcane Large Day | Carl Friedrik City Hopper | Sandqvist Ilon | Finisterre Nautilus | Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L | Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L | Cotopaxi Allpa 35L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | 45L | 40L | 30L | 40L | 20L | 18L | 23L | 23L | 45L | 70L | 35L |
| Carry-on Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes (most airlines) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Laptop compartment | Up to 16″ | Up to 16″ | Up to 15″ | Up to 15″ | Up to 15″ | Up to 16″ | No | No | Padded sleeve (up to 15″) | N/A | Up to 15″ |
| Weight | 1.9 kg | 1.5 kg | 1.3 kg | 0.9 kg | 1.2 kg | 1 kg | 0.7 kg | 0.9 kg | 1.7 kg | 1.5 kg | 1.1 kg |
| Material | Weatherproof recycled nylon | 400D nylon | Ballistic nylon | Recycled ballistic nylon | Recycled nylon blend | Leather | Organic cotton canvas | Recycled PET | Recycled polyester blend | Recycled polyester blend | Recycled nylon ripstop |
| Hip belt | Yes | Yes | Removable | Yes | No | No | No | No | Removable | No | Yes |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 external | 2 external | 2 external | 2 external | 2 external | 2 external | 1 external | 1 external | 2 external | N/A | 1 external |
| Expandable | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wheeled | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Focus | Travel, adventure | Travel | Travel, convertible | Travel, lightweight | Everyday carry | Everyday carry, travel | City commute | Everyday carry | Travel, business | Travel, duffel | Travel |
Making the Decision: FAQs
Finding the Right Fit – Choosing Travel Backpacks for Men
A perfectly fitting backpack is crucial for comfort during travel. Here’s how to find a backpack that fits best:
- Torso length: For travel backpacks for men, it is extremely important for proper weight distribution when selecting a backpack. Get someone to measure the distance from the bony protrusion at the base of your neck (C7 vertebra) to your hip bones. This will help you determine the correct backpack as per your torso size (usually labelled S, M, L).
- Try it before you buy it: Once purchased, you will have a few days to return it. Try to stock up to a weight that you think you will carry to figure out if it is comfortable. Additionally, you should try adjusting the shoulder straps, hip belt, and load lifter straps to ensure the weight rests comfortably on your hips, not your shoulders. The pack should feel snug but not too constricting and allow for natural movement as well.
Packing the Right Backpack
- Less is more: Resist the urge to overpack. Travel backpacks are designed for efficient packing. Focus on versatile clothing and prioritize layering for adapting in different climates. Using packing cubes are great for maximising efficient usage of space.
- Weight distribution: Pack heavier items closer to your back for maintaining better balance. Also, place water, medicines, toiletries in pockets allowing for quick and easy access.
- Carry-on considerations: If you plan to use your backpack as a carry-on, ensure it meets airline size restrictions. Research the specific dimensions allowed by the airlines you’ll be flying with to keep frustration at bay.
Care
- Spot cleaning: Address minor dirt or spills with a damp cloth and gentle detergent. Let the backpack air dry completely before storing to prevent any rancid smells.
- Deep cleaning: We recommend you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label for preserving the bag’s quality. Some backpacks may be hand-washable or require spot cleaning only. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach or submerging the entire pack underwater over a long time period.
- Storage: When not in use, store your backpack in a cool, dry place. Preferably, stuff it with loose paper to retain its shape (pro tip!). This will prevent it from losing its structure or developing mildew in the future.
- Warranty: What kind of warranty does the backpack come with? A good warranty can provide peace of mind in case of any manufacturing defects.
By prioritizing comfort, functionality, and style, you can choose a high-quality travel backpack to elevate your travels and let your personality shine through. Remember, a well-chosen backpack becomes a trusted companion, journeying with you across continents and creating lasting memories. Now, go forth and explore the world in style.
