The Best Backpack For City Travel Of 2024 - Buying Guides & FAQs

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best backpack for city travel
Best backpack for city travel

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Fjallraven, Kanken Classic Backpack for Everyday, Graphite

Now you can carry all your gear in the iconic Kanken design. The classic Kanken backpack is a great day-to-day bag that provides extra storage space for everyday essentials. It features a zippered main compartment with one zippered pocket, front zippered pocket and two open side pockets. This water-resistant backpack is perfect for the city, gym or field. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack, Black

Travelon is the most stylish bag in your arsenal. This anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack has plenty of space for all your essentials, with a water and stain resistant nylon exterior, beautiful antique brass finished hardware and two interior zippered wall pockets. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: Osprey Fairview 40 Women's Travel Backpack, Misty Grey, Small/Medium

The top-zip closure keeps your belongings secure and safe, while a scratch-free pocket for sunglasses or devices helps minimize the wear and tear on your gear. Its padded laptop sleeve ensures that your notebook or tablet will be protected from bumps and scrapes, and it also has a front stash pocket for easy access to items you need when you're in transit. Read Review

4. Best Capacity: Targus CitySmart EVA Pro Travel Business Commuter

The Targus CitySmart EVA Pro is designed to be the perfect professional bag for men and women. This bag features a large main compartment that's ideal for carrying laptops and files, a side pocket for easy access to your water bottle or umbrella and a front pocket for your phone, camera or other essentials. The EVA Pro has dual handles that provide comfort when carrying the bag as well as protection from rain, snow and other weather conditions. Read Review

Do you sometimes find it difficult to lug your belongings from one place to another? Would you like to have more space in your bag without having to spend more money? If so, look no further. This article will cover everything you need to find the best backpack for city travel. Whether heading out for a day trip or looking forward to spending several nights away from home, every traveler needs a good backpack for traveling in different settings.

Moreover, city travel can be tricky as there are limited places where you can take your luggage with you. Therefore, this article will cover everything you need to know about choosing the ​​​​​​best backpack for city travel in different settings and when it comes down to budget-friendly options as well.

We have chosen many of the good items currently available, including the Fjallraven, Kanken Classic Backpack for Everyday, Graphite with a zippered main compartment  - our favorite one. We also provide you with a Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack, Black model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice.

You will be surprised at the information we are about to shopping! Let's explore the special features of products from famous brands right here.

Our Top Picks

  • ICONIC: Same classic Kanken design since 1978. Stash everyday essentials in the main zippered compartment, front zippered pocket, and two open side pockets.
  • PRACTICAL: Meet the material: Vinylon F. It has a weird name but it's dirt-resistant, water-resistant, and wipes clean.
  • HERITAGE: Durable, timeless, functional. Since 1960.
  • FUNCTIONAL: Two-way zipper with rain flap for protection. Ergonomic shoulder straps for the long haul. Dual top snap handles for quick carry. Sitting pad for impromptu seating. Reflective logo.
  • ROOMY: 16 L of storage space for everything you need and some things you don't. Measures 14.9" (38 cm) x 10.6" (27 cm) x 5.1" (13 cm). Weighs 0.7 lb.
TOP Choice #2 Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack, Black
Our Score:
9.6
Travelon
  • Size: 11" x 13" 2"
  • Anti-Theft features include slash & cut resistant straps and panels, locking zippers, RFID protected card slots and Passport pocket
  • Slash pocket for a smartphone, top grab handle and a magnetic front flap closure
  • Main compartment is large enough to fit a tablet
  • Durable water and stain resistant nylon with beautiful antique brass finished hardware
  • Two interior zippered wall pockets and a drop pocket
  • Stowaway backpanel, shoulder straps and hipbelt with zippered rear flap for protection
  • Scratch-free pocket for sunglasses or devices
  • Large, lockable U-zip duffel-style access to main compartment - 40L total volume
  • Two front mesh waterbottle pocket
  • Lockable zipper access to padded laptop and tablet sleeve (fits up to most 15" laptops)
  • Meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines (Size Small/Medium: 21.3H X 13.8W X 9D inches)
  • Adjustable padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry.Integrated trolley strap for easier travel.Laptop Compartment:10.43 inch x 15.23 inch (W x H)
  • Patented checkpoint-friendly design
  • Extra-large main compartment (10.5" x 4" x 14")
  • Works with 16" Laptops and under. The laptop bags come in a range of sizes to fit laptops from 12” to 17”, with many models accommodating a range of sizes due to their multi-fit cradle. The bags fit 15” and 16” laptops. Please note that these measurements are based on your laptop’s screen size. The laptop bags also come with a dedicated tablet compartment to fit devices up to 12.9”. This prevents your tablet or laptop from becoming damaged in transit
  • Dimension:13.50 x 18.25 x 8.75(W x H x D).Capacity:26 Liters
  • Classic woven label
  • Hidden external zippered sleeve
  • 5x12.75x14
  • Signature striped fabric liner
  • COMPACT YET ROOMY - Wide opening with plenty of room for your jacket, notebook, smartphone, charger and other travel essentials. With a top carry haul handle and a Luggage Slip that slides over luggage handles to keep your bag balanced on a wheeled bag
  • ORGANIZATION & POCKETS - 1* RFID Blocking Front Zip Pocket, 1* Interlocking Zipper Main Compartment, w/ 1* Padded Sleeve (Fits 16" Macbook Pro), 1* RFID Blocking Zippered Interior Pocket, 4* Card Slots, 2* Expandable Water Bottle or Umbrella Side Pockets
  • CAN BE LOCKED TO FIXTURES - Adjustable, padded shoulder strap is detachable and reinforced with wire. Backpack can be securely locked to tables or chairs to protect your phone, camera, laptop, notebook, wallet, keys, money, passport, DSLR etc
  • ANTI-THEFT DESIGN - With Interlocking Zippers and Cut Proof Material (lightweight steel mesh) to prevent theft/pickpocketing, plus RFID blocking pockets to keep your credit cards/IDs safe. Patented in the USA, by Pacsafe, the original anti-theft brand
  • DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT & WARRANTY - 15.4"H x 10.6"W x 6.3"D, 1.57 lbs. Made of soft, durable, water resistant and easy to clean Nylon & Polyester to ensure long-lasting usage of this travel pack everyday & during weekends. Comes with a 5-year Pacsafe warranty
  • ANTI-THEFT DESIGN - With Interlocking Zippers and Cut Proof Material (lightweight steel mesh) to prevent theft/pickpocketing, plus RFID blocking pockets to keep your credit cards/IDs safe. Patented in the USA, by Pacsafe, the original anti-theft brand.
  • CAN BE LOCKED TO FIXTURES - Cut-resistant shoulder strap is detachable and reinforced with wire. Backpack can be securely locked to tables or chairs to protect your phone, camera, tablet, cosmetics case, wallet, money, passport, hat, scarf etc.
  • DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT & WARRANTY - 13. 8"H x 9. 8"W x 4. 3"D, 0. 99 lbs (full). Made of soft, durable, water resistant and easy to clean Nylon & Polyester to ensure long-lasting usage of this travel pack. Comes with a 5-year Pacsafe warranty.
  • ORGANIZATION & POCKETS - 1* RFID Blocking Front Zip Pocket, 1* Interlocking Zipper Main Compartment w/ 1* RFID Blocking Zippered Interior Pocket, 1* Padded Sleeve (Fits 10" Tablet); Back access zipper for convenience.
  • FOLD DOWNS INTO HANDBAG - Backpack can be folded down into a handbag (8. 9"H). Perfect for both day trips and night outs. Detachable strap is removable when not in use.
  • Organization - 2 lockable zipper compartments - 1 padded & suspended interior notebook sleeve (fits 15" Laptop), 1 rfid blocking pocket, 1 mesh zip pocket & key clip. Opening at top for hydration pack. 2 side pockets for water bottles or umbrella.
  • 2019 edition - strap adjustment system has been completely redesigned. Shoulder strap can be adjusted (17"" To 36""). now with padded top carrying handle and Honey-comb fabric padded back support. Also with 'roobar' Zip locking mechanism - our best lock.
  • Super comfortable - with padded & adjustable shoulder straps and hip strap for weight distribution. Height adjustable sternum strap. Ideal for women and men when commuting to work, or when going on hikes or traveling international (perfect carry-on).
  • Anti-theft - with interlocking zippers (can be locked with padlock, not inch. ), cut resistant fabric (lightweight steel mesh inlay), detachable shoulder strap to secure bag to pole/ chair and RFID blocking pocket to prevent unauthorized credit card scans.
  • Dimensions, weight & - 19. 3"H x 11"w x 6. 1"D weight: 1 lb 11 oz. Travel bag made of soft, durable, water resistant and easy to clean high quality nylon and polyester to ensure secure & long-lasting usage. Comes with a 5-year Pacsafe .
  • Laptop Safe - Features padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 15.6-inches. Additional pockets hold your phone or tablets while you go from place to place. This laptop backpack makes it easy to take your devices with you anywhere
  • Large Capacity - This lightweight travel backpack for women /men has a 19L capacity. Designed with padded shoulder straps and padded back with breathable mesh fabric for air circulation made for an ultra-comfortable carryLarge, quick-access, zippered front pocket
  • Two water bottle pockets
  • Padded webbing handle
  • Charging cable pass-thru
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty - With Targus you get our Limited Lifetime Warranty on all our back packs and bags which means you’re covered for specific parts and types of damage, depending on the product type
  • Holds Your Stuff - Complete with large, quick-access, zippered front pocket and additional slip pockets for tablet, pens, etc. plus two water bottle pockets. Charging cable pass-thru access port keeps you connected to your tech no matter where you go
  • Spacious 19L capacity
  • Protect Your Stuff - Made with water-resistant polyester and featuring a locking zipper design, this great college backpack offers all the safety features you're looking for in your next school or work backpack
  • DESIGNER BACKPACK FOR MEN AND WOMEN: Our classic knapsack has adjustable padded shoulder straps for added comfort and a top carry handle for easy maneuvering when you're walking through the airport, crowded subway, and wherever else life takes you.
  • LUXURY BAGS FOR WOMEN: This 10 inch casual bag is a stylish choice for both around the city, hiking and traveling. It boasts a simple nylon construction with full-grain leather trim, 2 exterior zippers for additional storage, and a sturdy bottom.
  • LUXURY TRAVEL BAG: The Metro backpack is stylish yet casual for everyday life and spur-of-the-moment trips. It offers a large compartment, additional pockets, as well as a divider to protect laptops, tablets, and more.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK: The handle slide sleeve zippered pocket allows you to conveniently rest and secure the bag over your trolley, freeing your hands and allowing ease of overall movement while also providing additional, hidden storage.
  • BRIC'S: We are a family-owned business specializing in hand-crafted Italian hardshell luggage and leather goods for the past 70 years. Family values, attention to detail, quality, artistry, fashion, and function separate us from the competition.

What to Look For in a best backpack for city travel?

The best backpack for city travel is a product type that many customers feel hesitant to select because of the challenges in evaluating its features. It comes to trust! When studying a significant purchase, many factors must be considered. Our best backpack for city travel knowledge will help you make an ideal decision.

Our article here will highlight some outstanding items and provide solutions to FAQs and guides to buying. You should keep in mind some main criteria of best backpack for city travel below:

Material

Sturdy backpacks will be made from a mixture of nylon heavy duty and YKK zips that are water-repellent. Avoid plastic zippers.
Polyester and canvas can also be very tough and resistant to water.

Security

Pickpockets can target foreign travelers, making it more difficult to avoid being attacked in bus stations and airports. Make sure you have two zips you can lock together in the bag that you choose. Some bags have a lockable mesh you can use to wrap the bag and attach it to something larger so no one else takes it.

Size & Design

Once you have decided on your main purpose for your backpack (or what you need it to hold), you can get a good idea of the dimensions or the capacity of the bag.
Different sizes and designs will be used for different purposes.
A backpack for everyday use that holds 20-24 liters of water should suffice.
Some bags can be stiff while others are more flexible behind the back.
Last but not least, the style (color, or print) that you choose for your bag should reflect your personal taste. However, it can also be used to transition from one location to the next.

Budget

We don't advocate buying something you cannot afford. However, it is important to avoid purchasing the most expensive option.
There is a direct correlation between quality and price. You don't want your bag ripping open or all of your stuff spilling onto the streets. You don't need to spend more for high-quality backpacks, although they will be more expensive.

Comfort

Comfort is key. Make sure to look for contoured and padded back panels as well as padded straps to make sure your trip is comfortable.
You should also look out for waist and chest straps. They will help distribute the bag's weight, and prevent back pain.
Anatomical hand-straps are also useful for when you need to keep your bag in one hand while on the subway, bus or train.

Durability

Your backpack's durability will depend on the material it is made from, as well as how it is packed and taken care of.
The size of the backpack is measured in liters. It is also related to the load it can support (measured in kilograms).

Ergonomic Carrying Options

Comfortable backpack carrying is essential, particularly if your travels involve a lot of walking and hiking. You can carry the backpack on your back, so your arms and shoulders aren't burdened. Make sure the backpack you select allows you to leave your hotel room whenever you like without putting your arms strain.

Weight

Not only does it matter how heavy your items are, but so is the backpack. Lightweight backpacks are better as they will lower your overall back weight. But don't sacrifice strength. You should choose a lightweight backpack but one with enough strength.

Organization

Some backpacks have no interior. Many backpacks are well-organized with many pockets and compartments.
For a lightweight backpack, you might choose a simpler design. However, you can also have multiple pockets to keep your essentials organized and easy access. You will find your belongings more easily distributed and accessible if there are many pockets and compartments in your backpack.

FAQs

Which Backpack Is Best For Daily Use?

This question is dependent on many factors, including your style preferences, budget and the features you need for daily life. We know it's difficult to choose the right backpack for you, so we created this comprehensive guide.

What Is An Anti-theft Backpack?

Anti-theft backpacks can be found in many stores. This means that it is more difficult for anyone else to access your bag. Many backpacks come with zippers which allow you to access the main compartment from your bag while it's on. This means you won't need to remove it and put it in danger of someone picking it up. Some backpacks have webbing that covers the zipper openings. This makes it difficult for anyone to find and zip the bag.

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of Backpacks?

Material and design are key factors in the durability of backpacks. For education, a high-quality backpack can last for 3 to 4 years with a custom design. If you only use the backpack while on vacation, it can last even longer. A good backpack will last longer if you clean it regularly and don't use any harsh cleaning methods.

Do I Really Need A Hip Harness?

This is an important feature to own if you intend on backpacking for long distances or hiking. This feature will distribute your backpack's weight more evenly across your body and provide you with greater comfort. This feature is standard on backpacks designed for outdoor adventure.

Are Backpacks Unisex?

Most backpacks can be used by both men and women. However, some brands offer modified versions for women. The backpack can be used to carry books, phone chargers and other small items, such as laptops, tablet computers, smartphones, and tablets. Many well-known brands have separate designs for men and women, with sizes. You will find the perfect backpack for you.

Are All Backpacks Equipped With Compression Cords Inside?

This isn't the usual practice for backpacks. The compression cords are useful for packing and can be used in the same manner as a normal suitcase's compression strap. These are often included in some travel backpacks. If you want to pack more, invest in packing cubes. They will also help you organize your backpack.

Do You Think It Is Unprofessional To Have A Backpack?

Not at all!
The backpack is a convenient and efficient way to transport all your daily essentials. It is important to find one that matches the style of your workplace.

Can You Wash Backpacks?

The type of backpack can be washed. You can wash a backpack made from nylon or canvas in the washing machine. Leather bags, on the other hand, cannot be washed in a washing machine. You will have to clean them with a leather cleaner. You can either put the bag in a laundry bag, or you can turn it inside-out and wash the bag in the washing machine with a gentle cycle.

How Do I Clean My Backpack Properly?

The material of your backpack will affect the amount of cleaning needed. Nylon and water-resistant materials can be cleaned with a damp cloth. To maintain leather backpacks' integrity, it is a good idea to use a leather conditioner and cleaner. A damp cloth is sufficient for bags with metal or plastic elements.

In short, the list of best backpack for city travel would be updated when the data is upgraded and available. Please visit our website frequently to get the latest updates.

Our staff team is always available and ready to support you with your complex problems. Try to contact us as soon as possible whenever your product obstacles come up. Feel free for that!


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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