Choosing the right travel backpack is everything when embarking on adventurous or long-term travel.
While you might be able to get away with a shoddy pack on small trips, on testing travel you're only as good as your gear - and trust us, you don't want to be stranded abroad with a broken pack or worse - injured because of it. It's important to consider not just what you want in a backpack, but also how it can meet your needs, both practically and style-wise.
In this post, we're strapping on some of the best travel packs for women in 2023 to give you an overview of the features, designs, and sizes that will align with your next adventure.
Packs (Quick Links):
- DEUTER FUTURA AIR TREK 60L
- OSPREY RENN 65L
- TROPICFEEL SHELL 42L
- PATAGONIA ASCENSIONIST PACK 35L
- MAMMUT TRITON NORDWAND 38L
- COLUMBIA TITAN PASS 48L
- BLACK DIAMOND MISSION 75L
- REI CO-OP TRAILBREAK 60L
- GREGORY JADE 38L
- OSPREY ANTIGRAVITY 64L
Keep scrolling for detailed backpack information and photos.
How To Choose The Right Backpack?
The first step to choosing the right pack for you is to consider the main activities you'll be doing, the climate of your destination, and the length of time you'll be away. For example, a two-day hike in Arizona would require a different load from a 3-week hike in Alaska. Likewise, a 1-month trip to Europe will have different packing considerations to a year-long escapade around Asia.
With this in mind, here are some factors to consider when choosing a backpack:
- Weight: General rule is lighter packs are always best, but weight becomes even more crucial when hiking and carrying heavier gear.
- Size: Each backpack varies in size from tall to wide and choosing the perfect size for you will depend on your own personal preference.
- Comfort Features: Things like padding, adjustability, and materials determine the overall quality of the pack. The last thing you want is an uncomfortable pack while on a trek or overseas. Look for specific women-designed packs (like in this article) which ensure the packs are made perfectly for the female body.
- Capacity: Pack capacities are measured in liters. While daypacks tend to vary between 15-40L, travel backpacks are typically in the range of 40-70L.
- Additional Features: Check if the packs are water resistant or have special pockets or extra storage. Many of the packs listed in this article come with exclusive features too. You'll want to personally consider whether these features add value to your travel plans or not.
How To Fit A Backpack Correctly
You'll want to ensure your back is fitted just right before you set off on an adventure.
To ensure the right fit, you should adjust the shoulder and waist straps for your own height, size, and body type. Make sure the back of the pack sits close to your lower back, as this helps distribute the weight more evenly. Adjusting both straps should make the backpack fit snugly on your back with no gaps between it and your body. The straps should be tight enough that the weight of the backpack does not pull you backward. Once you have adjusted these straps, use any extra adjustments available to further customize and secure the backpack onto your body for maximum comfort. You’ll know if it fits correctly if you can stand upright and don’t feel any pain when walking or hiking with your pack.
If you still feel uncomfortable after making adjustments, try reorganizing your load inside the pack so the weigh is distributed evenly, with the heaviest items in the center of the pack, close to your back.
10 Best Women's Travel Backpacks:
1. Deuter Futura Air Trek 60L
Best for: The all-round traveler
The Deuter Futura Air Trek 60L is an excellent choice for the adventurous traveler who loves to explore in comfort. This multi-purpose travel and hiking backpack is designed with comfort in mind, with its adjustable back system, extra padding and air channels that promote air circulation. The wide, ergonomic hip belt ensures a secure fit and provides extra support for those long days of hiking. With its large capacity and multiple compartments, this women’s travel backpack is perfect for long-term trips, adventure tours and extended backpacking excursions. It also features a waterproof rain cover and a pocket specifically designed to protect your laptop and other important items. The Futura Air Trek is made from durable materials and has a decent amount of capacity. It also includes two side pockets and two stretch pockets, which can be used to store water bottles or snacks.
2. Osprey Renn 65L
Best for: The first-time traveler
The Osprey Renn 65L is an ideal travel backpack for women who are looking for something that can carry all of their essentials for long-term trips. This bag is lightweight and has plenty of features to make it the perfect choice for anyone who loves adventure and exploring. Key features of the Osprey Renn 65L include a spacious main compartment, front pocket organization, adjustable hip belt and shoulder straps, and a comfortable back panel and suspension system. This makes it easy to pack and stay organized while on the go. The Renn also has an internal compression system to ensure your items stay secure and in place, as well as a large front pocket for quick access to small items. The Osprey Renn 65L has a capacity of 65L and is made from durable, lightweight materials and is just the right size for extended travel. Whether you're backpacking through Europe or exploring the wilderness of your home country, this backpack will help you carry everything you need while keeping you comfortable and organized.
3. Tropicfeel Shell 42L
Best for: The organized traveler
The Tropicfeel Shell is a unique take on travel backpacks. This unisex backpack is an all-in-one solution to backpacking with an innovative 'Shell" which is a wardrobe design that makes storing your clothes organized, versatile and convenient. The Tropicfeel Shell 42L is designed to be adaptable, shifting between a 22L day pack and a 42L travel backpack with its 3-in-1 system. The backpack is accepted as a carry-on by most airlines up to its 32.5L configuration, and its clamshell opening makes it easy to access your belongings in an organized fashion. It also includes a top opening, kangaroo pocket, laptop compartment and magnetic fidlock. This backpack is also made of weatherproof materials, so you don't have to worry about it getting wet during your long-term travels. You can even combine the Tropicfeel Shell with specially designed accessories to create an ultimate daily-to-travel ecosystem.
4. Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L
Best for: The hardcore traveler
Designed for the most hardcore of adventurers, the Ascensionist Pack 35L is an ideal backpack for long-term travel and backpacking. With a 35L capacity, you’ll be able to pack plenty of gear without feeling weighed down. It also features adjustable shoulder straps and a hip belt, providing optimal comfort while on the move. The lightweight design is perfect for those who need to move quickly and efficiently, while the durable construction ensures that your gear stays protected even in the harshest conditions. The Ascensionist Pack 35L also comes with multiple pockets and compartments, making it easy to organize your belongings. And if that wasn’t enough, this backpack also comes in several colors, allowing you to express your style.
5. Mammut Triton Nordwand 38L
Best for: The active outdoorswoman
The Mammut Triton Nordwand 38L is the perfect travel backpack for women who love to explore the outdoors. Its "CONTACT V Frame" suspension system provides maximum carrying comfort, while its basic cut ensures that your gear is secured properly. This pack also has a carrying system tailored to the female anatomy, with an elasticated chest strap, height-adjustable flap with internal and external pockets, roll-top closure, water-repellent external zipper pocket, reinforced side ski attachment, two strong ice axe attachments, trekking pole carrier, hydration system-compatible, rope fixing strap under the flap, compression straps can be tensioned at side and front, detachable hip belt padding, forward-pull hip belt adjustment, and comfortable due to the anatomically shaped, soft padded hip belt and shoulder straps. The main material of this pack is 100% polyamide and PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR). Unfortunately, it does not come with a raincover.
6. Columbia Titan Pass 48L
Best for: The multi-day hiker
If you’re looking for a dependable, long-lasting travel backpack, then the Columbia Titan Pass 48L is worth a look. This backpack is made with waterproof fabric to keep your belongings dry and safe, and it comes with adjustable shoulder straps to make carrying it comfortable and easy. There are also multiple pockets to keep your items organized. The bag is designed to fit a laptop up to 15 inches, so it’s great for taking your work on the go. Plus, it’s made from durable, lightweight materials, so it won’t weigh you down. And if you’re looking for something stylish, the bag comes in multiple colors - but we love the Ancient Fossil look.
7. Black Diamond Mission 75L
Best for: The mountaineer
The Black Diamond Mission 75 is the perfect backpack for long-term travelers and adventurers. This ultra-durable pack is made with BD “X-rip” 420d Nylon body fabric and UTSTM coating, as well as a welded front abrasion patch, making it highly resistant to wear and tear. The custom metal dogbone ice tool attachment with micro ice-tool "PickPockets" and removable 20 mm crampon straps, make it an ideal pack for mountaineers and climbers alike. This top-loading pack comes with a removable lid and drawcord skirt closure, along with a tuck-away rope strap to keep your gear secure and organized. It also features a strippable design with a removable frame sheet/bivy pad and a removable hip belt with a fixed webbing belt, so you can adjust the weight and bulk of the pack to fit your needs. The Black Diamond Mission 75 also has a redesigned Shoulder Strap harness for improved comfort and durability, as well as a moisture-wicking redesigned back panel. Unfortunately, a rain cover is not included and must be purchased separately.
8. REI Co-op Trailbreak 60L
Best for: The budget backpacker
The REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 is a great choice for female adventurers looking for an all-around travel and adventure backpack. It has a Gear Capacity of 60 liters and features a roomy top-loading main compartment, padded back and shoulder straps, an adjustable torso, and hip belt. The sleeping bag compartment, stash pockets, and water bottle pockets make it easy to keep your gear organized while on the go. The ideal load weight for comfortable carrying with the REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 is 25-35 lbs. The shell, straps, lining and bottom are all made using bluesign-approved materials.
9. Gregory Jade 38L
Best for: The long weekender
The Gregory Jade 38L is designed for adventurers who love elevation changes and rough terrain. With a capacity of 35-38 liters, the pack offers a light and sleek profile that keeps you comfortable no matter the terrain. The FreeFloat Dynamic Suspension system and OpenAir ventilated back panel provide maximum comfort and breathability, while an adjustable torso length, women-specific harness and hip belt, and fitted raincover ensure a perfect fit for everyone. The pack also features the Sunglass QuickStow system, SpeedClip attachment system, U-Zip main volume access, oversized zippered hip belt pockets, adjustable bungee attachment, top pocket with upper and underside zippered pockets, reflective lash points, key clip, front heavy-duty stretch-mesh stash pocket, dual side stretch-mesh pockets, and lower side compression. All these features make the pack an ideal choice for backpacking. Additionally, it is compatible with a Gregory 3D Hydro reservoir (sold separately).
10. Osprey Antigravity 64L
Best for: The serious traveler
The Osprey Antigravity 64L is hands down one of the best travel backpacks on the market. This one-of-a-kind pack is built to handle any challenge thrown its way and is the ultimate choice for long-term travelers. The pack features an innovative "Clamshell compression system", where its internal frame opens and closes like a clamshell providing easy access and added compression. It also includes a 7076 Aluminum Anodized Frame to give you maximum stability when carrying heavier loads. The Osprey Antigravity 64L offers a number of features to ensure you have a comfortable and efficient experience whether on the trail or wandering the globe.
Conclusion
A quality backpack can make all the difference when it comes to travel. It can be the difference between a comfortable journey and an uncomfortable one, an enjoyable experience or a miserable one. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best travel backpacks for women who love adventure. From Deuter Futura Air Trek 60L to Osprey Antigravity 64L, these backpacks are all designed with long-term travel and adventure in mind. Whether you’re hiking and backpacking around the world or taking a few weekend trips, these backpacks will have your back. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world!
