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Best backpacks 2025 for travel, work and airline carry-ons
Chris tests tons of sleep products. But it’s not all lying down on the job - testing running shoes, treadmills and exercise bikes ensures he works up a sweat, too.
Backpacks are an everyday essential for hikers and holidaymakers alike, as well as commuters up and down the country.
We test the best travel backpacks and smaller daypacks for comfort, water resistance and ease of packing. We also measure how much usable space each bag has in the main compartment compared with manufacturers' claims.
As well as our rigorous tests at Which? HQ, we have taken backpacks on trips across London to see how they fare when out and about.
Our Best Buy backpack recommendations stand out from others at the back of the pack, and we've also named cheaper Great Value picks.
How our tests find you the best
Size
How do we measure the packable space of a backpack? We use hundreds of ping pong balls, of course. Bags of the same litreage can vary wildly on space in the main pocket.
Durability
We load the backpacks up with heavy weights and leave them to hang by their straps. The best had no damage, while the worst emerged with rips and tears.
Water resistance
If a bag can't handle a quick shower while out and about, a downpour in the woods is out of the question. Our water resistance test reveals which bags keep your stuff dry.
We also test...
How comfortable the bag is to wear and walk with. Also, how easy it is to pack with everything you'll need for a short getaway.
The travel backpacks we tested
Only logged-in Which? members can view the backpack test results below.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.
| Travel backpack | Price | Score | Comfort | Ease of packing | Water resistance | Size (litres) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableDigital £8.99 per month, cancel any time. Already a member? Log in | 85% | |||||
| 83% | ||||||
| 82% | ||||||
| 81% | ||||||
| 72% | ||||||
| 71% | ||||||
| 70% | ||||||
| 68% | ||||||
| 68% | ||||||
| 52% |
Sign up to reveal
Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations
Unlock tableDigital £8.99 per month, cancel any time.
Already a member? Log in
Date tested: April 2024. Page last checked: November 2025. We are not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available.
The laptop backpacks and daypacks we tested
| Laptop backpack | Price | Score | Comfort | Ease of packing | Water resistance | Size (litres) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableDigital £8.99 per month, cancel any time. Already a member? Log in | 92% | |||||
| 87% | ||||||
| 86% | ||||||
| 85% | ||||||
| 83% | ||||||
| 82% | ||||||
| 82% | ||||||
| 57% | ||||||
| 51% |
Sign up to reveal
Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations
Unlock tableDigital £8.99 per month, cancel any time.
Already a member? Log in
Date tested: October 2025. Page last checked: November 2025. We are not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available.
The most popular backpacks we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the best backpacks from our tests.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.
Berghaus Brand Bag 25
Capacity 25 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 46 x 34 x 12cm (HxWxD), zipped front pocket and back valuables pocket
Berghaus Unisex Trailbyte 30
Capacity 30 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 46 x 32 x 18cm (HxWxD), chest strap, padded laptop and phone pockets, two side pockets, top loading
Eastpak Day Pak'r Backpack
Capacity 24 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 41 x 33 x 13cm (HxWxD), padded laptop sleeve, zipped front and back pockets, two side pockets
Fjallraven Kånken Classic Backpack
Capacity 16 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 29 x 27 x 16cm (HxWxD), laptop sleeve, zipped front pocket, side pocket
Herschel Classic Backpack
Available from Herschel Supply Co (£44.99)
Capacity 26 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 47 x 36 x 16cm (HxWxD), laptop sleeve, zipped front pocket, side pocket
Herschel Kaslo Backpack Tech 30L
Available from Herschel Supply Co (£140), John Lewis (£140)
Capacity 30 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 49 x 36 x 18cm (HxWxD), two side pockets, felt-lined 15/16" laptop pocket, chest strap, luggage trolley sleeve, clamshell loading
Mountain Warehouse Legion Laptop Bag 35L
Capacity 35 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 52 x 30 x 23cm (HxWxD), rain cover, padded 15" laptop pocket, chest and waist straps, clamshell loading
North Face Jester Backpack
Capacity 28 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 48 x 34 x 19cm (HxWxD), laptop sleeve, zippable front with zippable interior, two side pockets, chest strap, front cords
North Face Recon Day Backpack
Available from North Face (£105)
Capacity 30 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 49 x 29 x 19cm (HxWxD), laptop pocket, two external side pockets, chest strap and removable waist belt, top loading
Planning an outdoor adventure? Take a look at our recommendations for the best tents
Osprey Daylite Plus Day Backpack
Capacity 20 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 47 x 31 x 15cm (HxWxD), laptop sleeve, zippable front, zippable top pocket, two side pockets, extra front space with clips, chest strap, waist strap, water hold, mesh back, key clip
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack
Capacity 40 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 56 x 32 x 23cm (HxWxD), stowaway harness and hip belt, padded top and side handles, compatible with Farpoint daypack, whistle on chest strap, clamshell loading
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L
Available from Patagonia (£155)
Capacity 32 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 51 x 27 x 21cm (HxWxD), padded 15" laptop pocket, two external side pockets, chest strap, top loading
Quechua NH Escape 500 (32L)
Available from Decathlon (£44.99)
Capacity 32 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 50 x 28 x 23cm (HxWxD), 17" laptop and 15" tablet pockets, 6.8" phone pocket, two external side pockets, strap to connect to suitcase, chest and waist straps, clamshell loading
Check out the best walking boots and waterproof jacket brands
Rains Classic Backpack
Available from Frasers (£80)
Capacity 21 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 49 x 30 x 11cm (HxWxD), laptop sleeve, waterproof
Stubble & Co: Everyday Backpack
Available from Stubble & Co (£100)
Capacity 20 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 45 x 31 x 15cm (HxWxD), two laptop sleeves, zipped front top and interior pockets, two side pockets, chest strap
Targus Octave III Laptop Backpack
Capacity 20 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 46 x 33 x 10cm (HxWxD), laptop sleeve, three zipped front pockets, two side pockets
Trespass 30L Multi Function Backpack Albus
Available from Argos (£20)
Capacity 30 litres
Capacity of main compartment our tests revealed Log in now or join Which? to unlock our test results
Need to know 45 x 30 x 20cm (HxWxD), two exterior side pockets, chest strap, top loading
How we test backpacks
We select the most popular backpacks from UK retailers and put them through a series of tests. We buy all the products we test so you know our reviews aren't influenced by freebies.
We regularly revisit the backpacks on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing, and when we find them, we do so.
Each backpack is assessed on the following:
Comfort
A panel of testers of different genders try out all the backpacks and rate them on how comfortable they feel on their back and shoulders, how well they stay in place while walking, and how easy they are to adjust.
Durability
We use weights to stress-test the handles and straps, as well as putting the zips and straps through repeat usage, before checking for signs of damage.
Ease of packing
We pack each bag with the same checklist of items including clothes, shoes, books, gadgets and chargers to see how easy they are to pack.
Water resistance
We shower each backpack with water to simulate them getting caught in rain to assess how well they keep your belongings dry.
Size
We individually count ping pong balls into each bag until full to measure how much ‘usable’ space you have in the main compartment compared with the manufacturer’s claimed litre size.
Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent
Best backpack features to look out for
Adjustable or fixed frames
Adjustable frames allow you to lengthen or shorten the back. They tend to be heavier, but the upside is you can adjust them to your torso length until you get the perfect fit. And you can share one pack between two people simply by adjusting the frame depending on whose turn it is to do the carrying.
If you’re buying a fixed-frame backpack, it’s even more essential that you try the pack on, load it with a few heavy items and walk about to see how it feels before you buy. Some retailers will be happy for you to do this in the shop. If you’re buying online, don’t remove the tags or throw away the packaging until you’re sure it feels right.
Women may find they get a better fit from a specially designed women's backpack made to fit the female hip-to-torso ratio more effectively.
Hip belts for support
For larger backpacks, a well-fitting hip belt (that sits on the hips, not around your waist) is the key to minimising the strain on your spine and shoulder muscles.
Padding
A padded hip belt and shoulder straps can go a long way to reducing discomfort on a long hike with a heavy pack. Even in summer with a lightweight pack, check that the strapping fabric isn’t too rough, as you may be able to feel it rubbing through lightweight clothing.
Ventilation
If you tend to build up a sweat, look for a backpack with a specially designed ventilation mesh or shaping that allows air to circulate between your back and the pack.
Waterproofing
It's annoying enough if you get caught out in a downpour without the added hassle of all your gear getting soaked. Some backpacks are made of waterproof fabric, which can help to keep the worst of the weather off – but to make extra sure your belongings stay dry you might want to look for a bag with an integral rain cover.
Pockets and clips
Easy-to-reach mesh pockets for water bottles, secure pockets for your phone and clips or straps for fixing items such as walking poles are all useful features, depending on your needs.
What is the best backpack to take on a plane?
Many budget airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet, are quite restrictive with their baggage allowances. These vary between airlines and change over time, so always check an airline's baggage policy before deciding on the best backpack for travelling.
Check the dimensions of the bag (both when you buy it and when you've packed it). Size is what the airline will take into account. Two backpacks of the same litre capacity can be significantly different in size. Remember, too, that the volume of stuff you cram into all the pockets in a backpack can affect the overall dimensions of your airline carry-on.
Underseat storage – the larger travel backpacks we've tested will probably be too big to fit as underseat luggage, but some of the day bags should squeeze under. Check the airline's baggage restrictions to be sure.
Cabin bags – some of the bags we've tested will be suitable as cabin bags on some airlines. But because airlines care about dimensions rather than litreage, not all backpacks of the same litrage will be suitable. Again, check with the airline before you travel.
Be wary of backpacks that are marketed as ‘cabin-sized’ or similar, as there is so much variation – and some airlines' size limits are much smaller than you might think.
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What size backpack do I need?
Backpack capacity is measured in litres, and typically varies from 20 litres to 80 litres. It’s hard to visualise ‘litres of space’, but as a general guide:
- 20-30L: sometimes called daypacks, 20-30 litre backpacks are suitable for day trips where you’ll only be carrying, say, lightweight clothing, some lunch and a couple of drinks. This is a good size range for a commuter’s backpack too – especially if it includes a laptop pocket.
- 30-40L: a better size for a long weekend away or a day trip where you need to bring more with you.
- 40-50L or bigger: more suitable for longer camping trips, expeditions or extended holidays
Check out the best suitcase and best cabin suitcase brands for alternatives