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Best travel backpacks in Australia

We put our backs into it and read hundreds of real customer reviews to find the best backpacks for every traveller.

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Tim Falk
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The best travel backpacks in Australia

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How did we pick this list?

Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on actual customer reviews on Amazon and key product features. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and identified the highest-rated travel backpacks within those parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

Best overall travel backpack: Osprey Farpoint 55

  • Comes with useful features
  • Also includes a detachable daypack
  • Expensive
  • Not suitable if you want a carry-on backpack
Price (RRP): $289.95
Amazon Price: From $228.11
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Why we chose it

Scoring an average of 4.8/5 from over 750 Amazon customer ratings, the Osprey Farpoint 55 takes the win as the best overall travel backpack. We also chose it as the best travel backpack in our best backpacks guide, where you can find info on backpacks for a wide range of everyday uses.

Designed for backpacking and trekking, this pack has a 55-litre capacity and comes with a removable daypack for those shorter adventures. It features a mesh ventilated back panel, cushioned carry handles on the top and sides, and a lockable opening to the main compartment.

The die-cut spacer mesh hip belt and harness help distribute weight, while there's also an internal mesh pocket for dirty items. Other features include a tablet sleeve, an internal compression strap system and removable sleeping pad straps.

Best carry-on backpack: Cabin Max Metz Carry On Travel Backpack

  • Ideal size and large capacity
  • Affordable
  • Some customers complain about poor build quality
  • No waist strap
Price (RRP): $39.95
Amazon Price: Check site for current pricing
Buy at Amazon

Why we chose it

If you're searching for a travel backpack that's the perfect size to use as carry-on luggage, it's hard to go past the Cabin Max Metz. Not only is it the ideal size and affordably priced, but it also scores an average of 4.6/5 from over 12,000 Amazon customer reviews.

Measuring 56x36x23cm, this 44-litre backpack meets the carry-on requirements of many airlines, including Qantas. It features three main lockable, zipped compartments including a handy document pocket and is made from 600D polyester. Other features include adjustable and padded shoulder straps, a wide choice of colours and a three-year warranty.

For more carry-on luggage recommendations, see our guide to the best carry-on luggage.

Best wheeled travel backpack: Matein Rolling Backpack

  • Versatile backpack
  • Laptop pocket
  • Some customers complain about handle breaking
  • May not have enough capacity for some people’s needs
Average online price: $98.38
Amazon Price: From $436.50
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Why we chose it

Boasting an average rating of 4.7/5 from Amazon customers, the Matein Rolling Backpack is well worth a look if you're searching for a backpack on wheels.

Featuring a 36-litre main compartment and a laptop pocket for laptops up to 15.6 inches, this practical piece of kit also includes a zippered file compartment, an organiser compartment and a Velcro pocket. Mesh water bottle holders are found on the sides, while the adjustable straps can be tucked away while not in use.

Other features include corner-mounted wheels, a telescoping aluminium handle and lockable metal zippers.

Best camera backpack for travel: Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II

  • Carry all your camera and personal gear
  • Can be easily adjusted to suit your needs
  • Some users report that the bag is not a good fit for all cameras and lenses
  • Some users complain that the backpack doesn’t provide quick access to your camera
Price (RRP): $146
Amazon Price: From $219.00
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Buy at Catch
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Why we chose it

Searching for a practical and versatile camera backpack? The Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II may be a mouthful, but it ticks a lot of important boxes for anyone travelling with a DSLR camera and associated kit. It also has an average review score of 4.7/5 from over 1,100 Amazon customer reviews.

This model is designed to fit a DSLR camera, 2-3 extra lenses, a 15-inch laptop, tablet and your personal gear. The camera compartment features an adjustable and padded interior, while the laptop pocket is also padded. The bag also comes with a built-in All Weather cover and a waist strap for easy carrying.

Best travel backpack for women: Osprey Fairview 40

  • Can be used as carry-on luggage with many airlines
  • Harness and hip belt can be tucked away
  • Pricey
  • Some customers report sizing issues based on their height
Price (RRP): $229.95
Amazon Price: Check site for current pricing
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Why we chose it

Designed specifically for women and boasting an average review score of 4.8/5 from more than 750 Amazon customer ratings, the Osprey Fairview 40 is our pick as the best travel backpack for women.

With a 40-litre capacity, this backpack's dimensions will make it suitable as carry-on luggage on many airlines. It features a harness and hip belt for comfortable carrying, but which can also be stowed away if you check your bag in. Access to the main compartment is provided by a panel zip, while the bag also features a laptop/tablet sleeve and two internal straps to help hold your backpack's contents in place.

Best anti-theft travel backpack: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45

  • Wide range of anti-theft features
  • 45-litre capacity
  • Expensive
  • Some users complain about the weight of this bag
Price (RRP): $229.95
Amazon Price: From $229.95
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Kogan
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

With a range of theft prevention features and an average review score of 4.6/5 from over 200 Amazon customer ratings, the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 is definitely worth a look if you're shopping for an anti-theft travel backpack.

Made from regenerated nylon fibre, it features interlocking zip pullers, a puncture-resistant double zipper and stainless-steel wire mesh to protect against slashing. You can also lock your bag to a fixed object using a stainless-steel anchor cable, while there's also a side handle for versatility when carrying. Other features include a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, 45-litre capacity and dimensions designed to suit the carry-on requirements of many airlines.

Best affordable small travel backpack: AmazonBasics Slim Carry On Backpack

  • Simple and practical
  • Carry-on suitable backpack
  • Some users report that padding takes up too much internal space
  • Some buyers question the bag's durability
Price (RRP): $60.99
Amazon Price: Check site for current pricing
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Why we chose it

If you're looking for a small travel backpack that won't break the bank, this AmazonBasics backpack is loaded with useful features and has an average Amazon customer review score of 4.5/5.

Measuring 45.7 x 31.8 x 19.8cm, this backpack features a laptop sleeve and fleece-lined tablet pocket. There are loads of internal storage compartments to help you organise all your travel essentials, while top and side grab handles are included for added practicality. The back panel is also designed to provide comfort and breathability when you're on the move.

Best business travel backpack: EVERKI Titan

  • 18.4-inch laptop compartment
  • 180-degree fold-out design
  • There are cheaper options available
  • Too large for some people's liking
Price (RRP): $249.95
Amazon Price: Check site for current pricing
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Kogan
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

Packed with useful features and boasting an average rating of 4.8/5 from over 1,100 Amazon customer reviews, the EVERKI Titan is our pick as the best business travel backpack.

With an extra-large compartment designed to fit laptops up to 18.4 inches in size, the Titan also comes with a felt-lined tablet pocket and a range of compartments to help you organise all your business essentials. With an overall capacity of 40 litres, it's got ample space to pack everything you need for an overnight business trip.

When you're passing through airport security, the Titan comes with a handy, 180-degree fold-out design. Other features include a five-point balance strap system, an accessories pouch and a media player outlet.

Amazon prices last updated on 5 August, 2021 at 10:01 pm

Methodology

50+
Brands considered
150+
Products compared
8
Best products chosen
  • We considered travel backpacks from over 50 leading brands.
  • We based our top picks on real customer reviews (as of October 2020) and important product features.
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

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