Best Backpacks For Women's Overseas Travel

When it comes to choosing the best backpack for women travelling overseas, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to think about the size and capacity of the bag. For longer trips, a larger capacity bag of 40 litres or more is generally recommended, while for shorter weekend trips, a backpack with a 25-30 litre capacity should suffice. It's also worth considering the type of trip you'll be taking – if you plan on doing a lot of hiking or outdoor activities, you'll need a backpack with more features and compartments to store things like water bottles, snacks and other gear. On the other hand, if you're mainly sticking to urban environments, a more stylish and compact backpack might be a better option.

Another key factor to keep in mind is comfort. Look for backpacks with adjustable, padded shoulder straps, a chest strap and a hip belt to distribute the weight evenly and prevent strain on your back and shoulders. If you'll be carrying valuable items like a laptop or camera equipment, it's also worth investing in a backpack with lockable compartments and water-resistant fabric to keep your gear safe and dry.

- Osprey Fairview 40L: This backpack is designed specifically for women, with adjustable straps, padding and compartments to keep all your belongings secure. It's carry-on compliant and perfect for day hikes or short trips.

- REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack: This hybrid backpack is suitable for both travel and hiking, with a suspension system, padded hip belt and shoulder straps designed for a woman's build. It also includes a rain cover, making it a great option for outdoor adventures.

- Nomatic Travel Pack: This 30L backpack is perfect for long weekend breaks or business trips, with plenty of pockets and sleeves to keep your belongings organised. It's made from durable tarpaulin and ballistic weave materials, ensuring it will last for years.

- Tropicfeel Shell Backpack: This innovative backpack is adjustable, starting at 22 litres and expanding up to 40 litres with the addition of a detachable pouch. It also includes a hanging packing cube, making it easy to pack and unpack your belongings.

- Osprey Tempest 40L: This versatile backpack is ideal for hiking and camping trips, with a comfortable suspension system, padded shoulder straps and hip belt, external hydration sleeve and integrated rain cover.

- Tortuga Travel Backpack: This backpack is perfect for travellers who want to keep their laptop and valuables secure, with lockable zippers, durable and waterproof materials, and a hideaway shoulder strap for easy transport.

How to choose the best travel backpack for women?

When choosing the best travel backpack for women, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect backpack for your next adventure:

Size and Capacity:

The ideal size of your backpack should be determined by your body weight and fitness level. As a general guideline, your packed backpack should not weigh more than 20% of your body weight. If you're not in top physical condition, aim for a lower weight. For women who prefer to travel light, the recommended backpack capacity is 40 to 45 litres, which provides ample space for essentials and can be taken as carry-on luggage.

Airline Regulations:

Keep in mind that most airlines have baggage limitations. Carry-on bags usually have size and weight restrictions, typically around 7-10 kgs. To avoid any unpleasant surprises at the airport, ensure your backpack complies with these regulations.

Fit for a Woman's Build:

Backpacks designed specifically for women take into account the unique body structure of females. Look for backpacks with comfortable hip straps, as the hips bear most of the weight, relieving the strain on the back and shoulders. Additionally, the backpack's straps should be curved to fit comfortably around the chest, and the hip belt should be slightly narrower than a man's backpack to distribute weight evenly across the hips.

Front-Loading Design:

Opt for a backpack that opens from the front, like a suitcase. This feature makes packing and accessing your belongings much easier, especially when you need to grab something quickly without rummaging through the entire bag.

External vs. Internal Frame:

External frame backpacks have one large internal compartment and several small external compartments, making them ideal for carrying more items and organising your gear. On the other hand, internal frame backpacks have one big compartment and one or two external zippered compartments. They are more stable and better for your back, but may not offer as much storage space.

Water Resistance:

Invest in a water-resistant or waterproof backpack to protect your belongings from unexpected rain or spills. Some backpacks also come with rain covers for added protection.

Laptop Sleeve:

If you plan to work remotely or need your laptop for entertainment during your travels, look for a backpack with a dedicated laptop sleeve. This will provide extra protection for your device and make it easily accessible when needed.

Safety Features:

Consider backpacks with safety features like lockable zippers, slash-resistant fabric, or a safety whistle built-in. These features can provide peace of mind, especially when travelling solo or in unfamiliar places.

Water Bottle Compartment:

Having a dedicated external pocket for your water bottle is essential for staying hydrated on the go. It also helps to avoid accidental spills inside your backpack.

Comfort:

Finally, comfort is key. Try on the backpack, load it up, and walk around to ensure the straps are adjustable and the backpack feels comfortable on your shoulders and back. Check for any points of discomfort and ensure the backpack has a mesh panel to prevent damage from sweating.

Remember, the perfect travel backpack for women depends on your personal preferences, travel style, and specific needs. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to choosing the ideal backpack for your next adventure!

What makes travel backpacks for women different from other backpacks?

When it comes to travel backpacks for women, several features differentiate them from other backpacks and make them specifically suited to the needs of female travellers. Here are some of the key characteristics:

Fit and Comfort:

• Shorter back length: Travel backpacks for women often have a shorter back length to accommodate the typically shorter torsos of female travellers. This ensures that the backpack fits comfortably and securely on the wearer's body.
• Conical-shaped hip belt: The hip belt on women's travel backpacks is designed with a conical shape to accommodate the arch in the female spine. The anchor points are set closer together and angled diagonally upward to provide a customised fit.
• Narrower and shorter shoulder straps: The shoulder straps on women's backpacks are typically narrower and shorter, designed to avoid chafing in the armpits and eliminate pressure points in the chest area. They are also set closer together to prevent slipping off the shoulders.
• Curved straps: Travel backpacks for women often feature curved straps that wrap nicely around the chest, providing support without causing discomfort or restriction.
• Padded hip belt: A well-fitted, padded hip belt is crucial for comfort, as it transfers a significant portion of the backpack's weight from the shoulders to the hips, allowing the stronger leg muscles to carry the load.
• Adjustability: Many women's travel backpacks offer adjustability options, such as height-adjustable suspension systems, to ensure a perfect fit for different torso lengths.

Size and Capacity:

• Smaller capacity: Women's travel backpacks are often designed with a smaller overall capacity compared to unisex or men's backpacks. This takes into account the typically smaller frame and packing needs of female travellers.
• Carry-on size: Many travel backpacks for women are designed to meet carry-on size restrictions, allowing travellers to avoid checking their bags and providing convenience during air travel.

Design and Organisation:

• Front-loading or panel-loading: Women's travel backpacks often feature a front-loading or panel-loading design, similar to a suitcase. This provides easier access to belongings and better organisation compared to top-loading backpacks.
• Clamshell opening: Some women's travel backpacks feature a clamshell opening, allowing for easy packing and providing a clear view of the contents, making it simple to find what you need.
• Laptop and tablet compartments: These backpacks often include dedicated compartments for laptops and tablets, ensuring devices stay protected and easily accessible during travel.
• Water resistance: Many women's travel backpacks are designed with water-resistant materials or coatings to protect belongings from rain or spills.
• Anti-theft features: Some women's travel backpacks incorporate anti-theft features such as lockable zippers, slash-resistant fabric, and RFID-blocking pockets to provide peace of mind during travel.

What is the most comfortable travel backpack?

When it comes to choosing the most comfortable travel backpack, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the backpack has a good fit, with adjustable and padded straps that distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders and back. A hip belt can also help to take the strain off your shoulders. For women, it is worth considering backpacks designed specifically for the female body shape, which often have curved straps, a shorter torso length, and wider hip belts.

The Osprey Fairview 40 backpack is a popular choice for women, with adjustable straps, padding, and compartments to keep your belongings secure. It is carry-on compliant and suitable for both travel and hiking, although some reviewers mention that it may not be the best option for very heavy loads. For a larger capacity bag, the Osprey Ariel Plus 60 is a good choice, with a comfortable suspension system and plenty of customizability.

If you're looking for a backpack that can double as a carry-on, the Nomatic Travel Pack is a great option. This 30-litre bag has a range of pockets and sleeves, including an RFID-safe pocket and a dedicated underwear pocket. For a more budget-friendly option, the Matein Travel Backpack offers similar features at a fraction of the price.

For those who want a stylish backpack, the MAHI Leather Explorer is a good choice, made from soft leather with a mixture of zips and buckles. However, it may not be the best option for hiking or very heavy loads. The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack is another stylish and versatile option, with an adjustable capacity of 22 to 40 litres and a detachable hanging packing cube for easy packing and unpacking.

For photographers or those travelling with camera gear, the WANDRD PRVKE backpack offers customizable straps, plenty of pockets, and a robust weather-resistant design. The Peak Design Travel Backpack is another good choice, with flexible capacity and easy access points.

Finally, for a lightweight option, the Tempest Velocity 20 backpack is a great choice. At only 20 litres, it is perfect for day trips or overnight adventures, and its lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry.

Should I get a unisex travel backpack?

Unisex backpacks are designed to fit a wide range of body types, but they may not be the best option for everyone. While some people find unisex backpacks comfortable and functional, others may experience issues with the fit, particularly women. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to get a unisex travel backpack:

Fit and Comfort:

• Torso Length: The length of your torso is crucial when choosing a backpack. Unisex backpacks often have adjustable torso lengths, but they may not accommodate all body types. If you have a shorter or longer torso than average, you might find that unisex backpacks don't fit well.
• Shoulder Straps: The width and placement of shoulder straps can significantly impact comfort, especially for women with broader or narrower shoulders. Unisex backpacks may have shoulder straps that are too wide or too narrow, causing discomfort or difficulty in adjusting the fit.
• Hip Belts: Hip belts help distribute the weight of the backpack and are essential for longer trips or heavier loads. However, unisex backpacks often have hip belts that don't fit well on curvier bodies, either digging into the hips or sitting too low.
• Chest Straps: Chest straps help stabilize the backpack and distribute weight. However, on unisex backpacks, they may sit too low or too tight, especially for women with larger busts.

Features and Design:

• Size and Capacity: Unisex backpacks usually come in standard sizes, which may not suit everyone. Women who are petite or have smaller frames might find that unisex backpacks are too large and bulky.
• Compartments and Pockets: Unisex backpacks often have a simple design with fewer compartments and pockets. Women who prefer more organization and dedicated spaces for specific items may find this frustrating.
• Style and Color Options: Unisex backpacks typically come in neutral colors like black, grey, or navy. While these colors are versatile, some women may prefer more variety or feminine styles.

In conclusion, while unisex backpacks can work for some women, they may not provide the best fit and comfort for everyone. Women with unique body types, such as shorter or longer torsos, broader or narrower shoulders, or curvier hips, may benefit from choosing a women's-specific backpack designed to accommodate their body shape. Additionally, women who prefer more specialized compartments and pockets or desire more style options may also want to consider alternatives to unisex backpacks.

What is the most fashionable backpack for women?

When it comes to the most fashionable backpack for women, there are several stylish options to choose from. Here are some top picks:

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

This backpack is made from 100% recycled polyester and can hold a lot of gear without looking bulky. It features several organisational add-ons, including water bottle pockets, an exterior laptop sleeve, zippered pockets, and a luggage sleeve. The magnetic closure is the only drawback, as it can come undone when picking up the bag.

Mifland Rucksack

This durable leather roll-top bag is adjustable, allowing you to change the size based on your needs. It is available in various colours and designs, and the high-quality leather will only get better with age. However, it is heavier compared to other options.

MZ Wallace Metro Utility Backpack

This backpack is crafted with recycled nylon and sustainably sourced leather. It features numerous pockets, both inside and outside, making it ideal for those who want to keep their documents and gear organised. It also has a generous top handle in addition to the regular backpack straps. However, the straps are a bit long, even when shortened.

Caraa Stratus Large Backpack

This lightweight and durable nylon backpack is both stylish and budget-friendly. It is waterproof and features twelve pockets, making it perfect for travel or everyday use. However, it might look oversized on petite individuals.

Pacsafe Anti-theft Backpack

This backpack offers peace of mind with its anti-theft features, such as lockable zippers and a wire-reinforced inner layer. It is lightweight and spacious, but it lacks a designated laptop pocket and has few pouches for organisation.

Stoney Clover Classic Backpack

This backpack is available in a range of colours and can be customised with additional patches, including letters, numbers, and emojis. It is made from durable and lightweight nylon, but it might be too small for those who need to carry larger electronics.

Cuyana Leather Backpack

This elegant leather backpack has a cool, unexpected silhouette and is available in two sizes. It includes regular backpack straps and a long top handle, making it perfect for those who don't typically wear backpacks. While it is a bit expensive, its sophisticated style and durable design make it worth the price.

Frequently asked questions