It’s no secret that finding the perfect backpack is crucial to any world traveler. Comfort is key and breathability is a must. Long gone are the days when backpacks were tailor-made to fit a man’s needs. Women’s bodies are built differently, therefore we need a form-fitting backpack that’s designed to fit a woman’s curves without digging into our shoulders and chest. Read on to discover the leading backpack companies who have produced the very best travel backpacks for women.
1. Best Overnight Backpack
Osprey is known for making some of the highest quality products, and they most certainly did not disappoint with their Osprey Sirrus 36 Travel Backpack. It is truly amazing at how many features they built into this one backpack, making it a strong competitor in the lineup for best travel backpacks for women.
Features
- Made of 210D and 420D nylon dobby.
- Dual upper-side compression.
- Stow-on-the-Go Trekking Pole attachment.
- Side mesh pockets are equipped with InsideOut compression.
- Dual zippered hip belt pockets.
- Stow-able bungee tie-off.
- Adjustable and removable sleeping pad straps.
- Sleeping bag compartment with divider.
- 3D tensioned, breathable mesh back panel.
- Airspeed Suspension uses a LightWire alloy frame.
- Removable rain cover.
Pros
- Top loading.
- Perfect for day and overnight trips.
- Integrated raincover protects your gear.
- Several pockets make it easy to organize.
- Special hydration sleeve.
- Side panel access.
- Includes an ice tool loop.
- Evenly distributes the weight of the pack.
- Comfortable.
- High quality.
Cons
- Troublesome pull to release drawstring lock in main compartment.
- Raincover may not cover both the bag and sleeping pad.
2. Best Basic Backpack
The Kelty Women’s Redwing 40 Backpack was designed to comfortably fit the curves of a woman’s body. The latest model has improved on comfort and design. This backpack has a simple design but is built to last.
Features
- Holds up to 40 liters.
- Meets carry-on size requirements.
- Ventilated mesh back panel.
- Removable waist belt.
- Sternum strap.
- Load lifter straps.
- Laptop/hydration sleeve.
- Hide-away daisy chain.
Pros
- Can be used as a carry-on.
- Comfortable.
- Lightweight.
- Durable.
- Perfect for two week trips.
- Comes in visually appealing colors.
- Very spacious, with multiple pockets.
Cons
- Hip belt is difficult to remove.
- Does not adjust to a small enough size for petite frames.
- Lacking internal straps or mesh.
- Zippers do not lock.
3. Perfect for Weekend Wanderers
The North Face Women’s Terra 40 Travel Backpack is one of the best travel backpacks for women who are backpacking over the weekend or taking slightly longer trips. While the pack is large enough to hold more gear, it was specifically designed with hikers and backpackers in mind.
Features
- Holds up to 40 liters.
- Zippered sleeping bag compartment.
- Vertical channel provides improved ventilation.
- Padded shoulder harness.
- 7+ pockets.
- Made of 420D mini-ripstop nylon, 600D polyester and 1200D polyester.
- Load-spreading soft air mesh hip belt.
Pros
- Lifetime guarantee.
- Free returns.
- Meets carry-on requirements.
- Visually appealing design and color scheme.
- Several zippered compartments.
- Comfortable.
- Evenly distributes weight.
- Perfect for two to four day trips.
Cons
- Is difficult to load and unload.
- Doesn’t stand upright.
- Material can irritate bare shoulders.
4. Perfect for the Bargain Hunter
The High Sierra Women’s Summit 40 Hiking Backpack is one of the better bargains you can find when searching for the best travel backpacks for women. This backpack has an incredible number of features and seemingly endless positive customer reviews. The only warning customers give is that you compare the measurements of the backpack to your own body measurements before ordering.
Features
- Holds up to 40 liters.
- Tuck-away rain cover included.
- Airflow channels in molded foam back panel.
- Top-loading.
- Gusseted drawstring closure.
- Water sleeve with dual exit ports.
- Sleeping bag compartment with divider.
- Padded straps and adjustable load lifters.
- Adjustable sternum strap.
- Adjustable aluminum frame bar.
- Side and bottom compression straps.
- Adjustable waist belt with Hex-vent mesh padding.
- Daisy chains on both sides.
- Soft lashing hardware to hold poles and ax.
Pros
- Works wells as a carry-on.
- Holds a camelback bladder.
- Lightweight.
- Great for traveling.
- Perfect for three to four week trips.
- High quality.
- Durable.
- Several compartments makes it easy to organize.
Cons
- Shoulder straps are too close together and tend to rub.
- Many women have issues with the chest strap.
5. Best Globetrotter Backpack
Osprey designs some of the greatest travel products and deserves a seconds spot on the list of best travel backpacks for women. Osprey Women’s Kyte 46 Travel Backpack is specifically designed for female backpackers. When using packing cubes, several customers are able to pack up to a week’s worth of clothes and overnight gear into the pack.
Features
- Included raincover.
- Sleeping compartment with a divider.
- Adjustable harness.
- Hydration sleeve.
- Multiple zippered and mesh pockets.
- 2 daisy chains.
- Hide-away ice-tool loop.
- Bungee tie-offs.
- Stow-on-the-go pole attachment.
- StraightJacket side compression straps.
- Removable sleeping pad straps.
- Fixed top lid with web attachment.
- Top-loading.
- Holds up to 46 liters.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Durable.
- Opens from the top, bottom and side.
- Meets carry-on size requirements.
- Evenly distributes weight.
- Comfortable.
Cons
- Small hip pockets.
- Zippers can’t be locked.
- High price.
6. Customizable Comfort
The Deuter ACT Lite 45 + 10 SL Hiking Backpack was designed by women, for women. The backpack is quite a bit more adjustable than most, easily fitting most frames. Aside from being highly adjustable, the Deuter backpack is more breathable and form-fitting than most.
Features
- Made by women, for women.
- AirContact ventilation back system.
- Body-hugging fit.
- 15% less perspiration than with other packs.
- Light, flexible and stable internal frame.
- X-frame and hip wings transfers weight to hips.
- Compression straps.
- Hydration compartment.
- Specialized compartments for poles, wet gear and clothing.
- Multiple pockets.
- SOS-Label.
- Lightweight yet durable.
- Water-resistant.
- Abrasion-resistant.
Pros
- Breathable.
- Comfortable.
- Can work as a carry-on if the 10L and top portions are left empty.
- Spacious.
- Adjusts to fit different frames.
- Several compartments and pockets.
Cons
- No included rain cover.
- No staps on the bottom for a sleeping pad.
- Small hip pockets.
- Does not work as a carry-on when packed full.
7. The Cream of the Crop
The Thule Versant 60L Women’s Backpacking Pack is a fierce competitor in the lineup of best travel backpacks for women. This roomy backpack, ideal for three to five-day adventures, is fully waterproof and made of the highest quality materials. Thule has perfected the art of combining comfort and versatility in a backpack that is a world traveler’s dream come true.
Features
- Custom hip belt with three interchangeable pockets.
- Waterproof hip belt pocket.
- Top lid converts to a sling pack.
- Fully waterproof.
- Adjustable hip belt and torso.
- Large U-zip panel.
- Quick access front pocket.
- Breathable shoulder straps and back panel.
- Lightweight.
- Effectively transfers weight to hips.
- High quality.
- Durable.
Pros
- Breathable.
- Comfortabale.
- Waterproof.
- Accessible from top and sides.
- Spacious.
- Easily accessible compartments on the go.
- Removable sling pack.
- Visually appealing.
- Comes with a demo video on a thumb drive.
Cons
- One of the more expensive tavel backpacks on the market.
8. Most Versatile Backpack
The Gregory Amber 60 Travel Backpack is ideal for backpackers and those traveling for months at a time. It is large enough to pack enough clothes in to wear for months on end. Alternatively, it has all the compartments and features needed to spend a week living in the wilderness.
Features
- Includes an umbrella.
- Multiple pockets and compartments.
- TrailFlex suspension.
- TrailFit hipbelt adjusts up to 6 inches.
- Solar ready.
- Integrated raincover.
- SideTrack can be used as either a daypack or hydration sleeve.
- Front U-zip.
- Bottom compression.
- Sleeping pad straps.
- Water bottle pockets.
Pros
- Easy to organize.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Can pack up to 70 pounds.
- Can be “lived out of” for up to a month.
- Lightweight.
- Versatile.
- Comfortable.
- Effectively transfers weight to hips.
Cons
- Runs smaller than other Gregory packs.
- Expensive.
Choosing the Right Backpack
When shopping online for the perfect backpack it is important that you remember to reference size and measurement charts. No two companies make their backpacks the same, and it is not uncommon for torso lengths to vary from pack to pack within the same company. From overnight treks to month long adventures, the leading companies have created the best travel backpacks to fit every need.
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