Best Commuter and Travel Backpacks

Getting from Point A to Point B can be a hassle if you don't have the right travel backpack to help you manage all of your gear. Whether it's a lot of equipment, or just a little, you want a pack that keeps all of your gear safe, secure, and easily accessible. In this article, we will be looking at some of the best backpacks for all types of travelers.

Nomatic Travel Pack V2

A longtime favorite amongst travelers, the Nomatic Travel Pack V2 features an adjustable 20 to 30L carrying capacity with a dedicated 16" laptop compartment, giving you plenty of space for all of your daily essentials. The sleek exterior is water resistant, keeping out the elements while you're traversing the great outdoors.

Nomatic also built in a ton of nice-to-have features right into the Travel Pack V2 including hidden and RFID-blocking pockets, a top access pocket and retracting key leash, and a shoe compartment for those who like to swap out footwear when they get to the office. There is even a sunglasses case built into the backpack, keeping your eyewear safe. Of course, a magnetic water bottle pocket is also present on the side, giving you quick access to hydration.

Comfortable, breathable straps are accompanied by a sternum strap which helps lift the weight off your shoulders and centers the weight onto your entire body, giving you a more comfortable fit. You also get a top and side handle for quick grab-and-go capabilities. And let's not forget that the interior accessory pocket features mesh pockets to hold cables and other essentials.

Samsonite Virtuosa Backpack

If you're looking for something more stylish, the Samsonite Virtuosa backpack is a great option. It does align itself to the traditional backpack style but with some extra flair. Constructed from weather-resistant coated polyester fabric with RPET lining, the Virtuosa keeps your items safe and dry. Even the leather accenting adds a sophisticated tinge of style and personality to the Virtuosa, further embracing the eye-catching motif.

A single main zippered area is large enough to hold a variety of items such as a 15.6" laptop, a 9.7" tablet, and a handful of belongings you'll need throughout your travels. It also has an easy-to-access front pocket where you can keep smaller essentials. The front pocket also has a key tether, so you don't lose your keys, lanyards, and passes.

Padded shoulder straps are comfortable and flexible, adhering to your body without wearing out. There is a top handle so you can quickly grab the pack while you're on the move and there is also a trolly sleeve strap so you can affix the Virtuosa to your luggage, taking some of the weight off your back as you go from destination to destination.

Thule Aion Backpack

For more rugged travels, the Thule Aion comes into play. Featuring a 600D wax canvas shell and PFC toxic-free recycled materials, the Aion repels moisture, dirt, and stains to keep your contents protected. Zippers can also utilize travel locks to prevent unauthorized access to your essentials.

Dedicated pockets hold up to a 16" MacBook and 12.9" tablet safely while the main zippered compartment can hold all of your daily essentials. Internal compression straps saves room within the pack by reducing the overall footprint of your contents. There are also additional interior pockets in the main compartment that holds smaller items. The front pocket also has several locations to store your belongings from your phone, glasses, and even keys.

Naturally, the Aion features padded straps and a sternum strap to assist with travel. The Aion comes in the 40L variant which is great for multi-day trips while the 28L version is suitable for daily commuting or daily adventures.

OGIO Gambit

Do you need many pockets? Then the OGIO Gambit is for you! This larger backpack can easily hold your belongings and keep them all organized thanks to the litany of zippered compartments found all around the Gambit.

There are three large compartments, each able to hold various large, medium, and small devices. Between the large and middle compartment is an additional zippered pocket that can hold your earbuds, cables, and AC adapters. The left and right side both have large pockets to help with organizing your gear. While there are also smaller pockets on either side, one of them can hold a water bottle securely while you travel. On the top is a crushproof Tech Vault pocket with soft tricot liner to help keep your fragile items safe. There is a dedicated padded compartment that can hold most laptops up to 17" while the previously mentioned middle pocket can store your tablet.

Due to the sheer heft of this backpack, the shoulder straps have reinforced stitching with additional foam to provide a comfortable, ergonomic feel when traveling. The Gambit also incorporates OGIO's Hybrid Unibody Back Panel to enhance the backpack's rigidity, giving it long lasting performance.

These are just some of the few best commuter and travel backpacks out there. If you are interested, do yourself a favor and hit the links for each of the recommended packs. Or drop a comment or question below and we'll do our best to answer them.