As a female traveler, choosing the right backpack to accompany you on your adventures can be a daunting task. It is important to find a backpack specifically designed for women to ensure maximum comfort, organization, and ease of carrying. With so many of the best travel backpacks for women, it can be overwhelming to decide which features are essential for your unique packing needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with detailed information on how to find the best travel backpack for women. From size, weight, and durability to compartments, padding, and design, we will cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What to Look for in a Travel Backpack for Women
Size and Capacity
One of the first things to consider is what capacity you need. Backpack sizes are measured in liters, usually ranging from 20L to 70L. Here are some general guidelines for capacity:
- 20-35L: Great for day trips, weekends, and carry-on
- 35-50L: Ideal for multi-day and week-long trips
- 50-70L: Best for extended journeys over 1-2 weeks
Consider your typical trip duration and packing habits. If you tend to overpack, size up. If you are a light packer, size down. You want room for all your essentials without the bag feeling massive.
As a petite woman, also consider your torso length. Try packs on in person with weight inside to ensure the fit is not too long. Opt for an adjustable torso size if needed.
Weight
Look for lightweight yet durable materials like ripstop polyester or nylon. The total weight of the empty bag should be under 3 pounds for carry-on sizes. This leaves you more room for packing actual gear.
Comfort and Fit
Since you’ll carry your backpack for extended periods, comfort is key. Here are some features to look for:
Padded shoulder straps: Distributes weight and prevents digging. Look for adjustable, S-shaped straps.
Padded back panel and lumbar support: Prevents the backpack from digging into your back.
Sternum strap: Takes weight off shoulders and adds stability. Good for large bust support.
Waist belt: Transfers weight to hips for better ergonomics on heavier packs.
Multiple strap points: Allows you to customize the fit.
Be sure to try the pack with weight inside to test the comfort level before buying. Move around and bend over to make sure nothing digs in uncomfortably.
Compartments and Pockets
The more organized your backpack, the easier it will be to travel. Key components to look for include:
Dedicated laptop sleeve: Protects your tech. Look for one that fits your specific laptop size.
Tablet pocket: Safely stores your iPad or e-reader.
Front organizational panel: Great for frequently accessing items like passport, phone, pens, etc.
Mesh water bottle pockets: Allows you to grab water easily without stopping.
Main compartment: Room for clothes, shoes, toiletries. Look for interior toggles to attach items.
Small quick-grab pockets: For items like snacks, chargers, sunglasses.
The more compartments and pockets you have, the more organized your gear will be. Compression straps also help keep contents secure.
Security Features
As a female traveler, safety is also important when choosing a travel backpack. Here are some useful security features:
Lockable zippers: Deter pickpockets from accessing the main compartment and valuables pocket.
RFID blocking: Prevents digital theft of credit cards and passports that contain RFID chips.
Rear opening: Wear a backpack against your back, making it harder for thieves to access. It’s better for crowded places.
Cut proof material: The strap is made of slash-resistant fabric.
Secret compartments: Hide money and keys in discreet, hidden pockets.
With the right security measures, you can feel more comfortable carrying valuables confidently.
Gender-Specific Features
Many brands now make backpacks specifically contoured for a woman’s frame. Look for these female-friendly features:
Shorter torso design: Fits better on petite frames.
S-shaped shoulder straps: Wraps over the bust more comfortably.
Removable hip belt: Gets out of the way if uncomfortable over hips.
Lower side compression straps: Don’t dig into the bust.
A female-specific pack considers common trouble spots for women’s bodies for a more comfortable carry.
Top 10 Travel Backpacks for Women
Now that you know what to look for in the best travel backpack for women, here are 10 top-rated options to consider for your next adventure.
- Osprey Fairview 40
This popular Osprey pack is sized right for carry-on and weekend trips. It offers great organization with lockable compartments and a laptop sleeve. The lightweight frame provides comfort and support. The adjustable harness customizes the fit. It comes in three sizes to choose from.
Key Features:
– Capacity: 40L
– Weight: 2.4 lbs
– Torso adjustable
– Lockable zippers
– Laptop sleeve
- Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 SL
A sleek, technical backpack perfect for week-long trips. It has a ventilated back panel and adjustable straps for optimal comfort. The zip-off daypack is a nice bonus. Female-specific sizing makes the fit customized. Excellent compression and expansion features.
Key Features:
– Capacity: 45L (can expand to 55L)
– Weight: 4 lbs 5 oz
– Detachable daypack
– Adjustable torso
– Hip belt can be tucked away
- Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L
This bag maximizes organization with plenty of locking pockets and compartments. It fits carry-on size limits for air travel and has a sleeve for roller luggage. Made of durable Bi-Tech fabric but still lightweight. The padded straps, hip belt, and back panel keep you comfortable.
Key Features:
– Capacity: 40L
– Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz
– Lockable compartments
– 17 total pockets
– Hideaway hip belt
- Pacsafe Venturesafe X30
For peace of mind on the road, this is one of the most secure backpacks. It’s made of steel mesh, has lockable zippers, and an RFID safe pocket. The straps are padded for comfort, and it’s still stylish for urban travel. Fits as a carry-on for airlines.
Key Features:
– Capacity: 30L
– Weight: 2.65 lbs
– Slashguard straps
– RFIDsafe pocket
– Lockable zippers & compartments
- Targus Work and Play 30L
It is a great option for a business and leisure combo bag. It fits a 17″ laptop in the padded sleeve and has space for an extra pair of shoes. The straps, back panel, and waist belt are ergonomic. Lots of pockets keep you organized. Also expands for extra capacity when needed.
Key Features:
– Capacity: 30L (expands to 34L)
– Weight: 3.04 lbs
– Laptop sleeve fits 17″ laptop
– Luggage strap
– Front daisy chains
- XD Design Bobby Original Anti-Theft Backpack
This clever bag has security features like cut-proof material, hidden zipper access, and lockable straps. The rear-opening lies flat against you for stealth. It looks simple from the outside but has 10+ compartments inside for organization. Comfortable to carry for extended periods.
Key Features:
– Capacity: 20L
– Weight: 1.76 lbs
– Cut-proof fabric
– Lockable straps
– Hidden back zipper access
- Tortuga Setout 35L
Loved by female travelers for the comfort and organization. It opens suitcase-style for packing ease and has lots of flat pockets for tech. Sized for carry-on travel. The hip belt tucks away when not needed. Front daisy chains let you attach more gear.
Key Features:
– Capacity: 35L
– Weight: 3 lbs 3 oz
– Front-loading panel
– Lots of flat pockets
– Removable hip belt
- Timbuk2 Uptown Travel Backpack
If you want a stylish, versatile backpack for everyday use or travel, this is a great choice. It’s carry-on size yet fits a 17″ laptop in the TSA-friendly sleeve. The quilted back panel and adjustable straps keep it comfortable for long days out.
Key Features:
– Capacity: 30L
– Weight: 2 lbs
– Padded laptop sleeve for 17″ laptop
– Luggage passthrough for attaching to roller bags
– Front zip pocket for small items
- Kopack Slim Business Laptop Backpack
This one is perfect for the female business traveler. It fits a 15.6″ laptop and 10″ tablet in padded sleeves. The breathable back panel keeps airflow going. Quick side access lets you grab your laptop without removing the whole backpack. Stylish enough for work and travel.
Key Features:
– Capacity: 27L
– Weight: 1.56 lbs
– 15″ dedicated laptop sleeve
– Built-in USB charger
– Luggage strap
- MATEIN Carry On Backpack
For a budget-friendly but quality carry-on bag, go with this MATEIN pick. At under $50, it packs in plenty of features like padded shoulder straps, a built-in USB charging port, and a luggage strap. Great for short trips and daily commuting. Lots of pockets keep you organized.
Key Features:
– Capacity: 35L
– Weight: 1.56 lbs
– Built-in USB charger
– Luggage strap
– Water resistant
FAQs
Q: Are women’s backpacks really necessary or can I just use a unisex backpack?
A: Backpacks made specifically for women’s frames tend to be more comfortable as they account for shorter torsos, curvier hips, and narrower shoulders. That said, some unisex packs come in women’s specific sizes.
Q: Are sling bags good for female travelers compared to backpacks?
A: Sling bags are great for lighter loads and allow easy access to items. However, backpacks are better for longer carry durations, heavier loads, and keeping both hands free.
Q: Should I get a waterproof backpack for travel?
A: For wetter climates, water-resistant coated backpacks can be useful to protect contents from rain or spills. Look for bags made from ripstop nylon or polyester material. You can add a rain cover for weather protection too.
Q: Are backpacks safe from theft while traveling internationally?
A: Be extra cautious with valuables in crowded areas. Get a bag with anti-theft features like lockable compartments, slash-proof straps, RFID blocking and wear it against your back.
Q: Can I use a carry-on size backpack as my personal item on flights?
A: Yes, carry-on sized backpacks around 35-45L can serve as your personal item as long as they fit under the seat dimensions. This allows you to maximize what you can bring on board rather than checking luggage.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best travel backpacks for women involves considering your needs, style, and body type. Focus on capacity, comfort, organization, security, and fit. Backpacks made for women’s frames tend to be more comfortable and ergonomic. Seek out features like padded straps, ventilation, and multiple compartments. Anti-theft features like lockable zippers give peace of mind.
With so many excellent options for women, you can find a pack that fits perfectly while offering space for all your essentials. Stylish and functional small travel backpacks for women redefine the essence of on-the-go elegance. Take the time to evaluate what’s important for how you travel. Follow the tips here and do your research to end up with the perfect backpack for any adventure. The right bag becomes an indispensable travel companion.