Osprey’s Farpoint (for men) and Fairview (for women) trek series brings the best of both worlds together for the ultimate backpacking travel pack. The Farpoint, described by one traveler as “perfect for carrying a large amount of stuff comfortably and keeping it organized,” comes in either a 55- or 75-liter capacity. The Fairview (“surprisingly comfortable to carry even when loaded down”) comes in 50L or 70L, and “being long and somewhat squishable, it can fit in overhead bins better than most luggage.”

If you’re the type of traveler who wants to hit the trail and the town in the same trip, then these are the perfect bags. They’re packed with features like a multi-function sleeve that can be used to hold a laptop or a hydration pack. The zippered hip belt pockets are clutch when you want to grab a snack or your ID without taking the pack off your back, and the adjustable mesh back panel allows for a super comfortable fit. The design allows for significant airflow between your back and the contents of the backpack, which reduces sweat and keeps you moving in hot environments.

Compression straps on the outside of the bags are great for attaching things like a sleeping pad, jacket, or even a smaller daypack. There are also buckle attachments on the front of the shoulder straps for attaching Osprey’s Daylite Travel Pack, which will distribute the weight better than attaching a daypack on the back. Water bottle pockets on either side make it easy to quench your thirst on the go without taking the pack off your back. Inside the bag, you’ll find compression straps with fabric wings to keep everything inside secure; you’ll also find some handy zippered pockets on the wings for small items like memory cards.

The larger bags also come with a separate compartment for shoes, dirty laundry, etc. In case either bag needs to be checked at the airport, they come with a handy cover for protection while in transit, which doubles as a rain cover.

Although our overall winner, the Osprey Farpoint and Fairview bags, are great for airports and airplanes, we love the Lewis N. Clark Underseat Carry-On BackPack and the Herschel Retreat Backpack for travelers who plan to use their backpack exclusively as an airplane carry-on bag. Both are great carry-on backpacks for a quick trip or to hold essentials at your seat without paying any extra fees.

Because of its size and dimensions, the well-designed Lewis N. Clark Underseat Carry-On BackPack is always free to carry onboard a plane—even on stingy airlines like Spirit and Frontier—since it qualifies as a “personal item.” Don’t think that means it’s small, though. There’s plenty of storage space in multiple compartments, so all of your belongings will fit and be well organized. “I like that it opens under the seat in front of me so I can find what I may need,” says one reviewer. Made with 840D ballistic nylon, the Lewis N. Clark Underseat Carry-On is durable, too—and it has a special RFID blocking pocket to keep your personal information safe.

Inside the bag, you’ll find a clear zippered pocket, making it easy to see what’s there, and a removeable accessory pocket to quickly grab headphones or charging cables while at your seat. The large main compartment is designed for maximum storage, and the separate laptop section keeps the heaviest contents close to your back for a more comfortable carry. Inside the laptop compartment, you’ll also find a slip pocket for a mouse, which is great to keep all your computing needs in the same place.

This bag is convenient to carry—there’s also a strap to easily allow it to slip over rolling luggage—and its padded air-mesh shoulder straps will keep you cool when carrying the bag on your back. It also has a strong grab handle and large side pockets for a water bottle or other accessories you may want to stash away for easy access. The bag itself weighs just one pound, so it will be easy to keep everything under any strict weight limits imposed by the airline.

Another attractive option for an airplane carry-on for shorter trips is the stylish Herschel Retreat Backpack, which is backed by a lifetime warranty and can pack a lot into its large main compartment. (“It’s easy to cram a washbag, a laptop, and clothes in for a couple of nights away,” notes one reviewer.)

The drawstring closure and top flap make this bag expandable to carry all the essentials. Travelers also love the laptop sleeve and front pocket for easy access to smaller items on the go. Inside the bag, there’s a special pocket for a media player with a headphone port. The striped fabric interior doesn’t just give the bag a unique look—it also makes it easier to find everything inside. The contoured shoulder straps have extra padding for comfort, and the buckle straps come with magnetic clips that make it easy to open and close the bag.

Kelty’s Redwing 50 Backpack for men and Redwing 40 for women are extremely lightweight, coming in at around 3 lbs. These packs are versatile and convenient with plenty of pockets throughout, including a stash pocket to hold your jacket for easy access. The extra padded back panel and shoulder straps make these among the most comfortable backpacks for hiking and the outdoors, and you’ll love all the hidden gear loops to attach any essentials on the outside of the bag. One of the best features is the hybrid zipper for the main compartment that allows access from the top or unzips all the way to reach the far corners of the bag without taking everything out.

The Perfect Fit Suspension system allows you to customize the bag to your fit in seconds, and the lightweight internal frame keeps the weight distributed so it doesn’t feel too heavy—even when loaded with all your gear. On the outside of the bag, you’ll find a top pocket for smaller items like a headlamp, sunglasses, or map. The side pockets have a gap in-between the main compartment, which allows you to easily attach longer items such as tent poles or hiking poles to the outside of the pack. The front organizer pocket makes it easy to pack toiletries, sunscreen, medication, and bug spray.

Inside the bag, the hydration reservoir pocket is padded so it can also be used for a laptop when you’re not using the bag in the Great Outdoors. “I’ve used this particular backpack in the past four years to travel around 30+ countries and every variety of travel,” says one reviewer. “I love the versatility of it from hiking to hotels. The two external side pockets, top pocket, front pocket, two bottom side pockets, and not to mention hidden pockets under the side ones make it easy to grab gear fast on the go.”

Our other top choice for outdoor enthusiasts is the Teton Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack for both men and women, which is a perfect pack for beginners just entering the world of multi-day hikes, since it has an affordable price without skimping on quality features. Plus, it’s backed with a lifetime warranty.

With this bag, there are several outer pockets to store your gear and even a separate sleeping bag compartment for those multi-day hikes where you carry your own bed. The compression straps keep everything secure, and the bungee storage is extremely useful for rain gear or a warmer jacket for when you reach higher altitudes. The integrated rain cover is a great feature to keep everything as dry as possible in the worst conditions. And, it has a slot to hold a hydration bladder for easy drinking water.

This is a great choice for rugged use as the fabric is designed to hold up for multiple years of trekking trails in any conditions. The ergonomic straps and hip belt are fully adjustable for a comfortable fit, and there is an upper-load adjustment to keep everything balanced. Reviewers love its “great price” and “peace of mind when being rough with it.” For the price point, you can’t do much better than the Teton Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack.

Business travelers, look no further than the Professional Slim Laptop Backpack from eBags for the ultimate work backpack that looks just as at home in a boardroom as an airport. With the smart combination of sleekness and style that business travelers need, along with special compartments for your devices, it’s the perfect backpack for on-the-go professionals. “I have no issues walking into an executive meeting with it,” says one reviewer. “And it slips over my rollaboard very well, stows under the airplane seat just fine, and has plenty of room for a PC, iPad, tablet, keyboard, all my cables I would ever need, and more.”

The backpack is divided into two main compartments to keep your laptop and electronics separated from shoes, clothing, and other travel gadgets. Inside the main compartments, you’ll find dividers so you can keep documents flat and separate from your clothes or other bulky items. There is also a slim fleece-lined pocket on top, which is great to hold a tablet or an external keyboard.

The inside of the bag is bright-colored, which allows you to easily find the items you’re looking for. The front flap opens up completely, allowing full access to the most-used items on the go. It’s loaded with several organized pockets, including some that are mesh so you can see what’s there for easy access; and some that are hidden, for items you may not want to show upon opening, such as a wallet. The two pen pockets on the top are great for when you have to fill out forms on the go, and the elastic pocket is a smart place to put a pair of glasses.

The unique hard-cased “garage” compartment on the bottom is useful for protecting a portable mouse, power cords, or external hard drive. It also helps the bag stand on its own when you set it on the ground; you can remove it if you’d like to add more space in the main compartment. All of the zippers can easily be locked together to provide more security when you can’t see behind your back. Best of all, the slim design keeps everything close to your back and looking sleek, while still having the ability to hide the straps and carry like a briefcase.

The Nomatic Backpack 20L, meanwhile, is perfect for digital nomads or location-independent workers. This backpack is the epitome of modern design and fits perfectly under the seat on an airplane. If you need a larger bag, Nomatic also sells a 40L version that could fit all you need for life on the road. This cool backpack has a professional look and is loaded with several hidden pockets, including a zippered pocket on the back of the pack that can be used to stash valuables. Bonus features like a removable compartment and retractable key leash show that every detail was considered when designing this bag.

The bag’s top pocket is great for stashing your phone or wallet. Inside, the accessory compartment is full of organized mesh pockets, a lower pocket for a book or notepad, and multiple zippered pockets. There are some great anti-theft features like an RFID blocking zippered pocket and cord passthrough, so you can charge devices on the move or listen to tunes without cords hanging loose. The bag is made from water-resistant material that will last a lifetime. And if you need a little more space, the 20L version can expand to 24L in order to fit more stuff.

The full perimeter zipper opens the backpack up like a suitcase, and the top access laptop compartment fits up to a 15-inch laptop; there’s also a separate front panel that can hold a tablet, keyboard, and mouse for all your computing needs. The magnetic water bottle pocket on the side keeps things looking sharp when not in use, and the straps can easily be hidden away to carry the bag like a briefcase. When using this bag along with a rolling carry-on bag, the back panel easily slips over the handle for streamlined use. You can also buy waist straps for additional support when carrying on your back. “I have it with me everywhere I go,” says one reviewer. “I feel like MacGyver.”

We have two picks in this category, the HSD Diaper Bag Backpack for parents and the Disney Mickey Mouse Astronaut Mini Backpack with Safety Harness for kids.

The HSD Diaper Bag Backpack is the ultimate bag for any mom or dad looking for a functional bag that’s not overly large but can still fit all the essentials for your baby-caring needs. Baby wipe pocket, check. Diaper changing mat, check. Small bottle pocket, check. There are also two insulated side pockets for hot or cold drinks.

The inside is an organizational masterpiece. Store baby food, blankets, medications, you name it—there’s a pocket for everything inside this bag, even a padded laptop sleeve that can also be used to store a hydration bladder. Best of all, it doesn’t look like a diaper bag (and you don’t need to use it as one). When you’re traveling without a child, this bag can double as a great daypack for any traveler. “It’s the best money I’ve spent on a kid bag, ever,” says one reviewer.

On the outside of the bag, you’ll find a felt-lined top pocket for sunglasses or a cell phone. It has a breathable mesh padding that allows air flow to keep you dry. And the rear luggage strap allows you to attach the backpack to most luggage handles. This is a waterproof backpack made from durable interior lining with heavy duty webbing for attaching accessories on the front or side pockets. It has top-of-the-line zippers that are easy to open and close with one hand, perfect for when you’re holding your child in the other. There’s also a removeable waist strap for extra support. As a bonus, it even comes with stroller straps to easily hook onto a baby stroller.

The Disney Mickey Mouse Astronaut Mini Backpack with Safety Harness lets you keep your kids close with a kid’s backpack that doubles as a child harness. It’s a great choice for toddlers who will be ecstatic to be carrying Disney’s favorite astronaut on their back. Parents will love that it keeps children nearby in crowded areas without feeling like your kid is on a leash. It’s the perfect size to store your kid’s favorite toys and some snacks, which can keep a child happy during a long travel day or a nap-less afternoon at a theme park.

The two-in-one design secures toddlers by the waist with an adjustable buckle that’s difficult to remove. The harness straps are positioned with safety in mind, and it keeps kids within two feet of parents at all times. “My daughter loves Mickey, and since she sees her brother carry this backpack, she wanted one too,” says one reviewer. “She is just two, so still little where even a small backpack can be bulky-looking on her, but this is just right for her to carry a few small things.”

Learning how to pack a backpack goes hand-in-hand with choosing the right pack for your trip. Use these traveler-tested tips to choose the correct size and organize your backpack so that you’ll be able to access essentials quickly on the move.

What Size Backpack Should You Choose?

Many travelers recommend traveling as lightly as possible. For carry-on-only air travel, it’s best to pick a backpack that is under 50L in capacity. Airline rules vary for what is free and allowed to be brought onboard, but most will allow bags under this threshold if they don’t look too large. If you don’t mind the possibility of being required to check a bag, you can go with a slightly larger bag. For day packs or minimalist travel, go with a small bag up to 30L that can fit under an airplane seat.

The Best Way to Pack Clothes and Shoes in a Backpack

Packing cubes are a great way to separate clothes and shoes in a backpack. Many people also recommend putting shoes in a drawstring bag to keep anything else in the bag from getting dirty. This approach also provides you with a beach bag while traveling without taking up extra space. Rolling clothes before putting them in packing cubes is a great way to save space. There are also plenty of Amazon-approved packing products that can help make packing easier.

How to Pack a Backpack for Air Travel

When packing for a flight, first lay out everything you plan to bring. Then put aside what you’ll wear in-flight. If you’re trying to cram a lot in a small bag, choose to wear the bulkier items onboard. Make sure to pack at least one change of clothes (and a swimsuit) in a personal item-sized bag or in a separate packing cube that is placed at the top so you can quickly remove it in case your bag needs to be checked. Do the same for any other travel essentials such as medication or toiletry items you’d like to have onboard. Then it’s time to play Tetris and fit everything in the bag. It’s a good idea to start by packing shoes on the bottom and a rolled-up pair of jeans on top of the shoes to create a stable base.

What to Pack in Your Hiking Backpack

Whether you’re going for a day hike or a multi-day trek, the most important thing to pack in a hiking backpack is water. If there are plenty of potable water sources on the trail, a few water bottles will do, but full water reservoirs are required for dry climates. Other hiking essentials include high-protein snacks such as nuts and jerky, a headlamp in case it gets dark, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. For longer or steep hikes, trekking poles can be useful, and it’s never a bad idea to keep a pocket knife handy in case you need to pull a MacGyver on the trail.

All of the products featured in this article were independently selected by our editors. If you buy an item through a link on our site, we may earn a commission.

Peter Thornton is a travel editor and airfare analyst for Airfarewatchdog. He has covered the airline industry for 15 years and is always looking for new ways to travel on a budget. When he's not searching for cheap flights, you'll find him exploring the great outdoors.