Travel backpack
Ideal for frequent flyers or weekend adventurers, this backpack offers ample space while meeting airline carry-on size restrictions.
Travel
Backpacks
8 kinds worth knowing, 11 picks, and what to check before you buy.
A backpack suits almost anyone on your list, from a college student crossing campus to a partner planning their next trip. The ones that get used every day fit the person's actual routine, not the trip they might take someday. Before you choose, picture a normal week for them. Do they commute with a laptop, fly with carry-on only, or head out on weekend trails? A travel backpack and a laptop backpack can look alike, but they're built for different jobs. Fit, weight and how the bag opens matter more than extra pockets. If you know their habits, this is a practical gift they'll likely use for years.
Kind 1 of 8
Travel backpacks for people who pack light
A travel backpack opens like a suitcase, so everything is easy to reach, and it carries on your back. It suits people who take city breaks, backpack through several countries, or would rather skip dragging a roller bag over cobblestones. Check how it opens: full clamshell zips make packing much easier than top-loading. Look for shoulder straps that tuck away for check-in, a padded hip belt for longer walks, and lockable zips. Think about capacity too. Around 40 litres covers most trips without making the bag too big for overhead bins. Someone who travels with a camera may want a bag with padded dividers built in.
Photography gear backpack
An essential for photographers, this specialized pack safely organizes and transports camera bodies, lenses, and accessories.
Kind 2 of 8
Hiking backpacks for trail days and overnights
A hiking backpack has a supportive frame, a hip belt that takes weight off the shoulders, and room for layers, food and water. It suits someone who already hikes regularly and knows how long their outings usually run. Match capacity to their trips: smaller packs for day hikes, larger ones for overnight camping. Torso length matters more than height, and many packs come in sizes or adjust. Check for a hydration sleeve, a rain cover or water-resistant fabric, and a back panel that lets air move. If you're unsure of their size, an adjustable model is the safer choice.
Outdoor hiking backpack
Perfect for nature enthusiasts and day hikers, this durable pack carries essentials for trails, picnics, or short outdoor excursions.
Kind 3 of 8
Laptop backpacks for work and school
A laptop backpack has a padded sleeve, usually against the back panel, plus organization for chargers, notebooks and a water bottle. It suits commuters, college students and anyone who carries a computer most days. Before buying, confirm the sleeve fits their screen size. Also check whether the laptop sits raised off the bottom of the bag. Business styles look tidy enough for an office, and some include hidden zips or pockets that sit against the back for wallets and phones. A luggage pass-through strap is handy for anyone who travels for work, and a slim profile helps on crowded transit.
Laptop business backpack
Designed for professionals and students, this backpack safely transports electronics and documents with a sleek, organized appearance.
Everyday commuter backpack
This versatile bag suits students or professionals needing to carry daily essentials to school, work, or around the city.
Anti-theft security backpack
This backpack provides peace of mind for urban commuters or travelers with features designed to protect valuables from theft.
Kind 4 of 8
Backpacks with a women's-specific fit
Women's-fit backpacks usually have shorter torso lengths, narrower shoulder straps shaped differently, and hip belts angled to sit comfortably. They suit anyone with a smaller frame who finds standard packs slipping or rubbing, whatever the bag is for. Before buying, find out whether she's had trouble with pack fit before. Some people are perfectly comfortable in unisex sizing. Check the torso range, how the straps adjust, and whether the style fits how she'll use it, like travel, hiking or daily carry. A women's-fit travel pack is a good choice for someone who takes longer trips with only carry-on.
Osprey Fairview 40
A women's-fit front-opening travel pack with an adjustable harness that stows away for transit.
Kind 5 of 8
Carry-on backpacks that skip the baggage carousel
A carry-on backpack is sized to fit airline cabin limits, so the whole trip goes on board with its owner. It suits frequent flyers, weekend travellers and anyone who hates waiting at baggage claim. Airline size rules vary, so check the dimensions against the carriers they usually fly, especially budget airlines. Around 40 litres is a common sweet spot. Look for a structured shape that packs neatly, a separate laptop compartment for security lines, and grab handles on the top and side for pulling it out of overhead bins. Stowable straps help if the bag ever needs checking.
Osprey Farpoint 40
A 40-litre front-opening travel pack with an adjustable framed harness that stows for transit.
Kind 6 of 8
Packs that round out their hiking gear
If someone already has boots, poles and a main pack, a second bag can still fill a real gap. Weatherproof roll-top packs keep layers and electronics dry on wet trails, canoe trips and rainy commutes. They suit people who spend time near water or hike in shoulder season. Check how the roll closure seals, whether the seams are welded or taped, and whether there are outside pockets for things they need fast. A simple, sturdy design usually lasts longer than one covered in attachment points. Ask what they already own so the gift adds something useful rather than repeating it.
Roll-top weatherproof backpack
Ideal for cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone needing extra protection from the elements, offering expandable and secure storage.
Kind 7 of 8
Diaper backpacks for hands-free parenting
A diaper backpack carries bottles, diapers, wipes and a change of clothes while leaving both hands free for a stroller or a toddler. It suits new parents, and a neutral design works for either parent. Look for a wide opening so things are easy to find, insulated bottle pockets, a wipeable lining, and a fold-out change pad. Stroller straps and a top grab handle make daily use easier. It's worth asking whether they already got one at a baby shower. A second one that looks like an everyday backpack can still be welcome for the other parent or for grandparents.
Diaper backpack
A practical gift for new parents, this backpack keeps baby essentials organized and accessible while on the go.
Kind 8 of 8
Daypacks for short outings
A daypack is a small, light bag for a few hours out: a short hike, a day exploring a city, or a trip to the beach. It suits almost anyone, and it makes an easy second bag for travellers. Packable versions fold into their own pocket and weigh very little, so they fit inside a suitcase or a bigger pack. Check for comfortable straps even without much padding, a water bottle pocket, and fabric that holds up to regular use. These work well as a stocking-sized gift or as an extra alongside a larger travel bag.
How to choose backpacks as a gift
- Picture how they'll use it most weeks, like commuting, flying or hiking, and choose for that rather than a rare trip.
- For hiking and travel packs, torso length matters more than height; adjustable back systems are safer when buying for someone else.
- Check the laptop sleeve against their actual screen size before buying a work or school backpack.
- If they fly often, compare the bag's dimensions with cabin limits on the airlines they usually use.
- Pick quiet, simple colours for daily bags; they suit more outfits and settings than bold prints do.
Usually safe to skip
- Huge trekking packs for casual hikers usually end up in a closet, since they're bulky for anything short of multi-day trips.
- Novelty or trend-print backpacks get noticed at first, but many people won't carry them to work, school or through airports.
- Bags packed with gadgets and charging features add weight and complexity that most people don't end up using.
Questions people ask about backpacks
- What size travel backpack makes a good gift?
- Around 40 litres suits most people. It holds a week of clothes for a light packer and usually fits airline cabin limits. Bigger bags suit long trips but can be awkward to carry and may need to be checked.
- Is a travel backpack or a hiking backpack better for backpacking trips?
- For trips through cities with hostels, trains and flights, a travel backpack with a clamshell opening is easier to live out of. For trips mostly on trails and at campsites, a hiking backpack with a supportive frame and hip belt carries loads better.
- How do I pick a laptop backpack for someone else?
- Find out the size of their laptop, how they get to work or school, and what else they carry each day. Then choose a padded sleeve that fits, enough room for chargers and lunch, and a style that suits their workplace or campus.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All backpacks picks
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