The Best Backpacks for a Weekend Trip (One For Everyone)
Backpacks are great travel bags for many reasons. They’re versatile, easy to carry, and the right ones are loaded with nifty features.
If you’re jetting off to a quick weekend getaway, backpacks are great travel bags that you can quickly pack and unpack. If you’re more techie than the average traveler, you can even opt for smart charging backpacks to keep you juiced up the whole time, or even go for a more anti-theft backpack.
At A Glance: Our Top 3 Picks for The Best Weekend Backpacks
For those quick and easy trips, however, here are some of the best weekend backpacks to fit all your stuff in and enjoy your trip at the same time.
Top Product Overview
 | BEST OVERALL
| SEE ON OSPREY →SEE ON AMAZON → |
 | MOST STYLISH
| SEE ON HERSCHEL →SEE ON AMAZON → |
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| SEE ON AMAZON → |
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| SEE ON AMAZON → |
 | BEST ANTI-THEFT
| SEE ON PACSAFE →SEE ON AMAZON → |
The Best Backpacks for a Weekend Trip
Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack
The Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack has a capacity of 55L and is designed to carry up to 50 lbs of weight.
A hip belt also makes for better stability. The LightWire frame suspension transfers the load from harness to hipbelt, which means this backpack is great for a weekend and even more adventurous itineraries.
It comes with a removable daypack that’s secured by two front compression straps. This can keep either quick-access items or make touring around the city easier and more convenient.
This daypack also houses a laptop or tablet sleeve, lockable zippers, and mesh pockets. The main bag also has lockable zippers, several pockets, loops for gear attachment, and sleeping pad straps.
This backpack also stores well. The harness, hip belt, and back frame can all be compressed and hidden away in a back panel. You’ll end up with a slim and compact bag that can be easily stored or just handheld through narrow and busy streets.
There is also a specific women’s version called the Fairview, which is designed to fit the ladies better.
MORE DETAILED REVIEWS AND COMPARISON
OSPREY FAIRVIEW 40 REVIEW (Women’s version of the Farpoint)
Pros
- Excellent features for weight distribution
- Several pockets for organization
- Several attachments and loops for gear and gadgets
- Back harness and hipbelt can be stowed away and compressed
Cons
- A little too big to be brought as carry-on for several airlines
Product Information
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 28 x 14 x 4 inches
- Laptop Sleeve: 13 inches
Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack
When it comes to travel backpacks, Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack is as iconic as it is stylish. This versatile backpack can be used for many occasions whether a trip to the mountains, a book bag for school, or even a gym bag after work.
It’s the perfect size for a weekend getaway but doesn’t give much in terms of organization. It’s a spacious bag with one media pocket inside and a big front pocket outside. Other than that, you have a laptop sleeve and lots of space to dump stuff into.
It has a drawstring closure. For some, this is great to keep things from spilling out. It’s a lot more flexible as well if you have too many things – a few items can be peeking out from the top and it will remain secure. However, if you’re the type who’ll need to get things in and out, this will be a big inconvenience.
With contoured and padded straps, durable and water-resistant material, and stylish designs, this backpack is sure to last.
MORE DETAILED REVIEWS AND COMPARISON
Pros
- Stylish and classic designs
- Spacious interior
- Durable
Cons
- No organization options
- Drawstring closure makes it difficult to take items out
Product Information
- Material: Polyester
- Size: 19.5 x 11.2 x 7 inches
- Laptop sleeve: 17 inches
Hynes Eagle 40L Carry On Backpack
The OC traveler will love the Hynes Eagle 40L Carry On Backpack. It’s designed to fit the overhead compartment or underseat space on most flights.
With a capacity of 40L, everything is kept in place with three packing cubes that come with the bag.
For more organization, there is one front zip pocket with multiple interior slip pockets, a laptop compartment, a side bottle pocket for extra storage, and adjustable sternum strap for stability. There are also padded top and side handles so you can convert the bag into a duffel bag in no time.
The bag opens up like a suitcase, making it easier to go through your belongings. There’s no problem packing the bag full, but the material tends to stretch a bit and exceed carry-on size limits. Fortunately, compression straps can help fix this problem.
Pros
- Great design with different colors
- Comes with packing cubes
- Several ways to carry
Cons
- Can expand beyond carry on size limits when packed full
Product Information
- Material: 900c poly-coated ripstop nylon
- Size: 20.1 x 13.4 x 9.8 inches
- Laptop Sleeve: 15.5 inches
Ibagbar Canvas Backpack
The Ibagbar Canvas Backpack is an innovative bag that can be used and carried in several ways. The backpack straps can be hidden in a compartment and a detachable shoulder strap can easily turn the backpack into a messenger bag or duffel.
It has one main zip pocket, two front zip pockets, one side mesh pocket, and 1 laptop compartment. The bag comes in normal and large sizes and can fit a 15-inch and a 17-inch laptop respectively. While the exterior materials are sturdy, inner lining and pockets are made of thinner material.
It also protrudes into the bag, so if the pockets are full, it lessens the usable space of the whole bag.
The old-school style is intentional, meant to make the bag last for years. The PU leather details also give it a more business look so it can be taken on just about any trip. The compartments are spacious and secured by a smooth/soft cotton canvas. It will fit in most overhead bins and underseat space making it perfect for travel.
MORE DETAILED REVIEWS AND COMPARISON
Pros
- Several ways to carry
- Classic design
- Made of durable materials
Cons
- Thin inner lining and pockets
Product Information
- Material: 100% high-quality cotton canvas and PU leather
- Size: 11.5 x 18 x 7 inches (Normal size), 12.5 x 20 x 7.5 inches (Large size)
- Laptop Sleeve: 15 inches (normal), 17 inches (large)
Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 Anti-theft Adventure Backpack
The
This lightweight and multipurpose bag is made of nylon with a polyester lining with built-in security features. The hidden eXomesh Slashguard stainless steel wire mesh embedded into fabric helps protect against slash-and-run theft.
Pockets also have RFIDsafe Blocking Material to protect IDs and credit cards from hacker scanning.
There are several internal and external pockets for organization. A sleeve in the main compartment can be used to hold a hydration pack or a 15-inch laptop. It also has a rain cover to keep the bag weather-resistant whether in the city or during a hike.
Sternum straps, waist straps, and compression straps keep the bag stable and secure. The top opening makes it difficult to sort through your items, however. It also tends to tip over due to the stiff back and soft material.
MORE DETAILED REVIEWS AND COMPARISON
PACSAFE vs TRAVELON (Two top anti-theft backpack brands)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Built-in security features
- Weather-resistent
Cons
- Doesn't stand upright
Product Information
- Material: Nylon with polyester lining
- Size: 8 x 12 x 21 inches
- Laptop Sleeve: 15 inches
What to look for
Size
Size matters when it comes to weekenders. The idea is to have everything you need in one bag, so the perfect size will depend on how light or heavy you pack. Not all backpacks fit carry-on size limits either. If you’ll be taking a flight, make sure you keep within airline rules to avoid having to check in your bag.
Design
Backpacks are versatile bags, and the design makes it more or less so. Whether you’re planning to use it solely as a travel bag or bring the same one to school or to work, there are many designs to fit any preference. Some bags also have better organization options than others, which include pockets, stowable straps, or safety features.
The Best Weekend Backpack For You
Looking for a new backpack for your future travels?
Outdoorsy travelers will do well with the Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack. With many pockets, a detachable day pack, and many gear attachments, this bag will take you through any kind of adventure. It’s also the best option to manage weight, so you can have this bag on your back the whole day.
- Large, lockable U-zip duffel-style access to main compartment - 55L total volume
- Detachable daypack with designated laptop and tablet sleeve and scratch-free stash pocket
The Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack is great for any situation. Whether it’s for travel or for everyday activities, there’s nothing more appropriate design- and function-wise than this bag.
- This product is intended for persons 13 years of age and older
If you’ll be bumping into a lot of people or going to relatively unsafe areas, the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 Anti-Theft Adventure Backpack is the best option. You’ll be sure to keep all your things safe and it’s one less thing to worry about when navigating through the city.
- Lightweight, durable, secure backpack with anti-theft technologies and thoughtful design touchpoints; ideal for any outdoor or adventurous activity
- Lightweight, hidden eXomesh Slashguard stainless steel wire mesh embedded into fabric helps protect against slash-and-run theft
