3 Great Backpacks for Your Trip

Thinking of taking off on a grand escape, but can’t quite figure out which backpack to bring along for the ride? Whether you’re planning a week-long rugged trek, a spontaneous city break, or a quick, soul-refreshing hike through the woods, your pack will be your trusty companion. The right one will carry everything you need without slowing you down.

Our in-store experts eat, sleep, and breathe outdoor gear, and they’ve hand-picked three of the best travel backpacks for every kind of adventure. Big or small, there’s a bag here with your name on it!

The perfect backpack for: a one-day hike or a weekend getaway

For a quick overnight urban escape or a short hike while the weather holds, you don’t need something heavy on your back. Here, a lightweight, sleek option is ideal. Look for a model in the 18–30 L range: light on your shoulders, simply designed, and tough enough to haul it all.

Gregory: The Nano 18 L and the Maya/Miko 25 L

The Gregory daypack range delivers minimal weight and maximum freedom. The Nano 18 L, in particular, is an ultra-versatile option built for trails, transit, and everything in between. It features a spacious main compartment for your layers and snacks, a handy front pocket for quick-access essentials, and a hydration sleeve that also works for a tablet or laptop. Tough, practical, and surprisingly roomy, this model checks all the boxes.

Need a little extra space? Check out the Miko (men’s fit) and Maya (women’s fit) 25 L. Designed with Gregory’s BioSync system, these packs move with the natural motion of your body. Like the Nano, they have a ventilated back panel to keep you cool and an adjustable torso for a snug, custom fit. Loaded with smart storage (hello, top-access pocket!) and built for comfort, these bags are ready for whatever pace you set.

The perfect backpack for: a two-week trip

Whether you’re hiking from hut to hut in the Canadian wilderness or exploring Costa Rica, a two-week trip calls for a backpack that can keep up with your adventurous spirit. At this level, it’s all about balance. Our gear experts recommend looking in the 35–45 L range for that sweet spot between space and comfort.

Deuter: the Futura Pro 36 L and the Futura Pro 34 L

Say hello to your new travel MVP: the Futura Pro 36 L. It’s built for long-distance comfort, featuring Deuter’s signature Aircomfort Sensic Pro mesh back system, which keeps air circulating as you move. The ergonomic hip fins flex with your stride, saving you energy on those long, gear-heavy days. As for storage, you’ve got plenty of options: a lid compartment for small items, side bellows pockets for grab-and-go essentials, a separate bottom section for shoes or your sleeping bag, and a spacious main compartment for everything else. There’s even a rain cover included in case the weather turns.

The Futura Pro 34 L packs all the features of the 36 L, but is specifically designed for a female frame. This one brings the same next-level comfort, ventilation, and load-bearing tech, with a slightly shorter back length and narrower shoulder straps.

The perfect backpack for: a month-long adventure

Headed out for a month or more? Whether you’re going off grid on a remote hike or slow-travelling across multiple countries, you’ll want a pack that’s big enough to haul your essentials—yet smart enough to not make you feel like you’re carrying your entire life on your back. Our gear pros recommend looking at bags in the 50–65 L range, with plenty of built-in features to keep things organized and within easy reach.

Osprey: the Farpoint/Fairview 55 L and 70 L

If you’re heading out for a few weeks, you’ll need a backpack that’s spacious, feature-packed, and travel-ready. Our top pick: the Osprey Farpoint 55 L (also available as the Fairview model for women). On the technical end of the spectrum, it’s built with adjustable torso length, a breathable harness and hip belt, and a sturdy LightWire frame that helps distribute weight evenly – so no sore shoulders here.

Inside, there’s plenty of room to organize your gear, plus compression straps to keep everything stable. The best part? It comes with a fully detachable daypack, perfect for airport dashes, city strolls, or trail detours.

Need even more packing space? The Farpoint 70 L and Fairview 70 L offer extra capacity for a full month of continuous travel.

From quick urban wanders to epic week-long journeys, there’s a bag that fits your plans (and your budget). Hopefully, this guide makes choosing the best travel backpack a little easier—and a lot more exciting.