trekking 40l backpack travel 500

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Forclaz Travel 500 Organizer 40 L Backpack

This backpack has been designed to organize its contents like in a suitcase with quick access.

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San Francisco , 735 Market St. Options

Select an available color and size to see options.

About this item:

• Multiple compartments: Multiple internal zipped pockets + a laptop compartment. Rain cover included.
• Locking mechanism: Padlockable zip to protect access to the main compartment
• Carrying comfort: Padded straps Lumbar belt to carry weight on the hips Fixed back
• Easy opening / closing: Suitcase-style opening for ease of access to the bag's contents and organisation
• Pockets: 3 inside compartments 1 laptop pocket 1 water bottle pocket 2 outer pockets
• Abrasion resistance: 10-year warranty Coated checked fabric for increased durability

Product Videos

Additional videos +, product features, forclaz travel 500 organizer 40 l backpack | this bag is ideal for organising your belongings when travelling for a few days or weeks in an outdoor environment, multiple compartments.

Multiple zipped inside compartments + a laptop compartment

Locking mechanism

Padlockable zip to protect access to the main compartment

Carrying comfort

Padded strapsLumbar belt to carry weight on the hipsFixed back

Easy to open/close

Suitcase-style opening for ease of access to the bag's contents and organisation

3 inside compartments1 laptop pocket1 water bottle pocket2 outer pockets

Abrasion resistant

10-year warrantyCoated checked fabric for increased strength

Capacity: 40LDimensions: 55 x 32 x 27cmWeight: 1.3 kgRain cover included

Questions & Answers

Questions & answers +.

Look for product information, frequently asked questions, opinions...

Q uestion :

Hi, can you confirm if this backpack has an specific spot where I can safe a laptop of 15"? Also, please provide the link of the wateer pouch of this brand...

This backpack has a dedicated laptop compartment that can accommodate a 15" laptop.

Can someone tell me the weight of the Forclaz Travel 500 Organizer 40 L Backpack?

The backpack weighs 2 pounds and 14 ounces.

I have a long (22 inches) torso. Will I be able to use the belt on this pack with a torso my size?

While the backpack we offer might not fit your 22-inch torso perfectly, you're welcome to try it out and see how it feels. We understand that finding the right fit can take some trial and error. Please consider other factors like capacity and design when choosing a backpack. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We're here to help you find what works best for you.

We live and travel around the sea. Are the zippers metal, do they have rust protection?

Please use the rain cover provided when at sea as the zippers are not saltwater resistant. This will help protect your gear from any potential damage.

Don't see the answer you're looking for?

Customer Reviews +

Product customer reviews.

Very good product, one week trip, everything returned without problem

I took this bag for a 2 week road trip and I am very satisfied with it! The compartmentalization is really practical for organizing and the space is really optimized. There are plenty of very practical pockets. The design is nice. From a carrying point of view, it's nice to have the attachment belt at the waist when the bag is heavy. Little extra for the integrated protective canvas! Perfect quality/price ratio, I recommend!

Very comfortable backpack for traveling, I used it for a business trip and the protection for the computer is excellent. The only problem are the bands on the hips and chest, which do not lighten the load enough.

Extremely roomy backpack with large compartments. Suitable as hand luggage!

Very practical backpack

Great product!

Tested on several long onebag trips, the internal compartments make life abroad very easy when traveling non-stop.

If you travel by plane a lot and want to find what you are looking for immediately, it is a good product, the quality of the materials is good, the zippers are of good quality, and the laptop section is useful. The only problem I have is that the phone does not fit in the mobile phone compartment.

Very convenient, especially if you don’t want to travel with a suitcase, this bag can be taken on board the plane. (The second one to buy)

This is definitely not a lightweight backpack, but it's the perfect size for an airplane carryon and maximises space well. When filled it can get quite heavy, but it distributed weight well so you don't get back pain. Fit: I'm 5'6 with a longish torso and the hip belt fit me okay, but it would fit awkwardly on someone shorter than me. Durability: I've used this on 2 trips so far and it's in great condition - the main shell is sleek and waterproof. Only downside is that the stretchy side pockets get permanently stretched out easily, the elastic isn't the highest quality and perhaps it should have had a cinch instead. The interior mesh for the bag's compartments seem good quality and durable though. Design: I LOVE the clamshell design, it's why I got this over others - excellent for organising and easily accessing what you need. The top easy-access compartment by the handle is a great idea, but it's quite small. I would have liked to see more pockets. Eg one hip strap has one small stretchy pocket, but the other has nothing. There's a small mesh zip pocket on one compartment inside but there could have been more. If you're carrying 40L you're going to have bits and bobs that should be easy access without opening the whole bag up and unzipping a main compartment to rummage in your own packing cubes.

I purchased this backpack because of its dimensions, capacity and type of opening. I am completely satisfied with it, great comfort, perfect capacity for a 1 week trip and the opening allowing easy access to the entire backpack. Only the price is the least positive point, but given the quality it seems fair to me.

Cool backpack. I hope it lasts as long as the 20L one I've had for 6 years!

I bought this bag in black. The “waterproof” material that makes up the exterior of the bag is extremely sensitive to friction. A few trips on public transport was enough to damage it and create a lot of light stains from friction. I am very disappointed because I used it for business trips and these marks are not serious.

Additional Product Information

Product information +, composition.

Main fabric: 100.0% Polyester ; Back fabric: 100.0% Polyester ; Pocket: 88.0% Polyamide, 12.0% Elastane ; Lining: 100.0% Polyester ; Secondary lining: 100.0% Polyester ; Main fabric - Coating: 60.0% Polypropylene, 40.0% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate ; Coating: 100.0% Polyurethane ; Webbing: 100.0% Polypropylene

Hand luggage

Format that complies with the cabin luggage requirements of most airlines. Before travelling, check the authorised cabin luggage size with your airline.

How to adjust your backpack?

Begin by adjusting the lumbar belt. The bag's weight should sit mainly on your hips. Then tighten the shoulder straps to bring the bag's weight towards your back. Attach and tighten the chest strap then tighten the smaller straps above the shoulders so that the back sits perfectly on your back.

Protect your bag in the rain

The backpack has a rain cover to protect the contents of your bag when it rains.

How to maintain your travel 500 backpack

- Empty the bag completely- Remove the foam and frames from your backpack if possible and if you are sure you are able to put them back again afterwards- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust from the bag and the zips- Put the bag in a bath, shower or a wash basin- Use a stiff-bristle brush or a sponge if you have a small backpack- Wash the bag with soapy water and scrub any stains.

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Heavy products return policy.

If you return a product you will receive a refund for the purchase price plus any applicable sales taxes, less any non-refundable charges.

Decathlon will cover all shipping costs associated with your return except for items excluded from our return policy such as bikes, basketball hoops, snowboards, surfboards, tents, and other larger / heavier items.

Return costs for heavy products:

If you return a product at any of our store locations, we will gladly help you find the best alternative product or refund you on the spot.

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10 Best 40L Travel Backpacks in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

Are you on the hunt for the best 40L travel backpack to take for your next trip? Then look no further! A 40L travel backpack is a perfect size for traveling whether you’re backpacking Europe, South East Asia or just plainly using it for domestic travel. We hope our top picks and guide to the best 40l travel backpacks on the market will help you pick the best one to suit your needs and lifestyle.

More and more 40l travel backpacks are being added on the market. Each of your possessions will be carried on the road with your backpack, it is your home and partner. It needs to be solid, functional, comfortable, and compact enough for your travels. This guide provides you with the best travel bags and what makes them more or less for each specific individual needs.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 12 hrs of research

Osprey Packs Farpoint 40L Men’s Travel Backpack – Best for Men

Why is it better?

• Carry handles are very comfortable and low profile
• Main compartment is useful for packing lots of clothing, it fully opens suitcase/clamshell style
• The compression straps in the main compartment and the exterior can help save some space for carry on use
• Packing up the shoulder and hip straps can help with the in/out for airplanes

Osprey Packs Fairview 40L Women’s Travel Backpack – Best for Women

• Slides easily into the overhead compartment in the airplane, with no struggle, even if packed overfull
• Because it opens fully like a suitcase, it’s very easy to pack and remove items from
• There are tightening straps both on the inside and on the outside
• Nice fit, hugs weight closer to your bag than other packs

Best 40L Travel Backpacks – Overview

Whether you are a seasoned traveler, on a short weekend trip, or just think about going on the open road, you need the best 40l travel backpack. Simply put, pared-back traveling does not have to include two pairs of underwear, a single t-shirt, and a toothbrush squashed into an old-school bag. Nor does it mean wearing most of your clothes when you want to check your hand-carried luggage at the airport. We have searched the market to offer you what we consider to be the best 40l travel backpacks to help you achieve hassle-free trips.

40L Travel Backpacks Reviews

1. osprey packs farpoint 40l men’s travel backpack – best for men.

Osprey Packs Farpoint 40L Men’s Travel Backpack is perfect for a weekend getaway in the city or the wilderness and is built to meet most airline carry-on requirements. The LightWire frame suspension transfers the load from harness to hipbelt. A mesh backpanel improves ventilation and the mesh on the harness and hipbelt reduces chafing under load.

The entire suspension stows away under a zippered panel. Unzip the lockable sliders to access the main compartment. Inside there’s a mesh pocket for small items. Dual compression straps keep cargo from shifting during transit. Outside you’ll find a zippered front panel slash pocket to keep you organized and sewn attachment points to attach gear. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best travel backpacks .

Key Features:

• Stowaway backpanel, harness, and hipbelt with zippered rear flap for protection
• Laptop and tablet sleeve secure in a lockable compartment
• Two internal compression straps hold contents securely
• Heat-embossed scratch-free zippered slash pocket

Specifications:

• Brand: Osprey
• Capacity: 40L
• Dimensions: 22″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
• Weight: 3.17 lbs
• Not enough pockets to aid in organization or quick retrieval of items from outside the pack

2. Dinictis 40L Carry On Travel Backpack

The Dinictis 40L Carry On Travel Backpack can convert as a small bag if you prefer to tuck away the straps of your shoulder and carry them instead of wearing them. This bag stores up to a 15.6 inches laptop. Shoulder belts are padded for more protection, and if your bag is particularly heavy there is a chest strap that can support you.

You can put your phone, keys and other things in the front pocket that you need quick access to, and there’s also a side pocket for items such as umbrellas or small water bottles. This low-cost carry-on bag also complies with flight regulations. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best travel backpacks for carry-on .

• Hidden shoulder strap
• Padded laptop sleeve fits up to 15″
• Thickened sponge handles
• Multiple carrying options
• Brand: Dinictis
• Dimensions: 19.6″ H x 13.8″ W x 9.8″ D
• Weight: 2.56 lbs
• The adjustments helped keep the bag properly weighted
• Nice pouch in the front where you can discreetly hold your cards/passport
• For the price, the fabric provided is not wrinkly
• The compartments are spacious and can fit a lot of items
• It does not come with a hipbelt

3. Kelty Women’s Redwing 40L Travel Backpack

The Kelty Women’s Redwing 40L Travel Backpack is the perfect size for quick getaways, whether on the trail or in the air. Hybrid-loading U-zipper design works as both a top loader and a panel loader, allowing easy access to all your gear. An additional stash pocket on the front of the pack makes it easy to tuck away a jacket or hoodie, and inside we’ve updated the organizers for maps, electronics, pens, and other travel essentials. 

The hydration sleeve is a dual-use pocket that can carry a laptop without worries. LightBeam single aluminum stay and Dynamic AirFlow back panel keep your load stable and comfortable, while custom shoulder straps and hip belt are built to fit a woman’s body. Whether your journey takes you to the streets of Chicago or the canyons of Colorado, the Redwing 40 has you covered. Make sure you also check our selection of the best travel backpacks for women .

• Padded and ventilating back panel
• Removable waist belt
• LightBeam single aluminum stay
• Front Stash pocket with closure hook
• Brand: Kelty
• Dimensions: 23″ H x 14″ W x 12″ D
• Weight: 2.6 lbs
• The zippers are designed so that you can easily get things from the bottom of the pack
• It sits comfortable on the shoulders and rests comfortably on your hips when strapped in
• The weight is distributed perfectly on your back
• Fits perfectly under an airplane seat
• No zipper on the hip or shoulder strap for either putting a passport, cellphone or other small items

4. PacSafe Vibe 40L Travel Backpack

The PacSafe Vibe 40L Travel Backpack is a versatile, carry-on friendly backpack that is designed for the always-moving city travel. It has compression straps to help reduce bulk, plus handy organization, which means you can pack more in with confidence that it’s all protected by the patented anti-theft security. Pacsafe’s eXomesh slash guard is a lightweight flexible, stainless steel wire mesh that’s built into (and concealed) in the most commonly vulnerable areas of the bag, helping to protect your gear from a quick slash-and-run theft.

The roomy main compartment includes a large internal Velcro pocket for storing a 15-inch laptop and additional organization. The Vibe 40 features a top quick-access pocket and one side stretch pocket for stowing water bottles and more. The stowable shoulder straps, sternum strap, and waist belt help you comfortably carry your load through airports.

• Can be worn 2 different ways
• Ergonomic, internal frame offers increased balance and support
• Meets most airline carry-on standards
• Adjustable, padded hip belt for stability and weight distribution
• Brand: Pacsafe
• Dimensions: 19.7″ H x 13.8″ W x 7.1″ D
• Weight: 2.84 lbs
• Anti theft design
• Interior is more shaped to use as a suitcase due to it being a big open space
• You can lock the shoulder strap with a lock to anything secure
• Straps can be tucked away when not in use
• The top small pocket has no lock

5. Osprey Packs Fairview 40L Women’s Travel Backpack – Best for Women

Lightweight and streamlined, the Osprey Packs Fairview 40L Women’s Travel Backpack is an ideal travel pack for fast-moving globetrotters. Despite their minimalist weights, these women’s specific, full-featured packs offer plenty of organization and travel-focused features. The stowaway harness and hipbelt disappears for safekeeping when you check your bag, and durable fabrics offer added protection. 

A large panel zip provides convenient access to the main compartment, lockable sliders keep your gear secure, dual front compression straps slim down your pack when you carry less, and a padded laptop/tablet sleeve keeps your electronics secure. The Fairview 40’s compact size ensures carry-on compliance on most flights. Love Osprey? Check out our review of the best Osprey backpacks for our top picks.

• Features Lightwire Frame suspension that transfers load from harness to hipbelt for a comfortable carry
• Designed to fit most carry on overheads
• Made from durable 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop material
• Exterior features dual compression straps and two mesh pockets
• Stowaway back-panel harness and hip belt, plus they are secured with the zippered rear flap
• Dimensions: 21″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
• Weight: 3.2 lbs
• Because it opens fully like a suitcase, it’s very easy to pack and remove items from
• Hip strap not as thick/padded as more rugged packs

6. Inateck 40L Travel Backpack

The Inateck 40L Travel Backpack is a really great travel bag. It’s big enough to fit everything you’d need on a short trip, and still lightweight enough that when you go anywhere, you can use it as a carry on bag. It is made of materials which are resistant to abrasion and water and features a padded and ventilated backpanel. Two handles have both undergone vibration test carrying a load of 10kg for 1000 times (The test item is set to vibrate within a vibration range of 4 inches for 1000 times at a speed of 30 times per minute.)

As for the actual anti-theft features, you are getting lockable zippers and compression straps. The straps are rather useful – they not only protect your backpack from theft but also reduce its size when it is not filled to capacity. And make sure things inside aren’t jumbling around. There are several hidden pockets in the pack too. Each shoulder strap has a zippered pocket, as well as a slip one on the backpanel. These are perfect for all the things that you want to keep safe. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best small backpacks for travel .

• Compression straps
• Anti-theft zipper
• Water-resistant material
• Hideaway shoulder straps
• Water bottle pocket
• Brand: Inateck
• Dimensions: 21.6″ H x 13.4″ W x 7.1″ D
• Weight: 2.85 lbs
• It’s the size of a carry-on suitcase, so there is no problem bringing it inside the airplane
• Sturdy material and well constructed
• It comes with a waterproof cover
• It has a place for water bottle, which was really handy
• The front pockets are pretty much useless, once the bag is full. They only open on top, with a flat zipper, so it’s really hard to access contents inside if the bag is not empty

7. Hynes Eagle 40L Travel Backpack

The Hynes Eagle 40L Travel Backpack is a one of a kind backpack. Made for travelers who don’t want to spend money checking in their suitcase, its generous capacity of 40 liters is perfect for keeping away just the essentials for a few days without the need for another luggage. This travel backpack, on the other hand, is versatile enough to serve as a carry-on, complementing your check-in baggage.

The minimal and simple design of the bag is suitable for both male and female travelers of all ages, but most importantly, as a travel backpack, it is highly functional. Even better, in just a few seconds it may go from backpack to duffel bag. It is properly fitted with several holding options as well as 2 grab handles so that you have options to remove the bag securely from overhead compartments, under seats, and trunks.

• Multiple exterior compression buckle straps
• A true hands-free carry on with suppressible shoulder straps
• 1 front zip pocket with multiple interior slip pockets
• 3 carrying options
• Adjustable sternum and waist strap
• Brand: Hynes Eagle
• Dimensions: 20.1″ H x 13.4″ W x 9.8″ D
• Weight: 2.31 lbs
• 3 cubes are really nice and convenient
• The back part of the bag functions just like a suitcase, fully opening up, and everything fits in there super well
• After zipping everything up, it’s easy to all carry together, and it fit well under the seat in front of me on the plane
• Lots of straps for securing it together and on your back
• No where to stuff some of the straps when you aren’t using them

8. Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L Travel Backpack

The Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L Travel Backpack will take you from the mountains of Kilimanjaro to the scenic streets of Copenhagen in rugged fashion and secure design. Constructed from 450D Geo Ripstop. Zip closure with self-repairing lockable zippers featuring easy-grip zipper pulls are designed to keep working for you trip after trip. Lockable top zippers can be double secured with a small padlock looped through the Central Lock Point. Top, bottom and side haul handles enable easy pickup from any angle. 

Shoulder straps, back panel, and hip belt are designed ergonomically for maximum comfort with padding and moisture-wicking to reduce sweat on the body. Sternum strap features a safety whistle. Traditional suitcase style butterfly opening reveals two zippered peek-through mesh packing compartments including one with an additional mesh pocket for organization. Mesh side pockets are perfect for water bottles and other quick-grab items. Compression straps can be used to stow a jacket, plane pillow or extra gear.

• Ergonomically shaped with padded shoulder straps and hip belt with external pocket
• Fixed 19″ suspension features padded, moisture-wicking backpack straps, back panel and hip belt for long term comfort
• Book-style opening reveals split packing compartments for maximum organization
• Padded 17″ laptop sleeve in main compartment
• Brand: Eagle Creek
• Weight: 3.51 lbs
• Loads of tools to keep your pack organized
• Dual access—super handy for quick access to your laptop and more
• Awesome harness system for a heavy load or long carry
• Perfect as a carry-on item when flying
• Front organization pockets are a bit awkwardly shaped for certain items, which can be a bit bothersome at times

9. Thule Landmark Men’s 40L Travel Backpack

The Thule Landmark Men’s 40L Travel Backpack is a carry-on style backpack that is specifically designed for traveling around the world. Easily pack and access belongings with a suitcase-style opening, compression straps to hold belongings in place, and mesh pockets for organization. Securely store a water bottle or other small items in the zippered side pocket.

Built-in sternum strap whistle is easy to access and ups your safety game on any outing. Adjustable shoulder straps and hipbelt ensures a comfortable fit for long days of travel. Prevent wear and tear by tucking away the contoured shoulder straps and hipbelt when not in use. Available in multiple sizes, colors, and fits, the Thule Landmark is the perfect travel companion for adventure travel.

• Hidden cash Stash pocket keeps a passport and money safe
• Innovative Loop Locks secure zipper pulls to the bag to deter theft
• Built-in sternum strap whistle
• Contoured shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away when not in use
• Large zippered side pocket securely stores a water bottle
• External lash points to attach a carabineer
• Brand: Thule
• Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 13″ W x 9.8″ D
• Comfortable and straps and back are well padded
• Enough compartments and where you’d want them
• Should and waist straps are stow-able
• Lots of ways to lock down the zippers to keep would be thieves at least minimally at bay
• The design of the main flap is that it doesn’t open all the way so that you have to kind of wedge your clothes into the bag

10. Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

The Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack is made from water-resistant, durable polyester fabric and metal zippers. The middle pocket has a computer compartment and a tablet compartment. It can also hold magazines and books. The main pockets are large and can accommodate clothes, shoes, books, umbrellas, keys, mobile power, glasses cases, cameras, and many other items. It is ideal for flight travel, camping, hiking, and college.

It has compression straps that provide maximum compression. Take the shoulder strap in the back panel and turn it into a carry-on duffel bag instantly. There is a sternum strap that adjusts lengthwise and slides up and down the shoulder straps. Design for stabilization and carry comfort. The reflective strip on the back of the backpack makes it safe to travel at night.

• Exterior compression straps
• Hide away shoulder straps
• 3 carrying options for travelers’ multiple alternatives
• Adjustable sternum strap
• Brand: Asenlin
• Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 12.5″ W x 9.5″ D
• Weight: 3.1 lbs
• The backpack easily fit in the overhead bids, even when fully packed
• This bag has a super large capacity, but it looks cool and not swell when carried on the back
• Carries like a backpack but it’s a suitcase when it’s opened
• The straps also tuck in as well
• The straps are not that comfortable and quality of materials seems a little low, but matches the price point

Buying Guide

Most of the time, you want the lightest travel bag that you can find comfort as well because it will save the body from exhaustion. Also, the materials from which a backpack is made can affect its weight, and super lightweight material can definitely increase the price.

Front Loading

Hiking backpacks are usually top-loaded, meaning you have to dig through them to find your stuff from the top. Most 40l travel backpacks are front-loading, so they snap more open like a suitcase and you can easily find stuff.

A padded waist strap, instead of just your shoulder, distributes the weight of your backpack around your waist. It helps to avoid sore shoulders and back pain, particularly in long periods of time while wearing it. There are also some travel backpacks with padded grab handles or a stylish duffel-bag strap.

Gear Pockets

This is subjective but something nice to have. Many important ones include a pocket for quick access for items like keys, passports, sunglasses, etc. A dedicated laptop pocket or a water bottle pocket is also a plus.

Weather Resistance

The material that a backpack is made of can determine how resistant it is to weather. Most backpacks need a special rain-cover, others are built right in with rain-resistance. You wouldn’t want to get your clothes wet!

Carry-On Friendly

Airlines are beginning to become much stricter regarding the size and weight of your carry-on bag. 40L travel backpacks are safe for the most part but you still want to check the dimensions are not larger than the standard carry-on size of 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

Frequently Ask Questions

Is 40l backpack enough.

Most packs fall firmly between 30L and 40L can satisfy many travel needs, regardless of the duration of the journey. Sometimes these bags are wide enough to carry anything you need while remaining small enough to fit in the overhead compartments. They grant versatility to a greater degree, too. Most veteran backpackers believe that this is the perfect volume; so yes, we believe 40L is enough for most travel needs.

Is it better to travel with a backpack or luggage/suitcase?

With a backpack, it is much simpler to walk around crowds and crowded areas. If the bag suits properly and isn’t overpacked, it can be very comfortable too. Certainly, you don’t need to bring all of your belongings with wheeled luggage . This fits well when you are traveling with smooth streets to locations. If you intend to take a cab to get to your hotel from the airport/train station, a suitcase is definitely the safest choice because you won’t waste any time carrying your luggage. Ultimately, this is a personal choice, but here at Backpack Beasts, we prefer the versatility of backpacks. Especially when your planning to travel through Europe .

How big of a backpack can I take on a plane?

We liked to stick to the standard size of 22″ x 14″ x 9″. As this will work on even the strictest airline. Thankfully, most companies know of these dimensions and try to adhere as much as possible. This is more or less the perfect carry on size and will range from 30-40L.

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best 40l travel backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a 40l travel backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.

Best Travel Backpacks 2024 | Tested and reviewed

Here are our top picks for 30-40l bags which will see you through long-weekends, work trips, city breaks and possibly longer stays if you can bear to leave behind the kitchen sink..

Osprey Sojourn Porter 30L

Lowe Alpine Escape Flight 36

Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack 40L

Forclaz Travel 500 Organiser 40L

Berghaus Trailbyte 30L

North Face Hotshot 30L

Fjallraven Splitpack 35L

Luggage Locks

Packing Cubes

Travel backpacks, designed specifically for lugging your gear to and from planes, trains and automobiles, come in all shapes and sizes. Surprisingly, they can often constitute a much trickier design brief than hiking packs , which simply need to balance weight, durability and comfort – while the best travel backpacks have a few more parameters to hit before they can be classed as effective.

To determine this efficacy, firstly you'll want to decide what you're using your travel backpack for. If you're planning on carrying large loads on your back across Southeast Asia on a gap-year style backpacking trip for example, you may be better off with a larger backpacking rucksack , with a comfortable, more sophisticated back system – plus a bumbag, or a cross-body bag for your valuables.

What are the best travel backpacks of 2024?

Best in test : Osprey Sojourn Porter 30 - View on osprey.com

Best value : Lowe Alpine Escape Flight 36 - View on cotswoldoutdoor.com

Best under £60 : Forclaz Travel Organiser 500 40L - View on decathlon.co.uk

However, if you're out and about for a city break, work trip, or long weekend, simply shrinking that concept down and going for a smaller hiking pack might not be the best idea. While they'll often be comfortable to carry, many of these lightweight hiking daypacks don't come with essential travel features like laptop sleeves, passport pockets or compressions straps; all things to think about if you're tight on space and don't want to pay extra for a check-in bag.

Instead, choosing a pack specifically designed with locomotion in mind is a better bet for shorter trips where hills won't be much of an obstacle. The following bags all fit into standard carry-on sizers, and are compatible with overhead storage racks on trains and buses. They're also all fairly unfussy, with stowable straps, and enough features to be useful, but not overbearing. Some are better suited to work trips away where you'll need to have your bag on you at all times, while some are perfect for long weekends where you need only carry it about for an afternoon while you wait to check into your accommodation. And of course, some do everything brilliantly and form the top picks in this category.

Best travel backpacks reviewed:

1. osprey sojourn porter 30l, best in test.

www.osprey.com

The Osprey Sojourn 30L is a cleverly designed and well-thought through  backpack , which seeks to solve a lot of potential problems for the hardened weekend traveller. Designed for anything between two to four days away, or as an auxiliary carry-on bag, it offers a great way to cart around a surprising amount of stuff, and it feels nearly as comfortable as a hiking backpack when in use.

The Sojourn’s real talent, however, is the fact it can expand into something which feels much larger than a 30L pack, but can cinch down to fit into the ‘free’ hand-luggage option on certain budget airlines, as well as tuck its own straps out of the way when it needs to.

It does have a particularly chunky feel to it, which some may like (we find it reassuring) but others may not. It’s wide and boxy as opposed to tall and sleek but that does allow you to get an awful lot of stuff in there, and crucially, see what it is you’ve packed with a single swipe of a lockable zip. 

The Sojourn starts at £160 RRP (at the time of writing), which is expensive for a 30L backpack, but ultimately is in line with what Osprey charge for their products. For that price though, you do get quite a lot of bag packed into 30L, and because it's good quality it should last a very, very long time. With regular use – especially on budget airlines where you'd otherwise be paying for hand-luggage – it's a good investment for a piece of useful gear.

Read our full review of the Osprey Sojourn here

• Very comfortable
• Easy to pack and unpack
• Cinches down for smaller loads
• Slightly bulky

2. Lowe Alpine Escape Flight 36

www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

The Lowe Alpine Escape Flight 36 travel backpack is a more minimal take on a mid-sized travel pack than other offerings – but has its own spartan charm, with a simplified, comfortable carry and plenty of uninterrupted space for gear.

It works well for most types of travel, fitting well in overhead luggage racks on trains and buses – and it's especially good at adapting to commuting too. It’s roomy, carry-on compatible for most reasonable airlines and crucially, pretty lightweight for the price.

In terms of price, £100 for a backpack isn't crazy, but it's not cheap as chips either. But we think the Lowe Alpine Escape Flight 36 offers excellent value for such a versatile bag, and due to its good build quality, that £100 will see you through many years of usage.

Lowe Alpine, who come under the same company as Rab, have got pretty good sustainability and ethics credentials – they're a carbon neutral company who are leaders in the fair-wear movement. They're also keen on fixing and repurposing gear, which means you can send your stuff back to them to be repaired, rather than buying a new item. That's a big plus for us!

Read our full review of the Lowe Alpine Escape Flight 36 here

• Very spacious
• Lightweight
• Minimalist design may not suit everyone
• Less comfortable with heavier loads

3. Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack 40L

Best for bigger loads.

The Eagle Creek Tour 40 is a great all-round travel bag, pipped only to the top spot in this list by the Osprey Sojourn, which offered just a little bit more on the durability side of things. They are both, however, the same price, and both use recycled materials for good sustainability credentials. 

Where the Tour 40 might be the better bet for you is if you want a lighter bag and the freedom to decide your own packing space. At nearly 200g lighter than the Sojourn, the Tour is a wide, spacious pack with suitcase style opening which means you can get a whole load of stuff in without the faff of padding or compartments getting in the way. It also has the ability to expand and contract without the use of straps: the Tour 40 has an inch wide compression zip running around the outside of it for those oversized loads. 

But while the tour 40 is business at the front (sleek, minimalist design with only one pocket to speak of), it’s a party at the back, with a modern, padded harness system which goes above and beyond most of the travel packs we see. Not only is it adjustable to size and height, it also comes with a built-in rain cover, and everything is completely stowable when needed. 

The padding on the straps is substantial for the most part, although the hip belts are somewhat lacking - but hey, we’re lucky we’ve even got hip belts so let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The only other thing that’s a drawback about the Tour 40 is, like the Osprey, the price. £170 is not cheap for a travel pack, but this does seem promisingly durable, using ripstop polyester for the most part and with good quality zips and buckles used.

• Comfortable carry due to adjustable back length
• Raincover included
• Cinches down when not in use
• Strap system can be confusing at first

4. Forclaz Travel 500 Organiser 40L

Best under £60.

www.decathlon.co.uk

Decathlon have long offered good value for money when it comes to outdoor gear, and they’ve been true to form this time again with the Organiser 500, a 40L travel bag which ticks nearly all the boxes.

It’s a suitcase-style bag, with two meshed halves. We like the space configuration for the most part, and can see why having a separate shoe pocket is a good idea – but can also appreciate that others might not want their packing to be pre-dictated. That said, there is plenty of room for everything here and the travel Organizer 500 is surprisingly spacious, taking up to a working week’s worth of gear for a city break quite happily.

There is an external laptop pocket, a handy stash pocket in the top for valuables and a key hook, which helps keep peace of mind. The material is a wipe-clean polyester, but as for the sustainability credentials this is where Decathlon’s offerings tend to slip sideways a little. There’s no mention of anything in the way of recycled materials for the Organiser 500; a natural dye has been used but other than that, there’s little going for it in terms of ethics except perhaps its durability.

To be very fair to Decathlon, this pack is designed to last. It’s rugged, feels very durable, and comes with a 10 year warranty. And at just under £60 that’s a helluva bargain.

• Great features
• Overly compartmentalised for some

5. Berghaus Trailbyte 30L

Best for business travel.

Berghaus have been making backpacks for a long time. As a brand, they value practicality over fashion, and nowhere could this be more accurate than in the ​​Berghaus Trailbyte 30L travel pack.

Designed with longevity in mind, it’ll do basically everything you want it to do as an everyday bit of kit – but it's nothing mind-blowing in terms of style or design.

While the Trailbyte is indeed suitable for shorter walks and outdoor excursions, it’s generally more at home on the 9-5 as a commuter pack – but one that’ll happily take you for a couples of nights in a hotel too.

It’s not as spacious or travel-forward as some of the other packs on offer, but it’s compact, reasonably lightweight, comfortable to carry and will fit everything you could possibly want for traveling to and from something like a work conference. It’s also smart enough, with space for several A3 files, to be a more comfortable alternative to a briefcase.

Read our full Berghaus Trailbyte 30L review here

• Comfortable carry
• Lots of room for laptops and other tech
• Not large enough more than two nights away
• Lack of back and shoulder ventilation

6. North Face Hotshot 30L

Best for commuting.

www.thenorthface.co.uk

The North Face Hotshot is similar to the Berghaus Trailbyte in that it's also a commuter-forward pack, but it doesn't have a designated external laptop sleeve, so is lighter and zippier.

There is an internal laptop pocket, but it’s not huge so if your device is on the more chunky end of things, beware. The hotshot also offers a good amount of storage for stationery and valuables in the front pocket, and the larger compartment is of a fairly decent size for weekend trips if you’re a light packer. 

However, where the Hotshot really excels is comfort. It's just as nice over long distances as more streamlined hiking bags, which make city travel a breeze. It’s also on the lighter end of the travel packs we’ve tested, which makes sure it doesn’t hinder internal packing space with unnecessary bulk. With that in mind, the Hotshot can probably sneak through Ryanair and EasyJet's "free" luggage sizers, saving you money on your trip.

Also, it's one of the only travel bags to come in a glaringly hot pink colour, which makes a great change from the dull blacks and greys of the other other bags. It's certainly more than Kenough for us.

• Great for everyday use
• Brightly coloured
• Two water bottle pockets
• Not large enough for more than a weekend
• No designated laptop space

7. Fjallraven Splitpack 35L

Best for weekend city breaks.

www.fjallraven.com

Obviously it’s stylish. Obviously it’s expensive. So obviously it’s Fjallraven.

The SplitPack is a bit of a bridge between a duffel and a suitcase. It’s certainly one of the less technical bags on offer here, but the unique packing system actually offers a great balance between structured packing and plenty of space. The mesh membranes between the halves divide gear evenly so it’s not all tumbling about, but there’s plenty of room in each hemisphere for multiple pairs of shoes and several outfits for even up to a week away. 

Originally, we had concerns about where tech such as laptops or tablets might go. However, because of the bag’s design, when they’re slotted into the double mesh pocket on one of the sides, they’re completely protected as it sits in the middle of the bag when worn. The zips are lockable easily too.

The Splitpack uses durable canvas material made from organic cotton and recycled polyester. It’s water resistant and quick-drying, but for the most part, you’ll be using this bag in cities rather than on the hill – not least because the carrying system is on the more minimalist side.

Yep, that’s where the Splitpack falls down rather a lot in comparison to the more technical bags: even though it's very stylish, sustainable and spacious, we didn’t like the fact that the straps don’t adjust a huge amount, there’s no designated back panel, and no hip or sternum straps to speak of.

If you’re only going to and from taxis and planes, then the Splitpack could be a viable option for you (it's hugely hardwearing and rather beautiful) but if you’re going to do much lugging about of your kit over longer distances on crowded public transport, then you may be better off looking elsewhere.

• No proper back system
• No specific laptop storage

What to look for in a travel pack

Knowing what to look for before buying a travel backpack depends mostly on what it's going to be used for, but that said, there are a few constants to bear in mind – whether or not you're going off for months at a time, or just a few days.

You'll want something that is tough enough to be thrown about a bus, taxi, ferry or other mode of transport – and possibly sat on at an airport – so going for something on the heftier end might not be a bad shout. We like toughened canvas, but ripstop nylon is great too.

Some amount of padding, especially for laptop and tablet housing is a must as well, but not so much that it impedes on useful packing space. This is not really the place for state-of-the-art gossamer lightweight materials, but that said, your pack shouldn't weigh a tonne either as that'll impact how much stuff you can get in it and still be within the weight limit if you're using it as a carry-on.

In general, a travel pack should have a separate handy compartment for valuables such as phones, wallets or passports, which should be easily accessible to you – but crucially difficult to get to for others. Lockable zips are also something to look for, especially if you'll be travelling on busy public transport in areas known for pickpocketing. You can buy handy luggage locks on Amazon.

8. Luggage Locks

Rrp: £ 8.47

Other features, including internal storage space, depend upon how exactly you like to pack. Many of the backpacks in the list above have cavernous, empty interiors which could benefit from being used with packing cubes, helping to organise larger spaces and compress your items so you can fit more in.

Other packs have built-in storage solutions for different bits and bobs – fine if you're only ever packing shoes and clothes but this could be a little restrictive if you're wanting to cart around 15kg of charcuterie, or other strangely non-compressible objects.

9. Packing Cubes

The straps on a travel pack can make or break the experience, especially if you're having to carry it through museums and other tourist attractions in a city all day. It's why we at LFTO prefer packs over hold-alls or duffels for city travel; they tend to be designed with ergonomics in mind more so than duffels, which although can often be carried like a backpack, are better for car-based adventures or staying at basecamp during climbing expeditions.

If you know you're going to be in and out of a lot of public transport, you should looks for stowable straps too: they're less likely to get caught in doors or catch on things in tight spaces. It also makes the travel pack more easily storable when not in use.

What capacity backpack do I need for my trip?

It very much depends on how you pack, what activities you'll be getting up to and what facilities you have at your accommodation. If you're a savvy space saver going somewhere which already has bedding and toiletries, you an get away with 30 litres for a long weekend quite easily. If you're a little bit more of an over-packer, or need spare shoes, extra warm clothing or food, taking 35-40L for around three days is advisable. We find that if it's a sunny city trip for 4-5 days, 40 litres is absolutely fine.

Is a 40L backpack big enough for longer travelling?

Yes, often quite comfortably if you're clever about what you pack. Even on longer trips – especially if you're going somewhere hot where you can take quick-drying lightweight baselayers which pack down to next to nothing – a 40L backpack can often offer the best travel solution. Usually, 40L is small enough to count as hand-luggage, which makes air travel much more efficient, and enables you to whisk yourself on and off a plane in no time.

Is a 50L backpack too big for carry-on?

In general, yes, 50L will be too large at full capacity. You can always get a travel pack of a larger size and use compression straps to cinch it down, but opting for something smaller as a carry-on bag is a better bet. The products we've reviewed here are all 30-40L, which will happily fit in most carry-on sizers.

Which brand is best for a travel backpack?

Any of the above brands are a high on quality, but if you're unsure, picking a brand that only specialises in rucksacks and bags (for example, Lowe Alpine or Osprey) is a great bet. As usual, you tend to get what you pay for with travel packs, especially as they're probably going to see a fair amount of abuse in their lifetime.

How we tested the best travel backpacks

All the above travel packs (and several more which didn't make the cut) have been used and abused by Fliss Freeborn , a digital writer for LFTO. Fliss used each pack over of a few months for her frequent weekend travels both abroad and around the UK.

Don't forget to subscribe to the  Live For The Outdoors newsletter  to get expert advice and outdoor inspiration delivered to your inbox!

REVIEW: Quechua Forclaz Travel 500 Backpack

I tested the Quechua Forclaz Travel 500 backpack. Spoiler alert: I’m not a fan of this travelpack!

ENGLISH SUBTITLES AVAILABLE

As a backpacker you’ll need a good backpack (seems logical). I bought this Quechua Forclaz Travel 500 from Decathlon. It can contain about 70 litres. Some of that volume is in the detachable shoulder bag. This seemed a very handy backpack to me since when travelling I like to take an extra day pack or bag. However, this backpack wasn’t as handy as I thought. It’s best if you watch the video (turn on English subtitles), but I’ve made a transcription in case you don’t feel like doing that! 🙂

There’s many compartments: you can put away your shoes, tripod and so on. You can carry two bottles on the side. In the front there’s place for your jacket. There’s a lot of space. You have straps on the front and on the side to carry extra gear like a drinking bottle or sleeping bag.

In the back there’s an opening for a camelbak, you can carry a water bag and when you’re walking around you can drink without having to open the whole thing.

The rain cover is very sturdy Which in turn makes it quite heavy. But it’s sturdy and you can also use it to completely cover you backpack and turn it into a duffel bag which you can carry with one hand. That’s handy for transport in the airport: it won’t be pushed of conveyer belts due to loose straps.

This backpacked can be locked with only one padlock. That’s a great advantage. I always look for that nowadays in a backpack.

It’s quite comfortable to carry. If you pull the two orange straps the Easy Fit system Will adjust the backpack to your body in a comfortable way.

The backpack is very sturdy, I don’t think a knife could easily penetrate it. That’s good against thieves. It’s also a good thing you won’t have to replace it after two years. It’s a sturdy thing.

You have to completely untie the shoulder bag to get into your backpack and you get tangled up when you try to release it. The straps on the top and bottom have to be loosened first and only then can it be used as the strap of the shoulder bag. This is very clear in the video, I can’t really describe the frustration in text. This is very annoying but not the worst part. When you want to attach it again the shoulder strap has to be evenly distributed on both sides and when everything goes right you’ll be able to attach it again. This is only the case if you’ve done it correctly, but most of the time it fails. It’s a disaster!

When you want to open your backpack, you always have to detach the shoulder bag because the Decathlon engineers decided to put the buckles over the zipper and you can only open the backpack with that one zipper. The very annoying effect is that every time you want to go in your backpack you have to detach the shoulderbag! It drove me so crazy I gave it away to someone and bought a different one. This is the deciding factor for me. No, no, really, no!

Because the zipper’s on the back and thus you don’t have a sturdy back it collapses like a pudding when you’re trying to load it. This is a real shame. You can try to solve it by holding the back vertically with one hand and at the same time load it with you other hand but that’s a very clumsy method.

The bag itself is quite heavy so if you want to be a lightweight backpacker this one’s not for you.

The conclusion

I wouldn’t buy this. This awkward opening system drives me crazy. Just buy a decent backpack. Or buy this one and don’t use the shoulder bag but take a foldable day pack with you. Or a different solution: buy a good Osprey Farpoint 70. They’re a bit more expensive but they’re better quality with lifelong warranty. Buy everything, but not this Quechua Forclaz Travel 500. Maybe you can buy a cheaper backpack at Decathlon. They have a lot of great travelpacks. Just don’t buy this one.

Thank you for reading or watching this review. I hope it was useful. You can always leave a comment if you bought it and regret it or if you completely disagree with me or if you have different suggestions for backpacks!

5 thoughts on “ REVIEW: Quechua Forclaz Travel 500 Backpack ”

Ik ben blij dat ik iemand heb kunnen overtuigen deze rommel niet te kopen 🙂

I was about to buy this backpack for a world tour especially because in my hometown there’s no Osprey Store. Why do you consider it so bad? What I like is, taking off the shoulder-bag you have it optimal for carry-on luggage. Also, you can use the shoulder bag for city trips. Moreover, it adds an extra layer of security to your luggage – in order that someone access it, it first must get rid of the purse. Overall it seems fine to me. I tried it in the store and it wasn’t such a big problem with the straps. I think the main problem is, in case those buckles are going to break.

Dank voor je review. Dan valt deze dus af.

Wat een mooi slotje! 🙂

Je herkent het! Nogmaals bedankt 😉

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Off the Unbeaten Track Edward Adrian-Vallance's travel site

• About Edward
• Country guides
• Overland Travel

View when driving from Yelisovo airport to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

The first myth I want to disprove is that getting to Kamchatka is extremely costly. It’s not. Going between February and April, a return flight from Moscow can be had for 11,000 roubles (US$380 / £220). Not bad for 18 hours total flying time. In summer the flights are more expensive but still, if you book them a few months in advance, can be got for 16,000 roubles return.

It’s true, many people will tell you that March and April are the worst months to visit because the snow is starting to melt and everything’s a bit sloshy and dirty in settlements. On the other hand, these are great months for the independent traveller! During winter zimniki (temporary winter roads made of compacted snow or simply frozen river surfaces) open up all over Kamchatka, granting access to communities that in summer are totally isolated. Hitch hiking is possible right from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to the very north of the peninsula. Alternatively, vehicles can be hired in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky from tour firms. Also in the winter or early spring months places can be reached that are away even from the zimniki, either by snowmobile or by the use of cross country skis. For example, Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Eurasia’s largest active volcano, can be accessed from the village of Klyuchi without the need even for a guide by a traveller with a pair of cross country skis. Bears do not wake up until mid-April so this is not a danger, but bears almost never attack anyone anyway.

The main disadvantages of winter travel in Kamchatka are that it is cold, there is no greenery and there are no bears, which some people come here especially to see.

The second myth I’d like to dispel is that travel around the peninsula requires hiring a helicopter. As mentioned above, in winter you can get almost anywhere by hitch hiking. I even hitched a lift with bear hunters on snowmobiles from their village to a reindeer herder encampment 100km away. In summer snowmobiles are replaced by horses, and transport is reduced from long distance ice-road journeys to irregular inter-settlement all-terrain vehicle trips. Hitch hiking is possible on these all-terrain vehicles though.

Throughout the year there are fairly expensive public helicopter flights to all settlements which are nevertheless much cheaper than hiring your own helicopter. There is also one permanent, year-round dirt road leading halfway up the peninsula. Some distance after the town of Milkovo, about 350km north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky , it forks. The right fork leads to Klyuchi , site of Eurasia’s largest active volcano, and further to the port town of Ust-Kamchatsk. The left fork leads to the indigenous Even villages of Anavgay and Esso. Daily buses go from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Klyuchi , Anavgay and Esso, costing about 1000 roubles each way. In winter a zimnik passable by lorries heads north from Anavgay 36 hours to the otherwise isolated town of Palana. From Palana more zimniki head further north to yet more isolated settlements. From the peninsula’s very northernmost settlements there are even EXTREMELY irregular snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle connections with Magadan Oblast and Chukotka. Another zimnik, only passable by all-terrain vehicle, heads from Anavgay to the village of Ust-Khayryuzovo on Kamchatka’s west coast.

• Kamchatka’s Indigenous
• Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

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