While the cost of airfare is expected to decrease as 2024 continues, one part of the travel experience is unfortunately headed in the other direction: Baggage fees. Already this year, United Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue Airways have raised the prices of checked bags. Today, fees to check a bag can range anywhere from $0 (shoutout Southwest Airlines!) to $99. The added expense for a checked bag can feel demoralizing after we’ve already spent so much to plan the perfect adventure, but thankfully, a good travel backpack can be just the ticket we need to save more.
How? A good travel backpack can hold more than a weekend’s worth of stuff and will fit under the airplane seat in front of you. Because — spoiler alert — virtually all airlines will allow you to bring a “personal item” on for free, but will charge for a carry-on that needs to be stowed in the overhead bin.
Travel writer Collette Stohler of Romaoo.com, says a good travel backpack is a “must have” as she and her family explore the world. “I’m a huge fan of travel backpacks to avoid costly luggage fees,” says Stohler. “I also love it because it helps me get very picky about what I pack.” A true win-win for jetsetters!
Here’s a look at some of the best travel backpacks on the market.
No Reception Club Getaway Bag, $235
As a mom, Stohler says her favorite travel backpack is the Getaway Bag by No Reception Club. “It’s functional, it’s stylish and most importantly — it doesn’t look like a diaper bag,” says Stohler. “Every compartment has a purpose, so it’s easy to stay organized!” If you’ve traveled with a little one, you know just how important that is.
Cotopaxi Allpa, $165-$220
Members of the private HerMoney Facebook group are big-time fans of the travel backpack Cotopaxi Allpa. The Cotopaxi Allpa comes in a variety of sizes, price points and colors. “I love the compartments as it makes it so easy and quick to get what I need without having to unpack everything,” says Manda. An added bonus, if you end up needing to check it, it holds up well. “It survived with only a few scuffs to show – which is better than some of my roller bags first checking experiences,” she adds.
FIFTY FIFTY’S Ready 22 ($159) or Steady 26 ($199) Bags
If you don’t follow Caitlin Murray of Big Time Adulting yet, you should. She’s known for chronicling the ups and downs of the fantastic journey that is parenthood. Her go-to bags for traveling with children are those from FIFTY FIFTY — specifically, the brand’s Ready 22 or Steady 26 bags. “Both large and small have a clamshell opening with tons of pockets,” says Murray. “It makes it super easy to find your stuff rather than kind of reaching into a black hole in a regular backpack.”
Hynes Eagle Carry On Backpack, $39.99
A backpack under $40 that can be used on 2-week trips sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t, according to HerMoney reader Carol. She’s a big fan of the Hynes Eagle Carry-On Backpack for its clamshell opening, quality construction and comfortable straps. “Add some packing cubes and it’s perfect, plus it fits under the seat on a plane,” she says.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, $159-$219
When Stohler traveled around the world for 18 months with only a backpack, the one she relied on was the 40L Patagonia Black Hole Duffel. Available in several sizes, the duffel includes removable straps so it can be worn as a backpack. “Plus, weighing in at only 2 lbs, 1 oz, it was super lightweight so I was able to carry it onto every aircraft,” says Stohler. “I avoided costly luggage fees since I never had to check my bag while traveling around the world.”
eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpacks, $65-$105
A number of HerMoney readers raised their hands for Mother Lode Travel Backpacks from eBags. Fans say they hold more than a small suitcase worth of stuff, and tuck nicely under the seat in front of you on the plane.
Away Convertible Backpacks, $180-$220
Away’s Convertible Backpacks come in two sizes, 25L and 45L. They feature removable padded straps so they can be used as a duffel or backpack. One of the best features? A “pass-through pocket” that allows it to be placed on top of a rolling suitcase. As HerMoney reader Kristen says, “The construction and design are amazing!”
Jartop Elite Backpack, $39.99
At first glance, the Jartop Elite Backpack might appear more appropriate for the classroom, but give it a closer look and you’ll be pleasantly surprised, says HerMoney reader Lena. It will run you just under $40 and she’s been using it for years. “It’s sturdy and holds a lot…and also, it’s affordable,” says Lena.
Patagonia Black Hole Pack, $149-$169
Our last recommendation for a good travel backpack comes from yours truly. I bought the Patagonia Black Hole Pack several years ago for a trip to Hawaii and it quickly became a favorite. So much so that I gifted one to my sister last year — and now she’s a big fan, too. The best features, IMHO, of this travel backpack are its dedicated padded pouch for a laptop and the zippered pocket at the very top. That’s always where I put my most important travel essentials so I don’t lose them–my passport, phone, AirPods, lip balm and anything else I want easy access to.
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