Top Travel Backpack Brands for Adventurers on the Move

Embarking on a journey often begins with choosing the right travel backpack, an essential companion that combines functionality with style. In today's market, a plethora of brands offers impressive travel backpacks, each catering to varying needs and preferences. Brands like Osprey, known for their innovative designs and superior comfort, or Patagonia with its commitment to sustainability, stand out as top choices for many travelers. As we explore these and other exceptional options, discover which brand aligns perfectly with your travel goals below.

Illustration of travel backpack

Best brands of travel backpack in 2025

Osprey

Osprey, a brand acquired by Helen of Troy in November 2021 for $414 million, has solidified its position as a leading producer of travel backpacks. In the first quarter of 2023, Osprey expanded its number one share position in U.S. backpacks, driven by improved inventory and new product introductions, as well as strong demand in the travel category both domestically and internationally. Osprey has held a long-term leadership in the U.S. technical pack segment, with a significant presence in categories such as technical packs, hydration packs, and everyday backpacks. The brand's success is also attributed to its strong online sales and replenishment strategies. With over 47 years of experience since its founding in 1974, Osprey continues to innovate and meet consumer needs in the outdoor gear market.

North Face

The North Face is a leading producer of high-quality travel backpacks, known for its durable and innovative designs. In the fiscal year ending March 2024, The North Face reported a revenue of $3.6 billion, a 17% increase from the previous year, with a significant 35% growth in the Asia-Pacific region despite unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. The brand's strong performance is driven by its global market presence, including 260 VF-operated stores and a robust online sales channel, which accounted for 42% of direct-to-consumer sales by the end of 2024. The North Face achieved its 10th consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth, highlighting its consistent market dominance. Its products are marketed through various channels, including specialty outdoor stores, department stores, and online platforms.

Patagonia

Patagonia is renowned as one of the top producers of travel backpacks, known for its commitment to quality, integrity, and environmental responsibility. As of 2022, on the eve of its 50th anniversary, Patagonia updated its core values to emphasize building the best, long-lasting, and recyclable products. The company's focus on durability and sustainability aligns with the growing demand for outdoor and travel gear, contributing to the global backpack market's projected growth to $31.38 billion by 2030. Patagonia's products are favored by hikers and travelers, with the average hiking backpack costing around $289.81, reflecting the premium quality and features offered. The brand's dedication to its values has helped it maintain a strong presence in the market.

Deuter

Deuter is renowned as one of the best producers of travel backpacks, particularly noted for their lightweight and comfortable designs. The ACT Lite series, for example, is geared toward backpackers seeking optimal comfort and adjustability, featuring the Vari-Quick system for a custom fit. Deuter's backpacks, such as the ACT Lite 50+10, offer a total volume of 60L and are favored by hikers for their ergonomic design and airflow channels. The brand's focus on quality materials and innovative features has made it a preferred choice among travelers, contributing to the growth of the backpack market, which is expected to reach $31.38 billion by 2030. Deuter's products are highly regarded for their durability and usability, making them a staple in the outdoor and travel backpack segment. Learn more about their innovative designs on their official website.

Gregory

Gregory is renowned as one of the best producers of travel backpacks, known for their durable and functional designs. In 2023, Gregory Mountain Products saw a sales growth of 3.4% to $61.4 million, despite challenges, and would have increased by 13% at constant exchange rates. The brand has innovated with a plus-size pack collection, enhancing outdoor accessibility since 2021. Gregory's backpacks, such as the Baltoro 65, offer extensive storage options and ergonomic features, making them ideal for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. With a strong market presence, Gregory continues to cater to individual consumers who represent over 50% of the backpack market.

REI Co-op

REI Co-op is renowned for producing high-quality travel backpacks, such as the Ruckpack 40, which offers excellent carry, stealthy organization, and significant functionality. The company, with over 23 million members, reported $2.75 billion in revenue in 2020 and invested $6.3 million in nonprofit partners, demonstrating its commitment to both quality gear and environmental stewardship. REI's products, including the Ruckpack 40, are designed with a minimalistic aesthetic and feature smart design elements like water bottle side pockets and compression straps. The co-op also focuses on sustainability, with a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 and offering used gear options that lower carbon emissions by at least 50% compared to new items. REI's dedication to quality, functionality, and sustainability makes it a top choice for travel backpacks. For more information, visit their website.

Thule

Thule is renowned as one of the best producers of travel backpacks, known for its innovative and high-quality products. In 2023, Thule invested 6.9% of its sales in product development, the largest such investment in the company's history, which has driven significant sales growth. The Thule Landmark 60 backpack, for example, features a 2-in-1 system with a 40-L travel bag and a 20-L daypack, showcasing the brand's commitment to versatility and comfort. Thule's direct-to-consumer sales increased by 81% in Europe and 32% in the Americas in 2023, highlighting the brand's strong market presence. With a focus on quality and innovation, Thule continues to strengthen its position in the premium segment of the outdoor and travel gear market.

Fjällräven

Fjallraven is renowned as one of the best producers of travel backpacks, driven by its commitment to sustainability, durability, and timeless design. Founded in 1960 by Ake Nordin, the brand has expanded significantly, with products like the Kanken backpack becoming defining items. In recent years, Fjallraven has seen a notable increase in product repairs, with 8,531 items repaired in 2023, up from 3,556 in 2021. The brand has also launched a peer-to-peer resale marketplace to promote circularity, aligning with its long-standing mission to reduce waste. Fjallraven's products are trusted by many, reflecting the brand's emphasis on enabling people to experience nature while caring for it. For more on Fjallraven's journey, visit their history page.

Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek is renowned as one of the top producers of travel backpacks, known for their high-quality, versatile, and ergonomic designs. The brand holds a niche but stable position in the market, with a 1% market share as of 2021. Their products, such as the Afar Backpack and the 35-liter Flip Switch 22 Wheeled Backpack, are praised for their roomy compartments, padded laptop sleeves, and innovative features like reinforced rings for security and smooth-riding wheels. Eagle Creek's backpacks are designed to meet the needs of both leisure and business travelers, contributing to the growing demand in the travel bag market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2024 to 2030. The brand's focus on comfort, functionality, and durability makes it a favorite among travelers.

Lowe Alpine

Lowe Alpine is renowned as one of the best producers of travel backpacks, celebrating 50 years of innovation in load-carrying technology since its founding in 1967. The company pioneered the internal frame pack with the Expedition Pack, which revolutionized load carrying for technical climbing and hiking. Lowe Alpine's designs, such as the Parallux System, have set industry standards for stability and comfort. The brand has also been a leader in women's fit packs since the late 1970s with the ND series. As a key player in the global backpack travel bag market, Lowe Alpine continues to drive growth with its high-quality products.