Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads: One-Bag & Carry-On Packs
"Your bag is too big. You'll have to check it." The gate agent's words hit like a punch to the gut. My laptop, camera, and three months of work were about to disappear into the cargo hold of a budget airline I'd never trust again. That 65L "travel backpack" I'd bought because "bigger is better"? It cost me €50 in fees and two hours of anxiety.
Choosing the right travel backpack is the most consequential gear decision you'll make as a digital nomad. Get it right, and you breeze through airports with everything on your back. Get it wrong, and every flight becomes a gamble with your livelihood.
This article is part of our Ultimate Digital Nomad Packing List. For a smaller daily carry, see our laptop daypack guide.
The One-Bag Philosophy
The best travel backpack is the one you can live out of indefinitely. That sounds extreme, but hear me out: when everything you own fits in one bag, you're free. Free to change flights last minute, free to hop on buses without checking luggage, free to walk wherever you need to go.
This philosophy shaped my recommendations. I'm not looking for the biggest bag possible—I'm looking for the sweet spot where capacity meets mobility.
How to Choose Your Travel Backpack
Size: The Magic Number Is 40L
Through trial and error (lots of error), I've found that 35-45 liters is the Goldilocks zone for digital nomads:
- Under 35L requires serious sacrifices or forces you to supplement with a daypack
- 40-45L fits everything for indefinite travel while staying carry-on legal
- Over 45L encourages overpacking and starts to feel burdensome
At 40L, you can carry a laptop, chargers, camera, 5-7 days of clothes, toiletries, and still have room for souvenirs. More importantly, you can move freely.
Carry-On Compliance
Budget airlines are notoriously strict about bag dimensions. Before buying, check the maximum carry-on size for airlines you commonly use. Most 40L packs fit standard carry-on requirements, but always verify.
Getting your bag gate-checked on a crowded flight is a minor disaster when it contains your laptop and camera.
The Laptop Question
Your laptop is probably your most valuable item. Look for:
- A dedicated sleeve separate from the main compartment
- Padding that keeps it suspended (not touching the bag's bottom)
- Easy access for airport security
Some travel packs treat laptops as an afterthought. Don't buy those.
Weather Resistance
You will encounter rain. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but eventually, you'll be caught in a downpour with your entire life on your back. Water-resistant fabric and covered zippers are minimum requirements. Truly waterproof is better.
Comfort Features
Weight distribution matters more as capacity increases. Look for:
- Hip belt that transfers weight to your hips
- Padded shoulder straps wide enough to not dig in
- Back panel with ventilation (sweaty backs are real)
Try any pack loaded up before committing if possible. A pack that feels fine empty can be torture loaded.
Travel Style Considerations
The Slow Traveler
If you stay in places for weeks or months, you can afford a slightly larger bag since you're not constantly moving. The extra space for comfort items is worth it.
The Fast Mover
For those who change cities every few days, go smaller and lighter. Every ounce matters when you're walking to your fourth accommodation this week.
The Adventure Seeker
If you're combining work with hiking, climbing, or other activities, get a pack that does double duty. The Osprey Farpoint works for both travel and trails.
The Professional
Client-facing nomads need to look the part. A sleek pack like the Ridge Commuter helps you transition from airport to office without looking like you just climbed a mountain.
My Packing Philosophy
After years of experimenting:
- Clothes: 5-7 days worth, all quick-dry and mix-and-match
- Tech: Laptop, charger, phone, headphones, power bank, universal adapter
- Toiletries: Travel-size everything, refillable containers
- Documents: See my document organization article
- Extras: Light rain jacket, sunglasses, one nice outfit
Everything else gets cut. If you haven't used something in 30 days, you probably don't need it.
The Verdict
For most digital nomads, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the gold standard. It's the pack I recommend to everyone starting out. Excellent quality, perfect capacity, and proven through thousands of miles of travel by countless nomads.
If looking professional matters, the Ridge Commuter or Tortuga Setout offer more polished aesthetics without sacrificing functionality.
For extreme adventures, the Pelican Mobile Protect will survive anything—and so will your gear inside.
Your backpack is your home. Choose wisely, and you'll hardly think about it. Choose poorly, and you'll think about it every single day.
Complete Your Packing System
Your backpack is just the container—here's what goes inside:
- Laptop Daypacks - Your daily carry for café work sessions
- One-Bag Travel Guide - Master the art of minimalist packing
- How to Organize Your Backpack - Systems that keep you organized
- Tech Pouches & Organizers - Tame your cable chaos
- Capsule Wardrobe Guide - Pack fewer clothes, create more outfits
- The Complete Packing List - Everything you need to work from anywhere
Osprey Farpoint 40L - Best Overall Travel Backpack
Osprey Farpoint 40L
Best Overall Travel Backpack
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is the pack I've lived out of for months at a time.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is the pack I've lived out of for months at a time. At exactly 40 liters, it fits in most overhead bins (even budget airline ones), yet holds enough for indefinite travel if you pack smart. The LightWire frame suspension reduces shoulder strain on long walks, and the entire front panel zips open like a suitcase—no more digging to the bottom. It's the pack that turned me into a one-bag traveler.
What We Like
❝I've been living out of this pack for 8 months across 12 countries. It carries everything I need, fits in overhead bins, and still looks good. Best gear purchase I've ever made.❞
Aer Travel Pack 3 - Best for Work & Travel Hybrid
Aer Travel Pack 3
Best for Work Travel Hybrid
The Aer Travel Pack 3 bridges the gap between travel pack and professional bag.
The Aer Travel Pack 3 bridges the gap between travel pack and professional bag. At 35L with 1680D Cordura nylon exterior, it's weather-resistant and sleek enough for coworking spaces. The suspended laptop compartment protects up to a 16-inch laptop, and smart organization keeps cables and essentials accessible. For digital nomads who prioritize looking professional over carrying maximum gear, it strikes an excellent balance.
What We Like
❝Finally a travel bag that doesn't make me look like a backpacker. The organization and laptop protection are excellent. Perfect for professional nomads.❞
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L - Best Sporty Daypack
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L
Best Sporty Daypack
When you want one pack that works for hiking, day trips, and urban exploring, the Black Hole delivers.
When you want one pack that works for hiking, day trips, and urban exploring, the Black Hole delivers. Patagonia's legendary durability means this thing will outlast your nomad career. The 25L capacity is perfect for day excursions—big enough for a light jacket, water, snacks, and camera, small enough to not feel cumbersome. Made from 100% recycled materials for the environmentally conscious traveler.
What We Like
❝Took this on day hikes, to the beach, and around cities for a year. Not a single tear or issue. Patagonia quality is real.❞
Matador GlobeRider45 - Best Extreme Durability
Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack
Matador GlobeRider45 Best Extreme Durability
If you're heading into serious adventure territory—think jungle treks, dusty desert roads, or anything that would destroy a normal bag—the Matador GlobeRider45 is built for abuse.
If you're heading into serious adventure territory—think jungle treks, dusty desert roads, or anything that would destroy a normal bag—the Matador GlobeRider45 is built for abuse. With weatherproof Robic nylon, sealed seams, and a hidden aluminum frame, this pack handles extreme conditions while staying comfortable. The clamshell opening provides suitcase-style access, and it compresses down when you don't need all 45L.
What We Like
❝I've taken this through tropical rainstorms and dusty motorcycle rides. My laptop inside stayed bone dry. The weatherproofing is no joke.❞
Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L - Best Suitcase-Style Packing
Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L
Best Suitcase Style Packing
If you've always wished backpacks opened like suitcases, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite is your answer.
If you've always wished backpacks opened like suitcases, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite is your answer. The entire bag unzips to lay flat, making packing and unpacking a breeze. Dedicated laptop and tablet pockets, a hideaway hip belt for comfort, and 40L of carry-on maximum capacity. It's designed specifically for digital nomads, by digital nomads. The organization is thoughtful without being overwhelming.
What We Like
❝Switching from a traditional backpack to the Tortuga was life-changing. I can actually see everything I own without unpacking. The laptop pocket is perfect.❞
Review of Our Favorite 3
Best Overall Travel Backpack
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is the pack I've lived out of for months at a time.
Best for Work Travel Hybrid
The Aer Travel Pack 3 bridges the gap between travel pack and professional bag.
Best Sporty Daypack
When you want one pack that works for hiking, day trips, and urban exploring, the Black Hole delivers.
About the Author
