Are you gearing up for your next travel adventure? If so, you’ll need to pick the best travel backpack for digital nomads.
Choosing the right travel backpack can be a daunting task. Pick a backpack that’s too big, and you’ll have extra weight to carry around. Too small and you won’t be able to fit all your travel essentials. Pick the wrong material, and your belongings will be soaked when it rains.
Plus, the market is flooded with so many nomad backpacks that it can be hard to determine the right one for your needs.
We’re here to ease you the trouble of finding the perfect backpack for your needs. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best travel backpacks for the digital nomad. But first, a quick primer on the factors to consider when picking a backpack.
How to Choose the Best Travel Backpack
There are a few things to consider when choosing a backpack.
Basically, your nomad backpack should be roomy enough to fit all your travel essentials. It should also be comfortable, durable, and the right fit.
That said, don’t just buy a backpack because of the brand or because it’s in the lower price bracket. Each of the factors discussed below is important, and not considering them can negatively impact your nomadic lifestyle.
Size
Size matters a lot when it comes to choosing a backpack.
There’s no one size truth when it comes to choosing a nomad backpack. But no one wants to carry a bulky backpack, stuffed to the brim, weighing a ton. Not only will it strain your back, but it can also make your travel less fun.
If traveling light, stick to travel backpacks ranging between 35 and 50 liters. Regardless of the length of your stay, don’t choose a backpack larger than 65 liters.
Material
Choose a backpack with water-resistant materials. The last thing you want is your stuff to get soaked in a sudden downpour.
Look for a nomad backpack made from weather-resistant materials like nylon or polyester. Also, ensure all the zippers and seams are well sealed.
Comfort
Comfort is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider when choosing a travel backpack.
It doesn’t matter whether the backpack is made of durable materials or it costs 50 dollars less than a competing brand…if it doesn’t deliver the much-needed comfort, it isn’t the right one for you. Your backpack will probably be with you in most if not all parts of the journey.
That’s why you have to feel comfortable with it. Buying a backpack that will not make you feel comfortable might make your travel experience more challenging.
Straps
Knowing how many straps your backpack has and where they’re located is critical when shopping for a backpack.
Hip straps are a MUST have in a travel backpack. If all the weight is concentrated on your back, it can result in back pain. Having hip straps helps facilitate the upper part of the body to carry your backpack more functionally.
The straps should also be comfortable enough to allow an even weight distribution across your shoulders. Cheap backpacks usually have thin, flimsy straps that cause pain and discomfort after a few minutes of wear. Be willing to spend extra to get a backpack with paddled, ergonomic straps.
The Best Travel Backpack for Digital Nomads
When finding the best backpack for digital nomads, it’s always best to consider your unique needs and use cases. If you’re a full-time digital nomad, you may need a big backpack to store your belongings. While individuals who are working part-time or aren’t traveling as long can easily use a smaller bag that accommodates their needs.
Without further ado, these are the six best travel backpacks for digital nomads.
1. Tropicfeel Shell
Tropicfeel Shell is a 3-in-1 adjustable backpack ideal for all types of travel.
Why digital nomads live the Tropicfeel Shell backpack – flexibility
The Tropicfeel Shell is perhaps the most flexible backpack you’ll find on the market today.
Designed to be the most flexible and versatile backpack, the Shell adapts to your travel needs. Digital nomads love that they can customize this bag depending on the length of the trip they plan to take.
Going on an epic 3-months adventure? You can customize the backpack to its maximum capacity of 40 liters. Heading for a weekend getaway in the Grand Canyon? Just shrink it down to just 22 liters capacity.
But it’s not just its ability to adapt to the length of the trip that makes it stand out.
The Shell is made of tough, water-resistant polyester material. In terms of comfort, the Shell doesn’t compromise either. It features an ergonomic back panel, adjustable sternum straps, and a hidden hip belt for maximum comfort.
Tropicfeel Shell Pros
- An excellent all-in-one system
- Lighter than most travel backpacks
- Generous back panel foam padding for added comfort
- Sleek looking
- Small enough to carry on
Tropicfeel Shell Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks side compression straps
2. Allpa 42L Travel Pack – Del Dia
Why digital nomads love it – great for long trips
The Allpa 41L Travel Pack is lightweight yet roomy. It’s designed to hold up to 42 liters of items and is perfect for long trips. Most digital nomads can pack up to two weeks’ worth of clothes and essentials in the bag. The Del Dia bag is recycled and made with removable fabrics. It also has comfortable straps and a mesh suspension system. This backpack has a padded laptop sleeve that can hold 15″ or smaller laptops. There is also an additional tablet sleeve. Buyers can pick a color option from the seven primary colors or let Cotopaxi surprise them. This is the best tech backpack for nomads who value sustainability and want a long-lasting option that holds enough clothes for a long-haul trip.
Pros of the Allpa 42L Travel Pack – Del Dia
- Comes with a rain cover
- Anti-theft zipper closures
- Two internal mesh compartments
- Designed to hold up to 42 liters
- Made of 100% remnant nylon and polyester
Cons of the Allpa 42L Travel Pack – Del Dia
- Relatively expensive compared to other backpacks ($215)
- Some customers run into quality issues
- Long shipping and weight times
You can buy it on Amazon or the Official Website.
3. Patagonia Black Hole® Mini MLC® 30L
Why digital nomads love it – Quality
The Patagonia Black Hole Mini is a smaller version of their classic Black Hole 45-liter backpack. It’s designed to be used as a duffel bag, cross-body bag or backpack. So you can switch things up while on the go. The bag is also covered in a durable recycled TPU laminate. There is a padded laptop pocket, so you can keep your electronics safe while on the go. It’s also made in a Fair Trade Certified factory so that you can feel good about your investment.
While the Patagonia Black Hole mini LC may be more expensive, it’s a quality investment you can feel good about. Patagonia is a high-end brand designed with the digital nomad lifestyle in mind. Everywhere you travel, you can feel confident the bag will protect your belongings.
Pros of the Patagonia Black Hole® Mini MLC® 30L
- Can pack up to 30 liters of items
- Features two large main compartments
- Three carrying configurations
Cons of the Patagonia Black Hole® Mini MLC® 30L
- Limited color options
- Some individuals prefer the larger size over the mini
You can buy it on Amazon or check the Official Website.
4. The North Face Base Camp Travel Pack
Why digital nomads love it – Affordability
The North Face Base Camp Travel Pack is designed to carry up to 35 liters of items. It’s sleek, stylish, and easy to carry on a plane, train, or car. The backpack for digital nomads is made with recycled water- and abrasion-resistant fabric. It also has a spacious central compartment and a fleece-lined laptop pocket that can fit laptops that are 16″ big. On the side of the digital nomad backpack, there are two water bottle pockets and a few organization pockets for smaller items. This backpack is a top choice for digital nomads and travelers who need a reliable, high-end option that won’t break the bank.
Pros of The North Face Base Camp Travel Pack
- Unisex
- Can fit laptops that are 16 inches or smaller
- Made out of a protective material
- Sleek design that’s functional and stylish
Cons of The North Face Base Camp Travel Pack
- Some customers find the padded straps not to be supportive enough
- Water bottle pockets are small and may not fit a reusable bottle
- Not enough pockets
- Heavier than other bags
You can buy it on Amazon or the Official Website.
5. Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack
Why digital nomads love it – rugged
While the Yeti Crossroads backpack is more expensive than other options, the quality is undeniable. This backpack is designed to hold up to 35 liters. The design is sleek and can easily be used as a carry-on. It’s made with an abrasion-resistant material and has a luggage pass-thru sleeve. The Yeti Crossroads comes in three different sizes: 22L, 27L, and 35L, so you can pick a size that accommodates the adventure you have planned ahead. The 35L size is ideal for digital nomads who need extra space while they travel from country to country.
If you love the Yeti brand, you’ll love this backpack for digital nomads. You can feel confident the rugged exterior can combat everyday wear and tear and maintain its look and feel while you travel.
Pros of the Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack
- It comes in three different sizes
- Available in five different colors
- EVA foam contoured shoulder straps
- A laptop sleeve that can fit most 13″ to 15″ laptops
Cons of the Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack
- Expensive ($250)
- Some customers find that the backpack straps are too thin
- Almost four pounds, which is much heavier than other options
You can buy it on the Official Website.
6. Herschel Kalso Backpack Tech – 30L
Why digital nomads love it – Modern
The Herschel Kalso Backpack is designed for everything you need: Clothes, daily essentials, and your favorite everyday tech items. It has a modern, sleek design and is made of durable polyester and nylon. This backpack is made to fit up to 30 liters of items and has a comfortable design to protect your shoulders and back while on the go. It also has a fleece-lined laptop compartment, mesh side pockets, and a luggage trolley sleeve. This is a great “starter” digital nomad backpack if you’re testing the water with smaller trips but aren’t ready to make a huge investment yet. If you decide to not continue with the digital nomad lifestyle, this backpack is great for everyday use.
Pros of the Herchel Kalso Backpack
- Sleek, modern design
- Available in five different colors and two different sizes
- Relatively affordable ($150)
Cons of the Herchel Kalso Backpack
- Some customers struggle with the quality of the bag
- Lack of customer service from the company
You can buy it on Amazon or the Official Website.
You can buy it on the Official Website.
Wrapping Up
There you have it! The best travel backpacks for digital nomads.
While there are a ton of amazing backpacks to choose from on the market today, these ones are the deal breakers for the digital nomads.
We hope this guide will help you find the best travel backpack for your travel needs. Feel free to comment and share!
Once you’ve got your digital nomad backpack, check out our guides to:
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