- Last Updated: March 3, 2025
Digital nomad lifestyle offers flexibility and mobility, which are not only a part of the lifestyle but also necessities. That’s why a backpack is the quintessential tool for digital nomads. A backpack is not just a luggage bag; it’s a portable workspace, home to essential items, and can also be used as a pillow! From keeping most vital things like passports, cash, and medicine, a backpack carries clothes, snacks, laptops, chargers, toiletries bag, sunscreen, and what not!
Whether you’re trekking through the mountains of Hawaii or roaming around the cities of Europe, finding the right backpack can make your whole experience a lot better by providing ease and peace. Today, we came up with 10 of the best backpacks in 2024, especially for digital nomads and remote workers.
How to choose backpacks for digital nomads?
Investing in the right backpack is a must for a digital nomad, as it can eliminate a lot of problems and make the experience better. So, before buying a backpack, consider several key factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Here are few things you need to consider to buy best backpack:
- ➤ Size and Capacity: An ideal backpack should be spacious enough to carry all the necessary items without being too bulky.
- ➤ Comfort and Ergonomics: A comfortable backpack will keep you and your physical health good. Ergonomic backpacks include a padded shoulder strap, a porous back panel, and a firm hip belt. By distributing the weight evenly, these features can help reduce strain on the chest or shoulder if you are wearing the backpack for a very long time .
- ➤ Security Features: Lockable zippers can assure safety from pickpockets while roaming around. Besides, hidden pockets are a great place to keep valuable things safe.
- ➤ Durability: Durable materials like polyester or ballistic nylon increase the lifespan of backpacks. It is important to keep your gear safe from outdoor activities or inclement weather, so reinforced stitching and water-resistant coatings are required.
- ➤ Weight: Weight is an important factor as you are carrying it most of the time while on the go. So, a lightweight backpack can reduce shoulder strain or overall load.
- ➤ Laptop Compartment: As a digital nomad or remote worker, laptop is the bread and butter of your career. So, keeping your laptop and its accessories safe from bumps and drops is crucial. A dedicated and padded compartment for the laptop can ensure its safety.
- ➤ Features: To keep your items organized and easily accessible, check for a backpack that has enough pockets and compartments. Different compartments can be used for the clothing section, gear section, document section, food section, and so on.
- ➤ Style: This isn't the most important one, but it can definitely reflect your choice and lifestyle for sure. You can choose a sleek minimalist design or go for a more rugged one; it totally depends on your preferences.
- ➤ Affordability: There are a bunch of backpacks in different price ranges. Choose one according to your budget. Good backpacks range from mid-to-high, that will ensure most of the properties a backpack should have for digital nomads. Just be sure not to go for the cheapest one if it has to compromise with the vital factors.
- ➤ Reviews: If you are confused or want to know more from the real-time users, read the product reviews below the store section. Also, check out recommendations from other digital nomads or travelers.
You may also like this- Best Digital Nomad Gear: 21 Must-Have Items (2024)
[This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you decide to purchase some of these resources, I earn a small commission at no additional cost for you. I only recommend selected products that I’m convinced about and that I would buy (or already did buy) myself.]
Here's our top pick for best digital nomad backpacks
The first one we are going to start out with is the Osprey Porter 30L. This small yet mighty backpack is an excellent choice for light and minimal travelers looking for an easy-to-use and organized pack. One of the great things about the backpack is that it is really flexible and malleable. The sidewalls are padded but not heavily framed. This backpack doesn’t decrease quality by compromising on weight.
To enhance this multi-use backpack, you get a full harness and hip belt that tuck away secretly on the back side. For the hustle between gates in the airport or running to the next train platform, this is a great way to quickly and easily transport the bag. Besides, apart from being rugged and eco-friendly, this backpack is quite spacious.
Organization is another big highlight of this bag. Osprey knows how important it is to maintain easy access to your documents, electronics, clothing, and other goods. There are tons of pockets to keep things organized and easily accessible. There is a big, lockable zipper compartment where you can keep your laptop up to 15 inches. For security purposes, it got straight jacket protection as well as real panel lockable zippers.
Specs:
- • Capacity: 30 litres
- • Weight: 2.89 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.5 x 9 in.
- • Materials:
Fabric type- 420HD Nylon Packcloth, 420HD Nylon Wave Ripstop
Water Resistance- DWR (Double Water Repellent) Coating - • Laptop Compartment: Available. Padded sleeve with secure zippers
- • Security Features: Straight jacket protection, Protected rear panel lockable zippers, Hidden Pockets
- • Comfort Features:
- Padded shoulder strap
- Porous back panel
- Padded hip belt
- Adjustable chest strap - • Special Features: External gear attachment, Compression straps
- • Shoe Compartment: Dedicated lower compartment
PROS
- ✔️ Versatile Capacity
- ✔️ Durable materials
- ✔️ Comfortable features
- ✔️ Better security features
- ✔️ Comes with Osprey's all mighty guarantee.
CONS
- ❌Not the lightest option
- ❌ Lack of advanced features (no RFID protection or USB charging port)
- ❌ Limited colour option
If you are a digital nomad and looking for the best backpack for security, then PacSafe VentureSafe EXP45 is here to assist you. PacSafe makes some of the best travel products, both in quality and in anti-theft technologies, and is quite a popular choice among digital nomads.
So, this particular backpack is made with a regenerated nylon material with eXomesh slashguard, and RFID-safe blocking pockets and the inside is recycled polyester. The lockable zippers just slide apart and then you can slide back together, making it more convenient to use. Also, they are quite heavy on duty. There is also a hole where you can put a travel lock, if you want to keep thing even more secure. Besides, both the waist belt and the shoulder straps are padded and adjustable.
The PacSafe VentureSafe EXP45 also has an ergonomic internal frame that offers increased balance and support. Three external attachment points are available to fit jackets, yoga mat, or sleeping bag. The laptop compartment is on the front side, which can be weird to use. As a digital nomad or traveler, this spacious, secured backpack can be your best fit to carry on while on the move.
Specs:
- • Capacity: 45 litres
- • Weight: 3.04 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 21.65 x 13.77 x 9.05 in.
- • Materials: N210D Nylon fabric with eXomesh slashguard and RFIDsafe blocking pockets and material
- • Laptop Compartment: Padded laptop compartment. Fits up to 15-inch laptop
- • Security Features: Anti-theft carry-on, Lockable zippers, RFID blocking pockets, eXomesh slashguards and Carrysafe slashguard straps
- • Comfort Features:
- Padded & adjustable shoulder strap
- Porous back panel
- Padded hip belt
- Height adjustable sternum strap - • Special Features: Expandable main compartment, Daisy chain loops
PROS
- ✔️ Best for security
- ✔️ Very spacious
- ✔️ Three external attachment points to fit jackets, yoga mat, or sleeping bag
- ✔️ Better comfort and ergonomic features
- ✔️ Water resistant
- ✔️ 5-year warranty
CONS
- ❌No rain cover
- ❌ Lack of organizational compartments
- ❌ The laptop compartment is on the front side, which can be weird
Ahh, the Nomatic backpacks! They are just focused on making incredible, top-notch bags for the nomads. This Nomatic Travel Bag 40L is an absolute choice of backpacks that is designed for those longer 3 to 7 day trips. This was built to maximize carry-on space.
The exterior of the bag is made with strong, water resistant zippers and carbon material that will last forever. The bottom of the bag was built to slide over a roller luggage handle to make travelling with wheels a little more seamless. Those patented strap designs allow you to easily switch between a backpack and a duffel bag and never have dangling straps again. To help you organize your gear, they’ve added different compartments to keep your shoes separate, where you can keep up to size 12 shoe protected.
The right side of the bag also has a zipper with multiple features inside. There’s an RFID-safe pocket designed to be durable and lined with RFID blocking material to protect your important belongings like passports, credit cards, and other documents. Besides, each bag comes with a removable waist belt to help distribute the weight of the bag. There’s also a laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separated. With so many features, the Nomatic Travel Bag 40L can be the ultimate travel backpack you’ve been searching for!
Specs:
- • Capacity: 40 liters
- • Weight: 4.4 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 20.9 x 14 x 9.01 in. (expandable to 12 in.)
- • Materials: Durable, rugged, water-resistant 500D tarpaulin material
- • Laptop Compartment: Fits up to 15-inch laptop, Tablet pocket is also available
- • Security Features: RFID safe pocket, hidden pocket
- • Comfort Features: Comfortable to carry, Carry on size
- • Other Compartments: Notebook pockets, sunglass pockets
- • Shoe Compartment: Available. Fits up to size 12 shoes
PROS
- ✔️ High-quality, durable, and water-resistant material
- ✔️ Expandable
- ✔️ Organization is easy
- ✔️ Better security features include RFID safe pockets and hidden pockets
- ✔️ Better security features include RFID safe pockets and hidden pockets
- ✔️ This backpack has literally been designed for digital nomads
CONS
- ❌ Comparatively heavier than other backpacks
- ❌ Shoe compartment takes up more space
The next one we came up with is the Peak Design Travel Backpack. The designers have bigger versions (40L to 45L) of it, but recently they released the smaller version (30L), which is perfect if you’re a huge minimalist or you’re only going on a short-term trip. It has a grading and searching feature, which makes the main compartment a lot deeper. Here, the organized features are amazing. Besides, it has comfortable cushion harness straps as well as a sturdy, protected laptop compartment.
The big design backpack opens from the back, and it does have a great ruby made compartment with a lot of little pockets. If you are a fan of sleek design, then definitely consider this backpack. This backpack is a perfect fit for the more corporate type of digital nomad.
Specs:
- • Capacity: 45 liters
- • Weight: 4.52 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 in.
- • Materials: Rugged, durable, nylon construction, 100% carbon neutral, Water resistant
- • Laptop Compartment: Padded laptop sleeves
- • Security Features: Lockable zippers, weatherproof materials, zipper pull loops, hidden pockets, quick access side panels
- • Comfort Features:
- Retractable shoulder pads
- Comfortable cushion harness
- Padded hip belt
- 360-degree grab handles - • Special Features: Tuck-away straps, Versatile expansion and compression
PROS
- ✔️ Rugged, expandable, and accessible carry-on travel backpack
- ✔️ Sleek and stylish design, perfect for city commutes
- ✔️ Designed to fit into carry-on luggage (but it is wise to check the airlines size restrictions)
- ✔️ Weatherproof zips
- ✔️ Side pockets can store water bottles and tripods
- ✔️ Fair trade certified
CONS
- ❌ The removable sternup strap can be a little lose
- ❌ Price is relatively higher but justifies the quality and the features
- ❌ Limited color options
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This WANDRD Fernweh is a large, stylish futuristic backpack that is meant for travel, photography, hiking, and adventure activities. It got chic external material and layered compartments. The main exterior materials are weather-resistant 420D ROBIC & 630D nylon. The zippers are all YKK, many of which are PU-coated. It has a back padding system that utilizes airflow foam and increases comfort.
Talking more about comfort, this is one of the most comfortable backpacks out there on the market. It’s not just the material but also top-notch 6-point adjustment system, breathable foam air mesh back panel, torso adjustments, load adjustments, chest adjustments with sternum strap, shoulder strap adjustments, and two different points of waist strap adjustments.
If you are looking for the perfect intersection with a backpack that can handle all your hiking, adventures and photography gear, then it’s a perfect pack for you. Apart from that, this bag can be used as a travel bag and can be used while hustling through Southeast Asia. This dope backpack really resonates with the backpacker lifestyle for sure!
Specs:
- • Capacity: 50 liters
- • Weight: 5 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 25 x 13.75 x 9.5 in.
- • Materials: Weather-resistant 420D ROBIC & 630D nylon material
- • Laptop Compartment: Available; up to 13.5-inch laptop
- • Security Features: Secure passport pocket
- • Comfort Features:
- Breathable foam air mesh back panel
- Adjustable-length backpack straps
- Waist belt and sternum straps for improved stability
- 6-point adjustment system - • Special Features: Dedicated hydration bladder sleeve, 4-points of entry into main compartment: Top, front, back, and side camera access door, expandable water/tripod pocket
PROS
- ✔️ Ultimate adventure and hiking backpack
- ✔️ Versatile
- ✔️ Next-level comfort
- ✔️ Camera-cube functionality
- ✔️ Convenient accessibility
- ✔️ Sleek minimalist aesthetic design
- ✔️ 4 access points and a removal bucket for easy access of gear
CONS
- ❌Not the most budget-friendly option
- ❌ Relatively heavy
- ❌ 'Bucket' access can be annoying
The next up is Bange Travel Backpack 35L, an absolute beast for extra storage and perfect for longer trips. This spacious, expandable pack can be the perfect fit for you. They prioritize functionality over plush padding.
It has a mesh zip on top of the suitcase area that really helps protect your clothes and keep everything looking neat and nice. It also has great organization, having a lot of zip pockets and compartments. The laptop compartment is quite big, and it fits up to a 17-inch laptop. There’s also a secret compartment where you can store your essential items, such as passports, mobile phone, credit card, and other documents.
If you are full-time digital nomad or traveler who has to keep all belongings organized and easily accessible, then this backpack is definitely for you.
Specs:
- • Capacity: 35 liters
- • Weight: 3.3 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.6 x 7.87 in.
- • Materials: Water-resistant and durable polyester fabric
- • Laptop Compartment: Available. Fits up to 17-inch laptop
- • Security Features: Anti-theft design
- • Comfort Features:
- Padded & adjustable shoulder strap
- Ergonomic airflow back design
- Thick handles
- Adjustable sternum strap - • Special Features: USB charging port, Luggage strap
PROS
- ✔️ One of the most affordable nomad backpacks on the market
- ✔️ Organization is easy due to multiple compartments
- ✔️ Comfortable features
- ✔️ Better security features include anti-theft design
- ✔️ Best for extra storage
CONS
- ❌ Not the lightest option
- ❌ Concerns about durability remains
- ❌ Design might not be too appealing to many digital nomads
Next up on the list is the Matein Travel Backpack. This pack comes in a bunch of different sizes, from 27L to 35L to 54L. If you’re on a budget, this bag is an absolute choice, as it runs about 40 USD. It got over 97,000 reviews with a 4.7 rating on Amazon, which is really impressive! Besides, it comes in nine different color options. Let’s talk about the 35L version, as it makes an ideal deal for the majority of travelers.
This bag is made from polyester material, which makes it lighter than those made from traditional fabric material. Also, it’s not as heavy or expensive as a nylon-made pack. This backpack utilizes stowable shoulder straps, which is great for travelling when you want to put the bag in the overhead bin. Unlike many other bags, this nice and streamlined bag can be popped up top or, more like, seamlessly underneath the seat in front of you. It also allows you to carry in sort of a brief.
Security feature like an anti-theft pocket is available on the back. Soft, multi-panel, ventilated padding is there to give you maximum back support. If you are looking for a cheaper option that justifies the quality, hands down, this backpack is for you.
Specs:
- • Capacity: 35 liters
- • Weight: 2 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 19 x 13.8 x 7.8 in.
- • Materials: Made of Water Resistant and Sturdy Polyester fabric with metal zippers
- • Laptop Compartment: Available. Fits up to 15.6-inch laptop
- • Security Features: Anti-theft pocket on the back
- • Comfort Features:
- Soft padded back design with thick but soft multi-panel ventilated padding, gives you maximum back support
- Breathable and adjustable shoulder straps
- Foam padded top handle - • Special Features: Built-in USB charging port though requires a separate power bank
PROS
- ✔️ Probably the best budget backpack for digital nomads
- ✔️ Sturdy enough
- ✔️ Comfortable features
- ✔️ Anti-theft pocket for added security
- ✔️ Lots of storage space & pockets
CONS
- ❌ Not the very stylish one
- ❌ Lack of security features (no lockable zippers)
This classic canvas made WITZMAN Canvas Backpack is a backpack that has a stylish and aesthetic design while being one of the most affordable options on the market. This is a multi-functional bag that can be carried in 3 ways: Convertible backpack, Duffel bag, Tote bag.
This versatile and functional pack also has features like padded straps and breathable mesh back panel. The main compartment is very spacious, and the laptop compartment can carry up to a 16-inch laptop. Besides, it has multiple pockets: 3 front pockets, 1 side pocket, 2 zippered pockets, and 2 velcro open pockets. It has some cons regarding durability. As canvas is a natural material, it doesn’t last longer than synthetics like polyester or nylon. But apart from some of them, this spacious, affordable, multi-functional, and aesthetic backpack can be the right choice for you.
Specs:
- • Capacity: 25- 35 liters (approximately)
- • Weight: 3.46 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 22 x 12.5 x 8 in.
- • Materials: Made of high-quality classic Canvas with PU leather; Polyester lining, Thick metal zippers
- • Laptop Compartment: Fits up to 16-inch laptop
- • Pockets: 3 front pockets, 1 side pocket, 2 zippered pocket, 2 velcro open pockets
- • Comfort Features:
- Thick, padded backpack straps
- Breathable mesh back panel
- Padded hip belt (on some models)
- Height adjustable sternum strap - • Special Features: 3-in-1 bag: Convertible Backpack, Duffel Bag, Tote Bag
PROS
- ✔️ Budget-friendly
- ✔️ Stylish-aesthetic design
- ✔️ Versatile and functional
- ✔️ Spacious main compartment
- ✔️ Convertible functionality
- ✔️ Multi-pocket design
- ✔️ 1-year warranty and the shoulder strap is lifetime warranty
CONS
- ❌ Canvas is a natural material and may not be as durable as synthetics like polyester or nylon
- ❌ Lacks padding and comfort features (on some models)
- ❌ Might not be fully waterproof
Osprey is a reputable company in terms of manufacturing some of the best backpacks for travelers and digital nomads. They have multiple series, fulfilling the different needs and aspects of travelers. We’re now going to discuss the mighty Osprey Farpoint 40 which is an absolute deal breaker. Farpoint series is basically for men whereas for women they have series like Osprey Fairview 40.
This popular backpack is best for long-term travel. It is made from nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and packcloth material. Farpoint is rugged, whereas Fairview is fit tailored to women. Both of these versions are similar in many ways. They are spacious, comfortable, and come in different colors. Padded laptop and tablet sleeves are available where you can fit a laptop up to 15.4-inches in the laptop compartment.
Farpoint has quick-access pockets and an expandable design. If we talk about comfort features, this pack has some of the coolest features. It got adjustable harness, stoway back panel, internal compression straps, and a padded hip belt. For security purposes, it has lockable zippers to keep your items secured. Though, it comes in different sizes- 40L, 55L, 70L, 80L, 40L is ideal as it can avoid baggage fees, meets most airline carry-on requirements, and can be used as a carry-on with minimal electronic gear.
Specs:
- • Capacity: 40 litres
- • Weight: 3.59 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 24 x 15 x 3.94 in.
- • Materials: Nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and packcloth
- • Laptop Compartment: Padded laptop and tablet sleeve available. Fits up to 15.4-inch laptop
- • Security Features: Lockable zippers
- • Comfort Features:
- Dual front compression straps
- Stowaway back panel
- Padded hip belt
- Adjustable harness system
PROS
- ✔️ Lockable compartments
- ✔️ Comfortable features include stowaway backpanel, harness, and hipbelt
- ✔️ Meets most airline carry-on requirements
- ✔️ LightWire frame suspension
- ✔️ Internal compression straps
- ✔️ Comes in different colors
CONS
- ❌ Design is too simple
- ❌ The laptop pocket position is at the front; hinders weight distribution
- ❌ No hip belt pockets
Last but not least, we have Tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L on our list. This is a killer pack that costs only around $75 and definitely offers value for money. This bag is made of premium quality YKK zippers and durable recycled fabric. Besides, it is made from PET plastic bottles, which makes it eco-friendly. One of the best security features is that, it’s TSA-friendly and Flight approved carry-on. You can fit a 17.3-inch laptop easily in the laptop compartment.
Tomtoc has incredible comfort features that include a 3D padded mesh back panel, contoured shoulder straps, chest buckle, and much more. Besides, there are four main compartments with a quick-access camera door as well as a strap on the back for luggage pass-through. One drawback about this pack is that the quality could’ve been better. Apart from that, this is one of the best value for money backpacks for travelers and digital nomads on the market right now.
Specs:
- • Capacity: 40 liters
- • Weight: 2.6 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 20.47 x 13.39 x 9.06 in.
- • Materials: Water-resistant; Made of premium quality YKK zippers and durable recycled fabric—that is 100% post-consumer made from PET plastic bottles, which makes it eco-friendly
- • Laptop Compartment: Fits up to 17.3-inch laptop
- • Security Features: TSA-friendly; Flight approved carry-on
- • Comfort Features:
- Contoured thick shoulder straps
- 3D padded back panel
- Adjustable chest buckle
- Two handles; one on top and one on the side provide flexible carrying experiences - • Special Features: Four main compartments with quick-access camera door, Strap on the back for luggage pass-through
PROS
- ✔️ Built to Last and Environmentally friendly
- ✔️ TSA Friendly & Flight Approved
- ✔️ Smart Capacity & Organization
- ✔️ Convenient Storage
- ✔️ Ultra-comfortable & Easy Carry
CONS
- ❌No dedicated shoe compartmentt
- ❌ Quality could be better
That’s it for today! In this article, we picked some of the best travel backpacks for digital nomads. We discussed the specs, both the pros and cons, to show both sides of the coin. Also, we talked about the parameters you should consider checking out to make your investment worthwhile. Old and reputated digital nomad backpack companies like Osprey, Nomatic, and PacSafe are quite popular among digital nomads. But more companies are joining the game gradually and trying their best to provide better quality. As every digital nomad has different choice and preferences, you should consider all the factors and then choose which one fits you the best!
You may also like this- 13 Best Laptops for Digital Nomads & Remote Workers (2024)
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