Travel Backpack

A travel backpack does what a suitcase can't — it keeps your hands free, fits in overhead bins, handles uneven terrain, and moves with you rather than behind you. The right one depends entirely on how you travel: a 40L carry-on approved pack for business trips is a completely different product to a 65L hiking pack for multi-week trekking.

Travel Gear stocks travel backpacks from Pacsafe, Sea to Summit, Tatonka, and other trusted brands, with options across carry-on, anti-theft, hiking, laptop, and waterproof categories. We're an authorised Australian stockist and ship from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.

Types of Travel Backpacks

Carry-On Approved Travel Backpacks

Sized to fit within airline carry-on limits (typically 56cm x 36cm x 23cm for Australian carriers). Most hold 35–45 litres and are designed to open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and security screening. Look for a dedicated laptop sleeve, compression straps, and a trolley sleeve to slide over wheeled luggage handles.

Anti-Theft Travel Backpacks

Designed for high-risk destinations and crowded environments. Features include slash-resistant fabric panels, lockable zips, hidden pockets, and RFID-blocking compartments. Pacsafe is the benchmark brand — their Metrosafe and Venturesafe ranges are purpose-built for security-conscious travellers. Browse our anti-theft backpacks for the full range.

Hiking & Adventure Backpacks

Built for multi-day trips with structured back panels, hip belt load transfer, and hydration reservoir compatibility. Capacity ranges from 25L daypacks to 75L+ expedition packs. Tatonka and Sea to Summit are our flagship hiking brands, with packs tested in Australian and international conditions. See our hiking backpacks range for the full selection.

Laptop Travel Backpacks

Optimised for daily commuting and business travel with padded laptop compartments (typically 13–17 inch), organisation panels for cables and accessories, and professional aesthetics. Many double as carry-on bags for short business trips.

Waterproof Backpacks

Welded seams and waterproof zips keep contents dry in rain, on boats, and at the beach. Capacity typically ranges from 10–30 litres. Essential for kayaking, sailing, and travel in tropical or wet climates.

How to Choose the Right Travel Backpack

• Capacity: 20–35L for day trips and carry-on; 40–55L for 1–2 week trips; 60L+ for extended travel or hiking
• Weight: Ultralight packs start under 500g; most quality travel packs weigh 1–2kg empty
• Back system: Padded back panel and shoulder straps for comfort; hip belt for loads over 10kg
• Access: Top-loading suits hiking; clamshell opening suits travel packing; panel-loading suits business
• Security: Lockable zips and hidden pockets for high-risk destinations
• Laptop protection: Padded sleeve with separate security screening access for frequent flyers

Carry-On Size Guide for Australian Airlines

Most Australian carriers allow carry-on bags up to 56cm x 36cm x 23cm and 7kg. Soft backpacks often compress to fit even when slightly oversized — but don't rely on this for budget carriers like Jetstar, which enforce limits more strictly. Always check your specific fare conditions before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size travel backpack fits as carry-on on Australian airlines?

Most Australian airlines allow carry-on bags up to 56cm x 36cm x 23cm and 7kg. A 40–45L backpack typically fits within these dimensions when packed. Measure your packed bag before travel — soft packs compress more than hard cases.

Are anti-theft backpacks worth it?

For travel in high-risk destinations — busy European cities, Southeast Asian markets, South American cities — yes. Slash-resistant fabric and lockable zips make opportunistic theft significantly harder. For low-risk destinations, a standard travel pack is fine.

What's the best travel backpack for a 2-week trip?

A 40–50L clamshell-opening travel pack is the most versatile choice for a 2-week trip. It packs like a suitcase, fits as carry-on on most airlines, and handles both city and outdoor environments. For more detail, see our travel backpack buying guide.