For the last 15 years, I have traveled exclusively with backpacks. From the original 80L that I traveled around New Zealand and Australia with to the tiny 35L I traveled for six months with through South East Asia and everything in between.
I’ve tried so many backpacks over the years and have learned what works for different occasions. In the last few years, I have streamlined my luggage and gotten it down to three bags of varying sizes and price points that I am loving at the moment.
1. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L
This backpack is my go-to for long trips. If I’m going to be traveling for more than 2 weeks or I’m going to be in several different climates then I use this backpack.
42L sounded like the right size for a carry on backpack, but the shape of this bag means that once it’s full, it’s too big to meet the size requirements for most airlines.
If I didn’t mind splurging twice, I would buy the 28L bag which fits a ton of stuff, has a waist-strap which is something my other small bags sorely miss, and is the perfect size for a carry on.
The quality of Cotopaxi is unbeatable. They offer a lifetime warranty on all of their products, which means you know that it’s going to last you years of travel. It’s also why I feel confident checking this bag. It’s waterproof, thick and durable, and always comes out of baggage claim looking great. Buy the Cotopaxi 42L bag here.
2. Lubardy 40L
This is without a doubt my most used backpack. It is a bargain at under $30 (if you buy the black one).
It is big enough to fit a week’s worth of clothes, which means plenty of travel clothes if you are staying somewhere that has a washing machine or where getting your laundry done is cheap ($3 for a load of laundry in Mexico!).
It fits PERFECTLY under the seat of airplanes, so it is not only a carry on item, but fits the size for most personal items on airlines.
It opens like a clamshell, which is my preference for all backpacks. I spent years looking for a single tshirt or pair of socks at the bottom of a backpack that opens on the top and only recently discovered the joys of a clamshell backpack. I’ll never go back. Buy the Lubardy 40L backpack here.
3. Zomake 30L
This is my day bag that I take with me on every trip. It packs up into a tiny little zipped up bag that fits into my luggage and then when I arrive somewhere, I open it up and have the perfect backpack.
It is great for hiking, city exploring, or bringing as an extra bag for when I do a little too much souvenir shopping.
It fits two light jackets, two water bottles, plenty of snacks, and even a packed lunch for two people all with ease. I love how lighweight it is and how easy it to to repack at the end of a trip.