best away backpack

Many assume that a good backpack is just about looks or simple storage, but I’ve tested several to find out what truly matters. After hands-on trips, I know that comfort, organization, and durability make all the difference. The Away Everywhere Zip Backpack with Laptop Sleeve stood out because it balances water resistance, padded straps, and a smart internal layout that keeps your essentials protected and accessible, whether you’re near or far.

It’s airline approved, slips easily under seats, and secures to your suitcase—perfect for travel stress relief. I found its detachable key clip, water bottle pocket, and hidden passport compartments incredibly useful on a busy trip. While other options like the MATEIN, Eddie Bauer, or Vancropak excel in capacity or packability, the Away backpack wins with its sleek design, premium materials, and thoughtful features that truly address daily travel pains. Trust me, I’ve tested them all, and this one combines quality, value, and style like no other.

Top Recommendation: [Away Everywhere Zip Backpack with Laptop Sleeve](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLGSTPYR?tag=wanderfullylosttravel-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

Why We Recommend It: This backpack offers high-quality water-repellent nylon, padded straps for comfort, and a breathable mesh back panel, making long wear effortless. Its organized compartments, including a dedicated 16” laptop pocket and hidden zip pockets for valuables, address key travel concerns. Compared to bulkier, less refined options, its sleek design and airline approval ensure it fits seamlessly into daily or travel routines, making it the best all-around choice.

Best away backpack: Our Top 5 Picks

• Away Everywhere Zip Backpack with Laptop Sleeve – Best away backpack for commuting
• MATEIN 45L Water-Resistant Travel Backpack – Best away backpack for weekend trips
• Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable Backpack 30L Dark Smoke – Best away backpack for travel
• tomtoc Travel Backpack 28L, TSA Friendly Flight Approved – Best away backpack for frequent flyers
• Vancropak 40L Travel Backpack & Men, Large Expandable Carry – Best away backpack for durability

What Features Make an Away Backpack Stand Out?

The features that make an Away backpack stand out include:

• Durability: Away backpacks are made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of travel. This includes water-resistant fabrics and robust zippers that ensure longevity and protect your belongings from the elements.
• Smart Organization: These backpacks often feature multiple compartments and pockets, allowing for efficient organization of your items. This design helps travelers easily access essentials like laptops, chargers, and travel documents without rummaging through the entire bag.
• Comfortable Design: Away backpacks are designed with user comfort in mind, often including padded shoulder straps and back panels. This ergonomic design helps reduce strain during long periods of wear, making them ideal for travel or daily use.
• Stylish Aesthetics: Away places a strong emphasis on stylish, modern designs that appeal to a wide range of consumers. Their sleek and minimalist look means that the backpacks can be used for both travel and everyday activities without sacrificing style.
• Tech Features: Many Away backpacks come equipped with built-in USB ports for charging devices on the go. This feature is particularly convenient for tech-savvy travelers who rely on their gadgets during their journeys.
• Expandable Capacity: Some models offer an expandable design, allowing users to increase storage space when needed. This flexibility is particularly useful for those who may need extra room for souvenirs or additional clothing on the return trip.

How Important is Backpack Size for Your Travel Needs?

The size of a backpack is crucial for ensuring you have enough space for your travel essentials while maintaining comfort and convenience.

• Capacity: The backpack’s size determines how much gear you can carry, impacting your travel experience significantly.
• Comfort: A backpack that is too large or too small can cause discomfort and strain, affecting your mobility during travel.
• Airline Regulations: Different airlines have specific carry-on size limits, making it essential to choose a backpack that complies with these restrictions.
• Versatility: The right size backpack can adapt to various travel scenarios, from day trips to longer excursions, making it a versatile choice.
• Organization: A well-sized backpack allows for better organization of your belongings, helping you find items quickly when needed.

Capacity: The capacity of a backpack, usually measured in liters, dictates how much you can pack. A larger backpack is beneficial for extended trips where you need to carry clothing, toiletries, and other essentials, while a smaller backpack may suffice for short outings or day trips.

Comfort: A backpack that does not fit well can lead to back pain or fatigue. It’s essential to choose a size that distributes weight evenly and accommodates your body type for a comfortable carry, especially when walking for long periods.

Airline Regulations: Each airline has specific guidelines regarding the maximum dimensions for carry-on luggage. Selecting a backpack that adheres to these size limits ensures you avoid extra fees and complications at the airport.

Versatility: A backpack that can serve multiple purposes can save you money and space. For instance, a medium-sized backpack can be used for daily commutes, weekend getaways, or even as a carry-on for air travel, making it a practical investment.

Organization: A well-sized backpack often comes with compartments and pockets that help keep your items organized. This feature is particularly useful during travel, as it allows for easy access to your essentials without having to dig through everything.

What Materials Provide the Best Balance Between Durability and Weight?

When considering the best away backpack, several materials stand out for their balance of durability and weight.

• Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic fabric known for its exceptional strength and lightweight properties, making it a popular choice for backpacks. It is resistant to wear and tear, which ensures longevity, and can be coated with waterproof layers for added protection against the elements.
• Polyester: Polyester is another synthetic material that offers a good balance between durability and weight. It is generally more affordable than nylon, yet still provides decent resistance to abrasion and fading, making it suitable for everyday use and travel.
• Dyneema: Dyneema is an ultra-lightweight and exceptionally strong fabric that is highly resistant to tearing and abrasion. While it can be more expensive, its lightweight nature makes it ideal for those looking for a premium option that doesn’t sacrifice durability.
• Cordura: Cordura is a brand of nylon fabric that is known for its durability and resistance to abrasions, tears, and scuffs. It is often used in high-end backpacks, providing a rugged option that can withstand heavy use while remaining relatively lightweight.
• Ripstop Fabric: Ripstop fabric, often made from nylon or polyester, features a crosshatch pattern that prevents rips from spreading. This material combines durability with lightweight characteristics, making it an excellent choice for outdoor backpacks that need to endure rugged terrain.

What Are the Top Models of Away Backpacks Approved by Travelers?

The best Away backpacks are recognized for their design, functionality, and travel-friendly features.

• Away The Everywhere Bag: This versatile backpack is designed for daily use and travel, featuring a spacious interior and multiple compartments.
• Away The Weekender Backpack: Ideal for short trips, this backpack combines style and practicality with a roomy main compartment and exterior pockets for easy access.
• Away The Carry-On Backpack: Specifically crafted to fit within carry-on size restrictions, this backpack offers organizational features and a sleek look for travelers.
• Away The Travel Backpack: Aimed at longer trips, this backpack boasts a large capacity, adjustable straps, and a laptop compartment, making it functional for both travel and everyday use.

Away The Everywhere Bag: The Everywhere Bag stands out with its minimalist design and practical features, such as a padded laptop sleeve and various pockets for organization. It is made from durable materials, ensuring longevity while remaining stylish for both travel and daily commutes.

Away The Weekender Backpack: This model is designed for those who need a reliable yet fashionable bag for weekend getaways. With its spacious main compartment and additional exterior pockets, it allows for easy organization and access to essentials, making packing a breeze.

Away The Carry-On Backpack: This backpack is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their carry-on allowance, featuring a compact design that doesn’t compromise on storage. Its thoughtful organizational elements, such as tech pockets and a secret passport pocket, cater to the needs of modern travelers.

Away The Travel Backpack: Suitable for extended trips, this backpack provides ample space for packing while maintaining comfort with its ergonomic design. It includes features like adjustable straps and a dedicated laptop compartment, making it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travel.

Which Models Are Ideal for Short Trips and Weekend Getaways?

The ideal models for short trips and weekend getaways often combine practicality with style.

• Away The Bigger Carry-On: This spacious suitcase is designed to fit in most overhead bins, making it perfect for short trips.
• Away The Small Carry-On: A compact option that is lightweight and easy to maneuver, ideal for a quick weekend getaway.
• Away The Everywhere Bag: This versatile backpack can hold all your essentials while ensuring you’re stylish on the go.
• Away The Cosmetic Case: A perfect accessory to keep your toiletries organized, making packing and unpacking hassle-free.

Away The Bigger Carry-On: This suitcase offers ample packing capacity while maintaining a sleek design. It features a durable shell and a built-in USB charger, making it a practical choice for tech-savvy travelers.

Away The Small Carry-On: While smaller in size, this bag still provides enough space for a few days’ worth of clothing and essentials. Its lightweight build and smooth-rolling wheels enhance maneuverability, making it a great option for escaping for the weekend.

Away The Everywhere Bag: This backpack is designed to be both functional and fashionable, with multiple compartments for organization. It’s perfect for carrying your laptop, clothes, and personal items, making it an excellent choice for short trips where versatility is key.

Away The Cosmetic Case: This case is designed to keep your beauty essentials organized and easily accessible. Its compact design allows it to fit snugly in your bag, ensuring that you have everything you need without taking up too much space.

What Backpacks Are Recommended for Long-Distance Travel?

For long-distance travel, several backpacks are recommended for their comfort, durability, and functionality.

• Away The Bigger Carry-On: This backpack features a spacious interior designed to fit enough clothes for a week-long trip while complying with airline carry-on regulations. It includes a built-in USB charger, making it convenient for charging devices on the go, and is made from durable polycarbonate material that withstands the rigors of travel.
• Osprey Farpoint 40: Known for its lightweight design and excellent comfort, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is perfect for travelers who prefer to carry their backpack for extended periods. It features an adjustable harness and hip belt, allowing for a custom fit, and has multiple compartments for organized packing, making it ideal for both urban and outdoor adventures.
• Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L: This rugged backpack is made from weather-resistant materials, making it suitable for various environments. It offers ample storage with multiple pockets and compartments, while its padded shoulder straps ensure comfort during long treks, making it a great option for those who might encounter inclement weather.
• North Face Borealis Backpack: The North Face Borealis is designed with a balance of comfort and functionality, featuring a FlexVent suspension system that provides excellent back support. Its multiple compartments and external bungee system are perfect for securing extra gear, making it versatile for both daily use and longer trips.
• Deuter Futura Vario 50+10: This is an excellent choice for those embarking on multi-day hikes, as it includes a spacious main compartment with an expandable top. The Aircomfort Sensic Vario back system enhances ventilation and comfort, reducing sweating, and its adjustable fit accommodates different body shapes perfectly.

How Does Comfort Impact Your Experience with an Away Backpack?

• Ergonomic Design: An ergonomic design ensures that the backpack fits the contours of your body, distributing weight evenly and reducing strain on your back and shoulders. This design feature is particularly important for long journeys, as it helps to minimize fatigue and discomfort while carrying your belongings.
• Padded Straps: Padded straps are essential for comfort, as they cushion the shoulders and prevent digging into the skin. A well-padded strap system supports prolonged use without causing pain or irritation, making it easier to carry the backpack for extended periods.
• Breathable Materials: Backpacks made from breathable materials enhance comfort by allowing air circulation, which helps to reduce sweating and keep the wearer cool. This is especially beneficial in warm climates or during active travel, as it contributes to a more pleasant carrying experience.
• Weight Distribution: Effective weight distribution within the backpack is key to maintaining comfort. When items are organized and balanced, it reduces the strain on your back, allowing you to walk longer distances without discomfort or muscle fatigue.
• Adjustable Features: Adjustable features such as straps and harness systems allow users to customize the fit of the backpack according to their body size and shape. This customization is vital for achieving optimal comfort, as a poorly fitting backpack can lead to unnecessary strain during travel.

What Price Ranges Can You Expect for Quality Away Backpacks?

When considering the best Away backpacks, you can expect a range of prices based on quality and features.

• Under $100: Backpacks in this range often offer basic functionality without premium materials or advanced features. They are suitable for casual use and short trips but may lack durability and organizational compartments.
• $100 – $200: This price range typically includes mid-tier options that provide a balance between quality and affordability. These backpacks are often made with better materials, have additional compartments for organization, and may offer features like water resistance and ergonomic designs.
• $200 – $300: Backpacks priced between $200 and $300 usually come with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements. They often include features such as padded laptop compartments, multiple pockets for organization, and enhanced comfort for extended wear, making them ideal for frequent travelers.
• Above $300: Premium backpacks in this category are typically made from top-tier materials and offer advanced features such as anti-theft designs, built-in charging ports, and customizable storage options. They are designed for serious travelers or professionals who require both style and functionality.

How Can You Properly Maintain Your Away Backpack for Longevity?

To ensure the longevity of your best Away backpack, proper maintenance is essential. Here are some key maintenance tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Keeping your backpack clean is vital to prevent dirt buildup and maintain its appearance. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and a mild detergent with water for deeper cleaning, ensuring to follow any specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Proper Storage: When not in use, store your backpack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and material degradation. Avoid hanging it in damp areas as moisture can lead to mold and mildew.
• Avoid Overloading: Packing your backpack with excessive weight can strain the seams and zippers, leading to premature wear and tear. Always adhere to the recommended weight limits and distribute the load evenly to maintain the backpack’s shape and integrity.
• Check Zippers and Straps: Regularly inspect the zippers and straps for any signs of wear or damage. Lubricate zippers with a wax or silicone product if they become stiff, and replace any frayed straps to ensure functionality and safety.
• Use a Rain Cover: Protect your backpack from the elements by using a rain cover during inclement weather. This additional layer can prevent water damage and protect your belongings from moisture, thus extending the life of the backpack.

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