Gregg's Endless Backpack Search: What Is The Best Travel Backpack?
Updated for 2024! See how my chosen backpack worked out!
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Back in 2019, my wife and I surprised my mother by telling her we were taking her to Paris for her birthday the following year (why yes, I am running for World’s Best Son. Vote Gregg!). The plan was for my wife to quit her job, we’d spend a couple weeks in England and France with my mom, and then continue on to Italy, where we’d spend another two weeks eating until we exploded.
I usually take a messenger bag as my personal item on flights. However, this trip, I knew I’d be spending a lot of time wheeling my suitcase with one arm and my mother’s with the other (she’s 70 and has Parkinson’s), so in order to avoid the shoulder bag constantly smacking the suitcases as we walked, I’d need a backpack. The plan was to spare no expense, get the coolest and fanciest and best travel backpack I could find. I did lots of research in order to make my decision.
Then the pandemic hit, and we had to reschedule our trip from September 2020 to March 2021. And then again to September 2021. And then again to April 2022. If I have to book this trip a fifth time, I’m gonna lose it. (2024 update: I had to reschedule again. I lost it.)
Pushing back the trip also pushed back the date when I’d need the backpack, so I kept looking and making notes. I have now been shopping for a backpack for TWO YEARS, and still haven’t chosen one. Will I pick one today? We’ll see.
I know my backpacks. I’ve written quite a few articles on backpacks and other types of luggage. If you’ve ever Googled “best carry-on suitcase” or something like that, there’s a chance you’ve seen my work. But now I’m shopping for me. It’s time to reveal my findings to the world. These are the backpacks I’m considering, and if you’re smart and cool, you should consider them also.
The Criteria
In general, I want the same stuff as everyone else: pockets, laptop sleeve, etc. I want quality. But there are a few aspects of my taste that are particular:
1) It’s got to work as a carry-on. Different airlines have different size limits, but I want one that can go under the seat in front of me. If you’re looking for a bag to go backpacking in Europe with, get one from REI and don’t waste my time.
2) I don’t like these clasp things or this kind. I want to avoid them as much as possible.
3) Width and depth are more important than height. I’m not a student carrying around textbooks, and my MacBook Air is quite small, so while I want volume, I don’t care how tall the bag is since the stuff I’m storing will just sit at the bottom. I do, however, need straps long enough for my frame (I’m 5’11”).
4) RFID-blocking pockets are useless. That type of crime is not something I worry about.
5) Need lots of pockets and little organizational compartments, particularly exterior ones so I can grab stuff on a flight without pulling up the whole bag from between my feet.
6) Looks matter. Never owned a leather bag, but every time I try one at a store, I like the feel.
Those are my main considerations. Here, now, are the top contenders:
The best travel backpacks for cool kids to use as their carry-on personal items when traveling to Europe
The Big Dawg: Tumi Alpha Bravo Sheppard Deluxe Brief Pack
The most expensive and therefore best backpack there is, the Alpha Bravo Sheppard has just about everything you could possibly want: two front pockets, two side pockets, a main compartment and laptop compartment, plus a hidden rear pocket, plus Tumi Tracer, which helps you track down your bag if it’s lost. If you’re dying for a leather option, the slightly smaller Alpha Bravo Nathan comes in leather or nylon and has better straps and a better handle, but smaller side pockets and the laptop sleeve is inside the main compartment.
Dimensions: 17x14x8 inches
Pro: Leather accents, a water bottle pocket, a key leash, a dedicated laptop compartment - there’s a reason Tumi is the top brand in the world of luggage. There’s not much I want that it doesn’t have.
Con: The straps. They’re narrow and puffy, and sit strangely on my shoulders. I don’t think it would be super comfortable to wear this all day. That’s too bad, because otherwise, this would absolutely be the front-runner because it’s perfect in just about all other ways. But for this price, I’d want more comfortable straps.
My wife (who worked at a fancy clothing store for many years) claims the straps will probably get more comfortable over time as I wear it in, but that’s an expensive gamble to take. There’s a one-year warranty where any repairs are free and five more years where they’ll repair it but I have to pay to ship it. It’s certainly nice, but do I want to pay this much for a bag that might not get more comfortable when there’s other options out there? I guess it comes down to how much I think I’ll use it beyond this one trip.
2024 UPDATE: Both of these backpacks are now no longer available on Amazon. They have been replaced by the Alpha Bravo Nomadic ($725), Alpha Bravo Navigation ($525, slightly smaller), or Alpha Bravo Search (available in black leather for $795). The Search seems roomiest of the three and the all-black leather design looks great, but man that’s a hefty price tag. Nice status symbol if you can afford it.
The Front-Runner: Briggs & Riley @Work Large Cargo Backpack
A tiny step down from Tumi is Briggs & Riley, another premium luggage brand. What makes them unique is their lifetime guarantee, which means they’ll supposedly fix any small rips and tears on your bag regardless of when you bought it. Like Tumi, they offer monogramming, but it’s probably a hassle to get and I really don’t care that much. In terms of which is the top bag out there, it’s neck-and-neck between the Sheppard and the @Work, which comes in a couple sizes.
Dimensions: 19x15x8 inches
Pro: It’s got tons of little organizational compartments, a dedicated laptop sleeve, and it’s the biggest bag on this list. It’s also less expensive than the TUMI while offering many of the same features.
Con: The organizational pockets don’t have zippers, there’s no key fob, and the water bottle pockets are a little small. It’s also very tall at 19 inches, meaning it’ll stick out a bit from under the seat in front of me and my feet may get quite cramped. But my main worry is that I’ve never tried it on, and the straps look similar to those on the Sheppard. That said, B&R is a great brand and this one has great reviews just about everywhere.
Price: $379 on Amazon
The Upstart: Lannsyne Men’s Vintage Full Grain Leather Rucksack
As I’ve said before, I love the feel of leather backpacks, but unfortunately, there very few that meet my needs. Most of them have those annoying clasps or odd pocket configurations. It’s very hard to marry comfort, looks, and a bunch of storage features, which is why I ignore most leather backpacks. This one, however, has been on my radar for a long time because it’s got everything I’m looking for without additional features that usually cost more and that I don’t need (USB ports, RFID pockets, locking zippers, etc.).
Dimensions: 17x13x7.8 inches
Pro: Most leather bags don’t have a comparable number of compartments to high-end options like Tumi & B&R, but this one does. The leather has also been treated with a water-repellant wax, so it won’t get ruined if I take it out in the rain (important given that I live in Japan).
Con: The zippers aren’t as high-quality as those on the B&R and Tumi bags, and because leather can be a bit stiff, the two super-small exterior pockets (on the front and side) are kind of useless.
Just from looking at it, this one is exactly what I want. The only thing that gives me pause is that it appears to be from one of those no-name brands on Amazon. However, the reviews are great, and it’s got an A score on FakeSpot.
If I roll the dice on it and it sucks, I’ll be mad, but if it turns out to be good enough quality, I’ll consider myself a genius for getting it at half the price of the @Work Large. Decisions, decisions.
Price: $160 on Amazon
The Know-It-All Choice: Travelpro Platinum Elite & Travelpro Crew Executive Choice 2
If you’ve heard about Travelpro, it was probably from a friend who reads the same websites I do. Known for being the luggage choice of flight crew, they have a great reputation for suitcases, though I personally tend to scold them for misrepresenting the size of their bags (their measurements usually leave out the wheels). Each of these two backpack options has its advantages.
Dimensions: Platinum Elite: 17.5.16x8.5. Crew Executive Choice 2: 17x13x8.
Pro: The Platinum Elite has fabric treated with a water and stain-resistant coating, a tablet pocket, and a front pocket with magnetic closure. The Crew Executive Choice 2 features a USB port (you must supply your own power bank) and is “checkpoint-friendly,” meaning you can unzip the back compartment and fold it down to put the bag on the conveyor belt, so there’s no need to remove your laptop at airport security.
Con: Both have rather small side pockets. The Platinum Elite is built more for tall, thin items like file folders and tablets, and the straps have one of those dumb buckles on them. The Crew Executive Choice 2’s main flaw is that its biggest selling points, the USB port and checkpoint-friendly design, are things I don’t think I need. I doubt I’ll use the charging port, and I’m traveling internationally where there’s no guarantee the checkpoint-friendly feature will be allowed.
Though these seem like great products, their advantages are more suited to people other than myself. That’s why even though I like both these bags, I think I’m going to choose something else for the time being. This surprised me, because if you’d asked me a few years ago, I would have fawned over a backpack with a USB port and checkpoint-friendly design, but thinking it over, I just don’t think those features are important to me. If you’re a business traveler, definitely check these guys out.
Price UPDATED FOR 2024: The Platinum Elite is $229, nearly $200 less than it was two years ago. The Crew Executive Choice 2 is currently unavailable on Amazon, but the Executive Choice 3, which is similar but for the checkpoint-friendly design, is only $189.
The Savvy Pick: SwissGear ScanSmart Ultra Premium
Back in 2016, I needed a new suitcase, and wanted to finally get a carry-on that I could use as my only luggage and say good-bye to the baggage claim once and for all. A friend turned me on to SwissGear, a budget brand that’s available at Target. I went with their 21-inch softside spinner suitcase, and I love it. It’s durable, the size was exactly as advertised, and it’s got several handy organizational pockets. That suitcase has held up for years. I even told my mother to buy a SwissGear suitcase that she’s used flying back and forth to Japan to visit us. (Note: don’t confuse this brand with Victorinox/Swiss Army, as they are different.)
In short, I trust SwissGear, which is why they were one of the first brands I looked at. Think of this as a much less expensive version of the Travelpro backpack, with the same checkpoint-friendly design along with a lot of other organizational features. SwissGear makes great stuff and has a lot of similar backpacks, though to me, this is the only one that is functional and also looks great.
Dimensions: 17x12.5x7.5.
Pro: First of all, it’s cheap. Second, notice that when you fold down the laptop compartment, there’s also a convenient place to put chargers and cords. Third, the side pockets are open, meaning you can put a big water bottle in there.
Con: As I said before, I no longer yearn for a bag that folds down to go on a conveyor belt. The straps don’t look that great, and while I have liked SwissGear’s other stuff, this backpack is clearly not their most popular and is actually hard to track down other than on Amazon, so there are some uncertainties. Definitely worth considering, especially if you want a comparable product for less money.
Price UPDATED FOR 2024: $160 on Amazon through a reseller, actually more expensive than it was two years ago from Amazon.
Some honorable mentions that may be worth your while
These are all bags I considered that didn’t quite meet my needs but seem like great choices depending on what you’re looking for. If your favorite bag did not make this list, it’s probably because I think it’s ugly.
The Leather Boys
Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Leather - Kenneth Cole Reaction made my sandals, and if that isn’t enough of a selling point for you, this is a stylish leather backpack that isn't overly expensive. The handle is a bit bulky, but the straps look great and it’s available in two colors as well as a messenger bag version (2024 UPDATE: they’ve really improved this backpack and added a bunch of organizational compartments on the inside - don’t sleep on Kenneth Cole, this one would for sure make the list today). If you want something even smaller and cheaper, try the brand’s vegan leather option, which has the benefit of being cow-friendly.
Samsonite Classic Leather - this one is pretty similar to the Kenneth Cole, right down the goofy handle on top, though the Kenneth Cole one has more external pockets. It provides a lot of organizational features, but unfortunately is not waterproof and therefore requires me, the consumer, to add the wax or whatever. There are also a lot of customer complaints about scratched leather and thin, flimsy straps. There’s a slim version that might be useful if you don’t need as much storage and want to give your toes a break on a long flight.
The Budget-Friendly Picks
Samsonite Xenon 3.0 - Samsonite has what we in the business call a poop-ton of backpacks, including some crazy ones made with Kevlar that are kind of expensive. This one, from their Xenon 3.0 line, is checkpoint-friendly and has an external water bottle pocket. The straps are oddly-shaped, but for $65, you could try this one out and not feel too bad if you don’t end up liking it long-term.
eBags Pro Slim - not the fanciest or best-looking out there, this pack earns a spot on the list because of how many zippered organizational compartments it has in its front pocket. If you want to keep everything in its right place and don’t care about looking fancy, this bag lets you do it with a compact frame and a price tag under $100. Be mindful of the laptop compartment, as the padding at the bottom can come loose.
Kroser Laptop Backpack - this is another cheap one from Amazon that has the added benefit of being water-resistant. The drawbacks are the sideways front pocket and the fact that it’s a bit top-heavy and prone to falling over. But for $40, it’s the cheapest option on the list while providing a lot of value.
The Unique Flower
Solgaard Lifepack - This futuristic backpack is equipped with a solar panel and charging port, so you can charge your devices while walking around, and it’s made from recycled ocean plastic. If you travel with a lot of gadgets and are in constant need of a charge, this is the coolest smart pack on the market today.
Conclusion
So, which one am I going to get? My dream backpack would be the Alpha Bravo Sheppard with the straps of the Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan, but sadly such a bag does not exist. All the picks in the top five have been my choice at one point or another, but lately I’ve been thinking of going with either the @Work Large or the Lannsyne leatherboy.
It comes down to whether I think going with a trusted brand like Briggs & Riley with their lifetime guarantee is worth paying more for. I know it’s one of the best (if not the best) travel backpacks out there, but do I need something that fancy at this point in my life? Maybe I go with the attractive leather version that’s from a no-name brand and save some money so I won’t feel so bad if I don’t end up using it forever.
Right now, I can’t make up my mind. If you own any of these bags, feel free to @ us on social media and give your opinion. I’m going to keep shopping until my eyes bleed, checking out every backpack in the world until I eventually make a decision. Maybe I’ll decide by my birthday, or Christmas. Maybe never. We’ll see.
And Now: What A Twist!
That was how this post was supposed to end, with Gregg still deliberating. But then, as my wife and I were checking the links for the post, we noticed something: the Lansynne Rucksack was on sale for only 11,850 yen. That’s $107.79, a little more than half the normal price in the US. And in Japan, it’s much more expensive normally, so $107 is actually around 65-70% off! It was a limited-time-only deal, so we pounced.
The next day, this arrived:
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Lannsyne Men’s Vintage Full Grain Leather Rucksack. It was pretty much exactly as advertised, and here’s some things I noticed after getting it out of the box:
The straps are wide and flat, and sit perfectly on my shoulders. They’re also a good length - an inch or two shorter and I would have said they were too short, but as is, the bag sits right on my big juicy butt.
The water bottle pocket can hold the second-largest size of Pocari Sweat bottle, which is good because that’s what I plan to use it for.
The larger lower front pocket has an organizer for cards and pens, which is an added bonus.
The suitcase sleeve fits perfectly over the handle of my suitcase, should I want to transport it that way. However, I don’t know if I’ll need to, as the back is very comfortable and breathes well. (2024 update: I use it that way all the time. At the airport or on a train, it’s very handy to be able to take the backpack off and wheel my suitcase around with the backpack on top.)
There were some small scuffs in the leather, but that’s sort of how leather goes, I suppose. It’s not the shiniest bag in the world, but I do love the color, and although I’d read that it might bleed on my clothes the first few times I wore it, it hasn’t.
Look how much stuff I can fit in there! I was able to get a Kindle, two sets of headphones, and three cases for cords/Nintendo Switch/medicine & toiletries all in the main compartment, with room remaining for snacks.
It’s true the zippers aren’t amazing. However, they’ll do, and I think as I wear in the bag a bit more they’ll get easier to maneuver. It’s not tough to get into any of the pockets, and the laptop compartment is actually better than the pictures on Amazon.
I was pretty stoked about my new bag. It was ideal for my needs, and though there were a couple things I didn’t love, at this price, it’s a real bargain, so I decided to keep it. Given the price of the Tumi and Briggs & Riley bags in Japan, I’d be saving $400 compared to the @Work Large and $550 compared to the Tumi. That’s a great deal.
So pumped was I for my new bag, I decided to take it for a test drive to meet my wife at the train station. She said it looked great, and I was walking around like a proud little doggy, until she looked over at me as we crossed the street.
“Oh,” she said, “we have to return this.”
What now?
A Slight Complication
Noooooooooooooooo!
There was a small rip in the fabric on the underside of one of the straps. I don’t know how long it would have taken me to notice it on my own, but luckily I had Detective Eriko on the case. We sent it back, and since we’d ordered it through Amazon, it was replaced immediately and a new one came the very next day:
After a full inspection, Eriko determined that this one was ready to go. I like my new backpack, and I’m very happy that after such a long time of shopping for one, I was able to locate a bag that meets all my needs yet was still cheap enough that if I don’t end up using it for the rest of my life, I won’t be out much money. And I’m definitely going to spend that $400 I saved on fancy food in France.
If you’re looking for a quality backpack, I recommend any of the ones on this list. I think I’ll do more articles like this in the future about luggage and travel items, since I’ve picked up a lot of tips along the way during my time abroad. And stay tuned for next year when we’ll have dispatches from Europe!
2024 Update: how did my new bag do?
It’s now 2024. I took my Lannsyne on a six-week trip to Europe, a 10-day trip to Thailand, and several inter-Japan jaunts. How has it held up?
Amazingly. The straps are super comfortable, it fits everything I need, and the zippers have worn in enough that they rarely catch (though every now and then there’s an issue). I couldn’t be happier with the bag - it looks great and functions beautifully. And best of all, it was cheap!
After two years, I would gladly still recommend this backpack. I have definitely gotten my money’s worth, considering it’s held up perfectly even after being hauled all over the world. When it’s time for me to buy a new backpack, I may have to just go ahead and buy another one of these.
