The Best Travel Backpacks for Parents in 2023
Photo courtesy of Fjällräven
When traveling with young kids, there are typically lots of things you want to have handy. To keep all your essentials close while remaining hands-free, well-designed backpacks are a great option. Here are our editors’ picks for the top backpacks for family travel adventures.
Looking for more family travel gear recommendations? Check out our latest guides on the best travel car booster seats, the best travel strollers and systems and the best travel pillows for the whole family.
Best of the Best
Anywhere Travel
—
Rimowa Never Still Flap Backpack Large
This unisex, Italian-made backpack from Rimowa is made from durable canvas and full-grain leather. The top flap has a magnetic lock closure and the unique webbing strap allows you to fit the backpack securely on the telescoping luggage handle. Two zipper side pockets help you keep most-used items handy. Comes in multiple sizes and color combinations.
—
dunhill Belgrave Backpack
This Italian-made backpack in black leather from British luxury goods brand dunhill features adjustable shoulder straps and a top handle, as well as an external padded laptop sleeve with zip closure. The external front pocket has a faceted metal push lock for enhanced security.
—
TUMI Alpha 3 Brief Pack
Ideal for family workcations, this design features numerous interior and exterior pockets, as well as a padded laptop compartment (15"), a tablet pocket, an open pocket (one for files). Made from ultra-durable FXT Ballistic nylon with padded adjustable straps, leather-wrapped top carry handle, and “Add-A-Bag Sleeve” to attach pack to handle of roller luggage. TUMI Tracer program included to help find if lost or stolen.
—
KOPACK Waterproof Anti Theft Laptop Backpack
With no zippers or pockets on the front of the bag, this waterproof anti-theft laptop backpack with USB charger and shock proof inner container from KOPACK is a smart pick for those looking to deter pickpockets and keep their tech gear charged.
—
Monos Metro Backpack
This sleek and versatile backpack from Monos comes in water- and scratch-resistant vegan leather, and features a clamshell opening with full-length zippers, separate 15” padded laptop compartment, small hidden back pocket for valuables, waterproof privacy compartment (for gym clothes, shoes, water bottle, etc.), zippered pouch, mesh pocket, top carry handle, adjustable shoulder straps, trolley sleeve, and a clever exterior removable zipper pouch on a QuickSnap system for removing items for airport security or airplane seats with no floor storage (optional folio kit available separately). Available in multiple colors and in premium nylon twill.
—
Bric's Monza Medium Business Backpack
Constructed from leather and technical nylon with gunmetal accents, this backpack is well equipped for working family travelers with 14 interior and 7 exterior pockets, including a full fold-out (180-degree) pocket to secure your laptop. Padded mesh back support and adjustable padded straps help keep your back comfortable. The exterior has a USB A and C connection which attaches to your battery pack that can be housed and protected on the interior. Topped off with a luggage tag and trolley strap to secure backpack to luggage handles.
—
Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack
The timeless silhouette of this pack was inspired by the classic mountaineering style. Constructed from sturdy polyester and nylon fabric with signature striped liner, drawcord closure and magnet-fastened straps with metal pin buckles, the Herschel Little America is suited for everyday adventures. Designed for comfort and support with 17L capacity, padded shoulder straps, and breathable air mesh back padding. Multiple compartments including front pocket with anti-theft key clip and hidden zipper, tech-safe padded sleeve (fits laptops up to 15”), internal media pocket and headphone port. Available in multiple color combinations.
—
TUMI Voyageur Just In Case Backpack
Petit Passeport Editors’ have been long-time owners of TUMI packable bags and they have always come in handy on travels with and without kids. This packable backpack from TUMI in lightweight yet durable nylon has a double-zip entry to the main compartment, zip-front pocket, top grab handle, adjustable backpack straps and add-a-bag sleeve to attach to telescoping luggage handles.
—
MCM Stark Side Studs Backpack
This cult classic from luxury leather goods brand MCM in their signature Visetos is finished with leather trim and studded details and features a leather top handle, adjustable shoulder straps, front zipped pocket, 2-way zip around closure, faux nappa lining, and fits iPad mini and smaller tablets. Available in multiple sizes and in black.
—
Bric's X-Travel Excursion Backpack
This 15” casual bag boasts a simple water-resistant nylon construction with full-grain leather trim, large interior compartment with an internal side zip pocket, 4 exterior zippers for additional storage, and a sturdy bottom. The sliding sleeve lets you conveniently rest and secure the bag over your trolley, freeing your hands and allowing ease of overall movement. Available in multiple colors.
—
Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 20L
While this backpack is designed for cameras and other technical gear, it also works great for all types of travel gear. Features a 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas shell, dual side weatherproof Ultra Zips, a top compartment with quiet MagLatch closure, internal configurable dividers, several smaller pockets, external carry straps, a luggage sleeve, and external stretchy pockets for water bottles or tripods. Comes with no-hassle lifetime guarantee.
—
Montblanc M_Gram 4810 Sling Backpack
We love the functionality and the design aesthetic of this “body-friendly” PVC and leather sling backpack from Montblanc. It has one main compartment and one front zipped pocket for easy access to all essentials.
Outdoor & Adventure Travel
—
Want Les Essentiels Mini Rogue 2.0 Utility Backpack
This adventure-designed pack features an assortment of easy-access compartments and padded shoulder straps for all-day comfort. Made from ECONYL®, regenerated nylon from ocean and landfill waste, and comes with adjustable shoulder straps with D-rings for keys and water bottle, single carry handle, foldover flap with secure buckle straps, padded media pocket fits up to a 9.7” tablet, zip pocket at top for easy phone and wallet access, two expanding side pockets for versatile storage, and zip pocket at back for secure storage.
—
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L
One of the most-recommended and well-reviewed outdoor backpacks out there, this durable daypack from Patagonia comes in multiple colors and sizes, and is made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing.
—
Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack
Originally designed to pair with larger travel bags, this daypack from Cotopaxi is stowable and lightweight for hikes and other outdoor adventures with a front vertical-zip pocket and two mesh water bottle pockets. Made with colorful leftover nylons and other remnant materials, no two are exactly the same.
—
Fjällräven Raven 20L
This simple and durable 20 litre backpack from Swedish brand Fjällräven in G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco features multiple zipper compartments, along with padded back panel and shoulder straps. Available in multiple colors and sizes.
—
Deuter Unisex Speed Lite 20L Hiking Backpack
This water-resistant nylon adventure pack with U-frame and reinforced base is designed to be a compact, lightweight carry system. Features padded AirMesh shoulder straps, a height-adjustable chest strap, removable hip belt, compression straps, specialized compartments for 3-liter hydration system, valuables, wet gear or clothing; mesh side pockets for snacks or water bottles; mesh front pocket for gloves, skins, etc.. Comes with SOS-Label with life-saving tips and lifetime warranty. Available in multiple colors.
—
Osprey Exos 48L Ultra-Light
Designed for long hikes or camping out with 48L capacity, yet made in a lightweight design (2.77 lbs.), the AirSpeed suspension on this pack keeps the weight off your back, enabling highly ventilated carrying comfort. Features dual access stretch mesh side pockets, front stretch mesh pocket for quick storage, removable floating top lid, and internal hydration reservoir sleeve (accommodates up to a 3L reservoir). Available in multiple colors and sizes.
—
THE NORTH FACE Terra 55 L Backpacking Backpack
Designed for backcountry excursions and multi-day expeditions off the beaten path, the Terra features a self-equalizing Dyno Lift System with adjustable load lifters, OPTFIT suspension system, cushioned back panel and breathable mesh for a comfortable and secure fit, a supportive molded hipbelt, full J-zip opening allows for quick access to the pack's contents, separated interior compartments, and is hydration compatible.
—
Cotopaxi Chasqui 13L Sling Pack
Similar to the Batac but in weather resistant coated nylon and a slightly smaller form with a sling strap designed for an ergonomic shoulder carry. Available in multiple colors and sizes.
Diaper Bag Backpacks
—
Burberry Leather Trim Nylon Baby Changing Backpack
A classic unisex option. This neatly compartmentalized backpack from Burberry is made from leather and a sustainable nylon yarn made from regenerated fishing nets, fabric scraps and industrial plastic. The design features a padded back panel for comfort, fold-out changing mat, two exterior drawcord pouch pockets, and two interior pouch pockets.
—
Shinola Parent Backpack
Designed as a versatile backpack for parents that grows with the needs of the family. Made from leather and canvas. Features a fully water-resistant and wipeable inner lining, stroller clips, changing mat, and easy-open/close magnetic closures on diaper-sized exterior pockets. Available in multiple colors.
—
—
Mia + Sophia - The Sophia Leather Diaper Bag Backpack
Designed for the modern parent, this sleek, luxurious, and stylish diaper bag from Mia + Sophia is built to last and backed by a 1-year warranty. With a 100% wipeable and spill resistant vegan leather interior and exterior, it features 15 pockets (6 insulated, 1 for laptop/tablet, various sizes for diapers, wipes, toys, etc.), telescoping luggage sleeve, changing pad, bottle holder, and USB charging port. Wearable as a backpack, purse, or crossbody. Available in multiple colors and similar styles.
—
UPPAbaby Changing Backpack
This diaper changing backpack from UPPAbaby features premium fabrics and leather detailing in water-resistant outer material and wipeable inner lining, multiple zippered storage compartments (including a large main compartment big enough for most laptops and tablets), an insulated bottle case, easy-to-clean changing pad, and adjustable straps that attach easily to the stroller. Available in multiple colors.
—
No Reception Club The Getaway Bag
This go-anywhere changing backpack designed by seasoned family travelers features 2 customizable main compartment shelves with 3 access points, parent pockets on the outsides to keep your essentials handy, an odor-resistant and waterproof soiled items compartment, and diaper essentials compartment. Ideal for outdoor excursions. Getaway Bag includes insulated lunch and stroller straps. Travel Bundle includes Getaway Bag, insulated lunch bag, stroller straps, Sidekick hip pack, and changing pad.
—
Freshly Picked Women's Convertible Classic Diaper Bag Backpack
This sleek diaper bag backpack from Freshly Picked features premium vegan leather with a wipeable and stain-resistant nylon interior lining and nylon changing pad, 10 pockets, a spacious central compartment for larger items, easy access magnetic front flap, a grab-and-go top handle, metal feet on the bottom and an electronics sleeve. Can be worn as a backpack, crossbody bag or purse. Available in multiple colors.
—
—
Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
This highly-rated backpack from Dagne Dover is constructed from vegan Neoprene and Performance Air Mesh with a recycled interior lining. Features extra zipper opening for easy access wipes, top carry handle, mini changing mat with extra pouches, luggage sleeve, laptop carrier (fits most 15” laptops), shoe bag and dust bag. Can be worn as a backpack or clipped to stroller. Available in multiple colors and three sizes designed for parents of newborns, post-nursing toddlers, and older children.
—
RUVALINO Diaper Bag Backpack
This budget-friendly traveler favorite water-resistant cloth diaper bag backpack from RUVALINO features two big zipper closure compartments (including 15” padded laptop pocket), 18 accessible, well-sized pockets to hold most of baby essentials (including 3 insulated bottle pockets), a portable changing pad, stroller straps and pacifier case.. Available in multiple colors.
—
Luli Bebe Monaco Diaper Bag Backpack
Designed by a Mom, this vegan leather diaper bag backpack from Luli Bebe features 100% stain resistant exterior and smooth wipeable interior. Features nine pockets, with a large space for bulk items, plus additional compartments for extra storage. Includes changing pad, stroller straps, & messenger strap. Available in multiple colors.
—
Stokke Xplory X Changing Bag Convertible Backpack
The Stokke® Xplory® X Changing Bag can be attached to stroller or used as a shoulder bag or backpack. Various sized pockets including a waterproof side pocket for added conveniences. The extra-soft fabrics are UPF 50+ and PFC-free water repellent and easy to wipe clean.
