Are you a parent planning a family trip soon? One of the most important things to consider is the type of backpack you’ll be bringing. The best travel backpack for parents must be spacious enough to carry all your essentials and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of travel.
But with so many options available, how do you know which one to choose?
We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack as the best one for traveling parents. This backpack is designed with parents in mind, providing ample space and organization to make traveling with kids a breeze.
In this article, we’ll review some of the best travel backpacks for parents today. We’ll look closer at the features that make these backpacks stand out, such as storage capacity, durability, comfort, and accessibility.
We’ll also provide tips on choosing the right backpack for your family’s needs, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure.
So, if you’re a parent looking for the perfect travel backpack, keep reading to find out which backpacks made our list!
Our Best Travel Backpacks For Parents
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack – Best Overall For Parents
- Osprey Farpoint Men’s Wheeled Travel Pack – Best Hybrid Backpack For Father
- Osprey Fairview Women’s Wheeled Travel – Best Hybrid Backpack For Mother
- tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L – Best Backpack For Minimalist Parents
- Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L – Best Modular Backpack
Table of Contents
5 Best Travel Backpacks For Parents Reviewed
As a parent with kids, you know the importance of having a reliable and functional backpack when traveling. That’s why we’ve researched for you to find the best one.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack – Best Overall For Parents
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Pacific is a backpack designed for travelers who want to stand out. Made from TPU-coated 1000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon paneling, this backpack is durable and water-resistant, making it perfect for all kinds of weather.
One of the standout features of this backpack is the weight-distributing, low-profile harness system. This system makes it comfortable for long periods, even when the backpack is fully packed. The harness system is also adjustable, so you can easily find the perfect fit for your body.
Another great feature of this backpack is the carry-on-compatible 35L capacity. This makes it perfect for short trips, as you can easily fit all your essentials without checking in any luggage.
The backpack also comes with a padded laptop and tablet sleeve, so you can keep your electronics safe and secure while you travel.
The suitcase-style, full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment is another great feature of this backpack. This makes it easy to pack and access your things, even when the backpack is fully packed.
The backpack also has a large zippered mesh compartment on the right side and a subdivided zippered mesh compartment on the left, so you can easily organize your things.
Overall, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Pacific is a great backpack for parents who want a colorful and unique backpack that’s easy to pack and access.
While it may be bulky when fully packed, and the lack of exterior pockets may be a downside for some, the pros outweigh the cons. If you’re looking for a backpack perfect for short trips, this one is worth considering.
Pros
- Comfortable and low-profile
- Carry-on-sized 35L
- Easy to pack and access
Cons
- No exterior pockets
- Bulky when full
- Expensive
Osprey Farpoint Men’s Wheeled Travel Pack – Best Hybrid Backpack For Father
The Osprey Farpoint Men’s Wheeled Travel Pack 36L is a great option for parents who want a high-quality, versatile travel backpack for various situations. Whether traveling by plane, train, or automobile, this backpack is designed to make your life easier.
One of the best things about this backpack is the adjustable torso fit, which allows you to customize the backpack to fit your body size and shape. This ensures maximum comfort, even if you’re carrying the backpack around for long periods.
Another great feature of this backpack is the external gear attachment loops, which allow you to attach extra gear to the outside of the backpack. This makes it easy to access your gear without digging through the backpack to find what you’re looking for.
The padded top and side handles are another nice touch, making it easy to carry the backpack around, whether as a backpack or a wheeled suitcase. The muted space blue color is stylish and practical, making it easy to spot your backpack in a sea of luggage.
Of course, there are some downsides to this backpack as well. It’s quite heavy, weighing 5.29 pounds, which can be a challenge if you carry it around for long periods. And it’s quite large, with a total capacity of 36 liters, which may be too much for some travelers.
Finally, the backpack is expensive, which may be a dealbreaker for some budget-conscious travelers.
However, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality, versatile travel backpack that will last you for years, then the Osprey Farpoint Men’s Wheeled Travel Pack 36L is worth considering.
Pros
- Customizable fit for comfort
- External loops for extra gear
- Padded handles for easy carrying
Cons
- Heavy (5.29 pounds)
- Large (36 liters)
- Expensive
Osprey Fairview Women’s Wheeled Travel – Best Hybrid Backpack For Mother
Consider the Osprey Fairview Women’s Wheeled Travel Pack, the female version of Osprey Farpoint Men’s Wheeled Travel Pack, with similar features but tailored to fit women’s body shape.
The main difference between this backpack and the men’s version is that it has a women-specific fit designed to accommodate the female body shape and size. The shoulder straps are narrower, the torso length is shorter, and the hip belt and shoulder straps are curved to fit your curves.
This makes the backpack more comfortable and ergonomic to wear and carry, especially for long periods or on uneven surfaces.
The main feature of this backpack is that it can be converted into a wheeled suitcase or a duffel bag, depending on the situation. You can use the zip-away suspension system to hide the shoulder straps and waist belt and use the retractable handle and wheels to roll the backpack like a suitcase.
Or you can use the detachable shoulder strap to carry the backpack like a duffel bag. This gives you more flexibility and convenience when traveling by plane, train, bus, or car.
This backpack has a detachable daypack that can be used separately or attached to the main pack to provide additional storage or security.
The daypack has a padded laptop sleeve capable of accommodating laptops and tablets up to 15 inches, a front mesh pocket for quick access items, and a back panel that can be used as a hidden stash for valuables or as a luggage strap to attach the daypack to the main pack or a rolling suitcase.
This feature provides more options and versatility when exploring your destination or going on day trips.
The backpack meets most airlines’ carry-on size requirements and comes in various colors. However, remember that it is a bit heavier, and the zippers can be difficult to close when the bag is full.
The backpack is a bit pricey compared to other options, so weigh the pros and cons before purchasing to ensure it fits your needs and budget.
Pros
- Durable and high-quality
- Convertible and versatile
- Comfortable and ergonomic
- Carry-on-compatible
Cons
- Expensive
- Not expandable or compressible
- No water bottle pockets or side handles
tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L – Best Backpack For Minimalist Parents
The tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L also offers convenient storage options. You can reach the main compartment from the quick-access front pocket to easily access your travel essentials. The main compartment can also be unzipped like a suitcase for easy packing and unpacking.
Additionally, the backpack has a tech compartment that can accommodate up to a 17″ laptop and 12.9″ iPad with accessories, as well as front, top, and side pockets for easy access to glasses, documents, travel liquids, etc.
The tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L is TSA-friendly and flight-approved. The laptop compartment is designed to be opened 90°-180° for security scanning, helping you get through airport security checkpoints quickly and easily. The backpack’s dimensions also meet the maximum size requirements by IATA flight, making it ideal for airplane traveling.
The tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L is built to last and is environmentally friendly. This backpack is environmentally friendly and made of premium quality YKK zippers and durable recycled fabric that is 100% post-consumer material made from PET plastic bottles. It can also reduce energy consumption and pollution.
The backpack is ultra-comfortable and easy to carry, with a 3D padded back panel and contoured thick shoulder straps for superior ergonomic comfort. An adjustable chest strap helps transfer weight off your shoulders, keeping you relaxed and cozy.
Two handles, one on top and one on the side, provide a flexible carrying experience and a strap on the back for luggage pass-through for convenient carry.
In summary, the tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L is a great option for parents who want a minimalist backpack that focuses on functionality and simplicity. Its large capacity, organized compartments, and TSA-friendly design make it a perfect travel companion for up to 4 days.
However, it may only fit some airlines’ maximum size requirements for carry-on luggage and needs a waist strap for additional support.
Pros
- Large capacity (3 compartments)
- TSA-friendly design
- Premium zippers and recycled fabric
Cons
- It may not fit all airlines
- Limited colors
- No waist strap
Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L – Best Modular Backpack
The Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is an excellent choice for parents who want a versatile and customizable backpack that can be used for various travel needs. Its modular bag system allows you to customize the internal carry options to match your specific requirements.
One of the best features of this backpack is that it meets international max carry-on standards in its default 35L configuration. Dual expansion zips give 10L extra volume for 45L max storage. You can easily take it on a plane and avoid additional baggage fees.
The backpack also features dual side zippers for instant camera and item access and full rear access via large dual zips. Quick tablet and laptop access is possible using the main back zip.
However, one downside to this backpack is that it can be heavy when empty. Additionally, it is expensive, so there may be better choices for budget-conscious parents. Finally, some users have reported that carrying for extended periods can be hot and uncomfortable.
Overall, the Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is an excellent choice for parents who want a customizable and versatile backpack that can be used for various travel needs. Its modular bag system and multiple access points make it a great investment for any parent who loves to travel.
Pros
- Modular bag system
- International carry-on
- Side and rear access
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Hot and uncomfortable
How To Choose The Best Travel Backpack For Parents
Choosing the best travel backpack for parents can make a huge difference in their travel experience. A good backpack should be durable, spacious, and comfortable and match the travel style and preferences of the parents and their kids.
Here are some tips and guidelines on how to choose the best travel backpack for parents:
Choose bags that are durable and high-quality
When choosing a travel backpack, look for strong and resistant materials like nylon, polyester, or canvas. The backpack should also have sturdy zippers, buckles, and straps.
Avoid backpacks that are cheaply made or have signs of wear and tear, such as fraying, ripping, or breaking.
Pay attention to volume and storage capacity.
Ensure the backpack has enough space to fit all the items the parents and their kids need for their trip, such as clothes, shoes, toiletries, toys, books, and more.
Consider the length and type of the trip, the travel’s climate and destination, and the parents’ personal packing style. Avoid backpacks that are too big or too small for the trip or the user.
Consider what type of travelers the parents are.
Choose a backpack that matches the travel style and personality of the parents, such as adventurous, casual, or professional.
Consider the frequency and mode of travel, the level of comfort and convenience desired, and the budget and preference of the parents. Avoid backpacks that are incompatible or unsuitable for the travel scenario or the user.
Choose the travel backpack that feels good for you.
Look for a comfortable and ergonomic backpack to wear and carry, especially for long periods or on uneven surfaces. Consider the body size and shape of the user, and look for backpacks with adjustable features, such as a harness system, waist belt, sternum strap, and more.
Avoid backpacks that are too heavy or bulky for the user or cause pain or discomfort.
Parents can find the best travel backpack for their trip by following these tips and guidelines. Here are some examples of parents who have found their perfect backpack:
- A family of five who traveled around Asia for six months with only one Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L each loved how they could customize and expand their backpacks with various accessories and packing tools from Peak Design.
- A single parent who took their two kids on a road trip across America with only one Osprey Farpoint Men’s Wheeled Travel Pack each and appreciated how they could convert their backpacks into wheeled luggage or duffel bags depending on the situation.
- A couple who took their newborn on a cruise in the Caribbean with only one tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L each found it very simple and functional to use.
Choose a backpack that meets your needs and preferences and enhances your travel experience.
