One-bag travelers and weekend warriors need backpacks that can keep up with their busy lifestyles. But not all backpacks are created equal. Some have more pockets and compartments than others, which can be extremely helpful for those who like to keep everything organized and easy to find. Backpacks with lots of pockets are perfect for storing all the essentials, from tech gadgets to clothing and everything in between. In this review, we’ve rounded up the best modern travel backpacks with plenty of pockets to make life on the go more accessible and more organized. Whether you’re looking for the best backpack for work travel, vacation travel, digital nomad travel, or backpacking, we’ve got you covered!
We did some research and found 7 of the best modern travel backpacks with lots of pockets available on the market today. We looked at key areas such as durability (materials, water-resistance, padded shoulder straps, etc.), functionality (such as a separate laptop compartment, removable waist belt, hidden compartments, water bottle pocket, luggage strap, etc.), and style (modern and sleek), to name a few. Please continue reading to see the best backpacks we found and what makes them better than the rest.
How to choose Backpacks? Things to Consider Before Buying a Modern Carry-On Backpack with Lots of Pockets for Travel
Volume and dimensions
When looking for a carry-on travel backpack, consider the bag’s size and dimensions. Some backpacks are too large to be carry-on bags, while others are too small to fit all your belongings. Additionally, Be sure also to check the weight limit to make sure your backpack can handle your items.
Organization – Zipper pocket, front pocket, internal pockets, hidden pocket, water bottle pocket, storage compartments
When traveling, it is essential to have an organized travel bag. This will help keep you organized and efficient while on the go. Having specific compartments for different items allows you to quickly find what you need without searching through a disorganized bag. This can save time and hassle, especially if you’re in a hurry. An organized travel bag will also help keep your belongings safe and together while you’re on your trip. So if you’re looking to make your travel experience a bit less chaotic, get a bag with pockets and compartments that would fit your need!
Laptop Compartment – padded laptop sleeve
Travel backpacks should also be laptop backpacks with separate laptop compartments. The compartment should be well-padded, like a laptop sleeve, to protect your laptop from bumps and falls. It should also be roomy enough to fit your laptop. If you also travel with your iPad or tablet, look for a dedicated pocket for it as well.
Balance Between Quick Easy Access and Security
Look for external pockets for quick and easy access to your belongings. They will come in handy when you’re on the go and need to grab something quickly. Backpacks with lots of pockets and compartments will make it easy to find what you need. For example, a front pocket with internal pockets can be great for storing small items like your phone or keys. An organizer panel can also come in handy for keeping track of your pens, pencils, and small gadgets. And if you need a place to stash your cash or credit cards, look for a backpack with hidden pockets to keep your items safe.
Durability
When looking for a travel backpack, it is essential to consider the material’s durability. The backpack should be made of a sturdy material that can withstand wear and tear. Zippers are also an important consideration. They should be solid and durable to withstand constant use. Finally, consider water-resistance materials or accessories that would protect the entire bag. Such backpacks will protect your belongings in case of rain or accidental spills to keep your bag dry.
Comfort – Shoulder Straps,
When looking for a travel backpack, comfort is vital. Make sure to select one with comfortable straps that distribute the weight evenly. The backpack should also have a padded back panel and hip belt for support. Additionally, look for additional straps and support to make carrying more comfortable.
Style
At Byte Modern, we believe in always traveling with a sleek and modern aesthetic. Whether you’re hitting the city streets or exploring a foreign country, the best backpacks we’ve picked below will help you carry all your stuff while looking great.
Here are the 7 Best Modern Travel Backpacks with Lots of Pockets
1 – Aer Travel Pack 3 (35L)
The Aer Travel Pack 3 is a versatile and modern backpack perfect for those always on the go. It features a streamlined design and intelligent organization, including zippered pockets for tech gear and a separate padded laptop compartment. You can easily find what you need without digging through a pile of luggage. The backpack also has a comfortable shoulder strap system, making it easy to carry around wherever you go. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the Aer Travel Pack 3 has many pockets to keep you organized and to move forward.
Dimensions
21.5″ (54.5 cm) x 13″ (33 cm) x 9″ (21.5 cm)
Weights
4.17 lbs
Volume
35 L
Features
- Padded and suspended laptop pocket to protect your device from bumps and scratches
- Lay-flat main compartment makes packing and unpacking a breeze
- Compression straps keep your belongings secure during travel
- Quick-access top and side pockets provide easy access to your essentials
- Load lifters provide support and comfort when carrying your bag
- Hands-free carrying with multiple handles on all sides of the bag
- Expandable water bottle pocket holds most standard bottles size
- Hidden smart tracker pocket keeps your belongings safe and sound
- Internal frame sheet provides structure and support for all your items
- Added security with lockable main compartments
2 – Matador SEG42 Travel Pack
The Matador SEG42 Travel Pack is the perfect functional backpack for those who like to keep everything organized and easy to find. With its segmented zippered main compartments acting like packing cubes, you can decide how to utilize the entire backpack, which adds up to a total of 42L. You can easily access the whole volume of the bag, organizing items by type, day, or activity to fit your organizational style. The oversized clamshell zipper pocket compartment is perfect for stowing large items or dirty clothes, and the dedicated laptop compartment that can be accessed externally makes air travel a breeze. The SEG42 is light to carry and fast to access, making it the perfect backpack for any traveler. With its innovative design and organizational system, the Matador SEG42 Travel Pack will revolutionize the way you pack!
Dimensions
12.5 x 22 x 11.5in (31.75 x 55.88 x 29.21cm)
Carry-on compliant (most airlines)
Weights
2lbs 4oz (1030 grams)
Volume
42L
Features:
- 42-liter maximum capacity
- Five storage compartments (up to 42 liters)
- Entire clamshell bottom compartment (up to 42 liters)
- Padded external access laptop pocket
- Zip away panel to stow segments for gear hauling (up to 42 liters)
- 2 end zipper pockets for small items
- PU-coated sealing zippers
- Stowable shoulder straps
- Detachable sternum strap
- Hypalon lash points and strap mounting points
- Padded carry handles on multiple sides
3 – Peak Design Travel Backpack (45L)
The Peak Design Travel Backpack is the perfect backpack for travelers who want a rugged, expandable, and accessible carry-on bag. The backpack features top, side, front, and rear access via weatherproof UltraZips, which can withstand years of use. Additionally, the backpack meets international carry-on size requirements and expands to be a 45L gear-hauler or collapses to be a 35L day bag. Quick-access pockets for keys, glasses, passports, etc., make it easy to grab what you need on the go. The main compartment is divisible into 2 sections via a zippered mesh sleeve, making it easy to organize your belongings. Tuck-away shoulder straps and hip belts make it easy to carry, and the 360-degree grab handles make it easy to grab and go. The Peak Design Travel Backpack is made from 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas with a 900D bottom liner and is Fair Trade Certified and carbon neutral.
Dimensions
Compressed 56cm x 33cm x 24cm (22″ x 13″ x 9.5″)
Expanded: 56cm x 33cm x 29cm (22″ x 13″ x 11″)
Weights
2.05 kg (4.5 lb)
Volume
30L to 45L
Features:
- International carry-on approved
- Theft-deterrent zipper pulls
- Protected luggage tag holder
- Luggage pass-through for roller bag carry
- Hugely expandable side pockets for water bottles, tripods, and more
- Soft-lined zippered pocket on top for keys, glasses, passport, etc.
- Internal zippered mesh pockets
- Padded, dedicated laptop sleeve and tablet sleeve
- Compressible: compression snaps slim down the profile for use as a day bag
- Hidden pockets: 2 hidden external zipper pockets for cash, passport, etc.
4 – Thule Subterra 34L
The Thule Subterra 34L is a versatile and stylish backpack that is perfect for travel or everyday use with many pockets. The main compartment can be accessed through the wide roll-top opening or the side zipper, handy for accessing items further down in the bag. The backpack has a padded laptop sleeve with SafeEdge construction for a 15″ laptop. The smaller compartment also has small pockets for electronics and a PowerPocket making it easier to charge your cell phone or tablet on the go. The removable packing cube helps organize your items and optimize packing space.
Dimensions
9.1 x 12.2 x 20.5 in
Weights
2.75 lb
Volume
34L
Features:
- Easy access to contents through a wide rolltop opening with magnetic closure
- Keep clothes organized while traveling thanks to removable packing cube
- Protects your laptop (up to 15″) in the padded laptop sleeve with SafeEdge construction and secure flap closure
- Access your laptop through the top-loading compartment or the side zipper
- Cords are neatly managed between your device and your mobile charger in the internal PowerPocket
- Protect your tablet in the dedicated tablet sleeve with soft interior lining
- Quickly retrieve internal contents through a zippered side access panel
- Carry comfortably with breathable perforated EVA shoulder straps with mesh covering and padded back panel
- Make traveling easier by attaching to rolling luggage using the pass-through panel
- Securely keep small items and a water bottle within reach in the expandable, zippered side pocket
5 – GORUCK GR2 (40L)
If you’re looking for a durable backpack that will be perfect for travel, the GORUCK GR2 is a great option. Medical packs used by Special Forces inspire this backpack, and the main compartment opens up completely flat. It’s carry-on compliant and has lots of pockets and compartments for organization. Plus, it comes with a Scars Lifetime Guarantee if you purchase it from the official website.
Dimensions
12.5″W x 22”H x 9”D
Weights
4.05 LBS
Volume
40L
Features:
- It opens up completely flat, making it easier to pack and organize
- Extra Padded Straps and top handle to carry heavier loads more comfortably.
- YKK zippers with silent, glove-friendly zipper pull constructed from parachute 550 cord
- Primary Material (Ranger Green, Steel, Wolf Grey): 1000D Cordura
- Primary Material (Black, Coyote Brown, Black Multicam, Tropic Multicam): 500D Cordura
- The bottom panel is built out of 1050d Ballistic Nylon that is water-resistant, abrasion resistant, and very durable.
- Bombproof laptop compartment fits 17″+ laptop
- A removable, rigid plastic frame sheet stabilizes the laptop compartment and allows you to carry more weight comfortably
- 2 separate compartments: An inner compartment with 3 pockets and an outer compartment with 3 pockets and a built-in field pocket
- 4 rows of external and internal MOLLE webbing let you customize GR2 how you want
- Backed by SCARS Lifetime Guarantee
6. – Incase A.R.C. Travel Pack
The ARC Travel Pack is the perfect business-class travel companion. Its sleek and stylish design is ideal for the office, while the zippered mesh dividers and dedicated shoe compartment keep your belongings neat on the go. The travel pack also features pockets and compartments for laptops, tech, and water bottles to keep your devices safe and organized while on the road. Whether taking a quick trip or planning a more extended vacation, the ARC Travel Pack is the perfect bag for all your needs.
Dimensions
19in x 13in x 8in, 25L
Weights
3.7 lb (1.7 kg)
Volume
25L. 33L when fully expanded
Features:
- They are sustainably designed with a mixture of 900D x 1200D recycled polyester, with the main fabric incorporating an exterior water-resistance coating to resist wear and stains.
- RFID-blocking tech compartment prevents digital info theft.
- Ortholite® Impressions foam on shoulder straps and back panel for breathability and comfort.
- Zippered laptop compartment fits up to 16″ MacBook and up to 12.9″ iPad.
- The butterfly opening gives complete and easy access to the large main compartment.
- Bacterial prevention on top and side handles, plus lining throughout the bag.
- We have a dedicated shoe compartment.
- The expansion zipper unlocks extra storage space by 80 mm.
- Premium YKK® zippers, including YKK® water resistant zippers on tech compartments.
- We have proven high-performance Duraflex® hardware.
- An ergonomic sternum strap makes the load feel lighter.
- Travel pass-through for secure roller-bag integration.
- It has a hidden storage pocket below the travel pass-through.
- Multiple internal zippered mesh dividers and pockets keep essentials organized.
7 – Osprey Farpoint 40L Travel Pack
Packed with features and designed for fast-moving globetrotters, the FARPOINT 40 travel pack is perfect for your next adventure. Despite its minimal weight, this pack includes serious backpacking features like internal organization and rugged compression straps. Plus, it meets most domestic carry-on requirements, making it an excellent choice for streamlined travel. Quick access zippered laptop/tablet sleeve protects devices up to 16″, and an external toiletry pocket helps you breeze through security lines. So whether you’re headed to the next big city or the remote wilderness, the FARPOINT 40 travel pack has you covered.
Dimensions:
22H X 14W X 9D IN.
Weights
3.486 LBS.
Volume
40L
Features:
- Adjustable torso fit
- Large panel zip access to the main compartment
- Lockable sliders on the main compartment zipper
- Dual front compression straps
- Large shove-it front compartment
- External zip toiletry pocket
- Padded top and side handles
- Stowaway back panel, harness, and hipbelt
- Quick access zippered 16″ laptop sleeve and tablet sleeve
- Two internal compression straps hold contents securely
- Inner front flap zippered mesh pocket
- Domestic carry-on size
- External gear attachment loops
- Compatible with Farpoint/Fairview Daypack
Conclusion
We’ve got seven great options for you if you’re looking for a modern carry-on travel backpack with plenty of pockets and compartments to keep your belongings organized. Whether you need a backpack for business travel or a more leisurely vacation, we’ve got a bag that will suit your needs. You won’t go wrong with any of these 7 options. They all have multiple compartments with all the features you need to keep you organized while on the go. These backpacks have enough space for your short trips essentials, and they are also the biggest bag dimensions you can have as carry-ons. Which is the best backpack for you? Leave a comment down below.
