13 Best Backpack Purses for Travel

When we decide to pack our things for a short trip, the first thing that comes to our minds is the bags that suit this trip. While luggage is mostly a no-brainer, the question mainly arises for the bag we’ll use for day-to-day travel. The answer is mostly a small daypack, but we decided to take our chances and try the best backpack purse for travel this time. However, it wasn’t easy to pick the best of the lot due to the plethora of options available in the market today. We found everything from convertible bags and simple backpacks to even ones with padded laptop sleeves! So, gone are the days of hauling around a purse *and* a backpack! 

Whether we were navigating airports or train stations or sightseeing, toting around with backpack purses afforded a lot of flexibility since we could wear them in many ways. Hence, they’re not only highly versatile but the different wearing options helped us avoid shoulder pain too. Here’s a guide to the best products available on the market, along with a very useful guide on how to pick them.

Kipling Women’s City Mini Backpack

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When we first saw this bag, we wouldn’t have thought in our wildest dreams that it would be a suitable backpack purse, but it was. In fact, we consider the Kipling Women’s City Mini Backpack as the best small backpack purse for travel due to its size. What’s more, it’s very durable and can withstand all sorts of traveling conditions, thanks to its tough nylon build. 

“We also loved the fact that this bag was suitable for casual outings as well. So, we even used it for everyday outings outside our trip!”

WOW Travel

Moreover, the bag comes in different colors and designs, including the wonderfully chic metallic color and build below. It made it suitable for even evening outings when we had to be dressy but still had a ton of things to carry. In fact, we carried the outfit we changed into in the bag! Finally, the bag also comes with extra zipper pockets aside from the main compartment. The front zipper pocket is perfect for stashing quick-grab essentials. Rounding up the features are the side pockets where we could stash snacks and water bottles too.

What We Love:

This is a lightweight and durable backpack purse for travel and casual wear.

Sherpani Soleil Anti Theft Backpack

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Best anti-theft backpack purse. While looking for secure backpack purses, we came across and loved the Sherpani Soleil Anti Theft Backpack. There are a lot of anti-theft measures about this bag that make it secure. For one, it has a clip lock for the largest pocket, ensuring that no one can open it easily. Secondly, the bag also has a chair loop lock system to enhance security. What’s more, both the straps and the bottom of the bag are lined with slash-proof fabric. 

Apart from these amazing safety features, this convertible bag can be worn in three different ways – as a backpack, as a cross purse, and as a tote. Thanks to the 100% ballistic nylon and mélange threads, the Soleil is a durable, water-resistant, and lightweight bag. Coming to the interior, this bag is roomy enough for things we need on the go without looking bulky. The best bit? Despite being functional, it comes in five colors.

What We Love:

The smart zipper lock system and laptop compartment are extra additions that we love.

Fjallraven Totepack

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Who doesn’t know Fjallraven? The Swedish outdoor equipment brand started with backpacks, and the Fjallraven Totepack is one of its best products. We found it an excellent compact travel bag to wear crossbody and as a backpack. Also, we could hold the bag in two more ways, using the small leather handle or the other tall strap.  This small backpack purse for travel is available in different colors. It’s available in nine exciting colors, including light and dark ones, which we found to be very versatile. Furthermore, it was lightweight and didn’t feel heavy on our shoulders. On the inside, there was a small pocket for us to stash our keys, passports, and other small objects like lipsticks, etc. Check out more details about the product in this detailed YouTube review video by 5 Minute Cloth.

What We Love:

It appears very small, but it can actually hold a lot of things – thanks to its versatile and compact design.

Carhartt Legacy Women’s Hybrid Convertible Backpack

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Best value for money. We were looking for a functional backpack purse when we chanced upon the Carhartt Legacy Women’s Hybrid Convertible Backpack. It looks classy and is functional at the same time. For one, it came with a laptop sleeve, so we were easily able to slip in our 14-inch laptop without a hitch. Secondly, it even has a side pocket for water bottles or any other small items such as protein bars and the like. We were even able to get clips for backpacks to attach more items. Coming to the material, the bag is made out of 100% polyester. Hence, the build of the laptop repels water, allowing our valuables to stay dry and safe. Despite being a functional bag, it does come in three neutral colors.

What We Love:

This is the best business backpack purse for traveling as well as for an active lifestyle.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Small Convertible Backpack

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There’s yet another anti-theft backpack on this list – this time, it’s the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Small Convertible Backpack. As is evident from its name, it’s one of the best women’s backpack purse options for travel. There are a lot of things we love about this classic-looking travel backpack, starting with the fact that it can be worn both as a shoulder bag and a backpack. What we loved the most about this bag, however, is the safety features, which include a tethered key clip and an RFID zippered pocket. So, we were able to keep valuables without worrying about anybody cloning or stealing them. What’s more, the key clip even came with an LED light for visibility during nighttime. What more could we want?

What We Love:

The bag has many features that travelers will need at an affordable price.

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Travelon Convertible Backpack/Tote Bag

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Travelon offers yet another option when it comes to a great bag for travel and everyday use, which is the Travelon Convertible Backpack/Tote Bag. We were able to wear this 3-in-1 bag as a crossbody bag, a tote bag, as well as a backpack. Thanks to the convertible strap, this bag became a versatile option for us when we were traveling. It even comes in two colors, even though both of them are dark colors.

So, it did suit most of our formal outfits. When we speak of the interior of the bag, it came with a small pocket for accessories, a zippered outer pocket, and the main compartment. So, we were able to organize our things well, and we had lots of space to do that too. If that wasn’t enough, it even came with a strap for use with luggage. Thus, it made for the perfect travel bag with a luggage sleeve.

What We Love:

This is a small compact bag that can be used as a luggage backpack carry-on bag for travel.

PacSafe Women’s Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack

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What makes for the best, smallest travel backpack that’s also a purse? It’s one that offers a unique and stylish look while providing practical solutions for travel. And that’s exactly what the PacSafe Women’s Citysafe CX Anti Theft Convertible Backpack is all about. This backpack purse was designed for the working woman on the move, and its features are a testament to that. Firstly, this bag has a bevy of anti-theft features, such as interlocking zippers and RFID-blocking pockets. What’s more, it also includes a padded laptop sleeve and other pockets to hold many things. So, we were able to put not just our 14-inch laptop but also a whole lot of other things like makeup, etc. And since the material is a bit glossy, it added style to our ensemble as well, no matter what we wore.

What We Love:

This is a feminine and practical option and the best backpack purse for travel, considering the colors.

Zocilor Women’s Fashion Backpack Purse

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Most color options. One of the things we wanted while looking for a backpack purse was options in terms of colors. That’s one of the reasons we loved the Zocilor Women’s Fashion Backpack Purse, as it offered as many as 20 color options! We especially loved the xxx color featured below. 

Besides the color, we appreciated the patterned guitar strap on the backpack, which enhanced its overall look. In fact, we were even able to match the bag with different outfits. What’s more, the bag has a main compartment for all our stuff as well as two front zipper pockets. They were easy to access and use for small important things such as phones, cards, and keys. As for the fabric, the bag is made from vegan leather, making it a great option for eco-friendly lovers too. Since the patterned strap is removable, we could wear the bag as a backpack, handbag, or shoulder bag according to our ensemble.

What We Love:

This is a multipurpose bag with many colors to suit any style and different uses.

PINCNEL Women’s Backpack Purse

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We love keeping things in our bag organized; that’s why we love the PINCNEL Women’s Backpack Purse. This bag has multiple compartments for organizing all our stuff. For one, it has a main compartment along with several smaller pockets inside. These pockets can hold everything from a 14-inch laptop and tablet to USB devices, cards, keys, and phones. What’s more, the bag is waterproof as it’s made from 100% nylon, along with a leather strap in the middle of the bag. In fact, it’s not only available in 15 different colors, but it even comes with 3 straps. Moreover, the two back straps have a good amount of adjustability to be worn as a shoulder bag.

What We Love:

This is a value-for-money bag that serves its function without costing you too much.

Ytonet Laptop Backpack Purse

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Best unisex bag. Backpack purses aren’t female-only products. That’s why the Ytonet Laptop Backpack Purse is special, as it also serves as the best men’s backpack purse option for travel at this price range. This backpack is really packed with features, such as RFID pockets for safety as well as a charging USB port. This feature was really helpful for us when we were traveling long distances. What’s more, this bag is made from water-resistant material, which is very durable and is expected to last us for years. Moreover, the bag is neatly organized from the inside, making it one of the best options we could go for. Besides the fact that it came in multiple color options, the bag could also fit our 15-inch laptop. Neat, isn’t it?

What We Love:

The bag is available in different colors and patterns and is a multi-purpose bag.

CLUCI Women’s Backpack Purse

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We’d had enough of traditional backpacks, so we went looking for a fashionable backpack purse that we could use in outings, too, like the CLUCI Women’s Backpack Purse. Featuring leather and canvas straps, this bag is elegant as well as functional. Aside from the many multiple color and pattern options, there are many security features that we like about this bag. For one, it comes with a back zipper closure and a main zipper compartment for organizing all our stuff. What’s more, the bag also has an interior zipper pocket, an interior slot pocket, a front zipper pocket, and two side pockets. So, whether we wanted to put our iPad, smartphone, umbrella, or on-the-go items, we had a separate space for all of them. Finally, the bag also came with a shoulder strap and two adjustable back straps for comfort.

What We Love:

The bag has many colors and patterns to suit all tastes.

KL98 Canvas Sling Bag

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Most compact backpack purse. The title of the best, smallest travel backpack goes to the KL98 Canvas Sling Bag. Now, this bag might look small but don’t be fooled by its looks, as it can hold a lot within its folds. Not only did we get a main pocket for all our stuff, but we also got two small pockets, a pocket for our water bottle, and even a cardholder. What’s more, the bag itself is lightweight, so we didn’t feel like we were hauling around something bulky. As for usability, the bag comes with two back straps, so we could use it as a backpack as well as a shoulder bag, thanks to the shoulder strap. In addition, we could connect the straps together with the zippers, so we could even use it as a sling bag.

What We Love:

It’s one of the most compact yet useful bags we’ve seen on this list.

Falanko Laptop Backpack

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Finally, we come to what is the best backpack purse as well as the best women’s backpack for work and gym, the Falanko Laptop Backpack. This backpack-cum-shoulder bag is a very versatile option, and we were able to use it in multiple scenarios. For one, it’s very spacious on the inside and was able to fit our 15-inch large laptop inside very easily. The bag includes two front zipper pockets and a main compartment with a top opening. So, it was very easy to load and arrange our things in the bag. What’s more, it even has a USB port so we could charge our devices. In addition, we could even slip the bag onto the telescoping handle of our luggage bag thanks to the rear strap. So, we didn’t have to struggle with our luggage while navigating airports.

What We Love:

This bag is a complete product with all the features you can think of for the ideal travel backpack.

Our Verdict!

While we love all the options mentioned above, here is a more specialized list that’ll help you zero in on options.

• Best anti-theft backpack purse: Sherpani Soleil Anti Theft Backpack
• Best value for money: Carhartt Legacy Women’s Hybrid Convertible Backpack
• Most color options: Zocilor Women’s Fashion Backpack Purse
• Best unisex bag: Ytonet Laptop Backpack Purse
• Most compact backpack purse: KL98 Canvas Sling Bag 

How To Choose The Best Backpack Purse For Travel?

Backpack purses are very handy if you’re used to traveling, especially inside the country. Backpacks will be your companion at the airport, transportation, and tours around the city. We kept these things in mind while choosing the best backpack purses.

Quality

Since it’s a travel bag at the end, it should be durable enough to withstand long trips and travel days. So, we ensured that the bag we purchased was a very sturdy one and was made from water-resistant fabric.

Comfortable

Just like quality, we needed a comfortable bag to tolerate, especially since we were also going to be using it backpacking. We also ensured that the bag we got had non-slipping back straps. Also, they should be adjustable for better handling. Comfort is also about how you can access compartments and whether there is a small pocket for mobile and cards or not.

Anti-theft

Most travel backpacks come with anti-theft features such as zipper locking systems or RFID pockets. These are important for traveling as they can protect your stuff, especially in crowded places. So, we looked for the bags with the most safety features possible.

Are backpacks or shoulder bags better?

That depends on the use. For traveling, backpacks are more comfortable as the weight is distributed on both shoulders. You can also get the convertible options.

What are travel backpack purses used for?

These kinds of bags are used mainly for inside city trips or as carry-on bags at the airport. You can choose a roomy enough bag to carry your laptop and other essential stuff on the airplane. Similarly, you may carry this bag when roaming around or sightseeing. So, you need a bag with a bottle pocket and USB port.

What are covertible backpack purses?

These are bags with straps that can be converted from a backpack to a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag. These styles are very versatile and serve different purposes.