Views: 30
Hauling a backpack overseas for a year was once every millennial’s dream. Having come of age with films like Into The Wild, The Beach and Before Sunrise, the romance of backpacking was embedded in the hearts of every 2000s teen.
Then came Instagram, and the grungy appeal of backpacking fell a little out of favour. Enter: the polished era of global travel, led by picture-perfect Airbnbs and photo-ready ‘fits.
In 2026, however, it seems the tide is turning in travel trends. Across the board, Gen Z is showing a desire to get back to basics. Alongside dumb phones, book clubs, and the ancient art of dating without apps, a simpler approach to travel is also gaining appeal. According to research from Skyscanner, budget travel and experience holidays rank high on the Gen Z agenda, with a particular focus on wellness, sustainability and outdoor activities. Gen Z are also craving trips off the beaten track, with 76 percent open to choosing less well-known destinations to avoid overcrowding.
When it comes to outdoor and adventure-friendly luggage options, a backpack is undoubtedly the superior choice.
The ELLE Edit of Best Backpacks For Long-term Travel
Lighter than a suitcase, and offering greater mobility around cobblestone streets, dirt tracks and mountainous train station stairs, backpacks are the luggage du jour for those who need to move. Now. (You can also skip a few squats at the gym.)
But, depending on your holiday style, you may desire something more elevated, convenient or weather-resistant. Scroll on for our top picks.
Tip: There are backpacks designed specifically for women’s bodies. If you are a person in-need something with a shorter torso length, narrower straps and better hip support, focus your search on women’s backpacks.
Osprey Fairview 40L Women’s Travel Backpack
The Osprey Fairview 40 has an unbeatable reputation for quality among hiking circles, and is famed for its comfort.
Designed specifically for women, it has an adjustable torso and padded hip belt for a precise fit. With a 40-litre volume, the Fairview is not too big, and weighs only 1.43kg, meaning it can help you pass carry-on weight limits.
It opens at the front (clamshell opening), and also has dedicated laptop and toiletry compartments for those who love organisation. For the sustainably minded, it’s also certified for manufacturing that is both environmental and worker-safe.
Best for: A high-quality backpack for hiking and city-travelling alike.
Bagsmart Blast Pro 43L Roller Backpack
If you’re looking for a backpack with wheels, the Bagsmart Blast Pro 43L is the winner in both practicality and looks. But don’t let the sleek, minimal exterior fool you – there’s plenty going on beneath.
With a 43-litre capacity, there’s plenty of room inside for folding, rolling or stuffing your goods. Plus, a lockable laptop compartment, RFID pocket and wet/dry storage compartments, ensure you items are safe in more ways than one.
However, the best feature is undeniably the Bagsmart Blast’s wheels and an extendable handle, making it easily convertible when you need to make a mad dash through the airport.
With the Basic (currently on sale for $191.25) and Pro options (pictured) available, you have some flexibility with price point on this piece. The main benefit of the Pro is that the exterior features enhanced waterproofing.
At 3kg, it may be a little heavier than other backpacks, but this is a standard trade-off for handles and wheels.
Best for: A versatile, stylish and secure backpack with wheels.
Pacsafe EXP45 anti-theft carry-on travel pack
If you’re concerned about theft, Pacsafe’s EXP45 is your answer for safety. With a combination of puncture-resistant zippers, slash-resistant materials and straps, and RFID pocket, you can rest assured your belongings are in good hands.
Pacsafe’s eXomesh slash-guard, plus its ‘PopNLock’ security anchor clip, your backpack will be safe from opportunistic thieves. This backpack really is designed with safety features in mind.
Despite its bells and whistles and generous 45-litre capacity, the Pacsafe EXP45 is also still carry-on friendly. It’s compact and able to be carried like a duffel bag as well as a backpack. Not for nothing either, its contemporary, minimal appearance is a bonus for the fashion conscious.
Best for: The most secure anti-theft backpack on the market.
Kathmandu Women’s Valorous 45L Pack
The Kathmandu Valorous 45L is a genuinely women-specific hiking and travel pack, with an ergonomic hip belt, adjustable back length and ventilated shoulder straps designed around a woman’s build. Its Crossflow AirXF+ harness creates space for airflow between the pack and your back, a small miracle when you’re hauling your belongings around somewhere hot and humid.
At 45 litres and 1.5kg, it’s particularly compelling for travellers who want to combine long-term travel with actual hiking. The J-shaped side zip makes accessing your belongings much easier than digging down through a traditional top-loader, while attachment points give it genuine outdoor credentials.
Best for: Women who love to hike.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L
The Patagonia Black Hole 40L is built to withstand all climes and the wear-and-tear that occurs in both baggage claim and the great outdoors.
Made from 100% recycled 900-denier polyester ripstop with a recycled TPU-film laminate, Patagonia uses environmentally friendly materials (made entirely from recycled plastics and Fair Trade Certified!) to create extremely tough, heavy-duty woven fabrics that are highly durable and weather-resistant.
Truly designed for those who love to throw their bags around, this backpack also features a padded base for additional protection. Impressively lightweight, the Black Hole weighs in at just over 1kg – quite the feat for a 40L bag.
Also, don’t let the boxy construction fool you – it’s still an excellent option for women. Plus, the removable handles mean it can be carried as a duffel or worn as a backpack.
Best for: Carefree travellers who need a backpack for a long holiday, designed to withstand the environment and general long-term wear and tear.
Antler Discovery 45L Backpack in Dark Forest Green
The Antler Discovery 45L Backpack is the pack for those who are reluctant to give up their suitcase. While it doesn’t have wheels for rolling, it opens like a suitcase and maintains the stylish appearance for which Antler is known.
With its sleek silhouette and Dark Forest Green colourway (also available in black, mustard and a lovely light purple), it brings a distinctly fashion-conscious sensibility to the travel-backpack category. But this isn’t style over substance: the 45L design opens from the side like a cabin suitcase, and has an easily-accessible, padded compartment for your laptop and accessories.
It’s also made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is water-repellent. At 1.47kg and 55cm in length, the dimensions of this backpack make it carry-on friendly.
Best for: A travel backpack with a sleek design for the fashion conscious traveller.
The post Backpacks That Actually Work For Your Long-term Travel Adventures appeared first on ELLE.
