The best travel backpack for women is style, comfort, and practicality in one, so it’s a must-have for any trip. Whether you’re hiking, weekend away, or commuting in a busy city it’s important to find the right women’s travel backpack so your trip is stress-free and enjoyable.
At Indin Shops Team, we know this struggle firsthand. Our team of all genders tests travel daypacks and backpacks. While some get a thumbs up from the guys, we women often find them not quite right. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for the “best travel backpack for women.”

When we test backpacks we look at fit, comfort, and capacity. Women’s backpacks are smaller than unisex (usually male-oriented) designs so we prioritize options that give you as much space as possible without sacrificing comfort. If a larger backpack cuts it’s because we know it won’t leave you with a sore back by the time you get to your hotel—or we’ll tell you if it’s best suited for trips involving a rental car or ride-sharing.
We look for features like curved shoulder straps that fit around the chest, hip belts that fit wider hips without digging in, and supportive sternum straps that add stability without feeling constricting. These little details make all the difference in a backpack meeting the needs of women on the go.
Did you know female-specific backpacks have better ergonomics and comfort than regular ones? From contouring shoulder straps to adjustable torsos to thoughtful compartments these backpacks have many variables to fit women.
Here are the Best Travel Backpack for Women 2025. We’ll look into them.
Women Travel recommended backpack
How We Tested It
To recommend the best travel backpacks for women we put each bag through a series of tests that focus on packing, comfort and fit. Here’s how we tested them:
Test 1: Packing Capacity
We packed 12.4 pounds (5.6 kg) of travel gear into each backpack. This included three Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Packing Cubes. It also had one Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Shoe Pouch. Additionally, there was a GoTrippin by Destinio Toiletry and a Travel Organizer Kit. We also packed a Floppy Bowknot Straw Hat and a MacBook Air, we put them in the pockets where they fit best.
We wanted to see how easily each backpack could fit all these items, prioritizing organization and space usage. Some bags required us to get creative with extra pockets, but most passed with flying colors, had plenty of room and smart compartmentalization.
Test 2: Comfort During Wear
Once packed we wore each backpack for 10 minutes, wearing only a light sleeveless or short sleeve shirt. This allowed us to see if there was any discomfort caused by straps, back panel or uneven weight distribution without the added cushioning of heavy clothing.
Over the years we’ve found that even minor discomfort in the trapezius muscles, shoulders, neck or lower back becomes noticeable within 10 minutes of wear. Backpacks that felt comfortable during this short test were more likely to be comfortable over longer periods. You won’t regret wearing them for an extended time.
Test 3: Fit for the Female Frame
Women’s bodies are shaped differently than men’s, with wider hips, shorter torsos, and larger chests. These factors have a big impact on how a backpack feels when worn. We looked closely at how each bag fit, paying attention to:
- Sternum Straps: Did they support without compressing the chest?
- Hip Belts: Were they comfortable and in the right place or did they dig into the sides?
- Overall Fit: Did the backpack fit the female frame or did it cause discomfort due to its design?
Everybody is unique. However, these tips should give you a good base to find a backpack that fits your shape. This will ensure comfort while traveling.
Beyond the Basics
In addition to these tests, we also looked at durability, adjustability, and versatility. Could the straps and compartments be customized to different needs? Did the materials feel robust enough for long-term use? We tested zippers, stitching, and fabric to see if each bag could handle travel.
Ultimately, these tests allowed us to identify the standout travel backpacks for women, designed to prioritize comfort, practicality, and style.
Why You Should Trust Us
A compilation of years of expertise and real-world testing helps the team in recommending the best travel backpacks for women. Here is why you can place your trust in our editorial judgment:
Expert Analysis: Our recommendations are based entirely on full-fledged research on leading brands and customer feedback.
Real-World Testing: Each backpack is put through its paces for durability, comfort, and functionality based on real-life travel situations.
Unbiased Opinions: Your needs take precedence over everything. We are particularly concerned with those features that are of interest to travelers.
Comprehensive Coverage: Our reviews cater to different travel styles. From chic designs to rugged, adventure-ready options, we cover diverse preferences. One may consider what suits their ideal kind of travel style.
Gear List
5 Best Travel Backpacks for Women in India
Choosing the right backpack can be overwhelming with so many options available. Here are our top picks for 2025:
Osprey Fairview 36L Women Travel Backpack
The Osprey Fairview 36 Women’s Wheeled Travel Backpack is packed with features at a great price. 36L of space will fit 5 days of gear and then some, with room for an extra packing cube or a jacket, water bottle, or umbrella in the front pocket. A big top pocket for small items like keys with a built-in clip and a toiletry bag for easy airport security checks. Packing is easy, just put your shoes at the bottom and then fill the bag with packing cubes and other items. Internal compression straps keep everything in place.
Designed for women the adjustable torso system allows for a custom fit. The bag may feel long for shorter torsos. Adjusting the harness system, sternum strap, load lifters, and hip belt will distribute the weight more comfortably. The suspended back panel is great for warm days but you may want to wear a thicker shirt to prevent friction from the harness system on delicate fabrics.
Why We Liked It
The Osprey Fairview 36 is a woman-friendly pack in terms of design. It’s equipped with an adjustable torso system for comfort and personal fit. Compression straps inside the main compartment help keep your gear hidden, making it a cinch to pack and organize.
What You Should Know
The bag offers a lot of storage space. It does not have an individual pocket for water bottles. Furthermore, the open pocket in the front exposes everything a bit. Other than this, the harness system could feel a bit scratchy on delicate materials. To stay comfy, it’s best to wear sturdier clothing.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L
You’ve probably heard of Peak Design if you’re a photographer. This backpack isn’t just for people carrying a tripod or camera cubes. It’s just as useful for travelers who use their phones for photos. One of the standout features is its flexibility: the 27L bag expands to 33L with the expansion zipper so you have extra space when you need it. We were able to fit all our gear into the main compartment during our test, but it was a tight squeeze. This bag is great for camera gear, with a quick access pocket for small photography accessories. That pocket is a great spot for a toiletry bag. You can pull it out at airport security. This keeps the main compartment free for packing cubes and pouches. The fully clamshell opening makes packing a breeze so you can see and organize the space easily.
As for carry comfort, the back panel is stiff and rigid. The shoulder straps have some flexibility due to the riveted attachment. After a 5 minute walk, they started to dig into our tester’s shoulders. They strain her trapezius muscles. Carrying a lot of gear, especially heavy camera equipment, can make longer walks—like a 30 minute walk from the train station to the hotel—uncomfortable. The bag is also long for shorter torsos, sitting below the lower back on our tester. But it didn’t rub uncomfortably despite its length. Feeding the strap ends into the keepers is easy. However, we wish the sternum strap could be adjusted higher on the chest. It may be uncomfortable for fuller-figured women.
Why We Like It
- Interior attachment points securely hold camera gear in place.
- The clamshell opening allows for easy packing and efficient organization.
What You Should Know
- Removing the sternum strap is possible but requires considerable effort.
- Mesh pockets in the main compartment can get blocked by other gear.
Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack 55L
If you’re a frequent traveler you already have packing cubes, pouches, and other organizational gear you love. We totally get it and the Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack is designed with that in mind. The main compartment has plenty of room to pack all your essentials and keep a toiletry bag at the top for TSA checks. We stored a tech kit and hat in the lower front pocket. It is divided into two sections—a smaller top pocket and a larger bottom one. This setup is perfect for separating different types of gear. The zippers for these pockets have toggles that can be buttoned through the face fabric to prevent accidental openings. A mesh pocket along the front panel adds more room for odds and ends. An expansion zipper gives you an extra 5L of space for the shopaholic in you.
It comes in two sizes and we tested the S/M which is designed for petite users. During our sweaty test walk, nothing rubbed uncomfortably but the bag felt heavy when fully packed. The load lifters and hip belts are there but don’t provide much support. We had to adjust the sternum strap just right to get the right amount of support without being too tight across the chest.
Why We Like It
- Fully adjustable harness system using a hook-and-loop panel inside the back panel.
- Riveted shoulder straps offer flexibility and comfort during wear.
What You Should Know
- Minimal built-in organization; works best with your own packing cubes and pouches.
- Tucking the back panel and rainfly requires effort, but they remain securely attached.
tomtoc A54 Sling Travel Laptop Backpack
You might blow your budget on flights, accommodation, travel insurance, and trip essentials. In that case, finding a cheap travel backpack can be tough. Luckily the tomtoc A54 Sling Bag Travel Laptop Backpack delivers amazing value for money. The soft structure and rounded edges fit smaller frames. The back panel padding feels like a big hug as it rides along the airport. This thoughtful design is a favorite among our testers, especially for women. The mesh on the back panel breathes well even in humid conditions like a Florida summer. The sternum strap slides on webbing for a customizable fit. We didn’t miss the load lifters and hip belt even when we packed this bag to the brim for a 5 day trip.
The main compartment has plenty of room for all our gear, accessible via a front duffle style opening which we found was the easiest way to pack. Alternatively, the rear laptop compartment allows you to access items at the bottom without disturbing everything else. If the bag isn’t full compression straps will secure the load. Even when full this bag doesn’t have the boxy suitcase on your back look that many others have.
Why We Like It
Cushioned back panel for added comfort.
Dual access to the main compartment through the rear laptop section for convenience.
What You Should Know
- Zipper pulls can sometimes interfere when closing adjacent compartments.
- The bag may sag slightly when carrying less gear.
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Anti-Theft Backpack
You want to be excited about exploring new places, not worried about your stuff. Pacsafe delivers with the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Anti-Theft 15L Backpack, Black, the perfect travel backpack for women who prioritize security. Every zipper on this bag is lockable, including the one to the shoe compartment (no one is getting their hands on our Jimmy Choos!). The main compartment can be double-locked by joining the zippers together and locking them in the lockdown point.
The recycled material has eXomesh, a protective layer that prevents anyone from slashing your bag with a knife. It’s a bit tedious to use all the locks, especially with multiple zippers. However, you don’t have to lock everything if you’re in a safe environment. Practice the locks before you go. You don’t want to hold up the TSA line trying to unlock the laptop compartment zipper. Despite the security features, there’s still plenty of room to pack your gear, with separate compartments for shoes and toiletries.
But the multiple zippers do jangle when you walk so it’s harder to be stealthy. The bag has plenty of space but the harness system could use some work. It pulls on your shoulders and sits low on your back even after you’ve tightened the load lifters. The PopNLock security clip is a great feature. It wraps around fixed objects to prevent theft. However, it can dig into your side when you walk. So our advice: wear a thicker shirt that goes past your waist for extra comfort.
Why We Like It
- Every compartment features lockable zippers for enhanced security.
- The stretchy sternum strap fits comfortably across your chest.
What You Should Know
- Security features can slow down access to your items.
- The bag has many straps and zippers, which can be cumbersome.
How to Choose the Right Backpack for Your Trip
The best travel backpack for women isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your travel style, here are some features to prioritize:
Adjustable Straps and Padded Support
- Contoured shoulder straps to fit smaller frames.
- Adjustable sternum and hip straps for added stability.
- Padded back panels for all-day comfort.
Weather Resistance
- Water-resistant travel backpacks that protect your gear from rain and splashes.
- Models with included rain cover for extra protection.
Smart Compartments
- Separate compartments for shoes, clothes, and electronics.
- Hidden anti-theft pockets for valuables.
- External bottle holders and quick-access compartments for essentials.
Tips for Packing a Travel Backpack Efficiently
Once you’ve chosen the perfect travel daypack for women, knowing how to pack it efficiently is the next step. Here are some tips:
Use Packing Cubes and Organizers
- Keep your clothes neat and save space with packing cubes.
- Use smaller organizers for toiletries, electronics, and accessories.
Roll vs. Fold
- Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.
- Use the folding method for bulkier items like jackets.
Quick-Access Items
- Pack essentials like snacks, passports, and chargers in easy-to-reach compartments.
- Keep a lightweight jacket or scarf in an outer pocket for changing weather.
Stylish Travel Backpacks That Don’t Compromise Functionality
Who says you can’t have a fashion travel backpack that’s also functional? In 2025, brands are combining aesthetics and practicality:
Trendy Designs for Fashion-Conscious Travelers
- Sleek silhouettes in neutral colors like black, beige, and olive green.
- Trendy backpacks for women with metallic accents and modern patterns.
Popular Brands Offering Women-Specific Models
- Osprey: Known for female-friendly backpacks with customizable fits.
- Patagonia: Durable and eco-friendly options.
- Herschel: A blend of style and practicality.
Color and Size Options
- Petite-friendly designs for smaller frames.
- A variety of colors to match personal style preferences.
The Bottom line
The best travel backpack for women in India balances style, function, and comfort. You might want a lightweight backpack for travel. Perhaps you need a tough travel backpack for an adventure. Alternatively, a multi-purpose travel backpack for everyday use might suit you. There are plenty of women’s backpacks to meet your needs. Make sure your choice takes in ergonomic fit, size, materials, and style. Ready to find your perfect one? Go ahead and explore the above recommendations and set off on your next journey with confidence!