5 Best Digital Nomad Backpacks for Work and Travel

By Frizky
·
May 18, 2022
·
14 min read
The best digital nomad backpacks

If you're a digital nomad, you know the importance of having a great backpack. After all, your backpack is your home away from home. It's where you keep your laptop, your phone, and your chargers. And of course all your other essential belongings.

When you're on the go, you need a backpack that's comfortable to wear. But also has plenty of storage, and is stylish enough to take you from the office to the beach.

Read on for the 10 best digital nomad backpacks I've tested and found.

I've also included a buyer's guide at the end of this page. This way you know what to look for when shopping for a new backpack.

Tortuga Outbreaker front Tortuga Outbreaker back Tortuga Outbreaker big compartment Tortuga Outbreaker organizing pockets Tortuga Outbreaker on person

1. Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

I've been using our Osprey Farpoint 40 for about a year now, and it has been amazing! It's the perfect size for a weekend getaway or a longer trip. The bag has plenty of room for all my digital nomad gear. The backpack is extremely comfortable to wear. Even when fully loaded. The backpack has a ton of features that make it perfect for travel.

The Farpoint 40 has a large main compartment that can fit all your clothes and gear. A smaller front compartment with organizational pockets for your smaller items. The backpack also has a built-in rain cover and an integrated laptop sleeve. Which is perfect for keeping your electronics safe and dry.

I love my Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great digital nomad backpack!

Dimensions
20.5" x 14" x 9"
52 cm x 35.5 cm x 22.9 cm
Weight:
3.4 lbs.
1.54 kg
Materials:
Main: 210D Nylon Cordura®
Bottom: 420HD Nylon Packcloth
Volume:
2440 in³ / 40 L
Maximum Carry Weight:
40 lbs.
18.1 kg
Suspension:
None
Backpanel:
Fixed foam
Shoulder Harness:
EVA foam
Hipbelt:
None
Load Range:
10-40 lbs.
4.5-18.1 kg
Waistbelt:
None
Raincover:
None
Features:
Stowaway backpanel, harness, and hipbelt
Front panel has a zippered slash pocket
Zippered side pockets
Top zip closure
Removable shoulder strap
Internal compression strap
Daisy chain loops
ID card window
Key fob
YKK zippers

Check price on Amazon

Tortuga Outbreaker front Tortuga Outbreaker back Tortuga Outbreaker big compartment Tortuga Outbreaker organizing pockets Tortuga Outbreaker on person

2. Tortuga Outbreaker 45L Backpack

As a digital nomad, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect backpack. And, the Tortuga Outbreaker 45L is the one that I've been using for the past few months. It's the perfect size for carrying all my essentials. The backpack is comfortable to wear, even when I'm carrying a lot of weight.

Here are some of the things that I love about the Tortuga Outbreaker 45L:

  1. The size is perfect for carrying everything I need, without being too big or bulky.

  2. It's comfortable to wear, even when I'm carrying a lot of weight.

  3. The organizational pockets are great for keeping everything in its place.

  4. The backpack is well-made and durable.

  5. The price is reasonable.

I highly recommend the Tortuga Outbreaker 45L. It's the perfect size, it's comfortable, and it's reasonably priced. It is a great backpack for your digital nomad lifestyle,

Check price on Amazon

Aer travel pack 3 in black Aer travel pack 3 main compartment Aer travel pack 3 organizing Aer travel pack 3 on person while walking Aer travel pack 3 on person

3. Aer Travel Pack 3

The Aer travel pack 3 is the most stylish pick for the modern minimalist traveler. It is sleek, functional, and versatile. The backpack easily converts into a shoulder bag or a tote bag, making it perfect for long-term travel. The main compartment is large enough to fit all my essentials. The side pockets are great for holding my passport and other small items. The backpack also has a laptop sleeve and a water-resistant bottom. Which are both great features for digital nomads.

I highly recommend the Aer travel pack 3 for long-term travel. But also for anyone who wants a stylish and functional backpack.

The only downside of the backpack is that it is a bit pricey. It is definitely worth the investment for the aesthetic alone. But also if you are planning on traveling for an extended period of time.

Check price on Aer website

Nomatic travel bag front Nomatic travel bag back Nomatic travel bag packing Nomatic travel bag shoe compartment Nomatic travel bag passport compartment

4. Nomatic Travel Bag

The NOMATIC 40L backpack is the perfect backpack for those who are always on the go. With plenty of storage and compartments. It's perfect for carrying all your essentials with you, no matter where you're going.

The backpack is made with high-quality materials and construction. So you know it will last. It's also comfortable to wear, thanks to the padded shoulder straps and back panel. And, it comes with a lot of handy features, like a built-in rain cover and an external power bank pocket.

Whether you're headed to the office or the airport. The NOMATIC 40L backpack is a great choice for digital nomads. It has everything you need to stay organized and comfortable on the go.

Check price on Amazon

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag packing Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag on person Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag adjustable straps Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag features

5. Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag

The Minaal Carry-on 3.0 bag is one of the most popular carry-on travel bags on the market. And for good reason! This bag is packed with features that make it perfect for any traveler.

First, the Minaal Carry-on 3.0 is designed to be the perfect size for carry-on travel. It meets the size requirements for most airlines. So you can avoid those pesky checked baggage fees. And, it has a ton of space for all your travel essentials. The main compartment is large enough to fit a few days worth of clothes. The front pocket is perfect for storing your laptop, tablet, and other electronics.

The Minaal Carry-on 3.0 also has a ton of great features that make it perfect for any traveler. The bag has a built-in laundry bag. So you can keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes. It also has a detachable shoulder strap, so you can carry it as a backpack or a shoulder bag. And, the bag has a built-in TSA-approved lock, so you can rest assured your belongings are safe and secure.

Check price on Minaal website

eBags Mother Lode black backpack eBags Mother Lode backpack main compartment eBags Mother Lode backpack front compartment eBags Mother Lode backpack space for snacks eBags Mother Lode backpack with laptop

6. eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack

The first thing you'll notice about the eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack is its size. It's big enough to fit everything you need for a long trip, but not so big that it's cumbersome to carry. The main compartment is large and roomy. There are plenty of smaller pockets and compartments for organizing your belongings. The backpack also has a built-in laptop sleeve. Which is perfect for keeping your computer safe and secure while you're on the go.

Another great feature of the eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack is its comfort. The shoulder straps are well-padded and adjustable, so you can customize the fit to your own body. The backpack itself is made from durable and breathable materials. You won't have to worry about it getting too hot or sweaty while you're carrying it.

The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack is a great choice for digital nomads. It's large enough to hold everything you need, but not so large that it's a burden to carry. It's also comfortable and well-made, so you can be sure it will last through all your travels.

Check price on Amazon

Man traveling

Travel backpack buyers guide

It is important to keep in mind what type of traveler you are. Are you a light packer or do you like to bring everything but the kitchen sink? Do you need a lot of compartments and pockets to keep organized or can you get by with a few?

Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options. To find the best digital nomad backpack for you. But before you start shopping, here are a few other things to keep in mind.

The size of the backpack

One of the most important things to consider is the size of your backpack. After all, you'll be carrying all your belongings with you on your journey. You'll want to make sure you have enough room to pack everything you need.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the size of your backpack for long term travel. First, consider the type of trip you're taking. Are you planning on doing a lot of hiking or other outdoor activities? If so, you'll want to make sure your backpack is large enough to carry all your gear. But, if you're mostly going to be staying in cities, you can get away with a smaller backpack.

Another thing to consider is how much stuff you actually need to bring with you. If you're the type of person who likes to travel light, you can get away with a smaller backpack. But if you need to pack a lot of clothes, supplies, and other items, you'll need a larger backpack.

Finally, think about how long you'll be gone. If you're only taking a short trip, you can get away with a smaller backpack. But if you're planning on being gone for weeks or even months. You'll need a larger backpack to make sure you have everything you need.

The type of material of the backpack

There are a lot of different materials that can be used for backpacks. But not all of them are well-suited for long term travel. Some materials are more durable than others. Some are better at resisting weather and wear and tear.

Here are some of the best materials for backpacks for long term travel:

  1. Nylon
    Nylon is one of the most popular materials for backpacks, and for good reason. It’s lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. Nylon is a great choice for long term travel because it will hold up well to a lot of use and abuse.

  2. Polyester
    Polyester is another popular choice for backpacks. It’s similar to nylon in terms of durability and weight, but it’s often cheaper. Polyester is a good choice for long term travel on a budget.

  3. Leather
    Leather is a luxurious material that looks great, but it can be expensive. Leather is also quite heavy, so it’s not the best choice if you’re trying to travel light. However, leather is extremely durable and will age well, so it’s a good choice for long term travel.

  4. Canvas
    Canvas is a sturdy material that’s often used for tents and outdoor gear. It’s not as lightweight as nylon or polyester, but it’s more durable. Canvas is a good choice for long term travel if you don’t mind a heavier backpack.

  5. Recycled Materials
    There are a lot of companies that make backpacks out of recycled materials. These backpacks are usually made from recycled plastic bottles or other post-consumer materials. Recycled backpacks are a great choice if you want to travel green.

No matter what material you choose for your backpack. Make sure it’s comfortable to wear and has enough space for all of your gear. And, of course, enjoy your long term travels!

The backpack's organizational features

A backpack with well-designed compartments and pockets can make a world of difference. Especially when you’re lugging it around for months on end. Look for a backpack with many compartments and pockets. This will help keep your belongings organized and easy to access.

The main compartment of your backpack should be reserved for the heaviest items. Think textbooks, laptops and cameras. For easy access. Pack items like your passport and travel documents in an internal zippered pocket. And make use of the side pockets for water bottles, snacks and other smaller items.

If your backpack doesn’t have a built-in rain cover, pack your rain gear in one of the external pockets. This way, you can access it when the weather takes a turn. And speaking of external pockets, they’re also great for storing items you need to grab quickly. Like your phone and sunglasses.

When it comes to compartments and pockets, more is usually better when you’re traveling long-term.

The backpack's comfort features

When you’re planning a long term trip, comfort is key. Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or Southeast Asia. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and carrying your backpack around with you. So it’s important to choose a backpack that is comfortable to wear. Here are some of the things to look for in a backpack to make sure it’s comfortable for long term travel:

  1. Padding
    Look for a backpack with padding in the back panel and straps. This will help to distribute the weight of the backpack evenly. Making it more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

  2. Adjustability
    Make sure the backpack straps are adjustable so you can customize the fit to your own body. This will help to prevent pain in the shoulders and back.

  3. Hip belt
    A hip belt can also help to distribute the weight of the backpack and make it more comfortable to wear.

  4. Breathability
    If you’re going to be wearing the backpack in warm weather, look for a backpack with some breathability. This is to help prevent you from getting too sweaty.

  5. Weight
    Obviously, the lighter the backpack, the better. Choose a backpack made from lightweight materials such as nylon or polyester.

Following these tips will help you choose a backpack that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Even when it’s packed full of all your travel essentials.

The price of the backpack

You’ll want to find a backpack that strikes a balance between being affordable and durable. You don’t want to spend a fortune on a backpack only to have it fall apart after a few months of use. At the same time, you don’t want to sacrifice quality in favor of saving a few bucks. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much you’re willing to spend on a backpack.

Digital nomad backpacks can be expensive. Be sure to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.

Frizky
Frizky @frizurd
The creator of Workmode. Frizky has been a designer and programmer for over 15 years.
He has been building solo products while traveling for about 6 years.