10 Best Packable Backpacks with Style (2022 Edition)

Choosing the best daypack that is both stylish and functional

We spent hours researching the best packable backpacks for your future travels. In the spirit of packing light, we love a good daypack that packs down and tucks into your carry-on. The thing is, we are also pretty obsessed with the bag looking stylish when we are walking a street in Lisbon or Tokyo. One of the things we found was that so many of the bags are great for carrying things, but look more like they belong on a mountain top, not a city street. Our goal was to identify great packable backpacks that have both function AND form. Here is what we found…

How to choose the best packable backpack for your needs

As you are considering which packable backpack is best for you, here are some of the questions you should consider when making your choice.

Where you will be using it?

Packable Backpacks are great for extra capacity when you are on a trip, and can be used as a daypack for hands-free exploring. You can even use them as your personal item on your flight. As you evaluate the packs below, consider how and where you will be using it to see if it fits your needs.

What is its capacity?

If you plan to use the bag as your personal item or extra capacity when you return from your trip, does it have enough space for the job? Or is it more likely a compact daypack for exploring?

Will the shoulder straps be comfortable?

This is key for us. We find that the shoulder straps of some bags just cut into our shoulders and quickly become really uncomfortable. When looking at these bags, consider if you will be able to comfortably carry them all day.

What is your budget?

This list includes a wide range of prices. When buying your travel gear you can find good quality, functional gear at just about every price point.

Is it weatherproof?

We have walked through the streets of Paris in the rain. We took the advice of Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina Fairchild in one of our favorite movies, Sabrina. “…Another thing, never a briefcase in Paris and never an umbrella. There’s a law.” As romantic as it sounds (and it was), we were happy to have a bag that kept our things dry.

Does it have any security features?

The reality of travel is that tourists are targets for pickpockets. You FOR SURE always want a bag that zips, and beyond that, consider the location of the zippers and maybe even bring a zipper-lock to be safe.

Is it your style?

We believe that both function and form are important, so the picks below represent bags we think meet both criteria. Some of them back down tight into little pouches, some of them pack flat and are compact enough to be considered packable. We think all of them look good.

The Search for the Perfect Packable Backpack That is Both Stylish and Functional: Our Picks

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1. TUMI Voyageur Just In Case Backpack

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2. ChicoBag Travel Pack rePETe Compact Recycled Backpack

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3. Vera Bradley Women’s Packable Backpack

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4. Sherpani Miyako

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6. Eagle Creek Packable Daypack

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7. Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack

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8. Victorinox Packable Casual Lightweight Backpack

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9. Herschel Packable Daypack

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10. Briggs & Riley Rhapsody Slim Backpack

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| Want to know what we pack for long flights? Find out here!

Wrapping it up

With all these choices you are sure to be able to find a stylish travel backpack that will suit all your travel needs.  We believe these are the best packable backpacks (and maybe a couple that are cute and not technically packable) The bottom line is carrying a pack makes your travels easier.  We hope you find the pack that fits your style perfectly!