10 Best Digital Nomad Backpacks in 2023

These days, more and more people are breaking free from conventional 9-5 jobs and embracing the world of location independence . I’ve been a digital nomad for the last 18 months and I can honestly say it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.






However, in order to work remotely from anywhere in the world, it’s important to make sure you have the right gear . In this post, I’ll be discussing my pick of the 10 best digital nomad backpacks to help keep your work equipment safe and (equally importantly) portable.



Each backpack on this list is versatile and durable enough to accompany you on your nomadic journey. However, there are various different styles to choose from, and I’ve included some of the best and most popular ones below.



Best Digital Nomad Backpacks



Below, I’ve given an honest review of each backpack, including its pros, cons, and key features.



From fashionable urban chic to rugged and functional, these digital nomad backpacks are all fantastic and unique in their own right. This list includes a good range of brands, styles, and prices in the below list, so there should be something here that’s perfect for you:






1. Osprey Escapist 25 Daypack (Overall Best Backpack for Digital Nomads)







Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, exploring a new city, soaking up some rays on the beach, or simply walking to your favorite coworking space, the  Osprey Escapist 25 Daypack  is without a doubt my favorite backpack on this list.



You can fit a surprisingly large amount of stuff in this pack, despite its medium-sized appearance. And, even when fully loaded, it’s really comfortable to carry thanks to the ergonomic padded straps, as well as its ventilated and adjustable back panel.



Inside, the pack has several zippered pockets and compartments, so it’s easy to keep all of your work kit (or whatever else you’re carrying) organized and accessible. It also has three outer mesh pockets and even comes with a stashable waterproof rain cover.



I’ve had one for nearly 10 years and use it most days, and it’s still going strong! As well as being my go-to backpack for all of my work gear, I’ve also taken it hiking in Central Asia, city-hopping in Europe, and road-tripping in Ethiopia, Somaliland, and a number of other offbeat destinations .



It currently costs $127 on Amazon. Click here to buy one now .



Features of Osprey Escapist 25 Daypack




Mesh-covered, adjustable back panel



Hip belt with zippered stash pouches



Multiple pockets for internal organization



Separate compartments for shoes and clothes



Zippered scratch-free top pocket for sunglasses, etc.



Hydration sleeve in back panel



Integrated rain cover



Bike helmet attachment system




Pros and Cons of Osprey Escapist 25 Daypack





Pros




Excellent organization: Multiple pockets and compartments for easy organization and access to gear



Comfortable to carry: AirScape back panel and BioStretch harness provide a comfortable fit and ventilation



Versatile: Equally suitable for carrying work gear, hiking, weekend trips, etc.



Durable: Made of high-quality materials so will last a long time even with extensive use






Cons




No dedicated laptop sleeve: You’ll need to put your laptop inside its own case within the pack



Relatively high cost: It’s more expensive than many other digital nomad backpacks, so may not suit all budgets



Limited color options: The pack only comes in black, red, and blue, which may not be to everyone’s preference






VIEW ON AMAZON



2. NOMATIC Travel Pack







The  Travel Pack 20L is a very solid offering from NOMATIC, a relatively new brand that specializes in producing high-quality digital nomad backpacks. One of my favorite features of this bag is that you can expand it from 20 to 30 liters, depending on how much you need to carry.



As well as having a dedicated padded laptop sleeve, it also has a number of other pockets, pouches, and wallets inside to help keep your stuff organized and accessible. The design is sleek and stylish, with a minimalist, professional aesthetic.



This is a premium product, with a premium price tag. However, it’s built from high-quality durable, water-resistant materials (including waterproof zippers), so it’s likely to last a long time if properly cared for.



It currently costs $300 on Amazon. Click here to learn more .



Features of NOMATIC Travel Pack




Padded laptop sleeve



Anti-theft pockets



RFID-safe lockable pocket



Expandable (by an additional 10 liters)



Water-resistant



Stylish design



Adjustable, comfortable straps




Pros and Cons of NOMATIC Travel Pack





Pros




Sleek and professional design: Stylish and polished aesthetic suitable for professional settings and stylish urban adventures



Great storage and organization: Multiple compartments and pockets for efficient organization of belongings



Versatile and customizable: Includes features such as a removable waist strap, retractable key leash, and customizable panels



Carry-on compliant size: Meets the size requirements for carry-on luggage on most airlines



Durable and water-resistant: Constructed with high-quality materials and resistant to showers and moderately bad weather conditions



Comfortable to wear: Padded shoulder straps and back panel provide comfort and support






Cons




Cost: Very expensive compared with other digital nomad backpacks



Limited external attachment points: It has less functionality for outdoor activities like hiking



Small water bottle pocket: The water bottle pocket isn’t stretchy and can’t hold larger bottles



Issues with zippers: In online reviews, some customers have reported issues with the zippers not being robust enough






VIEW ON AMAZON



3. Tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L







This is one of the best backpacks for techies. The Tomtoc Travel Backpack is ideally suited for nomads who need to carry around a lot of stuff, including a laptop with a larger screen.



The bag has several compartments, a dedicated tech storage area that can hold a 17-inch laptop as well as an iPad with various accessories. With a 40-liter capacity, this is one of the largest digital nomad backpacks to make the list.



I like the quick-access front pocket which is ideal for storing your travel or work essentials. You can also unzip the main compartment and open it up flat like a suitcase, which is a nice feature and makes it easier to pack and unpack.



An added bonus of this bag is that it’s made from recycled plastic bottles! It currently costs $65 on Amazon (reduced from the usual list price of $90). Click here to buy one now .



Features of Tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L




Can hold a 17-inch laptop, iPad, and related tech gear



180-degree clamshell opening design for easy packing and unpacking



Thick contoured shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap



Quality buckles and straps, and YKK zippers



Sturdy outer shell



Qualifies as a carry-on with most airlines, despite its large 40L capacity



Good eco-credentials (it’s made from recycled plastic bottles)




Pros and Cons of Tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L





Pros




Affordable: More budget-friendly than some of the other premium packs described in this post



Spacious and versatile storage capacity: The 40L capacity provides ample space for packing belongings, and various compartments allow for efficient organization



Durable and water-resistant: Constructed with high-quality materials that offer durability and protection against water damage



Comfortable and adjustable carrying system: Padded shoulder straps, back panel, and adjustable sternum strap ensure a comfortable fit and support



Multiple external attachment points: Allows you to attach additional gear to the exterior of the backpack (tripods, sleeping bag, small tent, etc.) – great for hiking and camping



Convenient accessibility: Has a front pocket organizer and side pockets for easy access and organization






Cons




Lack of dedicated laptop compartment: You’ll also need to use a protective case for your laptop



May be too big for some: At 40L in capacity, this is a fairly large digital nomad backpack and may not be suitable if you don’t need to carry very much



Not carry-on compliant: Given its larger size, you may not be able to take this as a carry-on with some airlines



Limited back ventilation: This can lead to a lack of comfort (i.e. a sweaty back)



Limited padding on shoulder straps: Less comfortable when carrying heavy loads






VIEW ON AMAZON



4. BANGE 35L Travel Backpack







The  BANGE 35L Travel Backpack  is another affordable bag that’s able to hold quite a lot of gear. Its dedicated laptop compartment can hold up to a 17.3-inch laptop and is made from waterproof PVC material so should keep your computer dry and safe from bad weather.



The bag has several internal compartments, pouches, and pockets that are handy for keeping your gear organized. It can also be expanded from 22 to 35 liters, so it’s quite versatile and spacious but also packs away fairly small when required.



I really like the separate waterproof compartment that can be used for storing wet clothes and/or leaky toiletries, so you don’t have to worry about damage to any of your other items inside the pack.



It currently costs $66 on Amazon. Click here to learn more .



Features of BANGE 35L Travel Backpack




Expandable from 22 to 35 liters



A separate (waterproof) laptop compartment that fits up to a 17.3-inch laptop



Wet and dry separation pockets 



Built-in USB charging port



Reinforced shoulder and handle joints




Pros and Cons of BANGE 35L Travel Backpack





Pros




Affordable: This is another budget-friendly digital nomad backpack



Dedicated laptop pouch: Can hold a 17.3-inch laptop and keep it safe and secure



Spacious: 35L capacity



Carry-on compliant: Fits underneath the seat on most airlines



Multiple compartments: Helps with efficient organization and provides easy access to your things






Cons




Zipper and seam durability: Some customers have reported issues with the durability of the zippers and seams



Lack of adjustability: May not fit all body types



Available in black only: May not suit everyone’s personal preferences and style






VIEW ON AMAZON



5. MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack







The  MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack  is a great budget backpack for a digital nomad looking to minimize costs. Given its low price, it has an impressive number of features, including a built-in USB port and a hidden anti-theft pocket.



It has loads of useful pockets, including a separate laptop compartment that can hold a 15.6-inch laptop. There’s also a front organizer compartment with further inner pockets and pouches.



This is one of the cheapest digital nomad backpacks on the market. While it may not be quite as durable as some of the other bags reviewed here, it’s still excellent value and has a good price-to-quality ratio.



It currently costs $30 on Amazon. Click here to learn more .



Features of MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack




Integrated USB charging port



Padded laptop compartment that fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop



Front organizer pocket



“Secret” back pocket for security



Strap for secure attachment to wheeled luggage




Pros and Cons of MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack





Pros




Extremely affordable: This is one of the cheapest digital nomad backpacks that I’m aware of



Storage and organization: Multiple compartments and pockets



Dedicated laptop compartment: Not all of the backpacks on this list feature this



Water-resistant: Keeps your belongings dry from light rain or spills



USB charging port: Allows for easy charging of devices on the go



Comfortable and ergonomic design: Padded shoulder straps and a well-designed back panel provide comfort during extended wear






Cons




Build quality: It’s a cheap backpack so you can’t expect it to last as long as a higher-end backpack built with better-quality materials



Zippers may not be as sturdy: As with most cheaper backpacks, some users have reported issues with the durability of the zippers






VIEW ON AMAZON



6. Osprey Farpoint 40







Another excellent bag from Osprey, I also own a Farpoint 40 and tend to use this when I need to carry more stuff with me than will fit into my Escapist 25.



This is a very versatile bag. As well as fitting all of my work equipment (with lots of space to spare for clothes and other belongings), I’ve also used mine for shorter backpacking trips, road trips, and various other adventures.



It can be used as carry-on luggage with most airlines. Still, it’s worth double-checking the exact dimensions you’re allowed beforehand, especially if you’re flying with a budget airline (these tend to be stricter about baggage limits).



If you’re using the pack as a checked bag, the shoulder straps and hip belt stow away into a helpful zippered back panel, so you don’t need to worry about these getting damaged in transit; essentially converting the pack into a holdall.



It currently costs $185 on Amazon. Find out more here .



Features of Osprey Farpoint 40




Quick-access laptop compartment



Webbing straps for attaching additional gear



Internal compression straps



Stowable back panel for protection during transit



Padded carry handles and sling-style shoulder strap for when the back panel is stowed




Pros and Cons of Osprey Farpoint 40





Pros




Carry-on compliant: Despite its spacious 40-liter capacity, this pack meets most airlines’ carry-on size allowances



Comfortable to carry: It has padded shoulder straps, a mesh back panel, and an adjustable sternum strap



Lightweight yet durable: This pack is very lightweight despite being sturdy and hard-wearing (Ospreys are great!)



Great organization: Lots of internal zippered mesh pockets for organizing all of your work and personal gear






Cons




Limited access to the main compartment: You need to open the entire front panel of the backpack to access the main compartment



Not very waterproof: This pack does offer some water resistance, but can’t withstand heavy rain or prolonged exposure to moisture






VIEW ON AMAZON



7. TANGCORLE 50L







With a 50-liter maximum capacity, the TANGCORLE 50L is a backpack for digital nomads who need to carry a lot of belongings. It’s expandable from 36-50 liters though, so can still be used as a carry-on when you don’t need to bring quite as much.



This pack can easily carry a 17-inch laptop, as well as enough clothes and personal items to last for up to a week. The spacious main compartment can be unzipped to open a full 180 degrees, which makes it easy to pack and access all of your belongings.



The separate laptop compartment is located on the back of the bag and is accessible without going into the main compartment, which is handy. But this also keeps your laptop close to your back when you’re wearing it, for added security and peace of mind in crowded settings.



It currently costs $78 on Amazon. Click here to buy one now .



Features of TANGCORLE 50L




Expandable from 36-50 liters



180-degree opening main compartment



Comes with 3 packing cubes included



Integrated USB charging port



Hidden zipper pocket for valuables



Water-resistant



SOS whistle on the chest strap




Pros and Cons of TANGCORLE 50L





Pros




Large capacity: You can fit a lot into this bag



Versatile: The fact that you can expand the pack from 36-50 liters means you can use it for various lengths and styles of trip



Comfortable to carry: Padded back pad and shoulder straps mean it’s relatively comfortable even when carrying heavy loads



Value for money: Great price-to-quality ratio






Cons




Large size: This is a fairly big backpack so some people may not find it suitable for everyday use



Small water bottle holder: May not fit larger water bottles



Thin interior fabric: The internal nylon fabric that separates the compartments is rather thin so might not be as durable as some of the other packs described here






VIEW ON AMAZON



8. TARION XH Hard Shell Waterproof Camera Backpack







The TARION XH is a super-durable camera backpack that’s ideal for those who travel with a large DSLR camera, lenses, and other photography equipment.



It has a PVA hard shell cover, a 3-layer lining, and thick protective padding, and is made from highly water-resistant fabric to help keep all of your camera gear safe and secure.



The main camera compartment has a capacity of 18.5 liters and comes with moveable (and removable) padded dividers so you can customize the inside space to fit your camera setup. In total, it can hold up to 5 lenses or 2 DSLR cameras with 3 lenses.



There’s also a 15-inch laptop compartment which is detachable and accessible through the back of the bag (good for security). You can even carry a small-sized drone in this backpack, and the top of the pack has a roll-down top which can give up to an extra 10% storage capacity.



It’s often easy to spend a lot of money on fancy camera backpacks, but this one is surprisingly reasonably priced and currently costs $80 on Amazon. Click here to learn more .



Features of TARION XH Hard Shell Waterproof Camera Backpack




15-inch detachable laptop sleeve at the back



Expandable rolltop compartment



A convenient side pocket that allows quick and easy access to your camera



Moveable padded dividers



PVA hard shell cover




Pros and Cons of TARION XH Hard Shell Waterproof Camera Backpack





Pros




Very sturdy and durable: Hard shell design provides excellent protection against impacts and falls



Waterproof and weather-resistant materials: Designed to keep your camera gear safe and dry in wet conditions



Customizable and adjustable interior compartments: Allows for flexible organization of camera equipment with adjustable dividers



Comfort: Padded shoulder straps, back panel, and ergonomic design ensure it’s comfortable to wear even when carrying heavy equipment



Expandable rolltop compartment: Allows you to expand the bag or pack it down smaller, depending on how much you need to carry



Detachable laptop sleeve: You can use this as a padded laptop case even without the rest of the backpack






Cons




Bulkier and heavier than other backpacks: The hard shell construction adds weight and bulk to the backpack



Limited storage space for non-camera items: The main purpose of the backpack is camera gear storage, which may limit space for personal items



May not fit larger camera setups: The backpack’s size and interior dimensions may not accommodate larger or professional camera setups






VIEW ON AMAZON



9. KAKA Travel Backpack







The KAKA Travel Backpack is another great digital nomad backpack that can be converted from a backpack to a duffle bag. As well as the padded carry handles, it also has an extra strap so you can carry it as a shoulder bag if preferred.



This versatility means that it can be used for a range of different purposes other than carrying your work gear, such as hiking, climbing, road trips, or even short backpacking trips.



The main compartment makes up the majority of the bag’s capacity. It is spacious, although you might also want to use packing cubes to help with internal organization. The shoulder straps could benefit from having thicker padding, however, overall, this is a great backpack.



It currently costs $70 on Amazon. Click here to buy one now .



Features of KAKA Travel Backpack




Converts from a backpack to a duffle bag/shoulder bag



Zippered back panel stashes and protects the shoulder straps if you need to check it in on a flight



Dedicated compartment for a 15.6-inch laptop



Comes with a stashable rain cover (for when the bag is being used as a backpack)




Pros and Cons of KAKA Travel Backpack





Pros




Versatile design: Can be easily converted from a backpack to a duffle bag, providing additional flexibility for different travel scenarios



Good storage capacity: 35L capacity provides ample space for your belongings



Build quality: Made from high-quality materials so should be durable and long-lasting if taken care of



Affordable: This is an excellent, affordable, mid-range digital nomad backpack






Cons




Lacks internal organization: Most items need to go in the main compartment (so you may want to also use packing cubes)



Small front pockets: The front pockets can’t fit much inside



Lack of padding on shoulder straps: A few customers have complained that the padding isn’t thick enough on the shoulder straps






VIEW ON AMAZON



10. CYUREAY Convertible Tote Daypack







The  CYUREAY Convertible Tote Daypack is another convertible bag – this one can be used as both a backpack and a tote bag.



In addition to its chic and stylish appearance, this bag is also both practical and comfortable to carry, with adjustable shoulder straps and a wide rectangular opening.



It can carry up to a 15.6-inch laptop in the main compartment, and a built-in USB charging port means you can charge your devices on the move. There are five other pockets, including two zipper pockets at the front, for you to store various personal items. 



It currently costs $34 on Amazon. Click here for more info .



Features of CYUREAY Convertible Tote Daypack




Can be used as both a backpack and a tote bag



Built-in USB charging port



Stylish yet also practical



Can carry a 15.6-inch laptop



Made of water-resistant fabric



Comes in various different colors




Pros and Cons of CYUREAY Convertible Tote Daypack





Pros




Versatile design: Offers the flexibility to use the bag as a tote or easily convert it into a backpack



Lightweight and compact: Designed to be lightweight and easy to carry



Multiple compartments: Comes with various compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized



Suitable in various situations: Can be used for work, travel, or casual outings, offering versatility in different settings



Affordability: This is another good budget-friendly digital nomad backpack






Cons




Limited padding and support: Less comfortable for carrying heavy loads



Smaller capacity: You can’t fit as much inside compared with other packs mentioned in this post



Durability: Some customers have reported issues with the bag’s durability



Not unisex: This bag is primarily marketed to women (although there’s no real reason that men can’t use it, other than potentially not liking the style)






VIEW ON AMAZON



Things to Consider When Choosing a Digital Nomad Backpack



When picking the right digital nomad travel backpack for you, it’s important to bear in mind a number of factors. Some of these overlap, but all are worth considering:






1. How long you’ll be gone: The length of time you’ll be traveling is one of the most important things to think about when choosing the best nomad backpack for your needs. Shorter journeys may call for a compact and nimble option, while extended trips usually require a larger and sturdier backpack capable of accommodating all your belongings.



2. How much you need to bring: As a digital nomad, it’s really important to strike the right balance between necessity and excess. When traveling for extended periods of time, it’s good to carry the odd comfort, but, how much do you really need to cart around? Answering this question honestly will help you pick an appropriately sized backpack.



3. Type of Work:  Similarly, the nature of your work also determines what style and size of backpack you need. If you’re a blogger, you probably don’t need too much equipment for work. On the other hand, if you’re a professional photographer or a podcaster, you might need a larger bag (and require dedicated compartments) for all of your gear.



4. Waterproofing: Is the backpack waterproof? This is obviously more important in some countries/regions (e.g. Ireland/the tropics) than others (e.g. Egypt/the Middle East).



5. Pace of travel: Consider the rhythm of your nomadic lifestyle. Will you be on the move frequently or settling in each location for an extended period? The more you’ll be moving around, the more comfortable you’ll need your backpack to be.



6. Comfort and adjustability: All of the backpacks in this post are comfortable and, to an extent, adjustable. But some bags excel in this area more than others. One of the main reasons I love the Osprey Escapist 25 so much is that it’s extremely comfortable, and you can adjust various sections of the back and straps so that it fits perfectly to your body.



Digital Nomads Backpacks: FAQs



Here are some answers to commonly asked questions on the best digital nomad backpacks available:



What is the best backpack for digital nomads? For me, the Osprey Escapist 25 is the best backpack for digital nomads overall. But, the NOMATIC Travel Pack is also really excellent too. What is the cheapest digital nomad backpack? The MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack is the cheapest digital nomad backpack on this list. What’s the best carry-on backpack for digital nomads? The best carry-on backpack for digital nomads does, to an extent, depend on your personal requirements and preferences. Personally, I believe the Osprey Escapist 25 is the best one. What should I look for in a nomad backpack? A good nomad backpack should have various compartments or pockets that make it easy to organize your belongings. It should also be durable, weather-resistant, and versatile enough that you can use it in a variety of different settings.



In Closing



I hope this guide to the best backpacks for digital nomads has been useful and helps you to pick a pack that’s perfect for your needs.



My favorite pack is the Osprey Escapist 25 as it’s ideally suited to my lifestyle and needs. But everyone has different requirements and preferences, so it’s a good idea to compare a few different packs before deciding which one is best for you.



Remember, whatever your budget, it’s worth investing in quality gear, especially when it comes to the things you use every day.



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