One-bag travel: 9 backpacks that will help you put the ‘quick’ in ‘quick getaway’
If you believe in packing less, these backpacks could be what you need to travel light and stay supremely mobile.
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Photo: Decathlon
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If you’re planning a road trip or short holiday, one of the best ways to ensure your quick getaway lives up to its billing is to pack light and embrace one-bag travel. Carry-on suitcases work, but a backpack enhances your mobility significantly. You’ll be able to effortlessly navigate queues and crowds, unencumbered by wheeled luggage.
To help you hit your minimalist travel goals, we’ve compiled this handy list of travel backpacks. We’ve chosen backpacks with at least a 30-litre capacity which can work for short getaways if you’re disciplined with your packing. The smaller packs on this list could also double as everyday carry bags that can be used on the daily commute.
CONTENTS
- Adidas KLP45 Hybrid Duffel Bag
- Hewlett Packard Ultra Light Backpack
- Decathlon Forclaz Trekking 40L Backpack Travel 500
- Cabin Zero Classic Backpack 44l, Orange Chill
- Tomtoc Navigator-T66 Travel Laptop Backpack, 40L
- Thule Landmark Travel Backpack, Obsidian
- AER Travel Pack 3, 35L, Black
- Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack, Muted Space Blue
- Peak Design Travel Backpack, 30l, Midnight
CAN YOU CARRY ON?
If you’re booking a flight instead of going on a road trip, check that your bags meet your airline’s carry-on size limits. There are two common standards used.
Many airlines give a fixed set of dimensions (length, width and height) and weight limit. Some airlines use a weight limit and a sum length, or a combination of sum length and maximum dimensions. Singapore Airlines for instance, specifies that each piece of cabin baggage should not weigh more than 7kg and the sum of its length, width and height should not exceed 115cm.
1. Adidas KLP45 Hybrid Duffel Bag, Silver Pebble/Black/Grayley, 39l (S$51.78)
If you need to hit the gym even on holiday, this spacious hybrid duffel could be what you need. It has separate compartments to store your shoes and wet clothes. Use the adjustable straps to carry it like a backpack. Made from at least 50 per cent of recycled materials, it has two front zip pockets and has reflective details for added safety.
- Dimensions: 26cm x 50cm x 26cm
- Volume: 39l
2. Hewlett Packard Ultra Light Backpack (S$91.53)
For the road warrior looking for a bag that doubles as an everyday carry, this backpack is a versatile option. Expandable from 25l to 30l and weighing 860g, it’s ideal for short trips and offers ample storage with compartments for a laptop, cords, gadgets, drink bottles and clothing. It also has hidden pockets for easy organisation. It includes a tracker pocket, RFID-blocking pocket for data protection and lockable zippers for security. Shoulder and chest straps offer added comfort.
- Dimensions: 32cm x 17cm (24.5cm expanded) x 44cm
- Capacity: Expandable from 25l to 30l
- Weight 860g
3. Decathlon Forclaz Trekking 40L Backpack Travel 500, Khaki (S$99.90)
This backpack’s got your travel game covered, opening flat like a suitcase for greater accessibility. It features multiple zippered compartments plus a dedicated laptop pocket and zippers on the main compartment that can be padlocked for added security. Padded straps, a fixed back and a lumbar belt help distribute weight comfortably while you’re on the move. It also has three internal compartments, one water bottle pocket and two outer pockets
- Capacity:40L
- Dimensions:55 cm x 32 cm x 27 cm
- Rain cover included
This ultra-lightweight cabin travel bag is designed with a roomy 44L capacity and tons of features to make your travels easier, including side compression straps to keep your items snug, top and side handles for easy carrying and a front zip pocket with an inner mesh pocket for quick access to essentials. The zippers on its main compartment are lockable and it has thick, padded shoulder straps and a fully lined interior for protection.
- YKK zippers, 600 denier polyester fabric for durability
- Weight: 760g
- Dimensions: 51cm x 36cm x 19cm
This spacious 40L backpack features three compartments: A quick-access main compartment, a tech storage area and a front pocket. It fits clothes, toiletries, a 17-inch laptop, tablet and travel accessories – everything you need for a short trip. The main compartment can be accessed through the front pocket or opened flat like a suitcase for easy packing and organisation. It also has a spacious tech compartment that fits a 17-inch laptop and a 12.9-inch iPad and padded back panel for extra comfort.
- YKK zippers
- recycled fabric from PET plastic bottles
- Dimensions: 52cm x 33cm x 22cm
6. Thule Landmark Travel Backpack, Obsidian (S$217.70)
The Thule Landmark combines luggage organisation with trekking pack comfort. Its suitcase-style opening and internal compression straps make packing easy. It features a safe zone compartment for valuables, a covert cash stash pocket, loop locks, lockable zippers and a built-in sternum strap whistle for added security. The streamlined design features tuck-away straps to avoid damage in overhead bins and luggage carousels. A women’s version is also available.
- Capacity: 40l
- Dimensions: 25cm x 33cm x 55cm
- Weight: 1.44 kg
7. AER Travel Pack 3, 35L, Black (S$239)
This versatile carry-on backpack uses YKK zippers, features a padded laptop pocket that fits up to 16-inch devices and has a lay-flat main compartment for easy access. Compression straps with magnetic fasteners help keep items secure, while quick-access pockets and handles on all sides add convenience. Additional features include an expandable water bottle pocket, a hidden smart tracker pocket and lockable zippers for security.
- Capacity: 35l
- Dimensions: 54.5cm x 33cm x 21.5cm
- Made with durable 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon
8. Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack, Muted Space Blue (S$274.16)
Travel light and travel far with this backpack that features an adjustable torso fit, load-lifting LightWire frames and breathable harnesses. The pack includes a quick-access sleeve for devices up to 16 inches and an external toiletry pocket. It can also be connected to Osprey’s Farpoint and Fairview Travel Daypacks. Additional features include lockable zippers, dual front compression straps and a large front pocket.
- Capacity: 40l
- Dimensions: 56cm x 35.5cm x 22.9cm
- Weight: 1.5kg
9. Peak Design Travel Backpack, 30l, Midnight (S$379.90)
The PeakDesign 30L Travel Backpack is a rugged daypack that can be expanded from 27l to 33l, making it ideal for short trips and daily use. It features a large rear hatch for easy access, a spacious top pocket with compartments. It includes side pockets for water bottles or tripods, padded laptop and tablet sleeves and tuck-away shoulder straps. It includes 360-degree grab handles and concealed external carry straps, all in a sleek, weather resistant, 100 per cent recycled nylon shell.
Weight: 1.44kg
Dimensions: 53cm x 34cm x 18cm (20cm expanded)
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