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The Best Travel Backpacks for An Island Trip

Endless Caribbean - Travel Backpacks

When travelling to the Caribbean, are you ever prepared for the possibility that your luggage might not make it to your destination with you? One of the ways to avoid this risk is to find a comfortable travel backpack that can do double duty. On one hand it will act as your personal item, which is free on most flights to the Caribbean. And on the other hand, it may be big enough to hold all your travel items and can completely replace your checked luggage. This is beneficial, because it will ensure that when you get to the Caribbean, you have all of your belongings with you.

The ideal travel backpack can hold all items that you want to travel with. That includes electronics such as a laptop or tablet, in-flight items such as snacks, neck pillow and earphones; and travel items such as clothing, shoes, and toiletries. Backpacks have many features which may make them easier to carry the items that you need on your trip.


Features of Travel Backpacks

Deciding which of the hundreds of travel backpacks on the market is right for you, comes down to a few things. When shopping around, you can consider the following features:

  • Purpose: It can be used as a travel bag or for everyday purposes.
  • Fabric: Stronger fabrics will withstand nicks and will not tear easily.
  • Size: Large backpacks can hold a lot more than small and medium sized backpacks
  • Zippers: Good quality heavy-duty zippers will not fail and will keep your belongings safe
  • Shoulder Straps: Padded straps and load lifters will help you better balance loads on your back
  • Compartments: Bags with compartments allow you to keep your bag organised
  • Expansion: Expandable backpacks will allow you to increase the volume
  • Handles: Handles make it easy to remove your bag from overhead bins and luggage compartments
  • Water Resistance: Backpacks made from water-resistant fabric will protect the contents
  • Security: Some backpacks come with built-in security features whilst others can be locked

The Best Travel Backpacks

Now that you’ve decided to purchase a travel knapsack, it’s time to check what’s on the market. Be mindful of how you will use your bag and what you want to pack in it, because this will ultimately sway the type of backpack that you buy. Here are a few recommendations:

  • STM Dux 30L Backpack 17”
  • Delsey Paris Chatelet 2.0 Backpack
  • Peak Design Travel Line 45L Backpack
  • Adidas Prime 6 Backpack
  • Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
  • Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Backpack
  • COTS Laptop Backpack

STM Dux 30L Backpack 17”

The STM Dux 30L Backpack is a durable, top of the line 17” backpack. It has a higher price point, but this is understandable based on the features. The design utilises foam shoulder straps that enable the ComfortCarry function and its FoamFortress 360 degree padding ensure that the contents of the bag are protected. Another highlight of the bag is its water resistant shell that repels rain water and spills. On the inside of the STM are removable shelving options in the main compartment. These, along with the bag’s pockets will assist in efficient packing for travel. The STM Dux is available for purchase at Amazon and STM Goods.

Colour: Grey
Fabric: 330D Twill
Size: Large
Zippers: Yes
Compartments: Yes
Expansion: No
Handles: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Security: Yes

Delsey Paris Chatelet 2.0 Backpack

The Delsey Paris Chatelet 2.0 Backpack is a stylish travel bag with useful features. The bag has many compartments and pockets which fit most organisational needs. Its fabric is made of recycled water bottles and the trim is vegan leather. One of the highlights of the bag is that the inside lining is treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology to control bacteria from liquid spills or food particles. The Chatelet is the perfect travel companion because it has a slot at the back that fits over wheeled luggage, easy to grab handles, and padded shoulder straps. The Delsey Paris Chatelet is available for purchase at Amazon and Delsey.

Colour: Navy Blue
Fabric: Polyester
Size: Medium
Zippers: Yes
Compartments: Yes
Expansion: No
Handles: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Security: Yes

Peak Design Travel Line 45L Backpack

The Peak Design Travel Line 45L Backpack is a powerhouse travel bag that can go from business bag to carry-on bag in minutes. Today it can carry a 15” laptop and tomorrow it can hold enough clothes for a four-day trip. It is a sturdy piece that has rigid side walls and a tough weatherproof nylon shell. The backpack also has a divided panel and coordinated package cubes which make it easy to pack for a trip. One of the top features of the 45L is its expandability from a volume of 35L to 45L via expansion zips. Even at 35L, the bag’s meets international carry-on requirements for most airlines. The Peak Design Travel Line 45L is available for purchase at Amazon and Peak Design.

Colour: Black
Fabric: Nylon Canvas
Size: Large
Zippers: Yes
Compartments: Yes
Expansion: Yes
Handles: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Security: Yes

Adidas Prime 6 Backpack

The Adidas Prime 6 Backpack is a reliable option for everyday use and travel. This popular backpack is one of the largest bags on the list and one of the best travel bags you could have. Because it is expected that the bag will be used for heavy loads, there are loadspring shoulder straps that help to balance out the weight on the shoulders. On the inside of the bag, there are zippered pockets, which will help with organising contents and keeping them in place. There is also a padded section that will protect laptops. Ono the outside there are pockets that can fit 32 ounce bottles. The Adidas Prime 6 Backpack is available for purchase at Amazon, Adidas and Kohl’s.

Colour: Black
Fabric: Polyester
Size: Large
Zippers: Yes
Compartments: Yes
Expansion: No
Handles: Yes
Water Resistant: No
Security: No


Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is one of the top selling laptop backpacks on the market. From the outside it looks like a slim, sleek bag that is limited in space. However, the backpack has three compartments which encourage owners to distribute weight effectively. The Matein has many bonus features which make it an excellent buy. It has a sturdy top handle, a USB port and lots of pockets to keep items organised. This bag is one of the more affordable travel backpacks on this list. One might think that it is underpriced for all of the features it comes with. The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is available for purchase at Amazon and Matein.

Colour: Grey
Fabric: Polyester
Size: Medium
Zippers: Yes
Compartments: Yes
Expansion: No
Handles: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Security: Yes

COTS Laptop Backpack

The COTS Laptop Backpack is another affordable travel backpack. There is a large main compartment that has a wide opening. Then, there is a compartment that can fit a 15″ laptop and another section that can accommodate a tablet. The COTS was designed to be a comfortable bag when it is packed tightly. There are adjustable padded shoulder straps, a mesh back panel that is soft on your back and luggage sleeves in the event it is used as a travel companion. One of the bonuses of the bag is that it is made with Filmpor, a water, dirt and stain resistant fabric. The COTS Laptop Backpack is available for purchase at Amazon and COTS.

Colour: Black
Fabric: Filmpor
Size: Medium
Zippers: Yes
Compartments: Yes
Expansion: No
Handles: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Security: Yes

Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Backpack

The Venture 40L Lightweight Backpack is a multi-purpose backpack that is ideal for travelling. Its design makes it a good choice for frequent travelling. There are internal pockets, heavy duty metal zippers and bar tacks to prevent tears and rips. At the bottom of the bag, there is a double layer which makes it more sturdy and reliable. Even though it is a large bag, there are internal compartments and many pockets that will keep items in place. Although the Venture Pal is marketed as a hiking backpack, it is an excellent choice when you want to avoid the hassles of checked luggage. The Venture Pal is available for purchase at Amazon and Walmart.

Colour: Various
Fabric: Nylon
Size: Large
Zippers: Yes
Compartments: Yes
Expansion: No
Handles: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Security: Yes

Further Reading

For more information about choosing the right travel backpack, visit the following links:

Gear Personal: Travel Backpacks: 17 Essential Features to Look For
Nomadic Matt: How to Choose and Buy the Right Travel Backpack
Tortuga: Travel Backpack Buyer’s Guide: Based on 12 Years of Design Experience
Seven Horizons: Travel Backpack Buying Guide – what to look for 
Travel + Leisure: How to Choose the Perfect Travel Backpack

Image: Pixabay

Endless Caribbean - Pinterest - Travel Backpacks


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