Here’s our helpful list of the best minimalist backpack for your city and outdoor adventures.
Never have I ever been on the road and wished that I had a larger backpack, more to haul, or additional weight to lug around on a hot day; using a minimalist backpack eliminates even the possibility of carrying more than you absolutely need, and once you’ve come to terms with the fact that you truly don’t need that extra outfit, or book, or pair of shoes, you will relentlessly thank yourself for it.
Taking the first step towards minimalist travel isn’t easy for everyone. It involves cutting down on excess clothes, accessories, even technology. With a minimalist backpack however, you can rest assured that you will save money on checked luggage fees, be able to transition from place to place easier, and will not have to worry about tiring yourself on a long hike.
Best minimalistic backpack
| Image | Name | Type | Capacity | Laptop Sleeve | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Tortuga Homebase Backpack | Ultra Light Carry On | 32L | Up to 15” | Check the latest price on their website |
  | Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop TSA-Friendly Backpack | Any Type of Travel | 30L | Up to 15” | [amazon_link asins='B00S75OY84' template='PriceLink' store='nomaisbeau-20' marketplace='US' link_id='5aaa86d3-21cc-11e8-a95c-bd66763be9bf'] |
  | Arcido Faroe Backpack | Stylish Minimalist Ruksack | 35L | Up to 15.4" | [amazon_link asins='B01N9IRMET' template='PriceLink' store='nomaisbeau-20' marketplace='US' link_id='f8ac8177-21cc-11e8-98b3-eb457d5a39b6'] |
  | InCase EO Travel Backpack | Backpack and Briefcase in One | 24L | Up to 17" | [amazon_link asins='B000023VPY' template='PriceLink' store='nomaisbeau-20' marketplace='US' link_id='ecd73889-21cd-11e8-a524-5160a87a1774'] |
  | Easthills Outdoors VentureLite 30L | Hiking Daypack | 30L | Up to 15” | [amazon_link asins='B072WPVYT9' template='PriceLink' store='nomaisbeau-20' marketplace='US' link_id='9a4babb3-21ce-11e8-9064-7d1959992582'] |
  | Gonex Ultra light Travel Handy Backpack 20L | Lightweight Foldable Outdoor Backpack | 20L | NO | [amazon_link asins='B0116Z69QG' template='PriceLink' store='nomaisbeau-20' marketplace='US' link_id='20be7687-21cf-11e8-ac52-dd3eddeaa758'] |
  | Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 | Anti-Theft Adventure Backpack | 30L | Up to 13” | [amazon_link asins='B017BPMM0C' template='PriceLink' store='nomaisbeau-20' marketplace='US' link_id='9aaff6cb-21cf-11e8-aed7-337fcd8eacf4'] |
  | Cotopaxi Cusco 26L Daypack | Durable Multi-Purpose Backpack | 26L | Up to 15” | [amazon_link asins='B0186NPCQE' template='PriceLink' store='nomaisbeau-20' marketplace='US' link_id='e1e79ef6-21cf-11e8-bd32-4f1131645fb0'] |
  | Gregory Border 35l Travel Backpack | Business Travel Backpack | 35L | Up to 15” | [amazon_link asins='B015SBJNBW' template='PriceLink' store='nomaisbeau-20' marketplace='US' link_id='34360693-21d0-11e8-9159-8b2cfffbe73e'] |
Here is a list of the best minimalist luggage choices that are sure to keep your travels simple and your adventures complex.
Tortuga packs were also created by world travelers tired of trying to bridge the gap between travel packs and hiking packs; and this bag specifically has that kind of minimalist travel in mind. It keeps you ridiculously organized and ensures that you only pack the essentials.
The Homebase also fits like a well designed backpack with reinforced padding in the hipbelt, adjustable shoulder straps.
This carry on backpack additionally comes with interior packing cubes to keep everything in its place during your journey. The exterior is coated with a waterproof lining and reinforced zippers, meaning this pack can absolutely withstand even the most rugged of journeys. Check the latest price on their website.
Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop TSA-Friendly Backpack
Timbuk2 already has a reputation for making incredibly durable backpacks and messenger bags, and the Uptown minimalist backpack is no exception.
Backpacking light is made easy with this pack that still is spacious enough to accomodate a 15’’ laptop as well as all of your essential travel gear. This bag is also amazing because of all of its pockets and storage compartments: a front zip compartment for easy access, stretchy side pockets for water bottles, and gently lined interior pockets for cell phones or fragile sunglasses.
At about 30 litres, this bag will meet all airline requirements for size, and still allow you to snag a few non-minimalist goodies while on your travels. Check the latest price on Amazon.
This beautifully crafted minimalist rucksack is a ridiculously stylish example of traveling light. Crafted from a lightweight yet incredibly durable and semi water-resistant material, this pack is minimally padded to maximize the interior packing space.
Another example of an extremely successful Kickstarter funded travelgear company, Arcido creates some of the best ultralight packs on the market.
The Faroe also boasts an extra reinforced top handle so you can carry the bag instead of wearing it like a backpack. It is ideal for digital nomads, business travelers, or just those who want a more stylish and functional approach to minimalist travel. Check the latest price on Amazon.
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This pack has ridiculously wonderful reviews for its functional simplicity. You can wear it like a traditional backpack, or carry it like a briefcase.
A well cushioned pocket will keep your laptop or tablet safe during journeys, and the main compartment is extendable if you need to add more space during packing, or after adding additional items mid journey.
If you’re doing any ultralight backpacking this pack will ensure you still have space to carry everything you need, and it opens like a suitcase, so no more rummaging around in your pack, or traveling with wrinkled gear! Check the latest price on Amazon.
Easthills Outdoors VentureLite 30L
A brilliant example of a simple minimalist backpack. This pack doesn’t have unnecessary bells and whistles, yet still gives you everything you need. It is built like a traditional commuting backpack with adjustable shoulder straps, is hydration pack adaptable, and is crafted from a durable and water resistant material.
One of the best specs of the pack is its ability to fold up into itself. Simply turn over the bag and it zips into a small pouch, perfect if you also want to use this bag as a daypack or for shorter journeys. Check the latest price on Amazon.
Gonex Ultra light Travel Handy Backpack 20L
This bag is one of the best ultralight packs on the market right now. With 20 litres of storage, you will be happily forced to take only the essentials on your next voyage, but with plenty of zippered, mesh, and expandable pockets you won’t really be missing anything.
The fabric on this bag is also seriously durable and tear resistant, which can keep you safe from pickpockets or just simply protected on a rugged hike in the woods. It also has massively strong zippers that put this pack a cut above the rest.
Finally, this minimalist rucksack also comes in a myriad of lovely colors, so you’re sure to find something to suit your travel taste. Check the latest price on Amazon.
If you’re looking for a seriously safe travel bag, this is from one of the most secure brands on the market. Pacsafe backpacks are equipped with stainless steel mesh linings to prevent slashing, and also have a RFIDsafe blocking technology which blocks credit card and id hacker scanning.
This bag also contains a packable rain cover for sudden downpours, or travel on a rainy day. In addition to its amazing safety features, the Venturesafe also fits like a dream with fully adjustable straps and a pillowy hipbelt for long treks around the town or countryside.
A great choice for travel in more risky locations, or those traveling with highly important documents and technology. Check the latest price on Amazon.
The Cusco Daypack is a great multipurpose lightweight backpack! Use it for daily commuting travel, a short weekend away, or challenge yourself to use these 26 litres on your next minimalist adventure.
Don’t worry about wear and tear, as this pack is incredibly durable, and is crafted from wear resistant technology. It is also built for the journey and ranks highly in regards to comfort and wearability.
One of the best parts of this Cotopaxi pack is its warranty…good for 61 years to be exact: the average lifespan of a person living the developing world. Their customer service is incredible, and if you truly have any issues at all, do not hesitate to contact them! Check the latest price on Amazon.
Gregory Border 35l Travel Backpack
A sleek, stylish, and ridiculously lightweight bag for minimalist travel! The Border is an amazing 35 litre pack that leaves you wanting for nothing. A front loading zipper keeps you organized, mesh inside pockets secure your valuables, and extra exterior pockets have a water resistant coating…a perfect place for quick access to your cellphone or passport during travel.
This pack is also TSA approved to carry your tablet and or laptop and has mesh interior pockets to further perfect your organizational strategy.
A great option for more formal travelers, or just those want a smoother transition from point a to point…whatever. Check the latest price on Amazon.
Making the transition to a minimalist backpack is one that you are sure not to regret. Saving time, money, and hassle on your next trip is always worth it!
Do you travel like a minimalist? Have you tried these packs or any similar? Leave a comment below with any of your suggestions!
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1 thought on “The Best Minimalist Backpack”
The blue backpack (Easthills Outdoors) I consider it the one that suits me best because I always love to use a brightly colored backpack.
Such a backpack is pretty roomy so I can put there a few extra clothes especially if I visit a country full of mountains.
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