The minimalist backpack

Quick Answer: Best Minimalist Backpacks Review

• Best Overall Minimalist Backpack for Travel: AER Travel Pack 2
• Best Minimalist Backpack for True Minimalists: Nomatic Travel Pack
• Best Minimalist Backpack for Women: Osprey Farpoint 40
• Best Carry-on Backpack for Minimalists: Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack
• Best Minimalist Backpack for Hiking: Osprey Stratos 36
• Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack: Incase Icon
• Best Minimalist Backpack for Day Hikes: Osprey Daylite Plus
• Best Budget Minimalist Backpack: Osprey Daylite Plus

This ultimate review of the best minimalist backpacks of 2022 provides you with my top picks, comparison table for easy cross-referencing, advice for first-time buyers, what I like and what I dont like about each backpack, advantages of minimalist travelling and much more!

Lets take a look at my top picks for the best minimal backpacks in 2022

• Price: $230
• Weight:3.7 lbs.
• Capacity:40 Liters
• Carry-on:Yes

One thing should be clear from the very beginning of this review: the best minimalist backpacks are not featureless, bare-bones, impractical backpacks. Minimalist backpacking might limit the amount of stuff you can bring with you, but it certainly does not mean that you cant travel in organized lightweight bliss.

For travelers on the move, the AER Travel Pack 2 is one badass backpack. Its one of the best backpacks for every day carry!

Basically, if ever there was a travel bag to cover ALL of your minimalist travel needs, the AER Travel Pack 2 Bag would be at the very top of the list.

It comes with a ton of brilliantly thought out pockets, compartments, and gear storage options. It even comes with a shoe storage compartment built-in. No more cramming those dirty shoes in the front pocket of your backpack, eh?

From start to finish the Aer Travel Pack 2 features one sleek design after another. My favorite features include the fleece-lined valuables pocket, the laptop pocket, and the high-quality water-resistant materials they used.

Remember, the Travel Pack 2 is one of the best carry-on bags for travelers as well. Well done, AER, well done.

Check out my in-depth AER Travel Pack 2 review here.

• Price: $260
• Weight: 4.16 lbs
• Capacity 20/30 Liters
• Carry-On: Yes

The 40 liters of the AER pack is certainly nice. Its the general standard across the board for minimalist backpacks given that they ALMOST always qualify for carry-on luggage.

However, 40 litres is excessive for many modern-day travelers. People who take shorter frequent trips or business excursions may just find the extra space a little too bulky. Thats where the Nomatic Travel Pack comes in.

This baby starts at a cool 20 litres perfect for a gentle amble around a new city but expands out to a very comfortable 30 litres. The slimline design removes that slight turtle-effect of many other 40 litre minimalist backpacks.

All your tech is still well-protected. Nomatic has not skimped on the durability in the slightest, and theyve still managed to sneak in that lovely shoe compartment!

Whether youre a weekend-tripper or just a true disciple of the school of minimalism, the Nomatic Travel Pack is perfect for you. Theres a place for everything you need, and everything you dont need well leave that at home!

• Price:$160.00
• Weight:3 lbs. 1.75 oz. [size s/m]
• Capacity:40 Liters
• Carry-on:Yes

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is not specifically a womens minimalist backpack. In fact, it is a unisex backpack.

That said, I will not insult the adventurous lady-readers of this blog by offering up a pink, flimsy, featureless backpack. That would be pointless and not helpful in the slightest. The Osprey Farpoint may be unisex, but it is certainly one of the best minimalist backpack options for female backpackers on the market.

The Farpoint 40 makes for an excellent minimalist travel bag if youre planning a trip to South America or South East Asia.

The backpack features a large zippered panel that gives access to the main compartment. The zippers have lockable sliders too for added security.

There are three different ways you can carry the Osprey Farpoint 40. The standard padded shoulder straps, the padded top and side handles for hand carrying, and detachable messenger-style shoulder strap.

An important point to make is that the Osprey Farpoint 40 can be carried on planes. 99% of airlines will let you use this minimalist bag as a carry on, which over your travels will save you a ton of time and money. #gamechanger.

By going with a minimalist travel-light bag like the Osprey Farpoint 40, youll be able to keep all of your valuables with you. Plus, youll save a ton of money on checked baggage fees [which pays for the bag ten times over!].

Check out my in-depthOsprey Farpoint 40 review.

Before we go any further, be sure to check out our friends over atNomads Nationfor a super in-depth video review of even more of the best minimalist backpacks.

• Price:$299.00
• Weight:4.6 lbs and 5.1 lbs
• Capacity:35 Liters and 45 Liters
• Carry-on:Yes

For this review, I am recommending the Tortuga Outbreaker 35 liter model. The 45 liter model is great, especially if youre a minimalist bordering on the edge of having too much stuff, but its simply too large to be a consistent carry-on option. With the 35 liter though, you should always be able to use it as a carry-on backpack.

The height-adjustable suspension system and padding make the Outbreaker very comfy, in addition to it being super practical. For those backpackers obsessed with staying organized, the Tortuga Outbreaker will be your new best friend.

Now the Outbreaker is quite heavy for such a small backpack. All that padding and storage adds up, but the performance it delivers makes up for that in my opinion.

The Outbreakers design enables its the main compartment to be opened like a suitcase which is 10 xs more convenient than a traditional backpack. Reaching my stuff was simple because of the organization of the compartments.

I am a big fan of the Tortuga company and the gear they make as it is always top quality. For an excellent carry-on backpack, the Tortuga Outbreaker 35L is where its at.

Check out my in-depth Tortuga Outbreaker review.

• Price:$170.00
• Weight: 3 lbs. 4.8 oz.
• Capacity: 36 Liters
• Carry-on:Yes

I am big fan of Osprey backpacks. For the best hiking backpacks, Osprey has been an industry leader for years. The Osprey Stratos 36 is currently a good reflection of that tradition!

The Stratos 36 is a fully functional, durable, and versatile minimalist hiking backpack. It provides excellent padding, weather protection [rain fly included], and hiking performance.

36 liters does have its limitsthough it also comes with a certain freedom. Having less stuff is truly a blessing. In addition to your physical body being more able to move with less restrictions, in an age of hyper-consumerism, cutting down on useless shit in your life is a liberating feeling.

I really enjoy having a lightweight minimalist travel backpack that I can rely on for short hiking trips.

The hipbelt, chest straps, and shoulder straps are all fully adjustable allowing you to obtain the perfect fit. Even better is the fact that the hipbelt straps and the chest straps are padded with die-cut foam and covered in mesh to provide an even more comfy experience.A big bonus is that the Stratos 36 comes with its own rain cover, which isnt normally seen in Osprey bags.

For a versatile minimal backpack that will do you right in the city as well as in the mountains, look no further than the Osprey Stratos 36.

Check out my full review of the Osprey Stratos 36.

• Price:$199.95
• Weight:Not Available
• Capacity:17 Liters
• Carry-on:Yes

Incase is a well-known gear company in the realm of laptop storage and protection solutions. Their Incase Icon backpack is the perfect minimalist laptop backpack. With only 17 liters of storing capacity, it is amazing how Incase incorporated so many features.

The design is sleek, practical, and durable; it is no wonder the Incase Icon has won heaps of awards recently.

For storage, the main compartment provides space for larger items [laptops] and organization for flat documents and small accessories. For smaller items, the secondary compartment offers a series of organizer pockets to hold tech accessories and other odds and ends.

A cool bonus feature is thehip-side power pocket with an integrated cable port which allows easy access to a portable power bank or headphones.

My only complaint about this minimalist backpack is the price. A 17-liter laptop backpack isnt super useful for much else other than transporting a laptop and the associated kit, but if you are looking for in a low-volume backpack to fit only this, then you have certainly found it.

Im also a big fan of Incases products, and Im sure you will be too once you put the Icon into action.

• Price: $72.00 $99.00
• Weight: 2lbs. 2 oz.
• Capacity:30 Liters
• Carry-on:Yes

Looking for an awesome minimalist laptop backpack that is comfortable, stylish, AND lightweight? Meet the Timbuk2 Spire Pack. In addition to being a high-performing minimal backpack, it was specifically purpose-built to safeguard your electronics and important documents.

The Timbuk2 Spire pack features expandable volume via the flap or roll top main opening. This design is cool for when you dont need to pack HEAPS of stuff. Other backpacks end up being floppy and odd-shaped when they are not packed to full capacity.

Since more backpackers are traveling with high-end electronics, having a tough minimalist backpack that offers up sufficient padding and protection to keep your stuff safe is a huge bonus. AND the Spire Pack is highly water resistant, adding even more bonus points.

Id say the Timbuk2 Spire is not the ideal long-term traveling backpack. It is simply too small to be used that way. For quick weekend trips or for everyday use in your busy digital nomad life, the Spire Pack is the perfect backpack.

• Price:$65.00
• Weight:1 lb. 3.8 oz.
• Capacity:20 Liters
• Carry-on:Yes

Osprey has arrived on my best minimalist backpacks list again. But I doubt youre surprised

For day hikes, the Osprey Daylite Plus is a top candidate for the best minimalist backpack. For most day trips where your primary needs are packing snacks, water, a few layers, and maybe some electronics, the Daylite Plus can serve all of your needs and more.

Frankly, Osprey did a truly fantastic job incorporatingpockets into the Daylite Plus. Even this normallynever-satisfied-by-amount-of-pockets-dude[myself] is very pleased, especially when looking at the price [$65!].

A great addition to the Daylite Plus is the open-topped pocket for quick-use items. To top it off, a small front zip pocket allows you to store items you use frequently in their own zone.

If you are the kind of minimalist hiker that likes to keep things organized, theOsprey Daylite Plus makes it easy to keep your stuff squared away.

The Osprey Daylite Plus helps keep you stay cool when you are active, perfect fro those sweaty-summer hikes. Be sure, the backpack is not a magical anti-sweat device, though the mesh back panels really do aid in keeping the air flowing as well as possible.

To add rain protection to your minimalist backpack, you can pick up a Osprey Rain Cover[$23]. Be sure to take the extra small size!

Check out my in-depth Osprey Daylite Plus review.

• Price:$139.00
• Weight:3 lbs. 2 oz. [size m]
• Capacity:35 Liters
• Carry-on:Yes

Quality minimalist backpacks are neither super cheap nor super expensive. Luckily, the best minimalist backpacks do not share the same price tag as ultralight backpacks. With the REI Traverse 35, you get a good balance of quality offered up at a decent price point.

The Traverse 35 is an excellent option for a versatile travel and/or hiking backpack. Its intended use is in fact hiking, though it makes for an excellent travel backpack for minimalist backpackers as well.

The REI Traverse 35holds plenty of gear for overnight hiking trips, but its sleek enough to carry as a daypack if need be. And its designed to make every step of your trail time more comfortable.

Some of my favorite features include the large zippered front pocket for on-the-go organization which lies on top of a large stuff-it pocket to store wet, dirty or bulky gear. The stuff-it pocket is great for storing sandals, a travel towel, or others bits and pieces too.

You may be thinking $139 bucks isnt dirt cheap. Remember this: REI has one of the best return policies of any outdoor gear retailer. If anything whatsoever goes wrong with your Traverse 35, you can get it repaired or replaced guaranteed.

If you are planning on traveling to warm-weather climates, the Traverse 35 is a great choice for that. Two more awesome features: a rain cover is included and the backpack is compatible with a hydration reservoir. Score!

Best Minimalist Backpacks Comparison Table

Now that you have see my top picks for the best minimalist backpacks, you need to know a few more things before you go to buy your own.

Like any piece of gear, minimalist backpacks are very activity specific. What will be an excellent choice for certain activities/uses will not translate into a good choice for other applications.

Below Ill cover a few factors that you should consider before buying a minimalist backpack.

Finding the Best Minimalist Backpack Size

Its a given that whichever minimalist backpack you go with, it is going to be rather small. Thats the point! Limiting what you can bring on any given journey is at the core of minimalist travel and philosophy.

For me personally, Id say going with a minimalist backpack in the 35-40 liter range is going to give you the most versatility. Anything bigger and the backpack ceases to be minimalist. Plus, you wont be able to use it as a carry-on backpack and things just start spiraling down hill from there.

If you are just looking for a smaller backpack to supplement your full-sized hiking backpacker, going with a 20-liter/30-liter is probably your best bet. You also have to keep in mind that it has to sit perfectly on your back, in order to avoid annoying scratches and pressure points. Finding the right fit is just as important as finding the right size.

Laptop-specific backpacks need not be overly large as the main purpose is just to transport your laptop and a few other bits and pieces.

Certainly dont be intimidated by going with a minimalist backpack. Youll find it to be a liberating feeling to hit the road without the burden of carrying a truly massive backpack.

Organization and Design Features of your Backpack

Packing your bag can be a struggle, but certainly doesnt have to be.

In order to get the most of each backpack, the ones featured in this review have created some pretty ingenious organizational features. Some backpacks are so well-endowed with pockets, sleeves, and compartments that my brain struggles to even see the backpack as minimalist at all.

For the sake of this review however, we are defining minimalist as small-volume backpacks, not bare-bones as I mentioned before. You will have noticed that some of the more expensive backpacks are loaded with cool features. This is something you simply have to accept. The more you want, the more you have to pay.

You can be sure that every minimalist backpack has its own unique offerings. Dial in what sort of features are important to you and factor that into your final decision when the time comes to buy your backpack.

Hiking vs Travel Backpacks

I understand that for some backpackers, hiking just isnt their thing. If you dont foresee yourself doing much hiking on any given backpacking trip, then going with a travel-only minimalist backpack is the way to go. Often you get more travel-specific features and organizational bits when the backpack is designed for travel. Makes sense.

Likewise, if youre a keen hiker, you are probably interested in things like comfort, fit, suspension, breathability, etc.

What you intend to use your minimalist backpack for most should determine what style of backpack you go with. If the bag you have your eye on is going to be your main travel backpack, again, you need to factor in what you will be doing most of. Simple, right?

I personally do a lot of hiking, so I need my backpack to be multi-functional. That means:

• sacrificing look for efficiency
• choosing comfort over sleekness
• going for simple structure than lots of pockets and organizational features

That said, all of the best minimalist bags for hiking on my list still have plenty of cool features. They are just purpose-built for travel like some of the others.

For a stand alone pack the AER Travel Pack 2 is certainly the best minimalist backpack on my list for the reasons listed above. It has more features and clever designs built in than I have ever seen from a backpack of its size. Yet, it is compact and certainly limits what you can bring. In fact, the AER is a bit of a catch 22 in the sense that it is the most tricked out minimalist backpack youll find.

For an awesome minimalist hiking backpack, the Osprey Stratos 36 is where its at.

Still have some questions? No problem! Weve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Heres what people usually want to know:

Well there you have my fellow minimalist care-free travelers we have arrived at the end of my best minimalist backpacks review.

Minimalist backpacking is one fine way to travel. Youll quickly discover the freedom and ease of travel that comes with going with a minimalist backpack.

After reading my ultimate review of the best minimalist backpacks, you now know some of the best options available to you. Like Ive said, each minimalist backpack from this review has its own individual merits.

Now that you have an idea of what some of the top minimalist backpacks are, you can make an informed decision based on your own personal style and preferences.

If you are still on the fence about which minimalist backpack is right for you, I recommend going with my top pick for the best minimalist backpack of the year: the AER Travel Pack 2.

Happy stress-free travel amigos!

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