I’m a backpack guy. Don’t even ask me about rolly bags—they’re like dragging a ball and chain; slow, loud and useless in gravel and snow. They don't fit under your seat. Half the time you end up having to check them anyway. I hope that when I die at the ripe old age of 107, they find me carrying a great carry-on backpack filled with tightly rolled socks and underwear.
A great, comfortable backpack allows you to zip through the world, free as a bird. You are on and off planes effortlessly, knowing you have everything you need on your back and at your fingertips. As co-founder of Atlas Obscura, I’ve traveled to dozens of countries and nearly every U.S. state. I love hiking, but also just walking through a great city. I have loved (and destroyed) many backpacks—and I have opinions.
Among the best bag makers out there, without a doubt, is Osprey. Started in 1974 by a kid who wanted to make himself a better backpack, the company has been making light, innovative packs for 50 years. Initially the packs were made for long-haul hiking, which meant a focus on quality, comfort and lightness. It’s still true of all their bags today, even the ones that are more suited for a stylish city jaunt. I beat the hell out of my bags and my Ospreys don't show a scratch. Of course, they also come with a lifetime guarantee, just in case.
Take it from a true backpack believer: Wherever your next journey takes you, one of these packs or accessories is going to make it way more effortless and enjoyable. Here are a few of my favorites.
Carry-on Convenience
Daylite Expandable Travel Pack 26+6
This pack weighs less than 2 pounds and you can easily stow a pair of shoes in the bottom. The main compartment is expandable, adding 6 liters, so you get a standard carry-on size pack and a small day-pack in one bag. While it doesn’t boast as much padding as some models designed for multi-day hiking trips, it’s perfect for a traveler who wants one bag that can do it all. From plane, to city, to trail, flying as light as a bird, baby!
Long Weekend Warrior
Daylite Carry-On Travel Pack 35
That moment in the airport TSA line when you have to quickly whisk your laptop out of your carry-on bag? This pack has an easy access, dedicated slot for your 16-inch laptop. Like the other Daylite line, it zips fully open. The word “bleisure” (business + leisure) is disgusting, but this is honestly a perfect bag for a long weekend work trip where you can tack on a great hike or day of sightseeing.
Hands-Free Helper
Daylite Waist Pack
Despite my love of backpacks, I’ve yet to become a full on fanny-pack guy. For a 40-something man with a mustache, it’s a big look. Not bad per se, just very norm-core-dad-bod-Ned-Flanders-style. That said, if you want to travel light, this pack, with its two zip compartments, interior mesh organizer and key clip, is great for exploring a city, visiting a museum, or keeping your valuables close at hand. (Should I become a fanny pack guy?! I kind of want to know…)
Phone Friendly
Daylite Plus
This model, the Plus, has all the usual Osprey features, but boasts two small front zipper pockets, perfect for a travel journal and a phone. It lets you safely secure your phone away to enjoy the world around you undisturbed, but have it handy enough to catch a snap of any cool wildlife that crosses your path. Comes in a bunch of great colors, like Wander Yellow. A great zippy little day bag.
Wee Ones Fun
Daylite Jr for Kids
On our family trips, the kids are expected (though don't always comply) to carry their own packs, and it works better if they think the bag is cool looking, so I appreciate that these kids bag styles include some awesome color fades and space motifs as well as solid color options. Also, because the packs are super light, it’s not so bad when you end up carrying everyone's bag (and way WAY better than pushing everyone's rolly!) The brand’s packs are also mostly made of recycled materials, so you can feel good about upgrading.
For the Cubist
Daylite Packing Cube Set
There are two types of packers: cubists and impressionists. I’m slightly too haphazard of a packer to go full cube system, but my partner loves them. Kids' clothes go in their own cube, tops in another, underthings in another. It’s way better than my extremely messy impressionist method of dumping everything on the bed. The see-thru, breathable mesh panels on this three-pack make for a perfect Picasso of organization.
Stuff for Stuff
Daylite Mesh Stuff Sacks
One thing I always bring on a trip is an empty sack: 100% essential. This is how you identify your dirty underwear from your clean underwear and never the twain shall meet! These mesh stuff sacks are perfect no matter where you’re traveling.
Simplicity Central
Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit
The danger of packing is that you end up bringing a bunch of BS. What sets this hanging toiletry kit apart is the two-compartment simplicity. Some weirdly elaborate hanging kits that fold out to four or five compartments encourage you to overpack. This fits everything you need. The hanging bit is especially good for camping—the loop is wide enough to hang from a small tree branch.
It’s a Cinch
Daylite Cinch Backpack
I love this Osprey backpack as a small hiking pack. It has all the features you need with the added benefit of a cinch top for those who prefer it to a zipper.
Chameleon Pack
Daylite Duffel 30
Is it a duffel? Is it a backpack? It’s whichever you need, when you need it. Unlike some duffles, the Daylite Duffel 30 has a padded strap that converts into backpack straps, so you don’t sacrifice comfort for its chameleon charm.
Heavy Packer
Daylite Duffel 45
Like its smaller sibling, the Daylite Duffel 45, has padded carry straps and converts to a backpack—and, as the name suggests, it holds 45 liters, while weighing just 1.5 pounds. It’s a great option for a bigger trip and you can STILL carry it on to most flights.
Hard Working Sleeve
Daylite Laptop Sleeve
I beat up my laptops as badly as my backpacks, and a way to keep them from getting totally smashed is well worth it. This nice laptop sleeve keeps your computer safe while you travel, commute or try to take a Zoom call from the woods.
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