In this day and age, many are rejecting regular office jobs, choosing instead travel-heavy online work. If you’re becoming a digital nomad, just know that this lifestyle is very dynamic, but also very demanding. One of the things that will make this whole process easier for you is carrying one of the best backpacks for digital nomads on your shoulder.

Every model and brand has something different to offer, be that high-tech security features, a lot of packing space, ergonomic design, durability, style, minimalism, and the list goes on. While this kind of variety of great, it is also intimidating. To help you in this quest, we have curated a list of the 7 best backpacks for digital nomads that cover a wide scope of features and designs.

Even if none of these backpacks for digital nomads suits your needs, we hope to at least point your search in the right direction. And, the next time you’ll be venturing out to a new workplace, tablet and passport in hand, your perfect backpack will be accompanying you.

The 7 Best Backpacks for Digital Nomads:

Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Backpack
NOMATIC Backpack Anti-Theft 20L Laptop Bag
Deuter AViANT Carry On 28 SL
Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L
Timbuk2 Robin Pack Lightweight
Osprey Packs Farpoint 55

The 7 Best Backpacks for Digital Nomads Reviewed:

Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

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Focusing on features that will make your travel easier, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is great for any vacation. The backpack has a LightWire frame suspension that evenly distributes weight between your shoulders and hips, so you don’t get as tired. But if you prefer a slimmer aesthetic or need to preserve space, the hip-belt and harness can be stowed away.

The overall dimensions of the backpack meet the carry-on criteria of most airlines. And even if you packed too many things, there are both internal and external compression straps.

Another travel-friendly feature is the versatility of the Farpoint 40. You can carry it however you like – upright or sideways. There are padded handles on the top and the side. Plus, there is a padded shoulder strap, so the backpack can function as a gym bag and much more. As for the technology part, this bag includes a laptop and tablet sleeve in an anti-theft lockable compartment.

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Backpack

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If security is your main concern, then the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 is a great option to calm your nerves. With its thoughtful design, it is as good as a safe. The panels have a concealed steel mesh insert plus anti-cut fabric to stop bag slashers. A puncture-resistant ToughZip is built to prevent anyone from unzipping your bag.

This backpack further offers a roobar anchor lock and interlocking zippers for maximum security. And if you need to leave your bag unattended for a few minutes, there is an included steel locking cable to guard your belongings

Besides all these security features, the backpack is comfortable to carry. It weighs about 3.8 pounds, which is light considering all the steel anti-theft features. An included hip-belt and harness system are easy to stow away for an airplane check-in. Meanwhile, if you are going on an adventure in the wilderness, there are 3 external attachments for a jacket and a sleeping bag.

NOMATIC Backpack Anti-Theft 20L Laptop Bag

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Are you a contractor that travels the world and needs a functional and professional bag? The NOMATIC 20L bag is perfect for that. With its sleek design, it is one of the best backpacks for digital nomads, that can double into a briefcase.

Just unsnap the back panel and straps, and you have an office-ready look. For travel times, you can use the roller bag sleeve. You can mount the backpack onto your luggage to relieve stress on your shoulders.

A concealed expansion system adds 4 extra liters of volume, so you can effortlessly stuff an extra sweater or a portfolio. Plus, there are several cord pass-throughs to keep all your portable chargers, tablets, and earbuds connected.

Another important area of functionality is security. The backpack has lockable zippers and special pockets for your electronics, such as a 15.5” laptop and a 12” tablet. The designers also considered your safety and made the back panel reflective at night. Overall, this one of the simplest, but more functional backpacks for digital nomads.

Best Backpacks for Digital Nomads, Photographers, and Tech Junkies

Deuter AViANT Carry On 28 SL

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The Deuter AViANT 28 SL is an ideal travel backpack for women. It is built with ergonomics in mind, so that shaped cushions relieve stress on your back. Plus, a spring steel frame ensures durability. The organization of the backpack is straightforward and functional.

It includes separate clothing and electronics compartments, having enough space for everything that you need. Weighing about 2 pounds, this backpack has all the basic attributes a traveling worker needs.

One interesting feature this backpack offers its near-field communication (NFC) technology. It lets you locate your backpack with an NFC-enabled phone if you lose it in an airport, at a train station, etc.

Speaking of airports, the AViANT is compliant with carry-on dimensions, so you can bypass the tedious luggage carousel. As a little bonus, Deuter includes a yellow lily accessory on women’s backpacks for digital nomads. It can be used as a hair tie or taken off the bag – whatever you prefer.

Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L

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The Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is a great option for gear-heavy travel. Its rigid panels make it more of a suitcase, snugly protecting all your stuff. The main advantage of this backpack is its modular design. This means that you can customize the inside structure and organization of the backpack according to your needs.

Of course, there is a big dividing panel, but you can also buy gear cubes for added organization. Plus, there are external straps that you can use to carry a tripod or any other bulky gear. This is perfect if you are a freelance photographer or videographer.

This backpack can be compressed to 35 liters of volume, which follows most carry-on standards. But, if you need more space, a dual expansion system will add 10 more liters. For work on the go, the main back zip allows for quick laptop and tablet access. Overall, the electronics compartment fits laptops with 15” screens and tablets with 10.5” screens.

Timbuk2 Robin Pack Lightweight

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If you have a smaller complexion, then take a look at the Timbuk2 Robin Pack. It is ergonomically designed for small torsos, distributing the weight of the backpack evenly. Plus, this backpack can be used both as a travel bag and an everyday bag.

It weighs only 2 pounds and can fit up to 20 liters of volume. As for tech, it fits laptops the size of a 13-inch MacBook Pro. Although bear in mind that the bag has magnetic closures, which is stylish, but isn’t anti-theft.

However, the most notable feature of this backpack is its protection against weather conditions. A detachable ripstop rainfly with a reflective surface is always kept in an accessible pocket to save your stuff from an unplanned downpour.

Plus, your electronics are guarded by a water-resistant drop-liner. If you are a bike commuter, the backpack offers you an extra-reflective bottom panel and a vesta loop for bike lights

Osprey Packs Farpoint 55

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Another Osprey Farpoint, but this time it’s a unisex 55-liter backpack. Besides the obvious volume increase, this version has some additional features. It is designed more for travel hiking than for office versatility. Thus, be warned that it is not technically carry-on size, but I’ve gotten away with it every time but once.

However, it does include a zip-off daypack that you can keep your travel essentials in, as well as use as an everyday bag. It is there that you would put your laptop or tablet. Plus, if your trip requires you to camp, the Farpoint 55 offers external straps for your sleeping pad.

Just like the Farpoint 40, this one has a stow-away suspension system with a hip-belt and a harness. This backpack is made from ripstop nylon fabric that guarantees lifetime durability. Finally, there are lockable zipper sliders to provide security. Overall, whatever you need, this backpack has you covered for lengthy trips.

What are the Best Backpacks for Digital Nomads? Some final words

Whether you are a travel blogger, a fashion or conceptual photographer, a freelance contractor, a journalist, or just a person needing an everyday office backpack, you probably found the right one here.

Or, at least, know what type of bags with what features to look at. Here, we’ve examined 7 different backpacks for digital nomads – all geared towards something specific, like security, technology, space, and even style.

Here is a rundown of key points. Backpacks for digital nomads differ from traditional hiking backpacks as they need to have dedicated space for a laptop. Some anti-theft features are also crucial. Material, weight, price, organization – all these are important factors in picking your perfect bag.

However, don’t overlook less fundamental features. Any small detail, like a cord pass-through, can make a world of difference when you live life on the go. So, before you commit to any one of the many backpacks for digital nomads available out there, think about what features will make your life as easy as possible.

We hope that we helped minimize your research time and maximize your comfort. And if that’s so, feel welcome to visit us again for more travel tips and gear advice.