The Best Backpacks for City Travel: How to Choose and What to Buy

When city streets become your adventure map, the right backpack makes all the difference. A great urban travel backpack keeps you light on your feet, organized on the go, and ready for whatever the city throws at you — a sudden downpour, a packed metro, or a spontaneous detour through a hidden alley. 

But walk into any gear store (or scroll through any product page), and you'll be hit with a wall of specs: capacity, compartments, anti-theft features, waterproof ratings, carry systems, opening styles, fabric types… Where do you even start? 

Don't worry. We've broken it all down into six key factors that actually matter for city travel. Read through, then find your perfect match in our curated picks below. 

6 Things to Look for in a City Travel Backpack

1. Anti-Theft Security

Pickpockets are a far greater threat in cities than in the wilderness. Look for backpacks with hidden pockets positioned close to your body — ideally against your lower back or waist — where someone behind you can't easily reach.

The opening style matters too: 

Zipper closure (basic): The most common, but also the easiest to slash open with a blade or pen. 

Flap + buckle closure (intermediate): More secure, especially when paired with a drawstring underneath the flap. 

Roll-top closure (best): To access the bag, a thief would need to unclip the buckle and fully unroll the top — a slow, obvious process. Roll-tops also eliminate exposed zippers entirely, removing one more vulnerability. 

2. Water Resistance and Daily Protection

You may not face a blizzard, but a sudden rain shower, a spilled coffee, or a damp subway seat are all very real. Choose a backpack with a PU-coated or DWR-treated exterior to protect your phone, camera, passport, and other valuables from moisture and stains. 

Bonus points for easy-clean fabrics — a quick wipe should be all it takes to keep your bag looking fresh, no matter what the city throws at it. 

3. Comfort and Fit 

City travel means a lot of walking, queuing, and squeezing onto packed trains — but also frequent on-and-off. Your backpack needs to be comfortable enough to wear all day without turning into a burden. 

Key things to look for:

Padded, adjustable shoulder straps for even weight distribution

Ventilated back panels with airflow channels to prevent heat buildup

A luggage passthrough strap (that horizontal elastic band on the back) — this lets you slide the bag over your rolling suitcase handle at airports and train stations, freeing up your hands 

Top and side grab handles for quick lifts into overhead compartments or tight spaces 

4. Capacity and Organization

You need enough room for your gear — but not so much that you're lugging around dead weight through narrow alleyways and crowded markets. 

Sweet spot: 15L–30L

Under 10L: Too small for a laptop and water bottle

Over 30L: Too bulky for city use (and may trigger airline carry-on restrictions) 

For city travel, your bag should include:

A dedicated laptop compartment with padding — fits 13"–16" devices, which most city travelers carry

A quick-access front pocket for transit cards, phone, passport, and tissues

At least one elastic side pocket for a water bottle or folding umbrella 

5. Ease of Access

 Some things you need in seconds — your transit card at the turnstile, your passport at security, your phone for a map. Prioritize bags with:

Top-loading or front-panel openings for easy access to the main compartment 

Quick-grab pockets on the front, sides, or shoulder straps

Shoulder strap pockets — underrated but incredibly useful at airports and stations where you need to show ID without stopping 

6. Aesthetics and Versatility 

A city backpack should look as good as it performs. Opt for clean, understated colorways — black, white, olive, or khaki — that pair naturally with both casual and smart-casual outfits.

Pay attention to the details: smooth zippers, quality fabric texture, and refined hardware all signal craftsmanship without shouting for attention. Your backpack should be a quiet confidence boost, not a distraction. 

Our Top Picks for City Travel

Now that you know what to look for, here are our recommendations — each one chosen for a specific type of city traveler. 

Best Overall: Herman Pro Half-Roll Top Backpack — $169 

Our best-selling and most-reviewed city travel backpack (49 reviews, 4.82★). The Herman Pro's expandable 20L–30L capacity means it works equally well as a daily commuter and a weekend travel bag. Three-layer LYCRA waterproof fabric keeps your gear dry without a rain cover, and the magnetic quick-release buckle opens in under a second. 

The dedicated digital zone features thick fleece lining and 2mm EVA padding — your 16" MacBook won't budge. The built-in luggage passthrough strap slides right over your rolling suitcase, so navigating airports is completely hands-free. Best for: Business travel, weekend trips, laptop users 

Best Build Quality: Herman H2 Half-Roll Top Backpack — $197 

If you care about materials and craftsmanship, the Herman H2 delivers. Military-grade CORDURA nylon exterior, FIDLOCK magnetic closure, and YKK zippers — every component is chosen for longevity. The 25L capacity handles 3–5 days of city travel comfortably, and the MOLLE webbing lets you attach water bottle holders, accessory pouches, or whatever else you need. 

Hidden anti-theft pockets are a genuine asset in crowded tourist areas. This is a bag built to outlast the trips you take it on. 

Best for: Travelers who prioritize durability, urban explorers, gear enthusiasts 

Best Value: Urban U5 Backpack — $134 

The Urban U5 is our most-reviewed product (25 reviews, 4.84★) and the smartest entry point into city travel. Its 100% nylon triple-protection fabric (anti-static, water-resistant, oil-repellent) handles everyday city conditions with ease. 

The drawstring flap + center-opening design makes loading and unloading fast and intuitive. A vertical front zip pocket puts your essentials within reach, while the dedicated 16" laptop compartment and hidden back phone slot keep your most important items organized and secure. 

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, first-time buyers, daily commuters 

Most Versatile: Herman H8 Multifunctional Backpack — $219 

The H8 doesn't just travel with you — it transforms. Switch between backpack, tote, and crossbody modes depending on your setting: airport, boardroom, or evening stroll. The RFID-blocking pocket protects your cards and passport from digital theft, and the 840D CORDURA exterior is the most abrasion-resistant fabric in our lineup.

 If your city trip involves shifting between formal and casual environments, the H8 adapts without missing a beat.

Best for: Business travelers, multi-context trips, those who want one bag for everything 

Best Waterproofing: Arrive Roll-Top Travel Backpack — $149 

When the forecast is uncertain, the Arrive is your insurance policy. Waterproof technical fabric + waterproof zippers provide genuine dual-layer protection — no rain cover needed. The Fidlock magnetic buckle opens smoothly one-handed, and the ventilated waterproof side pocket stores wet umbrellas or rain gear separately from your main compartment. 

The glasses holder on the shoulder strap is a small detail that city travelers will appreciate more than they expect. 

Best for: Rainy-season travel, mixed outdoor-urban itineraries, weather-conscious packers 

Lightest Option: Urban U6 Backpack — $120

At just 850g, the Urban U6 is the lightest backpack in our lineup — and you'll feel the difference after a full day of city walking. Magnetic snap top handles stay neatly in place (no flopping around), and the fleece-lined inner pocket protects your phone and glasses from scratches. 

Simple, clean, and genuinely comfortable for all-day wear. 

Best for: Light packers, day trips, travelers sensitive to bag weight 

Best Style: Urban U7 Backpack in Olive Green — $149 

The U7 brings the same triple-protection nylon and quick-access drawstring design as the U5, but the olive green colorway gives it a distinct, fashion-forward edge. If you want your backpack to complement your outfit as much as carry your gear, the U7 delivers.

Best for: Style-conscious travelers, those who want a distinctive look

Quick Comparison

Still Not Sure? 

Here's a simple decision guide:

Traveling for work? → Herman Pro or Herman H8

 Want the best materials? → Herman H2

On a budget? → Urban U5

Worried about rain? → Arrive Roll-Top

 Traveling light? → Urban U6

 Care about style? → Urban U7

Whatever your city, whatever your pace — there's a Nayo Smart backpack built for it.