Best 40L Backpacks for Women: Carry-on Friendly

This Osprey 40L backpack is one of the best travel-friendly backpacks for women. It features a women-specific fit, excellent ventilation, and a carry-on-compliant size. The Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack is a much loved pack. It’s so practical and very well thought out that you will think, how did I travel before this bag. If you take lots of flights, city breaks or just want your luggage on board a flight the Fairview 40L backpack is top notch. It is great for summer travel or to hot climates as the space is limited but your load will be light. If you are going to a colder climate, or plan on going hiking or need more versatility, a 40L backpack may be on the tighter side.

If you are a looking for a backpack for anywhere between a weekend break to a month or two this is an exceptional pack. It opens like a suitcase and is easy to pack and unpack. There are adjustable features that make is customisable and comfortable as well as a laptop sleeve inside to keep everything secure. It’s a great value pack and we highly recommend it.

Key specs:
Adjustable AirScape Backpanel
Stretch-mesh hipbelt pocket
Multiple organisation pockets
Straightjacket compression
Direct access laptop sleeve

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is a favourite among minimalist travellers who want durability and function without the fuss. With a suitcase-style, full-wrap zipper opening, this bag makes packing and organisation a breeze. Inside, three mesh pockets help separate clothing, shoes, and tech, while the external stretch mesh water bottle pocket and front zip accessory pocket keep essentials handy on the move.

Designed for both versatility and comfort, the Allpa includes tuckable shoulder straps and a padded hip belt that transfer weight efficiently, so it wears like a backpack but carries like a suitcase. The 15” padded laptop sleeve, lockable zippers, and weather-resistant materials make it perfect for both urban adventures and rugged escapes. It’s one of those bags that truly bridges the gap between travel and everyday carry — simple, smart, and built to last.

Key specs
Weight Lightweight and compact
Capacity 35 litres
Design Suitcase-style with full wrap zip
Laptop sleeve 15-inch padded and fleece lined
Water resistance Water resistant
Extra features Lockable zippers, tuckable straps, 3 grab handles

Designed for those who thrive in the great outdoors, the Deuter 40L climbing backpack is built to handle rugged terrain while providing optimal comfort. Whether you’re tackling steep trails, embarking on multi-day treks, or navigating alpine routes, this pack offers a well-thought-out ergonomic fit with an adjustable suspension system. The back-opening design allows for easy access to gear, making packing and unpacking effortless. Inside, dedicated gear loops keep essential climbing equipment secure, while large side pockets provide additional storage for shoes, water bottles, or other necessities.

With durable material loops at the front and bottom, this backpack is equipped for attaching extra gear, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any adventure. Specifically designed to fit the female form, it offers enhanced support and weight distribution for all-day comfort on demanding hikes.

Key specs:
Zipped opening at the back
Easy packing due to large opening (size of the entire length) at the back
Two gear loops inside for express slings
Two large side pockets for shoes or essentials
Material loops at the front and bottom
Can be attached to the front
Specially adapted to fit the female body

Built for one-bag travel, the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack combines elegance and performance in a weatherproof shell that feels as good as it looks. Its flexible 35–45L capacity adapts to your trip — compress it for shorter journeys or expand it to fit a week’s worth of clothes. With access points at the rear, side, and top, you can reach your gear without digging through everything.

The recycled 400D nylon canvas shell, ultra-durable hardware, and reinforced bottom liner make it ready for years of exploration. Tuck-away shoulder straps and hip belts let you streamline the bag for easy handling, while 360° grab handles and hidden external carry straps make travel effortless. For digital nomads, photographers, or frequent flyers who like everything perfectly organised, this backpack is hard to beat.

Key specs
Weight 2.05 kg
Capacity Expandable 35–45 litres
Design Rear, side and top access
Material 400D recycled nylon canvas
Water resistance Weatherproof shell
Laptop sleeve Fits 16-inch device
Extra features Tuck-away straps, luggage pass-through, hidden external straps

The Osprey Transporter 40L is a tough, go-anywhere duffel designed for those who want maximum durability without unnecessary weight. Its weather-resistant build includes a bluesign®-approved recycled polyester shell, dual-sided TPU coating, and a protective overlapping rain flap that shields contents during bad weather. With a stowaway harness, burly hardware, and stiffened body fabric for structure, it carries comfortably whether you’re navigating airports, ski trips, or weekend travel. Inside, mesh pockets help organize clothing and small essentials, while external end pockets give fast access to gear.

There are eight coated lash points and four reinforced grab handles make this more adaptable than the average duffel. Whether you’re packing boots, gym gear, or travel essentials, the Transporter 40L delivers performance and reliability.

Key specs
Capacity 40L
Material Water-resistant fabric with rain flap
Features Lockable U-zip access, mesh pockets, external end pockets
Carry options Shoulder straps and grab handles

For travelers who can’t decide between a backpack and a suitcase, the Osprey Farpoint Wheeled 36L offers the best of both worlds. With rugged wheels and a telescopic handle, it glides effortlessly through airports — but when terrain gets rough, simply convert it into a backpack using the stowable shoulder straps and padded hip belt. The adjustable torso fit and ventilated suspension system make it comfortable enough for full days on the move.

Inside, the Farpoint features a spacious main compartment with compression straps, plus zippered organiser pockets for smaller items. The bluesign®-approved, 100% recycled high-tenacity nylon ensures it’s as eco-conscious as it is tough. Whether you’re hopping between cities or heading on a short backpacking trip, this is a brilliantly practical, durable, and versatile carry-on.

Key specs
Weight 3.0 kg
Capacity 36 litres
Design Convertible wheeled backpack
Material 100% recycled high-tenacity nylon
Water resistance Weather resistant
Extra features Adjustable torso fit, telescopic handle, tuckaway straps, internal compression straps
Fit Unisex

This North Face 31L backpack provides excellent organisation, comfort, and durability. It’s ideal for commuters, students, and travellers who need a multi-purpose backpack. Its women-specific FlexVent suspension system, featuring ergonomic shoulder straps and a rounded back panel, ensures a comfortable fit. The bag offers excellent organisation with three large zip pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, and multiple external compartments for small items. A removable waist belt and sternum strap provide added stability, while reflective details enhance visibility in low light. Whether you’re navigating the city or heading on a weekend getaway, this backpack is built for convenience and durability.

Key Specs:
31-litre capacity
FlexVent suspension system for ergonomic support
Padded laptop sleeve (fits most 14.5” laptops)
Multiple compartments for organisation
Removable waist belt and sternum strap for stability

The Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack Pro is a smartly designed, carry-on-sized travel bag made for those who prefer to skip checked luggage. With a front-loading, suitcase-style opening, you can pack it like a case but carry it like a backpack — ideal for longer trips and digital nomads who value efficiency. It features multiple compartments, including laptop and tablet sleeves, mesh accessory pockets, two water bottle holders, and hip belt pockets for on-the-go convenience.

Built with waterproof sailcloth and YKK zippers, it’s durable enough to handle years of travel while still maintaining a sleek, minimalist look. Adjustable shoulder straps, thick padding, and a supportive hip belt ensure comfort over long distances. For both men and women looking for the perfect combination of structure and flexibility, this backpack nails it.

Key specs
Weight 1.55 kg
Capacity 40 litres
Design Front-loading suitcase style
Material Waterproof sailcloth with YKK zippers
Water resistance Water resistant
Laptop sleeve Fits 15-inch device
Extra features Height-adjustable suspension, hip belt pockets, two water bottle holders