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If you are on the lookout for the best 40L backpackers for women that you can take on board your flight, then you have come to the right place. When it comes to the best backpacks for women, a 40L backpack is approximately the maximum size of luggage you can take on as a carry-on, so if you are looking to maximise your hand luggage and avoid check-in fares, or don’t want to lose sight of your bag then a 40L is a fantastic option.
The 40L backpack is ready for almost any adventure, It is the perfect size for women who need a versatile, compact, and functional bag for travel, hiking, or commuting. Although it may be a bit tight on space for several months of travel or colder climates, this size pack is our top pick for inter-railing around Europe. It is also perfect for city breaks, a weekend away in a cabin or tent. Even as your work bag if you are a busy body running from the gym changing room to an afterwork activity.
We will look at packs that open like a suitcase, ones made for carrying tech to outdoor optimised bags that will have all the bells and whistles – sometimes quite literally! Whether you’re looking for a carry-on compliant backpack, a lightweight hiking pack, or a stylish everyday option, a 40L backpack offers the right balance of storage capacity and portability. In this guide, we’ll explore the best 40L backpacks for women. Covering top picks for different needs, including waterproof models, travel-friendly designs, and durable backpacks for outdoor adventures. We’ll also answer some FAQs, such as how big a 40L backpack is, how much you can fit in a 40L backpack, and how to pack a 40L backpack efficiently.
The Best 40L Backpacks for Women at a Glance:
- Best Overall: Osprey Fairview 40 – A lightweight, comfortable, and carry-on-sized travel backpack.
- Best for Climbing: Deuter Women’s Gravity Motion SL Climbing Backpack – Durable, ergonomic, and designed for outdoor adventures.
- Best Work Commute Backpack: Mountain Warehouse Legion 35L Backpack: Compact and slick, ideal for taking to work and more.
- Best for Duffel Bag and Packpack: Patagonia Black Hole 40L – Stylish, durable, resistant and meets most airline carry-on regulations.
- Best for Everyday Use: The North Face Surge 35L – Comfortable and stylish for daily use and travel.
- Best for Trekking: Lowe Alpine Escape Flight 40 – Designed for long-term wear with excellent support.
Top 40L Backpacks for Women
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
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
The Mountain Warehouse Legion 35L Backpack is a solid choice for those who love outdoor adventures, whether you’re trekking, camping, or backpacking. With a 35-litre capacity, it provides enough space for your essentials without being too bulky. It includes a built-in rain cover that stows away in a concealed pocket, keeping your gear dry in unexpected showers. The padded laptop compartment ensures your tech stays secure, making it a versatile option for both travel and everyday use. Additionally, utility webbing allows you to attach trekking poles, water bottles, or other gear for quick access on the go.
Key Specs:
35-litre capacity
Concealed rain cover for weather protection
Padded 15″ laptop compartment
Utility webbing for attaching gear
Internal key clip for secure storage
Compact yet rugged, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L is designed for travellers who need a durable and lightweight bag. Made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate, it resists abrasions and repels water, making it an excellent pack for unpredictable conditions. The padded, removable shoulder straps provide a comfortable carry option, while reinforced haul handles ensure durability. A zippered side pocket offers quick access to essentials, and an internal mesh compartment helps with organisation. When not in use, this duffel conveniently stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage. Pretty practical right?
Key Specs:
40-litre capacity
Made from 100% recycled materials
Water- and abrasion-resistant polyester ripstop
Padded, removable shoulder straps for versatile carrying
Compact storage within its own pocket
This North Face 40L 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
One of the most comfortable travel 40L backpacks, featuring an adjustable harness and hip belt. It’s a 40L pack suitable for long-term travellers who need extra support and comfort all the way to a trekkers looking for a light weight pack. Built for multi-day hikes and demanding outdoor adventures, the Lowe Alpine Sirac Plus 40L Trekking Pack offers a well-balanced combination of comfort, durability, and storage. The adjustable Air Contour X carry system provides excellent weight distribution, reducing strain during long treks. The zipped front and lower access points make it easy to organise and retrieve gear, while the internal divider panel keeps your items neatly separated.
The dual stretch mesh pockets on the sides allow quick access to water bottles or snacks, and the elastic front bungee is perfect for stowing wet gear. Whether you’re tackling mountain trails or setting off on a weekend backpacking trip, this pack is designed to handle it all.
Key Specs:
40-litre capacity
Adjustable Air Contour X carry system for weight distribution
Zipped front and lower entry with internal divider panel
Dual side stretch mesh pockets for extra storage
Elastic front bungee for wet gear storage
Best 40L Backpacks for Women FAQs
How Big is a 40L Backpack?
Alright, let’s get into some nitty-gritty details. A 40L backpack typically measures around 21-24 inches in height, 13-16 inches in width, and 8-10 inches in depth. These dimensions make it a good choice for a carry-on backpack, meeting most airline size restrictions.
A 40L backpack strikes the ideal balance between being spacious enough for multi-day trips yet compact enough to remain lightweight and easy to carry. Many travellers will choose a 40L backpack carry-on over a 50L to 60L pack because it meets most airline size restrictions while offering enough room for clothing, gear, and essentials. This size is perfect for minimalist travellers, weekend getaways, and those who prefer to pack light. Packing is an art, and you will only pack as big as the pack – so if you want to practice minimalism, this is a good way to do it.
For hikers, a 40L trekking backpack offers enough space for overnight gear, a hydration system, and layers without the bulk of larger packs – although we would recommend selecting a backpack that has a breathable bag system and proper straps. We would recommend brands like Osprey, Deuter, and Patagonia as they offer durable options designed to distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on the back and shoulders.
How Much Can You Fit in a 40L Backpack?
A 40L backpack can fit around a week’s worth of travel essentials if packed efficiently. Use compression packing cubes to organise clothes, and roll your clothing to maximise space. For backpacking, prioritise multi-functional gear, such as quick-dry clothing, a micro-fibre towel and compact sleeping bags, to save room.
To prevent discomfort, distribute weight wisely by placing heavier items close to your back and at the bottom of the pack. Trust us – a little extra care when packing can spare you in the long run. The Fairview 40L backpack Osprey is a suitcase opening, making it very easy to pack, but a more classic 40L backpack travel bag can also meet your needs for compartments and accessibility. With the right approach, a 40L backpack can offer surprising versatility for both short and long-term travel.
How Much Can You Fit in a 40L Backpack?
A 40L backpack can generally hold enough gear for months if you like! Here is a very basic guide on how we would pack for a two-week trip:
- 3-5 day outfits – think capsule wardrobe that you can mix and match combinations
- 1 night outfit
- A pair of shoes
- A second pair of shoes depending on the season
- Flip flops (for communal showers)
- Toiletries
- A small laptop or tablet
- Travel essentials (passport, chargers, etc.)
How to Pack a 40L Backpack Efficiently
- Use packing cubes (compressible packing cubes work best) to maximise space and keep items organised.
- Roll your clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles.
- Distribute your weight evenly, placing heavier items closer to your back for better support.
- Keep frequently used items in external pockets for easy access.
Is a 40L Backpack Carry-On Size?
Yes, most 40L backpacks meet airline carry-on size requirements, but it’s always best to check the airline’s regulations, as some allow only under 40L backpacks. Always do your research before you fly.
A 40L backpack for women is the perfect balance between size and functionality, offering enough space for extended travel while still being lightweight and manageable. Whether you need an Osprey 40L backpack, a Decathlon 40L backpack, or a waterproof 40L backpack, there are plenty of great options to suit your travel and adventure needs.
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