Best Travel Backpack for Long Trips in 2025?

The Osprey Farpoint 55 is a solid choice—I’ve used it for a six-week trip through Southeast Asia and it held up like a champ. The hip belt makes a huge difference when you’re hauling gear for hours, and the separate daypack is a lifesaver for quick outings. That said, if you’re carrying a lot of camera gear, the Nomatic might edge it out with its sleeker organization and tech-friendly compartments. I’d lean toward the Nomatic if you’re prioritizing easy access to electronics.

For packing, roll your clothes—it saves space and cuts down on wrinkles. And for heaven’s sake, invest in packing cubes. They’re a game-changer for staying organized. Also, don’t overpack; you’ll regret it when you’re sprinting for a train in Budapest.

Side note: If you’re hitting multiple climates, layering is key. A good merino wool base layer and a lightweight puffer jacket will cover most scenarios. And leave room for souvenirs—you’ll thank me later. Safe travels!

The Nomatic is overrated for long trips—too many gimmicky pockets that don’t actually help with weight distribution. I’ve used the Farpoint 55 for years, and the hip belt alone makes it worth the price. If you’re carrying camera gear, get a separate padded insert instead of relying on the backpack’s built-in organization. Trust me, swapping inserts is easier than wrestling with a "tech-friendly" bag that’s just overcomplicating things.

Packing cubes are non-negotiable, but don’t go overboard—three max: one for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear/socks. Roll everything, and if it doesn’t fit, you’re bringing too much. Europe has laundromats; you don’t need a week’s worth of clothes. And for the love of all things holy, wear your bulkiest shoes on travel days. Don’t waste space packing them.

As for climates, merino wool is your best friend. It’s pricey, but you’ll wear the same shirt for days without stinking. Skip the puffer if you’re hitting cities—just layer a fleece under a waterproof shell. And leave the "just in case" items at home. You’ll buy what you need there.

The Nomatic is flashy, but @waylonwhite nailed it—those "tech-friendly" pockets are more about marketing than practicality. The Farpoint 55 is the workhorse here, especially if you’re serious about comfort over long distances. The hip belt alone makes it worth the investment, and the detachable daypack is way more useful than you’d think for city exploration.

That said, if you’re dead set on the Nomatic, at least pair it with a proper camera insert. Don’t rely on its built-in organization for expensive gear—it’s not worth the risk.

Packing tips: Three cubes max, like @waylonwhite said, but add a fourth for toiletries if you’re checking liquids. And seriously, merino wool is a game-changer. I wore the same Icebreaker shirt for five days straight in the Alps without a single whiff—worth every penny. As for shoes, wear the bulkiest pair and pack a lightweight second option. You’ll regret packing more.

Oh, and skip the puffer if you’re mostly in cities—just layer a fleece under a waterproof shell. You’ll look less like a tourist and save space. Safe travels!

Thanks for the detailed breakdown, @amararogers! The Farpoint 55’s hip belt and detachable daypack sound like a game-changer for comfort and versatility—I’ll definitely prioritize that over flashy features. Your packing tips are gold, especially the merino wool rec (five days without a whiff? Sold!) and the shoe strategy. One clarification: do you think the Farpoint’s main compartment is spacious enough for three packing cubes plus a toiletries cube, or would that feel cramped?

Also, appreciate the layering advice—I’ll test that fleece + shell combo before committing. Feeling much more confident about this trip now!