The best minimalist backpacks often come in a simple design without sacrificing too many features. Travel backpacks are considered to be clunky, awkward, and let’s be honest, a little unsightly. Sometimes, all you want is a minimalist backpack that is simple and gets the job done. Minimalist backpacks are lightweight by nature without needless attachments to weigh them down, making them ideal for women.
Practicality is essential, and there are features you don’t want to miss on. You want a bag with no unnecessary details to get straight to the point. You will also be able to travel light by holding a minimalist travel backpack. Your backpacks are more than just your school backpack from the past; they are the perfect bag for wandering around a new city, amusement park, camping, or even as a luggage substitute.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 9 hrs of research
Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Mid-Volume Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- The bag goes with everything since it has cool and warm tones
- A large pocket where your laptop is supposed to fit
- Hole at the top of backpack for your earphone cable
- The mid-volume size really helps with weight and it feels comfortable all day
Osprey Packs Fairview Women’s Travel Backpack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- 4 ways to carry it (by the top with a handle, on the side with a handle, as a backpack, or by a shoulder strap)
- Slides easily into the overhead compartment in the airplane, with no struggle, even if packed overfull
- Because it opens fully like a suitcase, it’s very easy to pack and remove items from
- There are tightening straps both on the inside and on the outside
Best Minimalist Backpacks for Women – Overview
There are a few backpack brands that create the best minimalist backpacks for women, and we have curated them for you. Whether you’re flying to Europe, Asia, or somewhere else in the world, you’ll find the best minimalist backpack here.
Minimalist Backpacks for Women Reviews
1. Knomo Beauchamp Minimalist Backpack for Women
The Knomo Beauchamp Minimalist Backpack for Women stays sleek and slim, no matter what goes in. Light water-resistant nylon compliment luxe leather touchpoints and classic gold zips. A designated section for your laptop means your laptop is easy to grab on the go and kept separate from your other possessions.
The main compartment is perfect for tablets or other small electronic devices; pen and card holder sections attached to two additional compartments – ideal for documents; and an additional zipped pocket for smaller items. It also has an RFID blocking pocket which is essential for storing your phone, bank cards, and passport to ensure you’re not prone to identity theft. Be sure to also check out our list of backpack purses for more great items like this.
Key Features:
- Padded laptop section
- Pocket with RFID blocking
- Splash-resistant material
- Knomo ID – allows you to register your bag if its lost
Specifications:
- Brand: Knomo
- Dimensions: 16.5″ H x 11.5″ W x 3.7″ D
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- It looks professional and stylish
- Lots of internal pockets
- Its not small but not bulky
- The weight is distributed very well
- Not much padding in the back which makes this backpack ideal for lightweight use
2. Hynes Eagle Minimalist City Backpack for Women
The Hynes Eagle Minimalist City Backpack for Women is a fantastic minimalist backpack. It is small and lightweight enough to use as a day-to-day bag, but it’s also large and versatile enough to fly with it. It’s made of nylon, so it’s a water-resistant, very solid bag. The shape of the bag is one of the many things that makes this ideal for travel. The dimensions are just the best thing to carry on as you can easily fit this in an airplane under your seat.
With a side handle and savable back straps, this backpack transforms seamlessly between backpack and briefcase. On the main compartment, there is a well-padded laptop pocket for a 15.6-inch laptop. It also has sternum straps and padded ergonomic shoulder straps for comfort. Lastly, it also has a side pocket for a water bottle. You may also be interested in some of the best women’s backpack for everyday use from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- Padded ergonomic shoulder straps & sternum straps
- Comes with a side water bottle
- Sleek and modern design
- Made with nylon fabric
Specifications:
- Brand: Hynes Eagle
- Dimensions: 16.1″ H x 11.8″ W x 5.5″ D
- Weight: 1.54 lbs
- Multiple internal pockets for easy organization
- Lightweight and durable
- Padded ergonomic shoulder straps
- Can be used as a briefcase style
- Not recommended when carrying a lot of heavy items
3. Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Mid-Volume Backpack – Best Value
The Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Mid-Volume Backpack is a practical backpack that pairs vintage style with modern construction. It features an interior laptop compartment and leather zipper pulls, this classic Herschel Supply Co. backpack will transform your commute and travel routine.
It has a single front pocket with a key clip and an internal media pocket with a headphone port. If you are looking for an affordable but high-quality backpack, this pack will definitely not disappoint. Our guide to the best Herschel backpacks offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Adjustable, padded shoulder straps
- Internal media pocket with headphone port
- Exposed zippers with pebbled leather pulls
- Front storage pocket with key clip
Specifications:
- Brand: Herschel
- Capacity: 17L
- Dimensions: 16.25″ H x 11.25″ W x 4.5″ D
- Weight: 1.19 lbs
- The bag goes with everything since it has cool and warm tones
- A large pocket where your laptop is supposed to fit
- Hole at the top of backpack for your earphone cable
- The mid-volume size really helps with weight and it feels comfortable all day
- It’s a one way zipper to open and close
4. Osprey Packs Fairview Women’s Travel Backpack – Premium Pick
Lightweight and streamlined, the Osprey Packs Fairview Women’s Travel Backpack is an ideal travel pack for fast-moving globetrotters. Despite their minimalist weights, these women’s specific, full-featured packs offer plenty of organization and travel-focused features. The stowaway harness and hipbelt disappears for safekeeping when you check your bag, and durable fabrics offer added protection.
A large panel zip provides convenient access to the main compartment, lockable sliders keep your gear secure, dual front compression straps slim down your pack when you carry less, and a padded laptop/tablet sleeve keeps your electronics secure. The Fairview 40’s compact size ensures carry-on compliance on most flights. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best Osprey backpacks.
Key Features:
- Stowaway backpanel, harness, and hipbelt with zippered rear flap for protection
- Two internal compression straps
- A zippered front panel slash pocket keeps things organized
- Laptop and tablet sleeve secure in a lockable compartment
Specifications:
- Brand: Osprey
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 21″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 3.16 lbs
- 4 ways to carry it (by the top with a handle, on the side with a handle, as a backpack, or by a shoulder strap)
- Slides easily into the overhead compartment in the airplane, with no struggle, even if packed overfull
- Because it opens fully like a suitcase, it’s very easy to pack and remove items from
- There are tightening straps both on the inside and on the outside
- No water bottle mesh holder at the sides
5. PacSafe Intasafe Anti-theft Minimalist Backpack
For those looking for a minimalist backpack, Pacsafe is another great option. Most of their backpacks are built to be very lightweight, but they are also secure. That’s the case with the PacSafe Intasafe Anti-theft Minimalist Backpack – simple on the outside, but business on the inside.
This minimalist backpack is made from 600D Poly Canvas, with several anti-theft properties. The eXomesh slashguard protects the body of the backpack from slashes. It also has a central lockdown point for zippers, straps/cables which helps protect against pickpockets and snatch & grab theft. Lastly, the splashguard straps help prevent slash and run theft. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best anti-theft travel bags.
Key Features:
- Exomes splashguard – hidden stainless steel wire mesh helps protect against slash & run theft
- Robar locking system – central lockdown point for zippers
- RFIDsafe blocking pocket and material
- Turn & lock security hooks
Specifications:
- Brand: Pacsafe
- Dimensions: 18.1″ H x 11.8″ W x 5.9″ D
- Weight: 2.22 lbs
- The design is very secure for public spaces
- It has an RFID pocket
- Made with slash proof fabric
- Relatively lightweight
- Not a lot of pockets
6. Fjallraven – Kanken Classic Backpack
The Fjallraven – Kanken Classic Backpack is made of Vinylon Fabric, which is dirt-resistant, water-resistant, and wipes clean. The spacious main compartment has a wide zip opening which makes packing and unpacking simple. It has two flat side pockets on the front and a zipped pocket, ideal for the bits and bobs you want to hold close to hand.
The included PE foam seat cushion is placed in the back pocket of the interior where it prevents the backpack contents from poking on your back. The carrying system is simple and consists of slim, adjustable shoulder straps on top of the handles. The logo on the front is also reflective and in the main compartment, it also has an address label.
Key Features:
- Made with Vinylon Fabric which is dirt-resistant, water-resistant, and wipes clean.
- Two-way zipper with rain flap for protection
- Ergonomic shoulder straps
- Dual top snap handles for quick carry
Specifications:
- Brand: Fjallraven
- Dimensions: 14.9″ H x 10.6″ W x 5.1″ D
- Weight: 0.7 lbs
- The straps are comfortable to wear, even all day when the bag is full
- The zipper goes all the way down so you can pack your items in it like a flip-top suit case
- The side pockets can easily fit a small umbrella & skinny water bottle
- Relatively minimalist design
- The bag material is prone to some minor scuffing with use over time, but nothing that is super bothersome
7. JOHNNY URBAN Minimalist Backpack
Its simple and sleek shape makes the JOHNNY URBAN Minimalist Backpack an ideal companion for university, school or everyday life. The interior features a padded laptop compartment and a small additional compartment. The exterior offers a zip pocket with a nylon strap, in which personal items like keys or a smartphone can be stored.
Thanks to the zipper on the back, the backpack can be securely closed. The modern backpack is part of our Eco Series. The outer and inner fabrics consist of sustainable polyester that is made from 100% recycled PET bottles. To make the backpack water-repellent, we coat the material with a PFC-free agent to prevent pollutants from entering the environment.
Key Features:
- Minimalist & modern design
- Exterior & interior fabric made from 100% recycled PET bottles
- Water-repellent thanks to protective coating
- Padded laptop compartment for devices up to 14 inches
Specifications:
- Brand: JOHNNY URBAN
- Dimensions: 17.7″ H x 12.2″ W x 4.7″ D
- Weight: 1.06 lbs
- Its minimalist design gives it a modern look
- Made with sustainable material
- Soft padding in the straps
- Flexible back strap for easy attachment to luggage
- Does not have much pocket dividers inside
8. Heshe Women’s Vintage Leather Backpack
The Heshe Women’s Vintage Leather Backpack is a female designed bag that is both stylish and an absolute pleasure to have in your wardrobe. The zippered top closure has a long shoulder handle and the shoulder bag has a buckle that can be adjusted and fastened. It can be adjusted as a backpack, messenger bag, shoulder bag, sling bag or even a hobo.
The straps are comfortable and adjustable as one side is made from leather while the other is made from durable nylon. The front zippered pocket and a rear zippered pocket, not only increase the capacity of the bag but is also convenient for you to access. Our guide to the best vegan leather bags offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Has 1 invisible pocket
- Phone and card slot for easy access to your phone
- Zippered top closure with long shoulder handle
- The straps are very comfortable and are adjustable, one side is leather and the other side is nylon
Specifications:
- Brand: HESHE
- Dimensions: 13.38″ H x 11.41″ W x 4.52″ D
- Weight: 2.03 lbs
- Holds up well and sets on the floor without falling over
- The interior fabric is nice and smooth, and the convertible crossbody/backpack strap is great
- The bag has several hidden pockets which makes it secure
- The zippers and handles function well
- It has a divider inside that seems pointless
9. Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack
The Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack carries and keep more items organized than everyday backpacks. From water bottle pockets, multiple pockets, padded tablet, and laptop sleeves and an interior wall wallet so you don’t have to carry the extra weight of a wallet. With a 5-Point Anti-Theft security system that helps prevent the 5 most common pedestrian types of theft. This roomy bag’s main compartment has an organizer with RFID blocking slip pockets and a zippered pocket.
Travelon bags are designed with the lines and forms that elegant and clean so every bag looks good with what you are wearing. Colors have been mindfully selected to go with most wardrobes. Travelon RFID Blocking pockets and slots help to block the radio frequency in card and passports from being read by electronic hackers.
Key Features:
- Slash-resistant straps
- Locking compartments
- RFID blocking pockets
- 5 point anti-theft system
Specifications:
- Brand: Travelon
- Dimensions: 16″ H x 12″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 1.43 lbs
- The material is easy to clean
- Credit card RFID protection
- Lightweight and relatively compact
- The straps are nicely padded
- The top main compartment opening is a lot smaller in comparison to the bottom of the bag, makes it difficult to get things in & out when it’s pretty full
10. Expatrie Noelle Leather Backpack for Women
The Expatrie Noelle Leather Backpack for Women is a useful and fashionable companion for every short trip. “Noelle” combines the sophisticated look of a leather handbag with the comfort of a backpack. The carefully chosen vegan faux leather adds for a modern look. With the magnetic clasp you can easily and reliably close your bag
A hidden pocket sewn into the back allows you to safely store your valuable possessions. The light interior includes a zipper compartment as well as two open bags to organize your belongings. The cotton shoulder straps can be adjusted without loose ends hanging around. You may also be interested in some of the best leather duffel bags from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- Simple and squared look
- 3 small compartments on the inside
- Made from quality faux leather
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Expatrie
- Capacity: 9L
- Dimensions: 13.2″ H x 9.4″ W x 4.3″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Simple and elegant design
- Feels relatively robust when carrying
- Very roomy inside without looking bulky
- It’s easy to clean if you stain or spill something on there
- The pictured bag is a lot more ‘boxy’ while the actual bag was much more ‘trapezoidal’ like a handbag
Buying Guide
Pockets
This will help keep you organized and discourage you from wasting valuable time searching through your bag in search of your items. While most minimalist backpacks often have few pockets in them, you want to make sure you know which items you are bringing before purchasing a minimalist backpack.
Style
Sometimes you’re going to rattle along a sandy jungle track on a tuk tuk’s back, or sometimes you’re going to rattle along Hong Kong’s streets in a Tesla Uber. Make sure your backpack option isn’t going to bother you in a variety of situations.
Price
Try not to buy the cheapest possible backpack, even if you’re on a budget. If you manage to make a good decision, your minimalist backpack can be a trustworthy travel companion for years to come, so choose the best you can afford.
Size
Depending on how you’ll use your minimalist backpack, we recommend 20-30L in volume. If you are planning a long-term trip, however, where you will encounter different climates and seasons and embark on a few adventures, we suggest a 35–40L minimalist backpack.
Water Resistance
The key component to remember for a minimalist bag travel is weather resistance. What’s the use of making it all wet with all your tech gear and luxurious belongings in your pack? There is a big difference between waterproof and water-resistant bags. We’re mainly focused on the latter, as in most cases this will be enough.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best minimalist backpacks for women as well as our guide on features to look for in a minimalist backpack for women. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.