Best Travel Backpacks UK 2026: Expandable, Waterproof & USB Charging Picks Compared
Oct 01, 2026
Choosing a travel backpack used to mean picking between capacity, comfort and price. In 2026, the best travel backpacks UK shoppers are searching for do all three — expandable capacity for longer trips, genuine waterproof protection against British weather and built-in USB charging for a phone that survives a full day of travel. We've compared five standout bags from our travel backpacks collection to help you find the right one for your next trip.
What to Look for in a Travel Backpack?
Before comparing specific models, it helps to know what actually separates a genuinely useful travel backpack from one that just looks the part:
- Expandable capacity — a bag that flexes between a daily 20-litre commute and a 30-plus litre weekend away means you only need to buy one bag.
- Waterproof or water-resistant construction — genuinely important for UK weather, not just a marketing label.
- Padded laptop protection — a dedicated, isolated sleeve rather than a laptop sharing space with your clothes.
- USB charging access — lets you charge a phone on the move using a power bank stored inside the bag.
- Security features — hidden zips, RFID-blocking pockets, or anti-theft panel design for busy transit hubs.
5 Best Travel Backpacks Compared
HEROIC KNIGHT HK8205 — Best Expandable Roll-Top Backpack
Price: £59.99 | View in Roll-Top Backpacks
The HK8205 is one of the most genuinely flexible expandable travel backpacks in our range, with a roll-top design that adjusts smoothly between 20 and 35 litres depending on how much you're carrying. It includes dual device protection — a padded 15.6-inch laptop compartment alongside a separate 12.9-inch iPad sleeve — plus S-shape ergonomic shoulder straps and a rear luggage strap for easy airport transfers. Built from water-repellent Oxford fabric, it's a dependable pick for anyone who wants one backpack to cover both daily use and weekend travel.
BANGE BA-8109 — Best for USB Charging on a Budget
Price: £59.99 | View in Expandable Backpacks
This expandable backpack from BANGE seals your gear inside a water-resistant Oxford shell while offering a genuinely useful built-in USB charging port for topping up your phone on the move. A padded laptop interlayer protects your device from drops, while an air-cushioned shoulder strap system keeps things comfortable even when the bag is loaded out. At just 0.90kg, it's a lightweight, budget-friendly option that still ticks every box for a capable expandable travel backpack.
BAGSMART Large Capacity Waterproof Travel Backpack with USB Cable Access — Best for Larger Laptops
Price: £69.99 | View in Travel Backpacks
If you're travelling with a larger 17.3-inch laptop, this BAGSMART model is purpose-built around protecting it. A dedicated USB cable access hole lets you route a cable from an internal power bank to an external port, so charging your phone doesn't mean digging through your bag. Built from water-resistant polyester with padded shoulder straps, it strikes a strong balance between everyday commuting and short travel trips, all at a genuinely accessible price point.
ARCTIC HUNTER GB00402 — Best for Security-Conscious Travellers
Price: £79.99 | View Arctic Hunter Collection
This is the most security-focused option on the list. The Arctic Hunter GB00402 expands via a 6cm zip channel from 20 to 28 litres, and includes RFID-blocking pockets to protect your cards and passport from unauthorised scanning — a genuinely useful feature for anyone travelling through busy airports or city centres. It also features a hard-covered USB port with an integrated headphone passthrough, a padded 17-inch laptop compartment, and reflective safety strips for visibility on evening commutes.
BAGSMART Expandable Large Capacity Waterproof Travel Backpack — Best Anti-Theft Design
Price: £99.99 | View in Travel Backpacks
Sitting at the top of this range, this BAGSMART model combines a hidden anti-theft zip design with genuine expandable capacity, growing from 20 to 35 litres for longer trips. A padded 15.6-inch laptop compartment and a curved, body-hugging back panel round out a genuinely premium build, all wrapped in water-repellent nylon with a polished embroidered finish. It's the pick for anyone who wants their travel backpack to double as a smart, secure everyday bag too.
Commonly Asked Questions About Travel Backpacks
Do I need an expandable travel backpack, or is a fixed-capacity bag enough? If you only ever use your backpack for short day trips, a fixed-capacity bag is fine. But if you switch between commuting and travel, an expandable design like the HEROIC KNIGHT HK8205 or BANGE BA-8109 means one backpack can genuinely replace two, adjusting from a slim 20-litre daily bag to a 30-plus litre travel pack without needing a second bag for longer trips.
Are waterproof travel backpacks actually waterproof, or just water-resistant? Most travel backpacks, including all five featured here, use water-resistant fabrics like treated Oxford cloth, polyester, or nylon — genuinely effective against UK rain and splashes, but not designed for full submersion. If you need guaranteed dry contents in heavy, sustained rain, look for a bag with fully sealed, taped seams rather than a standard water-resistant coating.
How does USB charging actually work in a travel backpack? Backpacks like the BANGE BA-8109, BAGSMART USB Cable Access model, and ARCTIC HUNTER GB00402 don't include a built-in battery — instead, they have an external port connected to an internal pocket, so you place your own power bank inside and charge your phone through the port without opening the bag. It's a small feature that makes a genuine difference on long travel days.
What size laptop can I fit in a travel backpack? This varies by model, so it's worth checking before you buy. The HEROIC KNIGHT HK8205 and BAGSMART Expandable model both fit up to 15.6-inch laptops, while the ARCTIC ARCTIC HUNTER GB00402 takes a 17-inch device, and the BAGSMART USB Cable Access backpack is built specifically around larger 17.3-inch laptops.
Are anti-theft or RFID-blocking features actually worth it? Yes, particularly if you travel through busy stations, airports, or tourist areas regularly. The ARCTIC HUNTER GB00402's RFID-blocking pockets protect contactless cards and passports from unauthorised scanning, while the BAGSMART Expandable backpack's hidden anti-theft zip placement makes it harder for pickpockets to access your bag in crowded spaces. These features add genuine peace of mind without adding noticeable bulk or weight.
Final Thoughts
The best travel backpack for you depends on how you'll actually use it. For pure flexibility, the HEROIC KNIGHT HK8205 and BANGE BA-8109 both offer genuine expandable capacity at an accessible price. If security is your priority, the ARCTIC HUNTER GB00402 stands out with its RFID protection. And if you want a premium, anti-theft-focused bag that still looks sharp for daily use, the BAGSMART Expandable model is the strongest all-rounder on this list.
