Travel backpacks for women and men – with character

For a weekend in a new city, the next leg of your journey and the trip of a lifetime: discover handcrafted travel backpacks in leather and canvas. Compare capacity, openings and features – and find the companion that suits your plans.

Ryan leather rolltop backpack in Havana Brown – view of the rolltop backpack

Backpack »Ryan« Havana Brown

€179,90

Arthur canvas and leather laptop backpack in Olive Green – three-quarter view with rolltop and front pocket

Backpack »Arthur« Olive Green

€219,90

Wyatt canvas and buffalo leather rolltop backpack in Olive Green, front three-quarter view.

Backpack »Wyatt« – Olive Green

€179,90

Frederico business backpack in chestnut brown, main view

Backpack »Frederico« Chestnut Brown

€219,90

Henry backpack in Olive Green: front three-quarter view.

Backpack »Henry« – Olive Green

€199,90

»Armando« 48h backpack

Adam backpack in Forest Green: front three-quarter view.

Backpack »Adam« – Forest Green

€199,90

Dale backpack in Forest Green waxed canvas and leather – three-quarter view

Dale Backpack – Forest Green

€219,90

»Bruce« leather backpack in Havana Brown – main view

Backpack »Bruce« Havana Brown

€199,90

Large Robin sea bag in Olive Green canvas and leather – back with carrying straps

Sea bag »Robin« (L)

€139,90

Arthur leather laptop backpack in Havana Brown – three-quarter view with rolltop and front pocket

Backpack »Arthur« Havana Brown

€259,90

Arthur canvas and leather laptop backpack in Black – being packed through the rear clamshell opening

»Arthur« backpack

Sold out

Henry backpack in Navy Blue: front three-quarter view.

Backpack »Henry« – Navy Blue

€199,90

Frederico business backpack in Black – main view

Backpack »Frederico« Black

€219,90

New

Sold out

Frederico business backpack in Chocolate Brown – main view

Backpack »Frederico« Chocolate Brown

€219,90

Arthur canvas and leather laptop backpack in Black – three-quarter view with rolltop and front pocket

Backpack »Arthur« Black

€219,90

New

Armando 48h business backpack in Chocolate Brown – three-quarter view

48h Business Backpack »Armando« Chocolate Brown

€209,90

Ryan leather rolltop backpack in Coffee Brown – view of the rolltop backpack

Backpack »Ryan« Coffee Brown

€179,90

Ryan leather rolltop backpack in Vintage Black – view of the rolltop backpack

Backpack »Ryan« Vintage Black

€179,90

Arthur leather laptop backpack in Coffee Brown – three-quarter view with rolltop and front pocket

Backpack »Arthur« Coffee Brown

€259,90

New

Armando 48h business backpack in Black – three-quarter view

48h Business Backpack »Armando« Black

€209,90

Adam backpack in Khaki Sand: front three-quarter view.

Backpack »Adam« – Khaki Sand

€199,90

Wyatt backpack in Khaki Beige: front three-quarter view.

Backpack »Wyatt« – Khaki Beige

€179,90

Wyatt backpack in Navy Blue: front three-quarter view.

Backpack »Wyatt« – Navy Blue

€179,90

Ryan leather rolltop backpack in Antique Brown – view of the rolltop backpack

Backpack »Ryan« Antique Brown

€179,90

Arthur leather laptop backpack in Vintage Black – three-quarter view with rolltop and front pocket

Backpack »Arthur« Vintage Black

€259,90

Arthur canvas and leather laptop backpack in Khaki Beige – three-quarter view with rolltop and front pocket

Backpack »Arthur« Khaki Beige

€219,90

New

Antonio leather backpack in chocolate brown, three-quarter view

Leather Backpack »Antonio« Chocolate Brown

€189,90

Henry backpack in Khaki Beige: front three-quarter view.

Backpack »Henry« – Khaki Beige

€199,90

Wyatt backpack in Black: front three-quarter view.

Backpack »Wyatt« – Black

€179,90

New

Armando 48h business backpack in Chestnut Brown – three-quarter view

48h Business Backpack »Armando« Chestnut Brown

€209,90

Sold out

Dale travel backpack in Khaki Sand, waxed canvas and leather, angled front view

Dale Backpack – Khaki Sand

€219,90

Sold out

Ryan leather rolltop backpack in Cognac Brown – view of the rolltop backpack

Backpack »Ryan« Cognac Brown

€179,90

Sold out

Henry backpack in dark brown suede with smooth leather straps – angled view

Backpack »Henry«

€249,90

Travel backpacks for short escapes and big plans

A ticket, a free weekend and the anticipation of somewhere you have never been. Sometimes it takes very little to set off. A travel backpack keeps your hands free along the way and accompanies you from the platform, through the city and on to your next place to stay. Clothes, personal belongings and souvenirs find their place; how much comes with you is up to you.

Our travel companions combine historically inspired design with practical details for the journey. Leather develops a patina over time, while cotton canvas has a natural textile surface. Suitcase-style openings help you pack neatly, and rolltops leave room for changing plans. From a compact backpack for short trips to a spacious sea bag with backpack straps: choose a shape that suits the way you travel.

Which travel backpack suits your journey?

For a short trip with a laptop, Armando offers 22 litres, a suitcase-style opening and a separate tech compartment. Arthur Leather combines 28 to around 36 litres with a rolltop, suitcase-style opening and organiser. Dale provides room for larger loads with 50 litres and an adjustable rolltop; the side zip makes access easier. Robin completes the selection as a classic 60-litre sea bag that you can also carry on your back.

What matters is your packing list and how you will get around: will you carry your backpack only between the station and your accommodation, or over longer distances? Do you need a laptop compartment or as much open storage space as possible? The comparison shows the differences in size, weight and construction.

Compare our travel backpacks

Swipe sideways to compare

	Armando	Arthur	Dale Backpack – Forest Green	Robin
Best for	Business trips	Business & travel	Travel & sport	Travel & leisure
Laptop compartment	up to 17″ separate compartment	up to 17″	No laptop compartment	–
Capacity	22 L	28–36 L	50 L	60 L
Dimensions (H × W × D)	41 × 32 × 17 cm	46 × 34 × 18 cm	55 × 34 × 27 cm	65 × 32 × 32 cm
Air travel	Under-seat easyJet	Cabin baggage Overhead locker	Check airline	Check airline
Construction	Suitcase-style opening	Rolltop + suitcase opening	Rolltop	Classic
Weight	1.4 kg	1.76 kg	1.75 kg	1.1 kg
	€209,90 View model	€259,90 View model	€219,90 View model	€139,90 View model

Air-travel suitability is based on external dimensions with the rolltop closed and not expanded. Under-seat limits: Lufthansa 40 × 30 × 15 cm, Ryanair 40 × 30 × 20 cm, easyJet 45 × 36 × 20 cm. Actual packed dimensions, weight and fare rules apply; check your airline's current policy.

Travel backpacks for women and men: what matters?

A good travel backpack suits the way you travel. For a city break, an organised interior and easily accessible pockets matter. On a road trip, a large main compartment with space for both clothing and equipment may be more practical. If you travel with a laptop, you need a suitable compartment and a way to organise your charger and accessories.

Pay attention to access: a suitcase-style opening gives you a clear view of the contents, while a rolltop allows flexible packing. A side zip helps when you need something from the main compartment on the move. Also compare empty weight, shoulder straps and the back panel. Robust materials and carefully made stress points are just as important as a size you can carry comfortably with your belongings inside.

Whether you are looking for a travel backpack for women or men, what matters is your height, the fit of the straps and the weight of the packed backpack. Check that it sits securely on your back, allows you to move freely and lets you reach the main compartments. The ergonomic fit of a carrying system cannot be judged by capacity alone.

Compare carrying options too: a travel bag or weekender can be practical if you mainly transport your luggage by car. A backpack comes into its own on journeys with frequent changes and on routes where you want to keep your hands free.

Travel backpack capacity: how many litres do you need?

The right capacity depends on your clothes, the season and your travel habits. With 22 litres, Armando offers a compact option for short trips. Arthur holds 28 litres and can be expanded to around 36 litres using the rolltop. If you are taking more clothing or sports equipment, the 50-litre Dale and 60-litre Robin offer considerably more open storage space.

A large capacity does not promise a particular number of days away. Shoes, warm clothing and tech all take up different amounts of space. Decide on your packing list first and consider whether you can do laundry on the way. For the aircraft cabin, the external dimensions are what matter; capacity alone does not tell you whether a bag is permitted.

A large travel backpack is often more luggage than you need for everyday sightseeing. A small daypack may be more comfortable for day trips at your destination. Plan how you will use your bag once you arrive as well as for the journey there.

Packing a travel backpack: rolltop, suitcase-style opening or sea bag?

A suitcase-style opening is practical when you want to pack clothes neatly and find them quickly at your destination. Armando opens wide; Arthur combines this packing style with a rolltop. That leaves Arthur with extra flexibility for changing amounts of luggage.

Dale features a large main compartment with a rolltop and side access. Robin follows the classic sea bag shape: you pack from the top and close the opening with a drawstring. Its split back strap allows it to be carried as a backpack. If you prefer adjustable openings, explore our rolltop backpacks too. Discover the historical inspiration and further models in our sea bags.

Leather or canvas travel backpacks: how water-repellent is the material?

Leather brings a distinctive surface and an individual patina. Armando in smooth cowhide has an understated, classic look; Arthur in buffalo leather has a stronger vintage character. Both combine their material qualities with features for short trips and tech. Discover more shapes in our leather backpacks.

Cotton canvas has a textile feel and suits relaxed travel plans. Dale and Robin combine the fabric with leather at points exposed to wear. Dale's surface is also protected with wax. Materials and protective treatments differ by model; canvas or leather alone does not indicate weather protection. Compare the specifications of each product and discover our canvas backpacks.

If you are switching from a nylon backpack, it is worth making a considered comparison: how much empty weight do you want to carry, which feel do you prefer and how much care fits into your routine? Choose according to the specific model's properties and the way you travel.

Laptop backpacks for travel: laptop compartment and carrying comfort

If you often travel between train, hotel and city, take a look at the shoulder straps, back padding and empty weight. How comfortable a large backpack feels depends on how you pack it. Keep heavy items close to your back, distribute the contents evenly and adjust the straps to fit. Extra packing cubes help organise clothing and small items.

For tech, Armando and Arthur offer a padded compartment for laptops up to 17 inches. Armando has separate access; Arthur adds an organiser for accessories. The actual dimensions of the device and compartment are what matter. Dale has no laptop compartment; none is specified for Robin. If your computer is your priority, our laptop backpacks and business backpacks can help you choose.

Whether your laptop is 15, 16 or 17 inches, the screen diagonal does not describe the size of its casing. Allow for a sleeve as well, and leave a little room to insert it. This keeps your computer suitably stored on the move and easy to take out at your destination.

Four travel companions, four ways to explore

Armando – compact for a short escape

A day or two away with your laptop and a change of clothes: Armando combines 22 litres with a suitcase-style opening and a separate laptop compartment. The trolley sleeve also allows it to be used with a rolling suitcase. Chocolate Brown gives the smooth cowhide a warm, understated look.

Arthur – a travel backpack with a suitcase-style opening

Arthur Leather offers room for clothing and tech, an organiser and a rear suitcase-style opening. Its rolltop expands the 28-litre capacity to around 36 litres. Vintage Black underlines the character of the buffalo leather – for travellers who like to keep everything in its place.

Dale – space for bigger travel plans

Dale combines sea bag character with an adjustable rolltop and side access. The waxed canvas in Forest Green is water-repellent. With 50 litres as a guide and around 40–60 litres depending on how it is packed, it suits larger loads for train journeys, road trips and sport.

Robin – a large travel backpack in a classic sea bag shape

Robin offers 60 litres in a flexible canvas and leather sea bag shape. At 1.1 kilograms, it is the lightest model in this selection. The split back strap separates into two straps to allow backpack use; two external zipped pockets keep smaller items within reach. For journeys where a large main compartment and a traditional design matter.

Explore more collections

Traveller stowing a brown Armando leather backpack in an aircraft overhead compartment

Carry-on backpacks

Man wearing a green canvas backpack with brown leather details

Canvas backpacks

Man wearing a black leather rolltop backpack in front of an urban building

Leather backpacks

Dale canvas and leather rolltop backpack on a rock above a fjord

Sea bags

Traveller with outstretched arms on a sunlit rocky plateau

Made for Good Journeys

DRAKENSBERG grew out of our shared passion for travel. We wanted to create bags made to accompany people for many years and many journeys, not just a single season.

That is why we combine timeless designs inspired by travel history with traditional craftsmanship and premium natural materials. To us, a great product is not about having the most details, but the right ones.

Timeless Design · Genuine Craftsmanship · Premium Materials

Our Story

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Frequently asked questions

How many litres should a travel backpack hold?

Choose the capacity according to what you actually need to pack. For short trips, a compact backpack such as the 22-litre Armando may be enough. Arthur offers 28 to around 36 litres; Dale and Robin provide more room for clothing and equipment with 50 and 60 litres respectively. The season, shoes and access to laundry all affect your needs. A fixed number of litres per day of travel is therefore only a rough guide.

Which travel backpack is suitable for a weekend trip?

For a weekend with a light packing list, Armando and Arthur are interesting options. Armando offers 22 litres, a suitcase-style opening and a separate laptop compartment. Arthur holds 28 to around 36 litres and adds a tech organiser. If you are taking extra shoes or sports equipment, Dale may be a useful choice. What matters is how much you actually pack and how long you want to carry your backpack.

Travel backpack or trekking backpack: what is the difference?

A travel backpack focuses on organised packing and transport between connections, accommodation and your destination. A trekking backpack or specialist hiking backpack is designed more for carrying equipment over longer periods, often with an adjustable back system and a load-bearing hip belt. These features are particularly relevant when backpacking with a tent, sleeping bag and heavy luggage. The models compared here are travel companions with historically inspired designs. If you are backpacking, consider whether you will mainly travel between places to stay or plan multi-day walks.

How do I pack my travel backpack properly?

Place heavy items as close to your back as possible and distribute the weight evenly. Packing cubes help keep clothes organised; frequently used items belong in easily accessible pockets. Use a suitcase-style opening to lay the contents flat. Dale's side access makes it easier to take out individual items. Do not overfill your backpack: comfort depends on it fitting well when packed. For a flight, measure and weigh it only after you have finished packing.

How water-repellent are canvas and leather travel backpacks?

That depends on the finish of the material. Dale has waxed, water-repellent canvas. According to the product specifications, Armando and Arthur Leather are not water-repellent, but can be treated with suitable protective products. Always check the stated weather protection for the specific model. A water-repellent material does not make a backpack waterproof: a well-fitting rain cover offers additional protection in prolonged or heavy rain. Pack electronics and documents separately in waterproof protection. Care includes gently cleaning the outside and using a protective treatment suited to leather or canvas.

Can I take my travel backpack on a plane as carry-on luggage?

There is no single standard for all airlines and fares. You can take your travel backpack if the fully packed bag complies with the size and weight limits of your airline and booked fare. Depending on those rules, Armando and Arthur may be suitable for the cabin. Dale measures a nominal 55 × 34 × 27 cm and Robin 65 × 32 × 32 cm; neither can therefore be described as universally suitable for carry-on use. Extending a rolltop may also exceed the permitted dimensions. You can find more help choosing in our carry-on backpacks.