Backpacking Morocco has grown increasingly popular over the years, and it’s easy to understand why. You’ll explore the bustling markets filled with exotic spices and the mystic blue streets of Chefchaouen. Head to Taghazout for a surf, along the expansive coastline, or Fez to explore one of the most significant historic medinas in the world. Travel to the Sahara Desert for a sunset camel ride, hop on a 4WD jeep dune buggy adventure.
There’s an exciting experience to be had at every turn when you travel to this North African gem. Morocco provides a destination haven for backpackers – it’s all too exciting!
But, before you take on the task of figuring out what travel essentials to pack for Morocco, you’ll need the perfect backpack for traveling on your adventure.
Let’s dive into the top backpacks to suit your travel style, adventure, and budget.
What to Look for in Travel Backpacks?
Before you embark on any venture, you need to look for the most suitable travel gear. A good traveling backpack has to be comfortable, durable, compact, and easy to organize. You may be tempted to get the largest backpack you can find, but it’s usually sufficient to go with something more versatile, lightweight, and weather-resistant.
Whether you’re exploring the country of Morocco or heading off for a weekend trip, there are certain features worth considering when choosing the best travel bag:
Front-loading
Many bags used for hiking are top-loading backpacks, meaning you’ll need to dig from the top to find things in your bag.
You should look at travel-friendly backpacks that are clamshell designed, so the zip opens all the way and in the front, like a suitcase. You just need to zip them open face down and find what you’re looking for in an instant.
Weather Resistant
If you don’t want rainwater to leak into your back, you should find a good backpack that is water-resistant or includes a rain cover.
Size
Backpack sizes are usually measured in liters of volume. Generally, 15-30 liters is considered a daypack, and 30-40 liters can fit carry-on travel luggage (great for weekend trips). The 50-65 liter backpacks are for those who need clothing or gear for a long journey.
Lastly, the 70-120 liter backpacks should only be considered if you’re going on a long trek or a camping expedition. The support frames often weigh a bit more and can be uncomfortable for a normal adventure trip.
Waist Strap
A padded waist strap can distribute your backpack’s weight around your abdomen rather than stressing your shoulders. This helps avoid any back, shoulder, or neck pain, especially when wearing your gear for an extended period.
Some other nice-to-haves on your backpack include good carry handles, external compression straps, and lockable zippers (to clasp on combination locks).
Best Travel Backpacks
The world of carrying is built on the foundation of fabrics, buckles, zippers, and straps, making the choice of which backpack is best for traveling a crucial decision. Finding the perfect travel backpack can be daunting as it needs to be comfortable, durable, and easy to organize.
Depending on what kind of adventurer you are, you may find certain criteria important. Let’s take a look at the best backpack options to choose from.
Best Durable Travel Backpack – WoneNice 50L
Crafted from durable Polyester + nylon fabric to withstand any adventure. With its adjustable chest and waist belts, ergonomic design, and spacious compartments, it offers unparalleled comfort and convenience for all your outdoor excursions.
If it’s a durable travel backpack you’re after, the WoneNice 50-liter will tick all the boxes. It’s water-resistant, tear-resistant, anti-scratch, moisture-proof, and durable. It’s made with high-quality fabric and has SBS zippers, so you don’t have to worry about any tears. This will provide you with long-lasting performance.
The 50-liter offers several pockets for organization and storage. The travel bag features an adjustable chest and waist belt, breathable mesh, shoulder straps, and is reinforced to comfort those stress points.
It’s a fantastic traveling backpack for any outdoor adventure, suitable for males and females at any age, and considered one of the best 50L travel backpacks available.
Best Carry-on Backpack – Zomake Packable 20L
This ultra lightweight packable backpack is perfect for travel with its compact size of 17.71 x 5.5 x 10.6 inches and foldable design into a pocket-sized package. Crafted from quality nylon materials, it offers water resistance and durability, while its ergonomic design ensures comfort even during extended wear.
The Zomake Ultra Lightweight Backpack offers a roomy 20-liter design, suitable for any day trip. It provides a main zipped compartment, a front pocket, and side pockets to keep your backpacking travel essentials organized.
The lightweight travel backpack includes plenty of sponge padding to help relieve any stress on your shoulders. It’s made with durable, water-resistant material, including abrasion resistant SBS metal zippers. The ultra-lightweight daypack weighs a mere 8.8 ounces and folds down into a generous hamburger shape.
If you feel the 20-liter may be a bit tight on space for you, try the 35-liter backpack providing you with all the bells and whistles, and more. If you’re an enthusiastic hiker, camper, adventurer, this backpack is perfect. It’s also among the best backpacks for gap year travels, offering ample room and durability for your extended adventures.
Best Backpack for Long-term Travel – Osprey Farpoint Trek 55
A rugged nylon ripstop duffel with a spacious 55L main compartment featuring lockable zippers for security. Plus, a detachable daypack equipped with laptop protection and a scratch-free stash pocket ensures you're always prepared for any adventure.
The Osprey Farpoint Trek 55 is the perfect backpack for long-term travel. The additional space compared to a carry-on is ideal, especially when packing for different climates.
The suspension system is easily adjustable to your height, making it far more comfortable during those long treks. It comes with a stowaway hip belt and has a supported back system.
The large compartment provides zip access to the main section, making it easy to find what you’re looking for. Keep your essentials organized using handy packing cubes to make travels even more effortless.
Although the 55-liter backpack lacks a padded laptop compartment, it comes with a detachable daypack, allowing you to travel with a far lighter pack when you’d prefer to, and leave the larger pack at your accommodation.
It’s by far the best travel backpack for trekking or long-term travelers, especially if you’re looking for something durable and versatile like a Moroccan backpack.
Best Travel Backpack for Travellers – Maelstrom Lightweight Travel Backpack
Crafted from high-quality rip-stop 210d nylon fabric, ensuring durability and water resistance. Stay dry even in the rain with the included rain cover, securely stored in the backpack's built-in pocket. Enjoy ergonomic design and comfort during long hikes with thick padded back, adjustable shoulder straps, and chest buckle doubling as a survival whistle.
The Maelstrom Lightweight Travel Backpack is largely popular in the backpacking scene and often hailed as the best backpack for travel. With its ergonomic design, featuring a thicker padded back and adjustable, breathable shoulder straps, this backpack minimizes fatigue during extended hiking trips.
Offering ample storage, this features multiple compartments including a spacious main compartment, top pocket, front zipper pockets, waist zipper pockets, and mesh side pockets, along with a waterproof wet pocket for separating sweaty clothes or personal items.
Despite its large 40L capacity, this lightweight backpack remains comfortable to carry, thanks to its breathable mesh shoulder straps and ample sponge padding, making it suitable for various outdoor activities such as travel, camping, hiking, and fishing, and versatile enough to be used as a hiking backpack, travel bag, or business bag by both men and women alike.
☀️ Planning to visit Morocco soon? 🌵
🏨 Booking Hotels in Morocco: Booking.com, Expedia.com and Hostelworld are great options for finding and booking locations in Morocco.
💁♀️ Booking A Tour in Morocco: Check our tours first Moroccan Food Adventures! Viator and GetYourGuide have dozens of options for a few hours or full-day tours
📞 SIM Cards: I exclusively use Airalo whenever I travel – and it works great in Morocco!
😷 Travel Insurance: I like Safetywing. Another option for travelers 70+ is EKTA.
Final Thoughts on the Best Backpacks for Travelling
When planning your backpacking adventure, choosing a good quality traveling backpack is essential.
Your bag will carry all your possessions as you hit the road. Ensuring your case provides durability and safety is vital during your picking. Whether you’re planning on a hiking trip or heading off for a GAP year, having the right gear can make a world of difference.
Now that we’ve covered the top-rated backpacks for traveling, it’s time to figure out a fantastic Morocco itinerary to set out on. You may also want to check out my Morocco backpacking checklist to get started. So get cracking and start packing.