Best Travel Backpacks for Petite Women (Tested by a 5'1" Reviewer)

Finding the perfect travel backpack as a petite woman can be a real challenge. Most packs are designed for average or taller frames—and if you’ve ever struggled to find one that actually works for your proportions, you’re not alone. We’ve got you covered.

Here’s the issue: On average, women tend to have shorter torsos than men—especially true for those under 5'4". Most unisex travel backpacks are simply too long, leading to a poor fit for anyone below average height. Straps fall in the wrong place, weight pulls in the wrong direction, and even short wears can become uncomfortable. That’s why our focus here is on finding backpacks that accommodate shorter torsos and offer a truly comfortable fit.

We tested dozens of travel backpacks with the help of our in-house petite gear tester (she’s 5'1" or 156 cm 👟), who knows exactly what makes a pack work—or not—for petite women.

Here’s what we looked for in each backpack:

✔️ A comfortable fit on shorter torsos
✔️ Proper strap placement for narrow shoulders
✔️ Smart organization for travel essentials
✔️ A design that’s both functional and stylish

This guide is split into two parts:
✈️ Carry-on backpacks that fit in overhead bins
🎒 Smaller laptop backpacks that double as personal items under an airplane seat

Whether you're heading out on a weekend getaway or embarking on a longer adventure, these backpacks are designed to meet your travel needs—without compromising comfort or style.

Best Carry On Travel Backpacks for Petite Women

Six Moon Designs All Day Carry Travel Backpack

The Six Moon Designs All Day Carry Travel Backpack earns our top spot for the best travel backpack for petite women, thanks to its customizable comfort features that support shorter torsos—without skimping on the performance found in unisex technical travel packs.

✅ Petite-friendly sizing & adjustable torso fit: This pack is available with both Large and Small shoulder harness options. The size small harness is designed to fit torso lengths of 14–17 inches (35–43 cm)—making it ideal for anyone with a size XS torso. The adjustable torso system and removable waist belt (available in Small, Medium, and Large) allow for a custom fit that’s more common with backpacking packs than carry-on bags!

✅ Carry-on ready & versatile: Choose between the 35L or 45L versions, both of which meet airline carry-on luggage size requirements. The 45L version is pictured above, and it's surprisingly light for its capacity. The main compartment is roomy enough for multi-day trips and works especially well with packing cubes, while the smart layout—complete with oversized water bottle pockets, organizer compartment, and zippered pockets—makes staying organized a breeze.

✅ Trekking-ready features: It’s made with Ecopak, an ultra-light, strong, and waterproof fabric, and features water-resistant zippers that reduce the need for a separate rain cover. Loops for attaching trekking poles make it perfect for a day hike!

💡 Why we love it for petite women: Our 5'1" tester found the fit secure and comfortable, even when fully packed. The adjustable harness and waist belt helped distribute weight evenly, avoiding the dreaded “toppling turtle” feeling that can happen with ill-fitting packs.

Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Carry-On Travel Backpack

Looking for a petite-friendly travel backpack that won’t break the bank? The Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Carry-On is a budget pick that delivers way more than you'd expect at this price point—making it a great option for weekend travelers and digital nomads.

✅ Sized for short torsos: At just 16.5 inches tall, this backpack is a perfect fit for petite frames—no adjustable harness needed. Our 5'1" tester found the padded shoulder straps and sternum strap helped keep the load stable and comfortable, even when fully packed. Note: This backpack doesn’t include a hip belt, but its compact size makes it easy to carry without one.

✅ Quick-access design: True to its name, the Blast has tons of external pockets for easy access to essentials like snacks, chargers, or your boarding pass. A hidden back panel pocket keeps passports and valuables safe, while a ventilated bottom shoe compartment is perfect for shoes or dirty clothes.

✅ Feature-packed for travel:

• Comes in two sizes: a 28L standard version and a 38L expandable version. We prefer the expandable one—it gives you all the compactness of the 28L size with bonus room for longer trips

• TSA-friendly tech compartment with padded laptop & tablet sleeves

• Trolley sleeve for attaching to rolling luggage

• Fits under most airplane seats (as long as you don't overpack!)

💡 Why we love it for petite women: The short height and slimmer shoulder straps make it one of the most wearable travel backpacks out there for petite travelers. And did we mention you can grab one for under $100 dollars?

Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Pack

The Osprey Fairview 40 is a fan favorite for good reason—especially among petite women looking for a high-quality, airplane-friendly travel backpack. With 40L of packing space, it offers the capacity of a carry-on suitcase while maintaining the comfort and versatility of a backpack.

✅ Female-specific fit:Designed specifically for women, the Fairview 40 features an adjustable torso system that fits torso lengths as short as 15 inches (38 cm). The hip belt is contoured for women’s hips, helping shift the weight of a heavy load off your shoulders and onto your hips for better balance and comfort on long travel days.

✅ Carry-on friendly design:This pack was built for air travel. The stowable shoulder straps tuck away for overhead bin storage, and compression straps help manage bulk—while also covering the main zipper to help deter theft.

✅ Smart organization:

• 16" laptop compartment with external zipper access

• Top zippered pocket for quick access to essentials

• Front shove-it pocket for a jacket or water bottle

• Spacious 40L main compartment works great with packing cubes, making it easier to stay organized on multi-day trips

• Bonus: Attach a compatible Osprey daypack to the front using the compression straps to carry both a carry-on and personal item at once!

💡 Need a shorter torso fit? If your torso is shorter than 15" (size XS pack), check out the Osprey Fairview Trek 50L, which fits torsos as short as 14 inches (35.5 cm). Just keep in mind that the 50L backpack size may exceed carry-on size limits for some airlines.

Knack Pack Series 2 Expandable Backpack

If you need one backpack that can handle both work and weekend travel, the Knack Pack Series 2 is a sleek, expandable option that’s surprisingly a great fit for petite frames.

✅ Petite-friendly sizing: While the Small Knack Pack is best for shorter torsos, our 5'1" tester found that the Medium Knack Pack (pictured) offered the perfect balance between a compact fit and extra packing space. The padded shoulder straps are designed with smaller frames in mind—unlike many travel backpacks that overwhelm petite wearers.

✅ Expandable for travel: Enjoy two different bags in one! Transforms from a daily laptop backpack into a travel-ready pack thanks to a hidden, expandable packing compartment. The expansion gives you extra room when you need it—but keeps a slim, commuter-friendly profile when you don’t.

✅ Organization that makes sense:

• Large front organizer compartment and hidden water bottle pocket keeps your items easy to reach

• The expandable compartment opens like a suitcase for easy packing

• A padded external laptop sleeve provides quick access to your tech without digging around

• Tuck away shoulder straps to carry it by the side handles. Perfect for overhead or underseat storage.

💡 Why we love it for petite women: The Knack Pack’s tailored shoulder straps and compact footprint make it one of the most wearable everyday/travel hybrids out there. It’s also one of the most polished backpacks on this list—perfect for those who want style and function.

👉 Want more details? Check out our Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 comparison for a deep dive into the differences.

Best Laptop Backpacks for Petite Travelers

When it comes to daypacks for petite women, the goal is simple: smaller, streamlined bags that prioritize a better fit. These backpacks skip the waist straps and complicated shoulder harnesses in favor of compact designs that work as personal items on flights or as daily laptop backpacks. Here are our top picks!

Sherpani Soleil Anti-Theft Backpack

If you're looking for the perfect travel backpack for petite women, the Sherpani Soleil Anti-Theft Backpack checks all the right boxes. At just 15 inches tall, it’s one of the most petite-friendly backpacks on this list—no over-adjusting, no awkward fit, just a streamlined pack that feels right from the start.

✅ 3-in-1 convertible carry: This bag effortlessly transforms from a backpack to a tote or crossbody bag, thanks to tuck-away shoulder straps and an included long strap. Whether you're navigating city streets, boarding a flight, or heading to brunch, it adapts to your day.

✅ Eco-friendly and secure:

• Made from recycled bottles, it’s a great pick for eco-conscious travelers

• Features lockable zippers for added security

• Fits under airplane seats as a personal item

✅ Smart organization:

• Padded laptop sleeve fits up to 15-inch laptops

• Hidden front pocket for quick-access essentials

• 18-liter capacity, perfect as a sight-seeing daypack

💡 Why we love it for petite women: This is one of the rare anti-theft backpacks that’s actually designed to fit smaller frames comfortably. The sleek size and convertible design make it just as useful for commuting and errands as it is for travel.

👉 Want to see this bag action? Check out our full Sherpani Soleil review for an in-depth look.

Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack

The Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack is a game changer for petite women who want one bag that does it all. With a compact height of just 15.4 inches, it’s a perfect fit for smaller frames—making it ideal as both a daily laptop backpack and a personal item for air travel.

✅ Petite-friendly + dual carry: The slim profile sits comfortably on shorter torsos, and the tote-style top handles let you switch between backpack and tote bag with ease. Whether you’re heading to the office, the café, or the airport gate, this bag adjusts to your routine.

✅ Built-in travel security: It’s packed with smart anti-theft features that give you peace of mind while on the move:

• Lockable zippers to deter pickpockets

• RFID-blocking pockets to protect your digital info

• Slash-resistant fabric for added safety in crowded areas

✅ Organized storage:

• Padded sleeve fits laptops up to 16 inches

• 17 liters of packing space

• Pockets for chargers, water bottles, and essentials

💡 Why we love it for petite women: Unlike many anti-theft unisex packs, the Pacsafe CX is sleek, stylish, and sized just right for smaller frames. Whether you're navigating a busy commute or heading overseas, the Pacsafe CX delivers petite-friendly proportions with top-tier protection.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag

Don’t let its small size fool you—the Able Carry Thirteen Daybag is one of the best laptop backpacks for petite women, hands down. Compact, comfortable, and water resistant, this backpack proves that minimalist design doesn’t mean missing out on features.

✅ Designed for narrow shoulders & shorter torso lengths: The S-curve shoulder straps are a standout feature. They’re padded, designed to fit narrow shoulders, and shaped to follow the natural curve of the chest—making this one of the most comfortable backpacks we tested for shorter torso lengths.

✅ Perfect for daily use or travel:

• Sized right for use as a personal item under airplane seats

• Padded laptop sleeve fits devices up to 14 inches

• Quick-access back panel pocket keeps your passport or wallet safe yet accessible

• Internal pockets help keep everyday items neat and tidy

💡 Why we love it for petite women: Many laptop backpacks are overbuilt and bulky—this one is just right. It wears close to the body, sits comfortably on a short torso, and still offers plenty of organization for daily essentials. Plus, it has some of the most padded and comfortable shoulder straps we've tested yet!

👉 Read our full Able Carry Thirteen Daybag review for all the details.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 15L

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 15L might just be the most versatile laptop backpacks available right now! With a compact height of 16.54 inches (42 cm), it offers a snug, ergonomic fit for a smaller frame —without sacrificing function or style.

✅ Petite-friendly + comfortable fit: The swiveling shoulder straps adjust naturally to both wide and narrow shoulders. The adjustable sternum strap adds support while the the structured shape hugs the back without feeling bulky, even on all-day outings.

✅ Designed for modern life:

• Doubles as a travel personal item, commuter backpack, or day hike companion

• Comes with internal FlexFold™ dividers that turn the bag into a ready-to-go camera pack—no separate cube needed

• Includes a luggage pass-through for easy airport handling

• Quick-access laptop sleeve fits up to 13-inch laptops

• Includes removable external straps to secure a jacket or other extras

• Side pockets holds a water bottle and compact umbrella

💡 Why we love it for petite women: It’s one of the few travel-ready laptop backpacks that doesn’t overwhelm a smaller frame. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or capturing moments with your camera, the pivoting shoulder straps offer all-day comfort, and the sleek, structured design—paired with thoughtfully placed details—makes it easy to carry, no matter how you use it.

MOre Petite-Friendly Backpack Brands

If you're still on the hunt for the perfect backpack for a short torso, two brands worth exploring are Patagonia and Fjällräven. Both offer high-quality backpacks with compact sizing, female-friendly fits, and thoughtful designs that work well for petite women.

Patagonia

Patagonia offers a selection of backpacks with what they call an "Atom Fit" — a shorter, more compact silhouette designed to sit comfortably on smaller torsos.

Our top pick is the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L, which is one of the most petite-friendly backpacks in their lineup. It’s perfect for daily commuting, light travel, or school use. Read our full review here.

If you need more space, check out the Patagonia Refugio 26L. While not as compact as the Atom Tote, it still features a more female specific fit compared to a standard unisex pack. For more info, take a look at our detailed Refugio 26L vs 30L comparison to help you choose the right size.

Fjällräven

Known for durability and Scandinavian style, Fjällräven makes several great options for petite frames—especially for those who find most unisex backpacks too big or bulky.

Most people are familiar with the iconic Kånken backpack, which has a boxy, low-profile shape that works very well for shorter torsos. If you're deciding between Kanken styles, don’t miss our Kanken Classic vs Laptop comparison to see which version one is right for you.

Another top pick for petite women is the Fjällräven Räven 20L. This backpack stands out for its great organization, making it one of the best laptop backpacks we’ve tested for school, commuting, and everyday carry. It’s compact, structured, and easy to carry—even on a smaller frame. You can check out our Fjallraven Raven 28L vs 20L comparison for more details.

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