I’ve backpacked my way through South America more than once, from trekking the Andes in Peru to hopping buses across Argentina and Brazil, and I can tell you firsthand that your backpack is more than just luggage. It’s your home, your office, and sometimes even your pillow. The right pack makes travel smooth, while the wrong one will have you cursing every cobblestone street and bus transfer.
After years of trial and error (and way too many broken zippers), I’ve figured out what really matters in a backpack for South America. I looked at comfort (because you’ll be carrying it for hours), durability (thin straps won’t survive Patagonia winds), size (big enough for gear, small enough to haul on local buses), organization (pockets you can actually use), and security (because crowded cities like Lima or Bogotá require extra peace of mind). These 12 backpacks stood out above the rest. They’re tested, trusted, and designed for the realities of South American travel…long treks, overnight buses, unpredictable weather, and everything in between.
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How to Choose the Best Backpack for South America
After backpacking across South America, I can tell you that your backpack will make or break your trip. I’ve had packs that felt like an extension of my body, and others that made every bus ride and border crossing a nightmare. Here’s what I look for when choosing the right one:
🛠 Durability Is Key
South America can be rough on gear…rocky trails in Patagonia, dusty streets in Bolivia, and crowded buses in Colombia will test every zipper and strap. I once had a cheap pack rip on me mid-trip, and I’ll never make that mistake again. Look for tough materials like ripstop nylon and reinforced stitching so your bag can take a beating.
🎒 Comfort Comes First
You’ll carry this pack a lot, sometimes for hours. I’ve done long treks in the Andes where the only thing that kept me going was having a bag with proper padding and adjustable straps. Make sure it has a solid hip belt and back panel that distributes weight evenly. Your shoulders will thank you.
📏 Size Matters
For South America, I’ve found the sweet spot to be 40–60 liters. It’s big enough to fit everything you need, but still small enough to lug onto buses, stash in hostel lockers, and carry comfortably through cities. On one trip I brought a 70L bag, and it was a nightmare on overnight buses and narrow hostel staircases.
🌦 Be Ready for Weather
From Amazon downpours to snowy mountain passes, the weather here changes fast. I always make sure my backpack is at least water-resistant, and I carry a rain cover that fits snugly. In Peru, a surprise downpour soaked almost everything I owned…except the gear inside my pack with a cover. Lesson learned.
🔒 Security Features
Crowded terminals, street markets, and long bus rides mean theft is a real concern. I prefer packs with lockable zippers, hidden pockets, and slash-resistant straps when possible. In Quito, I had a friend’s bag get unzipped on a busy bus. After that, I never traveled without lockable zippers.
Top Rated Travel Backpacks For South America
My roundup of the best backpacks for South America ensures you have a reliable, comfortable, and functional companion for everything from city explorations to wilderness treks. Below, you’ll see which options offer the durability, comfort, and features suited for the diverse landscapes of this continent!
Not enough time to read? Here’s a rundown of the best travel backpacks for South America:
- Most Durable: Osprey Aether Plus 70L
- Best for Comfort: Osprey Atmos 65
- Best for City Hopping: Osprey Farpoint 40
- Best for Digital Nomads: Tortuga Laptop Backpack
- Most Versatile: Tropicfeel Shell
- Best for Hiking: Osprey Aura 50L
- Best Budget Pick: Cotopaxi Allpa 42
- Best for Long Treks: Osprey Airscape UNLTD
- Best Lightweight Option: Osprey Ozone 38L
1. Osprey Farpoint Trek 55
The Osprey Farpoint Trek 55 is honestly the perfect hybrid if you’re planning to do serious trekking in South America but also need something practical for city hopping. I’ve used this pack from the Andes to Patagonia, and it handles everything you can throw at it.
At around $250-280, it’s not cheap, but you’re getting a pack that’s built like a tank. The front-panel opening makes packing and unpacking way easier than traditional top-loading packs, especially when you’re staying in hostels and need quick access to your stuff. I love that it has both travel and hiking features – the hydration system compatibility is clutch for long treks, while the luggage-style access keeps you organized.
The AirSpeed back panel actually works for ventilation, which matters when you’re hiking in humid places like the Amazon or carrying this thing through hot cities like Lima. At 55 liters, it’s big enough for extended trips but not so massive that you’ll struggle on buses or trains. I’ve attached a daypack to the front webbing straps, and it carries the extra weight really well.
The included rain cover has saved my gear more times than I can count during sudden Andean downpours. If you’re planning a mix of trekking and regular backpacking through South America, this is honestly your best bet.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Chile
2. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L
The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L gets so much love from travelers, and after using the updated 2024 version, I totally get why. At around $200-240 depending on if you go for the Del Día version, it’s really solid value for a pack this well-built.
The clamshell opening is amazing – it’s like having a suitcase on your back, which makes packing in cramped hostel dorms way less stressful. I actually love the bright colors because your pack stands out at the luggage carousel or when it’s stashed with a bunch of other bags on bus storage.
The new version fixed a lot of complaints people had – better weight distribution, air mesh shoulder straps, and they added an external water bottle pocket. The TPU-coated exterior is tough as hell and has survived some serious abuse on rough South American buses and boats. I’ve had mine soaked in Colombian downpours and everything inside stayed dry with the rain cover.
At 42 liters, it’s carry-on compliant for most flights, which saves you money and stress. The laptop compartment fits a 15-inch laptop perfectly, making it great for digital nomads. The lifetime warranty from Cotopaxi is legit too – I know people who’ve had their packs repaired for free years later. Plus, they’re committed to sustainability, which is pretty cool.
- Read next: Wonderful Things to Do in the Amazon Rainforest
- You may also like: Mind-Blowing Places to See in South America
3. Salkan Backpacker
The Salkan Backpacker is this cool 2-in-1 system that I honestly didn’t expect to love as much as I do. At around $200-250, you’re getting both a main pack and a detachable daypack, which is perfect for South American travel where you often need to leave your main bag at accommodation and explore with just essentials.
The main pack opens from both top and side, making it super practical for quick access without unpacking everything. I love that it has a laptop sleeve but still looks tough enough for adventure travel. The canvas-like polyester feels way more durable than I expected, and the customizable patches let you make it uniquely yours.
The detachable daypack is where this system really shines. It’s perfect for day trips to places like Machu Picchu or exploring cities like Buenos Aires without carrying your entire life with you. The waist strap is heavily padded and actually comfortable, even when the pack is fully loaded.
I’ve used this system from Colombia to Chile, and the versatility is unmatched. You can use the main pack for long-term storage and the daypack for flights or bus rides. The integrated rain cover has protected my gear through some serious weather in Patagonia. It’s definitely more expensive than basic packs, but the 2-in-1 functionality makes it worth it.
4. Osprey Atmos 65
The Osprey Atmos 65 is the gold standard for serious backpacking, and if you’re planning extended treks in South America, this is probably what you want. At around $300-340, it’s definitely an investment, but the comfort level is honestly unmatched.
The Anti-Gravity suspension system sounds like marketing BS, but it actually works. I’ve carried this pack loaded with 40+ pounds through the Andes, and it distributes weight so well that you forget how much you’re carrying. The mesh back panel keeps you from getting a sweaty back, which is huge in humid places like the Amazon basin.
At 65 liters, this is way too big for city travel and definitely won’t fit in overhead bins. This is specifically for people planning serious trekking – think Torres del Paine, Huacachina Desert camping, or multi-day Amazon expeditions. The sleeping bag compartment and multiple access points make organization really practical.
The build quality is incredible – made from 100% recycled materials but tough as hell. Osprey’s lifetime warranty means if anything breaks, they’ll fix it for free. I’ve had friends use their old Atmos packs for over a decade with minimal wear. If you’re planning extended wilderness time in South America and comfort is your priority, this is the pack to get.
- Read next: Breathtaking Places in Patagonia
5. Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
The Nomatic 40L Travel Bag is perfect for the more urban South American experience – think Buenos Aires, Santiago, Bogotá – where you need organization and style more than rugged adventure features. At around $290, it’s pricey, but the organization is honestly incredible.
This pack has like 20+ pockets and compartments, which sounds excessive until you’re trying to find your phone charger in a cramped hostel room and everything has its own designated spot. The laptop compartment is properly padded and fits up to 16-inch laptops, making it great for digital nomads working their way through South America.
The convertible design lets you carry it as a backpack or duffel, which is clutch for different situations. I love using it as a duffel for flights and switching to backpack mode for walking around cities. The water-resistant material and RFID-safe pocket are nice touches for crowded markets and bus stations.
The included laundry bag is actually really useful for keeping dirty clothes separate when you’re constantly moving. At 40 liters, it’s carry-on compliant and holds enough for extended travel if you’re good at laundry. It’s definitely more of an urban travel pack than something for serious outdoor adventures, but for hostel hopping and city exploration, it’s really well designed.
6. Tropicfeel Shell
The Tropicfeel Shell is this expandable pack that goes from 22L to 40L, which is honestly pretty brilliant for South American travel where your needs change constantly. At around $200-250, it’s in the mid-range but offers unique functionality.
The expansion system actually works well – you can travel light for flights and day trips, then expand it when you need to carry more gear or souvenirs. I’ve used this from minimalist city hopping in Argentina to carrying camping gear in Patagonia, and the versatility is really practical.
The water and weather resistance has held up through Colombian rain and dusty Bolivian buses. The integrated weight balance system actually helps distribute loads evenly, which you notice on longer carrying days. The recycled materials construction is a nice touch for environmentally conscious travelers.
Where this pack really shines is the quick access organization. Everything has its place, and you can grab what you need without digging through everything. The ergonomic design is comfortable even when fully expanded and loaded. It’s not the most rugged pack on the market, but for travelers who want flexibility and don’t plan on serious wilderness trekking, it’s a really smart design.
7. Osprey Aether Plus 70L
The Osprey Aether Plus 70L is serious overkill for most people, but if you’re planning extended wilderness expeditions in South America, this is the pack that can handle it. At around $350-400, it’s expensive, but you’re getting expedition-grade equipment.
This pack is built for carrying everything you need for weeks in the wilderness – think Patagonian trekking circuits, extended Amazon expeditions, or serious Andean climbing trips. The 70-liter capacity means you can bring camping gear, cold weather clothing, and food for extended periods.
The AirScape back panel provides excellent ventilation even with heavy loads, and the customizable fit system adapts to different body types. I’ve used this pack on multi-week trips where comfort was absolutely critical, and it delivers. The multiple compartments and access points make organizing gear really practical.
The high-tenacity nylon construction is bombproof and handles abuse that would destroy lighter packs. Osprey’s lifetime warranty gives you confidence for serious adventures. The integrated rain cover and hydration compatibility are must-haves for extended wilderness time.
This definitely isn’t for casual travel or city hopping – it’s way too big and would be miserable on buses or in hostels. But for serious adventure travelers planning extended wilderness time in South America, it’s one of the best options available.
- Read next: Enchanting Spots in the Andes Mountains
8. Osprey Aura 50L
The Osprey Aura 50L is specifically designed for women and offers excellent comfort for extended South American adventures. At around $280-320, it’s positioned perfectly between day travel packs and expedition gear.
The women-specific fit really makes a difference – the shoulder straps, hip belt, and back panel are all designed for female body shapes, which you definitely notice on longer carrying days. I’ve talked to several female travelers who switched to this from unisex packs and noticed immediate comfort improvements.
At 50 liters, it’s big enough for extended travel including some camping gear, but not so massive that it becomes unwieldy in cities or on transportation. The Anti-Gravity suspension system provides excellent load distribution and ventilation, crucial for hot and humid South American climates.
The high-tenacity recycled nylon construction is both durable and environmentally conscious. The integrated rain cover has protected gear through Patagonian storms and Amazon downpours. Multiple access points and organizational features make finding gear easy even when the pack is fully loaded.
This pack works well for everything from hostel hopping with occasional camping to serious multi-day treks. The build quality and comfort level justify the price, especially with Osprey’s lifetime warranty. If you’re a woman planning extended South American travel with some outdoor adventures, this is definitely worth considering.
9. Osprey Airscape UNLTD
The Osprey Airscape UNLTD was one of Osprey’s more experimental packs featuring 3D-printed components, but honestly, it’s been discontinued and is really hard to find in 2025. If you do find one, expect to pay premium prices for what’s essentially now a collector’s item.
The pack featured a 68-liter capacity and cutting-edge 3D-printed lumbar support, which was pretty cool tech when it was available. The AirScape back panel provided excellent ventilation for hot South American climates, and the removable top lid that converted to a daypack was genuinely useful for base camp situations.
But here’s the reality – you probably can’t buy this pack new anymore, and finding parts or warranty support might be challenging since it’s been discontinued. If you’re specifically looking for this pack, you might find some old stock or used versions on sites like eBay, but I’d honestly recommend going with the Osprey Atmos 65 or Aether Plus 70L instead.
Those current models offer similar or better features with full warranty support and readily available parts. The Atmos 65 gives you that excellent Anti-Gravity suspension in a proven design, while the Aether Plus 70L offers similar capacity with current technology. Both are actually available to buy and will have proper support if anything goes wrong during your South American adventures.
10. Osprey Farpoint 40
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is probably the most popular travel backpack on the planet, and for good reason. At around $160-180, it offers incredible value for money and has proven itself on countless South American adventures.
This pack hits the sweet spot for size – 40 liters is enough for extended travel but still carry-on compliant for most airlines, saving you money and hassle. The clamshell opening makes packing and unpacking really easy in cramped hostel rooms or when you need quick access to gear.
The comfort level is excellent for a travel pack. The AirScape back panel provides good ventilation, and the padded shoulder straps with load lifters distribute weight well even when fully loaded. I’ve carried this pack for hours through cities like Lima and Quito without major discomfort.
The laptop sleeve fits up to 16-inch laptops and provides good protection. Lockable zippers give peace of mind in crowded places or when leaving your pack in hostel storage. The build quality is excellent – tough ripstop nylon construction handles the abuse of South American bus travel really well.
At this price point, it’s hard to find anything that offers better value. Osprey’s lifetime warranty means if anything goes wrong, they’ll fix it for free. For most travelers doing typical backpacking through South America, this pack has everything you need without unnecessary features that add weight and cost.
11. Tortuga Laptop Backpack
The Tortuga Laptop Backpack at 24 liters is perfect for digital nomads working their way through South American cities. At around $200-250, it’s specifically designed for tech-heavy urban travel rather than outdoor adventures.
The laptop compartment is seriously well-padded and fits up to 15-inch laptops perfectly. I love the quick-access organizational pockets – everything from charging cables to external batteries has its own spot. The front pocket has a key clip and multiple small pockets that keep essentials organized and accessible.
The waterproof sailcloth construction has protected my gear through Colombian downpours and Chilean coastal weather. The low-key design doesn’t scream “tourist” in places where standing out might not be ideal. The comfortable shoulder straps and breathable back panel make it pleasant to carry even when loaded with tech gear.
At 24 liters, this obviously isn’t for extended backpacking with camping gear. It’s specifically for urban travel where you’re staying in hostels or accommodations and need to carry tech gear safely. For working travelers spending time in cities like Buenos Aires, Santiago, or Medellín, the organization and protection it offers is really valuable.
The build quality is excellent, and the company stands behind their products. If you’re doing urban-focused travel in South America and need to carry significant tech gear safely and organized, this is one of the best options available.
- Read also: The Best Hidden Gems in South America
12. Osprey Ozone 38L
The Osprey Ozone 38L is actually a wheeled carry-on with backpack straps, making it perfect for South American travel that mixes flights with some backpacking. At around $300-350, it’s definitely an investment but offers unique versatility.
The four-wheel chassis rolls smoothly on airports and smooth surfaces, which is great for navigating South American airports or city streets. When you hit rough terrain or stairs, the backpack straps deploy easily and it converts to a comfortable backpack for short distances.
The laptop compartment fits 16-inch laptops and provides excellent protection during travel. The carry-on dimensions work for most airlines, though you should always check specific airline requirements. The water-resistant zippers and durable construction handle the varying conditions of South American travel well.
Where this really shines is for travelers who fly frequently but also do some overland travel. Rolling it through Buenos Aires airport then carrying it as a backpack through Cusco’s cobblestone streets works really well. The Travel Sentry ID helps with lost luggage recovery, which is peace of mind for valuable gear.
This definitely isn’t for serious hiking or extended backpacking – the weight and wheel system make it impractical for that. But for travelers mixing urban exploration with occasional short backpacking, it offers excellent versatility. The build quality justifies the price, especially with Osprey’s warranty.
FAQs About Travel Backpacks for South America
Check out my FAQ section to find answers about cool backpacks that will make your trip even better.
How do I keep my backpack safe from theft in South America?
Opt for a backpack with security features like lockable zippers and hidden pockets. Many travel backpacks come equipped with RFID-blocking materials to protect your cards and passports. When traveling, it’s also smart to use luggage locks and to keep your backpack in sight or secure it to immovable objects when sitting down.
Is a backpack better than a suitcase for traveling in South America?
In many cases, yes. Backpacks offer more flexibility and are easier to carry on various terrains and through crowded areas, which is typical in South America. They are also better for areas where you might find uneven paths or cobblestone streets, unlike suitcases which can be cumbersome to roll.
Can you recommend a backpack that is good for both hiking and city touring in South America?
Certainly! Look for a backpack that is around 40 to 50 liters with features suitable for both city touring and hiking. It should be robust enough to handle outdoor wear and tear but sleek enough not to be cumbersome in urban environments. Features like a padded laptop compartment and a hydration reservoir compatibility are also beneficial for such versatile use. This will come in handy in cities like Bogota and Buenos Aires to nature spots in Patagonia.
