Travel Backpack Statistics By Type, Market Value and Demographics
Updated · Feb 10, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Travel Backpack Statistics: Who doesn’t love to travel? It is estimated that the total number of global travelers increased to 990 million after the lockdown. Travel is a popular leisure activity, and as a result, there is a constant demand for travel backpacks. Durability is the most important factor when it comes to travel bags. Unlike other industries, the travel industry is booming worldwide.
The travel bag market is closely linked to the travel industry and is experiencing a consistent increase in demand. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming market through the Travel Backpack Statistics.
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- The global backpack travel bag market was valued at USD 22,900 million in 2021 and is projected to grow to USD 29,087.67 million by 2031, advancing at a rate of 2.4% annually.
- The COVID-19 pandemic initially reduced demand for travel bags due to travel restrictions, but the market is recovering as conditions improve.
- Backpacks are the most popular type of travel bag, preferred for their features like interior lighting, wireless chargers, and real-time tracking tools.
- More adults, especially those aged 20 to 35, are using backpacks for travel, with a notable increase in solo female travelers.
- Nylon is the preferred material for backpacks because it is durable, waterproof, and lightweight.
- Most backpacks are sold in physical stores like hypermarkets and specialty shops, but online sales are increasing because they offer convenience and more options.
- North America dominates the market due to high incomes and leading companies, while Asia Pacific is growing fast because of more tourism and business travel.
- Over 80% of backpack users have stayed in hostels, and 21% have also used Airbnb, choosing these options for their low cost and social environments.
- The market is expanding with more people buying backpacks for camping and outdoor sports.
- Fake products are a big problem, especially in poorer countries, as they hinder market growth.
- Leading companies in this market include Samsonite, Osprey, VF Corporation, Victorinox, and Traveler’s Choice, all of which innovate and form partnerships to stay ahead.
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General Backpack Statistics
- About 58% of young adults, aged 18 to 34, own a backpack. This highlights the popularity of backpacks among the younger generation.
- The global backpack market was worth approximately $17.19 billion in 2021. This indicates a significant global demand for backpacks.
- Expectations are for the backpack market to grow by 5.6% annually from 2021 to 2028. This growth suggests a steady increase in backpack popularity and usage over the coming years.
- A large majority, 72.7%, of backpack owners in the 18-34 age group prefer buying backpacks in physical stores rather than online. This points to a preference for seeing and trying out backpacks before purchase.
- In the U.S., people spend about $1.15 billion every year just on school backpacks, showing the importance of backpacks in educational settings.
- Backpacks accounted for nearly 20% of the total sales in the global outdoor gear market in 2020, indicating their significant role in outdoor activities.
- The U.S. backpack market itself was valued at around $2.7 billion in 2019, underscoring its substantial domestic market.
- On average, a backpack in the U.S. costs about $30, suggesting an accessible price point for most consumers.
- The Asia Pacific region is expected to see the quickest growth in the backpack market, with a 6.0% CAGR from 2021 to 2028, due to increasing demand in these areas.
- Adventure travel backpacks represent about 11% of the backpack market’s total share, highlighting a niche but significant segment.
- The European backpack market is also growing, expected to rise at a 5.5% CAGR from 2021 to 2026.
- 55% of U.S. professionals prefer using a backpack for work, showing backpacks are not just for students but also for working adults.
- The U.S. imported backpacks worth $796 million in 2020, indicating a strong demand for imported backpack designs and brands.
- The travel backpack segment made up over 20% of the global backpack market’s revenue in 2021, showing a robust interest in travel-related backpacks.
- Around 36% of backpack owners aged 55 or older bought their most recent backpack to fit a laptop, indicating the growing need for tech-friendly backpacks.
- The sports backpack category was the largest segment in 2020, valued at $4.1 billion, showing the significant market for sports and active lifestyle backpacks.
- Outdoor backpacks had a 35% share of the global backpack market in 2020, reflecting strong demand for backpacks designed for outdoor use.
- The average school backpack weight for an elementary student ranges from 6 to 8 pounds, pointing towards the need for lightweight and ergonomic designs for children.
Regular Backpack vs Travel Backpack
| Travel Backpack | Regular Backpack |
| Travel Backpacks are bigger | Compared to travel backpacks, these are smaller. |
| Can store bulky items | Small or no space for bulky items |
| Not suitable for everyday use | Can be used every day |
| Adjustable pads and straps | Only adjustable straps |
| Better water resistance | Limited or no water resistance |
| Durable | Less durable |
| Contains specific spaces for easy organization | No or limited specific spaces |
| Comes with hidden pockets | No hidden pockets |
General Travel Backpack Statistics
- As of 2022, North America captured 41.44% of the market share and became the dominant of all the regions.
- Furthermore, between 2023 and 2029, the Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12%.
- In terms of Travel Backpacks by type, the trolley segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7%, between the similar forecasted period.
- Furthermore, Travel Backpack Statistics state that the offline segment was dominating in 2022 resulting in 66.49% of the market share.
- Travel Backpack Statistics by price range state that the previous year i.e. 2022, premium segment was dominant by 40.47%.
- In the Asian region, China will be the fastest-growing market for Travel backpacks in the coming years resulting in a rate of 7.53%.
- The travel bag market is expected to reach $37.5 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.3%.
By Type
(Reference: dreambigtravelfarblog.com)
- The above charts explain that, in 2022, Hiking or Camping backpacks dominated the entire market resulting in 51.8% tailed by Travel Backpacks resulting in 48.2%.
By Market Value
(Reference: statista.com)
- As stated earlier in the Travel Backpack Statistics, the market value is increasing every year.
- Looking at the above chart, even during the lockdown period, the value did not result in a decrease. In 2023, it reached to $24,027 million.
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Recent Developments
- Samsonite IP Holdings S.AR.L launched a new line of durable and lightweight luggage, utilizing innovative recycled materials, in September 2020. This includes the Magnum Eco collection, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint while ensuring high performance.
- Deuter introduced an expanded range of backpacks for alpine and hiking enthusiasts in July 2022, featuring the new Vertrail and Durascent lines designed for high alpine environments.
- In March 2022, Authentic Brands Group (ABG) completed the acquisition of Reebok from Adidas, marking a significant expansion in its portfolio and signaling new strategic directions for Reebok.
Things To Consider While Purchasing a Travel Backpack
- Brand or manufacturer of backpack
- Budget
- Fabric to consider its longevity and durability
- Lockable zippers
- Comfortable shoulder straps and pads
- The ability to lift the load
- Internal frame
- Anti-theft function
- Water resistance
Conclusion
Collaborating travel and technology is the basis for an increase in demand as well. Let’s say, that attaching anti-theft and lightweight technology including travel backpacks is preferred by the majority of Americans. Today, there are multiple types of travel bags available in the market, and travelers choose those according to their needs.
As opposed to restrictions during the global lockdown, the number of travelers has been increasing ever since. Thus, meeting up with the needs of the travelers such as the quality of the bags, designs, features, and functionality is required to catch up in the market.
Sources
Saisuman is a talented content writer with a keen interest in mobile tech, new gadgets, law, and science. She writes articles for websites and newsletters, conducting thorough research for medical professionals. Fluent in five languages, her love for reading and languages led her to a writing career. With a Master’s in Business Administration focusing on Human Resources, Saisuman has worked in HR and with a French international company. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and singing classical songs. At Coolest Gadgets, Saisuman reviews gadgets and analyzes their statistics, making complex information easy for readers to understand.
