✈️ Why I Tested 2 Telena Best Travel Backpack for Women
A few months ago, I was juggling too many bags. My weekday work bag? Bulky, black, and barely fit my laptop.
My weekend purse? Cute—but couldn’t even hold my water bottle, let alone travel essentials for a day trip.
I knew I needed a best travel backup for women—one backpack for laptop and work, and another for casual travel and errands. But finding the right mix of style and function? That felt impossible.
That’s when I discovered Telena, a brand I’d seen floating around Amazon with thousands of reviews and surprisingly affordable price tags. One bag was a TSA-friendly travel backpack for women designed for flights and laptops, while the other was a stylish anti-theft backpack purse perfect for running around town.
Both were under $50. Both claimed to be ideal for women who travel, work, and live life on the go.
So I bought them both—one for work trips and airport runs, and one for everyday use.
Here’s how each one fit into my lifestyle—and which I now actually recommend depending on what kind of traveler (or multitasker) you are.
What is the best travel and laptop backpack combo for women? The Telena Backpack Purse for Women and the Telena Travel Backpack for Women (15.6” Laptop + TSA Carry-On Approved) are two of the best options for stylish and functional travel gear. The purse backpack blends anti-theft design with fashion, while the laptop backpack offers roomy compartments, a USB port, and flight-approved sizing. Whether you’re commuting, flying, or exploring Europe, these Telena backpacks are perfect for women who want security, organization, and elegance in one travel-ready solution.
👛 First Look: The Telena Anti-Theft Backpack Purse I Didn’t Know I Needed
I wasn’t planning to fall in love with a backpack purse. I just needed something… easy—a small, hands-free bag I could wear while exploring the San Antonio River Walk without constantly readjusting straps or worrying about pickpockets in crowds.
That’s when I tried the Telena Backpack Purse for Women, and honestly? It became my everyday go-to before the week was over.
Right out of the box, it looked more expensive than its $46 price tag. The soft PU leather, gold hardware, and that little tassel on the front gave it a boutique-style feel I didn’t expect from an Amazon backpack purse.
But what really sold me? The anti-theft design.
Instead of a front zipper like most backpacks, this one opens from the back panel—so when you’re walking around downtown or through a market, no one can reach inside. Plus, there are 9 separate pockets, including two sneaky zippered sides and a spacious main compartment that actually fit my Kindle, wallet, sunscreen, snacks, and even a small water bottle.
I wore it as a shoulder bag one day and a full backpack the next, thanks to the removable straps. It never felt too heavy or looked out of place—whether I was at brunch or hiking to the lookout at Comanche Park.
It’s stylish. It’s secure. And honestly? I started grabbing it more often than my crossbody or tote.
✅ What I Loved (and Didn’t) About the Telena Backpack Purse
After using it for daily errands, outdoor adventures, and even casual dinners out, here’s my honest take on this Telena anti-theft backpack purse:
💖 Pros
- Chic, Boutique Look – The soft PU leather and tassel detail make it look way more expensive than it is
- Anti-Theft Zipper on the Back – Game changer for crowded areas or travel days
- Multiple Pockets = Maximum Organization – I never lost my lip balm, keys, or charger again
- Convertible Carry Options – Wear it as a backpack, shoulder bag, or handbag depending on the day
- Lightweight but Roomy – Easily held my Kindle, wallet, phone, snacks, and more without bulk
- Perfect for Day Trips + Everyday Use – Stylish enough for brunch, functional enough for travel
⚠️ Cons
- No Dedicated Laptop Sleeve – Not ideal if you need tech protection
- Tassel May Wear Over Time – Mine still looks great, but it’s the one “fashion-first” detail to watch
- PU Leather Needs a Little Airing Out – Had a slight smell when it arrived (went away after one day)
🧳 First Look: The Telena Laptop Backpack That Surprised Me at the Airport
The first time I packed the Telena Travel Backpack for Women was for a 3-day trip to Austin. I needed a personal item backpack for travel that could actually fit my laptop, charger bag, toiletries, a change of clothes, and snacks — all without being bulky or hard to carry.
What I didn’t expect was just how much this backpack could hold — and how good it looked doing it.
From the moment I unzipped the clamshell opening (hello, TSA-friendly design), I realized this bag was made for real travel. It fits up to a 15.6” laptop in a padded compartment, plus has a separate sleeve for an iPad. That 180-degree open-flat zip made going through airport security so much smoother — no digging, no mess.
The 4 roomy compartments and 11 pockets meant everything had a place. I packed outfits, toiletries (the clear 3-1-1 TSA bag it comes with is actually useful!), and even a pair of sneakers in the included shoe pocket.
What really impressed me though? The fit.
Even fully packed, it never pulled on my shoulders or made me feel top-heavy. The padded back, breathable straps, and side handle made it easy to grab from the overhead bin without fuss.
And yes, it fit perfectly under the seat on my Southwest flight — no gate-check, no drama.
For $38, I expected something basic.
Instead, I got one of the best laptop backpacks for women I’ve used in a long time—especially for travel.
✅ What Worked (and What Didn’t) With the Telena Travel Backpack
After using the Telena Travel Backpack for Women on two short trips and a few days of mobile work life, here’s my honest list of what this bag got right—and where it had room to improve.
💼 Pros
- TSA-Friendly Clamshell Design – Opens 180° for smooth airport screening (no more unpacking everything)
- Fits as a Personal Item – Slid easily under the airplane seat on both Southwest and Delta flights
- Great Organization – 4 main compartments + 11 pockets = no more cable tangles or lost lip balm
- 15.6” Laptop + iPad Storage – Dedicated padded slots kept both safe during travel
- Bonus Packing Tools – Comes with a clear toiletry bag and separate shoe bag
- Comfortable for Long Wear – Wide padded straps and ventilated back panel made even full loads manageable
- Stylish Enough for Business Travel – I got compliments on the beige-brown-black color combo at the gate
⚠️ Cons
- Not Waterproof – It’s water-resistant, but I wouldn’t trust it in a heavy downpour without an umbrella
- No Luggage Strap – You’ll have to carry it vs. sliding over your suitcase handle
- Can Feel Boxy When Overpacked – Keep it under 80% full for a cleaner silhouette
🧩 Buy It If / Don’t Buy It If – Quick Use Case Guide
Here’s a quick breakdown of which Telena backpack works best for your lifestyle:
| Telena Backpack Purse | Telena TSA Travel Backpack | |
| 💼 Buy It If… | You want a stylish, anti-theft purse for everyday, errands, or sightseeing | You need a TSA-approved laptop backpack for air travel, work trips, or digital nomad life |
| 🧳 You Travel Light | Yes – perfect for phone, wallet, Kindle, snacks | Yes – fits 3–5 days of clothes + tech |
| 💻 Laptop Carrying | ❌ Not recommended (no dedicated sleeve) | ✅ Yes – padded sleeve fits 15.6” laptop |
| 👛 Style-First Design | ✅ Very fashionable (PU leather + tassel) | ✅ Sleek, structured & functional |
| ✈️ Fits Under Airplane Seat | ✅ Yes (if not overpacked) | ✅ Yes (confirmed on multiple airlines) |
| 💦 Water Protection | Light rain only (PU leather) | Water-resistant nylon – still avoid storms |
| ❌ Don’t Buy It If… | You need tech protection or work storage | You want a soft, purse-style look |
🧳 Backpack vs Backpack: Which Telena Is Right for You?
After testing both the Telena Backpack Purse and the Telena TSA Travel Backpack, I realized they solve very different travel problems — and honestly, I’d pack both for different reasons.
Here’s how they compare at a glance:
| Feature | Telena Backpack Purse | Telena TSA Travel Backpack |
| ⭐ Rating | 4.5 (8,000+ reviews) | 4.6 (97 reviews) |
| 💼 Best For | Everyday wear, city walks, casual travel | Business trips, airport travel, digital nomads |
| 💻 Laptop Use | ❌ No padded sleeve | ✅ Holds 15.6” laptop with TSA zip |
| 🧳 Storage | Compact + organized | Roomy with multi-pocket compartments |
| 🔒 Security | Anti-theft zipper + rear access | TSA lock zipper, concealed pockets |
| ✈️ Flight Friendly | ✔️ Fits underseat | ✔️ Personal item approved carry-on |
| 💦 Material | PU leather (chic, wipeable) | Nylon (lightweight, water-resistant) |
| 🎨 Style | Fashion-first with tassel | Utility-forward with sleek trim |
| 💲 Price | $46 | $38 |
🧭 My Recommendation
If you’re looking for the best travel backpack for women who love mixing fashion with function, go for the Telena Backpack Purse. It’s stylish, compact, and keeps your essentials close with anti-theft peace of mind — perfect for Europe trips, cruise ports, or city hopping.
But if you need the best laptop backpack for travel and work, especially one that’s TSA-ready and business-smart, the Telena TSA Carry On Backpack wins. It fits like a personal item, protects your tech, and doesn’t scream “tourist.”
What I’d do? I actually use both — one as my day bag, the other as my flight companion. 🙌
💭 What I Wish I Knew Before Buying These Telena Backpacks
Even though I love both backpacks now, here are a few things I really wish someone had told me upfront:
👜 Telena Backpack Purse
- Not made for laptops – I tried squeezing in my 13-inch MacBook, and it just didn’t feel safe. This is a travel purse, not a tech tote.
- Straps need a gentle break-in – The PU leather straps felt a bit stiff the first few days, but softened over time.
- It looks smaller than it is – At first glance, it looks compact, but I was surprised how much it held once I packed it up.
🎒 Telena TSA Travel Backpack
- It opens up flat for TSA — but only if you don’t overpack it – I didn’t realize that a bulky interior can make the clamshell design hard to use at security checks.
- No water bottle pocket – This was a tiny letdown. I had to stash my bottle inside or hang it off a carabiner.
- The back panel gets warm – On longer walks, especially in Austin heat, I noticed the padded back traps a little warmth. It’s not a deal-breaker, but worth noting.
Top of Form
🎒 My Final Thoughts – And Which Telena Backpack I Recommend
Whether you’re hopping on a plane to Seattle or just heading to work in San Diego, these two Telena backpacks for women truly cover both ends of the style-meets-function spectrum.
- Want something stylish, secure, and city-friendly for errands, casual outings, or day trips?
👉 Go for the Telena Backpack Purse – Anti-Theft PU Leather Travel Bag - Need a spacious, laptop-friendly, TSA-ready companion for business travel, college, or work trips?
👉 Grab the Telena TSA Laptop Backpack – 15.6″ Flight-Approved Travel Backpack
Honestly, I’d keep both on hand — one for quick days out and the other for when life needs you to carry everything but the kitchen sink.
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FAQ
Are Telena backpacks good for travel and daily use?
Yes, both the Telena Travel Backpack and Telena Backpack Purse are designed with travel, work, and daily use in mind. The laptop backpack is TSA-friendly and ideal as a personal item for flights, while the purse backpack is perfect for hands-free city exploring or daily errands.
Can the Telena Travel Backpack fit under the airplane seat?
Yes, the Telena Travel Backpack is designed as a personal item size and generally fits under most airline seats. It’s flight-approved and features a luggage strap, making airport transitions easier.
Is the Telena Backpack Purse anti-theft?
Yes, it features a back-access zipper—a design specifically intended for anti-theft protection. This makes it a safer option when you’re navigating busy areas or traveling in crowded cities.
Are these backpacks waterproof?
Both backpacks are water-resistant, which helps protect your essentials from light rain or accidental splashes. However, they’re not 100% waterproof, so prolonged exposure to heavy rain isn’t recommended.
Can the Telena laptop backpack fit a 15.6-inch laptop securely?
Absolutely. The Telena Travel Backpack includes a padded laptop compartment that fits up to 15.6-inch laptops securely, making it a solid pick for business trips or working on the go.
Is the leather on the Telena Backpack Purse real leather?
No, the purse is made from PU leather, which is a synthetic material that mimics the look and feel of real leather. It’s durable, easier to clean, and more budget-friendly.
Which Telena backpack is better for Europe travel?
If you’re hopping cities or taking trains, the Telena Backpack Purse is more compact and better suited for light travel. But if you’re working remotely or need space for a laptop, go with the Telena Travel Laptop Backpack.
