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The 13 best carry-on backpacks of 2024, tested & reviewed.

Enjoy hands-free travel with a versatile carry-on backpack.

The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Not sure whether to take a rolling suitcase or a travel backpack on the plane? Both types of carry-on luggage certainly have their merits, but if you like keeping your arms and hands free when traveling, a backpack is the right choice for you. Furthermore, compared to a hard-sided suitcase , it's easier to squeeze a malleable backpack into an overhead bin or under the seat. And if your vacation is focused on adventure travel, you might value a durable pack on your back over wheels on the ground.

U.S. News compiled this list from extensive research and testing along with consumer reviews. Whatever your reason for choosing a backpack, there are plenty on the market to satisfy your needs. Read on for the best carry-on travel backpacks.

Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Budget: ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

Best lightweight: mz wallace metro utility backpack.

• Best for Business Travel (tie): Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack – Large
• Best for Business Travel (tie): Aer Travel Pack 3

Best for International Travel: Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

Best for weekend getaways: solo grand travel tsa backpack, best for women: tumi voyageur celina backpack, best for men: peak design travel backpack 45l, best for adventure travel: kelty redwing 36, best with wheels: samsonite tectonic nutech wheeled backpack, best organization: augustnoa classic noa, best leather: monos metro backpack in vegan leather.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors. Dimensions of backpacks are height by width by depth.)

Price: $200 or less

When it comes to bag travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs a serious punch. The carry-on backpack is available in three sizes – 42L, 35L and 28L – and a variety of colors, including the vibrant multicolor Del Día style. The 35L size not only fits everything you need for your next getaway, but it's also TSA-compliant as a carry-on item . On the outside, the Allpa features a removable waist belt, a padded laptop sleeve on the side, anti-theft zippers, carabiner lash loops for extra gear, a sternum strap and a front zippered pocket. The backpack straps can be tucked away if you're looking to save more room in the overhead bin or you want to carry the bag via its grab handles.

The bag opens suitcase-style; inside, you'll find one large zippered mesh compartment on the right and a subdivided zippered mesh compartment on the left, providing ample space for all your clothes, shoes and accessories. What's more, the bag comes with a rain cover (though it's already water-resistant).

What our editors say:

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures, from a road trip around Iceland to camping all over Colorado. It fits more than expected, is comfortable to wear (especially if using the waist belt) and is extremely durable. I just wish the 35L had an exterior water bottle pocket like the 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $15.99 or less

This backpack has three excellent things going for it: It's affordable, lightweight and durable. It's a great option for a weekend getaway bag and is an excellent little backpack to have on hand for tours and day trips once you make it to your destination. If you're planning to hike or kayak on your next getaway, you'll definitely want to have the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Backpack in your back pocket – literally. It can be folded into a compact pouch and tucked away in a larger carry-on bag if you're planning to only use it as a daypack.

The lightweight travel bag is both tear- and water-resistant. With all of its pockets – including one on each side for water bottles or umbrellas – you'll be able to fit everything you need for an adventure-filled trip.

It can fit enough for a weekend trip, plus it's super useful for hiking, boat excursions and more once you're in your destination because it's so light and water-resistant. I've used it for years and it has held up incredibly well; it comes in so many fun colors, too. I love it so much, I bought two so my husband has one he can use as well. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $345 or less

Constructed with recycled bluesign-approved quilted nylon, this chic bag is packed with pockets and organizational details. The interior has a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, a large zip pocket with two slip pockets, two water bottle pockets and two removable pouches. On the front of the bag there's a deep phone pocket and multiple zippered pockets of various sizes, including a small one that's ideal for a boarding pass, earbuds or wipes.

A water bottle pocket sits on each side of the bag, and the back of the bag has a luggage trolley sleeve that can be zipped shut on the bottom to be a pocket when not attached to your suitcase. This backpack has a top-zip design, and can be carried by the two top handles or the adjustable padded backpack straps.

This bag has completely changed my mind about backpacks. It's extremely spacious and works so well for my laptop, change of clothes, toiletry bag and other carry-on essentials. I love all of the pockets and that I can carry this like a north-south tote in addition to using the trolley sleeve or backpack straps. But what truly sets this apart is the beautiful fabrication that is so soft and the luxurious Italian leather details. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best for Business Travel: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack and Aer Travel Pack 3 (tie)

Dagne dover dakota neoprene backpack – large.

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $215 or less

This sleek, professional backpack by Dagne Dover is perfect for professional and casual settings alike, with a vast array of organizational features and a 20-liter capacity for the large size. On the outside, you'll find a zippered padded pocket for up to 16-inch laptops and a slip pocket for your phone, while an interior sleeve can fit a tablet or a second laptop, allowing you to travel with multiple devices. The inside of the bag has two mesh slip pockets and a zip-top pouch attached with a leash, as well as three zippered pockets in the front panel.

To help you stay even more organized, the exterior also features a zippered front pocket with pen loops and a key clip; two zippered side pockets; two slip side pockets; and straps to secure a small bottle. The water-resistant bag comes with adjustable shoulder straps, a luggage sleeve and a separate shoe bag.

I adore bringing this bag to work and using it as a personal item on flights. I don't think I've ever used a backpack with better organization than this one – there's a dedicated place for every little thing, from keys to pens to my devices. I also love that the neoprene material is extremely lightweight and water-resistant. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Aer Travel Pack 3

Price: $249 or less

With a pocket for everything, the clamshell-style Aer Travel Pack 3 keeps you organized to the max on business trips. Keep your laptop (up to 16 inches) safe in the padded, zippered laptop sleeve, and stow your passport in the quick-access side pocket. The front compartment features several sizes of pockets perfect for chargers, notepads, pens and more. Along with the lay-flat main compartment for clothes, there's also an interior pocket for small accessories as well as a hidden luggage tracker pocket.

Designed for one-bag travel, the durable Aer Travel Pack 3 also features a water-resistant nylon exterior along with load lifters for a more comfortable fit. You can purchase a hip belt separately.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 has one of the sleekest designs when it comes to carry-on backpacks. I also appreciate all the pockets: The sizable laptop pocket is perfect for someone like me who uses a huge laptop; the eight pockets in just the front compartment are so handy for everything you could need while traveling; and the bag even comes with a zippered water bottle pocket on the side. – Leilani Osmundson

Price: $185 or less

The Osprey Farpoint is truly an all-in-one travel pack that combines quality with minimal weight. The clamshell-style carry-on bag features a substantial main compartment across from a large mesh pocket. There's an easy-to-access zippered laptop sleeve on the side for devices up to 16 inches.

For extra support and comfort, the backpack includes a sternum strap, back panel, harness and hip belt; the latter three can be zipped up for fully streamlined travel, and compression straps help slim the bag down even more. The Osprey Farpoint 40 meets most domestic carry-on size requirements and is compatible with the Farpoint/Fairview Travel Daypack , which can be brought onto the plane as a personal item .

This is one of my favorite backpacks. I love how the back can be zipped up so the bag more resembles a duffel; this makes it easy to stow away without having to deal with a lot of straps. Additionally, the interior compression straps can really help cinch down belongings, especially if you're using packing cubes . – Leilani Osmundson

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Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $117.99 or less

Perfect for weekend getaways , the Solo Grand TSA Travel Backpack opens like a regular suitcase. In the main compartment, you can secure several outfits with compression straps and store accessories and toiletries in two zippered mesh pockets. In the back, a padded compartment protects laptops up to 17.3 inches in size, and on the front there are a variety of pockets – even pockets within pockets – for your phone and other essentials. This backpack is also equipped with two side mesh pockets, a trolley sleeve, and side and top carry handles.

This backpack is flawless. It's big without the bulk and has plenty of pockets, which not only makes it ideal for weekend getaways but also prevents me from having to awkwardly rummage through my bag when I need something on the plane. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Price: $475 or less

This backpack blends function and fashion with a compact design. On the front of the bag are two zip compartments and a U-zip pocket with a card slot, a slip pocket and a pen holder. The interior of the bag is divided into two separate compartments: one zippered section with a padded laptop compartment (holds up to a 15-inch PC or 16-inch MacBook), and another large compartment with a zippered pocket and two slip pockets (ideal for glasses or charging cords).

There is also a zippered compartment on each side of the bag, one of which has a water-resistant lining for a water bottle. On the back of the bag you'll find a hidden phone compartment and a trolley sleeve to attach to a roller bag.

This style oozes sophistication, especially the black with the gold hardware. From its sleek material to its many pockets and details, this backpack looks and feels like a chic handbag that can go from the office to a beach resort with ease. I especially like that there are two places you can access the front compartment of the bag, and I like that the laptop section is separate from the rest of the backpack so it's easier to take out my computer and go through airport security (which makes me less likely to drop something from inside my bag). – Rachael Hood

Price: $299.95 or less

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a solid, rugged choice that will last. The nylon canvas shell of the backpack is weatherproof and water-resistant, with a waterproof bottom liner as well. You can unzip the back panel to access the main packing compartment, which is also accessible via zippers along each side of the bag and can be divided in two by a mesh sleeve. To keep you organized, this backpack has quick-access pockets for small items like passports and glasses, plus expandable side pockets for water bottles, tripods or umbrellas.

The bag meets carry-on size requirements but can expand by 1.5 inches if you need the extra room; the shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away if you plan to check it instead. If you prefer a smaller bag, the Peak Design Travel Backpack also comes in a 30-liter size .

If you only want to bring one bag on a short trip, you can't go wrong with this backpack. It's sturdy, reliable and able to fit a ton while still being carry-on-sized. It served me well on a recent trip to New Zealand, and I'd definitely recommend it for travelers who like hands-free luggage. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $134.95 or less

If you'll be adventuring in the great outdoors for your next trip, consider purchasing the Kelty Redwing 36 backpack. You'll find two exterior water bottle pockets as well as a hydration-friendly inner pocket (for storing a water bladder). Tool loops can hold hiking poles, fishing poles, ice axes or other adventure gear. Organization is made easy with plenty of zippered pockets, including one on each side of the bag, a large one on the front and one on top that's perfect for storing travel documents such as a passport. Plus, a ventilated back panel helps keep you cool when you're hurrying through airports or hiking up a mountain.

If you need a bigger backpack, the Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical is a great checked bag option and has many of the same features as the Redwing 36 along with more straps and pockets.

The Kelty Redwing 36 can be cinched down quite a bit for truly streamlined travel and to better meet carry-on size guidelines. However, I'll caution that the waist belt is difficult to remove. – Leilani Osmundson

Price: $159.99 or less

If you want the flexibility to either carry or wheel your luggage, a wheeled backpack style may work best for you. The Samsonite Tectonic NuTech Wheeled Backpack transforms from a rolling bag into a backpack by just tucking in the handle, pulling out the stowed straps and using the wheel cover. The durable polyester material is water-repellent and has red accents.

There are three sections to this bag: a main compartment with space to pack for a weekend trip, a dedicated sleeve for both a laptop up to 15.6 inches and a tablet up to 11 inches, and a front pocket equipped with various organizational features. There are various small pockets, pen sleeves, card slots and a key leash within. You can tuck a water bottle and umbrella into the exterior pockets on either side of the bag. Just keep in mind that this bag may slightly exceed carry-on size restrictions on some airlines with stricter rules.

I expected a wheeled backpack to be uncomfortable to carry, but this convertible bag has proved surprisingly convenient. I like having both the rolling and hands-free options for different circumstances, and it has ample packing space. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $148 or less

This sustainable water-resistant backpack is constructed with 100% recycled materials and has 10 pockets to organize everything. The spacious interior compartment has a 17-inch padded laptop sleeve and a tablet sleeve with a strap to secure it in place, as well as an interior mesh pocket for small items or charging cords and a removable shoe bag.

On the exterior, the front pocket has a built-in mesh organizer for pens, and there are mesh water bottle holders on each side of the backpack. The back of the bag has two adjustable padded straps, each with a built-in zippered compartment ideal for keys, ID or tickets. A hidden zip pocket makes for a secure space for a wallet or passport, and the trolley sleeve provides added versatility.

This backpack is great for travel or everyday use. I especially appreciate the comfortable backpack straps with the small zip pockets. They are easy to reach and perfect for small items like lip gloss, cash or a transit card. Durably constructed, the water-resistant exterior performs well in any weather, and I love that there's a padded space for both my laptop and iPad. – Rachael Hood

Price: $230 or less

For an upscale backpack that can be dressed up or down, this Monos style is an ideal choice. Constructed with sustainable vegan leather (there's also a nylon version with vegan leather accents), this structured style is both water- and scratch-resistant. The 15-inch laptop sleeve is separate from the main packing compartment so you can access your device easily. The brand's QuickSnap Modular Kit System means you'll have a detachable Metro Kit for small items that attaches magnetically to the front of the bag; this kit is interchangeable between Metro bags and can be swapped out for a different kit or removed entirely, depending on your needs.

The backpack's main compartment is designed for maximum functionality with a felt-lined document sleeve, a large zippered pocket, two slip pockets, and a waterproof zippered privacy compartment for a rain jacket or gym clothes. On the back, you can make use of a hidden slip pocket for your phone, a trolley sleeve and adjustable padded straps. There's also two top carry handles if you'd prefer to carry this backpack like a tote.

I really like the elevated styling and durability of this vegan leather bag. But what sets it apart is the separate laptop compartment (I don't like to have to open my entire bag to get out my laptop while on the go), and the modular Metro Kit system that can be removed when it's not needed. It's full of value-added design elements, and the material looks classic and appropriate with any attire. – Rachael Hood

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on its size, a backpack is considered a carry-on item. To be able to put it in the overhead bin, you generally don't want it to exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but that sizing varies by airline, and since backpacks are soft-sided, the dimensions can be somewhat malleable. If it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane ( check your airline's specific size requirements ), it is typically considered a personal item. If the backpack can fit under the seat, then you can often bring it in addition to a larger carry-on bag (based on your airline ticket type and inclusions).

For a backpack to be a carry-on for most domestic airlines, it should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or should be able to be squished to approximately those dimensions). To be considered a personal item, it must fit under the seat in front of you. Underseat size and space varies by airline and airplane type, so it's best to check with your airline's size restrictions.

How We Tested

From the comfort of the straps to the capacity of each bag, our team tested more than 20 carry-on backpacks from a variety of brands at a range of price points. We tested to see how the overall structure of the bag works for travel needs, along with the durability and details that make a difference. After taking these backpacks on a variety of adventures, we've selected these carry-on backpacks as the best for 2024.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Rolling Duffel Bags
• The Best Toiletry Bags
• The Best Fanny Packs
• The Best Travel Insurance

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Advertisement

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

5 best backpacks for every travel style

Editor's Note

My purple camo Trans by Jansport backpack served me well for 20-plus years. It accompanied me to several countries, on countless road trips and along many hikes.

However, as I improved my packing strategies and my needs changed, I realized my current backpack situation was not ideal.

My bag lacked padding for my laptop, which I never travel without these days. It didn't include enough compartments for me to stay organized, either. Also, I've lost more than a handful of water bottles over the years, thanks to the short and loose side pockets.

Backpack benefits

The best travel backpacks are durable, well-organized and roomy enough for all your travel essentials.

They can also be more comfortable for frequent use. Because they're better at distributing weight, they're less likely to cause musculoskeletal damage that lugging a heavy tote bag on one shoulder might.

"Carrying heavy weight on one side of the body can cause a forward tilt of the shoulder, and poor posture, which can lead to shoulder and back pain long-term," said Dr. Jenny Yu, head of medical affairs at Healthline Media (which is owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures).

Backpacks are also easier to manage than rolling carry-ons, making your sprint to your connecting flight a little more efficient.

It was time to level up. Choosing the perfect replacement was a daunting task, though. I researched several models from different brands in varied price ranges.

Considerations when choosing a backpack

The type of bag you choose depends largely on how you plan to use it. Will it serve as your go-to bag for day trips, work commutes and road trips? Or, do you need a sturdy backpack for camping, hiking and long-haul flights or extended travel?

Once you narrow down your needs, it's easier to hone in on your other requirements.

Your travel plans and how you plan to use your backpack will likely determine how small or large your bag should be.

A park day out with the kids or a cruise port shore excursion may just require a small (6–10L) bag. Daypacks, typically 10–30L, are fine for your work commute or hiking. For travel purposes — from weekend getaways to multiday vacations — backpacks in the 30–45L range are your best bet.

On most U.S. airlines, a 45L backpack is the maximum size carry-on allowed. If you're flying on a budget carrier, you'll probably want to stick with something under the 40L range.

For packing purposes, a 45L bag is a good option if you're not bringing another carry-on. It should be able to hold four large packing cubes, a medium packing cube and a toiletry bag. This size fits in the overhead compartment.

Storing your backpack in the overhead bin? It shouldn't be larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches.

You can fit two large packing cubes, a medium cube and a small toiletry bag in a 35L backpack. It should fit under the seat in front of you on the aircraft.

If you want to ensure your backpack fits under the seat, it can't exceed 18 by 14 by 8 inches, according to airline policy.

Related: How to tell if your backpack counts as a personal or carry-on item.

Backpacks can feature a variety of anti-theft components — some styles are more robust than others.

You may not need your bag to be at a Fort Knox level of security, but it should inclfeatures that can protect you (and your belongings) from thieves or pickpockets.

Consider a backpack constructed with slash-resistant material and straps, as well as lockable zippers.

Bags that offer RFID protection are lined with a special material that blocks accidental payments and intentional skimming of credit cards. They can prevent criminals from electronically accessing your personal information.

Compartments

If you use packing cubes, this might not be as big of a consideration for you. Even with packing cubes, I like having smaller sections for things I need to access easily — my phone, chargers, reporter notebook (yeah, I'm old school), passport and other necessities.

What do you typically pack in your backpack? As I mentioned, a laptop pocket is essential for me. I also like to have hidden pockets to store my passport, COVID-19 vaccine card and wallet. Separate areas to stash my sunglasses, chargers, keys and other important items I travel with are important, too.

Keeping the above features in mind, I reviewed five backpacks ranging in price and style. Here's the round-up.

Related: Here's what to pack in a carry-on bag every time you travel

Patagonia — Black Hole 32L Travel Pack

What I liked

The Patagonia Black Hole 32L Travel Pack is completely constructed with 100% recycled materials, including the body fabric, lining and webbing. It comes in a handful of colors — gold, red, black and gray/blue. The shinier shell has a polyurethane coating that makes it water-resistant.

This bag is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn (as are all Patagonia products). Since the program launched in 2014, it has impacted more than 75,000 workers in 10 countries.

The lightweight bag packs flat and is very flexible. At first glance, I wondered if it would be structured enough to protect my laptop. However, the padded pocket worked well and fits most 15-inch laptops. The pocket is also slightly elevated from the bottom of the bag, which can protect your laptop if the bottom of your bag gets wet.

Both my 28- and 40-ounce insulated water bottles fit easily in the side pockets.

I tested this bag (along with the Away F.A.R. backpack) during a recent long-haul trip to South Africa. I packed:

• My 13-inch laptop.
• A 28-ounce insulated water bottle (filled once I passed through security).
• Compression socks.
• Travel pillow.
• Cross-body bag containing my passport, credit cards and money.
• A small reporter's notebook.
• Two paperback books.
• Makeup bag.
• Toiletry bag.
• A large Ziploc bag filled with snacks (protein bars, as well as bags of almonds and trail mix.

Filled, the backpack weighed just under 10 pounds.

I was impressed with the number of items I was able to pack. This backpack is like the clown car of backpacks. The sturdy straps held it in place and it never felt cumbersome to carry.

The pocket section of the bag zips open so you can lay it flat for going through the TSA scanner. (If you have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck , you won't need to worry about that, though.)

I liked the two rows of daisy chain-style loops on the outside of the bag. It's good for hanging bulky items or things you don't want to get crushed inside.

If you plan to long-distance hike with this bag, there's a hole at the top for the hose of your hydration pack.

Other considerations

The Patagonia Black Hole Travel Pack doesn't offer RFID protection. However, if the wallet that holds your ID and credit cards has the RFID protection feature, you should be covered.

Although this bag has an air mesh back panel for increased ventilation, other reviewers commented that the airflow wasn't substantial enough to prevent a sweaty back. I didn't encounter that issue. This bag doesn't include a hip belt, which could provide more stability. I typically don't use hip belts on backpacks, so I didn't mind it missing here.

Sizing: 16.93 by 7.87 by 23.03 inches, 1.1 pounds (empty).

Price: Around $249 on Amazon.

Arlo Skye — The Backpack

The brand's luggage line consistently garners high praise from reviewers, so I figured its one backpack offering, The Backpack , would be pretty solid. Color options are mint and black. It arrived tucked in a large reusable drawstring bag that included a handy silica gel pack, one of my essential travel accessories .

I tested a black backpack. I liked the bag's sleek design and leather top handle and trim. The water-resistant material is a nylon and polyester blend.

A tiny zip pocket at the top of the bag is the ideal spot to stash my earbuds, charger or a small pair of sunglasses. If you don't have a clunky set of keys, they may fit as well. I set off my car alarm attempting to shove mine into the small pocket.

The front section has a zippable mesh pocket, and two RFID-lined slip pockets for secure storage of your credit cards, ID and passport. A decent-size (9.5 by 7 inches) front pocket with a zipper provides easy access to your smartphone, keys and other items. There was room enough to store my Kindle (without its cover). There's also an attached key leash.

A middle section provides an open pocket for a tablet or iPad, and two smaller pockets — one of them, an expandable mesh. The third (back) portion of the bag is a padded laptop compartment that fits up to a 15" laptop.

The backpack also features a wide back sleeve that fits securely over the handle of carry-on luggage.

If you need a backpack that could serve as your one and only carry-on, this may not work for you. It's roomy enough for basics and a minimalist packer could possibly fit a weekend's worth of clothes and essentials in it. However, I think it would be a better option for your daily commute, weekend road trips or day trips.

The water bottle pockets were kind of useless to me. The pockets don't expand and there is no give in the material, so you're somewhat limited in bottle size.

It barely fit my 28-ounce insulated water bottle (I couldn't push the bottle all the way to the bottom of the pocket). However, you would probably be fine with a purchased 16-ounce plastic bottle of water.

I don't like storing my water bottle inside my backpack because of potential leaks (and water damage to my laptop), so I ended up carrying my 40-ounce bottle separately. There is a metal hook on one side of the bag so you could attach an insulated bottle to it with a carabiner.

Sizing: 11.8 by 7.5 by 17.7, 2.1 pounds (empty).

Price: $250.

Away — F.A.R. Backpack 26L

Away has a sizable fan base ( including TPG staffers ) thanks to its stylish hard-side rolling luggage.

F.A.R. (For All Routes) is the brand's recently launched outdoor line. The collection is designed with frequent travelers and outdoor adventurers in mind. Bags in the collection are constructed with lightweight 100% recycled polyester, and are abrasion- and water-resistant. The zippers and webbing are also made with recycled materials.

I tested the 26L backpack . The bag arrived wrapped in a plant-based compostable plastic bag, which is in line with the brand's push toward offering more sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

It's available in five colors — black, vivid blue, red-orange, burgundy and (dark) green.

As I mentioned above, I tested this bag on my return long-haul flight from South Africa. On the trip home, it contained everything I packed in the Patagonia backpack, as well as two small bags of souvenirs I snagged at the airport on the way out.

Since it's a bit smaller than the Patagonia backpack I carried first, I was concerned it wouldn't hold everything I started my trip with. I was pleasantly surprised it did with no issues.

The two side pockets for water bottles are roomy. The features list reads that the pockets fit up to 32-ounce bottles, but my 40-ounce insulated bottle fits easily (though I traveled with a 28-ounce bottle).

This backpack had lots of pockets and hidden storage. The front compartment has interior slip pockets for easy access to small essentials like your wallet, smartphone, passport, a book or two, chargers and other items. It was a slightly tighter fit once filled, but I suspected it would be given the size difference.

The main compartment features a larger slip pocket for your laptop. The padding wasn't quite as thick as the Patagonia laptop pocket, but it was enough that I didn't worry about it being damaged.

Two hidden zipper pockets on each side are so well concealed I wouldn't have found them if I hadn't read the features card included with the backpack.

You can attach your keys or other items to the bag's wide front webbing loops. Also, the thick backpack trolley strap slips easily onto your luggage handle.

In addition to the backpack I tested, the F.A.R. line includes three sizes of duffles, a 45L backpack, a water bottle bag, a packing cube, a zippered pouch and a messenger bag.

Of the five backpacks I tested, this was probably my favorite. Based on my experience with this brand, I will likely add more F.A.R. products to my travel arsenal.

Sizing: 19 by 12.6 by 7.7 inches, .78 pounds (empty).

Price: $130.

Solo Re:Claim

One of the products in Solo's Re:Cycled collection, the Solo Re:Claim is made from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of strong, lightweight and 100% recyclable plastic. The collection is reasonably priced and includes additional backpacks, totes, rolling cases, laptop sleeves and other products (all constructed from recyclable plastic).

The bag I tested was heather-grey. It also comes in burgundy and navy (though the navy backpacks were unavailable at the time of writing this).

The backpack is water-resistant and comes with a five-year limited warranty. It features a smaller padded front zippable pocket with compartments for pens, cards, your phone and a tablet, as well as a small clip for your keys. A roomy fully-padded compartment fits 11- to 15.6-inch laptops.

There are mesh pockets on each side for water bottles. Although the pockets give a little, I struggled to squeeze in my 28-ounce insulated bottle. Once I got it in, though, I felt confident it wouldn't fall out.

A tag was included in the packaging with information about Solo's partnership with the National Forest Foundation. The company plants trees with every bag sold from its Recycled Collection.

I didn't really care for the two handles at the top of the backpack. They were located on each side of the opening with a wrap-like velcro to connect them. It was kind of annoying to have to take it apart every time I wanted to unzip the bag.

I usually travel with a 40-ounce bottle, which did not fit in the side pockets.

Sizing: 16.5 by 12.25 by 6.75 inches, 1.2 pounds (empty).

Price: About $67.26 on Amazon.

Briggs & Riley — @Work Large Cargo Backpack

This backpack is ideal for work commuters and business travelers who need a sleek and professional-looking bag to carry their business essentials. It's also roomy enough to pack clothes and toiletries you'd need for an overnight stay if needed.

The hefty price tag might intimidate you. However, when you consider the company's lifetime replacement warranty and consistently positive customer reviews, I feel like it's worth the investment.

It has an interior organizer, main and laptop compartments, a durable fabric lining, an RFID-blocking pocket with two hidden credit card pockets that hold a wallet and passport.

There are also three elastic slip pockets with leather tabs to organize smaller items such as cords and USB drives and two more slip pockets to store other items.

Its top cargo pocket on the front panel holds travel accessories. It features two elastic pen loops, a large main compartment, a full-length slip pocket in the main compartment for storing folders or files, as well as two elastic pockets in the main compartment for storing cables and chargers.

It also includes a laptop compartment with a padded sleeve, plus a padded tablet pocket in the laptop compartment.

The exterior is 1600D ballistic nylon that resists wear, moisture, dirt and abrasion. The front panel also has a leather nameplate on the front (that you can monogram), a deep zip pocket on the front panel for easy access to items such as sunglasses or a smartphone, top-grain leather carry handles and a gusseted side u-zip pocket with an elastic band for a water bottle.

The backpack has adjustable padded straps, an aerated mesh back padding and a slip-through back panel that allows the backpack to slide over a luggage handle and bottom corner guards to protect the backpack from wear and tear.

It's very comfortable. I'm surprised at how light it feels given its large size. I tested it during my daily office commute. It holds my laptop, charger, wallet, phone and an extra pair of shoes.

I also appreciated the light contrasting shade of the bag's inside lining — it's so much easier to find my items.

Color choices are limited to black and dark grey. However, if you're using it for daily work or business travel, you want something that looks professional and this definitely fits the bill.

Additionally, there aren't any real external gear attachment options. The bag does include a removable luggage tag, which is nice.

Sizing: 19 by 15 by 8 inches, 3.2 pounds (empty).

Price: $379.

Related: What your luggage brand says about you

Bottom line

A well-organized and sturdy travel backpack is worth its weight in gold.

If you expect a lot out of your bag and want it to last through all your future travels, you may want to spend a little more on it. If you travel occasionally and just need a backpack for convenience, lower-priced options should suffice for your needs.

Before you buy your next backpack (or other travel essentials), check out TPG's guides to airline and shopping portals, as well as the best credit cards for online shopping. That way, the gear you buy for your next trip can also help you pay for it.

Do you have a backpack you can't do without? Let us know in the TPG Lounge or email us at [email protected]. We're always on the lookout for products that make travel easier and we would love to hear from you.

Our Favorite 15 Backpacks With Trolley Sleeve For Luggage Handles

Many of us frequent travelers have a good idea on how to make the voyage as convenient as possible. One of our favorite ways to reduce the hassle is purchasing a backpack with a trolley sleeve or strap. This allows us to pass the luggage handle right through the strap with ease. Giving us the freedom to stroll with backpack and luggage in hand.

As I travel more and more I realize that many travelers I meet are unaware of the many helpful products available to us on the market. I always notice flyers constantly fixing their bags while they’re walking or creating all types of knots with the extra flap from the straps of their bags.

I am sure you’ve experienced moments on a flight when a fellow passenger cannot get a hold of their bags and is bumping into everyone on the way out. The unfortunate truth is that many of us, if not most of us have been in that same position.

Before you hit the road again try to take some time to look at some of the helpful products that are out there to help you organize your travels. In this review we will look at a simple purchase you can make to help you glide through the airport or wherever you may be.

Purchasing backpacks with trolley sleeve makes carrying your bags a breeze and this why they are one of our top backpacks when we are on the go.  They make it very easy to get from one place to another without the hassle of constant adjustment.

They give you the added ability to avoid damaging your backpack since you never have to put it on the floor. You simply just slide the luggage handle through the strap and let it rest

If you ever had to repair or clean a backpack, I am sure you’re aware it’s not the most enjoyable experience. With this type of backpack you will seldomly have to clean your bag if at all.

They also help in making sure you never forget your backpack when you go to put it down for a second. You simply take off the bag, slide on the trolley sleeve and comfortably take out your documents and get going.

What Is a Trolley Sleeve

You can think of trolley sleeve as a slip on to a luggage handle. It’s an awesome feature some bags have to make it easy to travel with a backpack and a luggage.

Instead of hurting your shoulders or back while walking in the airport or anywhere you may be hauling your luggage, you simply slide the bag over the handle of a rolling luggage for example and get going.

Once the sleeve is attached you can just float around with your luggage and backpack. Its basically an added addition to a backpack if you’re ever traveling with a luggage.

Having a backpack with a trolley sleeve just makes it easy to travel. We will show you some of our top picks below.

SOCKO Shockproof Laptop Backpack (US $39 )

• Brand: Socko
• Weight: 2.65 Pounds
• Pros: USB port,anti-bump, shockproof, anti-scratch water resistant and 17- inch laptop
• Cons: Water bottle can fall out. Not for a narrow frame.

This is a very cool and stylish bag that features a USB 2.0 Charging Port. Made of a high grade nylon material you can be sure to avoid scratches and resist water. The spacious design provides you with a laptop sleeve, multi-compartments, and pockets. It’s very functional for travel or everyday use.

Samsonite Luggage Tectonic Backpack (US $59 )

• Brand: Samsonite
• Weight: 3.09 Pounds
• Pros: All around very functional bag. Laptop ready.
• Cons: Some laptops may be too big. Small front pocket.

This Samsonite is a very spacious bag with many pockets and compartments. You can carry your laptop, headphones and other electrical without a problem. The extra padding on the shoulder strap gives it a very comfortable feel when walking. All around a decent bag for the price.

Eddie Bauer Voyager. 3.0 (US $109 )

• Brand: Eddie Bauer
• Weight: 2.3 Pounds
• Pros: Perfect for daily use. Durable, sleek, and functional.
• Cons: Slightly rigid tough squeeze under an airplane seat.

This laptop ready backpack is ready for the move. This bag is made to travel with a fresh look and a very durable build. It’s comfortable, simple, and functional the way a bag should be. You can’t go wrong here.

Hynes Eagle 40L Carry on Backpack (US $4 9)

• Brand: Hynes Eagle
• Weight: 2.9 Pounds
• Pros: Fits under plane seat. Heavy-duty.
• Cons: Lack of pockets

This bag is designed for the multi-day traveler. No matter if your flying, using it as a weekend carry or you just need to pack for a day trip. Easy to organize and fit items. Built with a wrinkle free design and many compartments and pockets on the inside and out.

Renwick Genuine Leather Backpack (US $93)

• Brand: Renwick
• Weight 3.9 Pounds
• Pros: Genuine leather fabric. RFID protected.Laptop ready.
• Cons: Good for laptops up to 13 inches.

Manfrotto  DSLR Camera  Backpack (US $99)

• Brand: Manfrotto
• Weight: 2.43 Pounds
• Pros: Fits a camera, multiple lenses and accessories.
• Cons: Could have a more secure buckle

Vera Bradley Campus Tech Backpack (US $108)

• Brand: Vera Bradley
• Weight: 1.65 Pounds
• Pros: Beautiful design patterns available.Laptop ready.
• Cons: It is not waterproof. Not very big.

Hedgren Kayla Women’s Convertible Laptop Backpack (US $120)

• Brand: Hedgren
• Weight: 2.18 Pounds
• Pros: Good under normal rainfall. Can be used a a shoulder bag or backpack.
• Cons: Zippers could be stronger.

Kipling Micah Backpack (US $124)

• Brand: Kipling
• Weight: 1.5 Pounds
• Pros: Laptop ready

Rawlings Heritage Collection Leather Backpack (US $200)

• Brand: Rawlings
• Weight: 3.4 Pounds
• Pros: Heavy-duty, soft leather, excellent workmanship
• Cons: A bit heavier than your average backpack.

Briggs & Riley Kinzie Street (US $269)

• Brand:Briggs & Riley
• Weight: 4 Pounds
• Pros: Well designed, stylish and durable. Open access.
• Cons: Two hands to unzip the top zipper.

Briggs & Riley Kinzie Street Flapover Expandable Backpack (US $269)

• Brand: Briggs & Riley
• Pros: Luxurious design, magnetic flap, strong carry handle.
• Cons: Laptop pocket could have more padding.

Briggs & Riley @work Large Cargo Backpack (US $319)

• Brand: Briggs & Riley
• Weight: 3.3 Pounds
• Pros: Laptop ready, open main compartment, very durable build.
• Cons: For average to bigger frames.

Tumi Women’s Voyageur Sacha Flap Backpack (US $380)

• Brand: Tumi
• Weight: 1.49 Pounds
• Pros: 15″ laptop ready, adjustable straps, side and front zippers
• Cons: For smaller frames.

P.MAI Premium Valletta Leather Laptop Backpack (US $450)

• Brand:P.MAI
• Weight: 3 Pounds
• Pros: Comfortable, Laptop ready, Extremely good quality and design.
• Cons: Good for laptops up to 15 inches.

Key Features To Look For In a Trolley Sleeve Backpack

If your purchasing a backpack with trolley sleeve, we assume you’re planning on traveling with it occasionally. For this reason the size of the bag is something you should really consider.

If you travel for business you may want to think about different options like laptop sleeves and what size laptop can it hold. Is their additional room for documents and compartments for pens and other tool you may use on a daily basis. Does it have space for chargers you most likely will bring.

If you need a backpack for carrying clothes you may want to look a the total volume of the bag. Think about if your clothes are big or small. Will you be carrying sweaters that may take up a lot of space. Does it possibly have compartments for other devices you may bring.

Maybe your a photographer and your ideal backpack is used to carry photography equipment. Does this backpack contain specialized compartments for cameras or lenses. How many lenses can you fit and what size lenses may fit. Do you have room for any other items you may ned to take.

From what we found in our research, the price range of these trolley sleeve bags can vary. We found items as low as $10, which we didn’t recommend due quality concerns. We also found products in the multiple hundred dollar range that we showcase above.

You can get a decent bag for under a $100 that will last you for some time. You may not get the high-end quality, but the bag will serve it’s purpose. If your open to spending a little more you can get some serious quality in a backpack. Anything from highend leathers to a very detailed and thought out design.

Whatever your budget may be, we have found a number of bags in all price ranges that are sure to suit your needs. Just remember if you can spend a little more on a bag that will last you for many years to come then go for it. If not, you can still make a decent purchase at a lower price.

How It Fits

For the average consumer most of these bags will fit just fine. If your a bigger or taller person and you’ve had issues in the past with backpacks, just make sure the bag has adjustable straps that can help make the bag more comfortable.

If your looking for a more gender specific bag they will obviously be geared toward the body of that particular gender. Our best advice is to read reviews on what previous users have commented on regarding that particular product or use you’re previous experience on design and function and apply that towards your next purchase.

These bags will not need the ultimate in design reinforcement as the bags will not be used for outdoor extreme sports. However, good quality build and design is needed as these bags will be used frequently and will be placed onto hard floors that can cause damage.

You may be interested in bags with reinforced areas that may be more susceptible to scratches and abraisions or fabrics the may be resistant to water.

In our opinion, most of these bags will be used for personal use, so be sure to weigh your options as far as size, comfort and durability.

The best backpacks with trolley sleeve come in many different shapes, sizes and materials. It will be up to you to choose your perfect match.

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The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 3 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

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The 10 Best Carry-on Backpacks

In this article

• Best overall
• Best duffel-backpack
• Best for business travel
• Best for lumbar support
• Best for long trips
• Best for short trips
• Best for rugged trips

Even though much of my job as a travel writer involves testing suitcases , I usually prefer to fly with a carry-on backpack when I have the choice. You just can’t beat the sense of freedom that comes with strapping your possessions to your shoulders and heading to the airport — to me, a suitcase says “business trip” whereas a backpack says “adventure.” Not to mention the fact that backpack wearers are almost never singled out at the gate to check their luggage.

As backpack reviewer Geoff Grisdale of One Bag Travels explains, a carry-on backpack means “you can move around a lot quicker — it’s a lot easier to travel around cities with one.” Suitcases become cumbersome as soon as you’re confronted with cobblestone streets or multiple flights of stairs, adds freelance backpack designer Jeff Mullins. “And you have to have room to store them when you get home, whereas a backpack can be compressed.” Below, you’ll find the best carry-on backpacks for different sorts of trips, as tested by myself and other globetrotting experts. While you’re here, I’ve also written guides to the best travel pillows and the best toiletry bottles .

Update on August 13, 2024: Added the Six Moon Designs All Day Carry Travel Backpack as the best backpack for hiking trips; updated prices and checked stock for all other products.

What we’re looking for

For trips longer than a weekend, you’ll require a carry-on backpack with a capacity of at least 28 liters, says Grisdale. From there, the size you choose will depend on your packing style, how long the trip is, and whether you need room for warm layers or extra shoes. Most of the experts I spoke with agreed that the sweet spot is somewhere between 28 and 35 liters.

Some carry-on backpacks can be as large as 45 liters, which is actually five liters more volume than an Away carry-on suitcase . While this size of backpack can be useful for long-haul trips, just note that it will be “really big and heavy — and you lose a lot of the mobility you’d get when carrying a smaller backpack,” says Grisdale. Mullins agrees: “If you’re a smaller woman, for example, I don’t think you should go over 35 liters.” Even though I’ll happily hike with an ultralight 55 liter backpack, I’m not a fan of wearing carry-on bags larger than 40 liters — they’re significantly bulkier, and the back pain afterwards just isn’t worth it.

Packing style

The best carry-on backpacks are designed for ease of packing. Rather than unzipping at the top, they’ll either open up like a clamshell (with separate zippered compartments on either side), or like a duffel bag (with one big compartment that’s accessible from the front of the bag). If you’re an intentional packer who likes to keep organized on the road, the former option is likely best. But Grisdale notes that duffel-style bags are usually quicker and easier to pack because “you can just stuff your gear in there and off you go.”

Your backpack will be crammed into overhead bins or underneath aircraft seats, so look for one that’s fairly rectangular in shape, with straps and a hip belt that can be removed or tucked away. “Anything that dangles has to be gone,” says Mullins. He also notes that there should be a handle on pretty much every side of the bag, so you can grab it from whichever space it’s wedged.

Organizational features

A nice thing about living out of a backpack as opposed to a suitcase is that exterior pockets provide easy access to small items like wallets and passports. I also love that backpacks typically have loops or straps on the outside to which you can attach carabiners and clips. A good backpack will enable you to “get to all your small stuff without fully opening it,” says Mullins. “Whether that’s your phone, earbuds, book, glasses, or food.” You still don’t want a backpack with too many pockets, as these will steal real estate from the main compartment inside. “I like enough exterior pockets to be able to hold gear but not so many pockets that they take up a lot of room in the bag,” says Grisdale.

Best carry-on backpack overall

Capacity: 35 liters | Packing style: Clamshell, tuckaway straps, removable waist belt | Organizational features: External laptop sleeve, top pocket, carabiner loops, water bottle holder

The Cotopaxi Allpa is truly a backpack for suitcase people. Its clamshell design unzips fully to reveal a large mesh compartment on the right-hand side and three smaller ones on the left, mimicking the layout of rolling luggage. It has a hidden laptop sleeve in the back that’s generously padded (I once checked my Allpa with a MacBook inside and the laptop survived unscathed), as well as an easy-access storage compartment on top that can fit snacks, a book, and your passport. The bag is comfortable to carry, with a sternum strap and removable waist belt for extra support. It comes in three different sizes, but this 35-liter version will be the best for most people — it’s big enough for a week’s worth of clothes but small enough that you can use it as an airline personal item or large daypack. (Strategist contributing writer Margaret Eby took one on a flight to Italy in addition to a rolling suitcase, and says the tuckaway straps helped her squish it under the seat in front of her.) The brand just released an updated version of the bag with an external water-bottle holder, which I’m very pleased about. But the older version is still available to purchase on Amazon for $25 cheaper, and it’s overall very similar.

The best carry-on duffel backpack

Capacity: 30 liters | Packing style: Duffel, tuckaway straps, tuckaway waist belt, convertible shoulder strap, trolley sleeve | Organizational features: External laptop compartment, top pocket, water bottle holder

Patagonia’s Mini MLC is constantly sold out, and for good reason. This is an unusually roomy and rugged bag that can be used as your main piece of carry-on luggage (it’s available in a 45-liter version as well, if you prefer to overpack) or as a personal item that sits atop your wheeled carry-on. (Former Strategist associate editor Louis Cheslaw refers to his as a “ secret second suitcase ,” because it lets him pack heavy without checking a bag.) Unlike the Allpa, the Mini MLC opens duffel-style, revealing a deep interior compartment that can fit several outfits and a pair of extra shoes. There’s also a laptop compartment that opens completely flat, small stash pocket on top of the bag that’s big enough for a passport or wallet, and stretchy water-bottle holder.

The best (less-expensive) carry-on backpack

Capacity: 40 liters | Packing style: Duffel opening, compression straps | Organizational features: External laptop compartment, water bottle holder, quick-access front pocket

At less than half the price of the Allpa or Mini MLC, TomToc’s Navigator is a thoughtfully designed carry-on backpack with a large capacity and helpful organizational features. It zips open at the front to reveal a generous duffel compartment that can be filled with several outfits, whether or not you’re using packing cubes . There’s also a front pocket that’s big enough for a book, as well as a laptop sleeve in the back that can be fully unzipped, revealing extra storage space for documents, cables, and stationery. It’s an excellent affordable option, according to Grisdale.

Best airline-approved carry-on backpack

Capacity: 28 to 42 liters | Packing style: Duffel opening, compression straps | Organizational features: Laptop compartment, water-bottle holder, quick-access front pocket, inner zip pockets

CabinZero is a unique travel-bag company that allows you to shop according to different airline carry-on allowances — they’re all listed on its site, and you can choose your bag according to the policies of each airline. Measuring 17.7 inches by 12.2 inches by 7.9 inches, this one is a good option for Delta Air Lines and United Airlines as well as Spirit and Frontier. It has a duffel opening that maximizes space, and it’s easy to pack and unpack; as Grisdale puts it, the brand “makes great bags that are simple, well built, comfortable, and are a bargain for the price.”

The best carry-on backpack for business travel

Capacity: 40 liters | Packing style: Clamshell, removable waist belt | Organizational features: External laptop compartment, top pocket, front pocket, water bottle holders

Tortuga’s backpack designs are highly respected among gear reviewers across the internet. I’ve been testing out its very professional-looking Travel Backpack Pro, which opens clamshell-style to reveal two suitcase-style compartments and also features a nicely padded laptop sleeve with a false bottom for extra protection. The sternum straps are extremely comfortable and can be tucked away when not in use, the bag’s rectangular shape means it slots easily into overhead lockers, and I like that the exterior fabric is highly waterproof and easy to wipe down. It’s also much more anonymous-looking than Cotopaxi’s colorful Allpa or Patagonia’s gorp-y Mini MLC, which makes it ideal for business travelers and digital nomads.

The best carry-on backpack with lumbar support

Capacity: 40 liters | Packing style: Duffel, adjustable tuckaway hip belt and harness | Organizational features: External laptop sleeve, external toiletries pocket

When spending her year abroad as the inaugural New York Times 52 Places traveler, journalist Jada Yuan learned the hard way that rolling luggage is terrible for long-haul travel. “I don’t know how I got through 16 stops of my trip before buying the Osprey Fairview,” she recalls. “My back and shoulders hurt all the time. I needed something with strong lumbar support, a waist belt, and a chest strap so that I could make it through the trip without getting crippled.” The Fairview’s packing style she says, is perfectly bare-bones: “Just one giant cavity, plus a zippered section for your laptop and a bunch of straps on the outside for carrying, say, a bulky jacket.” It’s definitely the most comfortable backpack on this list, says Grisdale: “Osprey’s packs are good because they have a lot of padding, they’re really thick, and they’re also adjustable. So if it doesn’t fit you right out of the box, you can move things around.”

Best carry-on duffel backpack for long trips

Capacity: 45 liter | Packing style: Duffel, compression straps, removable shoulder straps, trolley sleeve | Organizational features: External laptop compartment, hidden top pocket for valuables

Away is best known for its hard luggage, but the DTC brand’s outdoor gear shouldn’t be overlooked. Brand marketing consultant Jennifer Olson came across this big duffel-backpack while gearing up for an eight-month road trip through South America with her partner. “We’d be living in a converted Land Cruiser and needed baggage soft and malleable enough to be thrown around the back of a truck and wedged into small spaces,” she explains. “Though we’d be hiking here and there, we weren’t doing any hardcore treks, so we didn’t need a traditional trekking backpack — but rather something in between.” True to Away’s suitcase-y roots, the bag’s internal storage compartment features compression straps that are designed to secure a set of packing cubes , which Olson says really helped keep things organized on her big trip. And the convertible straps have come in handy now that she’s returned home: “I usually use it as a duffle when I’m on weekend trips or using it as a carry on, and when the bag is a little more loaded with my things, I use it in backpack mode to disperse the weight.”

The best carry-on backpack for short trips

Capacity: 30 liters | Packing style: Duffel, compression straps | Organizational features: Internal laptop sleeve, stretchy side and front pockets, front bungee elastic

I first heard about the ULA Ultra Dragonfly when lurking on the 729,000-member-strong sub-Reddit r/OneBag , which has popularized the idea of bringing no more than one smallish bag on trips and vacations. And while many One Baggers own Allpas and MLCs, this is the bag they covet most. It unzips duffel-style, with a Goldilocks-size 30-liter capacity that means it can hold a decent amount of stuff but still slide underneath a plane seat if needed. There’s no hip belt, but uniquely shaped shoulder straps are designed to be worn for hours at a time without discomfort. There’s a laptop sleeve for digital nomads, and the Ultra fabric is slightly stretchy (allowing for a bit of overpacking), unusually durable (similar to ripstop nylon), and highly waterproof (which makes it appropriate for treks and other more rugged adventures). There’s just one catch: Due to stock issues, you can only purchase the Dragonfly Ultra once a week on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. ET. Within a couple of hours, the bag sells out and its buy button disappears for another seven days.

The best carry-on backpack for rugged trips

Capacity: 45 liters | Packing style: Duffel, tuckaway shoulder straps, compression straps | Organizational features: External shoe compartments, external laptop sleeve, passport pocket

More duffel-shaped than some of the very suitcase-y backpacks on this list, Timbuk2’s unique carry-on has zip-up shoe pockets at each end, allowing you to separate dirty footwear from the rest of your stuff — an especially nice feature for anyone packing a pair of hiking shoes . I also like how waterproof this bag is. All of the fabric is easy to wipe down, and the bottom of the bag has an extra protective “boot” which means you can plonk it down anywhere without worrying about it getting muddy. “The very considered design is ideal for someone who is most at home hopping on and off planes and trains,” says Andrew Barker, the former chief content officer of the travelers club, PRIOR . He appreciates the TSA-friendly slip pockets, which give easy access to your laptop and passport.

The best carry-on backpack for hiking trips

Capacity: 35 liters | Packing style: Clamshell, tuckaway straps | Organizational features: External zipper pockets, strap pockets, water-bottle holder, stretchy external pocket, trekking-pole loops

Gear-obsessed backpackers I know are obsessed with the brand Six Moon Designs, which makes technical hiking packs from ultra-lightweight fabrics. Six Moon’s first ever travel backpack is designed to be a little more versatile — it’s trail-ready but also suitable for more urban trips. Like many of the backpacks on this list, it opens suitcase-style to reveal two packing compartments, but there’s also a stretchy open pocket on the front that can fit a pair of shoes or a jacket. That’s not all: The backpack straps have small zipper pockets big enough for stashing your phone and passport, which removes the need to wear an additional sling bag or cross-body at the airport. There are external loops to secure a pair of trekking poles as well. The brand sent me one of these to test prior to launch, and I’m impressed by its comfortable suspension system and the fact that the whole thing weighs just 2.5 pounds.

Our experts

• Andrew Barker, former chief content officer of the travelers club PRIOR • Louis Cheslaw , former Strategist associate editor • Margaret Eby , Strategist contributing writer • Geoff Grisdale, backpack reviewer at One Bag Travels • Jeff Mullins , freelance backpack and soft-goods designer • Jennifer Olson , brand marketing consultant • Jada Yuan , Washington Post reporter and inaugural New York Times 52 Places traveler

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13 Best Travel Backpacks of 2024, Tested by Experts

Keep all your belongings safe and organized in a lightweight backpack.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

Best Value Travel Backpack

Coofay travel backpack.

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluates backpacks both in Lab and with consumer testers for durability and comfort. From the best laptop backpacks and backpacks for college students to the best duffels and daypacks , we've seen it all. To find the best travel backpacks, we test everything from tear strength to strap strength and abrasion resistance to make sure the bag can stand up to rough handling for years to come. We also work with consumer testers who try them out on various trips under real-world conditions. We also consider the amount of padding in the straps, useful extras and overall weight to find the most comfortable backpacks.

Our picks are top performers from testing along with new styles that have exciting features and rave reviews. Check out our top travel backpack picks below and keep reading to learn all of our ultimate backpack shopping tips to find the best pack for you. Pair your new travel backpack with packing cubes and a hard-side suitcase for your next vacation.

We were shocked by just how much we could fit inside this travel backpack during our packing tests. In fact, it outperformed multiple carry-on suitcases for its generous capacity and well-designed interior. Similar to hard-side luggage, the bag completely unzips for easy packing and, in this case, features helpful mesh to help separate compartments.

On top of that, we liked the helpful ergonomic features, from the padding along the back to the hip strap and sternum strap, which offer comfort and support. Plus, when testing the laptop sleeve, we found there was room to spare after placing a 16-inch laptop in it. The only note of caution is that the bag doesn't have a luggage sleeve, so if you're hoping to stack it on top of rolling luggage, it may not be the right fit.

When we surveyed our own editors and staff for their favorite bags, this one from Coofay was a hit for its organizational pockets and personal-item-friendly size. One staffer told us, "This backpack can definitely fit a week of clothing if rolled properly."

Like many popular travel backpacks, this one unzips like a suitcase for easy packing and has tons of small compartments to help keep your belongings in order. We particularly appreciate the compression straps on the side, allowing you to pack more while keeping the bag within the personal item size limit of most domestic airlines. Plus, there's a wide range of colors to choose from.

Designed with intention, Peak Design's travel backpack is truly a standout within the industry. While it's hard to find a travel bag that can tackle all sorts of trips, this one manages to do just that . It's truly one-of-a-kind and allows you to access your belongings from the front (like a suitcase), the back (like a top-loading traditional backpack) and the sides.

Compression features allow you to easily convert it from a 30L capacity to a 35L or 45L bag for all your travel needs. The backpack straps can be hidden away to keep it streamlined while using the simple luggage sleeve. The only challenge comes with packing: While the interior is spacious, there aren't too many separate compartments, so if that's important to you, the brand offers a selection of compatible packing cubes , including protective ones for camera equipment.

Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L

With a massive 45L interior, this bag from Away can hold everything you need for a weekend away, including multiple outfits, toiletries and even an extra pair of shoes. It's the go-to travel backpack for GH's Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine , who's brought it on everything from short weekend getaways to longer trips abroad.

Constantine notes, "The straps are comfortable and feel sturdy, and I love that the backpack straps can be tucked away if I'm carrying the bag like a suitcase instead of on my back." In addition, this pack also has all the top-notch organizational features you'd expect from Away, from compression straps to convenient mesh pockets. The caveat? The zippers are a little too easy to open and sometimes have a tendency to come undone.

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

This backpack includes the ultimate organizational system: Three packing cubes , a laptop case, a water bottle/umbrella pocket and a small front pocket. The packing cubes are ideal to keep your clothes compact and wrinkle-free while traveling. We also love the padded straps and side buckles to make sure everything stays in place.

It has a clamshell opening and both sides lie down flat, which makes this backpack easier to pack and organize as you don't have to stuff items in from the top. This pick is ideal as a carry-on for international travel as you can easily pack your clothes and what you'll need on the flight.

Osprey Porter 46L Travel Pack

Finding a good backpacking bag can be a challenge. You'll want a bag that's spacious and supportive enough that it won't cause injury. Luckily, Osprey is known for its ergonomically designed packs, making it a favorite brand amongst some hiking enthusiasts at GH. One GH analyst has even taken the brand's bags on a two-week backpacking trip to Thailand, calling them comfortable and well-designed.

This model comes with a generous 46L capacity and helpful compression straps, both on the exterior and interior, allowing you to bring everything you'll need and then some. Additionally, this bag features the brand's helpful chest and hip straps for support, along with helpful pockets throughout. Take note, however, that it comes in a unisex style, so users accustomed to women-specific packs may find the shoulder straps stiff.

TUMI Alpha Bravo Search Backpack

Carrying a TUMI backpack is a status symbol no matter where you are — the brand is known for its luxury travel products worldwide, particularly for its long-lasting quality and service . Buying a travel product (e.g. a bag or luggage) from the brand typically comes with a five-year warranty and free repairs plus a lifetime registration and tracking service for finding lost bags. Even after five years, you can ask the brand to repair your bag for a small cost.

TUMI's Search Backpack is sleek enough for conferences and work trips, making it great for business travel or everyday use. One GH analyst has used this bag for over 10 years, throughout school and work and on multiple domestic and international flights. While the top-loading configuration isn't as seamless for packing, testers were still impressed by how "surprisingly spacious" and "high quality" it felt.

Thule Aion Travel Backpack

Having the right backpack can make all the difference when going through airport security. This one from Thule, one of our favorite luggage brands, comes equipped with helpful features like a small easy-to-reach pocket for your passport and boarding pass plus a convenient laptop compartment . Within the bag, there's a helpful divider for organization along with other mesh pockets and panels.

The bag also comes in two sizes — 28L and 40L — each of which makes the perfect personal item or carry-on respectively. And if 28L sounds a bit too small, this size expands to 32L to accommodate more essentials. The only caveat is that the 40L version doesn't come with any hip straps, which is rare for a backpack of its size. The brand suggests pairing the bag with the Aion Sling , which slots in easily for support.

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

Ideal when traveling for business or even everyday commuting to work, the Silhouette 17 backpack has all the essentials and then some. In fact, it's designed to replace your carry-on, which can slow you down when on a last-minute business trip. Moreover, Samsonite's soft-side luggage has proven be abrasion-resistant and strong in our tests , staying in great shape, so we are confident in the durability of the brand's similar products.

Beyond the durable nature, it opens up like a hardshell suitcase, complete with functional sections, and has a padded laptop sleeve for easy access. Plus, it easily convert from a backpack to a briefcase or shoulder bag. For longer trips, you can even slide it onto checked luggage instead of maneuvering two suitcases through the airport.

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

Often used on day hikes for its lightweight design, a daypack can be a great option for those in search of a not-so-heavy travel backpack. And when it comes to the best daypacks , Osprey reigns supreme as the top-performing brand, earning especially high scores for their amazing ease-of-use features and fitting everything in our packing test .

Recent testers have loved that Osprey bags have "lots of compartments" and "comfortable cushioned shoulder straps." Some even highlighted the helpful sternum strap, which keeps the weight evenly distributed, preventing shoulder pain. You can also expect an interior sleeve to fit a laptop or tablet or a hydration reservoir for hikes, plus a slew of pockets in the front including two mesh water bottle pockets.

Herschel Kaslo Backpack Tech

When we tested this laptop backpack , we were surprised by how lightweight yet protective it felt. The detail and care are evident throughout: The bag has reinforced stitching in areas where you'd expect extra tugging like the top handle, straps and luggage sleeve. There's also a separate laptop compartment with a fleece lining to help minimize potential scratches.

One Textiles Lab analyst swears by this bag, using it as both her everyday bag for commuting as well as her go-to travel backpack, especially on business trips when she'll need her laptop handy. In our packing test, we found the 30L capacity large enough to fit a 16-inch laptop plus three to four days of clothes and toiletries. If that’s not the right size for you, it also comes in a 20L capacity for those with more petite frames.

patagonia Patagonia Black Hole Pack - 25 L

Whether you're backpacking through a new country or flying to a nearby city, this Patagonia pack is up for the adventure. It's made with polyester that has a durable water-repellent finish to keep all your belongings protected. One tester shared that this bag is the "backpack to end all backpacks" because it's great for all types of vacations and features a sternum strap you can easily adjust to suit your height.

While the 25L capacity may look small, the bag lives up to its "Black Hole" name, fitting much more than you'd expect, especially when you roll your clothes up , or you can opt for the 32L style . Plus, in Lab tests, water rolled right off the main fabric of the bag with ease, so you can rest assured it'll protect your belongings even in unpredictable weather.

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

No one wants an uncomfortable backpack, which is why we loved this bag from Dagne Dover. It's made of neoprene fabric, which feels soft and squishy instead of stiff like some other bags. The brand also does not skimp when it comes to details like an interior pocket to hold a water bottle or cell phone and a pouch that can be attached on a leash inside the main compartment to find small stuff quickly.

The main compartment has a laptop sleeve and is large enough for a weekend trip. Plus, it even has a sleek luggage sleeve, slipping easily onto a carry-on suitcase at the airport. Take note: We found that if you’re rough with the bag, the neoprene fabric may pill (though pills can easily be removed with a fabric shaver ). This pick comes in small and medium sizes too.

How we test travel backpacks

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing travel products and backpacks for decades.

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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10 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks of 2024

A good travel backpack needs to be comfortable, organized, and durable, especially if you’re relying on it for one-bag travel.

Your carry-on backpack should make traveling easier. It should be easy to pack and unpack. It should be comfortable for long walks across the airport or across town. It should be durable enough to rely on for years of globetrotting.

The TravelFreak team has reviewed and tested hundreds of backpacks, and I spent several months analyzing data from our backpack database, revisiting old favorites, and putting new bags through their paces.

The biggest takeaway from my testing is that there is no single perfect travel backpack for everyone. Some people need to carry expensive laptops and tech gear, while others travel off the beaten path for outdoor adventures. Everyone has specific needs for their travel backpack.

That’s why the packs in this list vary widely in design, style, and intended use.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is the highest-scoring backpack we tested, and it’s ideal for city-hopping travel. The Aer Travel Pack is close competition, though, and it costs less. Each backpack on this list has its tradeoffs, and each one excels in a specific scenario.

At the end of the day, you need a backpack that fits your traveling style. My goal is to help you decide which one is right for you.

• Our Top Picks
• Best Carry-On Travel Backpack Overall (9.7): Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L
• Best for Travel Photographers (9.6): Peak Design Travel Backpack
• Best for International Travel (9.5): Aer Travel Pack 3
• Best for Hiking and Travel (9.5): Osprey Farpoint 40/Fairview 40
• Best Small Travel Backpack (9.3): Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L
• Best Wheeled Travel Backpack (9.2): Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Pack 22”
• Best for Business Travelers (9.2): NOMATIC Travel Pack
• Best Travel Duffel Backpack (9.0): Db Roamer Duffel Backpack
• Best for Minimalist Travelers (8.9): Minaal Carry-On 3.0
• Best for Budget Travelers (7.6): Coowoz Travel Backpack

We are a team of gear junkies, product engineers, international travelers, vanlifers, and travel photographers. We aim to create the most helpful gear reviews possible because we know how important having the right equipment is for travel.

While travel certainly isn’t all about the stuff you bring, gear can make or break your trip.

Because of that, we hold ourselves to a very high standard when it comes to creating review content that provides real value and helps you make the best purchasing decisions possible. That requires in-depth research, testing, and years of expertise, but the result is worth it.

We never allow corporate incentives to sway our recommendations; we only recommend products that we are happy using ourselves. We do earn a small affiliate commission if you buy a product using a link from our site, but only if you don’t return it. We want to help you find a product that serves you well.

We’ve put a lot of effort into figuring out how best to do that. We travel extensively and constantly evaluate the products we use in real life. We spent months devising, testing, and refining a rating system that lets us compare competing products more objectively and find exactly what makes one better than another.

We did this because we weren’t satisfied with making recommendations purely on personal preference and gut reactions. We wanted to understand exactly what makes a great backpack and help travelers like you make truly informed purchasing decisions.

We have a soft spot in our hearts for a great backpack. Most members of our team have lived out of a backpack at one time or another, whether doing one-bag travel around the globe or long-distance thru-hiking.

We’ve been testing backpacks and travel gear for the better part of the last 15 years, and we’ve tested and rated over 200 bags from many of the best backpack brands.

In actuality, we don’t believe the perfect backpack exists, but we do believe that some backpacks are better than others—for certain people. We want to make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting and the trade-offs you’re making. If you’re happy with the gear you buy, we’ve done our job well.

We started our research with an in-depth investigation to create a list of the best and most recommended travel backpacks on the market, including those that fly under the radar for most people.

We read all the top reviews and backpack lists, watched hours of YouTube videos, and spent an excessive amount of time scouring subreddits including r/onebag , r/HerOneBag , r/travel , and r/BuyItForLife . We also checked out the top packs from brands that we used and recommended in the past.

From this research, we put together a list of the 50 best travel backpacks. This included packs we’d used for years as well as brand-new models that were getting rave reviews. These were the bags we were most interested in testing ourselves

We then evaluated every backpack using our proprietary backpack rating system . We scored each backpack using across 39 individual metrics in 9 categories: Build Quality, Comfort, Ease of Use, Functionality, Water Resistance, Brand Impact, Buying Experience, Warranty, and Price-to-Performance Ratio.

For each metric, we use a standardized scale to generate a score from 0-10. We combine those individual scores with weighted averages to get total scores for each category and then a total overall score.

This system lets us make more objective comparisons. Just because one member of our team likes a particular bag doesn’t mean it’s going to be ideal for everyone. Every bag we recommend scored highly in our rating system and performed well in real-world testing.

Because we divide our rating into different metrics and categories, we can also see exactly where each bag excels or falls short. Interestingly, no backpack had the highest score in more than two categories. This finding highlights the fact that every backpack has strengths and weaknesses for different scenarios.

This is where our hands-on testing became important. Our rating system let us see specific strengths and weaknesses, but we had to get the packs out into the wild to see exactly where they shined. We tested over 20 of the best-scoring backpacks in the real world.

We didn’t do our testing in a sterile lab. We used backpacks on our own travels across the globe and took them on long-haul flights, Himalayan treks, Caribbean cruises, city-hopping jaunts, work trips, and more.

By using backpacks on many different trips, we got a good sense for how they perform and what they’re best at. This lets us pick the 10 best backpacks and understand exactly how to recommend each one.

We selected this list of carry-on backpacks for any traveler who prefers the simplicity and freedom of traveling light without traditional luggage. We searched for backpacks that work well for one-bag travel, because when you don’t have multiple suitcases and bags to manage, traveling becomes less about the stuff you bring with you and more about the experiences along the way.

One-bag travel with a carry-on backpack is perfect for adventure travelers taking rougher routes than spinner wheels can handle, long-term travelers or digital nomads who are always on the move, business travelers who need professional-looking gear that isn’t out of place in a conference room, or anyone who prefers to pack light and keep their hands free while traveling.

Of course, you don’t have to be a minimalist one-bagger to enjoy the benefits of a good carry-on backpack. If you’re packing a bigger checked suitcase for your trips, a travel backpack is an excellent choice for your second bag. That way, you don’t have two unruly suitcases to manage.

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L : Best Carry-On Travel Backpack Overall (9.7)

Tortuga designed this to be the ultimate carry-on backpack for urban travelers. Its outstanding build quality, thoughtful design, and superior comfort earned it the highest score of any carry-on backpack our team has ever tested.

It’s ideal if you want an easy-to-pack, easy-to-carry backpack that works for almost any trip to any destination. It’s ideal for city travel, but you can really take it anywhere.

Even when I was carrying a lot of weight, the Tortuga Travel Backpack felt comfortable and evenly distributed. This pack scored 9.2 for Comfort, which is the highest comfort score of any urban travel backpack we tested.

The main compartment fully opens like a book, which means you can pack it like a suitcase rather than stuffing things in from the top like a standard daypack. The external laptop sleeve made it really easy for me to pull my computer out for TSA checks, and I love the array of pockets. I was able to stay very organized during my trips with this bag.

Lastly, the backpack’s build quality is top-notch, scoring 9.5. The fabric is tough, the zippers are big YKK models, and every component feels durable.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro isn’t perfect though. For one thing, at 4.5 lbs, it feels pretty heavy. I think the added comfort and support makes up for the weight, but if you really want a lightweight backpack, this isn’t a good option.

The price of this backpack is also on the higher end. You get what you pay for with the durable construction and smart design, but it’s not a great choice for anyone who only travels occasionally. This bag is an investment, and you want to be sure you’ll use it often enough to get your money’s worth.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is ideal if you need a robust, high-capacity bag that organizes like a suitcase and carries comfortably across city streets and airports. However, if you tend to travel light or are concerned about price, this might not be the best choice. This backpack excels for frequent travelers who value organization, durability, and style.

If you like the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro but want something lighter or cheaper, Tortuga offers an alternative option: The Travel Backpack Lite . It has a very similar design, but it is made of a less expensive 630D nylon, has less stiffness/structure, is less water-resistant, doesn’t have the adjustable torso length, and weighs a pound less.

Buy it if you…

• are a one-bag traveler.
• are a digital nomad or business traveler.
• want a well-rounded travel backpack that can go anywhere.
• travel with a laptop and other tech.
• are traveling internationally.

Don’t buy it if you…

• are on a budget.
• are an ultralight traveler.
• are going hiking or doing other outdoor adventures.
• Technical Specs

Peak Design Travel Backpack : Best for Travel Photographers (9.6)

The Peak Design Travel Backpack was an easy choice for the best carry-on backpack for photographers because it seamlessly transitions from packing for a trip to carrying camera gear on a photo shoot. It’s packed with features to keep your gear protected and easy to access.

This bag pairs perfectly with Peak Design’s Camera Cubes . These cubes are heavily padded and have removable dividers to keep cameras and lenses organized and safe from bumps or scratches.

The side and back panel access meant I could get to my camera and lenses in seconds without having to dig through other contents. I could swing the bag around on one shoulder, undo a single zipper, and grab my camera for the next shot.

If you’re a travel or adventure photographer who shoots on the go, this feature is awesome.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L can adapt to whatever you need to carry. Its standard volume is 35L, but it can expand or compress. If you’re just heading out for a day excursion, the bag shrinks down to 30L—perfect for a large daypack. If you’re packing for a two-week trip, the expansion zipper gives you a larger 45L volume to pack in.

This pack can also do a lot more than just carry camera gear. Without any camera cubes, the spacious main compartment gives you space to pack for any trip. Because it is so adaptable and feature-packed, this bag scored 9.7 for Functionality—higher than any other backpack we tested!

For all its genius in design, the Peak Design Travel Backpack can feel like a puzzle box with its assortment of straps, pockets, and zippers. It’s not just a grab-and-go kind of bag; it’s got a bit of a learning curve to understand how to get the most out of every feature. If you prefer simplicity and ease over high customization, this might be overkill.

If you’re a photographer or a traveler who loves gadgets and values the ability to organize and access your equipment quickly and efficiently, this bag is a dream. The fact that it works perfectly with Peak Design’s Camera Cubes and other accessories make this a very capable and adaptable backpack.

• are a traveling photographer who needs to carry camera gear and clothes for a trip.
• travel with a laptop or other devices.
• take many different kinds of trips and need a bag that can adapt.
• mainly travel to city destinations.

Don’t buy it if you…

• need a bag for rugged outdoor adventures.
• will be carrying heavy loads for long distances/times.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : Best for International Travel (9.5)

International airlines typically have tighter carry-on size limits than US domestic flights. If you’re flying internationally, you need a bag that fits those limits.

The Aer Travel Pack is on the smaller end for travel backpacks (35L volume), and it works as a carry-on for virtually any flight around the world.

The 35L volume is ideal if you like to pack light. This is a bag for more minimalist travelers, so it’s not ideal if you tend to overpack.

It’s also great for traveling with a laptop and other tech devices. The  laptop sleeve can fit larger devices and it has a separate compartment for your charger. The front admin panel has an awesome array of smaller pockets for tablets, notebooks, pens, cables, headphones, snacks, and any other small items you want to keep organized.

The panel-opening design makes this bag easy to pack, though I still recommend using packing cubes . I like this design more than the clamshell opening of the Tortuga Travel Backpack because I can unzip either side of the bag without opening the whole thing.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is built tough with burly 1680D Cordura nylon and chunky YKK zippers. This is essential for anyone who, like me, doesn’t go easy on gear. After our testing and research, this backpack has the highest Build Quality score of any travel backpack: an outstanding 9.7.

My main complaint with the Aer Travel Pack is that it doesn’t include a hip belt; you have to buy that separately. This pack is fairly comfortable on its own, but without a hip belt, it starts to hurt my shoulders if I have it fully packed. I hate that I have to spend extra money for an almost essential feature!

The Aer Travel Pack is great for international travel, and it is also stiff competition for the Tortuga . It’s more durable and less expensive, and I like the pocket layout more. The only reason the Aer Travel Pack didn’t earn our top pick is that it isn’t quite as comfortable and doesn’t include a hip belt.

• are traveling internationally and need a pack that fits all carry-on size restrictions.
• are a one-bag traveler or digital nomad.
• travel with a laptop and other tech devices you want to keep organized and protected.
• are traveling for work.
• tend to overpack (it’s only 35L).
• want an included hip belt (you have to buy it separately).

Osprey Farpoint 40/Fairview 40 : Best for Hiking and Travel (9.5)

Osprey is a brand that’s known more for hiking and outdoor adventure packs than travel gear. The Farpoint (or Fairview for women or any folks with shorter torsos) is a carry-on-size travel backpack that Osprey designed to combine their expertise in comfortable hiking packs with a travel-oriented design.

If you need a carry-on backpack that you can take on a flight around the world and then load up for a backcountry trek, this is it.

The Farpoint is inspired by Osprey’s hiking backpacks. It has a full-perimeter aluminum frame, a stiff frame sheet, a ventilated back panel, comfy shoulder straps with load lifters, and a structured, padded hip belt. This backpack earned a stellar 9.6 Comfort score in our testing, which isn’t surprising since Osprey is known for making some of the most comfortable hiking packs on the market.

While it has the comfort of a hiking backpack, the Farpoint is designed to be easy to pack for travel. The front has a full wrap-around zipper that lets it lay fully open. I loved that I could pull this open and quickly see all my gear.

The Farpoint 40 is not the backpack to get if you have lots of gadgets and accessories that you want to keep organized. It only has a few pockets, and I had a hard time keeping my tablet, charging cables, power bank, keys, and other smaller items from getting lost inside the main compartment.

Think of it more as a reliable gear-hauler that’s ready to go straight from a long-haul flight to an outdoor adventure.

• need a travel backpack that can transition to hiking/trekking.
• want a travel bag that is as comfortable as a backpacking bag.
• want a backpack that will last a lifetime.
• are looking for excellent value for your money.
• are traveling for business or in urban settings.
• travel with lots of tech devices.
• want quick and easy access to your gear.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L : Best Small Travel Backpack (9.3)

Many travel backpacks are designed to be close to the maximum legal carry-on size to give you the most packing space possible, but not everyone needs that much room.

The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L is on the small end for carry-on backpacks, and it’s my go-to choice for any short trip. I chose it as the best small travel backpack because it hits the sweet spot between portability and functionality. It’s ideal if you are a textbook minimalist traveler or usually take shorter weekend trips.

Most travel packs are in the 35-45L range, so this 30L bag felt significantly smaller. That was awesome when I carried it around—it was comfortable and slim on my back—but it meant I had to be more conscious of what I packed.

This bag is right on the line where you can use it as a personal item on most flights. That’s a huge bonus if you often fly with airlines that charge for carry-ons. Technically, it’s slightly too tall, but unless you have it packed to the bursting point, it’s easy to squish it down to fit under seats or into the size checker.

The Global Travel Backpack doesn’t just perform well; it looks good while doing it. The retro aesthetic is both stylish and functional, fitting seamlessly into urban and outdoor environments. It also comes in a wide range of color combos, so you can show some personality. Plus, since it is small, it doesn’t look like a travel bag, so you don’t stand out as a tourist.

My main complaint with this bag is that the shoulder straps, although padded, started to dig into my shoulders when the bag was fully loaded. If you plan to carry heavier loads or need a bag for longer treks, you might be better off with something like the Osprey Farpoint or Tortuga Travel Backpack .

If you like the design of the Topo Global Travel Bag 30L but want a little more space, they also have a larger 40L version .

• are a minimalist traveler and like to pack light.
• often take short weekend trips.
• want a pack you can use as a personal item.
• You want a pack made from extremely durable materials.
• care about sustainability and recycled materials.
• are a long term traveler.
• need as much packing space as possible.
• want a sleek, professional-looking bag.

Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Pack 22” : Best Wheeled Travel Backpack (9.2)

Do you want a backpack with wheels? If yes, get this one. It’s that simple.

The Osprey Sojourn has comfortable shoulder straps and a supportive hip belt so you can carry it like a backpack. You can also stow straps away and pull out the telescoping handle to roll it around like a suitcase. It’s a backpack and a suitcase combined!

So why would you want that?

Rolling luggage is great for cruising around the airport or smooth city streets—you can keep the weight off your back, which is more comfortable. However, luggage falls short on rough surfaces. If you’re heading off the beaten path (or just going up and down a lot of stairs), a backpack makes way more sense. This bag has the advantages of both.

The Osprey Sojourn isn’t made like a typical flimsy spinner suitcase that will jam or break on rough surfaces. It has oversized wheels with chunky rubber tires that easily handle cobblestone streets or even dirt paths.

When carrying it as a backpack, this bag is surprisingly comfortable. No, it won’t be as good as something like the Osprey Farpoint , but it’s clear that carrying comfort wasn’t an afterthought.

The shoulder straps have decent padding, a contoured shape, and load lifters. The aluminum frame does a great job at transferring weight down to the padded, wraparound hip belt, so it’s easy to get most of the weight off your shoulders. Surprisingly, the wheels and telescoping handle didn’t dig into my back at all.

The Sojourn is heavy though (7.5 lbs), so I didn’t love carrying it for hours at a time. While I never had uncomfortable pressure points, the backpack did feel a bit bulky and cumbersome on my back, even when it wasn’t fully loaded.

If you want to carry this on your back most of the time, I recommend just getting a normal travel backpack without wheels. However, if you would rather roll your bag around, this is an awesome option that gives you the flexibility to carry it when you need to.

• can’t decide between a backpack or wheeled luggage.
• don’t like carrying weight on your back for long periods.
• are traveling to more remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• want a lightweight backpack.
• are on a tight budget.

NOMATIC Travel Pack : Best for Business Travelers (9.2)

NOMATIC has built a reputation for creating versatile, durable, and stylish bags and packs. Their Travel Pack is expandable from 20 to 30 liters, making it perfect for both daily commutes and short trips. Whether you’re on a business trip or are a long-term digital nomad, this is one of the best backpacks for traveling with a laptop.

The NOMATIC Travel Pack is a sleek, professional-looking bag that is packed with features.

The external laptop sleeve is one of my favorite features. Unlike most backpacks, this laptop sleeve has a full perimeter zipper that lets it fold flat away from the main body of the bag. This design means you can go through airport security without fully removing your laptop, which is awesome.

The NOMATIC Travel Pack is also very versatile; you can use it both for everyday commuting to the office or as a travel pack. Its 20L standard volume is the perfect size for a daypack, but it can expand 10 whole liters (!) by undoing a wraparound zipper. The 30L expanded volume is still on the small end for travel backpacks, but it’s great for shorter trips.

That 30L max size is the main limiting factor of this bag. Unless you’re a really light packer, it isn’t a great choice for extended trips.

This bag excels for weekend trips or short jaunts for business meetings. It’s even great as a secondary laptop bag in addition to a larger carry-on suitcase. When it isn’t expanded, it’s small enough to bring aboard as a personal item.

The key advantage of the NOMATIC Travel Pack is its versatility. Standalone bag for shorter trips, daypack for everyday commuting, or personal item for longer trips—take your pick!

• travel with a laptop.
• want a backpack that works for both everyday use and weekend trips.
• have lots of tech gadgets and accessories.
• travel for business.
• You are a one-bag traveler who goes on trips longer than a few days.
• You are on a tight budget.

Db Roamer Duffel Backpack : Best Travel Duffel Backpack (9.0)

I love a good duffel bag. There’s something extremely satisfying about having a simple, functional bag that carries your stuff without any extra frills. It’s also the highest-scoring duffel bag we tested, with a 9.0 Overall score.

That’s exactly the kind of experience you get with the Db Roamer Duffel Backpack . It’s a durable, stripped-back, no-nonsense bag that gets the job done. While it certainly isn’t for everyone, it’s a utilitarian piece of gear that is perfect for the right kind of person.

If you’re an adventurous traveler who just needs a dead-simple bag to haul your gear, this is the ideal fit.

If you like having lots of pockets and compartments, you’ll hate the Roamer. This bag is as simple as it comes. There is a cavernous main compartment and a single small zippered pocket on the outside. That’s it. No laptop sleeve. No hidden passport pocket. No admin panel. You just toss your stuff in and go.

One feature that makes this duffel bag unique is that you open it through a big zippered panel right behind the shoulder straps. Db calls this “backsess” (yes, that sounds stupid). There’s one big advantage to this design: you can set it down on the ground— straps up— to open it. That means the part that touches your body never touches the ground, so it stays clean.

The opening is also huge! I love that I can rip it open and quickly see everything inside the bag.

The biggest downside of the Roamer Duffel is that it just isn’t that comfortable to carry for a long time. It only scored 6.4 for Comfort. The shoulder straps have nice padding, but since there isn’t much structure and no hip belt, all the weight goes right on your shoulders. It’s fine for quick jaunts, but you definitely wouldn’t want to wear it for a long hike.

• need to haul outdoor gear for adventurous trips.
• like simplicity.
• want a rugged, water-resistant bag.
• travel with a laptop or other devices
• mainly take city trips.

Minaal Carry-On 3.0 : Best for Minimalist Travelers (8.9)

When you’re traveling around the world, a big, flashy travel backpack is pretty much a neon sign saying, “Hey, look at me! I’m a tourist!”

You don’t want to be that guy.

Minaal is our top pick for minimalist travelers exactly because it doesn’t make you stand out like a sore thumb. It’s slim and understated, and it’s got exactly the features you need without any unnecessary bells and whistles to complicate things.

The 35L size is ideal for minimalist packers. It’s on the smaller end for travel backpacks, but as long as you know how to pack light, it’s easy to use this bag for extended trips.

I can fit a surprising amount of stuff inside this bag, but the stripped-back design makes it look smaller than it is. I love that I can carry all my travel gear in this bag without looking like a tourist.

One of the unique features of the Minaal Carry-On is its laptop compartment, which is honestly one of the best and most useful that I’ve ever tested. There is a full wraparound zipper that lets the compartment lay fully flat, and you can pull your device out either from the side or the top. I found that to be very useful when pulling my laptop out for airport security.

The Minaal Carry-On is definitely most at home in urban settings; it isn’t a pack I would recommend for a trip into the Himalayas or the jungles of Southeast Asia. It’s sleek and well organized, but I think it would feel out of its element on more adventurous trips.

For minimalist city travel, this pack is perfect.

• are a light-packing one-bag traveler.
• want a sleek, minimalist design that is still very functional.
• carry a laptop and want the absolute best protection and accessibility.
• are planning more adventurous, outdoor-oriented trips.
• need the maximum carry-on space.

Coowoz Travel Backpack : Best for Budget Travelers (7.6)

I have some good news: even if you don’t have much cash to spend, you can still get a capable and stylish travel backpack for your next trip. The Coowoz Travel Backpack has been getting a lot of attention on social media, and for good reason. It costs a fraction of any other pack on this list, but it still works surprisingly well.

While this backpack doesn’t score well for Build Quality or Comfort, the Functionality score is a solid 8.3. Here’s the key takeaway: this backpack isn’t the nicest or most durable, but it functions just as well as more expensive bags when it comes to carrying your travel gear.

The overall layout of the Coowoz Travel Backpack mimics most higher-end carry-on bags. The main compartment has a full-length panel opening that makes it really easy to pack. There are tons of pockets, and the external laptop sleeve gives you quick access to your device.

To be clear, nothing about this backpack will match the quality or durability of anything else on this list. The materials are pretty cheap, and the bag is pretty floppy overall. Still, the Coowoz Travel Backpack hits way above its price point.

If you need a backpack on a budget, you won’t find a better bang for your buck.

• are strapped for cash.
• don’t care about owning the fanciest backpack around.
• travel with lots of gadgets and accessories that you want to keep organized.
• want a trendy backpack that doesn’t break the bank.
• want a durable bag that will last for years of travel.
• need a backpack that’s comfortable enough to carry for long periods.
• can afford something better.

Other Backpacks We Tested

Our team tested a lot of backpacks, and we’re confident that the 10 packs in our list are the best of the best. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other bags we liked. Here are some of the other packs that stood out in our testing and rating. Depending on your preferences, one of these might be a perfect fit.

• Tortuga Backpack Lite : This bag has almost identical features to our top pick, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro , but in a lightweight, more affordable package. It isn’t quite as durable or water-resistant, but it is more flexible and costs $100 less. If you like the Tortuga Travel Backpack, this is a fantastic option that won’t hurt your wallet as much.
• Cotopaxi Allpa 35L : This popular carry-on backpack is awesome if you want a bag with a splash of color. It’s not all about style though; the Allpa is built from rugged materials and has a very functional design. The main reason it didn’t make our top 10 is that the lack of structured support makes it a bit uncomfortable with heavy loads.
• WANDRD TRANSIT : WANDRD specializes in backpacks and gear for photographers, and the TRANSIT is their first foray into the travel market. The design is complicated and has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get used to it, all the features are very useful.
• Osprey Daylite Carry-On : This simple, lightweight, and affordable backpack is an awesome all-rounder if you want a backpack that balances functionality, durability, weight, and price. It didn’t make our list of top picks simply because it wasn’t the absolute best in any single category, but it is still a fantastic pack (especially for the price). Plus, it comes with Osprey’s legendary warranty.
• Able Carry Max: If you’re looking for a backpack that can transition between everyday commuting and weekend travel, this is a great choice. It’s durable, comfortable, and has an awesome laptop compartment. The 30L capacity is a tight squeeze for longer trips, but it’s awesome for quick getaways or minimalist travelers.
• Matador GlobeRider 45 : This backpack combines design elements from hiking and outdoor packs into a travel-ready backpack. It is rugged, comfortable, and loaded with awesome features. The main reason it didn’t make the cut for our top 10 is that the laptop sleeve zipper is too small and makes it hard to get a device in and out. Other than that, this is an awesome backpack for adventure travelers.

Travel Backpack FAQs

What is the best size backpack for carry-on travel.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is our top pick for a carry-on travel backpack. The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L is a more affordable alternative.

What is the best backpack for a personal item on a plane?

The Aer Travel Pack 3 Small is the perfect personal item backpack for light packers who only want one bag.

What is the best backpack for a long-haul flight?

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is our top pick for a carry-on travel backpack, and it’s great for long-haul flights.

Will a 35L backpack fit under an airplane seat?

Probably not. A 35L backpack will be too big to fit in the personal item sizer or under the seat of most airlines.

How strict are airlines about backpack size?

It varies, but many airlines are very strict about backpack sizes, and will make you check your bag in the sizer if it looks close to the limit.

Jeremy Scott Foster

Looking at the list, the one thing is weight. Here in Europe quite a few airlines have tightened up on weight. The previous 10 kilo limit has dropped to 8 kilos. Some majors allow more.

I only fly between main destinations, the rest is by train and bus. Here is where the depth of the pack causes problems, some trains and buses have very shallow overhead racks and the backpack will not fit. Especially buses, so the pack has to go in the cargo hold and you pray no one steals your pack at the various stops en-route (yes it happens).

A large pack of 35L is my main one, bought from a mountain shop in London–I travel very light. For short trips, an ultralight 20L Gonex (also inside my large one on longer trips) does the job, it weighs 6.5 ounces and compacts well. The straps are nice, stuff stayed dry in a down pour and I use it a lot.

Recently I was looking for a backpack. I didn’t have enough information about a lightweight backpack. After reading your article I was able to buy it.

So glad I was able to help!

Your rundown of the best travel backpacks is a lifesaver for adventurers like me. Your concise reviews and expert recommendations have simplified the daunting task of choosing the perfect backpack. Each option you’ve highlighted seems to offer a unique blend of durability, comfort, and functionality, making it hard to pick just one! Thank you for sharing your expertise and insights with us. Your article has left me feeling well-equipped and ready for my next journey. Keep up the fantastic work!

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The 18 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Easy, Breezy Packing

From basic rucksacks to nifty new features, these backpacks are a traveler's dream come true.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Team T&C are experts in the field of traveling light and packing efficiently . And because we know every traveler has different preferences and needs, our editors took it upon themselves to research, test, and share their favorite and most reliable styles on the market. Ahead, find the best carry-on travel backpacks designed to go the distance.

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

A backpack that packs like a suitcase? Why didn't someone think of this sooner? This Samsonite bag is perfect for the traveler who wants to travel light without sacrificing that packing method they've perfected.

One reviewer writes: "Durable yet lightweight. Streamline design and not bulky at all. Perfect carryon size with backpack straps for convenience."

Dimensions: 20" x 12.5" x 7"

Weight: 3.6 lbs

Material: Recyclex

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

This bag has compartments, on compartments, on compartments—including an exterior laptop pocket, making it extra easy to slip your computer in and out for TSA.

One reviewer says: "I initially purchased because I needed more storage to function as my work bag. It just so happen I was traveling abroad in that same month as well. I did not realize that it had a strap on the back to make it super convenient to connect to my carry on luggage. The storage in this bag is phenomenal. 10/10 recommend!"

Dimensions: 17.5” H x 12” L x 7.25” D

Packing Capacity: 27L

Material: 100% recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish

Fjallraven Kanken Water Resistant Backpack

These Scandinavian bags have been tested, tried and true since the 1970s. According to T&C 's Associate Shopping Editor Sophie Dweck, who owns several Fjallraven Kankens, they don't offer a lot of frills or features, but they are as practical and reliable as they come. Cute enough to be your day bag but spacious enough to fit all your carry-on essentials, this bag is two-for-one. Plus, there's no shortage of color options!

One shopper says: "This is my second backpack and I just love to use this during my travels. It’s stylish, lightweight and can surprisingly fit my essentials."

Dimensions: 14" H x 10" W x 4 ½" D

Weight: .7 lbs

Material: Vinylon

Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack

Calpak is known for creating travel bags and accessories with smart engineering in mind, and this backpack is an incredibly popular pick for obvious reasons. Thanks to its many compartments, it can hold a ton—shoes, notebooks, bottles, you name it—and is designed to protect a 15-inch laptop in one of the inner sleeves. Even better, it comes in a variety of pretty colors, such as this rose gold hue.

One shopper says: "I love this backpack. My laptop fits perfectly and it’s very roomy to carry a travel umbrella, glasses, electrical cord, notebooks, and more. I love the puffy exterior and have the matching Luca mini. Together, creates a great weekend getaway."

Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 7"

Weight: 1.8 lbs

Material: Polyester

Monos Metro Backpack

The unique feature on this pack from Monos is the detachable, interchangeable pouch that fixes to the front of the bag. This smaller bag is the perfect spot to keep the items you need quick and easy access to, like your passport, headphones, keys, and charging cables.

One shopper says: "I love this backpack! The trolley sleeve is a huge plus, but my favorite feature is being able to remove the Metro Kit. I like that I can conveniently place the backpack under the seat and the Metro kit can hang off the pouch in the seat in front of me, making it easy to grab the essentials mid-flight."

Exterior Dimensions: 11.5" × 16.5" × 6"

Exterior Weight: 2.4 lb (nylon) / 3 lb (vegan leather)

Metro Dimensions: 8.75" × 6.75" × 2"

Metro Weight: .6 lbs

Material: Nylon or vegan leather

Cuyana Leather Backpack 16-inch

For a travel bag that sacrifices neither function and fashion, you turn to Cuyana. The brand's minimalist backpack is crafted with premium Italian leather and tricked out with convenient features, like a spacious main compartment with pockets and a laptop sleeve, two additional exterior pockets, a magnetic snap closure for easy access, comfortable straps that don't dig into your shoulders, and a top handle that allows you to tote the bag around by hand.

One shopper says: "This is the perfect work and travel backpack. I got it in navy and looks amazing. My laptop, notebook, and computer accessories all fit in very neatly with plenty of room for other items. I was a little worried about my water bottle fitting in the front pocket, but it is just fine there and the magnets even help it stay in place. It is simply PERFECT!!!"

Dimensions: 15.1" x 11" x 7"

Weight: 2.6 lbs

Material: Leather

MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe

MZ Wallace's bags are absurdly lightweight, insanely roomy, and the signature quilting adds interest to an otherwise understated bag. This backpack is no exception. T&C 's Senior News Editor Emily Burack is a massive fan of the brand .

One shopper says: "Bought the Dawn metro backpack deluxe for a recent trip. I squeezed in so many items such as electronics, iPad, cosmetics, a jacket and small crossbody purse. Love the back sleeve that you can attach to your suitcase, and then can convert it to a pocket by zippering the bottom. And finally side pockets that can fit a water bottle."

Dimensions: 2.20" × 6.90" × 16.50"

Weight: 1.3 lbs

Material: REC Oxford

Carl Friedrik 72-Hour Backpack

For the packer who's serious about one-bag travel, Carl Friedrik's aptly-titled pack is a great option. The 25-liter carrier is designed fit up to three-days worth of outfits and is perfectly sized to fit under the seat in front of you. Also worth noting: The front panel fully unzips, there's a laptop sleeve, and various pockets so you can make the most of every nook and cranny.

And if that's not enough to convince you? Succession 's The Roy family is fan of Carl Friedrik , as is T&C 's very own Leena Kim .

Dimensions: 11.8" x 18.1" x 7.1"

Packing Capacity: 25L

Material: Nylon

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Those who are often guilty of overpacking will get a kick out of this pick. No matter how much you stuff inside of it, the bag is lightweight to carry day in and day out. It's made of a blend of tough, TPU-coated polyester and durable nylon paneling, and has padded shoulder straps which add to the comfort. Also notable is its harness feature that distributes weight and prevents you from suffering from any back or shoulder pain later on.

One shopper says: "The Cotopaxi was my real working bag for carrying 3-4 days' clothing & toiletries. I am impressed with the quality build, the cool appearance of the bag, the organized storage, the way the compartments hold their shape without using heavyweight material. The interior feels well enough secure for my purposes but also has easy access smaller compartment for a light jacket."

Dimensions : 20" x 12" x 10"

Weight: 3 lbs 8 oz

Material: Polyester and nylon

Lo & Sons The Rowledge

At last, your very own Mary Poppins bag. Well, not quite, but it might as well be. Don't be fooled by this bag's streamlined look—it can fit a lot. Yet, its dimensions qualify as a personal item, meaning it fits perfectly under the seat in front of you.

One shopper says: "I love traveling with this backpack. It is compact enough to wear I am not hitting people with it every time I turn around on the plane. It has a compartment for everything and is great quality. Excellent customer service from Lo & Sons, too!!!"

Dimensions: 11.5" x 6.75" x 16.5" (large); 10.75" x 6" x 16" (small)

Weight: 3.2 lbs (large); 2.9 lbs (small)

Material: Nylon and leather

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

First of all, this bag is made with 23 recycled water bottles! So it's already a winner. Water-resistant and roomy, it comes with a zippered pouch that can be used as a shoe bag, or for any other essentials you want easy access to. We also love its sleek look—how could you not?

One shopper raves: "I wanted a small backpack that could still carry all my stuff, but also look stylish and sleek. This was it. The Dakota and small is the perfect backpack. Big enough to carry all my stuff as a mom of three while traveling but small enough to not feel too heavy. The material is soft but durable. I’m definitely a forever fan now!"

Dimensions: 11.5” L x 5” W x 17” H

Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz

Material: Premium neoprene and performance air mesh

Aer Travel Pack 3 Black

A true traveler's bag, the main compartment of this backpack lays open flat, so you can pack it like a regular suitcase. It has designated laptop and organizational compartments, plus multiple additional pockets for all your other must-haves. The zippers are also lockable, and there's a pocket just for your AirTag !

One shopper says: "This backpack does everything I need. Keeps things really organized, looks great, comfortable to carry heavy stuff... I really like how it collapses to a smaller profile once it’s empty for both easy storage, and a slimmer profile for a day to day pack."

Dimensions : 13" x 21.5" x 9"

Weight: 4.12 lbs

Tumi Celina Backpack

Tumi is one of the most trusted names in luggage, so you can be sure this bag is of high quality. It has lots of pockets and compartments, but the best feature has to be the Tumi Tracer, which will allow you to track and locate your bag should you misplace it.

One shopper raves : "So light empty and so roomy. Lots of pockets and fantastic construction. A quality backpack that will last for years and years, worth every penny!"

Dimensions : 16.0" x 10.6" x 6.5"

Shinola Detroit The Runwell Backpack

If you're looking to invest in a bag that can really go the distance, it's gotta be high-quality leather. You can trust that this will hold up, and best of all, it'll only look better as it wears in during all your trips to come.

One shopper says: "I purchased this Runwell backpack in the summer of ‘19 to use as my work bag and waited a few years of daily use to review. I can truly say it’s almost perfect; it looks small on me but that’s my fault for not reading measurements. It easily fits my laptop, plenty of cables, paperwork, gym clothes, a shower bag, and many more random things. The pockets in the interior are great; it’s very functional. Although I do clean/condition it every few months, it’s developed a wonderful patina."

Dimensions: 17" H x 10.38" W x 6" D

Weight: 3.9 lbs

Beis Travel The Expandable Backpack

With pockets and compartments galore, the Beis backpack has endless room for all your essentials. And once it's all filled up? You can unzip the expandable zipper for even more space! Never thought you'd be so excited about a backpack? We get it.

One reviewer writes: "The expandable feature makes it great for travel but un-expanded, it’s great for work. The pockets are so functional and the extra padded laptop sleeve is great. Also got caught in a rainstorm this week and the inside of the bag stayed perfectly dry!"

Dimensions: 13" x 15" x 5-7"

Weight: 1.67 lbs

Material: 100% recycled poly

Troubadour Aero Backpack

This top-loading backpack not only features a main inner section with a ton of clever pockets, but there's also a 3D top pocket for easy access to your toiletries, a dedicated space for shoes, and a separate padded compartment for a laptop. Even better: It doubles as a duffle carrier for days when you'd prefer carrying your things as a crossbody.

One shopper says: "Just perfect. Enough pockets in the right place without being annoying or irritating and it looks sooooo good."

Dimensions: 13.4" x 20" x 7.9"

Weight: 2.75 lbs

Material: Recycled polyester fabric, recycled polyester lining, vegan leather trim

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Known for the suitcases everybody can't get enough of, Away also offers a range of backpacks that feature the same intelligent designs and user-friendly features. The aptly-named Everywhere knapsack is made with water-resistant nylon and features a wrap-around zipper for extra access in the main compartment.

One shopper writes : "It may be a little much to say this backpack changed my life, but it changed my life.. It's comfortable. It's SO well designed, with a logical place for everything. It holds a LOT. It's stylish and stays upright when you put it down. Most importantly (and the reason I bought it in the first place), I'm no longer sore after walking around and carrying my stuff all day. I may never go back to wearing a shoulder bag again. Worth every penny."

Dimensions : 12" x 5.9" x 17.7"

Weight : 2.45 lbs

Material : Nylon and leather

Paravel Fold-Up Backpack

The genius of this backpack? Its compact size can fit a ton without weighing a ton, and when it's not in use, it folds up flat and zips into a space-saving pouch. Bonus: Get yours customized with your initials for a personalized touch.

One shopper says: "I couldn’t believe that a roomy backpack could zip up very easily into a pouch! It is very roomy with several zip up compartments for extra storage. It looks very nice. I am going to Europe and was searching for a lightweight backpack. This is perfect!"

Dimensions: 13" x 16" x 9"

Weight: .63 lbs

Material: Nylon from recycled water bottles

What to look for when buying a carry-on travel backpack

A carry-on travel backpack is a great in-flight companion because it's conveniently designed to be super spacious and a hands-free way to carry your belongings.

When shopping for the best option, it's important to choose a bag that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. While sizes vary depending on the airplane, most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be somewhere around 17 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches long.

Equally as important: Look for a backpack with functional features, such as organization pockets, full zip openings, a laptop sleeve, and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit.

Why trust Town & Country?

For more than 170 years, Town & Country has been the trusted source for influence, taste, elegant living, and the finest things in life. We cover everything from the latest and greatest in beauty to luxury travel to the buzziest fashion trends of the season. All of our stories are thoroughly researched, tested, and vetted by T&C editors and industry experts.

Meg (she/her) is the associate fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com , where she specializes in shopping stories spanning the fashion, home, and lifestyle categories. Over the past three years, she has devoted countless hours to researching brands, testing hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of products, and deep-diving into market and consumer trends. Her favorite job responsibilities consist of co-writing the monthly series Same Same But Different and curating the fashion market for ELLE Escapes . Meg graduated magna cum laude from the Missouri School of Journalism with an emphasis on magazine editing. In 2020, one of her feature stories in the service article category was recognized by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The year prior, the Society of Professional Journalists named voxmagazine.com “Best Affiliated Magazine” in its Mark of Excellence Awards, when she was on staff. Meg’s stories have appeared on Cosmopolitan, Town & Country, Harper’s Bazaar , and Good Housekeeping , among many other outlets. Her personal passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and gardening. You can find her in New York, where she lives, or on Instagram , where she also lives. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour. 

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more. 

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Best Backpacks With Trolley Sleeve: Affordable to Luxury Options

Backpacks are awesome for air travel, whether you want one as a personal item or as a proper carry-on. It helps a lot when a backpack has a trolley sleeve, so you can easily mount it on top of your other luggage and move around the airport with full use of your other hand.

At A Glance: Best Backpacks With Trolley Sleeve

• Best Anti-Theft Backpack With Trolley Sleeve Pacsafe Citysafe CX Backpack with Trolley Sleeve Jump To Review
• Best Personal Item Size Backpack Travelpro Maxlite Laptop Backpack with Trolley Sleeve Jump To Review
• Best Backpack For Business Travel Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack Jump To Review
• Best Large Carry-On Backpack Briggs & Riley Large Cargo Backpack Jump To Review

This detailed guide to the best backpack with a trolley sleeve includes ten awesome options, ranging from affordable to luxury options. Regardless of what type and size of backpack you’re looking for, there’s bound to be at least a couple of suitable options for you right here!

Top Product Overview

Top products, pacsafe citysafe cx backpack with trolley sleeve.

Pacsafe is a brand popular for anti-theft bags and backpacks and their Citysafe CX backpack is one of their all-time best-selling models. It’s a top-loading backpack with multiple anti-theft features, and it’s small enough to pass as a personal item on most international flights.

The Citysafe backpack is made from nylon and recycled polyester, plus it features a special coating for improved water resistance. It’s also got the eXomesh slash guard and the Carrysafe slash guard strap, which are pretty much just reinforcements to the material that make the backpack impossible to cut into.

Other safety features of this backpack include RFID-safe pockets, a Roobar Style locking system, and TurnNLock security hooks. What this means in practice is that you can unlock the shoulder strap and lock it to a pole, so that no one could snatch away your bag while you’re not paying attention. The main compartment also has lockable zippers, so that thieves can’t open it easily.

The Citysafe bag also features a padded laptop sleeve, several internal pockets, external pockets, padded shoulder straps, and a convenient trolley sleeve.

• Multiple anti-theft features
• Small enough to be a personal item
• Padded and adjustable shoulder straps
• Water-resistant exterior
• Small capacity

Product Information

• Dimensions: 15.4” x 10.6” x 6.3”
• Weight: 1.55 lbs
• Capacity: 17 liters

Travelpro Maxlite Laptop Backpack with Trolley Sleeve

Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 collection features some of the best softside luggage money can buy and the Laptop Backpack is no exception. It’s made from durable polyester with a DuraGuard coating for improved water and stain resistance.

The size of this backpack is ideal for a personal item on airplanes. It’s even small enough that Ryanair would accept it as a free item, so it’s great for most flights. There’s a convenient luggage sleeve in the back that lets you secure the backpack to the wheel handle of your suitcase.

The pack has a dedicated laptop compartment in the back and a front-loading main compartment. There’s also a smaller zippered compartment in the front, as well as open pockets with magnetic closure for any smaller items you might want to keep secure.

Additionally, the Travelpro Maxlite backpack features internal pockets for the organization of your cords and other small items. Overall, if you like traveling with a bag that lets you organize all your belongings and keep everything easily accessible, this is an awesome backpack for you.

• Water-resistant coating
• Personal item size
• Multiple internal and external pockets
• Dedicated laptop compartment
• The zippers are not lockable
• The shoulder straps are not ventilated
• Dimensions: 15” x 9.8” x 5.5”
• Weight: 1.3 lbs
• Capacity: 19 liters

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

The Matein backpack is a good option if you want a pack that can work as a proper carry-on. It’s an 18” backpack so it’s too big to pass as a personal item, but it’s small enough to replace a carry-on suitcase. Pair this with a large checked suitcase, and you can comfortably pack for trips of two weeks or longer.

The total capacity of this backpack is 30 liters, which is plenty for short trips. If you’re smart about packing, you can easily use this bag for trips that are 3-5 days long. It’s got a dedicated laptop pocket in the back, for easy access at the security screening point.

The main compartment is front loading and there’s an additional front compartment with an organizer. The backpack also has two zippered pockets on the front panel and two open mesh pockets on the sides.

Additionally, there’s a hidden zippered pocket in the back, which is great for items you want to keep extra safe. The back panel is padded and ventilated just like the backpack straps, but it’s important to note that there’s no hip belt or sternum strap. There is a USB port for charging and a convenient luggage strap in the back.

• The padded laptop sleeve fits 15.6” devices
• Organizer in the front compartment
• Open and zippered external pockets
• Too big to be a personal item
• No sternum strap or hip belt
• Dimensions: 12” x 18” x 7.8”
• Weight: 1.56 lbs
• Capacity: 30 liters

Baggallini Women's Soho Backpack

The Baggallini Soho backpack is an excellent option if you want a stylish travel backpack. It’s got a top-loading main compartment, water-resistant coating on the exterior, and convenient grab handles at the top that let you carry the bag like a tote.

The backpack straps on this bag are adjustable, but they’re not the most comfortable option out of the bunch. But that’s not a big deal because it’s a small pack, and it’s unlikely that it will get so heavy you’ll find it uncomfortable to wear. It’s also a very lightweight backpack and small enough to pass as a personal item on most flights.

The main compartment features a padded laptop sleeve, small open pockets for organization, and two open water bottle pockets on the sides. The front panel also features a zippered pocket and an open pocket, for any items you might want to keep handy at the airport.

The backpack doesn’t have any other compartments though, which is a downside for me. It makes the backpack great instead of a purse for your essentials, but it’s not a bag you could use as your only luggage for short flights.

• Padded laptop pocket inside
• Side water bottle pockets
• Top grab handles
• Wide luggage strap in the back
• Very small capacity
• Just one packing compartment
• Dimensions: 15” x 11” x 6”
• Weight: 1.4 lbs
• Capacity: Not specified

Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Campus Backpack

If you like variety and options, you’re going to love the Vera Bradley backpack . It’s available in no less than 36 different options, which include solid colors and beautiful prints. The pack is great for people who like colorful bags, and I honestly had a tough time choosing just one option for the picture here.

The pack is made from recycled cotton and it’s machine washable, which is pretty great. However, cotton doesn’t have the best water resistance, so the backpack might not be the perfect option for use in wet weather.

It looks like a basic backpack at first glance, but once you take notice of all the different features, it’s obvious the bag is anything but basic. There’s a convenient trolley sleeve in the back, a zippered pocket hidden in the back panel, thick padding in the back panel and shoulder straps, and a separate padded pocket for a 15-inch laptop.

The main compartment is front loading and it’s got two convenient open pockets inside. There’s also a small zippered compartment in the front, as well as an extra zippered pocket on the front panel. You also get two open pockets on the sides.

• Lots of color variety
• Recycled cotton construction
• Affordable price point
• No ventilation in the back panel
• Dimensions: 12." x 16.75" x 7.5"
• Weight: 1.65 lbs
• Capacity: 25 liters

TUMI - Voyageur Just In Case Backpack

Tumi is a luxury luggage brand known for the premium quality of its products. If you want a high-end backpack that comes with an elaborate warranty, the Voyajegour Just In Case is certainly an option worth considering. Also, the backpack is surprisingly well-priced, especially considering how expensive Tumi luggage tends to be.

On the other hand, it’s important to note that this is a small, packable backpack that folds down into one of its pockets. It’s an awesome bag to have because you can just throw it in your purse, and then take it out and use it if you’re in a pinch.

The bag is also a solid option for travel because of the convenient travel strap in the back. It’s extremely lightweight and portable, plus because it doesn’t feature too much padding throughout, you can fit a lot of items inside.

It has a large front-loading main compartment and an extra zippered pocket in the front, but that’s it. If you’re looking for a bag that will allow you to keep all your belongings organized, this isn’t it. But if you want one of those travel backpacks that take up no space in your other luggage, it’s certainly one of the best options to consider.

• Very lightweight and portable
• Luggage sleeve in the back
• Stows into the front pocket
• Single main compartment
• Dimensions: 15.5" x 12.3" x 4.5"
• Weight: 0.6 lbs
• Capacity: 34 liters

Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack

The Samsonite Classic leather slim backpack is a really good option if you want a stylish and luxurious-looking backpack. It’s an absolutely gorgeous laptop bag with padded and ventilated back panel and shoulder straps. Also, it can fit two laptops, so it’s a solid option for work trips.

The only downside of this construction is that the bag is heavier than nylon and polyester backpacks. It weighs 2.5 lbs, which is a bit heavy for a backpack but nothing outrageous. This Samsonite bag has a total of three separate compartments, as well as an additional zippered pocket on the front panel.

The back compartment is padded and designed for laptops, the main compartment is spacious and features a large open sleeve, and the frontmost compartment has a convenient organizer panel with lots of pockets for small items. The zippered pocket on the front panel is more spacious than it looks, and it’s great for items you want to keep easily accessible.

There’s also the trolley sleeve in the back, which allows you to secure this to the wheel handle of a suitcase. Overall, the Samsonite backpack is one of my favorite options, not just because it looks so sleek and smart, but also because it’s extremely functional, well-made, and reasonably priced.

• Beautiful leather construction
• Three packing compartments
• Organizer panel in the front compartment
• Trolley sleeve in the back
• Ventilated back panel, padded straps
• No hip belt or sternum strap
• No side pockets
• Dimensions: 5.51 x 10.63 x 16.14
• Weight: 2.5 lbs
• Capacity: 21.2 liters

Briggs & Riley Large Cargo Backpack

The Briggs & Riley Large Cargo backpack is an excellent option if you want a carry-on bag. It’s 19” tall so it won’t work as a personal item, but it’s the perfect size to be an international carry-on. Also, it’s got a capacity of 33 liters, which should be enough for trips of 3-5 days.

The backpack is made from 1600D ballistic nylon and it’s coated for water and stain resistance. It’s got three large packing compartments, including a dedicated computer compartment in the back, a large main packing compartment, and a smaller front compartment with an organizer panel.

There are also zippered pockets on the sides, as well as two small zippered pockets on the front panel. The back panel is padded and ventilated, and there’s even padding and ventilation on the trolley sleeve.

Additionally, the Cargo backpack features RFID-safe pockets in the organizer, as well as self-repairing YKK zippers. Overall, it’s truly one of the best carry-on backpacks money can buy, but it’s quite pricey. Briggs & Riley is a high-end brand and their products are not cheap, but they justify the high prices with excellent build quality and performance.

• Large capacity
• RFID safe pockets
• Excellent organizational features
• Padded and ventilated back panel
• Dimensions: 19” x 15” x 8”
• Weight: 3.2 lbs
• Capacity: 33 liters

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Laptop Backpack

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea backpack is another interesting option for carry-on luggage. It’s not my favorite option out of the bunch because of the size; it’s too big to be a personal item but too small to properly replace a suitcase because it’s got a capacity of less than 30 liters. But if you’re traveling with checked luggage and you don’t need a maximum-size carry-on, it’s certainly an option to consider.

The backpack has a dedicated laptop compartment, a large packing compartment, and an extra front compartment with an organizer panel. There are also multiple interior and exterior pockets for easy organization, as well as a convenient luggage strap in the back.

The shoulder straps and the back panel are padded for carrying comfort, but there’s no breathable mesh on them. It’s not the most comfortable backpack to wear in hot weather, especially since there are no sternum or hip belt straps to help secure the load.

But it is a stylish, affordable laptop bag, and a seriously good option if you just want a pack that can hold your in-flight essentials. The laptop pocket comfortably fits 15.6” devices, and the organizer in the front will allow you to keep all of your must-haves handy in transit.

• Very affordable
• Padded shoulder straps
• No ventilation on the back panel
• Awkward size
• Dimensions: 7.5” x 11” x 16”
• Weight: 2 lbs
• Capacity: 28.7 liters

KROSER Laptop Backpack

The Kroser laptop backpack is a good option if you’re on a tight budget and you’re looking for affordable options. This is the most affordable backpack with a trolley sleeve I could find, and it’s a really good option for the money.

The pack has multiple packing compartments, including a padded compartment for computers in the back. There’s also padding in the shoulder straps so that the bag is comfortable to wear even when it’s filled to capacity. The back panel doesn’t feature any breathable mesh, but it does have a convenient luggage strap.

The main packing compartment is spacious and front loading, plus there are water bottle pockets on its sides. There’s also a smaller front compartment with an organizer panel, plus two small zippered pockets on the front of the bag.

On top of all that, the Kroser backpack includes a USB port for charging on the go and a water-repellant exterior. It usually retails for less than $30, so it’s a really good bag for that price point.

• Water-resistant construction
• Not the most durable option
• No breathable mesh on the back panel
• Dimensions: 17” x 12.3" x 7.6"
• Weight: 1.23 lbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using a backpack with a trolley sleeve.

The biggest advantage of using a backpack with a trolley sleeve is that you can mount it on top of your suitcase and give your shoulders a break while you’re at the airport.

Is there a difference between a luggage sleeve and a trolley sleeve?

There’s no difference between a luggage sleeve and a trolley sleeve in practice. The only difference is that “luggage sleeve” is the American English term, whereas “trolley sleeve” is a British English phrase.

Do all types of suitcases fit on the trolley sleeve of a backpack?

No, not all types of suitcases will fit on the trolley sleeve of a backpack. The sleeves are compatible only with suitcases that have a regular wheel handle. If you have luggage with a wide wheel handle, you won’t be able to mount a backpack with a trolley sleeve on top of it.

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What are the Best Travel Bags with Trolley Sleeve?

Best Suitcases , Handbags , LUGGAGE

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We’re here to recommend the best travel bags with trolley sleeve, because a trolley sleeve is one of the most helpful features a bag can have for travel! You’ll never struggle in the airport again with these top picks. 

Travel Bags with Trolley Sleeve

Table of contents.

Travelers who take both a personal item and a suitcase know the benefits of having a trolley sleeve attached to their personal item bag. You may be wondering, what is a trolley sleeve on luggage?

A trolley sleeve is a feature on a bag that slides over the luggage handle so you can keep your bag balanced on your carry-on or checked wheeled bag. It makes navigating through airports easier and can relieve the hassle or back pain of carrying a bag, plus dealing with a suitcase in crowded areas or in airport areas like food courts or washrooms!

With my  Nomad Lane Bento Bag , one of my fave personal carry on bag items, sitting on top of the  Away Suitcase

From wheeled suitcases to backpacks, weekenders, and totes, there are a variety of “personal item” travel bags with trolley sleeves nowadays. 

Our readers chose the best travel bags with trolley sleeve, so take a look at their top recommendations!

Best Travel Tote with Trolley Sleeve

Baggallini Avenue Carry-on Tote

Baggallini with Trolley Sleeve

This bag may not look like much, but it packs a punch! The Baggallini Avenue makes the best carry-on tote, with plenty of room for your personal travel accessories.

One reader says, “This bag has traveled the world with me and has the sleeve to hook over wheeled luggage. I love it. It’s small enough to fit easily under seat but can be stuffed. My MacBook Pro laptop can fit, too, if needed. Mine has lasted forever and still looks great.”

Sounds like a good candidate for the best tote bag with trolley sleeve!

Packing cubes help you organize and maximize your space!

Monos Metro Tote

Monos Tote With Trolley Sleeve

Structured and sophisticated, this Monos Metro tote is a gorgeous option made from premium vegan leather. But don’t let the luxurious look fool you—it’s incredibly low-maintenance and travel-friendly, too. Both water—and scratch-resistant, it can handle the wear and tear of travel, with plenty of pockets to keep your things tidy. 

Organizational highlights include a 14” laptop sleeve, an interior water bottle pocket, and a quick-access front pocket. 

July Everyday Large Tote

July Everyday Tote With Trolley Sleeve 

The Everyday Tote from July gives you a place for every travel essential you could need, from a water bottle pocket to a laptop compartment to various pouches for your phone, chargers, and other items. 

The exterior is water-resistant, and the interior features a coated lining that is easy to clean. Pretty hardware and leather detailing elevate this cute travel tote!

Vera Bradley Cotton Deluxe Travel Bag

Vera Bradley with Trolley Sleeve

We love this Vera Bradley bag for its sophisticated style that can take you from the gym to the airport. With signature cotton construction, tons of organizational space, and, most importantly, a helpful charging port inside, this bag has it all for travel. With its add a bag sleeve, it connects easily to your carry-on suitcase or checked bag.

If you need the best packable tote , read our list!

Briggs & Riley Luggage Tote

Briggs & Riley with Trolley Sleeve

One reader favors her Briggs & Riley tote due to its roominess. This large travel tote with luggage sleeve is made from ballistic nylon, which provides the ultimate in durability. Comfortable and luxurious leather shoulder straps make this one easy carry-on.

Plus, the dual purpose slip-through back pocket helps so that the tote bag slides over luggage handle for easy transport.The roomy main compartment allows the tote to be easily packed and organized, as it also has a zipper pocket and two elastic pockets to organize smaller items.

Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Nylon Tote

Tumi Nylon Tote with Trolley Sleeve  

TFG readers rave about this classy Tumi Voyageur tote for its versatility and trolley sleeve. Use it for your trip or the office, either way, it has everything you need!

A satisfied traveler says, “Great travel tote! It has the typical Tumi craftsmanship along with some nice features. The straps are long enough to carry the tote comfortably on your shoulder and it also has a sleeve that allows you to attach it to your rolling luggage. The inside pocket for a bottle of water is also a nice perk.”

Looking for new luggage? See expert recommendations !

Best Weekender Bag with Trolley Sleeve

Bagsmart Carry On Weekender

Bagsmart Weekender with Trolley Sleeve

The Bagsmart Carry On Weekender is the perfect sized bag for your weekend trip. It has multiple compartments for organization, a trolley sleeve for easy transportation through the airport, both short and long straps for carrying on your shoulder, and it’s carry-on compliant!

This bag has a roomy space with 1 waterproof pocket, 1 shoe bag, 1 padded laptop compartment, 1 dedicated tablet pocket, a file section and multiple accessory compartments.

Read how to choose the best travel purse !

Ecosusi Unisex Travel Weekender Bag

ECOSUSI with Trolley Sleeve

If you’re looking for a classic looking and cost-friendly tote, this ECOSUSI weekender travel bag is a great choice.

One reader says, “This is one of my favorite personal bags with a sleeve. It’s really sturdy but lightweight, and it can hold quite a bit if needed.”

Made of water-repellent nylon fabric, this travel bag has secure double top handles and solid gold hardware. It also has an adjustable padded shoulder strap for satchel or cross body style.

Plus, there’s a panel on the back so you can slide it onto your suitcase handles, which makes your travel easy and free from fatigue. This is one of the best tote bags with luggage sleeve.

Find out why the ECOSUSI duffle bag is one of the most popular under-the-seat trolley bags!

Lo & Sons O.G. 2.0 Tote Bag

Lo & Sons Tote with Trolley Sleeve

The Lo & Sons O.G. 2.0 Tote Bag   is a reader favorite and a must-get item for its handy trolley sleeve, numerous organizational pockets for essentials, and 13” laptop sleeve. It even has a side shoe compartment! 

Made from a fine weave nylon, the bag is well constructed and chic, having leather accents and water-resistant zippers. Rabid lovers of this bag say it’s excellent as an overnight option for a short trip, or ideal as a personal onboard carryon item. The consensus is the O.G 2 is the “ Perfect size, thoughtful use of pockets, has quality materials, and is very beautiful!

TFG Editor traveling with the Lo & Sons O.G. 2.0  and my  Away The Carry On Suitcase

I myself bought the O.G. 2 tote in the Grey/Silver Azure color in the large size and used it for a conference in Nashville. It went perfectly with my Away Carry On suitcase and the trolley sleeve fit over the handle with no problem!

Nomad Lane Bento Bag

Nomad Lane Bento Bag with Trolley Sleeve

The Nomad Lane Bento bag is a super choice to accompany your carry on suitcase. It opens up like a suitcase and has several organizational pockets where you can store all your in-flight essentials from a 15” laptop, to notebooks, pens, or electronic accessories like earphones. It even has room to fit a small bag of toiletries or an extra pair of shoes you may want to slip into on board! 

Editor-in-chief Alex with her  Bento bag and Monos Carryon Pro

The handy trolley sleeve allows you to hang it over luggage and It fits under many standard US airline seats. Made of nylon and vegan leather, the bag measures 17” x 8” x 10” and also has a detachable shoulder strap if you want to carry it like that.

Read   my full review on the Nomad Lane Bento bag to find out why TFG readers and I have become such great fans of this bag!

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

MZ Wallace Tote with Trolley Sleeve

One reader calls this MZ Wallace bag a “great bag that checks all the boxes.” This bag has many compartments to make organized travel a breeze.

This weekender bag with trolley sleeve is packed with amazing unique details, such as a built-in jewelry/cosmetic organizer, quick access cell phone pocket, and an optional crossbody strap.

Lightweight quilted nylon in a mix of colors and stitching detail a roomy and rugged tote with double handles. Plus, the bag comes in so many fun colors, including jute and lilac.

Calpak Luka Duffel

Calpak Luka Duffle with Trolley Sleeve 

Readers rave about the Calpak Luka duffel , highlighting the organizational features, quality construction, and cute, puffy exterior. 

You can easily pack it for a weekend adventure, with an exterior shoe compartment and a spacious interior featuring multiple pockets. TFGs also love using this bag as their personal item, and with its water-resistant and scratch-resistant exterior, it can definitely handle the rigors of travel! 

If you’re traveling with extra gear and need a little extra space, take a look at the large version !

BÉIS The Mini Weekender Travel Bag

Beis Weekender Bag with Trolley Sleeve

You’ll look so chic with this Beis Mini Weekender bag propped on your suitcase! Its minimalist style is simple; it has a wide-opening main compartment that features a padded laptop sleeve and a separate bottom compartment for shoes. With everything neatly tucked away in its designated spot, you’ll be able to breeze through the airport and have your things easily within reach during your flight. 

Need some extra room? The Beis weekender bag with trolley sleeve also comes in a standard size that offers all the same features with even more packing space.

Need to pack light, carry-on only? Watch this video !

Vera Bradley Iconic Travel Weekender Bag

Vera Bradley Weekender with Trolley Sleeve 

Our readers love Vera Bradley travel bags with trolley sleeve, and so many recommended the Iconic Weekender bag .

One reader says, “I have the Vera Bradley weekender bag with trolley sleeve. I love it and used it for my trip to Vancouver and Vancouver Island. It worked great.”

Another reader adds, “It’s what I used last week when I had to do an overnight in the hospital with one of my small humans. It’s a great bag for travel or ‘weekender’-esque stuff.”

This bag has a fully zippered front compartment and two back slip pockets, along with a wide opening with double zippers and a sturdy, removable base. Plus, it has a trolley sleeve to slip over your roller luggage.

If you’re looking for a briefcase with trolley sleeve, this style bag would be a great option.

Traveling with a laptop? Check out these business backpacks!

Best Carry-on Bag with Trolley Sleeve

Travelpro Lightweight Underseater Tote Bag

Travelpro Underseater with Trolley Sleeve

The Travelpro Lightweight Underseater Tote Bag  is a great compact option if you’re looking for the best travel totes with trolley sleeve. This bag can work as a carry-on and fits nicely under the airplane seat or in the compartment above.

It has a pull up handle as well as a Velcro strap to make taking it on and off your luggage simple.

This bag also comes in a variety of colors to match your luggage and keep you stylish on your travels!

See our list of the best carry-on luggage !

Quince All-Day Neoprene Duffle Bag

Quince Duffle Bag With Trolley Sleeve

While this Quince All-Day duffel bag has a structured and boxy shape, its neoprene construction keeps it flexible and easy to pack. The fabric is one of the standout features — it not only has a luxe and pretty look but is rugged, water-resistant, and made from 100% recycled materials. 

Interior pockets and a padded laptop sleeve will keep your things organized and accessible. Users also praise the removable pouch that comes with it, which makes the perfect bag for your daily adventures!

Matein Daypack with Trolley Sleeve

This travel daypack by Matein is definitely one of the most stylish travel bags with trolley sleeves on our list. It comes in a variety of colors, and it has a classic look.

The best part about this bag is that it’s actually a backpack with luggage handle sleeve! When you’re traveling, you can wear this bag on your back, and it will go well with any of your cute outfits from your capsule wardrobe . Then, when you’re running through the airport, just slip this backpack with luggage sleeve over your suitcase handle.

Check out these cute backpacks for travel !

The Everywhere Carry On Bag with Trolley Sleeve

Away Everywhere Bag with Trolley Sleeve

Away’s Everywhere Bag is conveniently compact, yet incredibly packable with help from its stellar organizational features! This bag is equipped with tons of useful pockets designed for everything from water bottles to notebooks, plus it has a padded 15” laptop sleeve and a key clip to keep your valuables safe and secure. 

Its beautifully sleek exterior is made of water-resistant nylon and is accentuated with leather details. A reader shares more, “Love it. Plenty of room and not heavy. It also has a back pocket that’s great for a passport and tickets when going through TSA.

Samsonite Softside Luggage Under-Seater

Samsonite Under Seater with Trolley Sleeve 

Samsonite makes some of our favorite luggage, and one reviewer calls this rolling tote a wonderful bag, saying “I was able to fit everything I needed for a whole week trip. This bag is smaller than a carry-on, but you can pack it full of stuff.”

And, the best part is that it’s a bag that slides over your luggage handle so you can take a regular size carry-on without needing to wheel them separately.

This tote is one of the best carry-on bags with trolley sleeve with multiple pockets for organization. The inside has a roomy main compartment with a foam padded pocket that offers protective storage for your iPad or laptop, interior pockets to organize toiletries, personal items, and small accessories, and side pockets to hold water bottles or magazines. A slip through band on the back allows this bag to be slipped over the handles of your upright luggage, too.

Learn how to choose a carry-on personal item !

Tumi Voyager Celina Nylon Backpack

Tumi Nylon Backpack with Trolley Sleeve

The highly popular lightweight Tumi backpack is easy to carry and because it’s made of nylon, spills will easily wipe off. The back trolley sleeve is thick enough so it’ll stay strapped to your suitcase even if you’re running to catch your flight!

One user says, “ Got it two weeks ago and it’s been on two flights so far. Easily holds my laptop and my tablet. Roomy extra pockets for chargers, earbuds, phone, bottle water, etc. When empty it’s very lightweight so no added bulk. Nylon feels strong enough to hold up to regular wear.”

The small zippered compartment has plenty of pockets to keep you organized and the interior has extra cushioning to keep your laptop protected. And the trolley sleeve is handy to slide over luggage handles at the airport! Also available in Tumi website.

Best Alternative to a Trolley Sleeve

Bag Strap Carry On Bungee Travel

Travelon Bag Bungee

Have a travel bag you love but it doesn’t have a trolley sleeve? There’s a solution for that!

Add a bag bungee, like this one from Travelon! With this bungee, you can connect two items as one. You can fix one bag, laptop case, or other item to your wheeled travel luggage handle.

One reader says, “I’ve been using the Bag Strap Carry On Bungee Travel all week. It makes my XL Longchamp Pliage bag work fine with my IT hardside carry on.” Another adds, “I love mine!”

What are your recommendations for the best travel bags with trolley sleeve? Share in the comments below!

For suggested travel gear, please read:

• Best Under Seat Luggage
• How to Choose the Best Luggage Organizer
• Top 10 Toiletry Bags for Travel
• Best Hanging Toiletry Bag for Women
• Best Anti-theft Travel Accessories

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25 comments.

I can’t say enough good things about my Lily & drew bag with the trolley sleeve. Sophisticated look but very practical. Plenty of compartments to feel organized. Fits perfectly on my Monos carryon.

Calpak Terra is my new favorite – holds so much!!

Than you for such great recommendations! If I don’t have a good carryon bag my trip just seems off. I really need to feel organized on the plane. I think the Nomad Lane bento bag will check off all my boxes for the perfect bag. Can’t wait to get mine. Appreciate the great review that helped find the perfect bag.

I bought the Baggalli Avenue Carry-On Tote about a year ago after reading this blog post and have taken it on several major trips since then. Thank you for the recommendation because it just what I needed! Excellent quality, lots of compartments, great look. I love it and foresee traveling with it for many years to come!

These are great suggestions! Thank you 🙂

I am the person who uses the sleeve and the bungee. I like the bungee that snap close better than the ones that slip over the handle.

Many Lug bags have trolley sleeves. The bags are extremely well made and reasonably priced.

Thank you for sharing your recommendation with us Sandy!

I was gifted a Rimowa Essential Lite and it has one handle instead of two. I had an underseat bag with a trolley, but it just swings around the handle. I bought a new one thinking it was my underseat bag, but the new one does the same thing. I’ve searched for something to use that would be more secure, but I haven’t seen anything. A call to the company (Rimowa) was of little help. They can’t change the handle and since I used the bag (once), they won’t exchange. Any suggestions?

Hi Charlene, I am really sorry to hear about the problems you have been having. To get the best help with your predicament, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and recommendations. And I am sure someone in the community will be able to help you out.

Love this info! Thanks

This is super helpful. I didn’t know bags with trolley sleeves even existed.

I am looking for a lightweight trolley bag. I think some of them are rather heavy and I need light weight due to my back issues. Which of these bags mentioned is the latest one. Thank you very much for your help.

I bought a new suitcase that has a wide pull up handle. The luggage sleeve needs to be 10 inches. Is there anything offered that will fit?

I adore both my Tumi Carson backpack and my Vera Bradley bag collection. I could run away from home permanently with just the Vera Bradley deluxe travel tote, the bottom zippered compartment is amazingly large! Love this blog too! We travel one week out of the month at minimum and I have field tested a million bags (it seems). I keep coming back to my Rimowa trolley and one of my Tumi bags (I have a “doctors bag” style that is no longer in production that holds more than the backpack) or a Vera Bradley. Trolley sleeves are non-negotiable for me.

I am a “bag” lady. I have so many. I travel quite a bit and have been in search of the perfect travel bag specfically for my personal item on my flight. I own a Bagallini tote with trolley sleeve, Longchamp Le Pliage (large) tote, Briggs & Riley rolling tote, etc. I purchased a Knomo brand Grosvenor Place bag just before my 2 week trip to Europe and love it. It has a built in RFID pocket on the outside, lots of separate pockets inside and out that help keep my stuff organized during flight and it has zippers on the sides so if I need it to expand out no problem. When I’m not traveling I use it for my work bag and keep the sides zipped in. Its very well made and yes, they are expensive but worth it to me. The best part – all Knomo brand bags have an ID number that you can register so if you ever lose it and someone finds it all they have to do is type in your specific code listed on the inside label and Knomo will assist to get the bag returned to you. It has a trolley sleeve as well that you can zip closed so when not using for travel it can be used as another pocket. The sleeve fit over my Briggs & Riley carry on – no problem. (not all of the trolley sleeves are wide enough for that handle.) The Knomo is very chic looking. It is currently my go to bag because it is so multi-purpose. However, I take the Longchamp as my roll-up tote in my suitcase for my purchases when I travel. It works great for that or as a weekender.

FYI – For my travel purse, I use the Lululemon All Night Festival Bag. It is a very lightweight crossbody, easy to stuff into your carry-on or personal item, and it saved me from a pickpocket on a crowded Paris Metro due to its fold-over design.

Hi Marlaine, thank you for sharing your great reviews of the purses you use to travel with. Really enjoyed reading your comment, love reading about our readers favorite products. Happy travels! ?

I also have the Lo&Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote, and its amazing! I traded in my regular canvas one for the recycled poly black bag, which is better for me because I tend to be hard on my bags when travelling. It fits perfectly on my carry-on and under airplane seats. The best feature is the bag has a separate (though, it can become part of the upper bag if needed) compartment for shoes on the bottom. It fits my motorcycle ankle boots perfectly. And, it holds a ton!

Hi Ellen, so pleased to hear you are so happy with your Lo&Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote. Thank you for sharing your awesome review with us! Happy travels! ?

I was looking for a bag with a trolley sleeve before your article came out . After reading another site for reviews, I purchased a Lo & Sons: Catalina Deluxe Tote. I have not tried it yet on my carry-on but have used it as a stand-alone weekend bag. I like that it relatively lightweight & it has a second compartment underneath the bag which is handy for shoes or other items.

Hi Maureen, thank you for sharing your great review of your Lo & Sons bag with us! Happy travels! ?

The Sasha (used to be called Sherpa) Kipling tote is awesome!

Hi Julie, thank you for sharing your recommendation for a bag with a trolley sleeve, we love hearing about our readers favorite go to product!!! Happy travels!

I purchased my Vera Bradley Weekender based on feedback here. I’ve taken it on three trips. What I love about it is the ability to squish down for under the seat storage as long as I don’t overpack it. It’s a softside, so you can easily squeeze it in this bag size checkers if you need to. I bring it onboard along with my carryon and I’ve never been stopped. It is slightly larger than allowable personal bag sizes, so don’t let that scare you.

Hi Emilyn, thank you so much for your feedback! Thank you for sharing it 🙂

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10 Spacious Backpacks and Bags From Amazon That Are Perfect for Work and Travel — All Under $50

Roomy, versatile, and functional, these top-rated bags are perfect for every kind of commuter and traveler.

Travel + Leisure

I, like millions of other people across the globe, stepped into an office for the first time since the pandemic recently. Aside from having to navigate a new work commute and the anxious butterflies that come with meeting your colleagues face-to-face, building a proper work wardrobe has been one of the more… unexpectedly difficult tasks of leaving my work-from-home lifestyle behind. Finding a commuter-friendly bag that keeps me organized without costing an arm and a leg has been even more of a challenge.

Recently, though, I began digging for one on Amazon, and I’m happy to report that I’ve already found 10 contenders that put organization and function at the forefront. The best part? They’re all under $50. From tech-friendly commuter backpacks to sleek, multi-pocket storage totes , the following bags have all made it into my Amazon wish list. With so many individualized features, they'll suit your daily needs and even come in handy for travel.

Beraliy Hanples Extra Large Travel Backpack

I love how compact this $40 travel backpack is. It’s small enough to fit TSA’s carry-on size restrictions and has four buckle straps on the sides that, when tightened, can help compress bulky clothes and items you’ve packed inside. Available in nine colors, it can fit up to a 17-inch laptop and has all the bells and whistles you could wish for in a commuter bag: an adjustable chest strap for back support, a charging cable opening for your phone, a shockproof laptop compartment, multiple pockets, a mesh water bottle holder, and handles on the top and side for easy carrying.

Yorepek Travel Backpack

Available in eight different colors, this $28 extra-large travel backpack from Yorepek has earned over 38,000 five-star ratings, and for good reason. Not only does it have a built-in USB charging port, a separate padded laptop sleeve, and numerous hidden compartments, but it also can hold up to six days' worth of travel clothes at once. I love how many individual pockets this bag has; the front zipper pocket alone has four differently-sized pockets meant to hold your wallet, keys, smartphone, and favorite pen. 

Light Flight Travel Backpack

This travel backpack from Light Flight is proof that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for function. Available in two sizes and 10 different colors, this bag is gorgeously minimalistic on the outside while providing maximum storage opportunities for tech gear inside — like a padded laptop sleeve, a padded tablet sleeve, a computer mouse pocket, a keyboard pocket, and a charging cable pocket. A hidden anti-theft pocket at the back is perfect for stashing your phone, while the hidden USB charging port pocket on the side gives you easy access to your smartphone charger. This backpack might just be the smallest commuter bag on this list, but one reviewer shared that “it proved to be a great size” and was more spacious and durable than they imagined it would be. Score! 

Hap Tim Travel Backpack

This tech-friendly waterproof backpack stands out in a crowd thanks to its asymmetrical design features and unique color combinations. It’s roomy enough to hold anything and everything you’d need for a weekend trip away or commute into the office and has plenty of individual compartments made to keep your laptop, tablet, notebooks, and files tucked neatly away. The padded shoulder straps and back panel provide comfort on longer treks, and the wide opening of the main compartment allows for easy access to your belongings. 

Lovevook Travel Backpack

Lovevook has several different commuter-friendly bags featured on its Amazon storefront , but this $37 travel backpack, available in 35 different colors, might be my favorite of the bunch. It has plenty of design details that many other travel backpacks do not, including exposed golden metal zippers, a bucket-style zippered top, and a beautiful striped lining inside. The main compartment expands to fit everything you need for the day: It can comfortably hold a laptop, a tablet, a water bottle, an umbrella, over-ear headphones, and multiple notebooks all at once. The luggage strap, USB charging port, and hidden wipe compartment add extra convenience for work commutes and long-haul flights alike.  

SwissGear 3598 Backpack 

SwissGear is an industry leader in the travel bag space, and this commuter backpack further proves it. Equipped with reflective safety strips for nighttime visibility, this backpack was built for all-day comfort, featuring padded shoulder straps and a padded, airflow-promoting back vent panel that’ll keep you cool while biking, hiking, and walking. It comes with multiple individual pockets, including a padded tablet sleeve, a mesh water bottle pocket, and an easy-access front panel pocket constructed to hold your pens, charging cables, phone, and beyond. According to this reviewer , the SwissGear 3598 earns bonus points for being incredibly lightweight. Thanks to this and the padded design, it helped the same reviewer use “this backpack on a six-hour hike through rough terrain and never felt that it was uncomfortable to carry.”

Nubily Laptop Tote Bag

This chic commuter tote bag looks deceivingly simple on the outside — open it up, however, and you’ll find a bevy of different organizational compartments perfect for hauling your belongings to the office. Hidden inside is a padded laptop compartment, a tablet compartment, a wallet-sized interior zip pocket, pen slots, slip pockets, and a larger zippered compartment perfect for keeping important documents safe. The exterior, made with a waterproof PU leather material, is quite beautiful. Featuring shiny metal hardware, an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, protective metal feet on the bottom, and adjustable buckled shoulder straps, this luxurious bag only costs $35. 

Elektronik Travel Duffel Bag

This $26 travel duffel bag is great for long commutes, but it also works well as a weekender bag, a gym bag, or even a carry-on. Available in 16 fresh colorways (the purple and light green shades are my favorites), this waterproof nylon bag hosts a built-in USB charging port, a vented shoe compartment at the bottom, a luggage trolley strap for attaching to a rolling suitcase, a padded adjustable shoulder strap, and a removable toiletry bag. Reviewers love the quality of this bag in comparison to the low price point, with one reviewer saying, “Whether I’m tossing it in the trunk of my car or stashing it in an overhead bin, I have full confidence that this bag can handle whatever life throws its way.”

Kalesi Duffel Backpack

I lift weights every day before work, so I’ve been looking for a commuter backpack that can double as a gym bag. This heavy-duty Kalesi duffel backpack, priced at $40 and available in 23 different colors, might take the cake. Not only does it have a padded sleeve for laptop safekeeping, but it also has a hidden shoe compartment that's perfect for stashing my lifting sneakers in. Made with a waterproof and scratch-resistant Oxford fabric, this versatile duffel backpack has removable back and shoulder straps that allow you to transform it into a shoulder bag or crossbody bag. Equipped with two water bottle side pockets, a roomy main compartment, and multiple different zippered pockets, this bag is perfect for housing your work belongings and the gear you use outside of your 9 to 5 job.  

Lovevook Work Tote Bag

This Lovevook tote bag is sleek and functional. Made with a water-repellant PU leather material, it comes with a built-in USB port that you can connect to a power bank for hands-off phone charging and adjustable, detachable straps that turn it into a shoulder bag. Inside the main compartment is a padded laptop pocket, a water bottle pocket, and multiple smaller pockets along the sides. The front zippered compartment's pockets are specifically made to hold pens, smart pads, a smartphone, and a wallet.

Organizational details aside, this bag is undeniably gorgeous. Available in eight colors, it can be worn to work, the airport, and beyond. One five-star reviewer wrote, “I love all the compartments for organization, the size is perfect, and it’s really stylish and classic. I get a lot of compliments, too.” 

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12 Best Personal Item Bags & Underseat Luggage in 2024

Last Updated: August 21, 2024

As a steadfast minimalist one-bag traveler who avoids baggage fees like the plague, I’m pleased to share with you the best personal item bags of 2024.

I’ll admit it: I’m a bit frugal and curmudgeonly when it comes to paying extra for carry-on or checked luggage.

The money I spend on my plane ticket should mark the end of my airline-related expenses, dang it.

To help you find the right bag, I’ve rigorously tested and reviewed a variety of backpacks, totes, shoulder bags, duffels, and rolling luggage so you don’t have to.

And I stuck to upper-echelon brands like TOM BIHN, GORUCK, Matador, and Zpacks.

There are no cheap knockoffs here.

This buyer’s guide will also discuss the features to consider and which bags will best match your style of traveling.

Toward the end of this post, you’ll find a summary of permissible luggage sizes for various popular airlines.

Best Personal Item Bags of 2024

• Types of Personal Item-Sized Bags • Ultralight & Ultra-Efficient Backpack: Zpacks Bagger ULTRA 25 • Full-Featured & Comfortable Backpack: TOM BIHN Techonaut 30 • Lightweight Packable Daypack: Matador Freerain22 • Camera + Tech + Electronics Pack: Lowepro Flipside BP 300 AW III • Durable & Functional Duffel: GORUCK Aviator Kit Bag 2.0 • Minimalist Ultralight Duffel: UltraLiteSacks • High-End Personal Item Tote: Mission Workshop Drift • Tried-and-True Shoulder Bag: Timbuk2 Messenger • Ultimate Shoulder Sling: Peak Design Everyday Sling • Simple & Stylish Briefcase: TOM BIHN Daylight • Hard Cover Luggage with Wheels: Samsonite Novaire • Mini Rolling Soft Luggage: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside • Why I Travel with Only a Personal Item Bag • Factors We Consider When Choosing Products • Final Thoughts: Best Personal Item Bags of 2024

Types of Personal Item Sized Bags

Not all bags are the same.

Not all travelers are the same.

Each bag on this list has specific pros & cons to consider.

Here are the most popular styles of underseat luggage:

I like to move nimbly when I travel, and a wheeled bag or duffel makes me less agile.

I fit everything I need conveniently onto my back, so that’s how I roll.

Backpacks make life on the go much more doable.

I understand some people can’t wear backpacks because of back pain or other health issues.

Consider a duffel bag, tote, or wheeled suitcase instead if that’s the case.

Duffel bags are a great no-fuss solution to personal item-sized bag travel.

A duffel is ideal when you need extra space to bring a few extra things outside your main luggage.

They also help maximize your storage space compared to the other two options above.

A duffel can be slightly more annoying to carry than a backpack; however, you can fit a wider variety of stuff inside one since they’re reasonably malleable and fit into oddly shaped spaces (like beneath airplane seats).

I recently traveled to Vietnam for a month with only a messenger bag.

I’d have chosen no bag at all if I didn’t need my laptop and other work essentials.

I could fit my laptop, a change of clothes, and a few personal items in my messenger bag, but nothing else.

But not everyone is a minimalist travel junkie.

Even so, if you still have an extra bag in addition to your carry-on, a messenger is a quality solution and should fit all the stuff you need during your flight.

We’ve included some top-shelf options for wheeled mini carry-on bags that’ll fit under the seat ahead of you.

Soft- or hard-roller bags are best for those wanting more protection for their belongings or anyone who doesn’t want to carry a backpack or duffel bag for long periods.

If you’re flying frequently, however, a hard case may not be the best style of bag for you.

A roller case is awkward to carry, and not every destination is roller luggage friendly.

I’ve visited bustling locations where this luggage style simply wouldn’t work.

Ultra Lightweight Personal Item Backpack Zpacks Bagger ULTRA 25

MSRP : $249 Capacity : 25L Weight : 10.7 oz

Zpacks is far and away my favorite ultralight minimalist gear brand, as they’re consistently raising the bar for lightweight and functional equipment.

The Bagger ULTRA 25 is a backpack designed for fast and light trips, as it’s made from waterproof ULTRA fabric and weighs in at a minuscule 10.7 ounces.

This is my go-to travel backpack for trips I take without my bulky camera gear .

For trips where I do bring my camera along, I use the slightly more spacious and well-padded TOM BIHN Techonaut 30, the following recommendation on this list.

Between the two bags, I slightly prefer my Zpacks.

Thanks to its super durable, lightweight, and waterproof ULTRA material, the Bagger is perfect for ultralight gear nerds or anyone aiming to cut their pack weight and brave the elements.

It’s an incredibly functional and versatile option for personal-item-sized bag travel, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Why We Like the Bagger ULTRA 25: It’s as lightweight a backpack as you’ll find at 25 liters. It’s completely waterproof, has dual water bottle holders, and is surprisingly comfortable to haul, considering its lightweight shoulder straps.

What to Keep in Mind: This isn’t the most visually appealing bag, and it’s not cheap either.

Full-Featured & Super Comfortable Backpack TOM BIHN Techonaut 30

MSRP : $392 Capacity : 30L Weight : 2 lb 9 oz

The TOM BIHN Techonaut 30 is a 30-liter backpack ideal for digital nomads like myself or for one-bag personal item travelers who crave the best gear.

Made from high-quality, water-resistant materials, it features a padded back panel and cushy shoulder straps for maximum comfort.

It can also be converted into a shoulder/duffel bag by purchasing an Absolute Shoulder Strap.

I love this bag’s isolated laptop compartment and the abundance of well-placed pockets that help keep travelers organized.

It’s a well-balanced bag that’s effortless to wear, easy to adjust, and can haul significant weight comfortably thanks to its internal frame.

My one nitpick is its zippered water bottle pocket, which can get a bit tight when the bag is fully packed.

I’d have preferred a more accessible pocket (or two) as you’ll find in the Bagger ULTRA, but I understand entirely TOM BIHN keeping to their sleek and zipped-up style.

All in all, this is a heck of a bag.

Why We Like the Techonaut 30: It’s an incredibly versatile, comfortable, stylish, and functional bag that can also serve as a duffel. We think it’s the perfect pack to consider if you’re pondering becoming a one-bag traveler.

What to Keep in Mind: The nearly $400 price tag is high, but think of this bag as a decades-long travel investment.

Packable Daypack Matador Freerain22

MSRP : $100 Capacity : 22L Weight : 10.6 oz

The waterproof Freerain22 packable daypack from Matador has a tiny footprint when compressed and can be stashed away in your carry-on or checked luggage.

It’s perfect for someone who needs space for extra items on the return trip and wants weatherproof protection when exploring.

Although small and lightweight, this bag packs a punch.

Its 22-liter capacity is excellent for carrying all your necessities, whether in-flight or as an around-town daypack.

It is, however, on the small side for single-bag travel, so look elsewhere if you’re only taking one bag.

Much like any other packable daypack, the Freerain22 forgoes padding on the back panel and shoulder straps to maximize its compression capabilities.

No, this bag won’t be the most comfortable on the list, but it is the most packable.

Why We Like the Freerain22: This bag packs down very small and can function as a daypack or a vessel to haul around extra stuff you accumulate on the road. It’s completely waterproof and has an impressive set of features.

What to Keep in Mind: There is zero back padding, and the shoulder straps are thin mesh; this isn’t designed to be the most comfortable bag in the world.

Camera + Electronics + Tech Backpack Lowepro Flipside BP 300 AW III

MSRP : $179 Capacity : 27L Weight : 3 lb 3 oz

Depending on where and why I’m traveling, I like to keep my fragile gadgets close at hand.

Cameras, lenses, chargers, laptops, and tablets all deserve a safe and secure home during my wanderings.

If you pack expensive cameras and tech gear like me, look no further than this beauty.

Popular among photographers and videographers, the Lowepro Flipside BP 300 AW III keeps gear safe and snug without unnecessary frills that add to its size.

Its padding is generous but not cumbersome, and its back panel zipper access to the main compartment is an unconventional yet effective feature.

For rare trips that require me to bring all of my cameras, lenses, and tripods, I’ll pack my tech gear in this bag and throw my clothes and other belongings in my Bagger ULTRA 25.

Why We Like the Flipside BP 300 AW III: From its smooth zippers to its ample (but not bulky) padding, we love every single feature on the Flipside. This is an extremely well-made bag that will thrive for photographers and videographers.

What to Keep in Mind: This pack’s main compartment is accessed through the back of the pack. For larger photography setups, consider a bigger bag (like the Flipside 500 AW II ).

Durable & Functional Duffel Bag GORUCK Aviator Kit Bag 2.0

MSRP : $150 Capacity : 32L Weight : 2 lb 9 oz

Pro travelers who need more features than the UltraLiteSacks duffel listed below should check out the GORUCK Aviator Kit Bag 2.0 for their next adventure.

It’s a sturdy and practical piece that’ll thrive during your travels, everyday life, and anywhere between.

This duffel is made from burly 1000D Cordura nylon and sports three exterior and three interior zipper pockets (six total) to keep your gear organized and accessible during travel.

It’s protected by a ‘You Break It, We Fix It’ guarantee, though it’s so durable, I doubt you’ll ever need it.

Though I don’t use my Aviator Kit Bag for one-bag travel (I definitely could), it has become my all-time favorite gym bag.

It’s remarkably durable and has the perfect amount of internal storage to stash my beverages, shoes, protein powder, extra clothing, and other odds and ends.

I love it so much that I’m actively seeking out my next piece of GORUCK gear.

Why We Like the Aviator Kit Bag 2.0: In terms of build quality, durability, functionality, and attention to detail, it doesn’t get much better than GORUCK. If you like traveling with a personal item duffel bag, this is the one for you.

What to Keep in Mind: GORUCK doesn’t offer free shipping, no matter how much money you spend.

Minimalist Ultralight Duffel Bag UltraLiteSacks

MSRP : $149 Capacity : 35L Weight : 11.4 oz

Like the Zpacks Bagger, the UltraLikeSacks duffel is made from space-age ULTRA fabric.

And while this bag doesn’t offer all of the fancy features of the GORUCK duffel above, it’s still very functional for use as a carry-on or under-seat bag.

It’ll thrive for those who need a lightweight duffel that can haul serious loads.

I’m visiting Japan next winter, and I plan to use this bag to pack all of my ski apparel — gloves, insulated pants, puffy jacket, collapsible poles, boots — and will slide it underneath the seat in front of me.

Certain bags serve specific purposes in life, and this one’s calling is a gear hauler.

This is a no-frills duffel, which begs the question: why is it 150 bucks?

Well, you’re paying for cutting-edge materials, impeccable attention to detail, and hand-made-in-the-USA build quality.

This bag shouldn’t fray, tear, or explode when stuffing it, and it’s as lightweight and packable as you could ask for.

Why We Like the UltraLiteSacks Duffel: It’s just like our favorite ditty bag but jumbo-sized and fitted with handles and straps. It’s incredibly lightweight, fully waterproof, and will pack down into your main bag with ease.

What to Keep in Mind: With one main compartment and zero frills, this duffel is as minimalist as they come.

High-End Personal Item Tote Mission Workshop Drift

MSRP : $335 Capacity : 28L Weight : 2 lb 13 oz

What can I say?

I’m a sucker for top-shelf products that are made in the U.S.A.

Just like the Aviator Kit Bag I mentioned earlier, this functional tote from Mission Workshop offers second-to-none quality from a brand that keeps business in America and supports hard-working fabricators.

The Drift is tailor-made for professionals who demand performance from everything in life, including the bags they carry.

This tote will stash away your electronics, clothes, travel necessities, and other fixings in its array of thoughtful pockets and sleeves.

Versatile totes like this can be carried like a briefcase, slung over your shoulder like a duffel, and (you guessed it) slide underneath the airplane seat in front of you.

So, why not take all that money you’ll save on baggage fees and invest in a slick bag like this?

Why We Like the Drift: We’re gear snobs who value attention to detail and handmade products from high-end materials; this bag checks all the boxes for us. It’s a technical work of art and will last for a very long time.

What to Keep in Mind: It’s pretty expensive, but just like the TOM BIHN Techonaut , you’re getting an exceptional bag that’s made in America.

Tried-and-True Shoulder Bag Timbuk2 Messenger Bag

MSRP : $129 Capacity : 25L Weight : 1 lb 11 oz

I considered traveling “bagless” on a recent trip to Vietnam, but I still needed something to hold my laptop and carry-on items.

I purchased a cheap knockoff messenger bag and quickly regretted not grabbing this Timbuk2 instead.

I won’t name names, but the knockoff bag was frumpy and dug painfully into my shoulder.

Reviews of the Timbuk2 Messenger told a different story, however: It’s comfy to wear, looks fantastic, and puts a little extra glide in your stride. It pays to buy quality.

Those who travel frequently for work would find a messenger bag like this perfect for hauling their laptop, tablet, cords, chargers, and other mobile office essentials.

Pair it with a well-packed overhead carry-on, and you’ll be in great shape.

Why We Like the Timbuk2 Messenger Bag: It comes in a variety of different sizes and colors, so you can pick the perfect match to suit your travel style. It’s reasonably priced, weather-resistant, and has top-notch internal organization.

What to Keep in Mind: It’s hard to find any nitpicks with this bag!

Ultimate Shoulder Sling Peak Design Everyday Sling

MSRP : $120 Capacity : 6L Weight : 1 lb 3 oz

Being a minimalist and writing about minimalist gear can be challenging.

Not wanting to be weighed down by my possessions is constantly at odds with all the nifty minimalist gadgets and gear I found while researching these articles.

That rings especially true with this shoulder sling from Peak Design.

The Everyday Sling is a sleek and stylish shoulder sling that keeps your EDC essentials and valuables close at hand, safe from the elements, and sitting comfortably on the small of your back.

Savvy travelers could wear the Everyday Sling around their waist and rock a personal item sized backpack as they board their flight to avoid baggage fees.

Why not try? Doing so could add a few extra liters of storage to your minimalist packing setup.

Why We Like the Everyday Sling: We lug mirrorless cameras around when we travel, so we appreciate products that protect our expensive gear. This rock-solid crossbody sling comes in three sizes and is protected by a lifetime warranty.

What to Keep in Mind: At six liters, this is the smallest bag on this list. Don’t expect it to hold much more than a camera, tablet, snacks, and other small travel essentials.

Simple & Stylish Briefcase TOM BIHN Daylight

MSRP : $93 Capacity : 8L Weight : 12.7 oz

TOM BIHN makes its second appearance on this list of the best personal item bags for 2024.

That’s because the Daylight is a well-designed and functional briefcase suitable for travel, work, and trips to the coffee shop.

The Daylight’s main compartment and multiple organizing pockets keep your businessy stuff exactly where you need it.

With comfy straps, well-placed pockets, and a lightweight design, you’ll glide around airports with ease.

Much like the Timbuk2 Messenger Bag, I’d recommend the Daylight for digital nomads and those who embark on frequent work trips.

Pair it with one of TOM BIHN’s exceptional carry-on travel backpacks if you’re feeling especially frisky.

Why We Like the Daylight: What’s not to love? We’re big TOM BIHN fans, and this bag highlights their commitment to practical, well-made travel gear. It’ll work great for coffee shop hopping with your laptop, tablet, headphones, and other essentials.

What to Keep in Mind: At the time of writing this, the Daylight is unfortunately out of stock. Sign up to get notified when it’s available again.

Hard Cover Luggage with Wheels Samsonite Novaire Wheeled Underseater

MSRP : $220 Capacity : Not listed Weight : 6 lb 12 oz

Do you need extra protection for your belongings or have trouble carrying backpacks or shoulder bags?

If so, a classic roller bag might be the solution. This Samsonite Novaire Wheeled Underseater is a shining example of mobile hardside style.

It has all the classic design features of a roller carry-on, but it’s minified.

The Novaire fits under most airline seats while taking full advantage of every last square inch allowed by travel regulations.

Yeah, it’s a bit like a tiny tank, but that can be a good thing on the road.

Because it’s sturdy, rigid, and has wheels, you will sacrifice some space inside the bag to adhere to personal item dimensions requirements.

That said, it’ll work wonders for those who don’t want the strain of a backpack, duffel, or messenger bag.

Why We Like the Novaire: Wheeled underseat luggage is hard to come by, but Samsonite has executed it well. This bag has integrated USB ports, a feature you won’t find on any other bag on this list.

What to Keep in Mind: At 6.8 pounds, this is the heaviest bag on the list (and it’s also the most rigid). It might be a tight squeeze under the seat in front of you when fully packed.

Mini Rolling Luggage Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside

MSRP : $170 Capacity : 26L Weight : 5 lb 8 oz

Like the Samsonite above, many people choose this style of roll-around bag because it’s often more convenient and comfy than totes, backpacks, and duffels that hang off the body.

But unlike the rigid Novaire, the Maxlite 5 is soft-sided and can be shaped and flattened as needed.

Despite its soft sides, the TravelPro Maxlite still offers plenty of protection.

It comes in a compact, 5-pound version that slides easily under airline seats and a spacious 9-pound model that should trigger gate fees on many airlines.

Choose your size carefully.

If I were torn between the hard-sided Samsonite and the soft-sided Travelpro, I’d lean towards the latter.

As long as you don’t absolutely beat up your bag, hard-sided carry-on luggage can be a bit overkill.

Oh, and did I mention the soft-sided roller is half the price?

Why We Like the Maxlite 5 Softside: Assuming you don’t overpack it, the Maxlite 5 Softside should fit like a glove underneath the seat in front of you. It’s well-reviewed, priced to sell, and backed by a lifetime warranty.

What to Keep in Mind: Like the Samsonite above, this bag will be a bit heavier and bulkier than a backpack, messenger bag, tote, or duffel.

Why I Travel With Only a Personal Item Sized Bag

I choose to travel with less. Less stuff means less weight dragging me down.

That makes it easier to navigate crowded airports or to flag down my Uber.

I shudder at the sight of folks pulling their entire wardrobe around in a 50+ pound monstrosity on wheels.

What’s the secret of being a light and nimble traveler?

Bring. Less. Stuff.

Obvious, yes, but packing light isn’t always easy to execute.

Years ago, I could be seen lugging around an 80-liter behemoth, but eventually, I embraced a minimalist lifestyle, and everything fell into place.

I recently returned from Europe after six weeks carrying only a 25-liter personal item bag.

I now save significant time and money by never paying gate fees for a bag.

I use the extra cash to treat myself to better meals and memorable travel experiences.

And I don’t miss the time I used to waste chasing lost baggage or standing shoulder-to-shoulder around the luggage carousel, hoping my bag would emerge in one piece.

The ‘secret’ of being a nimble traveler is to always avoid checking your luggage.

Commit to fitting everything you need in your overhead compartment bag or the personal item bag by your feet.

“Easier said than done,” you may say, but try it the next time you fly.

It’s liberating.

Factors We Considered When Choosing Products

What qualifies a bag for our ‘best of’ list?

After getting our hands on several products, putting them through their paces, scouring numerous forums, product reviews, and videos, we decided to use the following criteria:

Size & Dimensions

First and foremost, carry-on bags must fit in the space regulations allow.

Specifically, a “personal items” handbag, backpack, or purse must fit under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin.

Some budget airlines measure your bag at the gate by testing whether it fits inside an official sizing slot.

If it doesn’t fit, your only options are to pay a hefty gate fee to bring it or to leave the bag behind.

Here are the maximum allowed sizes for personal item bags for airlines that charge for a carry-on:

• Frontier : 18” x 14” x 8”
• Spirit : 18” x 14” x 8”
• United : 17” x 10” x 9”
• JetBlue : 17” x 13” x 8”
• Allegiant : 16” x 15” x 7”
• Norwegian : 15” x 12” x 8”
• Wizz Air : 16” x 12” x 8”
• Ryanair : 16” x 10” x 8”
• Easyjet : 18” x 14” x 8”

Note : Before you travel, confirm the current allowed sizes for the airline(s) you’ll be using. Specifications and policies sometimes change. The folks at NerdWallet created this useful policy guide  if you have more questions. 

Airlines that don’t charge for carry-ons are a bit more lenient towards the size of your item as long as it fits under the seat ahead of you.

For these airlines, having a carry-on and a personal item is convenient because it may give you just enough cargo space to prevent the need to check a bag.

Consider the weight of your empty bag.

The less your empty bag weighs, the less it contributes to the overall weight you’ll handle as you travel.

Your feet and shoulders must endure every extra ounce or pound you drag around the globe, so put your luggage on a diet and leave your barbells at home.

Materials/Durability

A bag is only as good as its components.

That’s why I picked bags made from proven backpack fabrics that will withstand abuse.

I also preferred double-stitching, YKK zippers, and heavy-duty puncture-resistant fabrics.

The most durable bags on this list are the TOM BIHN Techonaut, the GORUCK Aviator Kit Bag 2.0, and the Samsonite Novaire Underseater.

The least durable bags are the Matador Freerain22, UltraLiteSacks duffel, and the TOM BIHN Daylight briefcase.

 Weather Resistance

I’ve dragged my stuff through a blizzard in Detroit, a downpour in Budapest, and a sandstorm in Africa.

At the very least, choose a bag rated as water- and weather-resistant.

And even with a sturdy bag, I still sometimes wrap some of my more delicate stuff in a plastic bag before it goes into the luggage.

The best bags provide more peace of mind.

The savings from buying a flimsy knockoff bag vanish as soon as that cheap bag splits open halfway around the world, and you have to replace it.

Travel light, but always bring the peace of mind that comes from spending a bit more to get a higher-quality product.

Which Underseat Travel Bag is Best for You in 2024?

It’s your turn to decide on one of these best personal item travel bags for 2024.

Will it be an ultra-lightweight and efficient Zpacks Bagger ULTRA?

A simple and stylish briefcase from TOM BIHN?

A futuristic tote from Mission Workshop?

Choose carefully because whatever you choose will be your joined-at-the-hip travel companion for the next few thousand miles.

And remember: when traveling, it’s best to avoid nasty surprises.

Do your research and only buy bags that will fit comfortably in the sizing slots of the airlines you actually use.

And travel light.

Surprise yourself with how little ‘stuff’ it takes to travel comfortably.

Finally, combine the money you save by avoiding luggage gate fees with the time you save by skipping the luggage carousels and treat yourself by splurging on the good stuff the next time you travel.

Please let us know if you’ve enjoyed this list of the best personal item underseat bags for 2024 by sharing your comments below.

We wish you wheels up and calm, clear skies.

Noel Krasomil

Affiliate Disclosure : Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support this website and keep it 100% ad-free.

2 thoughts on “12 Best Personal Item Bags & Underseat Luggage in 2024”

Hey Josh, You overpacked your bag and you were flying a budget airline knowing the rules. Why is it Milwaukee’s fault? pffft

Hi Josh thanks for such a wonderful and useful block. I’m looking for traveling southeast Asia very light but as a photographer I’m wondering about my tripod attached on a carry on back to put underneath of the seat in front of me, so you have any experience with tripod in a carry-on luggage ? Thanks in advance

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Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On Rolling Travel Luggage Bag with Wheels, 14 Inches, Black

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• The external dimensions are 13.39 * 9.45 * 14.17 inches
• Fits in most airline overhead compartments and under the seat in front of you
• Spacious main compartment to hold clothing & an extra pair of shoes
• Plenty of interior pockets for small items including toiletries

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Product information

Product description, from the manufacturer.

Amazon Basics

Top Brand: Amazon Basics

From the manufacturer.

Convenient Carry-On Size

The luggage slides easily into most airline overhead compartments or under the seat, and is available in multiple colors.

Convenient Storage Space

The front organizer keeps travel essentials easily accessible. The luggage unzips to reveal a roomy main compartment and several interior pockets.

Telescoping Handle

The handle can be fully extended with the push of a button and locked into place. Pass-through panels hide the handle for a smooth profile.

Smooth-Rolling Wheels

Equipped with in-line skate wheels, the rolling luggage transports effortlessly from point A to point B, and anywhere in between.

Product guides and documents

Videos for this product.

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Purchased because I am unable to lift carryon into overhead

Three Willows & Co

I love mine but I got charged at the airport because...

Sarah Strominger

Review + Demo - Underseat CarryOn Rolling Travel Luggage Bag

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Amazon Basics Underseat 14" Carry-On Luggage

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Luggage for under the seat...no check in

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Customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 74% 14% 6% 3% 3% 74%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 74% 14% 6% 3% 3% 14%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 74% 14% 6% 3% 3% 6%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 74% 14% 6% 3% 3% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 74% 14% 6% 3% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, mobility, maneuverability, appearance and space of the suitcase. For example, they mention it's well made, easy to carry both domestic and international, and has wheels that make it easy to travel. They appreciate the appearance and size of the bag, saying it'll fit under the seat on a plane. Customers are also impressed with the interior compartments and pockets, saying they can fit lots of things in them.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the fit of the suitcase. They say it fits perfectly under the seat in front of them on a regional AC. They also say it's just the right size, with plenty of room for their needs. Some mention that it fits in carry on good.

"This is a great weekend bag , light travel bag that fits under seat on plane . Fits lots of things in it!..." Read more

"...You can store other essentials in the different pockets. Its sits nicely on top of my 24 inch bag and is short enough so that I can still easily..." Read more

" Fits perfectly under most airplane seats (except some of the isle seats because those have less space). Used it to travel through Europe and back...." Read more

"Wonderful rolling case that fits under airplane seat in front and still leaves room for your feet (I have slender feet and wear running shoes)...." Read more

Customers like the quality of the suitcase. They say it's well-made, durable, and functional. They like the firm structure and say it gets the job done.

"...Fits lots of things in it! Quality is great and the best part it has wheels which makes it easier for traveling .." Read more

"...They look like they should last for quite a while . However, if you over stuff it every day, you may overstress the sewn seams holding them in...." Read more

"...This bag was perfect. Its protective , has very smooth wheels, and isn't so heavy that you have to struggle to lift it...." Read more

"...Used it to travel through Europe and back. It was very useful with lots of pockets and small enough that nobody objected to my taking it onboard,..." Read more

Customers like the space in the suitcase. They mention it has ample storage room in separate compartments, with lots of interior pockets. Some say the bag holds their device, clothing, and other items. The outside pockets are decent and can fit shoes.

"... Fits lots of things in it ! Quality is great and the best part it has wheels which makes it easier for traveling .." Read more

"...This bag is much smaller than you might think. It has several pockets for little things like a thin power bank, or maybe a tooth brush and paste...." Read more

"...There is enough room for my device plus some clothing. You can store other essentials in the different pockets...." Read more

Customers find the mobility of the suitcase easy to carry through a busy airport. They say it makes travel much more convenient, and is good for regular travelers. Customers also mention the size and simple style that works for travel as a personal item and is nice for a short trip.

"...Quality is great and the best part it has wheels which makes it easier for traveling .." Read more

"... Great with a carryon , too. It fit on top of my regular suitcase when I retrieved the suitcase so I carried it very easily everyhwere...." Read more

"...I travel a lot. Light weight perfect size and design. Perfect for the ocasional traveler " Read more

"I like it. It's a good size and simple style that works for travel as a personal item (although it may not work for airlines)...." Read more

Customers find the weight of the suitcase light enough that they can carry it on and off the plane. They also say it's easy to pull using the telescoping handle.

"...This bag was perfect. Its protective, has very smooth wheels, and isn't so heavy that you have to struggle to lift it...." Read more

"...Very well made and it's light and rolls very well too. I recommend this bag greatly!!!!" Read more

"...I travel a lot. Light weight perfect size and design . Perfect for the ocasional traveler" Read more

Customers like the maneuverability of the suitcase. They say that it rolls smoothly, is sturdily made, and easy to maneuver. Some mention that the handle smoothly goes up and down. Overall, most are satisfied with the maneuvering ability of the product.

"...Amazon in a quest to find something that would fit my CPAP machine, roll easily , and not crush my hand when placed on top of my checked luggage...." Read more

"...Second, I get an amazing amount of stuff into it. Third, the wheels are fluid and the handle seems sturdy enough...." Read more

"...wheels are old school but at least it has wheels, the strap is a bit hard to take off my carry on luggage but at least that means it’s secure and I..." Read more

Customers like the appearance of the suitcase. They say it's well-made, nicely designed, and has thoughtfully designed pockets. Some customers also mention that the size and color are great, and the AmazonBasics logo is pretty prominent.

"...First, it's a good looking little bag (I got the black quilted version). Second, I get an amazing amount of stuff into it...." Read more

"...Still, the bag holds an amazing amount and the pockets are very thoughtfully designed ...." Read more

" Size and color are great . The fabric and construction are ok." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the suitcase. They mention that it is good value for the money, and that the time savings is worth the price. Some customers also mention that the suitcase is a free personal item.

"... Worth the cost when you need something but don't want to commit to an unexpectedly high price tag...." Read more

"...(it is reasonably priced ), but not so after six months." Read more

"It's a great price and design but it's not going to last long for my needs in aviation. I travel a lot. Light weight perfect size and design...." Read more

"...It has decent outside pockets and the price is right . I am waiting for a more expensive back to arrive to compare them...." Read more

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