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

These spacious and comfortable carry-on backpacks can easily replace a suitcase.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Skip the stress of checking a bag or lugging a traditional carry-on suitcase around an airport by adding a carry-on backpack to your travel gear. Practical, functional, and hassle-free, a carry-on backpack can fit up to a week’s worth of clothes, depending on your wardrobe and packing prowess. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or embarking on a weekend getaway, this style helps make your trip as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

We evaluated 89 carry-on backpacks in more than seven separate tests in our New York City lab and even utilized our airplane set — complete with a row of real plane seats and overhead storage bins — during the process. We then took each bag out into the world for at least six months to test its worth on a variety of trips.

Why I'm the Expert

After taking part in every single backpack test we've done since 2022, personally testing more than 50 bags, and even owning two packs from this list, including our best overall winner, I'm confident there is a carry-on backpack for every type of traveler here.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

I've used this pack for over four years and I'm confident I can fit more in it than a carry-on.

There isn’t a designated water bottle holder.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack earned our top pick as the best carry-on backpack with its perfect performance in all categories of our testing. We loved its high capacity and thought the unstructured style was ideal for wedging clothes into every corner, maximizing packing space in the clamshell-style compartments. The shell is made of a TPU-coated 1000D polyester with a rubbery feel, and although it feels resistant to liquids, the backpack comes with a rain cover to ensure that your belongings stay dry while traveling. Handles on all four sides of the backpack make it easy to carry and lift into an overhead bin from any angle. The only downside to the bag is that it doesn't have a water bottle holder on the sides, so you'll have to carry one or try to fit it in the top pocket in the front.

During testing, we weren't surprised to see that the durable-feeling materials weren't damaged at all after we repeatedly tossed the bag onto the ground. Aside from testing this bag in our lab, I personally own it and have used it for countless trips in the last four years. The quality hasn't wavered in the slightest and I typically reach for the bag since I can fit more than I could in a carry-on. Plus, with the rising costs of bringing luggage on an airplane, this bag has been a real money-saver since I can usually fit my personal items inside, too.

The Details: 35 liters | 20 x 12 x 8 inches | 3.8 pounds | TPU-coated 1000D polyester, nylon | Padded laptop sleeve

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best for Long Trips

Away the outdoor convertible backpack 45l.

We love how comfortable it is on your shoulders and back thanks to the soft materials and cushioned shoulder straps.

At nearly 22 inches tall, this pack may be too long for those with shorter torsos.

You'll be surprised by just how spacious this backpack is. The main compartment opens up like a clam shell for easy access to items that allowed us to fit an entire four-day packing list with ease — plus a few extra items. There are multiple large compartments, compression straps, and a few pockets in this backpack that are ideal for organizing clothes, gear, and accessories. While the 45-liter backpack can grow heavy when completely filled, the padded shoulder straps are supportive and keep you comfortable when walking for long periods of time. Plus, the convenient duffel handles allow you to switch up your carrying style if you do grow fatigued.

This backpack also sports a well-padded laptop sleeve that protected our testing laptop when we threw the fully packed bag off a counter three times. There was also no sign of rips, scuffs, or tears in the bag's fabric after our tests. This water- and abrasion-resistant backpack would be perfect for avid travels who are looking for a sleek backpack to take them from city explorations to camping adventures.

The Details: 45 liters | 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | 3.32 pounds | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best With Packing Cubes

Asenlin 40l travel backpack.

It’s spacious and comes with three packing cubes to stay organized while traveling. 

After six months of use, the bag is scuffed up with noticeable scratches.

Perfect for travelers on a budget, the Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack impressed us with its packing features and comfortable fit. We thought the bag provided excellent organization thanks to the interior and exterior compression that provided extra room for packing. The backpack comes with three different packing cubes in small, medium, and large. We also like that this backpack includes both a suitcase strap and a handle to hold it horizontally. The backpack itself also features straps inside and a laptop sleeve to easily hold down items and pack electronics.

The design didn’t blow us away like those from some of the more costly brands, but it does have a laptop sleeve and a water bottle holder. We also liked the flexibility of being able to wear the Asenlin as a backpack, hold it like a briefcase, or use the trolley sleeve to slide it onto a roller suitcase’s handle. However, a bigger adjustment range for the chest strap would have been ideal. During our durability tests, the backpack didn’t scuff or show signs of damage. We think this budget pick is well worth the low price for those looking to get a durable, comfortable, and spacious carry-on backpack. 

The Details: 40 liters | 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | 2.7 pounds | Polyester | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best for Photographers

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

You can access the main compartment on the bag from four different exterior zippers.

This is one of the most expensive backpacks on our list.

This 45-liter backpack has a main compartment that is spacious enough to fit clothes for at least four days, and its expansive design is helpful for packing bulky items like jackets and shoes. Placing the clothes and shoes into the bag during testing was efficient and simple thanks to a removable divider sleeve and compression straps to hold everything down securely. Designed with photographers in mind, this backpack functions similarly to a camera bag . It can fit camera cubes, and it has four points of entry to the main compartment, allowing travelers to quickly grab clothes or accessories without unzipping the backpack. There is a padded laptop sleeve and stretchy side pockets for water bottles or a camera tripod. 

Peak Design didn’t let any space go to waste on its backpack, so even the hip belt has a small pocket on it for storage and can be packed away when you’re not looking for extra support. It’s also easy to adjust all of the straps to prevent weight imbalances and pinching. Made of weatherproof and water-resistant recycled nylon, the bag held up perfectly after we tossed it on the ground, showing no signs of scuffs or damage — exactly what you want in a durable backpack . Although the price of this bag is steep, it comes with plenty of helpful features for travelers, and the stellar performance leads us to believe that it would last a long time. 

  The Details: 45 liters | 13 x 22 x 9.5 inches | 4.8 pounds | Nylon, polyester | Laptop sleeve | Expandable

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Compression

Tropicfeel shell backpack.

It features adjustable straps to change the bag's size and a removable compressing wardrobe organizer.

The handle on the top of the bag wasn’t as comfortable to hold onto as we hoped. 

We love this backpack’s thoughtful features geared toward all types of travelers. The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack has the ability to store up to 42 liters worth of clothing for a weekend or week-long trip, but you can also use it as a 20-liter backpack for day trips, sightseeing, and everyday use.

After regularly using the bag for six months, we found it to be incredibly sturdy and durable. We had no issues fitting our full packing list and found that there was plenty more room thanks to the variety of adjustable buckled straps that allow you to adjust the size of the bag. You can loosen the front buckle to allow the roll-up opening flap to expand to fit more items, and there is a kangaroo pouch at the bottom of the backpack that provides an additional six liters of space for shoes or other items you want to keep separate. There’s also a padded compartment in the back of the backpack that can fit laptops up to 17 inches long and a removable compressing wardrobe organizer that can be hung in a closet when you reach your destination.

We thought the backpack was comfortable to wear after adjusting the shoulder and waist straps, but we found that it might take some effort to get the buckles into your desired setting. The Shell Backpack didn’t show any signs of damage throughout testing, and the material is weather-proof. For travelers looking to add upgrades to their backpacks, the brand has an organization system and accessory pouches that you can add on for additional fees. If you need an all-in-one backpack, we think this backpack’s versatility makes it well worth the higher cost. Bonus, if you want a sustainable backpack , this one is made from made 100 percent recycled nylon and 64 percent recycled polyester. 

The Details: 20 to 42 liters | 12 x 20 x 7.5 inches | 3.3 pounds | Recycled polyester

Best Organization

Topo designs global travel bag 30l.

There are tons of pockets and a laptop compartment to help you organize your belongings.

After six months of use, we noticed the bag can feel quite heavy if packed full.

Packing for a trip can often feel tedious, but the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L helps make it easy and efficient. We loved how convenient it is to store a laptop up to 15 inches in the padded compartment in the back of the bag, and there are two front pockets for easy access to a tablet or phone charger. There are a ton of compartments and pockets that offer plenty of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes, with places to stash cords, travel documents, electronics, water bottles, and more.

The adjustable shoulder straps and straps that go across the chest and waist help evenly distribute the backpack's weight, making it more comfortable to carry around, although we noticed during our long-term testing that the bag can still feel heavy if you pack it completely full. The 100 percent recycled nylon material felt durable and would likely stay in good condition over time. 

The Details: 30 liters | 12.5 x 20 x 7 inches

Best Expandable

Nomatic travel pack.

The expandable zippers add an extra 3.5 inches of space which increases the capacity to 30 liters.

Some of the pockets feel unnecessary.

The Nomatic Travel Pack is the ultimate versatile carry-on backpack thanks to its expandable zippers that add an extra 10 liters of space. Ideal for an overnight trip or a long weekend getaway, the bag has a variety of pockets and compartments to efficiently organize shoes, clothes, accessories, and technology. While the number of pockets on the interior was a bit overwhelming at first, travelers who like to be extra organized will appreciate the designated padded laptop sleeve, sunglasses case, discrete passport pocket, and plethora of slip and zippered pockets in the main compartment. The handles and padded shoulder straps are comfortable for carrying the bag, and the small-to-medium size of the backpack makes it super comfortable to carry since it doesn’t feel bulky or heavy. We used this bag on a variety of international trips throughout four months of testing, and it still looks new, despite rough handling and being shoved under airplane seats.

The Details: 20 liters (expands to 30 liters) | 18.5 x 12 x 6-9.5 inches | 4.16 pounds | 16-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

• Travel + Leisure/Jessica Juliao

Matein Travel Backpack

It has several compartments for keeping clothing, shoes, tech, and accessories organized.

The materials feel a little lower in quality than other backpacks we tried.

If you’re not ready to invest in a pricier carry-on backpack, you can always dip your toes with this functional and spacious one for under $60. This 40-liter backpack has one large main compartment that can fit several tops, bottoms, and a toiletry case without any issues. We particularly love the separate footwear compartment to prevent the bottom of your shoes from coming into contact with clean clothes and that storage can even fit pairs up to size 12. In addition, there is a laptop pocket and a large front pocket with spots to put items like phone chargers, headphones, and other small accessories that could get lost easily. Compared to the pricier bags we tried, this one feels a bit lower in quality, but none of the nylon fabric tore and scuffed during our durability tests, so we still think this bag has a good lifespan ahead of it. 

The Details: 40 liters | 20 x 13 x 8 inches | 2 pounds | Water-repellent nylon

Best Waterproof

Tortuga travel backpack.

This bag is crafted from 100 percent recycled and waterproof material to protect your belongings in bad weather.

The bag can feel a bit heavy to carry when it’s fully packed.

If you’re traveling somewhere with a rainy climate, you’ll want a carry-on backpack like this one from Tortuga that can ward off the elements. It’s made with the brand’s 100 percent recycled and waterproof Shell200 or “sailcloth” material to protect your belongings and prevent bad weather from putting a serious damper on your trip. During a rainy overnight camping trip, the Tortuga Travel Backpack essentially sat in a puddle for hours, yet none of our gear or clothing inside got wet at all, and the bag was easy to clean with just a wet cloth.

This is a seriously spacious bag at 40 liters, so we found that you can seamlessly fit a week’s worth of clothing (or more) between the two clamshell compartments. Because of the split style of the bag, packing it up is hassle-free since it’s easy to see exactly how much space is left on each side. And if you run out of space in the main compartments, there are top, front, and side exterior pockets to store a laptop, accessories, water bottles, and more items that you’ll want to have handy while traveling.

The Details: 40 liters | 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches | 4.5 pounds | Waterproof sailcloth | 16-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best for Foot Travel

Osprey fairview 40.

It has straps that distribute the bag's weight and makes it feel lighter, which is great for walking long distances.

It’s a large bag, but it wasn’t so heavy that it was uncomfortable to wear.

For travelers journeying on foot, the Osprey Fairview wowed us with its spacious interior and comfortable fit. The straps for walking longer distances are really the best part — making your bag feel like you're carrying less since the weight is so well distributed. The bags have the same storage capacity and general style, but Osprey’s women’s backpacks are designed to fit a smaller torso with waist and chest harnesses that sit upward and outward for a more comfortable carry. In testing, the main compartment and mesh zippered pouch on the front flap proved to be spacious. There are two internal compression straps and one external strap that kept belongings secure through our rough handling, so we think the bag would provide sufficient protection if you do need to check it in for a flight. 

We appreciated the padded shoulder straps and back that made wearing the backpack comfortable, despite the weight of its contents. The Osprey Fairview bags have an internal suspension the brand calls “LightWire” that distributes the weight from the harness to the hip belt, and our shoulders didn’t hurt after carrying the backpack since most of the weight shifted to the lower body.

The Details: 40 liters | 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Travel + Leisure /Jhett Thompson

Best Convertible

Calpak terra 26l laptop duffel backpack.

With a modular design, we loved being able to carry this spacious pack as a duffel or backpack.

We found it was most comfortable to carry as a backpack when packed full.

The two-in-one design of this carry-on backpack from Calpak makes it the perfect piece of luggage to add to your collection. If you need to carry the backpack long distances, the padded straps offer plenty of comfort to protect the shoulders from feeling the weight of the pack, and they can be tucked away when they're not needed. For rushing off an airplane or grabbing the pack quickly, the duffel bag strap makes it easy to sling the pack over the shoulder within seconds. In testing, senior commerce editor Lydia Price preferred using the backpack straps after noting that the generous padding in the back and on the straps made the bag noticeably more comfortable to carry. I also own this bag and prefer to use the backpack straps, but I love having the option to carry it multiple ways as my needs change on the go.

Although the bag is medium-sized with a 26-liter capacity, it still has plenty of room to fit enough clothing for four or five days' worth of traveling thanks to the numerous pockets—an organizational design feature you'll find in many Calpak luggage pieces . The clamshell-style opening also makes it easy to organize items between the two compartments. The ripstop polyester fabric didn't scuff or scratch during our durability tests and we especially love that the outer material is water-resistant, which is helpful for all types of adventuring from urban to outdoor settings.

The Details: 26 liters | 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | 2.9 pounds | Recycled ripstop polyester | 17-inch padded laptop pocket

Other Carry-on Backpacks We Liked

While we tested plenty of high-scoring carry-on backpacks, there were some that almost made our list but didn’t quite make the cut due to several weaknesses revealed during testing. 

Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack : We loved how durable, comfortable, and water resistant this 35-liter backpack is. It also comes with a waterproof phone case that kept our phone dry when submerged underwater. However, the roll top is so long and cumbersome, it makes packing a bit of a hassle.

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus : We loved the adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the bag when not in use, but we think there are better bags out there for a fraction of the price. 

AmazonBasics Carry-on Travel Backpack : It had plenty of compartments for staying organized and the material felt durable, but there weren’t any standout features that made it a must-have backpack. 

Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L : This backpack fits all of the packing items, and it even fits under an airplane seat, but our budget pick performed slightly better and it costs less. 

On more than seven separate occasions, we tested carry-on backpacks in our New York City lab to make sure we were creating this list with the best options from trusted luggage brands. For our latest tests, we built a specially designed airplane set that includes a row of real airplane seats and an overhead storage bin. To date, we've put over 89 carry-on backpacks through a series of trials that compared capacity, design, comfort, durability, and overall value. After completing our in-house testing, we sent the backpacks out with our Travel + Leisure editors to give us insight into how they fared during real-world travel. We have been updating this article with long-term testing insights as soon as they become available. 

To test for capacity, we began by packing the bags with three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. We noted if any space was left over as well as how functional the compartments were for organizing the contents packed. We evaluated the overall design of the bags by paying attention to how they fold out, how well the zippers and buckles work, and the functionality of each pocket or compartment. 

Next, we put on the backpacks and walked around for 10 minutes to rate comfortability. The highest scoring backpacks were exceptionally enjoyable to wear with the weight evenly distributed on the shoulders or hips.

Then, we threw the backpacks a few feet or off a countertop to test for durability. The highest-rated bags had no scuffs or tears after rough handling, and the packed items inside remained unharmed as well. 

Our testers had no previous knowledge of the cost of each backpack until after testing was completed. This allowed us to give an unbiased rating of overall values, where the top bags were determined to be fairly priced based on a high-quality performance, especially for the pricier bags. After our lab tests, the backpacks were sent out for real-world testing for up to six months.

Tips for Buying a Carry-on Backpack

Consider under-the-seat versus carry-on bags.

Not all carry-on backpacks will fit under the seat of an airplane, but if that’s your intended use, we recommend checking an airline’s underseat dimensions before heading to the airport. Similarly, with a carry-on backpack for the overhead bin, you’ll want to double-check the airline’s carry-on size restrictions to avoid paying unwanted fees if the bag is stuffed full of clothes. 

Keep in mind what the bag will be used for

It may seem obvious, but to find the perfect travel backpack you need to first consider its primary function. For those traveling by foot, a smaller, lightweight backpack would be better for portability and comfort. For those traveling by air, a compression bag or backpack that has plentiful organization could be a better choice so you get the most out of the limited airline baggage space. When traveling by air, you might also want to consider an option with wheels for added convenience, like a rolling backpack, weekender, or duffel bag .

Frequently Asked Questions

During our test, we packed three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag into each bag and often had extra space for more clothes. Many backpacks come with a laptop compartment , but you’ll want to make sure that feature is included before purchasing yours.

Carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, and it’s possible for a carry-on backpack to not fit within some limits. Most bags will have a product details section highlighting the dimensions of the backpack. If you’re looking to fit the bag solely under the seat , you should check to make sure the bag fits the dimensions while it’s packed.

It depends on the airline, where you're flying, and the kind of flight class you purchase. Some airlines only allow you to bring one item onto the plane with you, while others will let you bring a personal item, such as a backpack, and an additional carry-on item, like a suitcase or weekender bag . It's always best practice to double check your airline's luggage restrictions prior to traveling.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

After moving to New York City in the spring of 2022 to test travel gear for T+L, Anna Popp has spent countless hours personally testing more than 50 backpacks including bags on this list from Cotopaxi, Calpak, Peak Design, and Nomatic. She has been traveling with our top pick for more than four years — and even had to get everyone in her family the same bag so they would stop stealing hers.

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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.

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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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Home » Gear » best carry on backpacks

Travelling Light in 2024: The Best Carry on Backpacks (INSIDER Tips)

Choosing a carry on backpack is never quite as straightforward as it maybe should be.

For one, there is an endless array of (purportedly) carry-on ready backpacks adorning the market right now and so the sheer choice on offer can be seriously bloody overwhelming. And of course while some of these packs are amazing, some are utter, utter gubbins.

Moreover – the term ‘carry on’ itself is not even all that clear cut and carry on bag allowances vary quite widely between airlines. What some airlines allow, others will not, and what others will, Ryanair will almost certainly not!

For all of these reason, we decided to put together this epic guide to the best backpacks for flying in 2024!

Whether you are looking for some extra space for your camera gear in your bag travel, looking for a dedicated laptop pocket or just a lightweight carry on backpack for one bag travel? We’ve got you covered!

Quick Answers – The Best Carry On Packs of 2024

The best carry-on backpacks, how we tested to find the best carry on backpack, best carry on backpack – comparison table, faq about the best carry on backpacks, final thoughts on the best carry on bags.

• Buy Us a Coffee!
• Nomatic 40L Travel Bag – Best Overall Carry On Backpack
• Tortuga Travel Pack – Best Carry On Bag for International Travel
• AER Travel Pack 3 – Best Carry On for EU Residents
• Monarc Settra Duffel Backpack  – Epic Recycled Carry on Duffel/Backpack
• LOJEL Urbo 2 Travel Pack – Best Urban Carry-On Backpack

Stubble & Co Adventure Bag – Best Carry On For Minimalists

• Tropicfeel Shell – Best Organised Carry On Backpack
• Osprey Sojourn 45L – Best Backpack Suitcase Hybrid
• WANDRD PRVKE 31 – Best Carry on Camera Backpack
• Kodiak 30L Weekender Duffel  – Best Leather Carry on Bag

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Nomatic Travel Bag

• Cost: > $289.99
• > Excellent ergonomics
• > Not available in EU

Tortuga Outbreaker

• Cost: > $350
• > Retractable plugs: Euro, UK, USA / Japan, Australia / China
• > Charge a laptop and two usb devices at once

Aer Travel Pack 3 Backpack

• Cost: > $249
• > Good organization features
• > Laptop compartment

Monarc Setra Duffel Backpack

• Cost: > $175
• > Carry on Compliant
• > Made from recycled bottles

Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

• Cost: > $220
• > New updated design
• > Ventilated mesh back panel

Tropicfeel Shell

• Cost > $249
• > Adjustable Capacity (22-40L)
• > Sleek Design with built-in wardrobe

Osprey Sojourn (46 liter)

• Cost > $195
• > Doubles as rolling suitcase and backpack
• > Compression straps help keep your gear safe and secure

WANDRD PRVKE

• Cost: > $239
• > Tons of awesome features
• > Custom made for cameras

Swiss Gear SA1186 Bungee (26 liters)

• Cost: > $59.99
• > Good organization options

Kodiak Weekender

• Cost: > $189
• > Stylish and durable
• > Fully carry on compliant

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Enough talking, let’s get right to it. Have a look at our favourite carry-on travel backpacks. Each of them has been tested to the max and reviewed so that you know exactly what to expect. If you do happen to need more space than a carry-on, be sure to check out our epic best travel backpack guide . You’ll find even more options there!

Nomatic Travel Bag 40L – Best Overall Carry On Backpack

Price (USD): 289.99

Capacity (Litres) : 40

Dimensions (CM): 35.56 x 53.34 x 22.86

Weight (KG): 1.55

Nomatic Travel Bag is 40L of backpack-engineering-perfection. This bag is carry on compliant with the large majority of airlines, and you’ll be doing it in style and with optimal efficiency.  This is a bag designed for modern, tech-savvy travellers – NOT for hikers/campers.

Not to be confused with the Nomatic Travel Pack (which we cover later) this brilliant piece of equipment is a modern backpack for a modern traveller. As long as you know how to pack for flying , then this bag has all the space you’ll need.

The Nomatic Travel Bag comes with 20 unique features including a shoe compartment, water bottle container, a secure valuables pocket and a ton of other features like padded shoulder straps and hip belt that made it an easy pick for the best carry on travel backpack. We have tested this pack extensively and several members of of team swear by it. The Nomatic looks and feels great and wins extra points for how softly it sits on our backs.

Between us, we own a few of these and have successfully taken them into the cabin on countless airlines. We love how sturdy the Nomatic feels no matter whether it is packed to the brim or half empty. It kept its shape due to the quality of the external material without adding too much extra weight.

Looking for more info? Check out our full review of the Nomatic Travel Bag! Another similar bag is the Arc’teryx Konseal Backpack .

• 40L = Carry on compliant
• Next level organisation
• Backpack or duffel bag
• Not for hiking/camping
• Too much organisation/flash for some

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Tortuga Travel Pack – Best 40L Carry On Travel Backpack

Price (USD): 350

Capacity (Litres) : 45

Dimensions (CM): 53.34 x 35.56 x 22.86

Weight (KG): 1.49

The Tortuga Travel Pack is a serious piece of equipment. The revamped Travel Pack has been custom designed to be accepted for carry on all over the world. While similar to the Tortuga Setout , many features set it apart.

As well as being globally carry-on ready, it’s also got a phenomenal design, great organization, and it has HUGE amounts of space. Tortuga might be the company that best knows how to create space within their bags so you can pack the compartments to your heart’s content.

If you are looking for a bag for shorter trips, and everyday use, I think the Minaal or Aer will work better. But if you are a serious traveler and expect to be on the road for weeks or months at a time, a 40L will give you tons more space and capacity to take your clothes, and belongings with you.  The ability to take a bag like this on long term travels is amazing.

One thing I noticed about this pack is how durable and strong the zippers are!

Want to know more? Read our comprehensive review of the Tortuga Travel Pack then !

If not, then have a look at the new 40L Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite .

• HUGE and very spacious
• Great design
• Cushioned Shoulder Straps and Hip Belt
• Inside zipper feels weird to us

Aer Travel Pack 3 Backpack – Best Overall Carry On Backpack for EU Residents

Price (USD): 249

Capacity (Litres) : 35

Dimensions (CM): 55 x 34 x 22

Weight (KG): 1.68

Compact, but spacious enough to fit a ton of gear — the Aer Travel Pack 3 is easily one of the best everyday carry on backpacks .

Pack this bag full for your flight and then carry around just your necessities once you’re at your destination.  It transitions easily from daypack to carry on without screaming, “ Backpacker carrying my entire life in my backpack ” as you walk by, so great for one bag travel. If you enjoy well-made travel backpacks, you’ll love this one.

Most of The Broke Backpacker staff use this bag when we travel and there is a reason why it fast became our top pick… It’s one of the best travel backpacks out there and is great for those who miss out on the Nomatic.

I took this bag on a recent trip to France and it performed great. One of the stand-out features for me was how strong the zips felt. These chunky zippers were still smooth and more importantly whilst travelling with my laptop, lockable!

This section was short and sweet – to get all the deets on this bag, then read our comprehensive review of the AER Travel Pack 3.

• Laptop compartment
• Good organisation features
• Carry on compliant
• Small water bottle sleeve
• No rain cover

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  Kodiak 30L Weekender Duffel – Best Leather Carry on Bag

Price (USD): 189

Capacity (Litres) : 30

Dimensions (CM): 50.8 x 25.4 x 27.94

Weight (KG): 2.18

If you’re not planning a long trip, you won’t need more than 30 Liters of top-grain leather. This sleek duffel bag carries easily and fits into your overhead compartment while providing enough organised space to pack everything you need for a quick trip, perfect for one bag travel. 

No two Kodiak leather bags are the same.  Your weekender duffel  will bend and shift subtly with every trip to give your bag a more personalised look and feel. The reinforced brass straps will keep you out of trouble even if you have to gate check and the rugged interior features sidewall pockets for your passport and phone. 

You’ll have your choice of carrying options, and thanks to the slim dimensions, you’ll never have trouble slinging it over your shoulder or carrying it with one arm unless you’re taking it to bowling practice! 

This bag is the little brother of our favourite leather travel bag, but it’s proven more than capable of holding its own, especially amongst the more conventional travel backpacks on this list.

• Minimalist design
• Built to last
• Two external pockets
• Expensive per liter

LOJEL Urbo 2 Travelpack – Best Urban Carry-On Backpack

Price (USD): 125

Capacity (Litres) : 25

Dimensions (CM):

Weight (KG): 1.18

With a sleek style and durable outer shell, the LOJEL Urbo 2 Travelpack was an easy choice for our favorite urban carry-on backpack!

Designed to fulfill all your traveling needs, this backpack has enough compartments to put even the most OCD traveler at ease. Starting with the dedicated laptop compartment on the back, it was a tight squeeze but I was able to fit my 16 in. laptop in there snugly with some room to spare for another tablet.

The main compartment is accessed via a top loading, folding flap, paired with a side zipper to give you an easier time when digging around in the pack. Combine this with the inside compartments and anterior pocket, this pack can fit all the tech and travel comfort amenities you’d want to survive a day of traveling.

Sometimes when you come across a shirt in a local shop, it can seem almost unjust to deny yourself the pleasure of indulging. But don’t fret, the Urbo 2 has you covered. This 20-litre pack can expand to 23-litres with the side zipper, giving you 15 percent more space inside the pack for those last-minute treat-yourself purchases.

The overall build quality of the bag feels durable and I have no doubts this pack will stand up to the test of time.

Like the look of the brand but not sure about the bag? There are plenty more backpacks from LOJEL on offer.

Tropicfeel Shell Backpack – Best Travel Backpack for Organisation

Dimensions (CM): 50.8 x 30.5 x 19.1

Weight (KG): 1.5

Let’s be honest, having everything put away neatly can be a full-on game-changer when travelling via aeroplane. That’s when the Tropicfeel Shell Backpack really starts to shine.

Tropicfeels flagship product, the Shell, is a small to medium backpack-sized with big ambitions. First up, it is a 3-1 extendable backpack that starts out as a 22-litre pack, then rolls up to 30 litres before the addition of a detachable pouch turns it into a 40-litre titan – how cool is that?!

Aside from being a 3-in-1 adjustable backpack, which you can adapt to use as a day pack, overnight pack and carry-on pack, the Shell also has another novel feature; its detachable hanging packing cube which acts as a portable, pre-loaded travel wardrobe. Packing and unpacking your backpack has never been this easy. When I first tested this backpack is blew my mind. Not only does it feel good to carry, but the organisational functionality made my packing and unpacking so much easier.

While you’re on the road, the compartment system keeps all of your belongings organised and neatly put away, so you can easily access everything without leaving a mess afterwards.

This by far one of the most unique packs I ever tried. While not everybody will want to use the packing-cane wardrobe all of the time, the pack has rightful found itself a dedicated fanbase. The packs materials and build quality are also excellent and backpack feels like it was built to last a few years.

• Really fucking versatile
• Truly novel and unique
• Packs up easily
• Fairly priced
• Not big enough for big trips
• Not cheap (yet not expensive)
• Shoulder straps and hip belt could have more padding

Monarc Settra Duffel Backpack – Epic Recycled Carry on Duffel/Backpack

Price (USD): 175

Dimensions (CM): 38.1 x 30.48 x 20.32

Weight (KG): 2.04

The realities of travel can really take their toll on the planet. It’s no surprise that Ecological and Sustainable travel initiatives are now really gaining momentum. The Monarc 2-in-1 Duffle-Backpack is the world’s first backpack made from 100% recycled bottles and the producers have been awarded a highly coveted “plastic negative” rating.

But here this, not only is this backpack totally eco-friendly but it’s also a bloody great pack. Firstly, its 2-1 concept design means it can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel using the comfortable handle. If you do wear it on your bag, there are adjustable straps to help carry the weight.

Then there are the organisational possibilities. Its’ 40L of storage can go pretty far and the pack offers a shoe compartment and a 17” laptop sleeve. Coming in at $149.00, it’s well worth the bucks although if you have the budget we also recommend picking up the full set including camera cube, compression cubes and laundry bags. I will be honest, when I tried this pack I loved it as duffel (and still do) as it made my packing and organisation easy. However, as a backpack it didn’t feel entirely comfortable to me and I would not want to have had to carry it long distances.

Anything else? Oh yeah, it’s also water-resistant, TSA Carry-on compliant and comes with a lifetime guarantee!

Looking for more options? Check out our guide to the best carry on duffel bags .

• Duffel bag or backpack
• Lifetime guarantee
• Not as much tech-organization
• Some people prefer a more modern look

Osprey Farpoint (40 liter) – A Close Second for Carry On of the Year

Price (USD): 185

Weight (KG): 1.36

No one likes a tie. But the first two bags are so dominant, it was impossible to the best backpack for carry on travel. If you are trying to decide between the Aer and the Osprey, then it simply comes down to one thing – your personal style.

Specifically, it comes down to one thing. Are you the camping/hiking type? If so, steer clear from the AER, and get excited for the Farpoint 40 (aka the carry on travel backpack of your dreams).

Being 40 liters, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the perfect size for a carry on, as you’ll be able to take this on 99% of flights. This bag is very well designed, has amazing organization, while still being super minimalistic. It can be used as for traveling, camping, hiking, hitching, and even for your work. This bag is really the best of all worlds, as even digital nomads and tech-savvy travelers use it as their number one backpack.

Like the AER Travel Pack 3 Bag, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is also both a backpack, and a duffel bag, which enables you to use the bag in different ways depending on your situation.

The Osprey Farpoint is a popular bag amongst all of our team – we bloody love it. One of the stand-out features everyone seems to mention is just how much you can fit inside this for its size. The clamshell opening combined with internal and external compression straps are a gamechanger.

Be sure to read our full Osprey Farpoint 40 review.

• Can be doubled as camping bag

Price (USD): 270

The Adventure Bag from Stubble & Co is possibly the most perfectly designed carry-on-sized travel bag I have ever seen.

Not only does it follow the trend of providing a clamshell opening, but it goes one step further by instead opening up into two mesh-covered areas. Not only that but each side is divided up into several different-sized zippered compartments. I am such a massive fan of this and it helps me keep all my gear super organised and fits my packing cubes in perfectly.

In terms of capacity, when combined with the superior organisational features, it offers the perfect size for both long backpacking trips, weekend breaks and short holidays. The size also means the bag is compliant for carry-on travel which is such a time and money saver on the road, not to mention lowering the possibility of your gear getting lost!

The material on The Adventure Bag is tough, durable and weather resistant whilst being completely soft-sided with no rigid elements. This makes the bag pretty light for this style and quality compared to some of the other similar packs I’ve tried out. It also makes it much easier to compress down using the side straps when things are getting a little tight!

Overall, we love the functionality of this bag for both long and short-term trips alike. The high quality of the materials and construction also gives me confidence in the bag’s ability to cope with the sort of abuse that comes with backpacking too!

• Separate laptop compartment
• Clamshell opening
• Lots of organisation
• PUSHES THE LIMITS OF CARRY ON!
• Shape is a little boxy
• On the pricey side

Minaal Carry On (35 liter) –  Best Carry On for Commuters

Price (USD): 349

Dimensions (CM): 55 x 35 x 20

Weight (KG): 1.41

The Minaal Carry On 2.0 is the sequel to their hugely popular Carry On 1.0 – and wow… they did not disappoint.

Minaal makes super high-quality equipment, as their products are made with incredible craftsmanship, and backed with a lifetime warranty.

Some of the coolest features are its 3D fabric pockets, lockable zippers, adjustable chest strap, magnet clips, and the fact that it comes with a carry on rain cover. Also, we LOVE that the laptop compartment is suspended away from the sides of the bag (to keep your computer extra safe).

Here’s the truth.

The AER Travel Pack 2 and the Minaal Carry On 2.0 are quite similar. Both are well organized, urban-style travel bags that should not be used for hiking or camping. They are both marketing to modern travellers who are looking for a sleek, efficient carry-on. However, the Minaal Carry On 2.0 separates itself from AER by being less of a tech-bag, and more of an urban bag.

Yes, the Minaal still has amazing tech organisation, it just seems more like a bag for the common person. Where a travelling professional or a digital nomad might make more use of AER design, the Minaal definitely seems to cater to non-travelling professionals which gives it enormous appeal.

In practical use one of the stand-out features here is the sturdy and comfortable side handle. It feels strong yet soft in the hand and allows the bag to be carried like a briefcase, making it feel much more professional.

• Tons of incredible features
• 35 litres might be the perfect size
• Sleek, minimal design
• Not for the super tech-savvy
• 35 Litres might be too small for some

Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter) – Best Hiking Carry On Backpack

Price (USD): 220

Capacity (Litres) : 33/36

Dimensions (CM): 68 x 37.26 x 27

Weight (KG): 210

Are you seeing a trend with Osprey bags here at The Broke Backpacker? We kind of love them. But how could you blame us? They make quality backpacks, and the Osprey Stratos 36 is a sterling example of that and it rates as one of the best ultralight backpacks on the market – honestly, you will not believe how light this backpack feels!!!

The Osprey Stratos is a hiking bag first, and a travel bag second. While it may look a bit out of place in an airport, the true backpackers out there will be well used to this style of backpack.

And also, at 33 or 36 litres (depending on the size you buy) you can be 100% assured that this bag is ALWAYS going to be with you on the plane. On that point, this bag comes in two sizes. The S/M is 33 litres and the M/L is 36 litres. While we adore lightweight travel here, 33 litres is small and is not recommended to travel for long periods of time.

The 36 litres could definitely double as a hiking bag and a travel bag – you just need to be prepared to go super minimal. If you do then you’ll have one of the coolest hiking backpacks on the market!

Read our  full Osprey Stratos 36 review if you need more details.

• Always carry on compliant
• The cream of the crop for ultra-light hiking backpacks
• New updated design
• Ventilated mesh back panel
• Likely too small for most travelers
• Only good for hikers/campers
• Mixed reviews on the pocket sizes

Nomatic Travel Pack – Best Carry on Laptop Backpack

Weight (KG): 1.56

Nomatic has done it again, and if this bag were slightly bigger, it could be our overall number one choice. But since it’s only 30 litres which is a little small for one bag travel, we thought it best to put it here, as the best carry on laptop backpack of 2024.

The Nomatic Travel Pack is technically a 20 litre, but with some creative engineering, the Nomatic crew has given their Travel Pack users the opportunity to expand into 30 litres. This is probably one of the coolest features of any bag we’ve seen, and because of this, the Nomatic Travel Pack is one of the most badass bags on the market and a great option for carry on luggage.

This bag comes down to one thing – is it big enough for you? (If it’s not, the next one on the list will be). There is also a bigger version with wheels .

If you can swing 20-30 litres, then this bag will be a godsend for you. It’s super stylish, incredibly modern and sleek and also includes a compression packing cube, a waist strap, and a TSA approved lock. This is why it’s one of the best carry on bags for electronics.

As any great laptop backpack should do, the laptop sleeve is also TSA friendly, meaning you can simply unzip the back panel (Where your laptop lays) and can send the bag through security without having to take the laptop out. As any professional traveller knows, this small convenience really adds up over time.

• Can expand from 20 to 30 litres
• Sleek and padded laptop compartment
• Magnetic water bottle pockets
• Way too small for long term travellers

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

WANDRD PRVKE 31 – Best Carry On for Cameras

Price (USD): 239

Capacity (Litres) : 31

Dimensions (CM): 48 X 30 X 18

The WANDRD PRVKE 31 is the best camera backpack on the market for non-professional photographers.

We think this for a few reasons…

First off – the bag is extremely versatile and extremely durable. Its versatility and durability are awesome because it means the WANDRD PRVKE 31 can be used for more than just a camera bag. Good for hiking with the comfy shoulder straps, a great daypack, or even a small travel backpack if you pack light – the magic is in the WANDRD’s ability to be more than just a camera backpack.

The WANDRD is also a super convertible carry on! There are lots of ways that you could pimp this bad boy: extra straps for accessories, a clip-on hip belt, packing cubes for different camera kits, and a rainfly for when it rains!

Not to say it’s not a great camera backpack – it totally is! The WANDRD PRVKE 31 can handle a ton of camera gear, but it will not be able to accommodate larger photography kits. WANDRD also do a belting packable backpack which is great for taking along for day trips.

If you’re looking for specialised camera backpacks for your carry on luggage then this is a great shout. The great thing is the packing space can be easily reconfigured if you don’t have camera equipment or you need to remove it for the day.

I’ve personally had this bag now for a couple of years and there’s plenty I love about it, but the main one is organisation. The sections of the bag allow me to keep all my camera equipment together and accessible whilst leaving space in the top section for everything else.

To learn more about this sweet bag, check out our brutally honest review of the WANDRD PRVKE 31 !

• Very durable and robust
• Tons of pockets
• Comes with handy accessories
• Limited space for cameras/equipment
• Magnetic handles are just OK

Osprey Sojourn Porter (46 liters) – Best Carry On for Adventurous Techies

Price (USD): 375

Capacity (Litres) : 46

Dimensions (CM): 80.01 x 35.56 x 22.86

Weight (KG): 1.79

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 is the largest backpack for carry-on on this list – and while it still can be  carry on compliant… you’re rolling the dice a bit with this one.

But for some people though this might be the perfect bag to roll the dice with! Aside from being a great hiking/camping/travelling backpack, the Osprey Porter 46 is hands down the best old-school backpacking backpack that handles a laptop.

There are two distinct reasons why…

• Do you see that side panel? That panel is basically a tank-like forcefield of protection. Those side panels are one of the stand out features of the Porter 46, as they help stabilize and compress your bag (while keeping your goods safe and secure!). Very good for laptops!
• The laptop compartment is on the BACK of this bag, which is a fantastic design choice by Osprey. By having the laptop compartment against your back, it means your laptop will always remain flat. This is one of our biggest flaws against the Osprey Farpoint 40. The Farpoint 40 has the laptop compartment in the front of the bag – which means the more stuff you pack, the more pressure gets put on the laptop.

Because of the side panels, the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 is one of the sturdiest and strongest bags on the market – which has obvious benefits if you are travelling with a laptop, it’s one of the best nomad backpacks for this reason.

Aside from that you are obviously still getting the perks of buying Osprey gear, including amazing customer support, and the lifetime guarantee.

I have had this pack for a few years now and love its style and how study it is. The organisational capacity of it basic but practical and you can pack all you need for a week or so. It is a bit heavier than some other packs but there are side carry handles for when your back needs a rest.

Check out our full review of the Osprey Sojourn Porter!  

• A hiking bag with great laptop protection
• Well priced
• Good for hiking, camping or traveling
• Big. This is not going to be carry on compliant for all airlines
• Lacks some features of newer, more modern bags

Tortuga Travel Backpack (40 liter) – THE Longterm International Carry On Backpack

Weight (KG): 2.0

The Travel Backpack was built for two things – organization and durability for long term travellers. And it has absolutely accomplished both.

We put this bag as the best carry on backpack for international travel because of how much stuff you can fit in here. It’s easily the largest carry backpack bag we’ve ever seen, and you’ll be astonished how much you can actually fit in it.

This is because of its luggage-esque design. The Tortuga Travel Backpack has a square shape, so what you lack in style, you certainly make up for in space. Also, the Travel Backpack is made from the same material that boat sails are made from – this is one TOUGH bag, and it will last you a lifetime.

But because of its material, this bag isn’t the most stylish, nor is it the most malleable, but it’s a phenomenal bag for long term, international travel (and also a great carry on backpack for Europe!). The Tortuga Travel Backpack is basically luggage with a well-designed strap system so you can wear it as a backpack.

To answer that you need to consider what is more important to you. Simply put – if you are looking for something more stylish and light, go with the Setout. If you are looking for something a bit bigger and that will last through the apocalypse, go with the Travel Backpack.

The Travel Backpack comes in a 30L and a 40L – both are viable options, but the 40L seems to be much more popular.

When we asked our team of testers what they loved the most about this bag it had to be the shape and clamshell opening. The squared-off corners make fitting in packing cubes easy and simple making it possibly the best carry on backpacking backpack for fellow OCD sufferers!

Need more info? You gotta check out our  full Tortuga Travel Backpack review!

• Most packing space of any carry on travel backpack
• Incredibly durable
• An organisational masterpiece
• Dedicated laptop compartment is well protected and easily accessible
• It’s huge, and some airlines will absolutely make you check this bag
• Very expensive

Osprey Sojourn (46 liter) – Best Suitcase Backpack Hybrid

Price (USD): 195

Dimensions (CM): 46H X 40W X 31D

Weight (LBS): 3.45

The Osprey Sojourn is truly a one of a kind product. 1/2 backpack, 1/2 luggage, the Sojourn is the best of both worlds and is truly an incredible and unique bag…

The most important thing to realise is this – this is a rolling suitcase FIRST, and a backpack as a very, very, very far second. It’s got hidden backpack straps that can be unzipped and put into action whenever needed but is too heavy to carry over serious distances.

If you are looking for a straight-up backpack – look elsewhere. While the Sojourn’s backpack feature is well designed, it’s only meant to be used when you need it. If you are looking for a backpack, the Sojourn’s wheel system is giving you additional weight that your back will not appreciate. Use the backpack straps, but do so sparingly. This baby is meant to roll 90% of the time.

While the 46 litres might be a bit big for some budget airlines, you should be good to take the Sojourn as a carry on on most of your flights. However do note that it is heavy when packed and not easy to pop into the overhead compartment.

Like most Osprey packs, we love this bag’s design, organisational capacity and durability (its solid). The Sojourn 46 is easily the best-wheeled backpack carry on available, and if you are looking for some sort of carry on rolling luggage – we think you found your bag.

Still not sold? Check out our monster guide to the Osprey Sojourn .

• Doubles as rolling suitcase and backpack
• Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee
• lockable zippers help keep your gear safe and secure
• Great organisation
• It’s heavy when used as a backpack

LowePro Pro Tactic 450 AW (45 liter) – The Most Professional Carry On Camera Backpack

Price (USD): 275

Dimensions (CM): 30 x 16 x 44

Weight (KG): 2.7

Over the years, we’ve looked at a ton of camera backpacks, yet we always come back to the LowePro.

These bags are designed with the ultimate efficiency and are nothing short of a godsend for professional and aspiring photographers.

This bag can  safely and securely  fit 2 DSLR’s, up to 8 lenses, and a laptop. The design is impressive, as the bag allows for customisation, so you can create compartments personalised for your photography needs. If you combine that with some packing cubes for your clothing, you can easily have a super organised bag that will hold all your gear.

With its size, you can guarantee the LowePro 450 AW is 100% carry on compliant.

The LowePro 450 comes at a hefty price tag, but it’s worth it. Not only do you get this amazing camera bag, but it also comes with a bunch of accessories including a bottle pouch, and a rain case. If you are looking for the best carry on camera backpack – this is it!

Let us emphasise – this is a bag for hardcore camera enthusiasts, and it was an easy choice for the best carry on camera backpack. With all that gear things can get heavy, so you need your bag to be comfy, lucky this guys got padded shoulder straps and a hip belt.

If you are interested in something less professional, check out our best camera bags or the WANDRD PRVKE 31. However, if you’re after something even more professional, the Peak Design travel backpack 45l is a great shout. In fact, there’s a few different Peak Design bags that are also very good for travelling photographers.

After using this bag on a few trips my favourite feature as a photographer has to be the side access. The zip is smooth and easy to use in those situations where you want to whip your camera out quickly.

• Tons of awesome features
• Customisable
• Stylish and well designed
• Dedicated laptop sleeve
• Padded shoulder straps & hip belt

REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack – Best Budget Carry On Backpack

Price (USD): 149

Dimensions (CM): 60.96 x 35.56 x 25.4

Weight (KG): 1.81

REI deserves a bit more credit for their backpacks – they are well crafted, well-reviewed, and the Rucksack 40 is one of their finest!

If you are looking for the best budget carry on hiking backpack (and you the rucksack look!) meet your new carry on.

The Rucksack is marketed as both a travel bag and a hiking bag – and we completely agree! While certainly a bit more on the camping side than the travel side, this bag can do whatever you need it to do. REI’s bags are extremely durable, so no matter where in the world you take this bag it’ll stand the test of time (while also being carry on compliant!)

The Rucksack is simple – but you get what you pay for.  None of the mouthwatering features on Osprey or AER will be available on this bag. So if you want to keep everything organised it might be worth investing in a few packing cubes and tech pouches.

But! Having said that, this is still a fine bag, it will be very durable, and it’s probably the best value 40l backpack carry on, on the market right now.

For our team, what they really loved about this bag was how much of an all-rounder it was. It’s perfect for urban trips or hiking adventures being comfortable and durable enough to withstand all your activities.

• Super affordable
• Classic rucksack look
• Great ventilation/back support
• Lacks the features of other bags
• Preferrable for hikers/campers
• Might be too big for ultra-light campers

Swiss Gear SA1186 Bungee (26 liters) – The Simplest Backpack for Carry On

Price (USD): 58.60

Capacity (Litres) : 26

Dimensions (CM): 45.09 x 33.02 x 17.78

Weight (KG): 0.86

Swiss is a reputable brand, and its backpacks are no exception. The Swiss Gear 1186 is a simple bag – but for the price, it’s actually pretty impressive!

The bag is made of durable polyester fibre, is fairly large and has a bungee cord system in front to further help your organization.

This bag is a bit small, but we wanted to give a budget option for a smaller bag. This is more of a great budget day bag or if you travel super light, it could be good for a 1-2 day trip.

For our testers, they loved how this carry on backpacking pack was simple, durable and didn’t overcomplicate matters. It’s the ideal bag for those short last minute trips.

• Good organisation options
• 100% carry on compliant
• Lacks many features
• Not the most stylish option

Incase Icon – Best Carry On for Comfort

Price (USD): 219.95

Dimensions (CM): 48.26 x 33.02 x 22.86

Weight (KG): 0.79

Just in case you weren’t blown away by any of the previous 14 best carry on bags, we included the Incase Icon as a bonus bag.

This bag is in a similar line to AER and Minaal – very modern, sleek, well organised and tech-friendly. Our team particularly loved how well it fits a laptop, cables, chargers and all the other accessories that come with being a blogger!

• Feature heavy
• Great for laptops
• Super stylish – great design
• Not a hiking/camping bag

Standard Luggage Backpack – Best 3-in-1 Carry On

Dimensions (CM): 54.61 x 34.29 x 19.05

The backpack market is constantly changing and evolving so 2024 sees another contender make it onto our illustrious list!

Standard Luggage has been on our radar, making high-quality packs for a while now. This pack, the dedicated 35 litres carry on pack, is custom designed for the modern airport.

What makes this bag unique is its 3-IN-1 convertible design which allows you to wear it as a backpack, suitcase or shoulder bag. It is also ergonomic and the backpack straps are comfortable and ventilated. Then there is the lockable zips, the rain cover and custom pockets for water bottles and tablet.

Also, many airlines are now asking passengers to check even carry-on bags which causes hold-ups upon landing. Because of the design of this as well as its wearability, you will almost certainly never  be asked to check this one which is a big plus for me.

What our testers loved most about this bad was its versatility, the strap design was easy to reconfigure from a backpack to a shoulder bag for example and was comfy in all its incarnations.

• Great features
• Very comfortable
• Very high-quality materials
• Not ideal for taking outdoors
• Not the cheapest on the list

While there is no perfect science at play here, we nevertheless gave these packs a pretty good and solid testing. Over a period of time, various members of our team took these different carry on packs on various trips to out them well and truly through their paces.

In all cases we were paying close attention to a number of different factors which are;

Packability

Carry on packs are limited when it comes to how much you can fit in them. Therefore any decedent carry in needs to make sure it maximises the space it does have and facilitates effective packing. Equally though, we also paid attention to how easy the pack was to unpack – being able to retrieve items quickly and easily bags a bag, bags of bonus points!

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

If a pack is overly heavy or awkward to carry then taking it along on trips becomes uncomfortable. Believe me on this, I have had more than my fair share of backpacks that just weighed an ounce or two, too much or perhaps had crappy straps that dug into my shoulders. As such we awarded full marks for packs that minimise weight and maximum comfort.

Dimensions and Carry-On-Ability

You would be surprised at how many “carry on packs” don’t actually fit into the overhead cabins on flights. Basically a well made carry-on is universally “carry-on” compliant, keeps its shape even when fully packed and avoids the malevolent glare of zealous Ryanair employees who seem hell bent on making you check your bag in to the hold.

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look good as long as it functions. Well those people are fools because good gear can be both practical and cool. As such we also awarded points for how sexy a pack looks.

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we would drop it from a plane and then run over it. Unfortunately though that is not entirely feasible so instead, we simply inspected the materials used and the build quality off the packs paying attention to things like the seem sewing, the traction of the zips and other pressure points that tend to break.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What size does a carry on backpack have to be?

The dimensions of the allowed carry on size differ from airline to airline, but generally speaking, your bag should fit in the overhead compartment or not exceed the 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches dimension.

What is the cheapest carry on backpack?

Budget travellers will absolutely love the Swiss Gear SA1186 Bungee . Not only is it super affordable, it’s also pretty stylish and comfortable to carry.

What is the best carry on backpack for international travel?

When flying internationally, you’re very likely to have quite a few things to pack. The Tortuga Outbreaker offers plenty of storage space that can fit all your belongings.

Is there any stylish carry on backpacks?

We absolutely love the design of these epic carry on backpacks: – Nomatic Travel Bag – WANDRD PRVKE 31 – RIVACASE 7562 Laptop Backpack

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There you have it!

These are without a doubt the best carry on bags. With the help of this guide, we know that you’ll easily be able to find the best backpack for flying.

And remember, in case you can’t decide, our top two options are Nomatic Travel Bag 40L (for more modern, tech-savvy travellers) and the Osprey Farpoint 40 (for travellers who like to camp a bit or prefer the old school backpacker look).

What are your thoughts? Have we forgotten any of the best carry on packs of 2024? Let us know in the comments below 🙂

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Unfortunately, very few if not all of these bags will not be carry-on compliant as of 2024. Especially those that have an inner metal or plastic frame. If you can’t squish your bag down, you may have the same issue I did recently with my Osprey bag which has a 30L capacity. Great bag. Can’t praise it enough, but after the recent crackdown on carry-on bags, I couldn’t get my bag into the carry-on compliance checker (I don’t know what it’s called). After several tries of moving things around, I attempted to bend the frame, thus damaging my bag and it still didn’t fit the checker. So, warnings to you! Get a bag that that can be compacted easily. Probably something that’s no more than 25L.

The Stratos 36 is too tall to go as a carry on. Numerous sites claim that you just need to repack and not topload it, but the metal frame from the ventilation system itself is 2 inches over the limit

Aaron – happened upon your site and approve of your ‘brutal honesty’. Thank you for your research and insightful opinion. Among the ‘pros and cons’ though, there is no mention of the bags respective weights or is this info embedded in your article? Not long ago I was restricted to a single carry-on bag as my only luggage for nearly two months, and with numerous flights and just 7kg, every gram counts! This critical specification was a major factor in choosing the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Travel Bag which weighs about 1kg, but as you rightly say, it all depends on one’s travel needs and style. Happy trails fellow pilgrim! Regards, James

Great article, full of useful information and comparisons to help select the backpack that fits your needs the most. Thank you.

I loved this article. Thank you. I love Osprey in general and really like the Farpoint 40, but I don’t hike or camp and need a bag that is carry on 100 Percent of the time. I usually need to pack for only a few days. My Osprey Porter 30 is perfect.

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• Best overall
• Best budget
• Most comfortable
• Best for short trips
• Best long trips
• Best duffle

What else we tested

• How we tested

Backpack glossary

The 6 best carry-on travel backpacks we tested for headache-free flights.

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Basically suitcases you can wear on your back, travel backpacks are the favorite luggage of many a digital nomad, urban explorer, work traveler — and me. When you don't want to pack a carry-on or deal with a rolling suitcase, a good travel backpack is a one-bag solution. With plenty of room to fit all the clothes you need for a short trip plus organizer pockets for tech, accessories, and travel documents, it's a great way to travel light.

To find the best travel backpack, I tested nine of the most popular models on the market for capacity, packability, logical pocket placement, and carry comfort. I wanted packs that felt manageable in size and bulk but still allowed me enough room for all my usual packing needs. I stuck mainly to packs that opened like a suitcase — clamshells, front-loaders, and back-loaders — but I left some room for wildcards. At the end of this guide, you'll find my full testing methodology and a glossary of useful vocabulary to know as you shop for your travel backpack. 

The best travel backpacks in 2024

Best overall: Tortuga Outbreaker -  See at Tortuga With a highly adjustable harness system, multiple utilitarian organizer pockets, and a four-to-five-day packing capacity, the Tortuga backpack is the only bag you'll need when you travel.

Best budget: VGCUB Large Travel Backpack - See at Amazon This travel backpack went viral on TikTok for being an affordable way to pack for weekend getways. It has a separate shoe compartment, USB charging port, and easily stows under an airplane seat.

Most comfortable to carry: Osprey Fairview/Farpoint - See at Osprey The Osprey Fairview/Farpoint is available in two fits with two torso sizes per fit. Each includes a wide hip belt and contoured back panel, making it an incredibly comfortable carry and a great choice for every body type.

Best for short trips: Incase EO -  See at Amazon The Incase EO is everything you'll need for short trips. Its main compartment expands to fit up to three days' worth of clothes, and it can easily transition into a day pack to wear while out and about.

Best for long trips: Cotopaxi Allpa -  See at Amazon Three spacious compartments in the Cotopaxi Allpa allow you to pack more than any 35L backpack we tried, and it still manages to stay a streamlined carry. But it does lack in organizational and tech pockets.

Best duffle-style travel backpack: Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Backpack Duffel - See at Timbuk2 With one large main compartment, the Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Backpack Duffel lets you pack a ton of stuff however you see fit, and it throws in some small side pockets and a shoe pocket to further up its utility.

Best travel backpack overall

Editor's note: The Outbreaker has since been phased out, but Tortuga's new-and-improved Travel Backpack Pro is a worthy upgrade with near-identical features. With a highly adjustable harness system, multiple utilitarian organizer pockets, and a four-to-five-day packing capacity, the Tortuga Outbreaker is the only bag you'll need when you travel.

Pros: Incredible organizer pockets, meets carry-on requirements, fits four-to-five days' worth of gear, padded and fleece-lined tech pocket, adjustable harness system, wide hip belt, two water bottle pockets

Cons: Harness system does not stow

The Tortuga Outbreaker is absolutely loaded with compartments, pockets, and hidden gems. Basically, you can put a lot of stuff in a lot of places, and that's why we love it. The front-loader bag opens to reveal a main compartment that fits four to five days of clothes and two large mesh compartments that I used to pack small items like socks and underwear.

Inside the front panel is a deep organizer pocket with wallet-like divisions for cards and pens, and a compartment perfect for travel documents. On the exterior you'll find a water bottle pocket on each side of the pack — a rarity for travel backpacks.

The tech pocket is one of the most impressive at utilizing space. It zips open and lays flat for easy screening, and features two well-padded fleece-lined pockets for tablets or laptops, along with space for storing all your chargers and accessories.

The suspension system is also highly adjustable. You can move the entire thing, shoulder straps and all, up or down the pack to get the perfect fit for a variety of torso heights. The hip belt is one of the widest I tested and it does a fantastic job of redistributing weight off your shoulders — though, admittedly, it's a little dorky looking. Load lifters on the shoulder straps ensure the bag won't sag off your shoulders, creating pressure points.

One downside to this pack is that the harness system isn't stowable, so you may find things get caught as you try to shove it in the overhead. 

Best budget travel backpack

Business Insider newsletter editor Jordan Parker Erb uses this internet-famous travel backpack for weekend trips. At less than $40 on Amazon , she calls it "the perfect carry-on bag."

Pros:  Affordable, handy shoe compartment, fits under airplane seats

Cons: Too small for international trips, narrow water bottle pocket

"I used the bag for several road trips over the summer when I didn't have much to pack. The bag can fit a pair of shoes and two outfits without packing cubes , just enough for a weekend trip. Using packing cubes, you can squeeze in a few more outfits," says Parker Erb. "Coming in at about 12 inches wide and 17 inches long, the bag can fit under airplane seats without a problem," she writes in her full review of the TikTok viral Amazon backpack . "Unlike a regular backpack, this Amazon bag unzips fully — like a suitcase — making it easier to find and remove items without digging through the entire bag. With plenty of space for clothes and compartments for shoes and other items, the bag is the perfect carry-on for a weekend escape — but I wouldn't rely on it for long trips."

Most comfortable travel backpack

The Osprey Fairview / Farpoint is available in two fits with two torso sizes each. All include a wide hip belt and contoured back panel, making for an incredibly comfortable carry and a great choice for every body type.

Pros: Available in multiple styles for a great fit; wide hip belt, load lifters, and a contoured frame sheet make it very comfortable to carry; compressor straps hide external zippers; entire harness system hides away; carry-on compliant on most airlines; lifetime repair/replace warranty

Cons: Not the most fashionable pack, tech pocket at the front is a bit unusual

Osprey offers two different fits in its Fairview / Farpoint line: it considers the Fairview to be the women's fit and the Farpoint to be the men's fit, but each pack can be worn regardless of gender and may better be assessed based on your body type. Within each fit, there are also two different sizes — measure your torso from the base of your neck to the top of your hips to determine what size will suit you best. 

The frame sheet in the back panel is also contoured to help the back hug your lower back and shift the weight of the load away from your shoulders. The hip belt is also wider than the other packs I tested which also makes a difference in redistributing weight.

The harness system is also ergonomically designed and it's one of the few packs on our list with load lifters to keep the pack from sagging away from your shoulders. The entire harness system stows away thanks to a hidden flap that rolls up and zips over the entire thing.

The pack itself is a front-loader with one large main packing compartment with internal compressor straps. A combination tech and organizer pocket sits in front of that. It's the only pack we tried where the tech pocket is in the front, which provides less security, but the external compressor straps affix in such a way that completely hides the zippers so no one can get to them without some serious effort. 

Best travel backpack for short trips

The Incase EO is everything you'll need for short trips. Its main compartment expands to fit up to three days' worth of clothes, and it can easily transition into a day pack to wear while out and about.

Pros:  Expands to fit more clothes and contracts to be used as a day pack, lay-flat fleece-lined laptop pocket, organizer pocket has depth for additional storage, carry-on friendly

Cons: Only fits one to three days' worth of stuff, organizer pouches don't zip closed, no hip belt, feels heavy to carry

The Incase EO is the smallest bag on our list by volume, maxing out at 25 liters, but it fits much more than it lets on. It's definitely an overnighter — maybe a weekender if you push it — but it's a well organized little pack that's easily a one-bag solution for light packers and quick trips. It's also unique among our selections in that it's compressible and can transform into a day pack.

The main compartment opens front-loader-style, and while it'll fit a couple outfits, you'll also want to use the space in the organizer pocket to stash some additional clothes. The pouches within the organizer pocket are open at the top, so anything you put in them will simply drop in. I do wish they had zipper closures for added security.

The tech pocket comprises the entire back panel and fully unzips to lie flat for TSA. The laptop pocket is lined with microfleece for extra protection and fits up to a 16-inch laptop. Opposite that is a pouch to slide chargers and other accessories into, though I wish it had a zipper closure and some more pockets to better utilize that space.

Because this pack is smaller, it doesn't come with a hip belt or any way to attach one, and ends up feeling pretty heavy when packed to capacity. But the shoulder straps are well-padded with air mesh, and the sternum strap has some flex to it so it doesn't cut into you while you walk.

Best travel backpack for long trips

Three spacious compartments in the Cotopaxi Allpa  allow you to pack more than any 35L backpack we tried, and it still manages to stay a streamlined carry. But it does lack in organizational and tech pockets.

Pros:  Easily fits five-plus days' worth of gear, has room for both a 15-inch laptop and a tablet, intuitive compartment placement, meets most airline carry-on requirements, comes with a rain cover

Cons:  Lacks meaningful organizer pockets, no space for travel documents, tech pocket lacks space for accessories, shoulder straps are not very adjustable, hip belt may hit too high for those with longer torsos

The Cotopaxi Allpa structures 35 liters in such a way that lets you pack a ridiculous amount of stuff. I fit my entire five-day packing list including sneakers, a sweatshirt, and all my outfits. I didn't have to compromise or pack "creatively" or stick socks into pockets where socks didn't belong.

The clamshell design allows the pack to open like a book. On the right, you'll find an undivided expansive compartment. On the left, you'll find two smaller mesh pockets on the top half and a big compartment on the bottom. There's also a third compartment of the same size that can be accessed externally at the top of the pack.

Accessed by a zipper on the side of the back panel, the tech pocket has a velcro tablet pocket and enough room for a 15-inch laptop, but it lacks accessory pockets. Directly opposite that zipper is a quick-access zipper that lets you reach into the main compartment without unzipping the whole thing. 

The harness system is basic, but the contoured shoulder straps are comfortable, and the removable hip belt is streamlined and effectively distributed load weight. The sternum strap is vertically adjustable so you can get the right fit. And the entire thing is stowable within the back panel. The pack also meets all but the strictest airline carry-on requirements.

Best duffle-style travel backpack

With one large main compartment, the Timbuk2 Impulse Travel Backpack Duffel lets you pack a ton of stuff however you see fit, and it throws in some small side pockets and a shoe pocket to further up its utility.

Pros: Large capacity with duffle-style design, both internal and external compression straps, carry-on friendly on many airlines, fits 17-inch laptop, rip-stop fabric

Cons:  Tech pocket doesn't open flat, overstuffing could lead to lack of carry-on compliance, shoulder straps may be uncomfortable for those with narrow shoulders, lack of organizer pockets, sticky zippers

The Timbuk2 Impulse is the largest backpack on our list by volume at 45 liters, and thanks to its duffle-style design, you really get to utilize all that packing space. Rather than being broken up into smaller compartments, a U-shaped zipper flap reveals one large one that you can pack however you like. 

It also offers a few friendly details that set it apart from your typical duffle. On either side of the pack — or the top and bottom if you're wearing it — are separate zippered compartments. On the bottom, you'll find a water-resistant compartment for shoes or laundry, and on top is a similarly-sized more flexible compartment.

The tech pocket leaves something to be desired. It's accessed by a zipper on the side of the back panel, and though it's spacious enough to fit up to a 17-inch laptop, there are no pockets for accessories, and it doesn't open to lay flat. There's a distinct lack of organizational pockets on this pack and nowhere intuitive to store travel documents, but that's what you get with a duffle-style bag.

I found the shoulder straps to be a bit wide for my narrow shoulders, but someone broader than me shouldn't have an issue. The sternum strap is vertically adjustable and the hip belt helps disperse the load weight quite well. It felt lighter than some of the smaller-capacity bags I tested, even when fully packed. The entire harness system can be stowed in the back panel of the pack. 

Tortuga Setout ($119) : The Tortuga Setout is the little sibling of our top pick, the Tortuga Outbreaker . Despite also being a 35L pack, I was able to fit about a day's less gear than the Outbreaker. The Setout's tech pocket is less impressive and it has fewer organizational pockets than the Outbreaker. Its suspension system is also less adjustable, so you make have to live with a slightly less comfortable fit. The distinct advantage, though, is that it's cheaper. You'll make some compromises to save a few bucks, but they're minor compromises at best. This is still a wonderful pack.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($129) : Patagonia's reputation speaks for itself, and this duffel backpack is built to last. Insider's VP of Commerce, Breton Fischetti, has had his for over a decade, and it's still in perfect condition. But the lack of tech pocket, the barebones suspension system, and the fact that it doesn't meet airline carry-on requirements were all strikes against it.

How we test travel backpacks

In order to test travel backpacks, we first researched the major players in the market, searching for large-capacity, front-panel, back-panel, or clamshell backpacks that fully unzipped and opened flat like suitcases. From there, we received testing samples of our top nine choices.

Packing and capacity:  I tried to test backpacks with similar capacities, and most of them fell within the 35L to 40L range. A backpack with a 35L capacity was not disadvantaged for being unable to hold as much as a 40L-capacity backpack, but the configuration of pockets, compartments, and packing spaces played a key part in how easily each bag packs and how much it can hold.

I made a packing list for myself for the equivalent of a five-day trip: clothing, shoes, tech, and toiletries. I assessed how well I could fit all my essentials into the pack and how logically the compartments were placed. If I couldn't fit my full five-day haul into the pack, I noted how many days' worth of gear at which the pack maxed out. 

Carry-on capabilities:  Many of these backpacks can quickly exceed airline carry-on size requirements, especially if you overpack them in a way that distorts their shape. Our top five picks all meet most airline carry-on requirements when fully packed, though there's no guarantee you'll get away with overstuffing them.

Carry comfort : Because I tested these travel backpacks amidst the pandemic, I wasn't doing much actual traveling, so I did my best to simulate a travel experience. I fully packed each suitcase as outlined above, strapped the backpack onto my back, and walked around the block — half a mile — and up and down the stairs in my apartment building to test how comfortable the packs were to carry.

Durability:  To test durability, I pushed each fully packed backpack (sans my laptop) down a flight of stairs three times — forwards, backwards, and sideways. I noted any scuffs, scratches, tears, or broken hardware. I also tugged on the zippers in every direction to test their strength and how well they could withstand stress.

Long-term testing : Though our initial testing period lasted roughly four months, we acknowledge that other issues could crop up with long-term use. We are continuing to test each of our top picks and we will update this guide with any issues we encounter.

Unlike the Jansport you wore in middle school , travel backpacks have a lot of component parts, many of which are designed to make the backpack more comfortable to carry and less strenuous to your back. But if you don't know the vocabulary, you may have a tough time understanding what you're buying. Here are a few must-know vocab words to give you a better understanding of backpack anatomy.

L:  Backpack capacity is often expressed in liters, so if you see a backpack advertised as 35L, that means its total capacity is approximately 35 liters in volume. While the liter measurement can give you a general idea of how much stuff your backpack will hold, the way your pack's pockets and compartments are structured ultimately play a huge role in how much you'll be able to fit. We tested 35L backpacks that maxed out at three days' worth of stuff and some that could easily hold five or more days' worth.

Clamshell: A clamshell backpack features a zipper on three sides with the fourth side acting as a hinge. Clamshell packs open flat like a suitcase and have two equal compartments.

Front-loading: A front-loading backpack opens similarly to a clamshell pack, but instead of the zipper being located in the middle to create two equal compartments, it's located at the front to create one large packing space.

Rear-loading: A rear-loading backpack is exactly the same as a front-loading backpack, except the zipper is located at the back panel instead of the front panel.

Top-loading: Your middle school Jansport was a top-loading backpack. Instead of opening fully flat, you load your items in from the top. We've found that top-loaders provide a worse experience on a large scale than clamshells or front/back-loaders, so we've chosen not to include them in this guide.

Shoulder straps: These are simply the straps that go over your shoulders with which you carry your backpack. They are, in essence, what make a backpack a backpack.

Hip belt: Positioned at the bottom of the pack, a hip belt wraps around your waist, just above your hips. A properly positioned hip belt helps shift the weight away from your shoulders making larger loads easier to carry.

Sternum strap: A sternum strap crosses your chest and connects one shoulder strap to the other. It should sit just below your collarbone, and like the hip belt, it aids in weight distribution.

Frame sheet: A frame sheet is sewn into the back panel of a backpack and helps the backpack maintain its shape once fully loaded. It may be contoured or padded for extra comfort and can also help with weight distribution.

Load lifters: Load lifter straps help pull the top of your backpack closer to your shoulders. Not every pack has them, but if yours does, you'll find them coming over the top of the shoulder straps. Packs without them tend to fall away from your shoulders which adds strain.

Suspension/harness system: Every entry above from shoulder straps to load lifters is part of your backpack's suspension or harness system. It's everything that contributes to how you carry your backpack and how the load's weight is distributed across your body.

Compression straps: Compression straps can be located externally to help cinch down a packed backpack to make it smaller, or internally to help keep clothes in place if you haven't packed your backpack to capacity.

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• Main content

Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

From short weekend getaways to far-off international adventures, our top travel packs make it easy and comfortable to organize and carry the essentials.

Switchback Travel ( Brian McCurdy )

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

Whether you’re traveling across the globe or headed out on a quick weekend getaway, a thoughtfully designed travel pack can help you stay comfortable and organized while on the move. Key considerations include carry-on compatibility for air travel, enough capacity to stash your belongings, pack weight, and preferences on storage and organizational layouts. Below we break down the best travel backpacks of 2024, ranging from minimalist options for a couple nights away to larger bags with removable daypacks for extended trips. For more background information, see our detailed comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

Editor’s note: We updated our travel backpacks guide on March 29, 2024, to add The North Face Base Camp, which is a fully featured option at a competitive price, along with swapping the Patagonia Black Hole MLC from the 45-liter capacity to the 30-liter version due to its more manageable shape and size.  

Our Team's Top Travel Backpack Picks

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
• A Close Second (That's Great for Carrying Electronics): Peak Design Travel Backpack
• Excellent Carrying Comfort for Gear-Intensive Trips: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L
• Best for Staying Organized: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
• Best High-Capacity Travel Pack for Long Trips: Osprey Farpoint 70

Best Overall Travel Backpack

1. cotopaxi allpa 35l ($200).

When compiling our list of the best travel packs, we prioritized functional organization, easy on-the-go access, durable materials, and carry-on compatibility. Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L Travel Pack checks all those boxes emphatically, earning it our top spot for 2024. Along with the vibrant styling and multi-colored patterning that the brand is known for, the Allpa is exceptionally durable with a mix of 1,000-denier, TPU-coated polyester and panels of 840-denier ballistic nylon. In use, we found the Allpa to be remarkably tough and highly water-resistant, and the pack also comes with a stowable rain cover for truly inclement weather. We also love the dual access to the main compartment, including a full wraparound zipper and secondary side zip next to the backpanel for easily retrieving items while on the move. And the electronics sleeve is big enough to handle both a laptop and tablet at the same time, which isn’t often the case. Overall, the Allpa is well made, stylish, and very nicely appointed for travel.

What’s not to like with the Cotopaxi Allpa? While the 35-liter variation here is nicely sized for long weekend trips or shorter getaways abroad, it’s smaller than competitors like the Peak Design Travel Backpack, Osprey Sojourn Porter 46, and many other carry-on-friendly designs below (Cotopaxi does sell a larger 42L version for $220 that still meets most airline requirements). Further, while overall carrying comfort is good, there are no load-lifter straps to bring the pack closer to your body. Additionally, the interior pockets are a little awkwardly sized, and the lack of external compression straps makes it hard to secure bulkier loads. A final omission is water bottle storage, although it’s not a critical feature for most and does little to dampen our enthusiasm for an otherwise well-rounded and great-looking bag. And for those looking to check their luggage, the Allpa roller bags are equally tough and user-friendly. See the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A Close Second (That's Great for Carrying Electronics)

2. peak design travel backpack ($300).

Peak Design’s Travel Backpack may look relatively unassuming on the outside, but don’t be fooled: This bag is packed with thoughtful travel-ready features. First is the expandable design, which allows you to alternate between 35 and 45 liters by simply zipping or unzipping the frontmost zipper. Access is another highlight, including entry points at the top, side, front, and rear for easily retrieving items pretty much anywhere in the pack. Storage is also excellent with padded laptop and tablet sleeves, a divisible main compartment, large and stretchy dual side pockets (not common on travel packs), and multiple interior pockets. And it’s all wrapped up in a thick nylon canvas shell that’s durable, streamlined, and very modern.

What complaints do we have about the Peak Design Travel Backpack? Price is the most glaring downside: At $300, it’s one of the most expensive designs on our list. And while the bag is undeniably sleek, it’s pretty utilitarian-looking and less everyday-friendly than more vibrant options like the Cotopaxi Allpa above and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag below. It’s also on the heavy end at 4 pounds 8 ounces, which isn’t unreasonable but does add considerable heft compared to many competitors. Finally, the Travel Backpack is technically not carry-on compliant when expanded, measuring 22 x 13 x 11 inches (the standard U.S. domestic carry-on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 in.). But it works at the compressed 35-liter size (or smaller 30L option) , and photographers in particular will love the shape, which nicely accommodates multiple camera cubes, lenses, and other accessories. If you fall into that group, another staff favorite is Wandrd's Prvke , which features a more modular design with specialized add-ons for camera gear. See the Peak Design Travel Backpack

Excellent Carrying Comfort for Gear-Intensive Trips

3. osprey sojourn porter 46 l ($195).

Osprey is a leader in the backpacking pack market, and much of that technology and expertise has trickled down nicely into their travel pack collection. The Sojourn Porter 46 L is case in point, combining the impressive carrying comfort that the brand is known for with a practical, carry-on-friendly build and feature set for travel. Starting at the outside, you get a rigid foam backpanel with well-cushioned shoulder and hipbelt straps that feel reminiscent of Osprey’s backpacking designs, a handy compression system to effectively cinch things down, lockable zippers for the main compartment, and a beefy side handle for hauling the pack duffel-style. The inside is a similar story with ample pockets of varying sizes, compressions traps to keep clothes tidy, and padded sidewalls to help protect valuables during travel.

Despite offering 11 more liters of capacity than our top-ranked Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for $5 less), the Sojourn Porter 46 L is still carry-on compliant, making it the largest option here that still meets most domestic and international airline restrictions. It’s also impressively sturdy and durable and includes reinforced cord loops to attach to Osprey's Daylite or Farpoint/Fairview daypacks (sold separately). We do wish Osprey offered the design in a women’s version for those with smaller torso and waist measurements, but the unisex sizing is standard in the travel market (their Farpoint/Fairview below is one of the few models to come in a separate women’s version). In the end, if it fits you well, the Sojourn Porter offers a hard-to-beat mix of capacity, features, and comfort for the price, making it our favorite option for longer, gear-intensive adventures. See the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L

Best Travel Pack for Staying Organized

4. topo designs global travel bag 30l ($199).

Topo Designs flies a little under the radar compared to well-known brands like Cotopaxi and Osprey, but don’t let that deter you—this company makes exceptionally built and good-looking packs for everything from commuting and travel to more technical pursuits like biking and climbing. Their Global Travel Bag 30L here is a shining example and stands out in one major way: internal organization. Put simply, there’s no shortage of options for divvying up your belongings, from the vertical daisy chain webbing on the front to the expandable side water bottle pockets, ample zippered storage inside and out, a laptop sleeve along the backpanel, and several interior mesh pockets. Like the Cotopaxi Allpa above, the Global Travel Bag is also well equipped for rough use, including a mix of 1,000- and 1,680-denier ballistic nylon that gives the pack a noticeably burly, confidence-inspiring feel—at a very manageable 2 pounds 10 ounces to boot.

That said, the extensive feature set does add some complexity when it comes to organization. We like the big clamshell opening to the main compartment, but we had to reorganize to make everything fit into the various compartments (they're optimized for Topo Designs' Pack Bags , which are smaller than our standard packing cubes). The tall and slim shape is also best suited for clothing rather than bulky gear, which may be limiting for outdoor adventures that involve camping or backpacking. We also wished there were a little more padding along the shoulder straps and hipbelt while walking through airports with the pack stuffed full, but it distributed the load pretty well (and the hipbelt can be tucked away when not in use). In the end, no pack is perfect, but the Global Travel Bag 30L is a well-built, durable, and stylish option for overnights, short weekend getaways, and even minimalist adventures abroad. It’s also sold in a larger 40-liter variation for longer trips, although we found the smaller pack to be much more manageable. See the Topo Designs Travel Bag 30L

Best Budget Travel Backpack

5. amazon basics carry-on travel backpack ($46).

Travel packs are an expensive bunch, but Amazon makes an affordable but still surprisingly capable option in their Carry-On Travel Backpack. We’ll start with the good news: As its name implies, the bag is carry-on compliant, and it comes with most of the standard features we look for in a practical travel pack. These include a zippered laptop sleeve, internal and external compression straps, easy-access pockets for travel documents, and good organization in the main compartment. Like the Peak Design Travel Backpack above, the Amazon Basics can also be expanded to boost packing space while still meeting carry-on restrictions. And at just around $50 at the time of publishing (colorways vary on Amazon), the 40-liter Carry-On Travel Backpack is a great value for what you get, undercutting most similarly sized models on this list by $100 or more.

Now for the bad news: This Amazon Basics pack is far less capable than many of the picks here for shuttling a full load. The shoulder straps are lightly padded, while the hipbelt is a thin and basic webbing design that won’t feel comfortable under the weight of a full pack. The rest of the design has a cheaper feel, too, including a shiny and dated-looking exterior, a lot of plastic (read: breakable) components, and standard, non-lockable zippers. You don’t get dedicated water bottle storage either, which isn’t a necessary feature but certainly is nice to have. But if you’re an occasional traveler and aren’t yet ready to make a more sizable investment, the Amazon Basics pack is a perfectly serviceable entry-level option at a great price. For another capable budget design that comes with packing cubes and lots of colorway options, we also like Asenlin’s 40L Travel Backpack . See the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack

Best High-Capacity Travel Pack for Long Trips

6. osprey farpoint 70 ($230).

The packs above are great for vacationers and travelers headed out for a week or two, but those embarking on longer and/or gear-heavy trips abroad will almost certainly need more storage and capacity. Enter Osprey’s Farpoint 70, which comes with a 15-liter daypack that can be attached to the front to maximize capacity or used separately for around-town adventures once you reach your destination (Note: The travel pack itself is 55L). Importantly, both come well appointed: The daypack boasts a dedicated tablet/hydration sleeve and water bottle pockets, while the main pack has great cushioning along the straps and backpanel (it’s an Osprey, after all), a well-ventilated backpanel, easy access via the large front panel, and an adjustable torso system for dialing in a good fit. It's all wrapped up in a thoughtful and sustainable package, including recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics, along with a dedicated women's version called the Fairview.

All that said, there’s one glaring downside to opting for a larger-capacity design like the Osprey Farpoint 70: It doesn’t meet most carry-on size requirements. For reference, the standard domestic carry-on limit within the U.S. is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while the Farpoint measures 25.6 x 15 x 12.6. Another complaint is that the daypack obscures the pack’s main compartment when attached, making it tedious to access your belongings. Even so, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile and comfortable system for less (the daypack is a $65 investment on its own), making the Farpoint 70 our favorite high-capacity pick of the year. It’s also available in a larger 80-liter version, as well as smaller 40- and 55-liter capacities, although only the Farpoint 55 and 70 include the detachable daypack.  See the Osprey Farpoint 70   See the Women's Osprey Fairview 70

Best of the Rest

7. eagle creek tour 40l ($159).

Eagle Creek first started making packs in the mid 1970s, and their Tour 40L travel pack reflects that longstanding history in the market. From the get-go, we were immediately impressed by its highly practical design. The bag has great exterior storage, including a stretchy side water bottle pocket and expansion zipper for 5 liters of additional capacity in the main compartment. Additionally, the book-style opening provides quick access to the contents of the bag, and interior and exterior compression straps make it easy to snug things down. We also appreciate that it comes in two torso sizes (S/M and M/L) for maximizing fit, which is uncommon in the travel pack market and a really nice plus at this price point. And the cherry on top: The Tour checks in at a very competitive 2 pounds 10 ounces, which is tied with Topo Designs’ 10-liter-smaller Global Travel Bag above as the lightest on our list.

Other notable features on the Eagle Creek Tour 40L include side and top grab handles for easy loading and carrying, an integrated rain cover that stows away at the bottom and doubles as a backpanel cover if you check the bag, puncture-resistant and lockable zippers that are easy to operate even with gloves, and good overall carrying comfort. It’s not the toughest design out there—the water bottle pocket started to fray on our pack after just one trip—but uses durable 600-denier polyester elsewhere and is reasonably hardwearing overall. Final nitpicks include no pass-through sleeve for securing to a suitcase and a fairly bland exterior, but those do little to detract from the Tour’s otherwise well-rounded build.  See the Eagle Creek Tour 40L

8. Gregory Border Carry-On 40 ($190)

Like Osprey, Gregory is a leader in the hiking and backpacking markets, and their Border Carry-On 40 retains many of their well-loved technical features in a travel-friendly design. The big news here is the pack’s split-case design, which creates two distinct areas within the main compartment accessed via one large, clamshell-style opening. On one side, a zippered mesh panel with added zippered storage and compression straps keeps your clothing and some accessories organized, while an odor-resistant “ActiveShield” compartment at the opposite side effectively separates dirty clothes. As expected from Gregory, carrying comfort is also great with good adjustability at the sternum, a well-cushioned backpanel, and thick straps. You don’t get load lifters for bringing the pack closer to your body, but we didn’t have any issues, even when running through the Montreal airport to a connecting flight en route to Patagonia.

That said, the Gregory Border Carry-On’s split-case design does have a noteworthy pitfall: With both compartments zipped, storage feels pretty limited. Unzipping the larger mesh panel does help maximize space (especially when stuffing the pack to the brim), but it also defeats the purpose of the dual compartments. Compared to the competition, the Border also uses thinner materials than Osprey’s Sojourn Porter and Farpoint offerings, although the rest of the feature set stacks up similarly. In the end, it’s another comfortable and well-built travel pack, and the split-case design has its merits for those who pack light. See the Gregory Border Carry-On 40

9. Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L ($350)

Travel packs are a dime a dozen in 2024, but Tortuga’s Travel Backpack 40L—which replaced their Outbreaker 35L—stands out as one of the most well-appointed and thoughtfully built options on the market. Organization is a clear highlight, including a large front pocket with several sleeves for divvying up small valuables and documents, a convenient clamshell-style opening with zippered compartments for separating clothes and shoes, and padded laptop and tablet sleeves with zippered mesh pockets at the other side for storing cords and accessories. Rounding out the feature set are easy-to-access water bottle pockets that can fit most standard-mouth bottles (our wide-mouth Hydro Flask was too big), zippered hipbelt storage that can accommodate a smartphone and passport, and lockable, water-resistant zippers. Finally, the design is well padded with thick cushioning along the backpanel, shoulder straps, and hipbelt, which is fairly uncommon among travel-specific brands. 

It's worth noting that the Tortuga Travel Backpack has a slightly more streamlined storage layout than its predecessor, although you do get an additional 5 liters of capacity and a bump in usable space. However, the Tortuga is no featherweight at 4 pounds 8 ounces, which is a notable downside for long treks through the airport and around town. It’s also tied with Matador’s GlobeRider below as the priciest on our list at a steep $350. On the bright side, Tortuga does offer a lifetime warranty against defects, and they will repair/replace the pack or refund your money if a replacement isn't available. All told, it’s a nice dose of added assurance and helps justify the steep price, but the hefty build and lack of value push the Tortuga slightly down in our rankings. For another well-executed design with all the requisite travel features, check out Aer’s Travel Pack 3 , which is cheaper at $249 but 5 liters smaller and doesn’t include a hipbelt with purchase. See the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

10. Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack ($250)

Yeti's coolers and insulated drinkware are their bread and butter, but the focus on premium craftsmanship doesn’t end there. On the travel side, their Crossroads 35L Backpack is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the brand: excellent durability and functionality in a modern package. The body of the pack is made with Yeti's tough and confidence-inspiring TuffSkin nylon (which was inspired by motorcycle gear), while the PU-coated base adds a nice dose of assurance when setting it down. All of the other components have an equally durable and supportive feel, from the foam-heavy shoulder straps to the thick, protective backpanel. It’s all wrapped up in a sleek and streamlined design that’s offered in a nice selection of colorways, from bright Harvest Red to subdued Alpine Brown (shown in the photo here).

Yeti clearly put a lot of thought into the outside of the Crossroads, but the interior is well executed, too. The clamshell opening folds back to reveal a pocket-equipped mesh panel and generous main compartment that still can be accessed when wearing the pack. You also get dedicated storage for a water bottle and laptop, as well as a pass-through sleeve for securing to a roller bag. Our biggest gripe is the lack of padding: The detachable hipbelt is made of thin webbing and doesn’t offer much support, and the shoulder straps and backpanel have a noticeably thick and rigid feel, which is great for durability but detracts from overall comfort. And as with most Yeti products, the pack isn’t particularly cheap or light at $250 and nearly 4 pounds. Finally, the 35-liter Crossroads is on the smaller side and will require precise packing to fit more than about three to five days’ worth of belongings. But again, build quality is top-notch, and minimalists used to packing light may not mind the small sacrifices in comfort and storage. See the Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack

11. Matador GlobeRider45 ($350)

Matador may lack the name recognition of brands like Osprey and Cotopaxi, but don’t let that fool you: This Boulder-based upstart is quickly growing thanks to their outside-the-box thinking. From their travel collection, the new GlobeRider45 stands out as a very intentionally built design that spares no expense in terms of features. In addition to being on the larger end, the carry-on-compliant GlobeRider offers solid comfort and support with good padding along the straps and backpanel, a light but sturdy aluminum frame stay, and a well-executed suspension system that’s reminiscent of a backpacking pack. Organization also abounds with a large external stash pocket, thoughtfully designed electronics pockets, vertical daisy chain webbing, and a practical interior layout that includes a packing cube-like space on one side and open clothing storage on the other. All told, it's an intriguing new pack that does a great job merging the utility of both backpacking and travel designs.

It's worth noting that we previously had Matador’s cheaper and lighter Seg45 ranked here, which boasts a unique segmented design that allows you to customize organization by day or activity. When unzipped, the five compartments at the front of the pack reveal independent (and stowable) storage cube-like areas for clothes and other soft items, while the main compartment below provides added space for dirty clothes, shoes, and other bulkier gear. While innovative, however, the Seg45 falls well short of the GlobeRider in carrying comfort, which is largely a result of the thin webbing hipbelt and lack of frame. The pocket-heavy exterior also made it hard for us to remember where we put certain items and detracts from the amount of usable space inside the main compartment. Both packs are arguably overbuilt for infrequent travelers, but the GlobeRider stands out as the more balanced option for those willing to splurge. See the Matador GlobeRider45

12. The North Face Base Camp Travel Pack ($169)

The North Face’s expedition-ready Base Camp duffels have long been popular among serious adventurers, and the Base Camp Travel Pack is a logical and carry-on-friendly addition to the collection. We found a lot to like about the pack during testing, including its burly and abrasion-resistant exterior and myriad storage options. We particularly enjoyed the Base Camp’s front pocket layout, which makes it easy to divvy up travel documents and electronics with a variety of mesh, zippered, and fleece-lined pockets. The smaller details are equally well sorted, from the well-padded shoulder straps and backpanel to the fleece-lined laptop sleeve and generous daisy chain system for attaching gear externally. Finally, despite being a little smaller than many of our top picks, the 35-liter Base Camp includes water bottle pockets that easily swallowed our 24-ounce Hydro Flask.

However, despite checking all the boxes for most travelers, the Base Camp starts to look a little less competitive when stacked up against options like the Eagle Creek Tour above. For $10 less, the Tour boasts an additional 5 liters of capacity and includes helpful additions like a hipbelt, load-lifter straps, and a rain cover—all for around a pound less. Another alternative worth considering is REI’s Ruckpack 40 , which costs the same as the Base Camp and is more capable of crossing over for hiking: The laptop sleeve can fit a 3-liter reservoir, there are attachment points for trekking poles, and the suspension system is more in line with standard daypacks. Depending on your needs, the Ruckpack might be the better option, but the Base Camp offers better organization for travel in a more modern-looking package than the Eagle Creek. A final note: Those with broader builds may experience discomfort where the shoulder straps meet the backpanel, but our narrow-framed female tester had no comfort-related issues. See the TNF Base Camp Travel Pack

13. Thule Aion Travel Pack ($200)

Swedish brand Thule is best known for their bike and roof racks, but they make sneaky-good packs, too. Our favorite in their collection this year is the 40-liter Aion, which combines the premium build quality that Thule is known for with a nice assortment of travel-ready features. One unique—but very functional—addition is the removable TPU rolltop bag for stashing dirty laundry, which prevents odors and dirt from making their way to the rest of your belongings. The rest of the design is nicely appointed, including dedicated water bottle storage, an easy-to-access clamshell opening, plenty of zippered spaces for electronics and valuables (including a padded laptop/tablet sleeve), internal compressions straps to keep items secure and tidy, lockable zippers, and carry-on-compliant dimensions. 

What pushes the Thule Aion down to a mid-pack finish? At this price point and capacity, we’re surprised to see that the bag doesn’t come with a hipbelt. You can purchase Thule’s compatible Aion sling bag separately, which can pull double-duty for around-town use, but it’s a fairly expensive addition at $50 (and a feature we consider critical for a pack of this size). To be fair, the rest of the build is very well executed, including a noticeably thick and robust 600-denier waxed canvas shell and PFC-free DWR coating for fending off moisture. If you don’t mind the added investment for the waist belt/sling bag, it’s a promising design with competitive specs to match. Of note, if you’re looking for something a little different for travel, the Aion collection also includes a roller bag and a 35-liter duffel . See the Thule Aion Travel Pack

14. Pacsafe EXP45 ($290)

Travel can be an exhausting endeavor, especially if you’re constantly worried about your luggage or valuables getting stolen. That’s why anti-theft designs like Pacsafe’s EXP45 are becoming increasingly common, particularly for international trips. Like most of Pacsafe’s offerings, the EXP45 is packed with protective features, from cut-resistant materials to lockable and puncture-resistant double zippers and built-in stainless steel cable locks. Importantly, these are nicely integrated and don’t detract too heavily from the Pacsafe's functionality as a travel pack—it’s still well organized with ample interior and exterior pockets and compression straps, offers multiple carry options, and is carry-on compliant.

That said, the Pacsafe EXP45 is a pretty niche design that prioritizes safety over carrying comfort and access. The pack is on the heavier end at over 4 pounds due to all the protective features, the padding along the shoulder straps and hipbelt is firm (albeit decently thick), and there are no load-lifter straps to pull the pack closer to your body. Another downside is that the laptop sleeve is positioned at the front of the bag—we prefer when heavier items are situated close to the back for better weight distribution—and accessing items here can be difficult due to the half-length zipper design (we wish it had a clamshell opening like the main compartment). In other words, comfort- and convenience-focused travelers will likely want to look elsewhere, but the Pacsafe has its place for those who prioritize safety and security. For a cheaper and lighter option that doesn’t skimp on safety features, we also like Pacsafe’s Go 44L , although frequent travelers will likely prefer the more premium EXP45. See the Pacsafe EXP45

15. Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L ($199)

Patagonia’s Black Hole is legendary in the world of duffel bags, and the Mini MLC 30L travel pack variation shares that bag’s excellent durability and good looks in a more organized and carry-on-friendly design. Like the duffels, the Black Hole pack is made of strong (and recycled) polyester ripstop that’s highly tear-resistant with a TPU film on the exterior for fending off precipitation. It also boasts the signature daisy chain webbing along one side for securing extra gear. Importantly, however, the travel focus is clear: You get three carrying options (backpack, over-the-shoulder, or briefcase-style), compatibility with a roller bag, and a generously sized opening with two separate chambers for customizing organization.

Why do we rank the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L here? The most glaring downside is its 30-liter capacity, which is undersized for trips lasting longer than a few days (unless you’re a staunch minimalist). Patagonia does offer a larger 45-liter variation for $40 more, although we found it to be lacking in structure, which caused the pack to feel noticeably bulky and cumbersome when stuffed full. Thankfully, both options feature the same well-executed backpanel design that we love, which comprises sleeves at one side for a laptop and tablet with zippered and drop-in pockets at the other for divvying up cords and accessories. Again, the Mini version is underbuilt for extended trips abroad but remains an excellent pick for commutes, daily use, and as a secondary bag for travel. See the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L

16. Nomatic Travel Bag 40L ($290)

Many of the picks above are built by reputable backpacking manufacturers, but Nomatic is a travel company first. Their Travel Bag 40L embodies that focus, combining thoughtful organization and storage with easy access in a sleek and minimalist package. Feature highlights include a customizable strap design that allows you to easily alternate between backpack and duffel carry, dedicated compartments for shoes and clothing at the top and bottom of the bag, and even a mesh laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate during travel. We also love the exterior pocket at the right side, which opens wide for easy access and features an array of mesh, fleece-lined, and zippered spots to organize electronics and cords, along with an RFID pocket for passports and other scannable documents. All told, it’s clear that Nomatic put a ton of thought into the design. 

It’s worth noting that Nomatic offers another intriguing option in their Navigator , although we consider the Travel Bag the more competitive all-around design. In parsing out the differences, the Travel Bag costs $110 less and is lighter by nearly 2 pounds, although it forgoes the Navigator’s expandable main compartment that allows you to alternate between 32 and 41 liters depending on your storage needs. The Navigator also includes load lifter straps and a sculpted foam backpanel for a boost in carrying comfort, but the Travel Bag is no slouch. And from a features perspective, we appreciate the Travel Bag’s dirty shoe compartment and included laundry bag. Those with smaller frames may have trouble dialing in a secure fit—our female tester (5’6” and 135 lb.) maxed out the Travel Bag’s hipbelt, for example—but the intentional organization layout and travel-ready feature set are undeniable selling points. See the Nomatic Travel Bag 40L

17. Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 ($249)

Along with Osprey’s Sojourn Porter 46 above, Mystery Ranch’s Mission Rover 45 is a great option for those of us who aren’t particularly adept at packing light. Touted as a “workhorse gear hauler,” the Mission Rover offers three functional carry options (as a suitcase, shoulder bag, or standard backpack), has a well-organized main compartment with zippered dividers and a wraparound clamshell opening, and even includes separate areas for shoes and dirty laundry. As expected at this price point, you also get most of the standard travel-ready features that we look for, including a stowable hipbelt, lockable zippers, a sleeve to secure to a rolling suitcase, and a padded laptop space that can accommodate computers up to 15 inches wide. Finally, like many of Mystery Ranch's backpacking offerings, the Mission Rover has a premium feel with a thick nylon exterior and water-resistant YKK zippers.

However, as with the Pacsafe EXP45 above, the Mission Rover’s laptop sleeve is situated at the front of the pack, which detracts from carrying comfort and convenience. The Mystery Ranch is also on the heavier and pricier end of the spectrum at 4 pounds 4.8 ounces and $249, although the 45-liter capacity is undeniably generous (and the pack is still compliant with most carry-on size restrictions). Finally, the bag is relatively dated-looking and lacking in modern appeal compared to offerings from Topo Designs, Peak Design, Cotopaxi, and others above. In other words, the Mission Rover doesn’t stand out in any one area (hence our ranking), but it’s another durable travel pack with a nicely executed feature set. See the Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45

Travel Backpack Comparison Table

Editor's note: "Carry-on" refers to whether or not each pack meets standard domestic and international air travel restrictions, which must be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches when adding L+W+H.

About Our Testing Process

True to our name, globetrotting is a big part of what we do at Switchback Travel. Managing editor Sarah Nelson put together our initial list of 16 picks in 2022 after a trip to El Chaltén in southern Argentina with fellow staff members and gear testers. From takeoff to our return flights home, we put our packs through their paces by stuffing them to the brim with two weeks’ worth of clothing and gear, schlepping them through domestic and international airports, shoving them into overhead compartments and below our seats, and getting intimately familiar with organizational layouts for divvying up our documents and electronics. Upon our return, we also evaluated each pack closely for signs of wear like tears and stains.

Our current list of 17 picks reflects our own experiences as well as feedback from our freelancers, travel-savvy friends, and the online travel community. We continue to test travel packs on adventures near and far, adding and removing designs as the market shifts and as we get firsthand experience with more options. For example, on a recent trip to Chilean Patagonia in February 2024, we brought along two new-to-us travel packs: The North Face Base Camp and the Nomatic Travel Pack, both of which are now featured in the guide above. We’ll be sure to add any other standouts and favorites to the list above with each update.   

Travel Backpack Buying Advice

Size and capacity.

• Carry-on Size Restrictions

Organization: Pockets and Main Compartment Access

Carrying comfort, grab handles and alternate carry methods.

• Other Features

Construction and Durability

Fit and sizing, women’s-specific travel backpacks, sustainability, packing cubes and other accessories, do you need a travel backpack.

The first question to answer when choosing a travel pack is how much capacity you anticipate needing. For reference, the options above range from 30 liters on the small end (the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ) all the way up to 70 liters for the Osprey Farpoint 70 (with the 15L daypack attached). Most travelers will land on something in the middle, with the sweet spot for many being in the 40- to 45-liter range—it’s no coincidence that well over half of the models above fall into this grouping, which is largely due to their carry-on-compliant dimensions.   

In general, we’ve found that packs of this size can easily accommodate a week or two of clothing, toiletries, and other travel accessories (and even more if you pack light). For reference, we had no issues fitting 14 days’ worth of belongings into the 40-liter version of Topo Designs’ Global Travel Bag on a recent trip to Patagonia. If you stick to weekend adventures, you can keep things lighter and more compact (and save some cash in the process) by opting for the smaller, 30-liter variation. On the flip side, those embarking on longer expeditions abroad might need to step up to a larger design like the Osprey Farpoint 70 or 80 (at the sacrifice of carry-on compatibility).  

Travel Backpack Dimensions

Dimensions are a crucial consideration for most travelers, and especially those headed abroad. With that in mind, we’ve listed the length, width, and height measurements for each travel pack above both in the write-ups and in our comparison table . As you may notice, similarly sized travel packs don’t vary too considerably in terms of dimensions. This is mainly due to carry-on size restrictions, which we break down more in depth below. Carry-on Size Restrictions Right off the bat, we’ll note that there is technically no standardized size requirement for carry-on luggage domestically or abroad. That said, the universally accepted dimensions within the U.S. are 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches when adding L+W+H. We’ve indicated whether each travel pack above meets these requirements in our comparison table, and REI Co-op does the same on each of their product pages. The only exception above is the Osprey Farpoint 70 , which measures 25.6 x 15 x 12.6 inches.  

It’s also important to call out expandable models here like the Peak Design Travel Backpack , which is carry-on compliant when compressed to 35 liters (22 x 13 x 9.5 in.) but not when expanded to its maximum 45-liter capacity (22 x 13 x 11 in.). You may be able to get away with carrying these bags onboard, but don’t count on it, especially if you’re traveling during peak season to a popular destination. When in doubt, you can always check with your airline ahead of time.  

All of the packs above are purpose-built for travel with extensive organizational layouts and thoughtfully placed pockets for separating valuables, electronics, and other accessories. That said, some layouts are more functional than others, and a final decision will largely come down to your intended use and what works best for the items that you plan to bring along. For instance, sleek options like the Peak Design Travel Backpack and Nomatic Travel Bag are great for digital nomads and remote workers who need to organize a lot of electronics, while backpacking-inspired designs like Osprey’s Farpoint and Sojourn Porter offerings have fewer tech-focused features but work great for adventure travel. We break down some of the key organizational components below, from laptop and tablet sleeves to water bottle storage and pack opening styles.  

Laptop and Tablet Sleeves Laptop storage is a requisite feature in a travel pack, and all of the picks above come with a dedicated spot to stash larger electronics. In terms of dimensions, most sleeves can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop, and many come with separate smaller compartments in the same space for a tablet, too. This area is typically well padded to protect electronics and positioned along the backpanel for the best access and weight distribution (keeping heavier items closest to your back will help maximize comfort and balance). A couple exceptions to this rule are the Pacsafe EXP45 and Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 , both of which have the laptop sleeve at the front of the pack and can feel a little less well balanced with heavier electronics situated farther away from your body.  

Water Bottle Pockets Unlike laptop sleeves, side water bottle pockets aren’t a standard feature on travel packs. Some models that include them are the Topo Designs Global Travel Pack, Peak Design Travel Backpack, Osprey Farpoint 70 (on its removable daypack), Eagle Creek Tour , and Thule Aion, while the Cotopaxi Allpa and Amazon Basics Carry-On leave them out. And it’s worth noting that the Farpoint’s removable daypack is also compatible with a hydration reservoir, including a sleeve and access ports at either side for a tube (Note: This area on the daypack doubles as the laptop sleeve).   

Opening Styles and Access Easy access is a hallmark of a good travel backpack. The clamshell-style opening is far and away the most popular design and for good reason: With the pack laid flat, you can easily see and access the entirety of the main compartment. Some backpack-inspired designs, like Osprey's Sojourn Porter 46 and Farpoint 70, utilize generous U-zip designs instead, which are pretty functional but make it a little harder to reach contents at the very bottom of the bags. Finally, it's important to note that some bags come with multiple access points: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, for instance, includes both a full wraparound zipper and “shortcut” side zip next to the backpanel for easily retrieving items while on the move.  

Comfort can be somewhat subjective, but a few features help certain travel packs stand out from the rest of the market. Typically, the most comfortable designs boast shoulder straps and hipbelts with thick padding and good adjustability for dialing in fit. Sternum and load-lifter straps can also be very helpful in effectively distributing a heavy load. One brand that stands out in this area is Osprey, which makes sense given their expertise in the backpacking pack market. One of our favorite options for shuttling heavy loads over long distances is Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 , which features thick cushioning and good adjustability at the shoulders and waist belt and comes with load lifters for bringing the weight closer to your back.  

On the flip side, models without hipbelts are generally the least comfortable, especially when wearing them for extended stretches. From the list above, only the Thule Aoin doesn’t come with one, although their Aion Sling Bag (sold separately for $50) can be attached to serve as a hipbelt. Thin webbing designs—like what you get with the Amazon Basics Carry-On and Yeti Crossroads —aren’t much better, providing very little support and structure for keeping the weight of the pack on your hips (rather than your back). If you plan to be walking long distances with your pack through airports or city streets, we consider a well-padded waist belt a critical feature and worth the added investment.   

The models above are designed to be worn on your back as backpacks, but many travelers appreciate the ability to carry their pack suitcase-style or over the shoulder. These options are especially helpful when standing in line to check in at the airport or retrieve travel documents. For instance, the Peak Design Travel Backpack boasts 360-degree grab handles that make it quick and easy to take the pack off and carry it one-handed through security checkpoints or narrow airplane aisles. Designs like the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L also come with detachable straps for shoulder carry, which can be helpful when you need to access items inside but want to keep the pack off the ground and remain hands-free. Finally, many of the offerings here can be secured to a roller bag via pass-through sleeves, which we cover more below.  

Other Travel Pack Features

In addition to pockets and electronics sleeves, there are a few other features specific to travel packs that are worth having on your radar. Lockable zippers are fairly standard at the mid to upper end of the market (budget designs like the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack forgo them), as are removable and/or stowable straps and compression straps or dividers to keep things tidy in the main compartment. As is common with backpacking models, some travel packs also come with built-in rain covers that stow away when not in use, including Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L and Eagle Creek’s Tour 40L. Finally, many will appreciate the ability to attach their travel pack directly to a rolling suitcase via a pass-through handle or sleeve (like what you get with Yeti Crossroads 35L and many others above).  

Given the inherently rough nature of travel, all of the packs above are well built and hardwearing enough to withstand frequent use. That said, some are certainly more durable than others, and looking at denier (a measurement of fabric thickness) can help differentiate between models. For instance, the Gregory Border Carry-On 40 is pretty average with a mix of 210- and 450-denier (D) materials, while the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is one of the thickest and most abrasion-resistant options on our list with a combination of 1,000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon (Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag uses a similar combo but with 1,000D nylon and 1,680D ballistic nylon). Pacsafe’s EXP45 is another standout, with stainless steel wire mesh built into the 400D nylon body to guard against theft. At the thinner end, Matador’s GlobeRider45 uses a mix of mostly 100 and 420D fabrics, although the nylon body is coated with a PU laminate to boost weather and abrasion resistance, and Matador included reinforcements in high-wear areas.  

Other durability-related additions to keep an eye out for are thick padding along the interior to promote structure and protect your belongings, weather-resistant details like YKK zippers and DWR coatings on the outside to fend off precipitation, and thicker materials at the base to help protect the pack when you set it down. And we should note here that cost often correlates pretty closely with overall quality. In other words, a budget pack like the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack feels noticeably cheaper than most other options above and will likely wear down far more quickly. If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s almost certainly worth investing in a pricier and more premium option that will last.  

The weight spread isn’t huge among travel pack designs, but even a 1-pound difference may still be noticeable during long treks across town or the airport. For reference, the lightest options on our list are Eagle Creek’s Tour 40L and Topo Designs’ Global Travel Bag 30L (both 2 lb. 10 oz.), while the Osprey Farpoint 70 is the heaviest at 5 pounds 6.6 ounces. Most models fall somewhere in the middle, with the majority of 40- to 45-liter designs hovering somewhere between 3 and 4.5 pounds. In the end, weight won’t be a primary consideration for many travelers, but those backpacking through Europe or expecting to cover serious ground will probably want to shop toward the lighter end.  

Unlike their backpacking pack counterparts, travel packs are most often only offered in a single unisex option. This can make it difficult to dial in fit, especially for those with particularly narrow or broad builds. One exception above is the Eagle Creek Tour 40L , which is offered in both S/M and M/L torso sizes, while a couple others (which we cover below) are sold in dedicated women’s models for better customizing fit. Regardless of which option you choose, we always recommend trying on multiple packs before buying to see which fits you best (or at least purchasing from a reputable manufacturer with a generous return policy). You’ll want to be sure that you can adjust the shoulder straps and waist belt to be snug around your torso and waist. Sternum straps and load lifters can also be helpful for bringing the load closer to your back to maximize comfort and weight distribution.

As we mentioned above, most travel packs are unisex by design. In fact, only one model on our list is offered in a dedicated women’s-specific version: the Osprey Fairview (the Farpoint’s counterpart). Key differences include varying colorways, minor weight variations, and slightly smaller torso and waist measurements. The Fairview also has more contoured shoulder straps and a curved hipbelt to better conform to narrower torsos/shoulders and larger hips, although the packs share an otherwise identical overall construction and feature set. Regardless of designation, we always recommend choosing the pack that fits you best.  

In 2024, it’s pretty common to see pack manufacturers incorporating eco-friendly practices into production, including measures like recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics and PFAS/PFC-free DWR coatings. A couple examples include Pacsafe’s Venturesafe EXP45, which uses polyester that's made from recycled water bottles and other plastics, and Patagonia’s Black Hole Mini MLC 30L, which uses recycled and bluesign-approved (i.e., environmentally safe) polyester and is certified to the Fair Trade standard. A final feature to look out for is a PFC-free DWR coating, which forgoes the use of per- or polyfluorinated chemicals—"forever chemicals" known to be harmful to the environment. With many states stepping up to ban the sale of items that include PFCs, the outdoor industry is seeking better solutions for water- and stain-resistant finishes (for more, you can read about Patagonia’s take on the issue ).  

Packing your travel pack can often feel like playing a hard game of Tetris, especially for those of us who aren’t great at traveling light (this author included). To help, many of the brands above offer compatible accessories for their packs, from packing cubes to protective hard cases for electronics and more. Importantly, these add-ons are often modular and fit neatly into the main compartment of a compatible backpack. Some of our favorites include Topo Designs’ Pack Bags , Peak Design’s Packing Cubes and Tech Pouches, and Eagle Creek’s Pack-It compression cubes. In the end, these accessories aren't a necessary purchase for many travelers (and you certainly don't need to buy them from the same manufacturer as your pack), but they can go a long way toward maximizing organization and space and streamlining your load.  

The packs above make it easy and comfortable to shuttle your belongings across the globe, but not everyone needs a specialized design for travel. Duffel bags are another popular way to fly with a lot of clothing and gear, and many modern designs come with deployable backpack straps for more easily hauling through airports and around urban areas. However, duffels lack the impressive assortment of dedicated storage compartments and pockets for items like keys, passports, and electronics, are generally less comfortable to carry over long distances, and often don’t meet carry-on size requirements.  

Alternatively, some travelers may opt to use a standard backpacking pack . This can make a lot of sense when you’re traveling to hike, backpack, or embark on other adventures and plan to use your pack both for travel and for outdoor use when you arrive. Again, however, the lack of travel-specific features and organization options can make it harder to effectively divvy up your belongings. In the end, if you plan to fly domestically or abroad with any regularity (more than a couple times a year), we think most will find the investment in a dedicated travel pack worth it. Back to Our Top Travel Backpack Picks   Back to Our Travel Pack Comparison Table

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The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

There are a lot of great travel backpacks out there, but not all of them are created equal. A travel pack needs to be comfortable to carry, easy to organize, and durable enough to withstand being toted from place to place.

From hitting the road for the weekend to spending months traveling abroad, we’ve put nearly 30 different travel backpacks through the wringer. We tallied our airline miles, punched our tickets, and put our tray tables in the upright and locked position for close to half a decade now, taking domestic and international flights to as far as Iceland and as close as 30-minute island hops. And while there isn’t a single pack that suits every traveler, we’ve highlighted a variety of designs and price points to help you find the perfect travel backpack.

Choosing a travel backpack can be a dizzying experience, and we’ve shaken down the best to sort through the static. Each pack has seen its time on the baggage carousel, hostel luggage cart, and we’ve even had a few go missing for the full experience. We fully pack and live out of these bags to test them, and in the end, we’re confident that the 15 packs collected here are the best travel backpacks available today. Check in and check them out.

For all your travel pack questions, consult our buyer’s guide , where we’ve laid bare all the essentials. Compare each of the packs using our handy comparison chart , and if you’ve still got questions, check out our FAQ section.

Editor’s Note: We updated our travel backpack guide on May 21, 2024, adding the JanSport Journey Pack as our new best budget travel pack, as well as the feature-rich and burly Able Carry Max Backpack .

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: JanSport Journey Pack
• Best Carrying Travel Backpack: Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs
• Best Organization in a Travel Backpack: Matador SEG45 Travel Pack
• Best Shoulder Bag: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
• Best Commuter-Style Travel Backpack: Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L
• Best Personal Item Travel Pack: TimBuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

• Capacity 45 L (collapses to 35 L)
• Weight 4 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13" x 9.5" standard, 22" x 13" x 11" expanded
• Compartment access Back panel clamshell design with #10 zipper
• Material Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400-denier nylon canvas shell; 900-denier waterproof bottom

• Compresses down to maximum airline carry-on size, and then expands once you’ve hit your destination
• Burly construction
• No details are overlooked in the design
• Side-carry handles are offset in an awkward position

Perfect is a dirty word in product design, but we’re about stumped when it comes to drumming up a quibble about the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L ($300). This redeye-ready clamshell design is made to the highest of standards.

It’s made of quality materials, utilizing aluminum hardware and a burly 400-denier nylon canvas — and it easily ticks all our boxes for the best overall travel backpack. The interior of the bag is split into two compartments: a larger main area for storing the majority of your kit and a secondary sleeve at the front of the bag with five zippered pockets. The main pocket also sports a foam-padded laptop sleeve and three more pockets.

One of the more impressive aspects we discovered along the bag’s inaugural leg from Seattle to Anchorage was how easily the straps of the Travel Backpack stow away into the bag. Two foam panels on the back of the bag flip away to secure them and then close with a magnetic closure — very slick. This was our favorite strap-stowage system, with the zippered panels of the Matador GlobeRider45 coming in a close second. We find the Peak Design bag compresses smaller.

Then there are the little details. An ID-size sleeve on the back panel provides all the information should your bag get separated from you. Zipper pulls thread through one another to keep what’s yours safe. And a collapsible system adjusts the bag from a full 45 L to 35 L.

In our review, there’s little about the Peak Design pack that misses the mark. The company leans heavily toward the camera-toting travelers among us, but the 45 L Travel Backpack makes no compromises and works just as well for any user group. The high price is undeniable, but for the scope of the travel pack, it’s a buy-once-cry-once purchase we would make again.

Also available in a 30L size , the range of Travel Backpacks from Peak Design is so well-thought-out that you can practically see the cogs turning in their creators’ heads. We think they make the best travel backpacks on the market.

JanSport Journey Pack

• Capacity 28 liters
• Weight 1 lb., 13.6 oz.
• Dimensions 19.5" x 12.5" x 7"
• Compartment access Zippered top access
• Material 100% 600D recycled polyester + 1680D ballistic boot
• Electronic storage 15" laptop sleeve

• Compact and clean profile
• Plush foam back panel and shoulder straps
• Compression straps on bottom of pack tote around a jacket
• Smooth-running zippers
• Good internal organization
• Laptop sleeve won't fit some large modern laptops
• Water bottle pockets sized for slimmer vessels

At $95, the JanSport Journey Pack does a lot for a little. As a campus commuter, airline personal item, or do-it-all backpack, this pack leverages its lack of specificity to make it amenable to being used on just about any day. Part of a trio of new travel packs from the legendary campus bookbag brand, the Journey surprised us with a more high-end build than expected, and for the money, it made an excellent travel companion.

While the Journey isn’t trimmed out in some of the more boutique fabrics, it is still solidly built and uses the good stuff where it counts, such as the 1680D ballistic boot material that’s reinforced with recycled car windshield liners (news to us). The 600D polyester used elsewhere has a rugged nailhead finish, and shoulders wear well.

The thick EVA foam used in the shoulder straps and back panel is cushy and applied liberally. On the inside, the laptop sleeve is lined with plush tricot material, along with an organizer pocket for stashing your readers or sunnies.

The organization of the pack is similarly uncompromising and is broken down into a spacious main compartment, front stash pocket, small bits and bobs organizer pocket, and a 15″ laptop sleeve — which easily toted our tester’s MacBook Pro safely.

When packed as a carry-on, we were able to stuff in an assortment of layers we might need along the way (rain jacket, warm puffy, hat), along with our headphones, book, travel pillow , and lunch for the flight, and still had space for an empty water bottle or two.

As a 28-liter pack, there’s no alternate sizing available and no hip belt to go along — though, in our opinion, loads this light doesn’t need one. Compression straps are limited, though you do get a set at the bottom of the pack that doubles as a dock for your beach towel, picnic blanket, or rolled-up jacket.

Like the TimBuk2 Never Check , the side water bottle pockets on this pack are really only ideal for thin bottles or flasks, and while we could shoehorn a Nalgene in there, it didn’t look happy.

Compromises aside, for less than $100, the JanSport Journey Pack doesn’t take the easy way out and phone it in with fewer materials or a more simple organizational layout. We had a pocket or sleeve for anything we needed to stash (besides a dedicated passport pocket), and the Journey made for an easy personal item on the handful of flights we took it on — easily stashing beneath the seat. If you’d rather ball out on your big-ticket luggage and just need a travel backpack that’ll plain work, this is the bag for you.

Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs

• Capacity 40 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 7.6 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 14" x 9"
• Compartment access Zippered back panel clamshell design
• Material Bluesign-approved 450-denier recycled polyester

• Supreme suspension system offers the best carry of any pack we tried
• External compression straps limit the volume well
• Comfortably padded grab handles
• Not much internal organization

No stranger to producing supremely comfortable suspension systems, Osprey injected a good bit of its tech into the Farpoint and Fairview packs ($185), which both sport LightWire frames, load lifters, and breathable framesheet and suspension straps. Our Farpoint pack was easily the best load carrier of any we tested and a close contender for the best travel backpack overall.

Far beyond what any of the other travel packs offer, the pack even allows you to adjust the torso length — unheard of in the typical travel pack. Newly updated, these packs have been tweaked to ride the line between traditional backpacks and functional luggage, a claim we can substantiate.

The 40-liter capacity is just about the sweet spot for domestic carry-on luggage limits, and these packs make good use of the space. We could easily pack away a long weekend’s worth of travel essentials into the bag with a little space to spare.

Whereas many other travel packs stash straps away into the body of the pack, the Farpoint and Fairview move in the opposite direction with a deployable strap cover that neatly seals in the suspension for safekeeping when checked. This produces a clean profile that’s ready to be slung around, but it’s not quite as easy and quick as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design Travel Backpacks, as you need to unclip straps to tuck them away.

The interior of the pack is rather spartan, incorporating only one zippered pocket, a laptop sleeve, and two internal compression straps. We would have rather seen a bit more organizational features involved like those that the Matador GlobeRider and Topo Designs Global Travel bags incorporate, but for those who stuff more than pack, the Farpoint and  Fairview may very well punch the ticket.

With one foot on the platform and one on the trail, these packs from Osprey will get you where you’re going and carry a trip’s worth of kit with ease.

Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

• Capacity 45 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 13.4" x 10.2"
• Compartment access Full clamshell interior, additional front zippered access
• Material 420-denier nylon exterior, 100-denier Robic Dynatec interior

• Excellent storage organization options
• High-quality, strong, and lightweight construction
• No frame to speak of
• Shoulder straps don’t pack away

Aiming to do more with less, the Matador SEG45 Segmented Backpack ($200) proposes a future free of packing cubes and splits up the bag for you, making the organization of your travel pack a breeze.

The full 45 liters of volume is shared among the five segments (6, 9, 15, 9, and 6 L) and trades volume between the full clamshell compartment and the segments. Each of these segments is accessible via its own water-resistant zippers and can be collapsed as your needs change.

We found organizing by clothing type made the most sense in our own packing, but you could even pack based on the day of the week or the use. The clamshell-accessed main compartment was ideal for holding larger items like spare shoes or quarantining spent outfits.

Known for its overbuilt but lightweight bags, Matador didn’t spare the SEG45, utilizing 420D UHMWPE-reinforced nylon in the pack body, as well as 100D Robic Dynatec weave on the interior. It should be noted that this travel backpack doesn’t have any kind of frame and will rely on being packed well to carry correctly. Because of this, this pack won’t carry as well as bags like the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, so consider packing mostly clothing in the SEG45.

Our testers felt this bag excelled as a travel bag you might deploy once you’ve hit your destination, as it packs away into larger bags so well. Unfortunately, however, the shoulder straps don’t pack away into the bag itself, so you’ll have to wrangle them into place to keep things tidy.

No matter what you’re up to, everything has got a spot to live in the SEG45 . Need a bit less space? Matador offers the SEG28 ($250) for that.

Read Review: Dresser in a Backpack: Matador SEG42 Review

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.3 oz.
• Dimensions 22.8" x 8.6" x 14.5"
• Compartment access Back panel zippered clamshell design
• Material 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU laminate

• Multiple ways to carry the pack
• Many different storage and internal organization options
• Burly external fabric
• Doesn’t carry the best as a backpack

Looking to squeeze out every last liter of allowed space? Patagonia named this pack in honor of the cause: the Patagonia Black Hole Maximum Legal Carry-On 45 L ($239). This bag can be carried in a number of different ways, but we found it shined during travel as a shoulder bag.

Borrowing fabric from Patagonia’s line of burly Black Hole Duffels , the MLC 45 is made for the long haul. The 900-denier polyester ripstop is coated in a TPU laminate and feels ready to take on the surliest baggage carrier. We certainly felt no remorse in tossing the bag around.

At 45 L, the MLC is certainly right at the cusp of the maximum allowed size, but thankfully that space is well divided up inside the pack. Inside the main clamshell-accessed compartment is a blizzard of zippers and mesh pockets and dividers. Anything we tossed inside was well-stabilized.

Because there isn’t much of a frame to speak of, the Black Hole MLC doesn’t carry the best when slung over both shoulders and can sag when not entirely full. But over a shoulder with the included shoulder strap, this pack feels great and can be easily accessed on the go. This is one of the only packs in our testing to feature a shoulder strap (the other being the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag).

On top of all this, we greatly appreciate that the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 L is made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. Perfect for grabbing and going, this pack is ready to move.

Read Review: Patagonia Black Hole MLC Bag Review: An Organized, Carry-On-Size Wonder

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

• Capacity 24 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 1.6 oz.
• Dimensions 18" x 7: x 11.5"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell
• Material 840D ballistic nylon 6, 420D HT nylon

• Functions as both a laptop backpack and suitcase
• Well-structured and protected
• Full panel loading access
• Limited colorways

With an understated look that betrays the truly impressive fit and functionality inside, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279) doesn’t need to brag — it knows it’ll tote your kit through the worst of your travel or everyday commutes without missing a beat. This bag is our newly anointed best commuter-style travel backpack.

From a fabrics and materials standpoint, it’s clear that someone at Evergoods truly nerded out when they brewed up this bindle. The 840D ballistic nylon 6 that makes up the exterior of the pack is burly (errantly spilled coffee wipes right off), and complements the thick #10 zippers and spacer-mesh back panel. Even the Evergoods logo is low-key: a simple 2×2” patch on the front of the bag with a slash. That’s it — and we dig it.

Bar none, the Civic Panel Loader has the best laptop sleeve we’ve ever encountered in a backpack, and that’s saying something. The side-accessed zippered aperture can hold a 17” Macbook Pro, and nestles into a fully padded space at the rear of the pack.

This sleeve is suspended from the bottom of the bag, as we’ve seen in many forward-thinking bags, but goes a step further and protects the laptop from the side with an aluminum stay — the primary functionality of which is to support the side handle on the bag. Genius.

The high-polish finish on the CPL24 feels reminiscent of the attention to detail we loved about the Tom Bihn Synapse 25, but we ended up enjoying this pack even more for a simple reason: side carry. The broad handle on the side of the pack is reinforced by that aluminum stay, and it creates a perfectly supported carry for jostling through crowded terminals.

On the interior of the pack, two large pockets are subdivided with a few smaller sleeves and pockets, which are oriented to be accessed with the bag on its side. We carried this pack for a month straight of remote work, lugging it to coffee shops and co-working spaces, and it supplanted all other packs we’ve used previously.

“It’s hard not to love a pack that makes your life easier,” says Senior Editor Nick Belcaster. “This pack does that. Laptop, headphones, notebooks — a whole lot goes into the pack without a care.”

Up there with Nomatic, GORUCK, and Tom Bihn, Evergoods is certainly among the pack-makers that put intelligent design and smart material choice above all else. The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is the final word when it comes to a travel pack you can carry every day. We certainly do.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

• Capacity 27.5 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 9 oz.
• Dimensions 18.9" x 11.4" x 5.9"
• Material 420x2000D Cordura nylon, 135D polyester

• Dang good looking
• High-quality trim and details, including anodized G hooks and supple webbing
• Supper cushioned back panel
• Exterior expandable water bottle pocket is a bit slim
• Pack straps don't stow away.

Pulling off a good expandable backpack can be a tough task, with fabric accordion folds often taking up valuable real estate on the interior when collapsed in lesser bags. Not so with the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), which takes a simple backpack shape and elevates it with premium materials and design to create one of our favorite travel backpacks for tucking under an airliner seat.

Unlike a lot of the pure-function rectangular bags in our lineup, the Never Check is a real looker — easily one of the best styled in our testing so far, and we’d have no qualms about bringing it along as a business bag. Small details like rubber-covered zipper pulls, anodized G hooks, and supple webbing keep it looking sharp. The 27.5-liter size is just about dead-on for most airline ‘personal item’ size requirements, and this bag easily slides under a seat.

The main compartment is accessed through a clamshell zipper on the front of the bag, which is gusseted to hang open while you’re loading it up. During the few national and international flights our Senior Editor Nick Belcaster deployed the bag on, this was easily enough space for everything you might want during a plane ride. And for everything else, a front pocket is lined with multiple drop and zip pockets for organizing small gadgets like chargers or keys.

The back panel of the Never Check is a plush ½-inch of comfortable foam, and combined with the equally padded shoulder straps made for a very nice carrying bag. The straps unfortunately do not stow away, but on a lower volume pack such as this, it’s a much less useable feature in our opinions. 

And finally, one of our favorite features: the wide laptop sleeve. This 15” opening is generous enough to accommodate the larger laptops of today, and is suspended from the bottom of the backpack to ensure bumps don’t turn into bruises.

Just like the name suggests, the Never Check Expandable Backpack provides a svelte solution to bringing a bag with you during airline travel — or even just to the office. Its clean profile and attention to detail impressed us, and it would make an excellent work-to-weekend bag.

Able Carry Max Backpack

• Capacity 30 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 14.4 oz.
• Dimensions 20.4" x 12.6" x 7.9"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell design
• Material X-Pac and 1000D nylon face fabric, ripstop 420D nylon interior

• High-quality fit and finish with top-shelf materials
• Dedicated work compartment is well organized and padded
• Shoulder straps and back panel are cushy Zotefoam
• Fits 17" laptops
• No hipbelt can be nice for storing, but needed for heavy carries
• On the higher end for travel pack pricing

Sporting many of the same features and functionality as the leading travel packs in our review, the Able Carry Max Backpack ($278) leaves little on the cutting room floor, decked out with ultra-durable Cordura nylon and X-Pac materials to pull together a travel pack that you could kick, throw, or loft across the airport to no ill effect. This is one tough pack.

At 30 liters, the only thing not ‘Maxed’ out on the Max is the capacity, which lands at less than the maximum legal carry-on size for most domestic airlines, but will be ideal instead for those who are operating with a little more room in their checked baggage, freeing up the Max for the important stuff. We also find slightly smaller packs such as this fly much easier on worldwide flights, where carry-on sizes can be a bit more diminutive.

That space is wisely dispersed, organized, and split between the laptop and main compartments. The laptop sleeve won’t hold any remote worker back, as it will host up to the 17″ mondo laptops of the modern age. It is flanked by an accessories pocket lined with four stretchy pockets for swaddling your chargers, cords, memory cards, and wireless mouse.

The main compartment leaves the organization up to you and is accessed through a broad clamshell opening that gives you full access to the entire space. A couple of packing cubes won’t go to waste in this space, and while Able Carry doesn’t supply the straps themselves, a couple of daisy chain webbing loops run the length of either side of the interior, meaning you can wrangle unruly items if need be. The back panel tucks away a few more zippered pockets, and a water bottle pocket also collapses away when not needed.

On the exterior, the Max is crisscrossed by seatbelt webbing on almost every facet, which will appeal to those who are looking for a modular pack for attaching and switching kit around as it’s needed. The VX21 X-Pac material is a rough and tumble weave that might not have the slick finish of the canvas on the Peak Design Travel Backpack but is easily as weather and abrasion-proof. We also highly appreciated the 1000D Cordura nylon on the boot of the pack, which made shuffling it around a worry-free exercise.

There are a lot of high-quality travel backpacks in the 30-liter space, and while most all will get the job done, it’s the construction of the Able Carry Max Backpack that keeps drawing us back to it. The stitching on this pack is exact and plentiful and works to hold a number of high-quality materials together in a thoughtful design.

Fully loaded, we did sometimes wish for a removable hip belt to help shoulder the weight a bit, but only the most jammed-full load-outs elicited this desire. For anyone after a dialed-in travel pack, the Max lives up to the name.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack

• Dimensions 22" x 12.8" x 11"
• Material 420D UHMWPE-reinforced ripstop nylon, 100D Robic nylon mini-ripstop

• Incredible density of pockets and sleeves
• Tough UHMWPE outer fabric can be tossed around
• Shoulder straps tuck away in a novel and smart manner
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit tight
• Price is up there

With a pocket or sleeve for pretty much everything, the new Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350) gives the Peak Design Travel Pack a run for its money when it comes to the best overall travel pack. 

Our Managing Editor raved about the GlobeRider after serious testing where she pretty much lived out of it for 3 months: “If you travel often and look for crucial components like internal and external pockets, laptop storage, and backpack and hip straps, consider the Matador GlobeRider 45. It’s a unique design in that the [pack] seems to have it all — every feature I’ve needed so far, both living out of it and in my travels — in a pretty packable size.”

What impressed us most was the way the GlobeRider was able to balance both an eye-watering amount of organization and versatility, and burly durability that ensures that this pack won’t shy away from tough travel conditions. In total (and we double-counted) there are 19 individual pockets on the pack, in all types of stretch mesh, zippered, and collapsible configurations. When good organization is key, the GlobeRider reigns. 

On the back panel of the GlobeRider, one of the more novel stowage systems we’ve seen packs away the shoulder straps and hip belt for when you want to slim down the bag. Two zippered panels — similar to the structure of the Peak Design packs, save for the closure — envelop the straps when not in use, and provide a lump-free panel for toting around. 

When it comes to downsides, the GlobeRider doesn’t miss much. The laptop sleeve aperture is a bit small at 9.5”, which in today’s age of mondo-screened computers may be limiting to some with larger devices. There also is no ability to convert the pack to a shoulder bag like the Patagonia MLC does, which can be handy when moving quickly through the airport.

Dang-near the top of the list, the Matador GlobeRider 45 would be an excellent choice for anyone who practices one-bag travel, or desires to have a place for everything in their journeys. The price does sting a bit, but based on the long-term testing we’ve completed so far, we’ve seen no indications that this pack will fade away anytime soon.

Read Review: I Lived Out of This Backpack for 3-Plus Months: Matador Globerider45 Review

Thule Aion 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 3 oz.
• Dimensions 13" x 9.1" x 20.5"
• Material Waxed P600 polyester canvas

• Maxes out on carry-on-compliant space
• Internal roll-top TPU bag separates the clean from the to-do laundry
• Waxed canvas exterior has a classy look
• Centered side handle carries well
• Well-cushioned back panel
• No shoulder strap stowage option
• No hipbelt on a 40L is pushing it

Better known for their roof boxes and racks, it’s fair to say that Thule knows travel, and the addition of smart, organized, and comfortable travel packs like the Thule Aion 40L ($200) makes all the sense in the world to us. This pack is a finely-honed bag for international and local travel alike, and is decked out in some high-class materials.

Like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC pack, the Aion 40L aims to go for the maximum allowed capacity, and at our measurements (21.5” x 15” x 8”), the pack slides in just half an inch less than the normal 45 linear inches typically allowed. That’s efficient. The space is split up into two main compartments and a laptop sleeve, with the larger opening with a full clamshell zip.

This inner compartment hosts a few zippered pockets and internal compression straps, but the star of the show here is the integrated TPU rolltop bag. This sack can be used to cordon off your liquids (and easily presented for inspection), as well as separate your pile of ‘to-do’ laundry. This reminds us of the ActiveShield compartment in the Gregory Border Traveler pack, but we enjoy the removable aspect here even more. 

Round the back of the pack, the spacer-mesh swaddled laptop sleeve rivals the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader , and has an additional sleeve for items like tablets, notebooks, or chargers. The back panel itself is impressively cushioned (one of the more luxe in our testing) and that extends to the shoulder straps. 

Unfortunately, there’s no shoulder strap-stowage system here, so you’ll have to wrangle those yourself, and while we typically enjoy the lack of a hip belt in smaller travel packs, the absence in a 40-liter pack is a little puzzling. Fully loaded, the Aion could certainly benefit from one, and while a separate sling bag can be added to function as one, you’ll need to fork over $50 for it.

Ranking high up there with your Peak Designs and your Ospreys, the Thule Aion 40L nails the style and material departments, and with a full 40 liters of space on board, has all the room to pack for your week-long trips — no roof box required.

Osprey Archeon 30L

• Weight 3 lbs.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 11.4"
• Compartment access Zippered top-access
• Material 840D ballistic polyester with carbonate coating

• Extra-tough exterior fabric with carbonate coating
• High-polish details such as seatbelt webbing straps
• Mini-wing hipbelt tucks away easily when not needed
• Smart internal storage pockets that lay flat when not needed
• Laptop sleeve opening is a bit too snug
• Compression straps lay over the main zipper

First off, one word: Rugged. The Osprey Archeon 30L ($250) is a high-end build that spares little in the material department, and looks dang good while it’s at it. The 30-liter size makes this bag weekend travel-ready, and we greatly appreciated the fit and finish.

The overall design of the Archeon reminds us a good bit of the Peak Design Travel Bag (certainly the all-waterproof exterior zippers and curved side-entry pockets), but it’s the exterior fabric that really impressed. The 840D ballistic polyester is coated with a carbonate polyurethane coating, a bolstered recipe that increases durability by a magnitude over traditional PU coatings. In testing, we wore out before putting a dent in it.

The pack itself breaks down into two main compartments, with the main pocket opening behind a curved clamshell zip (we did have a little trouble with the zipper passing behind the exterior straps. Removing them fixed that). Inside, three expandable tech pockets tuck away all of your small kit, and do a good job of keeping things tidy on the interior.

On the exterior, Osprey doesn’t disappoint when it comes to suspension straps, which are comfortable, adjustable, and stashable. The mini wing-style hip belt earns special praise on packed flights, where we find traditional hip belts to be a hassle to store, and combined with the slick shoulder-strap stash pocket, the Archeon converts to minimal mode in under a minute.

Something the Archeon certainly could use, however, is a slightly larger aperture into the laptop/tech compartment. As-is, the zipper doesn’t quite extend down far enough to truly open up the pocket, and as such it can feel a bit like rummaging around in the dark looking for cords and chargers in the bottom of the pack. Extending these zippers down to the middle of the pack would seem to fix the issue, and we hope a later iteration might address this.

Nonetheless, we were still impressed by the Osprey Archeon 30L . There’s also a 40-liter version if you’re looking for a max-capacity carry-on, and even a smaller 24-liter for kicking around coffee shops day-to-day.

Read Review: Hack Carry-On Rules: Osprey Archeon Kit Gives Power Back to Passengers

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L

• Weight 3 lbs., 10.4 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5" x 14" x 7.5"
• Material 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon

• Overbuilt design with tough materials and chunky zippers
• Plenty of organizational pockets
• Bright interior
• Not the cleanest strap stowage

Chunky zippers, an overhead-savvy profile, and multiple ways to sling it over your shoulder: The Topo Designs Global Travel Pack ($229) has honed in on much of what we love in a travel backpack.

During a recent trip from Seattle to Southern California, we were heavily saddled with the maximum the airline would allow. But this pack made use of every inch of space and reached the allowance of what we could check as our carry-on. The 40 liters of internal capacity is broken down into a series of dividers and pockets, which made condoning off things like electronics from the rest of our kit easy. And the interior of this pack is a cheery canary yellow, which helps with ease and visibility.

On the exterior of this pack, three separate carry styles are available to get you through the concourse in whatever way you choose. We found the full-featured backpack straps to be our go-to, which even sport load-lifters for a comfy carry. This suspension system does tuck away for when you might want to check the bag, though we found the hipbelt to be a bit tricky to fully retract.

Rounding out this travel-ready backpack is a tough build that makes use of 1000D recycled nylon and heavy-duty zippers, and we had no qualms with tossing this bag around during our trip. Perfect for anyone who subscribes to the one-bag travel ethos, the Global Travel Pack from Topo Designs makes the grade for those who want the most out of their carry-on.

And if you’re only going to be away for a short trip, the Global Travel pack is also available in a 30L capacity .

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

• Capacity 28 L
• Weight 3 lbs., 4 oz.
• Dimensions 19" x 12" x 9"
• Material TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester, 840-denier nylon paneling

• Burly exterior material holds up for the long run
• Plenty of zippered mesh storage pockets
• On the heavier side
• TPU-coated nylon can feel grabby

The Allpa 28L Travel Pack ($170) will change the way you travel. It’s sleek, durable, and able to fit an incredible amount of stuff in a small space. The zippered mesh pockets keep clothes organized. And the compression straps maximize what you can pack.

The tough polyester and nylon construction can take a beating without any signs of wear. And we appreciate that the externally accessed, padded laptop sleeve makes pulling out your electronics at security checkpoints a breeze. There’s also a small outer compartment to keep essentials at hand.

You can completely tuck away the backpack straps and carry the pack like a briefcase, or wear it comfortably as a backpack. We’ve stuffed this pack to the gills countless times and have never had a problem with the zippers. Light rain showers or spills roll right off the TPU-coated exterior, but for legit rainstorms, just pull out the included rain cover.

The Allpa also comes in 35L, 42L, 50L, and 70L capacities. As our editor noted in the 42L review , “Building on its fun and functional ethos, Cotopaxi beefs up its bestselling product. The Allpa Travel Pack earns big points for clever design, clean aesthetic, and a surprising number of handy — and hidden — features.”

Yes, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs are an investment, but anyone who travels regularly will find it a worthy one. These powerhouse travel backpacks are sturdy, versatile, and built to last.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

• Capacity 25 L
• Weight 1 lb., 13 oz.
• Dimensions 13.4" x 20" x 9.1"
• Material 400-denier Halcyon, 420-denier nylon ripstop

• Many different fabrics and color schemes are available
• Built to last design and materials
• Removable webbing hip belt
• Suspension doesn’t pack away
• Side wing pockets are a little awkward to access

Refined and clean-looking, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($250) is a high-end travel backpack we just can’t stop staring at. It just looks that good. Made of burly textiles and zippers, this pack was built to stand the test of tough travel and come out shining on the other side.

The Synapse 25 is the larger version of Tom Bihn’s Synapse 19 , a popular backpack made for daily carry. The bump in volume is appreciated in this travel-oriented version and is doled out in one large compartment as well as a set of pockets on the front of the pack.

We found all the pockets easily accessible, save for the side wing pockets. While these were excellent for the organization of smaller bits and bobs, the openings were a bit awkward to jump into.

Topped off by a cushioned suspension (the foam is a half-inch of supple EV50), this travel backpack didn’t weigh us down on long days of travel when fully packed. And when we wanted to go light, even the webbing hip belt was removable. In terms of the ability to bop around town as a daily driver, this pack is up there with the TimBuk2 Never Check (we liked the back panel on this pack the most).

Along with being carry-on compliant, the Synapse is also one of the few bags on our list that are compact enough to fit under most airline seats without hogging too much precious legroom.

Osprey Nebula 32 Daypack

• Capacity 32 L
• Weight 2 lbs., 1.7 oz.
• Dimensions 19.2" x 12.2" x 11.4"
• Material 420-denier recycled nylon

• TSA-compliant laptop sleeve
• Many options for organization
• Water bottle pockets fit 32 oz. bottles
• Need to release two buckles in order to unzip the main pocket all the way

When it comes to backpacks, Osprey has put in the time — and it shows. The Nebula 32 ($140) feels like all the brand’s most popular packs morphed into one. Most of all, we love how it seamlessly goes from city streets to trails.

This backpack can do it all, whether you’re hauling your laptop and books around town; water, food, and layers on an easy hike; or all of the above and then some for a weekend away.

The internal storage pockets are great for organizing all of your things for easy access. And while the Nebula 32 is top-loading, the main pocket opens up wide enough so you won’t have to unload everything to get to the one thing you want at the bottom. The sternum strap and hip belt are comfortable as well, especially when carrying a heavy load.

On smaller volume packs like this, sometimes design concessions need to be made to accommodate all the functionality, and on the Nebula, it’s in the side compression straps. Like on the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, the compression system of the pack overlays across the main compartment zipper, meaning you’ll need to undo some straps before rifling around in the storage area. Not a deal breaker, but a little annoying when the TSA line starts to back up behind you.

Overall, the Nebula 32 won’t disappoint if you make it your go-to smaller-volume travel backpack.

Travel Backpack Comparison Chart

How We Tested Travel Backpacks

The staff of GearJunkie is a hot-footed bunch, restlessly plodding across the country or around the globe in search of adventure and whatever else comes our way. And we have a lot of stuff, which necessitates having a travel bag or four in the stable.

Surely any old bindle will do in carrying your kit around, but having a travel backpack that is dialed into the needs of travel can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. We’ve been testing travel backpacks since 2019 and have put the market slice through the wringer on thousands of miles of travel to weed out the best of the best.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has a zeal for international travel, and he leads up our current travel pack testing, logging almost 10,000 flying miles in the last year alone. From Iceland to Utah, Belcaster has carried these packs and lived out of them for weeks, relying on them to support back-to-back travel excursions.

In testing, we looked for a number of features in our travel backpacks, including overall capacity, carry style, durability, and aesthetics. It’s important to think about how you’ll use your travel pack, and as such, every pack on our list is carry-on compliant for the worst-case scenario.

We know no trip will be like the next, so we took a broad swath of the travel backpacks on the market in order to create a list that will suit many different travelers. Packs in hand, over our shoulders, or on our backs, we hit the four corners and tested the best travel backpacks of 2024.

Curious about what we pack in our travel backpacks? We’ve penned up a list for both domestic and international trips .

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Travel Backpack

Travel backpack user profiles.

The International Jet-Setter: The term ‘One Bag Travel’ is no stranger to you, and you’ve just about got your life distilled down into 45 liters of space. If international travel is your bag, then a backpack that’s up to the task will be essential to see you through to further time zones.

Efficiency will be the name of the game here, and going with a pack that is dang-near the carry-on maximums for international flights will mean you can make it through without checking a bag. Look for near to 45-liter packs with plenty of organization baked in, as well as a comfortable (and stashable) carry system.

For international travel, the bag we reach for most often had to be the Peak Design Travel Backpack , with a razor-thin second place going to the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack . For an emphasis on organization, the Matador SEG45 splits up the volume well, and if you’ll be schlepping bags around a long way, the Osprey Farpoint & Fairview Packs have all the Osprey suspension we love.

The Weekend Warrior: Maybe it’s a work trip, and maybe it’s just for fun, but it’s only going to take 2-3 days total, and you’ll need a bag that can pack it in. For weekend excursions, we find packs in the 25-35 liter range work well for the minimalists among us, and the 30-40 liter range for those who like a bit more options.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is easily one of the most stylish packs in our review, only slightly edged out by the Timbuk2 Never Check , and both make the grade for a single overnighter in a foreign locale. For a bit more space, you can’t go wrong with the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L , a fun pack that is a lot tougher than the multi-colored exterior would let on.

The Commuter: No flight involved! Duty calls, and sometimes you’ll need to lug around a bit more kit than the old briefcase can allow for. Commuting with a travel backpack is a great way to stay comfortable on longer rides, as shoulder and handbags are cumbersome over the long run. Focus on a bag with a more traditional backpack shape that puts an emphasis on ease-of-access, and is in the 20-30L range.

For bumping around town, we’ve come to love the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24 , which not only lugs our remote office around with ease, but also looks pretty slick doing it. The drawstring opening here is a huge boon for quickly stashing a jacket, and the tough exterior fears no weather forecast. For a budget just-get-it-done choice, the JanSport Journey Pack will make it happen for less.

The right size pack for you depends on a few things. First, where are you going? And, how long do you plan to stay? Winter travel often comes with more gear, so you’ll need to pack extra layers. Longer trips often require larger bags.

That said, your personal packing style will be the most important factor. We know minimalists who happily travel for months with only a single backpack in tow and others who want the largest travel backpack possible in addition to a totally stuffed duffel bag . One method isn’t better than the other, but knowing your style is helpful when choosing a bag.

In general, we’ve found that something in the 28-45 liter range is ideal for comfort and packability. Many packs will also offer a compression system to allow you to limit the overall volume of the backpack. We’ve seen many different ways to accomplish this, but the most effective by far were the button snaps and expanding zipper of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Packs toward the 40-45 liter range will be your carry-on bags of choice, and the 45-liter Peak Design, Patagonia MLC , and Matador GlobeRider are perfect for maxing out your allowed space. The 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs give up a little internal room for the luxe suspension system they’re carried with.

Packs in the smaller end of the range, from around 25-30 L, make better personal items, and the TimBuk2 Never Check , Tom Bihn Synapse , and Patagonia Black Hole backpacks all fit snugly underneath an airliner seat. These small bags move through a city gracefully and look more like everyday carry backpacks than traditional luggage.

What good would a bag be if you couldn’t get into it? From a simple drawstring to a thicket of Velcro and zippers, there are plenty of ways to keep your bag closed while you’re on the go, but not every one will be amenable to travel.

Zippered Clamshells: Most travel backpacks will use a clamshell-style design that opens up the backpack like a suitcase, allowing you to pack intentionally as opposed to stuffing things in. Oftentimes, an internal strap system will help keep your items contained while you’re on the move.

Packs with this clamshell design may also opt to add internal dividers to the main storage area, and make these dividers removable — should you need the entire storage area uninhibited. For packs without internal dividers or straps, consider adding a few packing cubes to keep your items organized.

In addition to the rear entry, some backpacks will offer additional entry points through the top or front of the pack. This can be helpful when you need to quickly retrieve something like a passport from your bag, without the need to totally spill the contents. The majority of packs in our review close in this clamshell manner, and a few of our favorites are the Peak Design Travel Backpack , Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs , and Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack .

Zippered Top-Access: Much like many traditional backpacks, zippered top-access packs load and unload from the topside, and generally only offer one point of entry/egress into the pack. For this reason, packs of this flavor are generally left packed during travel, as digging around for something at the bottom can be a hassle.

Bags of this stripe, including the uber-nice Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and expandable Timbuk2 Never Check , most often make better personal items over carry-ons, as their smaller volumes make for easier searching within.

Drawstring Top-Entry: While not quite as common as a zippered clamshell or top-access pack, drawstring top-entry packs can make for very quick and easy access to your kit if you’re on the move. These packs will integrate an extended fabric collar to the top of the storage area, which can be compressed when needed, or overstuffed with bulky items like jackets.

Carrying Options

There are plenty of ways to lug your kit to your boarding gate, but not all of them will be comfortable for everything. Over-shoulder backpack straps can support a good bit of weight but typically will need some type of frame to truly be supportive. The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs were the best-carrying packs in our testing, owed largely to the wire frame and Airscape mesh back panels, but we also enjoyed the carry of the aluminum frame stays on the Matador GlobeRider.

A shoulder strap travel backpack, like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L , can be slung across your body and provide a great amount of accessibility on the go. Don’t expect to carry too much weight this way, however.

And then there’s the classic suitcase style, easily towed anywhere. It’s good to note many travel backpacks will have stowable straps to better streamline the pack for a trip through an X-ray machine or stowed under a seat. The strap storage design of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L impressed us most of all, utilizing magnetic closure flaps to pack away the shoulder and hip straps neatly.

Pockets & Organization

There’s an organizational saying: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” And we couldn’t agree more. Keeping track of everything while you travel is key for organization. And while more pockets always seem better, there is a threshold where having too many simply becomes more places to misplace things. Instead, we recommend packs with three to six pockets.

The Cotopaxi Allpa and Topo Designs Global Travel Bags both have ingenious inner organization systems complete with large zipping “pockets.” It has just enough space to find room for everything but not so many compartments that you’ll be hunting all day for your misplaced passport. For even more organization, the Matador SEG45 splits into five different segments that are accessible from the exterior of the pack.

Bringing along a laptop is a necessary evil for some travelers, and having an incorporated laptop sleeve in your travel backpack can keep it safe during travel. Most laptop sleeves will be padded with some type of foam and nestle in close to the back for maximum protection. In order to be TSA-compliant, a laptop sleeve will need to fold entirely flat away from the pack to be scanned.

Because flying with liquids over 3.4 ounces is prohibited in the U.S., carrying all of these items in a separate toiletry bag can make your foray into the screening line a breeze. Many of the packs on our list incorporate many external pockets where such a bag could be stashed and produced when needed.

Travel luggage takes a beating, so durability is a top concern. Luckily, gear manufacturers realize this and are making increasingly burly yet portable packs. The fan-favorite Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L pack is made with a 900-denier ripstop nylon outer with a TPU laminate for extra durability. It’s nearly indestructible, water-resistant, and versatile.

If you’re traveling somewhere with inclement weather or if your pack needs to double as a climbing bag or hiking pack, durability is extra important. And it’s worth paying more for a backpack that is water-resistant.

Space Efficiency & Carry-On Compliance

Astute observers will note many of the packs in our review sport a rectangular shape, which is certainly due to designers aspiring to create a more space-efficient pack. This isn’t to say that more shapely packs won’t make it happen, but when you’re struggling to make every liter of space count, maximizing dimensions matters.

Carry-on luggage is any bag that you plan on bringing into an airplane and storing in the overhead bins. Because space is limited, airlines dictate the maximum size that any carry-on can be. In the U.S., the most common size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). However, this is just a rough guideline; some airlines differ from these dimensions, and you should refer to their information directly.

In general, these dimensions provide a travel backpack with around 40-45 liters of internal volume, so buying a pack that’s as close to that as possible will provide the most space allowed. Many of the packs on our list have the ability to compress to a smaller size, such as the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L .

Be mindful as well, that any protrusions from your travel pack such as shoulder straps or handles will also need to fall within the maximum allowed size. Many travel backpacks today incorporate some type of strap-stowing ability, such as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design packs, the zippered cover of the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, and the hybrid zipper/panel of the Matador GlobeRider 45. All of these provide a more streamlined profile that should both hit the mark, and fit better into overhead bins.

Travel backpacks run the gamut of prices — from affordable to downright pricey. There are a number of factors that play into what you get for the money.

Budget-Minded Travel Packs

Travel backpacks, as a category, are generally a bit pricer than your average luggage, as they incorporate tough materials that can put up with extensive wear over the lifespan. Travel is tough on bags, so it’s unsurprising that even budget travel backpacks will cost you around $100-150.

These packs often will incorporate more traditional architectures such as a zippered top access, as opposed to the more complicated (and spendy) full-zip clamshell designs. For example, the JanSport Journey Pack ($95) is pretty much your average school bag.

Volumes, too, will be a bit limited in this price range — added material adds cost. The 32-liter Osprey Nebula ($140) is about the best price-to-volume ratio you can get.

Mid-Range Travel Packs

Mid-range packs make up the bread and butter of travel packs, and can be had for around $150 to $200. These designs are often more of the full carry-on variety, and aim to capitalize on permitted volume as much as possible. The 45-liter Matador SEG45 ($200), Patagonia Black Hole MLC ($239), 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview ($185), and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ($229) all shoehorn in just about as much space as a friendly gate agent will let you get away with.

For the price, you also get a good variety of functionality that makes travel easier, such as stowable pack straps, interior segmented pockets and sleeves (done excellently on the $170 Cotopaxi Allpa ), and an external compression system that limits the space your bag takes up. Some packs, like the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), don’t exactly hit these parameters, but instead make up for it in high-quality design and materials.

Premium Travel Packs

Above $250, you’re likely paying for premium materials or a to-the-hilt design that leaves absolutely nothing on the cutting room floor. The Peak Design Travel Backpack ($300) is a great example, and utilizes super high-quality nylon canvas, custom aluminum hardware, and supple seatbelt material webbing in its build, as well as fitting in just about every conceivable feature you could want in a travel pack. The same can be said of the Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350), which uses high-tech UHMPWE-reinforced materials and sports a total of 19 pockets.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($250) is a bit of an outlier, as it commands a high dollar amount not for the extreme amount of space it offers or amount of features, but for being a hyper-customizable, hand-made bag that uses the nicest textiles available, as well as the best zippers, webbing, and foam in its design. If you’re a fan of the finest materials, this is your daily driver pack.

What Is One Bag Travel?

The ‘One Bag Travel’ ethos and travel backpacks go hand-in-hand. Simply put, to travel in one-bag style is to be minimalist in your luggage choices, and only take what you can carry onto the plane/train/pack animal. Not only does this do away with the fuss of deciding what exactly to bring along with you, but it also allows for breezing through airports — skipping the need to check baggage, wait at baggage claim, or fear for lost luggage.

In order to most effectively travel with one bag, be sure to read up on exactly the baggage size allowances provided by your transportation. This can affect both overall size and weight, and having an expandable pack is a large benefit here. In this way, you can carry just enough to skirt through under the limit, and then expand the bag when you’ve hit your destination for more breathing room. If you aim for a 35-40 liter backpack, you’ll be right on the money for one-bag travel.

Finally, remember that this bag is going to be the only item of luggage you’ve got, so ensure it’ll be comfortable enough for the long haul. Look for padded back panels and hip belts that’ll transfer the load correctly, and if they stash away — all the better.

Our team unanimously agrees that the best travel backpack is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . It’s extremely durable, and it offers plenty of organizational pockets to stash your kit away in. The clamshell opening makes packing a breeze, and we really appreciated the unique shoulder strap storage options available to turn the pack into a stripped-down bag that would slide into any overhead compartment.

The best size bag for traveling depends largely on your travel itinerary and mode of transport. The Cotopaxi Allpa packs range from 28 to 42 liters.

The 28-liter option makes for a compact and comfortable backpack that easily fits in overhead airplane compartments. The 42-liter option is a bit more like carrying a duffel bag on your back, but it still manages to fit in overhead compartments. It’s a great option for maximizing carry-on capacity in backpack form.

While both have their place in travel, a backpack can offer some advantages over a suitcase. Since they’re much more portable, backpacks can be brought to many more places where a suitcase won’t work. Suitcases can be your large load carriers, but a good travel backpack gives you the freedom to strike out on daily adventures.

Travel backpacks absolutely can be carry-on luggage, given they meet the size requirements. In the U.S., the most common maximum size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). But this is only a common size, and different airlines will have different specifics. Consult with your airline specifically to determine what they allow.

While different body types will find different travel packs comfortable, we can all agree that a good support system and ample foam make for a comfortable carry. In our own testing, we found the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Travel Packs were by far the most comfortable due to their plush suspension systems.

Because many different airlines operate a slate of different planes, there isn’t a standard under-seat luggage size, although there is an average: 16 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches. Some airlines allow personal items larger than this, but you should consult with their customer service for specifics. Our favorite personal item-sized travel pack was the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack , which, at 24 liters compressed, easily slides under a seat.

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

Whether you’re headed to the office, class, or even the trailhead, here’s our top picks for the best laptop backpacks of 2024.

The Best Daypacks of 2024

We tested the best daypacks of 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include Osprey, Cotopaxi, and more.

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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The Best Travel Backpack

By Geoffrey Morrison

A travel backpack easily carries all your stuff while letting you navigate airports, subway stations, and city streets.

After traveling with travel backpacks for years across dozens of countries, we recommend the new versions of Osprey’s Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 travel packs.

These bags fit everything we need for trips ranging from just a week to months of continuous travel. They come with a sizable daypack and are even airline-carry-on friendly.

They’re also highly adjustable and well padded, meaning that not only can you get a perfect fit, but the packs will also remain easy to carry and comfortable to wear for long treks, even if there are stairs, cobblestones, or narrow alleys in your way.

Everything we recommend

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Buying Options

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Upgrade pick

Salkan The Backpacker

More stylish, with more padding.

This attractive but expensive travel backpack has customizable straps and great, cushy padding. It comes in only one size, however.

I traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time. In 2023, Osprey released new incarnations of the Farpoint 55  and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 .

These new versions mostly kept what we liked about the previous ones and fixed what we didn’t. Best of all, they’re among the least expensive travel backpacks available. After several years as runner-ups, the packs are once again our top picks.

The front of the main pack still unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

The best change: The main packs are now overhead-bin-sized for most airlines. (You’ll have to use the daypack as your underseat bag.) Other notable updates include height-adjustable shoulder straps and big exterior pockets on the daypack. Previous versions of these bags used ripstop nylon. The current one uses a heavy-duty recycled polyester, which held up well during a six-week trip across Europe.

Osprey offers a lifetime warranty.

The Salkan The Backpacker looks and feels like a higher-end travel backpack. The polyester cloth feels extremely rugged, and there’s extensive padding in every place the pack touches your body.

Available in black and lightish green, The Backpacker has nine color options for its exterior compression straps, so you can mix and match based on your preferences—or even change them up. This gives The Backpacker the most customizable palette of any of our picks.

While looking more stylish on TikTok and Instagram isn’t generally a primary consideration for us, overall The Backpacker feels well made, and it has many of the same thoughtful features as our top and runner-up picks, including lots of pockets, smooth zippers, and height-adjustable shoulder straps.

These are offset, however, by a much higher price. Also, the main pack is technically too large to be a carry-on for most airlines, and the bag comes in only one size. (Salkan says it’s best for people 5-foot-6 to 6-foot-4).

The research

Why you should trust me, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: osprey farpoint 55 travel pack and fairview 55 travel pack, upgrade pick: salkan the backpacker, the competition.

I’ve lived, worked, and visited 60 countries on six continents, as well as all 50 US states. I spent the majority of 2014 through 2020 traveling. Over the last few years, I’ve done a mix of extended road trips and multi-month international adventures. For all those years, I lived out of a backpack while abroad. I’ve also traveled in Africa, China, and throughout Europe with a variety of terrible backpacks and luggage, so I know what’s best to avoid.

In addition to covering travel gear here at Wirecutter, I write about travel and tech for CNET , Forbes , and The New York Times itself, and I have my own YouTube channel . My first travel book, Budget Travel for Dummies , came out in January of 2024.

A travel backpack is for people who want to travel around the world unencumbered by heavy, slow-moving wheeled luggage. An internal-frame backpack in the 50- to 65-liter range has more than enough room for all of the possessions you need to travel anywhere for an indefinite amount of time—as long as you’re okay with doing laundry once you get to a destination. (If you’re going to carry heavy jackets, going-out clothes, multiple pairs of footwear, or other bulky gear, you may want something a tad bigger .)

A travel backpack is not for business travelers who’d like to maintain appearances, nor is it for outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend six weeks hiking in Patagonia. If you prefer something that rolls, check out our guide to the best carry-on luggage . And if you want something that you can carry on your back for shorter periods of time, that’s business-casual-friendly, and that you won’t ever need to check, see our review of the best carry-on travel bags .

Based on my experience and research, we looked for travel backpacks with the following qualities:

• Fifty to 65 liters, including a daypack: We looked at bags between 50 and 65 liters (including an integral, removable daypack). Packs this size can easily hold everything you need for any length of trip, while being small enough to remain manageable while you’re wearing it.
• Clamshell opening: For extended travel use, backpacking backpacks have annoying qualities, including that they tend to load only from the top and are sealed with a drawstring. This design saves weight and means there’s one less thing to break. But it’s a total hassle when you want something from the bottom of the bag because you have to unload and reload the entire pack. We looked for bags where the front zips fully open like a suitcase, making it easy to pack or repack and find things during your trip.
• A well-framed structure: A fully loaded backpack, even a small one, can easily weigh more than 20 pounds. My old Farpoint 55 usually hovered in the mid-30s, though that included a DSLR, three lenses, a battery pack , a laptop, a 360 camera , and other work-related gear. A fully supported internal-frame pack distributes the weight onto your hips, which are much stronger than your back and shoulders. If you’re going to be doing a significant amount of walking, you’ll want something with a frame.
• Durability: We looked for features to help the pack last, like some sort of cover to contain the straps (for easier storage on planes and trains), as well as lightweight and water-resistant materials.
• Plenty of storage (and separation): I’ve done all of my traveling in the past five years with a 55-liter backpack (which includes a 15-liter daypack). I tend to overpack a bit, but 55 liters lets me carry everything I need (the full list is below) for weeks, or even months, at a time.

Here’s what I usually bring for any length of trip (and this is our standard kit for testing):

• main pack (the command module , if you will)
• daypack (the lunar excursion module )
• pair of walking shoes or sneakers (along with the shoes I’m wearing)
• five shirts, one pair of shorts, one pair of jeans (not shown because I wear them in transit), one merino wool underlayer
• warm hat (because my head lacks insulation)
• five pairs of underwear, five pairs of socks, one extra T-shirt for laundry day, one bathing suit (I really recommend packing cubes )
• rain jacket in an Eagle Creek bag
• various adapters , camera batteries, chargers, etc.
• various toiletries, vitamins, etc.
• Osprey rain cover
• razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• well-worn flip-flops
• travel towel
• portable Bluetooth speaker
• prescription dive mask
• merino wool jacket
• inflatable pillow
• smartwool half-zip midlayer
• sun hat (because my head hates sun)
• extra travel adapter for daypack (when the daypack is my carry-on)
• pen (vital!)
• a small laptop (a 15-inch MacBook fits in all of our picks)
• GoPro batteries and filters
• earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones
• Writer Emergency Pack
• USB battery pack #1
• USB battery pack #2
• backup headphones
• iPod Classic (because you can’t always stream music)
• USB charger
• Sigma 30 mm f1.4 (with a wireless mouse to its right)

For our first version of this guide in 2016, we narrowed our choices to 11 possible contenders. For that initial round of testing, I poked and prodded the different packs to sort out whether they had any obvious flaws or issues. I had adults of various sizes try each pack to get a sense of what short and tall people preferred.

For each subsequent update, including this one, I tested with similar methods whatever new or substantially redesigned packs were available. In between updates, I took one of our picks on some extended travels.

The Osprey Fairview 55 and the nearly identical Osprey Farpoint 55 have been one of our picks since the first version of this guide came out in 2016. (The Fairview is for people with 15- to 19-inch torsos, as measured from the top of your hip bone to your C7 vertebra, the one that sticks out when you press your chin to your chest. The Farpoint is for those with torsos from 17 to 22 inches long.) They’re now our top picks again, and here’s why.

You can carry them on the plane. Once you detach the daypacks, the main packs are now carry-on-sized, making them the most versatile travel backpack we’ve tested. Interestingly, the total capacity remains roughly the same as those of our other picks—that is, we were able to stow the same amount of clothing in this bag as we could in the REI Co-op packs (our former runner-up pick) and the Salkan . The daypack, in this case, would count as your personal item—on most airlines, this would mean you couldn’t also bring a large purse or a briefcase.

Or check your bag—your choice. The shoulder straps can be secured behind a zippered panel, so if you want to check the bag or put it in a packed luggage compartment on a train or bus, they won’t catch on anything. Doing this essentially turns the main pack temporarily into a duffle bag, complete with sturdy and well-padded handles on the top and side.

They’re adjustable. Like our other picks, the main pack has height-adjustable shoulder straps. This crucial feature lets you get an all-important personalized fit that makes carrying the pack for any length of time far easier. The straps were padded enough for our testers’ comfort (though not as cushy as the Salkan’s, and slightly less so than the REI Co-op’s).

They have comfortable, easy-to-use daypacks. The daypacks are roughly the same size, or a little larger, than those of our other picks, something travelers who plan to cart lots of camera gear or other daily essentials will appreciate. The top of the shoulder straps connect to form a sturdy handle, which is extremely, ahem, handy. Each daypack easily holds a 15-inch MacBook and is comfortable to wear over long treks. There are two large exterior mesh pockets for water bottles . Though the daypack is a little short on organizational slots and pockets, its comfort made it the best overall.

The backpacks are tough. The Farpoint and the Fairview are made from 450-denier recycled polyester, which feels thick and sturdy, though more “plasticky” compared to the Salkan. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.) I put the Farpoint through six weeks of train, bus, and airplane trips across Europe, and it didn’t show any signs of wear or breaking.

You can attach a lock, if you want. Unlike the Salkan The Backpacker, both the main pack and the daypack’s main zippers are lockable.

The backpacks come in more color options than our other picks. Currently, the Farpoint comes in black, green, blue, and grey. The Fairview comes in black, green, red, and purple.

The packs include a lifetime warranty. Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee covers repair of any damage or defect for life—or replaces the pack, if repair is impossible. If you just want to return the pack unused, you have 30 days.

It’s been a pick in this guide for seven years—and counting. I have put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. After testing this 2023 pack, I liked it so much that I bought one for myself, replacing an Osprey Farpoint that had been my go-to pack for years of travel.

It comes in additional capacities. If you already have a daypack that you like, the Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 are just the main pack from the 55 (they’re also picks in our guide to carry-on travel backpacks ). You can add the daypack later if you want. If you want more space and don’t mind checking your luggage, the Osprey Farpoint 70 and the Osprey Fairview 70 are slightly larger versions of their Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 counterparts—anything we’ve said about the Farpoint 55 and the Fairview 55 also applies to them. They would work well for those who want to go with the Osprey but need more room in the main pack for, say, clothes for multiple climates, bulky items like ski parkas, and the like.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The U-shaped opening of the daypack is surprisingly small, restricting access. You can’t easily spot things at the bottom or carry bulky items. On the other hand, this does limit what might spill out of the pack if you forget to fully close it, something that has happened to me several times with the old half-clamshell design.
• Previous versions of the Farpoint and the Fairview had large zippers that basically fused the daypack to the main pack. With this version, the daypack hangs off the back, secured only by the nylon compression straps. The straps loop through reinforced parts of the daypack, so it seems reasonably secure, and this new design does let you stuff more things in both packs—but as someone who carries a lot of expensive gear in the daypack, I’m less than excited about it.
• The pack isn’t as comfortable as the heavily padded Salkan. Osprey seems to have prioritized weight and breathability over padding. In warmer climates, though, this could be a good thing.
• Unlike our other picks, the Farpoint and the Fairview don’t include a rain cover. One is available separately, however. Osprey recommends the large size for the 55 L packs.
• The new design is slightly smaller than the old one, as well as being a little smaller than the REI Co-op and Salkan packs.
• Lastly, while looks are entirely subjective, the Farpoint and the Fairview are very much “backpack-looking backpacks.” The dark color choices are safe, to put it mildly.

The Salkan The Backpacker is a higher-end travel backpack for people who want the comfort of our top pick but are willing to pay more for swappable design options and more organization.

It has more organization than our top pick. The capacity of the main pack is 45 liters, basically the same as that of our main picks . It has more organization and compartments than the Osprey packs, however. There are two large water-bottle compartments on either side and a laptop compartment inside, as well as several other small, zippered compartments. In addition to the main zippered hatch, the top opens with a drawstring like a hiking backpack, allowing fast access or storage. This drawstring design does allow you to stuff a bit more into the pack than the Osprey packs. However, the main pack is technically too tall to be a carry-on for most airlines.

It has the best padding. The shoulder straps are well padded—the best I’ve seen—and height adjustable. The back panel and hip straps are generously padded, too. All this does make the pack nearly twice as heavy as the Osprey, though we’re talking only a few pounds (under 8 pounds compared with the Farpoint’s 4-plus pounds). For reference, the Farpoint, fully loaded with all my clothes, heavy camera gear, and so on, was around 35 pounds, including the bag itself.

You can customize it. The pack is available in two main colors: black and light green. In addition, the straps have complementary color options, including orange (shown above), pink, and maroon, plus five other choices. This allows for more personalization and flair compared to the Osprey packs. Salkan also sells several accessories to go with The Backpacker, such as packing cubes, water bottles, and a laundry bag that attaches to the inside of the main pack.

It’s sturdy—but has not-so-great attachments. The bag’s 900-denier polyester fabric (even stronger than our top pick’s 450-denier fabric) is extremely strong and should resist rips or tears. What zippers The Backpacker has run smoothly, but the design oddly eschews them in key places. While the main compartment has a zipper, as do multiple smaller compartments, the main and daypack’s top openings do not, using drawstrings and a flap instead. These flaps are secured with aluminum “G”-shaped hooks (Salkan calls them buckles) that slide into nylon straps. The hooks feel nice in your hand and could well last longer than the plastic clips on the Osprey packs. However, connecting them takes a few moments longer than using a clip or zipper would—time that adds up. They also feel less secure, like they could slide loose under load and movement. (These hooks are also what connect the daypack to the main pack.)

It has a great warranty. Salkan has a “ ‘No Landfill’ Lifetime Guarantee ”: “If there is something wrong with your backpack that shouldn’t be, then we’ll try to repair it, and if we can’t, we’ll replace it.” In addition, the company has a 100-day trial period within which you can return or exchange the pack if you don’t like it.

But it’s pricey. The Backpack costs much more than the Osprey acks. While it’s arguably better-looking, this doesn’t add much functional difference. The pack’s comfortable, but so are the others. It’s adjustable, but so are the others. It does come with a rain cover—Osprey’s costs $40. Is the Salkan’s extra cost and organization worth the better aesthetics? That’s not for me to say.

And we couldn’t attach a lock. There’s no way to lock either the main pack or the daypack. There’s no way to attach a lock to the “G” hooks. The nylon drawstrings at the main pack’s top opening, as well as the daypack’s, offer no practical way of attaching a lock. For such a well-designed and feature-rich pack, this is a surprising oversight. Is this a dealbreaker? Probably not, at least for most people. With the daypack buckled and the drawstring closed, it’s highly unlikely someone could reach in while you’re wearing it without you noticing. However, I frequently leave my pack in luggage rooms at hotels or the occasional hostel without lockers, and not being able to lock it when it’s out of sight would concern me.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide—just what’s still available.

During our research, we checked out a number of companies that make great packs, but none of those packs met all of our criteria. In most cases this was because the company specialized in top-loading bags, bags with wheels, bags that were too big, or very large bags that didn’t include daypacks. These companies included Black Diamond, Berghaus, Dakine, Eagle Creek, eBags, EMS, Ferrino, Gregory, High Sierra, Kathmandu, Kelty, Minaal, MEI, The North Face, Ortovox, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, Rick Steves, Thule, Timbuk2, and Victorinox.

The REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ Recycled Travel Pack (which came in men’s and women’s versions) had been our runner-up pick, but this largest size of the pack has been discontinued. (Smaller sizes are still available.)

The Deuter Aviant Access Pro has many of the features we liked, but its daypack is too small. The pack’s also more expensive than our top picks.

The men’s and women’s Thule Landmark 60L are well-made, sturdy packs, with a wide main-pack opening and most of the same features that we like in the other packs. They’re more expensive, though, and the daypacks aren’t as comfortable. (Since our testing, Thule has started offering the backpack only in a unisex option ; it’s still pricey, though, and comes in just one size.)

The Tropicfeel Shelter Backpack is a highly customizable pack to which you can add “modules” that expand capacity or change its use. It’s a cool idea, and the pack seems well designed, but it’s extremely expensive and doesn’t really add that much practical use over our main picks.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Geoffrey Morrison

Geoffrey Morrison is Wirecutter’s former AV editor, current editor-at-large, and a travel writer and photographer. He covers action cameras, gimbals, travel backpacks, and other gear. He has been to all 50 states and 60 countries, and he is the author of Budget Travel for Dummies and the sci-fi novel Undersea .

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13 Best Travel Backpacks in 2024, Tested by Our Gear Experts

Featuring brands like Cotopaxi, Peak Design, Nanuk, and more.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

One smart way to create stress-free travel is by using a travel backpack . It's what the travel experts recommend, and it's also what your Aunt who travels for work recommends (she has more airline miles than anyone in the family combined, you know). Traveling light often means going carry-on only, but traveling the leanest way possible usually involves just a travel backpack, also known as a carry-on backpack.

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Matador seg45 travel pack.

Best Lightweight Travel Backpack

Patagonia black hole pack 32l.

Most Comfortable Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35 l travel pack.

Travel backpacks are a versatile, easy-to-carry luggage pick if you're trying to pack as smart and fast as possible. A travel backpack is also a great choice if you want to bring a bag with you on the plane (instead of a formal carry-on suitcase) to go with a checked piece of luggage. Unlike a regular backpack, a good travel backpack is going to offer a little more size and space (usually between 30 to 40 liters). Most travel backpacks are made to hold at least a few outfits, plus all your electronics and travel gadgets . The generous space helps carry an entire weekend's (or week's) worth of clothes. It can also hold all your flight essentials: your hoodie , plane shoes (great for long flights), travel pillow , headphones , and more.

If you believe you can only carry a significant amount of belongings via a roller bag or duffel bag , think again. All of our travel backpack picks below offer optimized storage with comfortable straps and friendly designs that make navigating your environments that much easier. Ready to see what's out there? Let's dive into the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024.

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Matador already makes some of the world's coolest, most clever travel gear. Its SEG45 Travel Backpack is no exception. The clamshell-style zipper opens to provide full access to the pocket-free interior. So you can stash everything inside the open-layout interior like a duffel bag (the included carry strap allows for carrying like a traditional duffel, too) if you're a free-wheelin, "I don't need no pockets" kind of guy.

The other option is to pack this bag using the five front zippered pockets, each with a slightly different capacity (together, they total 45 liters). So, for example, you can stash smaller items like your passport, headphones, and snacks in the small top pocket. Larger electronics can go toward the bottom. You get the gist.

There's also a zippered, padded laptop sleeve at the rear, so it sits directly against your back when worn like a traditional backpack. Padded shoulder straps allow for comfortable all-day carry, and they can be tucked away when not in use. An external water bottle pouch and a reinforced water-resistant bottom round out the great features.

Read more: Best Packable Down Jackets

The Black Hole Pack is a tried-and-true favorite among Patagonia fans due to its long-term durability and smart compartment design. The pack holds up to 32L, which is sizable enough for traveling but also small enough for everyday use (if you want even smaller, you can elect to get the bag in a 26L size).

Patagonia designed an external zip-down laptop sleeve that sits on the inside (meaning your laptop would be resting directly against your back) and helps create more open space. Front and top stash pockets are added for storing small goods in streamlined ways that do not impede on the interior storage either.

Now, you do sacrifice a bit of space by opting for the Black Hole Pack instead of a 40L travel backpack pack, but the way Patagonia designs this bag creates an optimized way of fitting clothes, shoes, and more without being too much of a burden to carry. If you're looking for a bag you can use to pair with a checked bag, or if you're looking for a bag that can pull double duty for everyday and outdoor use, then you won't find anything more suitable.

Read more: Best Men's Clothing Brands

Cotopaxi's Allpa is a frequent traveler favorite due to its strong, lightweight material blend of TPU-coated 1,000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon paneling. Travelers also love this travel backpack due to its booklet opening (like many popular suitcases) and secret laptop compartment on the inside back of the backpack (the laptop sits on your back when carrying). In terms of carrying, the bag has four grab handles so you can move it off your shoulders when you get tired. And to add durability and other cargo add-on options, it comes fitted with YKK zippers, carabiner lash loops, and tuck-away straps.

The Allpa is a do-it-all pack for those who truly want to use their travel backpack as their only bag on the road. The cool part is the Allpa comes in fun colors that are easy to spot on the baggage carousel (assuming you check it ... but you won't because you're better than that).

Read more: Waterproof Hiking Gear

Nanuk N-PVD 30L Travel Backpack

Traveling with serious electronics like digital cameras, lenses, action cameras, tablets, and drones can be nerve-wracking. You want luggage or a backpack that can protect everything for those long-haul journeys. Nanuk's N-PVD line of travel backpacks is purpose-built for just that.

Every bag in the line-up features a well-padded interior that can be reconfigured to accommodate whatever you're hauling. Every removable velcro pad can be flipped, turned, and moved around inside the interior so you can Tetris all your most valuable electronics to fit and protect everything exactly how you want. There's also a padded laptop sleeve and a bonus top pocket that's perfect for smaller essentials you want to keep within easy reach.

"I used the 18L model as my only camera bag on a recent trip to Antarctica," said MH gear writer Mike Richard. "I was able to pack my digital camera, a couple of lenses, a 15" laptop, my GoPro equipment, and a bunch of other must-haves, like snacks and my passport, with room to spare. Plus, the recycled polyester shell held up to daily Zodiac rides, pounding rain, and penguin encounters like a champ!"

Read more: Cool Tech Gadgets

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

We admit to fanboy'ing over Peak Design, as it seems every product the company reinvents turns to gold. We love the incognito look and simplicity of Peak Design's Travel Backpack. Aside from a top stash pocket, the bag relies on a single zipper that opens out the entire bag. From there, you can add in your clothes and shoes without packing cubes , or you can grab any of Peak Design's matching packing cubes and load in your clothes, electronics and gear.

The inner compartment also holds a padded laptop sleeve that keeps your device tightly secured. Our favorite feature of this travel backpack is the theft-proof zippers, which can be looped into each other when closed and help deter pick-pocket thieves from quickly trying to open up your bag when in crowds.

As far as construction materials, Peak Design went with 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas thanks to its supreme water and abrasion resistance. In terms of comfort, padded shoulder pads, a generous adjustable strap length, and an optional hip belt accessory help limit fatigue, so you can power through long travel days.

COR Surf Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle

The most active travelers demand a lot of their luggage. In most cases, they want their bags and backpacks to pull double duty: They need them to transport everything from A to B on the plane, then haul all their gear essentials around on the beach, the trail, or the slopes. That's where COR Surf's Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle comes in. The 40L model (it's available in 28L and 40L flavors as well) is roughly the size of a carry-on but way more durable and versatile.

The design opens wide like a traditional suitcase for easy access to everything. This bundle includes a water-resistant toiletry bag and a set of compression cubes to wrangle your clothes, shoes, electronics, and souvenirs on the way home.

The outside is built for all-day wear with wide, padded shoulder straps and a chest strap to help distribute heavier loads. It's built with double stitching all around, so it's ready to go the distance wherever you travel.

We especially like that it's available in a handful of colors, so you can color coordinate with your personal traveler's vibe (if that's your thing). Plus, it's crazy affordable at around $125 on sale.

Nomatic 40L Convertible Travel Backpack/Duffel

In the "new era" of next-gen travel backpacks we're currently living in, Nomatic was one of the OG brands to seriously reinvent the game. Its convertible travel bags are still some of our go-to favorites. The 40L option is sized like a traditional carry-on but carries like a duffel or travel backpack. With clever built-in straps, it transitions seamlessly between either carry method, so it's comfy to tote around even on your longest travel days.

It boasts 20 clever features, all targeting the needs of modern nomads. There are plenty of compartments to organize your clothes, shoes, tech, and other gear. A water bottle pocket helps you stay hydrated, and the included laundry bag helps keep your funky clothes quarantined away from your clean threads. It's all wrapped in a rugged, water-resistant tarpaulin material that's vegan-friendly and 100% synthetic.

If you're looking for something a little more streamlined, Nomatic's 30L model has all of the same features in a more compact footprint.

CamelBak A.T.P. 26 Backpack

If you're an ultra-minimalist traveler or are just looking for a compact, rugged bag to supplement your carry-on, CamelBak's A.T.P. is just the trick. The 26-liter model is perfectly sized for hauling everything you need and nothing you don't. (It's also available as a smaller, cheaper 20-liter model )

In stark black or pure, undyed white, the exterior aesthetic is about as clean and streamlined as it gets. There are no extraneous pockets or design flourishes—this bag is all business. The interior is accessible either via the top flap (like a traditional top-loading hiking backpack) or through a long zipper topped with a snapped "collar" closure of sorts that almost resembles a zip-up hoodie. It makes accessing the inside way easier than most travel backpacks. The open-concept interior includes a laptop pocket, a water bottle pocket, and several small drop pockets for smaller travel essentials. Outside, compression straps allow you to cinch it all down to the exact size you need, so there's never any wasted space.

One of our favorite features of this travel backpack is the ultra-green manufacturing process. CamelBak touts this as its "first pack to ever earn the highest rating on our sustainability scale. The A.T.P. is made from 100% recycled CORDURA re/cor and creates half the greenhouse gas emissions produced in traditional manufacturing processes." Nice!

Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Made with water-resistant nylon, this best-selling 40L travel pack promises organization through multiple zippered compartments. Starting from the front of the bag, there are four small zippered pouches, followed by a large zippered compartment for clothes and shoes , and then finished with a laptop sleeve compartment.

At under $60 retail (often less than $40 on sale!), you'd be hard-pressed to find a travel backpack this functional and durable for less. It's true the bag might not have the longest lifespan as others on this list (the zippered compartment design worries us about pockets potentially getting damaged), but in terms of getting solid bang for your buck, it's a great pick.

Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack

Yeti brings the design chops from working on the best, most rugged coolers to the world of travel backpacks. The Crossroads 35L is one of the toughest travel backpacks around.

For starters, the outer material of the Crossroads 35L is something you won't see on other travel backpacks. Why? Because Yeti opted for a textured Tuffskin nylon and a strong 700D nylon that's both water and abrasion-resistant. Yeti says it feels more like motorcycle gear, and we agree.

Second, the bag's clamshell opening allows for easy access to the laptop sleeve and for the ability to roll your clothes up and bag them down into the bag tightly. Last is the strength of the zippers, which are waterproof and tough as nails from the outer stash pockets all the way the main compartment zippers.

The only downside some might have is the shoulder pads could be more cushioned, but we found them to provide just enough comfort while stepping through the airport. But, if you're looking for a rugged backpack that's down for whatever, you can't go wrong with this pick.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel - Medium

One of our favorite duffel bags, the North Face Base Camp, also works great as a convertible travel backpack. The straps on the Base Camp might have some of the best paddings you can get, making it that much more comfortable in terms of all-day carry. And as far as materials, the strong 1000D recycled PVC with water-resistant zippers is damn-near-bulletproof, ready to repel any and everything.

Our only gripe about this bag is the interior storage configuration. It doesn't have any special laptop compartments or unique pocket designs: It's a simple, straightforward duffel at the end of the day. But remember, if you ever get tired of carrying this on your back, you can carry it by the hand straps or sling it over your shoulder. So you've got options here.

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Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L

Talk about a behemoth! Away's F.A.R. Convertible Backpack is equal parts duffel bag and ackpack. It holds a whopping 45L, which makes all the difference if you want to add another pair of shoes or bring home souvenirs you pick up on your travels.

While you don't have a ton of compartments on the inside of this bag, it does have built-in compression straps, which allow you to clamp down your clothes and keep everything condensed. This travel backpack is made from water- and abrasion-resistant polyester that's strong enough to handle pretty much anywhere unless you're planning on getting far off the path (like a hiking or camping trip, or a trip to somewhere less developed).

While the bag can feel a little heavy on your back if packed to the gills, the good news is you can always convert it to duffel carry. You get the best of both worlds here.

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 Travel Pack

The Porter 46 reminds us a lot of a hiking backpack in looks and in its durable design. It holds a whopping 46 liters, which can be deceiving thanks to the outer clamp-down straps. On the front of the bag is an easy-access laptop sleeve, and on the side are grab handles for briefcase-like carry if your shoulders get tired. If you want to know our favorite features of the backpack, though, it's the U-zip opening design, which allows the user to pack in and access their goods with ease—it's especially easy to get items on the bottom of the bag when the back is laid down and opened.

A couple of qualms include the straps being a bit too narrow, which can cause some discomfort for long travel days. The other is there aren't a lot of stash pockets. So if you like to use those to wrangle your favorite travel essentials, you might want to look for a different backpack design. But if you're looking for a big-time hauler that fits a rugged, traditional hiking backpack design, then this is a solid choice.

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Why Trust Us

In order to keep up with new new innovations and product releases, the Men's Health editors and writers are continually testing all of the latest packing tools and accessories to make sure our recommendations reflect the top products within the travel space.

When it comes to travel backpacks, our gear enthusiasts in the office tested a total of 30 different travel backpacks over the past two years. We inspected the bags in office first before taking them out on assignments and vacations. Then, after wear and tear, we accessed the condition of the bag and added in our testing notes. Lastly, we considered what each travel backpack does best by applying them to all the different types of traveler needs—like size, versatility, weight, and more.

Read more: How We Test Products

What to Consider When Shopping for a Travel Backpack

There are a couple of features you want to keep an eye on when shopping for a travel-worthy backpack. Overall, your travel backpack should be lightweight, organized, and suitable for the types of travel you typically take. These are the most important considerations.

As mentioned earlier, a good sweet spot for travel backpack capacity is between 30L and 40L. This amount of space usually allows you to pack a couple of outfits and a pair of shoes or allows you to pack all your airplane essentials. Some of the travel backpacks above go up to 45L. We love the generous capacity, but if you go above this sizing, you might be veering away from carry-on size requirements or you might find a bag packed that fully becomes a little heavy on the shoulders.

TSA Carry-On Approved

Pretty much all travel backpacks are TSA-approved for carry-on use. If you're someone who likes to keep a bag under the seat, you'll want to pay closer attention to the exact dimensions and how your bag looks when it's fully packed. Some airlines—especially ultra-budget carriers—are getting mighty strict on baggage size requirements these days.

Outer Materia ls

The good news about our travel backpack picks above is they're all made with some sort of water-resistant material. Most have abrasion resistance too. Aside from looking for these two qualities, most travel backpacks use nylon or polyester blends. A truly tough bag might don an outer material of 500-denier nylon or higher, which is a material grade that ensures the nylon is strong, water-resistant, and tear-resistant—all great features in a travel backpack.

Packing Organization

Last to consider is your personal packing style. The vast amount of travel backpacks on the market has led us to have all sorts of bag openings and packing configurations. Some have lots of compartments (interior and exterior), while some have a single main compartment and only one stash pocket. Most travel backpacks have openings that help you pack clothes down tightly and allow for easy access if you need to get something at the bottom of the bag. A few common bag opening designs include U-shaped zipper openings, suitcase openings, and clamshell openings. There's no one best design; it's all about what's right for you .

How We Selected the Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

We consulted with Men's Health writers and editors on the best travel backpacks and carry-on backpacks for 2024. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, and gear expert, Mike Richard, reviewed dozens of packs to evaluate their design, performance, durability, and features. We also considered price point, as some travel backpacks promise a better overall value than others. In the end, we decided on these 13 models as our picks for the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024.

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Watch CBS News

10 best carry-on backpacks of 2024

By Leah Groth , Rachel Center

Edited By Fox Van Allen

Updated on: September 10, 2024 / 10:53 AM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

A carry-on backpack can ease a lot of frustration during your travels . The right backpack will keep your most important travel essentials at close hand, even when flying -- most airlines will let you board with both a carry-on luggage piece (stored overhead) and a backpack (stored under the seat in front of you). But the wrong backpack can literally weigh you down en route, leaving you uncomfortable and exhausted.

To make your journeys easier this fall and winter, we recommend investing in a great carry-on backpack.

There are so many carry-on backpacks available online that trying to figure out which are the best may prove to be overwhelming, especially if you're currently preparing for a trip. To save you time and stress, the travel experts at CBS Essentials have selected the best carry-on backpacks of 2024 that will suit a variety of travelers, including over-packers, light packers, budget travelers and even kids.

Best carry-on backpacks for travel

All of our best carry-on backpack picks are customer-loved and from reputable travel and backpack brands such as Away, Tumi, TravelPro, Fjallraven and more. 

Best overall carry-on backpack: Away The Everywhere zip backpack

Best large carry-on backpack: bellroy transit backpack, best small carry-on backpack: fjallraven kanken.

• Most affordable carry-on backpack: Amazon Basics carry-on backpack
• Best splurge carry-on backpack: Tumi Voyageur Celina backpack

Most comfortable carry-on backpack: Travelpro Platinum Elite business backpack

Most versatile carry-on backpack: monos metro backpack, most stylish carry-on backpack: dagne dover dakota neoprene backpack, best value carry-on backpack: beis the backpack, best carry-on backpack for kids: state bags kane backpack.

Away's The Everywhere zip backpack contains plenty of features that will make lugging your personal items en route a breeze. You'll find multiple organizational pockets within, including one for a reusable water bottle , your tablet , glasses case, snacks and more. There's also a key clip and enough catch-all space to store your headphones and a hoodie for the inevitably cold plane. 

Behind the handle is another large zipped compartment that can house laptops up to 15 inches . You'll be able to carry this comfortably while in transit thanks to the backpack's padded backing and straps. However, if you need a break, rest easy knowing that the backpack comes equipped with a trolley sleeve. 

The Everywhere has a lot going for it, but our favorite feature, and something we don't see often enough in other carry-on backpacks, is how the bag opens. The bag opens like a clamshell, making it so much easier to see all your travel essentials as well as access them quickly.   

This extra roomy backpack is great for over-packers, as it's about double the size of your average carry-on backpack. The backpack has so much extra space that it comes with a compression strap in its main compartment. This is great, as it allows you to pack a change of clothes in case the airline loses your luggage , or you find yourself caught up in a long flight delay. 

There's also a large mesh pocket where you can store more clothes, and then a smaller mesh zip compartment on top of that that's big enough for small toiletries. The exterior is outfitted with a pocket for your water bottle, a slip pocket on the straps for AirPods, a zipped compartment on top of the bag specifically for your sunglasses , and a roomy front zipped pocket (outfitted with organization compartments, of course) to hold your phone , passport, wallet and pens. Traveling with your laptop ? There's a dedicated space for that too.

And if you're worried about carrying such a heavy load, you may be relieved to know that the backpack has a contoured back panel, padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap to help with comfort. 

Regularly $259, you can get this backpack at Belroy for $179.

One of our favorite back-to-school backpacks also makes for a great carry-on backpack for those who pack light. The main compartment offers enough space for in-flight necessities, including a water bottle, a 15" laptop, snacks, a jacket and more, while the front pocket is great for storing personal items you need to grab quickly, such as your passport, wallet and smartphone . 

What we like about the Kanken is the fact that it comes with a padded foam backing, which will make carrying this Fjallraven backpack a lot more comfortable. And since the backing is removable, you can also use it as a cushion in case you need extra support while sitting on airport seats or the floor. 

Another perk? There are 39 color options available at Amazon, ranging from terracotta brown to flamingo pink. (Price varies by color.) Order from Fjallraven direct and you can fully customize the colors and accents on the backpack.

Most affordable carry-on backpack: Amazon Basics carry-on backpack  

Don't have an extra $100 plus to spend on a carry-on backpack? No problem. This affordable Amazon Basics carry-on backpack will get the job done. The backpack is roomy and built for comfort with its four zipped storage compartments, padded back and straps, sternum strap and waist belt. 

The four compartments include a laptop sleeve, a large front pocket and front top pocket and a main compartment that has some pockets on the inside for greater organization. We really like the compression features available, which aren't as common in other carry-on backpacks. These include interior and exterior compression straps as well as a compression zipper for the main compartment. 

Wondering what other travelers think of this backpack? Do know that it has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. One customer wrote , "I bought this backpack before our trip to Europe for a couple weeks and it worked great. Considering the low price I was surprised with the quality and durability. It has plenty of pockets but not too many plus the zippers are very smooth. I'm glad I bought this one instead of the more expensive brands." 

Best splurge carry-on backpack: Tumi Celina backpack

If you've got money to spend, treat yourself to this luxurious carry-on backpack from Tumi. The Celina, part of the Voyageur collection, is stunning with its striking gold hardware and leather details throughout, including the top handle and the detachable charm that can be monogrammed with your initials. 

The backpack has eight compartments that'll fit everything you need on your jaunt, including two main compartments, one specifically for your laptops (a Windows 15" and Mac 16" specifically) and other large travel necessities. There is also a water-resistant side pocket for water bottles or small toiletries and a quick-access phone pocket at the top of the backpack. 

And don't worry about its good looks fading over time. The bag has been treated with a water- and stain-resistant coating to increase its longevity.

Pictured is the black model, but you can also get this in other colors, including olive, mauve (with silver hardware) and black with gunmetal hardware. 

Although marketed for business travelers, this Travelpro business backpack will be appreciated by all with its impressive features. The backpack has six roomy zipped compartments that can fit plenty of personal items big and small. The two main compartments each have a padded laptop sleeve able to fit computers or tablets up to 15.6 inches, making this an excellent laptop backpack for everyday use .

You'll find a series of storage pockets in the small and one of the main storage compartments, giving you dedicated spaces to put your phone charger, laptop charger, earbuds and more. We appreciate the unique RFID-blocking pouch located in the front pocket, which should help protect credit cards and passports from identity theft. 

We also appreciate the padding throughout the back as well as the sternum strap and trolley sleeve. What's more, the handle and trim are leather, adding a level of luxury to such an incredibly functional piece of luggage. 

This backpack was actually designed for more than just travel, with the brand recommending shoppers take this with them on their daily work commutes in addition to weekend getaways. The material can certainly hold up with daily use, as the vegan leather and nylon options were made to be scratch- and water-resistant. 

The backpack has two main compartments, including one for a laptop (up to 15") and another that contains the brand's "privacy compartment", a waterproof storage space for your water bottle, toiletries or damp clothes.

The Monos Metro also has a front pouch that detaches, allowing you to carry around your most important items without having to lug the backpack around. This can come in handy while waiting to check into your hotel room, or if you're exploring a city for a short amount of time and want to store your luggage in a locker. 

This Dagne Dover bag is a great option for people looking for a durable carry-on backpack that is also stylish. The Dakota neoprene backpack is quite trendy with its monochrome design and athleisure chic vibe. The colors also add to its allure, offering interesting hues such as a Piña, a light yellow with green undertones, Dune, a mauve with brown undertones, dark moss, and more. There are also three mesh options, which gives the backpack an even greater edge style-wise. 

The large backpack (pictured) comes with a main compartment that has a mesh laptop sleeve that can fit computers up to 16 inches. That laptop is made even more secure with an included fastener. It has two vertical interior pockets, two mesh slip pockets and a key leash. It also comes with a zipper pouch and a dust bag for your shoes. 

The exterior of the bag has two water bottle pockets and three small pockets (one on the top of the backpack and two on either side) where you can store your phone, passport and wallet.

Some may appreciate that this is an eco-friendly choice: The Dakota is made of 23 recycled water bottles. 

Beis The Backpack is a great mid-range option for shoppers seeking to get a quality carry-on backpack for less than $100. We can attest to Beis' quality, as one of our CBS Essentials shopping experts tested out the brand's The Medium Check-In for an international trip and loved the luggage . 

The Backpack is made of cotton, which is refreshing considering a lot of carry-on backpacks, even ones priced much higher than this Beis' bag, are made of synthetic fabrics. It comes with a padded laptop pocket, a trolley sleeve, two slip pockets for reusable water bottles and a front zipped compartment with organization pockets and a key leash.

The interior contains a compression strap and two large zipped compartments, including a PVC-lined one specifically for your toiletries. You can get these in one of eight colors, including navy, slate (a baby blue), olive, pink and beige. 

When buying backpacks for kids, you want to get them something that they actually want to wear. This is especially important for travel, as their excitement to wear the backpack may help cut down on the time that you end up having to carry it for them. State Bags' Kane backpack comes in a plethora of fun designs that will get them eager and willing to wear their travel bag. 

These include backpacks with 3D flowers and dinosaurs as well as ones that contain fuzzy patches of basketballs, lightning bolts and snakes. There are also fun patterns, including gingham (pictured), exotic, technicolor animals and even skeletons riding skateboards. 

The backpack has a main compartment, front pocket and water bottle pockets on either side. There are multiple sizes available, which are measured by age. These include backpacks for those ages two to four, four to eight, and seven and up. 

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The 13 Best Travel Backpack Carry-Ons in 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Including everlane, dagne dover and the north face.

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

Packing for a trip can be stressful. Is your checked bag within the weight limit? Will your personal item fit under the seat ? Did you consolidate liquids for TSA ? They’ll let your $150 bottle of first-press Italian olive oil through, right? Lately, airlines have also gotten stingy with your baggage allowance, often charging for any suitcase you throw into the overhead bin, travel blogger Dannelle Gay tells me. This means if you want to avoid the pesky fees, having a personal item that can really pack everything away is paramount. Here, I’ve rounded up the 13 best travel backpack carry-on options that’ll keep your hands free, fit all the things and (hopefully) fit under your seat—or at least tuck neatly into the overhead bin. That includes the best overall, Peak Designs Travel Backpack ($300), the stylish and inconspicuous international bag, Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack ($95) and ultra-affordable Bagsmart Blast Carry-On Backpack ($66) that PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey says always fits under the seat. Vacation stress, be gone!

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The 10 Best Travel Backpack Carry-Ons at a Glance

Best Overall

Peak designs travel backpack.

Most Affordable

Asenlin travel backpack.

Best Travel Laptop Backpack

Dagne dover dakota backpack.

Best for Petites

Troubadour apex backpack 0.

Best Personal Item

Tumi just in case backpack.

Best Women’s Backpack Carry-On

Baboon to the moon go-bag.

Best Compression

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

Best Compact

Topo designs global travel bag.

Best Waterproof

Yeti panga backpack.

Best for Hiking

The north face base camp duffle, meet the expert.

Dannelle Gay is a Wisconsin-based travel blogger, TV show host, author and writer behind TravelingCheesehead.com , a website that shares travel guides on all that’s fit to see and do in The Badger State and beyond. She is a member of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association .

How I Researched and Chose the Best Travel Backpack Carry-Ons

To round up this list of 13 best travel backpack carry-ons, I consulted Gay about features she, as a frequent traveler, considers when shopping. Then, I used data from Google and forums like Reddit to see which brands people were searching for---and what they were saying. Armed with a list of 21 contenders, I assembled a team of PureWow editors and testers to spend a month testing out the various backpacks. We took them on flights, road trips, staycations and to work, stuffing them with everything from shoes and clothes to work laptops, books , heavy camera equipment and overstuffed toiletry bags . I asked each tester to evaluate their backpack based on quality, aesthetic, comfort and convenience. Here are 13 that made the cut.

1. Peak Designs Travel Backpack

What we like.

• packing and tech accessories available
• can compress to 30L
• theft-deterrent zippers

What We Don’t Like

• waist strap can be finicky

Peak Designs

When our tester, Tisha, texted me that she’s “never had a backpack so well thought-out with so many convenient pockets,” I was immediately keen to read her full review. She took the Peak Designs Travel Backpack with her on a road trip to Montreal and on a flight to Chicago as a personal item in addition to a roller bag.

“I am typically an over-packer,” she says. “I was impressed that I could fit everything I needed in just the backpack, though it [was pretty heavy]. The waist strap helped with this a little.”

The bag has four handles, which Tisha reports were ergonomic and padded. Though, the feature she loved most about the backpack was its built-in organization. It has a clamshell opening and tons of extra pockets, plus laptop and tablet sleeves. There are optional packing cubes you can purchase, which she notes were “Amazing. [They were] both stylish and compact.” She did feel that the cosmetics pouch was a bit small but thought it would work for people with minimal beauty and personal care items.

One undeniable fact about this bag is that it’s heavy, weighing about 4.5 pounds. The design minimized the feeling of being weighed down. “I think the backpack distributed weight well,” Tisha reports. “There was a waist strap and chest strap, and I loved how the straps could be tucked into the backpack behind the magnetic closure. Overall, I thought the design was smart, functional, and well thought out.”

• Capacity: 45L (fully expanded), 35L (normal), 30L (compressed)
• Material: recycled nylon
• Weight: 4lbs 8oz
• Dimensions: 9 x 22 x 13 inches

2. Asenlin Travel Backpack

• comes with packing cubes
• laptop sleeve
• great interior organization
• straps can be finicky when adjusting

PureWow Associate Editor Chelsea Candelario says the Asenlin 40L travel backpack is her go-to carry-on and recently dusted it off for a weekend staycation in Manhattan . “[This] has travelled the world with me and is still in top shape,” she reports. “My favorite feature is that it opens like a book and has tons of compartments to store all my belongings. It has a laptop sleeve (up to 17 inches) and water bottle pocket that expands to accommodate larger bottles. It’s so roomy that I can store 2-3 pairs of shoes in it, along with my other items.”

In addition to the backpack straps (which are thick and cushioned), there are two side handles that allow you to carry it like a duffle. Candelario also appreciates the trolley sleeve and ability to tuck the backpack straps away when she transforms it into the duffle. The interior is super organized, too. “It has a net pouch inside to store small items. There are also built-in elastic bands to keep items from spilling out if I need to open the bag,” she explains. “The backpack also comes with three packing cubes to make everything extra convenient.”

• Capacity: 40L
• Material: nylon, polyester
• Weight: 2.7lbs

3. Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

• recycled lining
• includes a shoe bag
• trolley pass-through
• various sizes and colors
• extra laptop sleeve takes up packing space

Dagne Dover

The Dagne Dover Dakota backpack comes in three sizes, all of which comply with TSA carry-on constraints. The medium rendition will accommodate two 13-inch laptops (16 inches for the large) and comes with four exterior and three interior pockets. The vegan bag has a lining made of recycled plastic bottles and clocks in around two pounds. PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay packed the medium bag for a weekend trip, as she hopped from subway to train and car.

“Love the overall design. It looks like a grown-up backpack, not boring and stodgy,” she says. “I love the classic shape and smart design (lots of external and internal zipper pockets and side pockets to hold a water bottle/sunglasses/umbrella/etc.) Love the smooth neoprene fabric and monochrome features–everything from zippers to straps to the brand logo are one uniform color.”

The Dakota has a top handle in addition to the backpack straps. All are padded, which makes it comfortable to carry, even when stuffed to the brim, weaving through the train stations, as Yohay can attest. She also mentions the main compartment’s two laptop sleeves. “There’s a back sleeve section with added padding for device protection, [but due to this], the bottom footprint of the backpack is way smaller than it appears. I was surprised when the bottom half quickly filled up with only one pair of jeans and a sweater .” She notes that she would have traded one of the laptop sleeves for extra packing space. However, if you travel with multiple computers and don’t want them knocking into each other, this is a good feature.

Yohay also loved the organization of the bag. “This is where I think the backpack shines–it has lots of compartments,” she says. “Two side pockets, one internal laptop sleeve with padding to protect your device, a hook for keys so they’re not floating around (my pet peeve), two additional interior pockets, two interior side pockets, a front zipper pocket for easy access to trinkets, a second back panel for a laptop and an internal zip pouch. All of the compartments make sense and are useful.”

One caveat to keep in mind is that the Dakota weighs about two pounds on its own. Yohay says the weight can accumulate quickly once packed, though the straps do a good job of distributing it for comfort.

• Capacity: 8L (small), 16L (medium), 20L (large)
• Material: recycled plastic, neoprene
• Weight: 2lbs 3oz

4. Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0

• roomy but won’t overwhelm petite frames
• accommodates 17’’ laptop
• strap pocket to keep valuables secure
• Air Tag pocket is conspicuous
• structured shape makes it hard to store

“I took this backpack on a 1.5-day work trip (by train) and a weekend getaway (train + car),” says our tester, Sarah. “For both trips, I packed two days of outfits, toiletries, makeup, electronics, laptop, pajamas, pillbox, one pair of shoes and one pair of glasses. I’m 5’2’’ and [even fully packed] I [didn’t find it] too big on me.”

Sarah describes herself as an over-packer (extra chargers, underwear, tops) and appreciated that the Troubadour Apex was able to hold all her belongings with some room to spare. The design is sleek, modern and unisex, with Sarah noting: “The mixed material design gives it a balance of professional and fashionable, allowing it to go with many outfits. One [design element] that’s worth mentioning is the zipper closure. It’s concealed with two rubbery strips, giving the bag a cohesive look without the usual exposed metal zipper standing out, which could be a factor to those who care about mixing metals in their accessories (e.g. if your personal accessory and coat/shoes hardware are all gold but the bag zipper is silver).”

The interior has a host of pockets in the main compartment, with a laptop sleeve that has separate space for a tablet or documents. Additionally, there’s a pocket on the left strap, which Sarah found extremely useful. “It [provides] secure storage and extremely easy access to important but frequently used items during travel, such as car keys, passport, boarding pass, phone.” Also notable are the two deep side pockets for umbrellas or water bottles.

Another thing to note is that the bag is structured, which can be both a pro and con. “It’s approximately the same size whether empty or packed, since it doesn’t collapse,” Sarah explains. As for the straps, she reports that they were comfortable and distributed the weight evenly. There’s the option to add a chest strap if needed, and the back has a trolley sleeve.

“Another stand-out design is that the adjustable parts of the straps are in a loop,” she adds. “As a result, there’s not the usual excess straps dangling from the bag and hitting your arms as you walk.” There’s also a specific pocket for an Air Tag, which she liked but wished wasn’t so clearly labeled.

• Capacity: 25L
• Material: recycled polyester, vegan leather
• Weight: 2lbs 2oz

5. Tumi Just In Case Backpack

• stain and water resistant
• lightweight
• lacks a laptop compartment

The merits of the Tumi Just In Case Backpack are all in the name. It folds flat, making it easy to stash, and will fit under an airplane seat as a personal item. Our tester, Emily, took the bag on a flight from New York to Kentucky . She claims to be an over-packer, so found the bag smaller than she was expecting for a carry-on, noting that it was better as a personal item. “The material doesn’t stretch, but I fit my book, sweatshirt, snacks and work laptop comfortably in the bag,” she reports. However, there is no laptop sleeve, so you might want to store yours in a case before packing.

A major plus of this backpack is that it’s incredibly light, clocking in at less than a half a pound. (All the other options here are at least two pounds.) Storage includes one main compartment, a large front zippered pocket and a removeable zippered pouch. There’s also a trolley sleeve.

“Above all else, I really like that this bag can collapse and fold easily,” Emily tells me. “It lives up to its name of being a ‘just-in-case’ bag. On my flight home, I was able to scrunch it back up and stuff it in my carry-on suitcase.”

• Capacity: 15L
• Material: nylon
• Weight: 0.6lb
• Dimensions: 15.5 x 12.3 x 4.5 inches

6. Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag

• convenient open top feature
• fun designs
• could have more pockets

Baboon to the Moon

With fun colors, limited edition runs and plenty of flair, Baboon to the Moon effortlessly marries style and function in its 40L small Go-Bag, which can pack away three to five days of clothing. PureWow Assistant Editor Deila Curtis took it on a trip to Portugal in addition to a checked bag.

“The Go-Bag is one of the most fun carry-on bags that I’ve seen,” they tell me. “Though they are typically solid colors on the outside with occasional accent colors, the interior of the bags is often a fun pattern, sometimes made in collaboration with other brands. The outer shell is very sleek and made of a waterproof material. It’s soft and flexible so you can really pack everything in there. When it lays flat, it opens from the top. There’s a super convenient passport pocket on the outside of the bag for easy retrieval when going through security, plus additional pockets on the inside, two of which are zippered. The shell has a glossy feel to it and the rest of the bag is a sturdy smooth PVC.”

There are four handles plus padded backpack straps, which Delia reports are ergonomic and help distribute weight evenly. They like the bag’s rectangular shape with the open-top feature, which minimizes the need to dig around. “I found that the bag was just right for a carry on and fits everything without getting excessively heavy,” they say. “[However], the bag has a very open concept, [with just three interior pockets]. The zippered pocket on the top flap of the bag is perfect for a laptop, though I like extra cushion, so I keep [my computer] in a laptop sleeve. I like the open concept, but if I needed to be [more] organized, I might want another pocket or two.”

• Material: PVC, polyester
• Weight: 3.5lbs
• Dimensions: 10.5in x 20.5in x 12.5in

7. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

• lifetime warranty and repairs
• clamshell design
• interior mesh compartments
• security zippers
• zippers can be sticky
• empty backpack is heavy

I had a tester, Annie, take the Cotopaxi Allpa on a four-day trip to Dallas . She and her partner used it as their sole travel bag. “The pack was an appropriate size for the trip: four days’ worth of clothes, a laptop, toiletries and other personal items filled in the bag nicely without being overstuffed,” she reports. “The bag opens into a clamshell, which is very convenient for travel.”

Another standout feature of this backpack is the many straps. “In addition to the padded top handle, there are also handles on both sides and the bottom of the bag, making it easy to stow and pull out of any overhead bins or other spaces,” Annie tells me. “The handles were very well designed and versatile: The top handle is reinforced and easy to grab, while the others are simple nylon straps. There are also several molle webbing points found around the bag for attachments. Nylon around the ends of the zipper points keep zippers from coming undone.”

The Cotopaxi Allpa opens clamshell style to reveal a main compartment on one side and three organizational compartments on the other. All have mesh with zippers. “There is a laptop/tablet storage sleeve that is accessed via a separate zipper on the right of the bag, and small top pocket for easy access items,” Annie notes. “Storage is well thought out for travel, but one drawback is that there isn’t any good place to put a water bottle.”

• Capacity: 35L
• Material: polyester
• Weight: 3lbs, 8oz

8. Topo Designs Global Travel Bag

• made from recycled materials
• can carry 5 ways
• good interior organization
• attracts dust and particles easily, making it look dirty quickly
• water bottle pocket is small
• can overwhelm petite frames

Topo Designs

Don’t let your eyes deceive you: the compact Topo Designs Global Travel Bag fits up to 30L in a slim package. “[At first,] I was afraid that due to the compactness, it would get heavy easily,” our tester, Elaine, tells me. She took this back on a weekend trip to upstate New York . “I realized later it is more top heavy than most backpacks, which allows for the weight to be distributed more evenly.” However, one thing she notes is that the straps aren’t as padded as she would have liked.

Speaking of straps, the Global Travel Bag can be carried five ways: top handle, two side straps, backpack style and as a duffle. Elaine reported that this was helpful when pulling her bag in and out of storage compartments. There’s also a separate laptop compartment.

The main compartment is roomy and accommodated all her packing cubes. “I like that there are also mesh zipper pockets to keep your small trinkets like my AirPods, keys, wallet, etc., on the side,” she adds. The front of the bag has pockets, too, but she found them awkward. “The small front pocket opens to a wider pocket opening, but it’s hard to navigate your hand inside if you’re looking for something,” she explains. Though there are water bottle pockets, she observed that they didn’t stretch and couldn’t accommodate her larger bottle.

• Capacity: 30L, 40L
• Weight: 2lbs, 10oz

9. Yeti Panga Backpack

• zippers aren’t easy to handle

If your trip entails some wet, wild adventure, the Yeti Panga should be at the top of your list. Our tester, Hope, took it on a two-week road trip to Texas. “It has a thick, rubbery, almost rain boot-like material,” she tells me. The brand claims it’s submergible up to a meter (roughly three feet) of water. Hope, who tends to overpack, loaded the bag with toiletries, two cameras, clothing and art supplies.

“The design is very simple, almost to the point of it being more like a dry bag than a backpack, with extra pockets and features,” she reports. In addition to the backpack straps, there are top and side handles and a “hitchpoint” grid that allows you to attach accessories. Included with the backpack is zipper lube, which you might want to use, as Hope tells me the zippers were so “heavy duty” they cut one of her fingers while she was attempting to close the bag.

The interior is a large, open compartment with a small, zippered mesh pocket and laptop sleeve. “I found the storage surprisingly generous for clothing but wish there were more compartments to organize things,” Hope says. “The zipper was difficult to navigate as well, as it was so heavy duty and hard to leave open for packing. The bag is advertised as best for outdoor excursions, but personally I wouldn’t [take long hikes] with it as the fabric isn’t very breathable and I got sweaty quickly. The durability/waterproof nature seems to be the biggest selling point for this backpack. Anyone traveling to a wet place, wanting to keep gear dry or needing to travel on a boat might find the features extremely helpful.”

• Capacity: 28L
• Material: nylon, thermoplastic polyurethane
• Weight: 3.9lbs
• Dimensions: 12.5 x 7 x 20 inches

10. The North Face Base Camp Duffle

• wide color selection
• company lifetime warranty
• not ideal for toting electronics

The North Face

“I’ve gone on multiple trips with the backpack traveling on trains, planes and in cars,” says PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth . “The material feels durable (and it IS), with a weather resistant coating that helps communicate that users do not need to be precious with this backpack. The top zippers open to reveal one giant compartment, plus a mesh pocket on one end and a zippered pocket in the top. You can either toss your things in willy-nilly or play Tetris with packing cubes .” If you’re going for style, the duffle does look like a gear bag, so take that into account if you’re looking for something more elevated. “I find its durability and ease of use transcend its utilitarian vibes,” she says.

The backpack has two removable backpack straps, plus two shorter haul and grip handles on every side, so you can grab the bag from any angle. “It does not have a shoulder strap or crossbody, however, I have, in a pinch, repositioned one of the backpack straps to anchor the bag across as a makeshift shoulder strap,” Abby says. “I love the versatility of the different carrying methods. The backpack straps are padded and adjustable, but because this bag is really a duffle first and foremost, they may not lay as comfortably as a backpack with fixed straps, especially if you are petite.” The duffle comes in small, medium and large iterations, though the volume of the small is already 50L, which is pushing it for a carry-on. According to Abby, the medium bag (71L) is better off checked or for road trips.

As for organization, there’s one internal mesh pocket and another zippered one on top, but otherwise is one large compartment. “I actually prefer the versatility of a total free-for-all interior because it allows me more flexibility when packing,” she says. Sometimes I want/need to neatly organize a bunch of climbing gear and distribute things by weight because I know I’ll be carrying that backpack for a much longer walk. Other times I want to throw all my weekend clothes in without even folding them because I’m just going to unpack immediately upon reaching the hotel anyway. I love that I can distribute my things any way I like rather than being constrained by designated pockets or pouches. And both the Small and the Medium have more than enough room for a weekend getaway, plus some.”

• Capacity: 50L (small)
• Material: recycled polyester
• Weight: 2lbs 10oz
• Dimensions: 13 x 21 x 13 inches

Best for International Travel

11. everlane renew transit backpack.

• made from recycled plastic
• good storage
• magnetic flap hides zippers
• exterior water bottle pocket not expandable

I confess I am not a backpack person, so the design must nail it if I’m going to carry it. So, I was pleasantly surprised by the Everlane ReNew Transit Bag. It’s available in five neutral colors, and I went with “warm quartz”, which translated to an off-white/gray. The first thing I appreciated was that the bag is light (about 1.5 pounds). I hate lugging stuff around, so having a heavy bag to start with is always a bad idea. This is especially pertinent because I’m a photographer , so cameras are always most likely to be taking up the space in my carry-on or personal item. I trekked through Manhattan with about 15 to 20 pounds of camera gear and while it was objectively heavy, it didn’t feel like a dead weight. I wish I had this bag when I went to Taipei as I had brought a tote with thin straps that were constantly digging into my shoulder. Everlane’s bag is stylish, inconspicuous, roomy and has gently padded straps that are wide enough to distribute the weight comfortably, plus a trolley sleeve if you don’t feel like carrying it.

Something else I loved was that there were enough pockets to make me feel organized without feeling like there were pockets everywhere. There’s a laptop compartment that opens with a side zipper, then a small zippered and larger slip pockets, plus an interior mesh water bottle holder, which is slightly stretchy. The external side water bottle pocket isn’t, so it won’t accommodate that giant Hydroflask , FYI.

The backpack has a flap that magnetically connects to the surface of the bag and hides the main compartment’s zippers, which made it feel more secure. And, the flap has a generous zippered pocket, too, perfect for the things you want to grab quickly.

• Capacity: 27L
• Material: recycled plastic bottles
• Weight: 1lbs 5oz
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 7.25 x 12 inches

Best for Business

12. nomatic travel pack.

• sleek, professional design
• not bulky when expanded
• great organizational features

Our tester, Alex, used this as a work bag and then toted it on a weekend trip to Philadelphia as his personal item in addition to a suitcase. He’s not an over-packer, but at 6’3’’ often has difficulty finding bags that will accommodate his shoes and clothes. “The bag shines in terms of aesthetic; it’s sleek and professional,” he tells me. “The color is beautiful and feels unique yet timeless.”

The 20L backpack, which he tested, can expand to 30L. “Even when fully expanded, the bag remains stylish and never looks too bulky,” he reports. “The zippers are somewhat ‘hidden’ because it makes the bag look more polished. It’s a great bag if you travel for work and need to look buttoned up coming off a flight into the office.”

When expanded, the bag has a clamshell opening, but the feature doesn’t appear when compressed. However, the mouth is still wide enough that Alex didn’t feel like he was constantly fishing for items. There are three handles: one on the top of the pack and one either side so you can carry it like a briefcase, he explains. “The handles are sturdy, although the top handle is slightly annoying to carry because it’s attached to the backpack straps rather than the top of the back. That said, the tradeoff here is that the top of the pack is smaller, which makes it look less bulky.”

Alex found the 20L size ideal, noting that it accommodated his 17-inch laptop, size 13 dress shoes, large toiletry bag and other items with no issue. Though when fully expanded, the pack will definitely end up in the overhead bin. There are tons of interior compartments that made the packing experience efficient and easy. One of the standouts was a hidden compartment behind the shoulder straps for valuables. As for the laptop compartment, Alex says: “[It] was too small for my laptop, but it fit in a laptop case in the backpack. For those without a 17-inch laptop, the laptop compartment ends a few inches above the bottom of the backpack, which is nice because it helps protect it when the backpack gets set down.” The last touch was magnetic water bottle pouches on either side of the backpack’s exterior. “These were nice because they allowed the pockets to ‘collapse’ when not in use, maintaining the bag’s sleekness,” Alex notes.

• Capacity: 14L, 20L
• Weight: 3.46lbs (14L), 4.16lbs (20L)
• Dimensions: From 17.5 x 11 x 5.5-6 inches

Best for Under the Seat

13. bagsmart blast carry-on backpack.

• separate compartment for shoes and dirty laundry
• compliant with personal item size for most airlines
• handle pocket can spill easily

PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey packed the Bagsmart Blast 35L as her personal item on a recent trip to South Carolina. “I don’t traditionally overpack, so the 35L capacity was great to fit one pair of sneakers, a pair of heeled sandals and a couple outfits, as well as my computer, three magazines and my toiletries while still fitting under the seat,” she says.

The textured nylon is a sturdy material immune to scuffs, while the laptop compartment opens like a gangplank, Dana explains. “You can slip your laptop out for the security line and see your folded clothes clearly. The overall design initially appealed to me since the bag can look like an old-fashioned non-wheeled case, with a side carry handle. Also, the bag has a separate shoe compartment that also holds dirty clothes as your trip progresses, keeping your clean clothes fresh.”

In addition to backpack straps, there are top and side handles. “When using the top handle, you must make sure the top pocket that the handle is attached to is zipped all the way, otherwise you’re going to be pulling upward on an open flap, sending the pocket’s contents flying,” she notes. “The bag’s six external pockets are so unobtrusively integrated into the design they never look too messy, and you can tell the designers really thought of how people would use the bag. For example, the laptop-holding flap faces two mesh pockets that expand to hold the laptop charging cable and any portable chargers and cables you brought along.” There’s also a trolley strap so you can wheel it atop your suitcase.

• Weight: 2lbs
• Dimensions: 12.2 x 16.5 x 10.2 inches

What Is the Largest Backpack Allowed for Carry-On?

As noted by The Points Guy, the standard carry-on size for domestic airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, though the dimensions may vary slightly by airline. Double-check with your carrier before making an investment in a carry-on travel backpack. Also keep in mind that your carry-on and personal item are not the same—these dimensions refer to the bag you put in the overhead bin.

What Is the Best Backpack to Use as Carry-On Luggage?

“Many airlines are now charging for the bag you put in the overhead compartment, so the only bag you get for free is your personal bag,” Gay tells me. “The trick is to have everything in one bag and call that your personal bag. If I can turn a backpack into my only bag for a trip it must be a backpack that not only will be large enough to accommodate my laptop but also enough clothes for at least a three-day, two-night trip.”

She adds that her non-negotiables are comfortable shovel straps and strong zippers. Design also plays a factor: “I don’t want to look like a college student when traveling. A ‘grown-up’ bag that fits on a pilot’s case handle makes it more versatile for longer trips.” Ultimately, the best carry-on travel backpack depends on your packing needs. If you’re headed to another continent for a month of backpacking, you probably want to consider the expandable Peak Design Travel Backpack or The North Face Base Camp Duffle , both of which are built for rugged outdoor activities. On a business trip? Try the streamlined Asenlin Travel Backpack or Nomatic Travel Pack . Those traveling with youngsters will appreciate the lightweight Tumi Just In Case Backpack (or slightly larger but still

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good backpack to travel with via airplane.

This depends on your personal preferences, but Gay recommends the following measurements, which will ensure it squeezes under the seat: 15 inches (height) x 6 inches (width) x 11 inches (length), with optimal strap length between 21 and 24.5 inches.

Can I bring a 50L backpack as a carry-on?

Yes, a 50L backpack can be a carry-on, but it will probably end up in the overhead bin. If you want to avoid fees, check the baggage allowance included in your fare.

What is the difference between 35L and 45L backpack?

Ten liters can make a big difference. These two sizes represent the extremes: 35L is the minimum size you’d want for a multi-day trip, while 45L is borderline too big to be a carry-on (you’ll definitely tap out at 50L). You can expect a 35L bag to accommodate two large packing cubes, a medium one, plus a toiletry bag, while the 45L can fit an additional two large cubes.

Here’s Everything I Pack for a Family of 4 in a Single Carry-On & Backpack (Without Losing My Mind)

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19 Carry-On Backpacks to Take on Your Next Flight

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links. See our full disclosure here .

You simply can’t beat the versatility of a carry-on backpack. These contemporary pieces of travel are insanely practical, comfortable to carry, and, best of all, their functionality extends way beyond the airplane’s cabin.

Built with travel efficiency in mind, our favorite picks seamlessly transition through a variety of terrains and circumstances. Some of them can withstand the worst wear and tear, others come with a dash of refined minimalism, which makes them ideal for city breaks and business trips, and all are brilliantly engineered to magically pack a ton of stuff into a compact, streamlined design.

Here is our selection of the best carry-on backpacks in 2024, one more carefully thought-out than the other.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L

Even in a market saturated with competitors, it’s hard not to fall for Peak Design’s fresh approach to functionality and design. This started nine years ago with the creation of their wildly successful Capture Camera Clip and remains proudly visible in the Travel Backpack 45L .

Fitted out with a weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell, an elegant expanding mechanism, clever tuck-away shoulder straps, and ultra-light padded foam throughout, this is the ultimate carry-on travel backpack. It’s strong, handsome, and gloriously adaptable.

As well as expanding from a 35 L cabin bag to a 45 L check-in luggage, it also compresses down to a 30 L daypack, offering creative versatility. And don’t even get me started on those magical magnetic closures and smartly positioned access points, which add to both looks and functionality. Last but not least, there are all sorts of zippered, mesh, soft-lined, and hidden pockets for organized packing, including a dividing panel that separates the backpack into two compartments.

I’ve now taken the Peak Design Travel Backpack on a couple of national/international flights and countless road trips, and it’s proved to be an invaluable companion. When paired with the brand’s Camera Cubes, it also makes an excellent pick for traveling photographers.

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus

Slim aesthetics and modern functionality make this Bellroy pack an ideal choice for traveling professionals and weekend warriors alike.

Lightweight and minimal, the Transit Backpack Plus works well in urban settings but has the robustness and weather resistance needed to deal with more demanding environments.

It’s made from durable, recycled materials, with premium, environmentally certified leather accents, and its space-saving design, with thoughtfully engineered pockets and compartments, takes on-the-go organization to the next level. There’s a quick access 15″ laptop compartment, sleeves for all kinds of miscellaneous items, as well as a number of discreet external-access pockets for wallet, documents, and water bottle.

On top of that, contents are held securely in place with internal compression straps; a removable sternum strap and hideaway waist belt help distribute the load efficiently, and the bag’s breathable contoured back panel makes it comfortable to wear all day long.

After using the Transit on adventures near and far, including multiple plane trips, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in search of a lightweight carry-on backpack.

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

Even at 4.5 lbs (2 kg), our recent testing revealed that the 40 L Tortuga Travel Backpack is still one of the most comfortable-to-wear options around. But that’s hardly its only selling point. Crafted from super-durable, recycled, and waterproof materials and filled to the brim with organizational features, this maximum-size carry-on backpack is the perfect suitcase alternative for week-long trips.

Its smart, adjustable suspension system, along with the thick, foam-padded shoulder straps, removable hip belt, sternum strap, and load lifters, keeps you comfortable in transit, while the well-designed front panel and protected laptop/tablet compartment make sure you have all travel essentials at your fingertips.

Just as important, the pack has room for a week’s worth of clothes in its huge clamshell-style main compartment and sports lockable, weather-resistant zippers for added security.

Db Ramverk Pro Backpack 32L

A sleek, minimalist-looking backpack packed with features, Ramverk Pro Backpack 32L is a clever pick for creatives, adventurers, and anyone in between. It offers more than enough room for a few days worth of travel essentials, and packing is easy as the front panel fully unzips to allow total access to the spacious main compartment. Meanwhile, if you require a compartmentalized protective organization for your photography equipment, this can be customized with padded dividers or a camera insert.

An ingenious top pocket and a series of interior mesh sections offer convenient storage for smaller valuables, while a separate, padded computer compartment fits 16″ laptops. Like most of Db’s bags, this one sports the brand’s unique rib cage construction for extra protection and its patented hook-up system, which lets you attach multiple bags together for ease of transportation.

For a closer look at its highlights, check out our piece on the best backpacks we tested this year .

Carl Friedrik 72-hour Backpack

We like front-loading backpacks for travel, but up until now, we haven’t seen one as elegant as this pick from Carl Friedrik.

Dressed in sleek black nylon and detailed with classy Vachetta leather trims, it’s a sophisticated option for style-savvy wanderers. But look beyond its luxuriously refined exterior, and you’ll find an abundance of modern practicality.

Designed to accommodate three days’ worth of travel, the 72-hour Backpack is laden with clever pockets for organizing essentials, and its main compartment opens flat for easy packing. An integrated luggage holder and a separate external-access laptop compartment for devices up to 16″ make it perfect for business travelers.

Monos Metro Backpack

Cut from water-resistant, ultra-microfiber vegan leather, the Monos Metro Backpack mixes reliable toughness with a surprising amount of organization, all within a stylish, structured silhouette that goes effortlessly from work to weekend.

The clamshell opening gives you full access to the roomy main compartment for efficient clothes packing, while thoughtful pockets and compartments organize documents, electronics, and other accessories. There’s even a stretchable, waterproof privacy section designed to keep your shoes and wet bathing suits separate from the rest of your contents. The bag’s smartest feature, however, is the detachable front Dopp kit, which functions as an independent pouch for your essentials while on the move.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller

Easily the most adaptable carry-on backpack on the list, the Global Travel Bag Roller stands out for its rugged-meets-stylish design and heavy-duty wheels, which add a whole new level of convenience to your ride.

Part backpack, part rolling suitcase, this is one of the lightest carry-on luggage pieces we’ve come across, and it’s a clever choice for multi-taskers and one-bag adventurers alike. Complementing its recycled nylon exterior are tough YKK zippers, a pair of crush-proof wheels, and various handles so you can carry it in different ways.

Built to make traveling easier, this hybrid Topo Designs piece also scores big on organization with two spacious internal compartments and multiple mesh and zippered pockets for smaller items.

With so many great features, it is little surprise that it made our list of the best carry-on luggage for men .

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack

Matador bills its GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack as “the ultimate pack for the world traveler”. We’d say it’s a fierce competition, but they’re not far from the truth.

Conceived to withstand any adventure, this carry-on-compliant backpack has all the right features – a clamshell architecture for ease of packing, excellent carrying comfort, and endless organizational pockets for separating your gear. The pack is built around an aluminum frame for added strength, and the durable, water-resistant materials used in its construction are sustainably sourced. Meanwhile, an external padded compartment offers quick access to your laptop, and its outdoor-inspired fit and weight distribution ensure superior comfort on the go.

Troubadour Explorer Aero Backpack

Troubadour’s Explorer collection blurs the lines between work packs and adventure bags with innovative technical materials and streamlined forms. If you want the packing capacity of a duffel bag in backpack form, look no further than their luxe Aero Backpack , which features an impressive 34L capacity – perfect for traveling – alongside stellar additions like a dedicated shoe pocket, a separate laptop section, and a trolley sleeve that slides over your suitcase handle.

Made with lightweight, waterproof recycled fabrics, this carry-on-friendly backpack is designed around a spacious tube-shaped compartment for stowing everything you need on the go and sports a unique zip-top opening for easy access to your items. The breathable back panel and ergonomic memory foam shoulder straps ensure you can effortlessly carry around the bag all day. There’s also a quick-access top-zippered pocket for keeping your documents and other personal items within reach.

Tropicfeel Nest

At 16 liters, the Nest may fall into the everyday carry backpacks category, but with its modular add-ons, it morphs into the perfect carry-on backpack, providing plenty of room for your personal items.

Crafted from water-resistant, recycled materials, Nest features well-padded shoulder straps, a breathable back panel complete with luggage pass-through, and a clamshell main compartment that you can organize to your liking using Tropicfeel’s thoughtful accessories. Likewise, a 4L kangaroo pocket that folds out from the bottom of the bag, a 10L packing cube designed to fit within the front pocket, and a detachable divider called Spider Net System increase the backpack’s capacity from 16L to 30L, providing versatile external storage for your gear.

I’ve had it for almost two years, and it’s a great backpack for air travel, and really any scenario.

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

Can’t decide between a suitcase and a backpack? You don’t have to. Samsonite’s Silhouette 17 Backpack offers the best of both worlds in a streamlined, contemporary design, ideal for modern travelers.

Made from the brand’s proprietary Recyclex, a sustainable fabric created using 100% recycled PET bottles, this durable all-in-one bag makes packing a breeze thanks to its convenient split-case opening and meticulously organized interior. Unlike top-opening rucksacks, this backpack opens like a suitcase, revealing a spacious main compartment for easy, organized packing – all while meeting carry-on size requirements. An adjustable garment compression panel minimizes wrinkling, and the WetPak pocket keeps wet items separate.

Additionally, business travelers will appreciate the backpack’s 3-way convertible design, which enables it to be comfortably carried as a backpack, briefcase, or shoulder bag, as well as its smart tech-oriented features, including a fully padded laptop pocket and a removable TecKit complete with USB pass-through & wireless charging capabilities.

Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack

Style and practicality meet in this tech-savvy carry-on backpack from Briggs & Riley. Constructed from rugged, moisture-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon, the Medium Cargo Backpack withstands whatever you throw at it while still looking sleek.

It’s a beautiful, sturdy bag with a polished, professional look, but perhaps the greatest thing about it is its internal organization – the three-section interior design, with quick-access laptop/tablet storage and an array of intuitive pockets, makes it easy to pack and stay organized on the go.

A signature SpeedThru pocket keeps your valuables safe and on hand at security checkpoints, while an RFID-blocking pocket protects your passport and credit cards against identity theft/electronic pickpocketing. Top it all off with Briggs & Riley’s legendary lifetime warranty, and you’ve got yourself one of the coolest carry-on backpacks on the market.

NOMATIC 40L Travel Bag

Durable, weatherproof, and chock-full of innovative features, it’s no wonder travelers worldwide are obsessed with the NOMATIC 40L Travel Bag . Designed for trips of up to 7 days, this sleek bag is the max carry-on size and transitions from backpack to duffle in a snap thanks to its patented strap system.

But probably what makes the NOMATIC backpack one of the best carry-on travel bags around is its unrivaled compartmentalization. Separate pockets for shoes, clothes, gadgets, and everything in between provide versatile, efficient organization of all your belongings while also allowing you to pack more in less space. Meanwhile, a hangable laundry bag keeps dirty clothes separate while traveling, and the TSA-ready flap lets you breeze through security checkpoints without removing your tech.

Solgaard Venture Backpack

Stay organized and productive on the go with the Solgaard Venture Backpack , a clever travel backpack made with innovative fabrics created from upcycled ocean-bound plastic and equipped with the brand’s award-winning FlowCloset™ travel system.

Conceived with modern travelers in mind, this recycled, one-of-a-kind bag acts as a mobile wardrobe, complete with a removable hanging closet with compression straps that will keep your clothes tidy and easily accessible.

It also includes a “workzone” and a “lifezone”, so you can organize your work items and personal belongings separately, and it comes with cool features like secret pockets and a suitcase seatbelt strap for effortless mobility.

The large version expands from 20 to 31 liters, providing ample room for a week’s worth of outfits and gear. However, those looking for a carry-on backpack for international travel should instead opt for the medium model.

WANDRD HEXAD Access Duffle Backpack

Whether on outdoor adventures, photography trips, or flights to Europe, protect your gear on the go with this ultra-organized bag from WANDRD. Combining dedicated camera compartments with separate areas for storage of clothes and accessories, the carry-on-sized HEXAD Access Duffel Backpack leaves no desire unfulfilled.

Complete with three large sections and a variety of thoughtful pockets, this well-engineered backpack/duffel hybrid is loaded with utility. Not only that, but it’s made from strong, weather-resistant materials and comes with a convenient clamshell opening, plus dual side access, for easy packing & retrieval of items. Inside, there’s space for everything, including a padded laptop sleeve, an expandable laundry pocket, and a fleece-lined phone pocket. Internal mesh dividers make organizing a snap, while grab handles on all four sides add to the bag’s versatility.

Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Designed with smart packers in mind, the Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack offers a streamlined aesthetic and great organization while meeting carry-on luggage size restrictions for most airlines.

Durable, lightweight, and tastefully understated, it’s just as good for one-bag travel as it is as a practical cabin companion on longer trips. Actually, we’d go as far as to say it wouldn’t look out of place at the office, either.

Made from wear-resistant nylon, this 41L convertible travel pack easily transforms from a backpack to a shoulder bag and comes with an RFID-blocking pocket for added safety.

The main compartment opens up flat for effortless packing, and a vast array of pockets, including a dedicated, padded laptop section, keep all your gadgets in place during transit. A pair of tuck-away backpack straps, a removable, padded shoulder strap, and padded handles on all sides provide versatile carrying options, and there’s also a pass-through strap so you can slide it over the handles of your suitcase when navigating airport terminals.

If you’re looking for a gigantic travel pack that fits a ton while still falling into the cabin-size category, this is it. Say hello to the largest possible carry-on: the GORUCK GR3 .

Featuring 45L of storage, a rugged 1000D nylon Cordura construction, and a bombproof laptop compartment, this beast is ready to go anywhere and do anything. The extra padded shoulder straps and removable hip belt are extremely practical, given that this bag is designed to handle over 400 pounds. Other nifty details include silent YKK zippers, MOLLE bottom attachment, and an integrated hydration system.

Inside, various pockets, two side compression straps, and a Velcro back panel for additional packing cubes allow for optimized organization of contents during travel.

Knack Convertible Duffel

Take the packability of a duffel and the convenience of a travel backpack, and you get the Knack Convertible Duffel . It’s lightweight, good-looking, and can fit up to 7 days’ worth of essentials inside a carry-on compliant size.

Wrapped in durable, high-density nylon fabric, it features a separate expandable suitcase compartment for packing your clothes, a side-zip padded sleeve for 15″ laptops, and ample pockets for organizing all your bits and pieces. Your passport and business cards are best stored in the secret pocket, and there’s also a cleverly designed water bottle pocket hidden on the side.

By far, this duffel backpack’s best feature is its expandability. With a quick unzip, it enlarges to almost double in size from 24 liters to a max of 40 liters, making for a handy travel accessory for frugal explorers, wandering professionals, and everyone with an appetite for the one-bag life. When not expanded, it qualifies as a personal item, fitting perfectly under the airplane seat.

Horizn Studios SoFo Backpack Travel

With its expandable design, handy exterior pockets, and smart luggage strap, this sustainable pack from Horizn Studios makes a cool backpack for men . Crafted from vegan, recycled cotton canvas, it’s sturdy, lightweight, and impervious to water.

The breathable mesh padding on the back and shoulder straps make the SoFo Backpack Travel comfortable to carry, and its roomy interior can accommodate up to 5 days’ worth of travel necessities, including a 16″ laptop in its own separate padded compartment.

What’s your favorite?

Pff… that’s hard to say! I use most of these backpacks, depending on my trips. But I would say that I mostly use the Peak Design 45L (or the 30L one, depending on the length of my stay) and the Db Ramverk Pro (super resistant!).

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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.

Whether you're going away for one night or traveling abroad for one week, having a good personal item bag for toiletries, tech, or an extra set of clothes is a non-negotiable. A travel backpack is a great option because it's inherently spacious, doesn't take up much space, perfectly sized to fit under the seat in front of you, and allows you to carry important belongings in a hands-free way.

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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Table of contents

10 Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

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Paring down to the essentials into one single travel bag, whether you’re heading a few hours away or traveling thousands of miles, can be fun and freeing as long as you have the right gear – and the right backpack to pack it in.

Our team at CleverHiker has spent the last 10 years traveling all over North America, from Calgary to Cancun and Hawaii to Hartford, testing more than 20 of the top travel backpacks. This guide represents the best of the best backpacks when it comes to price, comfort, and durability, as well as considerations like carry-on size and weight.

If you’re looking for more room and versatility out of your travel bag, pop over to our guide to the best duffel bags . For those who love a well-organized backpack, consider picking up some durable, compressible stuff sacks or packing cubes . And when you need easy access to your small essentials, you can’t beat a quality fanny pack .

Quick Picks for Travel Backpacks

Check out this quick list of our favorite travel backpacks, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Best travel backpack overall:  Cotopaxi Allpa ($200)

Best budget travel backpack:  Ebags Mother Lode ($100)

Most organized travel backpack for one-bag trips:  Tortuga Outbreaker ($350)

Best travel backpack for photographers:  Peak Design Travel Backpack ($300)

Most versatile & stylish travel backpack:  Nomatic Travel Pack ($300)

Best travel duffel bag:  Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159)

Travel backpack with the best safety features:  Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ($290)

Durable & highly compressible travel bag:  Osprey Farpoint Men’s ($185)  / Fairview 40 Women’s ($185)

Most protective travel backpack:  Osprey Sojourn Porter ($195)

The CleverHiker team has been testing tons of new travel backpacks against our go-tos while we’ve traveled across the country on planes, trains, and automobiles – and there’s been quite a shakeup in the order of our list.

• The Cotopaxi Allpa moves to the number one spot due to it’s excellent balance of organization, functional pockets, cushy padding, and upbeat colorways.
• Thanks to impressive affordability and a burly build, the Ebags Mother Lode  is a close second that stands out for it’s expandable design and efficient compression straps.
• We added the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 for it’s industry-leading durability, precise sizing as an airport carry-on, and cavernous main compartment.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35

Best travel backpack overall for organization, durability & style

Price: $200

Weight: 3 lb. 8 oz.

Dimensions: 20 X 12 X 10 in.

Options: Allpa 28 & 42

• Main compartment opens fully
• Streamlined organization
• Hideaway straps
• Raincover included
• Material marks easily

The Cotopaxi Allpa has everything we look for in a travel pack – streamlined organization, easy-access pockets, a comfortable carry, and unique style. The main compartment organization is about as close to perfect as it comes for us. There are four zipper compartments of different sizes for keeping things tidy – s0 there’s no need to add organizing cubes or stuff sacks – and they’re all made of mesh which makes it easy to see what’s inside. The trendy colorways stand out but aren’t abrasive, offering a more interesting design and flair than the endless wash of black backpacks out there. We’ve been using the durable Allpa pack for several years of travel now, and the stitching, hardware, and outer materials look just as good as the first time we used it.

• Ebags Mother Lode

Best budget travel backpack

Price: $100

Weight: 3 lb. 15 oz.

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 10

Other Options: Mother Lode Jr.

• Fits large laptops (up to 19")
• Lightweight
• Laptop compartment isn’t as padded as others

With the features of a premium bag and a price tag from the bargain bin, the  Ebags Mother Lode travel backpack is an incredible value for the money. This expandable bag opens up suitcase-style to a tidy internal organization system with one large mesh zipper pocket and a modular “shelf” with compression straps. The shelf helps keep things, like clean and dirty clothes, separate, or it can be unclipped to make one large compartment for packing whatever way you like. We love a well-organized and durable bag, and this model from EBags has an impressive number of smartly-placedpockets, burly zippers, and 4 highly effective compression straps. As long as you don’t mind the lack of a hipbelt, the Mother Lode is an excellent choice for travelers with expensive taste and a small budget.

Tortuga Outbreaker 40L

Most organized travel backpack for one-bag trips

Price: $350

Weight: 4 lb. 8 oz.

Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in.

Other Options: 30L Weekender

• Tons of organization
• Adjustable & supportive suspension system
• Heavily padded TSA laptop pocket (up to 16”)
• Lots of electronics storage
• Large waistbelt with compartment
• Sleek design
• Heavier than others

If you’re the type of traveler who wants everything to have its own designated space, the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L will be your new favorite travel companion – you won’t find a better organization system on this list. The spacious main compartment opens up fully like a suitcase and has a handy mesh pocket to separate dirty clothes. It also has quick-grab pockets on the exterior for wallet items, small essentials, and a huge TSA-ready electronics compartment. If you’re carrying electronics on every trip, this bag has our favorite laptop compartment; it’s heavily padded and fleece-lined to keep your valuables protected, and can fit laptops up to 16 inches.  So many pockets may be overkill for some, but it’s perfect if you have a lot of little things to keep tidy or you love a solid, intuitive storage system. All of these features make this travel pack feel much larger than it is, and at 40 liters you’ll be able to fit everything you need for up to a wee – or longer.

Peak Design Travel 45

Best travel backpack for photographers

Price: $300

Dimensions: 2 x 13 x 11 in. (fully expanded) / 22 x 13 x 9.5 in. (compressed)

• Highly padded
• Lots of access points
• Handles on all sides
• TSA laptop pocket
• Hideaway harness
• Theft-deterrent zippers
• Heavier than some others
• No compressions straps / bulky

The  Peak Design Travel Backpack is the epitome of smart, elegant design. With its multiple access points (back, side, and front) and slick expansion system, this bag can be tailored to countless uses whether you’re heading into a high-mountain expedition in Nepal or just taking a quick daytrip to your local trails. It really shines when you have a lot of camera gear, gaming equipment, or electronics to tote, but don’t think that this bag is just for the techy crowds. Its stylish look and streamlined organization will work well for anyone wanting a single bag that can fit many niches – our take on this pack is if you’re traveling anywhere, you’ll need a pack just like this to stay organized and stylish. The biggest downside is the steep price tag, but the heavy padding, weather resistance, and stellar safety features are worth every penny for a backpack that will last for years and years of travel.

Nomatic 30L Travel Pack

Most versatile & stylish travel backpack

Weight: 4 lb. 2.3 oz.

Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 9.5 in.

Other Options: 40L Travel Bag

• Waterproof zippers
• TSA laptop compartment
• RFID safe pocket
• Removable hipbelt / hideaway straps
• Durable materials
• Bulky profile

The  Nomatic Travel Pack is definitely the most sleek-looking bag we tested, and it’s also chock-full of useful features. This bag is a modern and sleek take on suitcase-style backpacks, and easily transitions from a professional business tip to a trendy daily carry whether you’re in the city, suburbs, or open country. It expands from 20L to 30L making it versatile enough to work as an everyday backpack, a commuter bag, and a travel bag. We also love how many different types of storage there are, including cleverly placed magnetically expandable water bottle pockets, TSA-ready laptop and tablet sleeves with plenty of padding, and a large zippered mesh internal pocket. The Nomatic Travel Pack is very expensive, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better bag if style, durabilty and versatility are what you’re after.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40

Best travel duffel bag

Price: $159

Weight: 2 lb. 8 oz.

Dimensions: 21 x 13.7 x 10.6 in.

Other Options: 55L, 70L, 100L

• Water-resistant
• Multiple carry options
• Fewer pockets
• No padded compartment for electronics
• Not the most comfy backpack

For those times when you want to just throw everything in a bag and go, you can’t beat the convenience and durability of the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel . We’re cheating a little bit here: while the isn’t a dedicated backpack, it easily turns into one thanks to beefy padded straps that can be tucked away when not in use. Made from burly 900-denier recycled ripstop polyester, you can put this thing through the wringer season after season without having to worry about it. The outside of the pack features 20 lash points, and seam-sealed zippered pockets on the outside of the duffel make access to smaller items fast and easy The Black Hole Duffel works great for quick trips when you need to just grab and go, or for packing those extra bulky things that won’t fit in your carry-on. Check out our list of the Best Duffel Bags  to see how it compares with our other favorites.

• Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45

Travel backpack with the best safety features

Price: $290

Weight: 4 lb. 4.8 oz.

Dimensions: 21.7 x 13 x 7.9 in.

• Built-in anti-theft & safety features
• Comfortable carry
• Takes a second to open due to safety features

The  Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 is the ultimate pack for those travelling with valuables that need to be kept safe. It comes with locking zippers, a cable lock, and slash guards in the straps. The zippers take a minute to open when they’re in the locked position, but they open up to a nicely organized bag with simple pockets. In our experience, many travel backpacks aren’t necessarily designed with comfort in mind, but the Venturesafe was the most comfortable all-day carry for us thanks to a heavily padded back flexible hipbelt, and a sturdy chest strap – a more technical feature that’s common in hiking backpacks. If keeping your things secure is your main concern, but you don’t want to sacrifice a modern aesthetic, the Venturesafe is the pack for you.

Osprey Farpoint 40 & Fairview 40

Durable & highly compressible travel bag

Price: $185

Weight: 3 lb. 8 oz. / 3 lb. 7 oz. (Farpoint/Fairview)

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in.

Other Options: Farpoint 55 & 70 (Men’s sizes), Fairview 55 & 70 (Women’s sizes)

• Comfortable
• Good compression system
• Laptop compartment is not as padded as some others
• No internal organization / pockets

The Osprey Farpoint  (men’s sizes) and  Fairview 40 (women’s sizes) are comfortable bags with quality construction. They have some of the most burly hardware (zippers, buckles, straps) of all the backpacks we tested, so they’re especially great for folks who tend to be hard on their gear, and for the rigors of travel – from rolling around in overhead bins and trunks to laying on the dirt, cement, and train station platforms, these packs are built to last. The Farpoint and Fairview have a simple approach to organization with little in the way of internal infrastructure, so we recommend picking up inexpensive packing cubes to maintain order. No matter how packed your bag is, we’re big fans of the well-placed internal and external compression straps that cinch it all down into a neat package. The Farpoint and Fairview can be tailored to many different travel styles with the option to carry as a backpack, a briefcase, or a messenger bag.

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46

Most protective travel backpack

Price: $195

Weight: 3 lb. 7 oz.

Dimensions: 18 x 15.8 x 12.2 in.

Other Options: 30L, 65L

• Good compression
• Good suspension
• Streamlined pocket organization
• A little large for carry-on with some airlines
• Sidewalls can get in the way when packing

If you’re a rugged adventurer who needs an equally tough bag, you’ve found it in the Osprey Sojourn Porter . Whether you’re throwing it under your seat on a plane, carrying it on cross-country travels, or heading to the nearby park, you can rest assured that your things are protected thanks to the padded sidewalls. These rigid sidewalls can be a little cumbersome when trying to pack the bag, but they’re excellent for compressing the load, so the bag feels streamlined even when it’s packed to the gills. The opening of the Porter is more similar to a duffel, so the interior organization is minimal. Pair the Porter with some packing cubes  if you prefer things to be more organized. The Porter is great for those looking for a simple, durable bag for the most adventurous excursions.

What’s Most Important to You in a Travel Backpack?

Traveling isn’t cheap: plane tickets, rental cars, hotel stays, and all of the essential gear can cost a pretty penny. That said, we’ve found that paying a little extra for a top quality bag means cost savings in the long run, since your bag will last for years. Luckily, a good travel bag doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. You’ll find stellar options at every price point below.

Best budget travel backpacks:

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Best value travel backpacks:

• Cotopaxi Allpa

Best high-end travel backpacks:

• Tortuga Outbreaker
• Peak Design Travel Backpack
• Nomatic Travel Pack

CARRY-ON SIZE

We’re big fans of one-bag travel. Not only do you save money on checked-bag fees, but you also have less stuff holding you back from adventuring. While most of the backpacks on this list are carry-on friendly, these are our favorites that fit the most common dimensions. Be sure to check measurements ahead of time with your airline and airpot, because carry-on size varies between companies.

Best carry-on size travel backpacks for most airlines (22 x 14 x 9 in. / 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in.):

Best small travel backpacks for small airplanes (ex. IcelandAir: 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.8 in.):

• Cotopaxi Allpa 28
• Ebags Mother Lode Jr.

ORGANIZATION

Dumping everything out of our packs as soon as we reach that hotel, hostel, or spare room is part of the experience of travel – but we want everything organized and efficient inside the bag until then. When it comes to traveling, we prefer streamlined backpacks that have a small number of highly functional and well-placed pockets. Bags with built-in dividers are also our top contenders when it comes to maintaining order.

Best travel backpacks for staying organized:

Best travel backpacks with a good balance of pockets & simplicity:

Your backpack is your constant companion for trips where you’re moving around a bunch, whether you’re on a plane, a train, or navigating your way to your next stop. It’s important to find a bag that’s comfy enough to carry all day, so that you can focus on enjoying the experience. Consider options that can be used as a messenger bag, briefcase, or backpack for versatility.

Most comfortable travel backpacks:

• Osprey Farpoint (Men’s)  / Fairview (Women’s)

We’ve all been there before: you get your bag packed with your favorite outfits and hiking gear and that extra pair of shoes – and then you remember that pesky weight limit. We recommend starting with a lightweight bag to ensure you’ll use your weight allowance for the essentials.

Lightest travel backpacks:

VERSATILITY

Your bag may have to take on many different roles – daypack, purse, briefcase – so it’s good to look for one that can fill multiple niches. If you’re traveling for many hours or you’ll be hoofing it over large distances, a bag that can be carried multiple ways puts less strain on the body and is more comfortable throughout the day.

Most versatile travel backpacks:

We’ve also had our bags come out of the luggage carousel looking like they were thrown into the propellers – it’s not a good look. Travel is hard on bags, so we prioritize bags that have excellent stitching, durable fabric, and a sturdy frame.

Most durable travel backpacks:

• Osprey Sojourn Porter

THE CARRY-ON SIZED NOMATIC TRAVEL PACK IS HIGHLY ORGANIZED ON THE INSIDE & SIMPLE ON THE OUTSIDE

THE TORTUGA TRAVEL BACKPACK 40L IS THE NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION OF THE OUTBREAKER

PACKING CUBES HELP KEEP YOUR THINGS ORGANIZED IN YOUR BAG

THE PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE DUFFEL CAN BE USED FOR TRAVEL, CAMPING, THE GYM – JUST ABOUT ANYTHING

THE PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL BACKPACK IS WELL PADDED & MADE WITH DURABLE FABRIC TO PROTECT ELECTRONICS

THE PACSAFE VENTURESAFE EXP45 HAS A TON OF SAFETY FEATURES BUILT IN

Critical Travel Backpack Considerations

What size to choose.

The right size backpack is going to vary from person to person, but we typically think less stuff equals more comfort. We usually go for travel backpacks that are between 30 and 40L to maximize capacity for necessities while keeping everything in a small, tidy package.

GETTING ORGANIZED

Keeping things organized is key to a stress-free experience. Some travel backpacks come with a pocket or compartment for everything, but we prefer organizing our things in  packing cubes  for a more customizable way to keep everything neat.

The most important travel safety tip we can give is to stay hyper-aware of your surroundings, especially in places with lots of foot traffic. For additional safety, consider bringing along  small luggage locks  to lock zippers and swap out your current wallet for a  RFID technology wallets  or  card sleeves  to protect sensitive information sitting in your back pocket.

Carry-on size varies a lot between airlines, check your airline’s website to make sure your bag fits their dimensions. Also be sure your  toiletries and liquids  meet the standard of 3-1-1 (3.4 oz. liquids in 1 bag sized at 1 quart max) for carry-on. We love using refillable  GoToobs  for our shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries.

Why trust us?

We understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously.

• Our recommendations are completely independent and based on hands-on experience.
• We test outdoor gear for a living – we’ve logged over 20,000 trail miles and 1,000 nights in the wilderness.
• Our team has thru-hiked some of the most iconic long trails, including the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Long Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Arizona Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, as well as extensive peak bagging, and international treks.
• We field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
• We travel to industry trade shows to stay up-to-date on product innovations.
• We continuously update our guides throughout the year and when new products launch.
• We treat recommendations to our readers as if they were for our family and friends.
• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to feedback. If you think we’ve missed a worthy product or got something wrong, we’d love to know about it.

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18 Best Travel Backpacks For Women Of 2024, Per A Travel Expert, Editors, And Reviews

Leave your bulky suitcase at home.

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?

If you haven't yet mastered the art of minimalist packing, you know what might help? A travel backpack. The best travel backpacks for women are designed with several pockets to organize all your clothing, toiletries, tech, and more in one place without requiring you to rummage through it to find that one thing you need.

"You need a backpack that offers value for your money while effectively meeting your travel needs," says travel expert Alexandra Dubakova , head of marketing at FreeTour.com, a website for booking local tours. The right backpack may even inspire you to ditch your bulky suitcase. Not checking a bag not only saves you time at the airport, but frees up your hands to do better things, like grabbing a cup of Starbucks coffee right before you get on your flight.

See some of the best travel backpacks for women below:

Most Budget-Friendly Travel Backpack For Women

Kroser laptop backpack.

Most Comfy To Hold Travel Backpack For Women

The north face borealis backpack.

Most Lightweight Travel Backpack For Women

Baboon to the moon go-bag.

That being said, there are times when a suitcase is necessary , especially if you're going on a longer trip. On those occasions, travel backpacks for women come in handy for things you need to access quickly, like your passport during international travel, a laptop, or a light jacket if you're prone to feeling cold while flying.

To find the best backpacks for every kind of traveler, Women's Health curated this list using feedback from a travel expert and our own lifestyle editors. See below for the best travel backpacks for women you can buy in 2023, according to editors, experts, and reviews.

This laptop-friendly backpack has more than 19,700 reviews and five stars on Amazon, but it's under $40—talk about a steal. It's designed with padded straps to help you avoid shoulder fatigue, and a wide-mouth frame that allows you to open up the bag to see all your belongings easily at a glance.

Dubakova likes this backpack because it has an aqua blue inner lining that's more unique than the usual basic black or brown. "That pop of color makes it so much easier to spot my stuff inside the bag," she says. "I'm always digging around to find things, so having that brighter interior sounds super handy." On the downside, she doesn't love that the zippers are bulky and visible, since they make the pockets an easy target for thieves.

Rave Review: "I waited nine months to post this review because I wanted to see how this backpack held up. It has surpassed my every expectation. I can cram tons of stuff into it, it’s durable, and has held up to a ton of abuse on my part. It also has all the right compartments to keep my stuff organized and the price just can’t be beat."

With over 2,900 positive reviews and five stars on Amazon, this backpack gets tons of customer love. It has a top handle and highly-padded straps for optimal comfort when it's on your back. With pockets galore and a fleece-lined laptop sleeve, you'll be able to easily and comfortably store all your essentials in it. It also has a bungee strap front system for slipping in a sweatshirt or a water bottle.

Isabel McMahon, a Women's Health social media editor who's always on-the-go, says that this bag is so comfortable and durable, she's been using it for years. "The laptop sleeve is next-level, and the padded back is essential for a long travel day." She also says it’s perfect for an office-to-gym bag, or as a weekend trip carry-on. On the other hand, her only complaint is that there are a lot of straps and clips hanging off of the bag, which can sometimes get in the way, she says.

Rave Review: "This bag fits very comfortably on the back and the chest strap doesn't crowd the boobs like other packs do. It is compact, but can also manage to comfortably hold a couple binders, notebooks, and a laptop. The padding for the laptop is very nice, especially with the rigid back. So, if you have a thin laptop you don't have to worry about unnecessary torque."

This go-bag, which comes in a bunch of vibrant colors, fits about three to five days worth of clothing and other essentials. It's TSA-approved as a carry-on item, and also comes with adjustable straps so that you can carry it like a backpack or a duffel—whatever suits your needs.

Reviewers say they love how spacious this bag is and that the zipper is located in the back, so it's not exposed while you're wearing it, making it hard for others to open it. Customers also say that they like that the travel backpack is waterproof and durable, though they wish it had more interior and exterior pockets. When the bag isn't filled to the brim, it loses structure, so it can look a little lumpy.

Rave Review: "This is the perfect bag. I've struggled to carry my bags through the airport and on to the plane in the past. This bag is a dream come true. It’s lightweight (even when crammed full, it holds so much) and so ergonomically-friendly!"

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

This bag is so popular that it has sold out multiple times. It's made with an exterior laptop pocket for easy access when you're heading through security, as well as multiple catch-all compartments for tickets, passports, and the like. The flap remains closed with an invisible magnet to keep the design super sleek, and there's even a pass-through strap at the back for slipping it over your rolling luggage handle.

Reviewers say that they like that this bag is clean and chic, and pretty roomy inside, though it could have more organizational pockets. Some customers also report that the color of the actual bag may be slightly different in person than what's pictured on site, so that's something to keep in mind. Overall, reviewers love that the bag is easy to access, water-resistant, and easy to clean.

Note: Certain colors are out of stock, but can be preordered.

Rave Review: "I am obsessed with my new backpack. I was pleasantly surprised by how much it can fit without looking bulky on my back. The fabric and make looks and feels high-quality. The bag has granted me many compliments while out and about already. LOVE!"

UGrace Vintage Laptop Backpack

This backpack made from durable material that supposedly doesn't tear has more than 4,500 positive ratings on Amazon for plenty of reasons. It's made with a USB port attached to the bag that allows you to charge your tech pretty much anywhere. The main pocket is also extra large, meaning you can pack clothes, slippers, and toiletries with ease.

Customers who have used this backpack say it is sturdy with plenty of pockets and that it's easy to hold. They also say that the fabric is pretty durable, and that the straps are thick which make it comfy on the shoulders. However, some users said that they wished the bag was a little roomier, as it appears bigger than what it actually is.

Rave Review: "I bought this backpack as a carry-on for a long international flight. I was able to fit so much inside and was extremely impressed at how well it held up. I kept the electronics and valuables in the biggest pouch, and I used the smaller pouch for things like my passport and chargers that I would need to access quickly."

Cuyana Leather Backpack

This leather bag—believe it or not—actually fits a 13-inch laptop. It features a zippered compartment for your valuables, slots for your phone and keys, and straps that allow you to carry it on your shoulder as a purse or backpack. Grab it in your choice of three colors.

Though this one doesn't have online reviews, this editor-approved pick is a cult-favorite thanks to its sleek Italian leather design, adjustable notches, and wide back straps.

Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack

Built with plenty of storage compartments, this Lululemon backpack was designed for someone who's always on the move. It features side pockets for items you want to frequently reach with ease, adjustable exterior straps to hold a jacket or yoga mat with, and buckle closures that keep your items secure.

Rave Review: "The bag is so spacious and sturdy. This is exactly what I was looking for to use on my upcoming international trip with my baby...It looks classy, too—though, a little bit boxy."

JanSport Central Adaptive Backpack

Designed for use by disabled people or people with limited mobility, this Jansport backpack can fit on to a variety of mobility devices. It's also designed with tangle-proof shoulder straps, fumble-free release buckles, and a shorter height than other bags to make accessing the bottom of it a little easier.

Rave Review: "This bag has such a great design. I love how it comes with two straps (short and long). The lining is water-resistant, which is great for spillage."

J World New York Sundance Rolling Backpack

If you prefer a rolling backpack, this 20-inch bag with an adjustable handlebar (and over 6,000 positive ratings!) is for you. It's kind of a steal when you can catch it on sale, and its fully padded interior includes two large compartments along with several internal pockets. (Plus, there are three exterior zipper pockets to store smaller things like snacks, your phone, and the like).

Rave Review: "This backpack is sturdy, beautifully-organized, and can hold a lot. It can stand up alone and I can leave pockets open as I pull things in and out as I work. The sturdy wheels [can] handle terribly bumpy parking lots. The colors are vivid and cheerful."

Rains Trail Cargo Backpack

If you're looking for a backpack that's sleek and minimalistic, this one's for you. Aside from how stylish it is, this bag's main feature is that it has a totally waterproof exterior—meaning you can store all your tech inside and rest easy knowing everything will remain unaffected by the elements.

Rave Review: "The minimalist look of the bag was my first attraction. There are two interior pockets to hold a computer and other gear securely with enough [extra] room for what I need to take with me. I was looking for something that didn't scream 'backpack.' This has been a great purchase."

Matein Travel Backpack

Do you stuff your backpack to the brim every time you travel? If that's a "yes," you'll definitely appreciate that this bag has 40 whole liters of space. It has a place to hold your shoes, laptop, power bank, and all the toiletries you usually bring along. You'll also love that it's extra large, but still TSA-approved.

Rave Review: "This is an excellent bookbag. It has a bunch of different compartments and it’s very spacious. Also, it’s lightweight and the material is very durable."

Monos Metro Backpack

Monos' Metro Backpack isn't just nice to look at, it's also plenty functional. The travel bag is designed with a detachable pouch, known as a Metro Kit , which you can use to house your valuables, and a built-in trolley sleeve so you can attach it to any Monos suitcase .

Rave Review: " I LOVE this bag. I was worried that the bag might look too big on me (I'm five-foot-two), but it's perfect. I love how easy it is to stay organized. The separate zipper access to the laptop sleeve is the BEST ever for flying!"

Bago Backpack Duffle Bag

If you're looking for a more lightweight but spacious option, this is it. Adjust the straps to use this as a backpack or hold the straps on each side like a duffel. In its huge main compartment, this bag can store a week's worth of stuff.

Rave Review: "I just received this bag today and upon first impression—it's brilliant! Seriously, the way you can just fold this bag up when it's not in use is a great feature I haven't personally seen on other duffel bags and it holds a good amount."

Asenlin Travel Backpack

With more than 2,400 positive ratings on Amazon, this under-$100 travel backpack opens up like a duffel to reveal tons of packing space. The bag also comes with three packing cubes, which make it easier to organize and store your items, since you can divide them into sections.

Rave Review: "I bought this backpack to use as my personal item when we travel by air...It is perfect for this use, as it fits under the airplane seat and has a strap that fits over my carry-on. The best feature I love about this backpack is that it opens up like a suitcase! It's easy to pack, and has a thick, sturdy handle at the top of the [bag] as well."

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

This simple but chic backpack has an internal laptop sleeve that's easily accessible, as well as two side pockets for slipping in water bottles or other necessities. Plus, there's also a catch-all front pocket and mini compartment in the back for storing valuables.

Rave Review: "I took [the bag] with me on a flight to California, and it fit well under the seat. I also used it to hold my beach essentials when I went to the beach and for bike rides around the bay. It’s cute and functional."

Carhartt Legacy Hybrid Convertible Backpack

Customers say this Carhartt backpack is smaller than other bags, but very much multi-functional. It can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel-esque tote.

The bag is made from heavy-duty fabric so that it can withstand rain and cold, and features extra pockets, like a padded laptop sleeve and side compartments, for optimal storage opportunities.

Rave Review: "I love the versatility of this bag. It's very well-made and easy to use. The size is perfect—big enough to hold a laptop plus other items, but small enough that it's not in the way. Great travel bag."

Away F.A.R. Convertible Backpack

Able to hold a whopping 45 liters, this Away backpack can pretty much do it all. Thanks to its removable straps, it can convert from a backpack to a duffel. The bag can also handle any weather or environment. It's made with abrasion and weather-resistant recycled materials, which—yep—means it's sustainably-designed, too.

Rave Review: "I am pleasantly surprised with how much stuff I could put in this bag! I took it on a weekend trip and was able to fit everything I needed. I love that it has several pockets to store small things that you want to keep handy. I've been a fan of Away luggage for years and I'm glad I get to add this bag to my collection."

Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack

If you prefer travel backpacks that open up like a suitcase, this Cotopaxi bag is your pick. It's built with a full wrap-around zipper, so you can plop it open on your bed for a bird's-eye view of what you've packed. It also comes with a padded laptop and tablet sleeve, making it ideal for work trips.

Rave Review: "I can fit a week's worth of clothing in this bag and it fits on every airplane. If you really stuff it full, it still fits under the seat in the smaller airplanes and up top on the larger ones. If you travel frequently by air, this is a great alternative to a roller bag."

How our team chose the best travel backpacks for women

For the past few months, Women's Health editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, have been researching the best travel backpacks for women to buy online. WH consulted travel expert Alexandra Dubakova and our lifestyle editors, and also vetted thousands of expert reviews to find the very best options available online.

What should I look for in a travel backpack for women?

There's an endless selection of travel backpacks for women for you to load up on, but here are a few things you should look out for to find the best ones.

Lugging a backpack through airports, tossing it into overheads on trains and buses, or folding it down for storage will put your travel bag through the wringer, so it's important you grab something that's durable. "A durable backpack is more cost-effective because it provides greater longevity and offers value for your money," Dubakova says. You can get a sense of a bag's durability by looking at the bag's seams, she explains. Make sure it doesn't have loose threads or inconsistent stitching.

When it comes to the most durable fabrics, Dubakova recommends cordura. "It is resistant to abrasion, weather-resistant, and more rugged compared to nylon," she says. She also recommends compromising between the bag's heaviness and durability. "For example, canvas bags are sturdy, and the material is durable, but it is considerably heavy," Dubakova says.

You'll know whether a bag is supportive depending on how comfortable you are, and since you may wear your backpack for quite a while, you definitely want something that feels good to throw on. "A comfortable backpack will evenly distribute the weight of its contents to avoid pain and pressure on the shoulder or back and any injuries," Dubakova says.

To find a backpack that will be as comfortable as possible, Dubakova recommends looking for ones with adjustable shoulder straps, padded backs, and adjustable hip belts. This will allow you to toy around with it to get the perfect fit.

When it comes to design, you should consider how your bag will make the experience of traveling better. For example, Dubakova recommends bags with mesh back panels, since they can ensure there's enough airflow to prevent you from heating up and sweating when you're on-the-go. Other special features someone might enjoy include pockets of different sizes, individual storage bags to accompany the bag, or even a sleeve to store your laptop.

Finally, you should get something you think is cute or aesthetically-pleasing. Travel backpacks come in different sizes, color schemes, and prices, so choose something that works for you.

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez .  

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These are the best carry-on backpacks – according to the Good Housekeeping team

These are the backpacks our editors stash under airplane seats

These days, it’s not just the weight of your suitcase or the size of your cabin bag that you need to think about when you’re travelling by air. You also need to make sure your extra bag or backpack will fit underneath the seat in front of you.

And if you’re flying with an airline that even charges for an overhead carry-on, then having a backpack with room to cram in all your necessities and outfits (so that you’re not wearing a hundred layers on your flight) is essential.

To solve this packing conundrum, we asked the Good Housekeeping team – all frequent flyers – to tell us what backpacks they always travel with. Here is our list of best buys:

Best travel backpacks

Editor's top pick

Antler chelsea backpack.

Editor's budget pick

Cabin max metz cabin bag.

Editor's pick for versatility

Monos metro backpack.

Editor's pick for Easyjet

Hayayu designed for easyjet underseat cabin bag.

Away The Everywhere Bag

Editor's pick for neat packing

Antler discovery backpack.

Editor's roll-top pick

Stubble and co the roll top 15l.

Editor's pick for Ryanair

Cabin max manhattan 20l backpack.

Fjällräven Kånken Backpack

Editor's pick for active holidays

Osprey tempest 20, what size bag can i fit under an airplane seat.

The smallest carry-on restrictions come from Ryanair, which only allows a bag that measures 40 x 20 x 25 cm as part of the ticket price. This must fit underneath the seat in front of you, and there are fairly hefty additional fees to put luggage in the overhead lockers, not to mention the hold.

Other key under-seat airline restrictions to note include EasyJet (45 x 36 x 20 cm), WizzAir (40 x 30 x 20 cm) and British Airways (40 x 30 x 15cm). We detail all the main airline luggage restrictions in our detailed suitcase buying guide .

Below, you'll find a mix of sizes, including some that precisely meet Ryanair's stringent requirements, and others that may squeeze under, provided you don't fill them to the brim. Ultimately, it's worth picking the one you'll get the most use out of.

How we picked the best carry-on backpacks

Curated by the GHI's homes editor (who has reviewed countless suitcases over the years), all the bags on this list have been tried out and loved by a member of the Good Housekeeping team.

We’ve compared and listed each of their measurements, so you can check them against your airline of choice. We also looked for extra features and benefits, including pockets, laptop sleeves, if they fit over a suitcase handle, and assessed their overall design, so you can find your perfect travel buddy.

“I love this sleek backpack – it’s available in a chic selection of colours (I opted for navy) and it slips easily over my suitcase handle, which is handy if you want to take the pressure off your back. The zip opens fully and there are packing straps, so I can organise it neatly rather than having to stuff everything in from a narrow opening at the top. Plus, there’s a laptop slot and lots of pockets, including a detachable one that I like to use to keep dirty clothes separate on the way back.

“I’ve stashed it under airplane seats before, but I'd struggle to fit enough in it for more than one night away (I am a chronic over packer). It’s such a great all-rounder for travel though that my mum was inspired to buy the same one!”

Hannah Mendelsohn, Homes Editor

Cabin Max designs its rucksacks with airline size restrictions in mind, so you can find one to fit perfectly under your Easyjet or Wizz Air seat.

This one was recommended by our Consumer Affairs Director, Jo Finney. “It's amazingly roomy and has lots of compartments so it’s easy to find stuff and comfortable to carry,” she says. “It’s so good, I’ve now got several of them!”

"Since I started testing it, this has quickly become my favourite backpack – for commuting and travel. The rectangular shape fits easily under a plane seat and while it’s not too bulky, it still has room for everything I need thanks to its many storage options. There's a cushioned laptop pocket, a waterproof zip-up compartment and more, so it’s easy to organise well. The main compartment opens a fair way, too.

"If I’m being picky, I'd like a water bottle pocket, and also an additional small pocket positioned near the top of the main compartment, so it’s easier to grab my keys. There is one on the back with a magnetic clasp – I just prefer zips.

"But, that’s where the unique selling point of this rucksack comes in: its detachable front compartment. Again, there are lots of dividers inside it to keep things neat, so on days when I’m carrying more small bits and pieces than usual (like a gym day or a holiday), I attach it and everything’s nicely within reach. It adds a bit of depth to the bag, but that’s a small compromise to make."

If Easyjet is your budget airline of choice, this cabin backpack, recommended by the GHI’s SEO Manager Rebecca Johnson, is a top pick.“It's the ideal size to go under a seat on the plane, which saves me luggage costs on flights,” she explains. “The compartments make it easy to pack, it has a laptop section and an anti-theft pocket for valuables.

“It's surprisingly roomy – I managed to fit a week's worth of clothes, toiletries and books with ease. The adjustable straps also make it comfy to wear when travelling. I love having my hands free to hold a much-needed coffee rather than dragging a suitcase around the airport.”

Backpacks aren't for everyone, and Away has established itself as a stylish luggage brand, so when our Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White, recommended this, we decided to include it anyway.

“My Away weekend bag is the best and it slots nicely onto my Away case ,” Florence says. “I use it for long weekends and it has a handy slot for my laptop, which is crucial when I’m off on a press trip and need to make notes and get work done while on the plane.

“It fits under the seat if it’s not too overpacked (guilty), and goes really easily into the overhead compartment.”

This is another well-designed backpack from Antler. It has a great capacity and lots of pockets. When packed full, you may struggle to slip it under a budget plane seat. But if you're careful not to overpack, then it should serve you well.

"The Antler Discovery Backpack has become my go-to for weekends away and short city breaks,” says senior health and wellbeing writer, Priyankaa Joshi. “I'm able to fit an impressive amount of stuff inside and I love the separate compartments for keeping everything tidy. There's even a dedicated laptop pocket, a water bottle holder, and a cord for attaching extras on like travel pillows.

“Despite how much stuff I pack inside, it's pretty lightweight and I like the range of handles all over the backpack, making it super convenient to carry when on the go. There's also a back sleeve that you can slot onto a suitcase handle – a feature I will make the most of on long trips. "

“This is a great multi-purpose backpack that works as well for travelling as it does for a hike in the country. It's incredibly sturdy with wide straps that don’t cut into your shoulders (if you’re an over packer like me!) and a cushioned breathable mesh back so you won’t get sweaty carrying it around.

“There are handy side pockets for things like a water bottle, glasses or phone, a 13-inch laptop section plus plenty of brightly coloured compartments inside for organising your stuff as well as an easy access top toggle so you can get things out quickly.

“The expandable roll-top design is helpful if you want to buy a few souvenirs on your travels and even the zips are water-repellent – much-needed if the weather lets you down!”

Emma Justice, Acting Editor-In-Chief

This one is designed to fit perfectly under a Ryanair seat, and it has the most stringent luggage requirements of all the airlines, you should be able to take it with you, whoever you fly with.

“I tested out the Manhattan 20L Backpack in black and loved it,” says Georgie D’Arcy Coles, GH cookery assistant. “I managed to pack everything I needed for a four-day trip to Barcelona into it, including two pairs of shoes!

“It has lots of compartments (a great feature to keep everything organised), a sleek laptop storage area, a side pocket for a water bottle, a zip front pocket for important items, and even a USB charging socket with a cable. This means you can attach a power bank to it inside your bag and charge your phone from the outside. Genius!

“The only downside is that I only own one of these bags and my boyfriend keeps trying to steal it for himself!”

“The distinctive rectangular shape of these popular backpacks makes them well-suited to airplane travel. The dimensions mean you should be able to fit it neatly underneath the seat of even the most stringent airlines.

“My partner has travelled with this backpack on many holidays, so I’ve witnessed its suitability first hand – it’s also a good one if you want to pop a bigger bag inside your suitcase for excursions and adventures, as it packs down flat.” Hannah Mendelsohn

“This is actually my running backpack, but it would make a good pick if you often jet off on adventure holidays. I travelled with it when I was heading to the mountains, and it just about fitted underneath my plane seat.

“It has straps that go around your body for extra support and a few different pockets. Plus, the 18L capacity (or 20L if you opt for the slightly bigger size) means you should be able to squeeze a fair bit in there.” Hannah Mendelsohn

July Everyday Backpack

“I love this stylishly designed backpack from Australian luggage brand July so much that I use it every day – not just for travelling. There’s a padded 16-inch compartment for your laptop, which hides it away next to your back, comfortable padded straps and a wide bucket style opening at the top.

“There’s more room inside than you think, given it looks so neat and compact, plus handy side pockets and an internal flap with a zip for valuables. The only downside for me was the colour I tried. As it's white it shows up dirt – but only because I haven’t stopped using it.” PSA: This one is also available in black if you're worried about getting it messy!

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The 8 best travel backpacks of 2024

Need lots of pockets for water bottles or tripods? Theft-deterrent zippers? A cushioned laptop compartment? No matter what kind of travel bag you need, we’ve got you covered. 

Whether you’re traveling overnight or for weeks at a time, you'll need a backpack that's functional, comfortable, and helps keep you organized.

We know there's no one backpack that will work for everyone, so we picked bags that will meet the needs of most types of travelers—whether you need a small option for the overhead of a plane, or lockable zippers for security.

Our best overall travel backpack is the Peak Design Travel Pack 45L , which ticks all the boxes for durability, versatility, and comfort, but also offers a thoughtful design, unique organizational features and high-quality, sustainably made materials.

Our picks for the best travel backpack

Best overall: peak design travel pack 45l.

Buy it now: $300 at Peak Design

Why we like it:   The sleek-looking Peak Design Travel Pack 45L is our best overall travel backpack. It's expandable, carry-on compliant, and is bursting with innovative features.  

This backpack is functional—think gusseted side pockets for water bottles or tripods—and made with high-quality weatherproof materials and theft-deterrent zipper pulls. It’s durable and secure, and it’s obvious that every detail of this bag has been carefully thought through.  

There are smartly placed pockets, and the padded harness system tucks beneath magnetic flaps for duffel-style carry. The spacious main cavity is accessible from the front, rear and both sides, and the extensively padded bag has 16-inch laptop and tablet sleeves.

Keep in mind:   At 4.5 pounds, it’s not light, and smaller-framed travelers may find it cumbersome to carry. The harness isn’t adjustable, so the torso length is one-size-fits-all.

Product details:   Sizes available: 30L, 45L | Materials:   Recycled nylon and polyester | Frame type: Frameless | Number of external pockets: 8

The best with laptop compartment: Thule Aion 40L

Buy it now: $200 at Backcountry

Why we like it:   The Thule Aion 40L is our best backpack with a laptop compartment.   It’s a carry-on travel backpack that accommodates a 16-inch laptop while leaving plenty of room for other gear.  

Its roomy side-access laptop compartment contains cushioned laptop and tablet sleeves. There’s a compartment for accessories and a rollaway bag for damp or dirty items in the main compartment, which minimizes the chances of wet belongings damaging tech.  

There are breathable, padded shoulder straps and a back panel, plus a sternum strap to keep things secure. A robust side handle facilitates duffel-style carry, and there’s a pass-through for a rolling suitcase attachment.

Keep in mind:   There’s no weight-bearing hip belt, and the wax-coated canvas creates a weathered look that might not appeal to everyone.

Product details:   Sizes available: 28L, 40L | Materials: Recycled polyester | Frame type: Frameless | Number of external pockets: 2

The best small travel backpack: Patagonia Atom 20L Tote Pack

Buy it now: $89 at Patagonia

Why we like it:   Our pick for the best small travel backpack is the Patagonia Atom 20L Tote Pack, a versatile, lightweight bag that stows under airplane seats. This backpack has a large main compartment, which houses a thickly padded removable 13-inch laptop sleeve and a hydration bladder pass-through for hikers.  

External features include a bike light loop, attachment points for the removable sternum strap and other essentials, and a zippered front compartment that occupies the full length of the bag.  

The well-padded, breathable harness system makes the Atom a comfortable carry in backpack mode, but it can also be transported tote-style using its sturdy handles.  

Keep in mind:   The two compartments lack organizational features, and the laptop sleeve compromises internal space. The backpack fits a 17-inch torso length, so it may not work for taller travelers.

Product details:   Sizes available: 20L | Materials: Fairly traded recycled polyester and nylon | Frame type: Frameless | Number of external pockets: 3

The best anti-theft backpack: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 Anti Theft Travel Backpack  

Buy it now: $270 at Amazon

Why we like it:   The Pacsafe’s practical, versatile Venturesafe EXP35 Anti Theft Travel Backpack is our pick for the best anti-theft backpack. It’s made with recycled slash-resistant material and lockable, puncture-resistant, self-locking zippers.  

This pick has an RFID-blocking pocket to keep credit card information safe and a hidden lockable 16-inch laptop compartment. The comfortable, breathable harness system has cut-resistant straps that can be used to secure the bag to fixed objects.  

Keep in mind:   The anti-theft features hamper quick access, and the bag’s solid construction and numerous compartments make it feel heftier than it is.

Product details:   Sizes available: 35L | Materials: Recycled polyester | Frame type: Frameless | Number of external pockets: 3

The best rolling backpack: Osprey Farpoint / Fairview 36 Wheeled Travel Pack

Buy it now:   $300 at Osprey ( Farpoint and Fairview )

Why we like it:   The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 36 Wheeled Travel Pack* is our pick for best rolling backpack. It’s comfortable in backpack mode, has a stamina-saving rolling mode, and is straightforward to switch between the two.  

This bag features padded shoulder straps and hip belt, mesh back panel and torso adjustment to provide a comfortable backpack-style carry. If your back needs a break, engage the harness stowaway system, extend the single tube ergonomic handle and let the rugged, oversized wheels do the work.  

Organizational features include a zippered top pocket for quick-access items and a 15-inch laptop compartment; the main cavity facilitates easy packing with its compression straps and suitcase-style opening.  

*The bags’ features are identical; however, the Fairview’s fit is tailored specifically to women.

Keep in mind:   It’s a heavy bag, and the interior frame and stowed rolling handle reduce capacity in the main compartment.  

Product details:   Sizes available: 36L, 65L | Materials: bluesign® approved recycled nylon | Frame type: 4 mm LightWire peripheral frame | Number of external pockets: 4

The best carry-on backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35l Travel Pack

Buy it now:   $200 at REI

Why we like it:   The Allpa 35L Travel Pack from Cotopaxi is our best carry-on backpack—a durable, easily stowable option with thoughtful organizational features and anti-theft zippers.

The no-nonsense, adjustable harness system tucks away neatly into a slotted back panel during transit, while four reinforced grab handles make pulling the backpack out of an overhead bin child’s play.The bag opens suitcase-style for efficient packing, but a side zipper also provides on-the-go access.  

High-visibility backing in the front compartment makes searching for small items less challenging, and there’s convenient side access to the padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, which has a false bottom to protect devices if dropped. There’s a rainfly included, should you arrive at your destination to unexpected wet weather.

Keep in mind:   Flimsy and lacking structure, it doesn’t hold its shape unless it is full. The lack of an external water bottle pocket may be a deal-breaker for some.

Product details:   Sizes available: 28L, 35L, 42L | Materials:   Recycled polyester and nylon | Frame type: Frameless | Number of external pockets: 2

The most versatile backpack: Gregory Rhune 25 Pack

Buy it now:   $130 at REI

Why we like it:   Our pick for the most versatile travel backpack is the Gregory Rhune 25 Pack, a water-resistant travel backpack with great functionality and a surprising amount of space.  

Thanks to its structured base, rounded body, and organizational compartments, more fits into this 25L bag than you’d expect. Padded internal sleeves fit a 15-inch laptop and tablet/folio, and pockets outside include a handy swing-around access stash pocket.  

With a moisture-wicking padded back panel, removable sternum strap and contoured shoulder straps, this bag is designed to carry weight comfortably: a great all-rounder whether you’re a hiker, digital nomad, or urban sightseer.

Keep in mind:   Top-opening access makes it tricky to locate items at the base. Shoulder straps may feel bulky to smaller travelers.

Product details:   Sizes available:   20L, 22L, 25L | Materials: Recycled polyester and nylon | Frame type:   Frameless | Number of external pockets: 4

The best budget backpack: tomtoc Navigator-T66 Travel Laptop Backpack 40L

Buy it now:   $82 at Amazon

Why we like it:   The Navigator-T66 Travel Laptop Backpack 40L is our pick for the best budget travel backpack. It’s made with quality materials and loaded with organizational features despite its affordable price tag.  

The sturdy, water-resistant, and easy-to-pack clamshell design, plus the multi-functional pockets and attachment points, mean efficient organization. This backpack has a TSA-friendly 17-inch laptop compartment, which will save time at airport security.  

The cushioned harness means it’s comfortable to wear, and top and side handles and a pass-through make it easy to grab or attach to a wheeled suitcase.  

Keep in mind:   It’s so heavily padded that packing space feels compromised. There’s no load-bearing hip belt.

Product details:   Sizes available:   40L | Materials:   Recycled PET bottles | Frame type:   Frameless | Number of external pockets:   4

Our review process

I referred to brand product descriptions, third-party reviews, competitor articles, Reddit discussion boards, watched an excessive number of review videos, and evaluated my findings with my own knowledge and experience, considering the following:

• Material and quality: Durability of materials and hardware is critical for a bag that will be repeatedly thrown into overhead bins and exposed to bad weather.
• Versatility: I looked for bags that could be carried duffel-style, fastened to a rolling suitcase or pulled-on wheels and were capable of protecting tech equipment, and keeping belongings dry on hikes.
• Storage and protection: I looked for features such as stowable harness systems for ease of storage, and hidden pockets and anti-theft zippers for peace of mind.
• Comfort: Weight-bearing, cushioned hip belts, secure sternum straps and adjustable padded shoulder straps all maximize carry comfort.
• Organization: Positioning and accessibility of pockets, compartments and attachment points are a matter of personal preference, but they should maximize functionality.
• Sustainability: I prioritized bags made with recycled materials and brands actively addressing their social, ethical and environmental impact.

What to know about travel backpacks

Here are a few things to consider when buying a travel backpack:

The most common materials used for travel backpacks are nylon and polyester (both increasingly recycled), which can be treated to enhance durability and water resistance.

The size of a travel backpack is measured in liters, with external pockets included. How much it actually fits depends on shape, material thickness, flexibility, and padding.

Backpacks with heavy external frames offer structure and support. Internal frames hold bags closer to the body, offering more stability but less ventilation.

Number of external pockets

External compartments such as mesh water bottle holders and quick-grab pockets are great for organization.

Carry-on weight allowances vary between airlines, so a lightweight bag optimizes what you can pack.

Look for high-quality harnesses with cushioned straps, breathable back panels, secure sternum straps, and a weight-bearing hip belt if required.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best backpack to take on a plane.

Choose a backpack that fits in an overhead bin and has a robust handle for retrieving it. Quick-access external pockets and efficient internal organization enable quick access to belongings; lockable zippers provide security.

Is a travel backpack a carry-on?

As long as it complies with your airline’s regulations.

What is a good size backpack to travel with?

The length and purpose of your trip will determine the size of the bag you need. Generally speaking, a 25-30 liter backpack should suffice for weekend trips, and 30-45 liters allow a good amount of space for longer travel. For most airlines, backpacks up to 45 liters should be carry-on compliant.

Related Topics

• PRODUCT ROUNDUP
• TRAVEL BACKPACKS
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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Kono Carry on Backpack, 18" Airplane Approved Under Seat Travel Backpack for Men and Women, Waterproof Lightweight Daypack for Flight 30L (Burgundy Red, Medium)

16-inch 20L

18-inch 30L

22-inch 40L

Purchase options and add-ons

• 【MAXIMUM CABIN LUGGAGE SIZE 】- Dimensions: 17.3x12.9x7.8In, Weight: 1.43LB, Capacity: 30L. Perfect size to comply with free carry on luggage allowance and you can maximise your packing capacity with this hand luggage backpack. It is also accepted on virtually all major airlines world-wide.
• 【HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL】- The travel backpack made of water resistant and durable polyester fabric. The shoulder strap and back side used breathable mesh material , which is comfortable and help for ventilation and heat elimination. And the side compression straps provide maximum compression and preventing your items from sloshing around. We special designed a reflective stripe on the shoulder to make you be noticed in dark.
• 【MULTIFUNCTION 3 in 1 TRAVEL BAGS】- This travel bag features comfortable handle on the top to carry by hand. If you prefer to wear your bag on your back, it includes length-adjustable shoulder straps for convenience. Or if you’re travelling with a larger cabin suitcase, It features a luggage strap on the rear–allowing you to mount the bag over your extendable trolley handle. Carry by hand, wear on your shoulders, or mount over larger luggage for your choice.
• 【EASY TO ORGANIZE】- The roomy main compartment with a suitcase style opening to store different travel gears. The front compartment with various pockets can be used to store notebooks, pens, earphones, electronic devices and other small items, for quick pick out. A small front zip pocket for your passport or tickets. This travel backpack is large enough for vacation, weekend getaway, overnight trip.
• 【MULTIPURPOSE】- Perfect to use as travel carry on, office work bag, business laptop backpack, college bag, sports rucksack. The travel bag also comes complete with One Year Warranty covering all manufacturing defects for full peace of mind.

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Product information

Warranty & support, from the brand.

Product Description

BREATHABLE SPONGE

• Effective vibration resistance and weight reduction
• Enhances breathability and reduces heat buildup
• The fashion and unisex design makes it as a great present for men, women, teens and students boys girls.

Kono 17.7x14.1x7.8In Ryanair Cabin Bags

Pack your bags and start your journey.

A simple and stylish cabin bag is the perfect travel companion. This lightweight travel bag fits perfectly within the Ryanair 17.7x14.1x7.8In underseat free bag allowance. It also complies with many airline regulations on carry on luggage sizes without the need to worry about paying extra fees.

• Dimensions : 17.7x14.1x7.8In
• Weight : 1.43LB
• Capacity : 30L
• Material : waterproof polyester

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 70% 16% 6% 3% 5% 70%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 70% 16% 6% 3% 5% 16%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 70% 16% 6% 3% 5% 6%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 70% 16% 6% 3% 5% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 70% 16% 6% 3% 5% 5%

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 size, quality, and storage capacity of the backpack. They mention it's a perfect size to carry on the plane, holds a lot of stuff, and is designed to really maximize the space. Customers also say it'll hold up well and is well-padded in places that matter. They are also happy with the functionality and zipper capacity. However, some customers dislike the stitching quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the size of the backpack. They mention it's perfect to carry on the plane and fits under the seat in small airplanes. Customers also say it'll fit three outfits, undergarments, socks, toiletries, a beanie, and gloves.

"...It fit nicely under the seat and held A LOT of stuff...." Read more

"...And because it's tall and narrow , and straps control its depth, I can easily access all these items in an upright position and put them back where..." Read more

"...and might make a good personal item carry on as the dimensions seem perfect for that ." Read more

"...They are fabulous! We fit all our personal possessions (electronics, cords, toiletries, medicines and much more)...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the backpack. They mention it's a great little bag, lightweight, and might make a good personal item carry-on. Some say it'd be great under an airline seat.

"...and sightseeing - it's 3 zipper compartments made it easy to store my packable raincoat and hoodie but also to find my attraction tickets and hair..." Read more

"The bag itself is ok , nothing special, I have not used it long enough to know how well it holds up, the zipper works, but time will tell how well...." Read more

"... They are fabulous ! We fit all our personal possessions (electronics, cords, toiletries, medicines and much more)...." Read more

"...The bags were great & we had no issues taking them on Ryanair. They held a lot while meeting the European "small bag" standard...." Read more

Customers like the storage capacity of the backpack. They mention it works great, has plenty of room for a few change of clothes when traveling, and many pockets for items normally carried in a purse. They also say the size is perfect for Ryan Air. Overall, customers are satisfied with the storage and quality of the product.

"...allow you to compress it if you only have a few things, and expand to hold a lot more ...." Read more

"...Great value. Great storage capacity! Plus, many pockets for items normally carried in a purse: Ziploc bag for odds and ends..." Read more

"It has a nice space but the walls are too thin witch made it look weak" Read more

Customers like the backpack's build quality. They mention it's solidly built, well-padded in places that matter, and has no signs of wear or separating seams.

"...It held up great through a 2 week trip with all day daily use. Very pleased with this purchase!" Read more

"...wore it on my back which was comfortable, because there's a lot of padding in the back . For the price, I'm satisfied that it lasted the one trip." Read more

"It survived 10 days of international travel and held a lot of stuff...." Read more

"...To my delight, it is solidly built , well-padded in places that matter. In short, I was blown away. It held up to being stuffed full...." Read more

Customers appreciate the backpack's value for money. They mention it's well-made and inexpensive.

"...It worked so well for that purpose, that I kept it. Great value . Great storage capacity!..." Read more

"...It is, for a backpack of its size, inexpensive , approaching cheap. To my delight, it is solidly built, well-padded in places that matter...." Read more

"...Well enough made, got kind of sweaty but worth the money ." Read more

"The bag seems to be constructed well for the price . It was perfect for my Spirit airlines “personal” bag...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the functionality of the backpack. They mention it works great, is good for all airlines, and the zippers, straps, and carrying handles work as expected. Customers also say it holds up well and is very useful.

"...I was careful with them, but ultimately nothing broke & the bags served us very well . I would recommend them." Read more

" Bag work great . Fit 5 days of clothes. Comfortable yo wear. Just wish it had a side handle for ease of carry,only has one on top." Read more

"...Also, the zippers, straps, and carrying handles worked as expected . There were no odors in our clothing from the backpack...." Read more

"It works good for all airlines , except frontier" Read more

Customers like the zipper capacity of the backpack. They mention the zippers open all the way down, not just halfway like most other backpacks. Customers also appreciate that the zipper is sturdy enough and doesn't have lose threads, seams, or easy breaking.

"...it like a purse while I was traveling and sightseeing - it's 3 zipper compartments made it easy to store my packable raincoat and hoodie but also to..." Read more

"...I have not used it long enough to know how well it holds up, the zipper works , but time will tell how well...." Read more

"...I liked that the zipper opened up completely so it was easier to pack and unpack!" Read more

"...The other three are ok and the zippers and other compartments are fine but if I were to use it again, I would have to reattach the strap...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the stitching quality of the backpack. They mention the zippers feel flimsy, the stitch on the interior pocket came undone on their first use, and the handle at the top is weak and torn.

"...The zippers didn't seem super sturdy so I was careful with them, but ultimately nothing broke & the bags served us very well. I would recommend them." Read more

"Update: The first travel opportunity I used this, the zipper busted open , almost dropping my things...." Read more

"...but noticed at the end of my trip the handle at the top was weak, torn . I didn’t think I carried anything heavy either. Regretfully returned it." Read more

"...Could be that i got a bad one; but the stitching onthe interior pocket came undone on my first use!!!. I will try one more and update then." Read more

Reviews with images

Used as personal item for international trip.

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Dagne Dover’s Excellent Travel Bags Are 35 Percent Off at Nordstrom

Dagne Dover’s roomy, squishy neoprene bags are beloved by Strategist staffers and readers and in-the-know travelers we’ve spoken with over the years .  They’re not cheap, though, which is why we tend to keep an eye out for discounts. As part of Nordstrom’s Summer Sale , which ends tomorrow night, September 10, the brand’s Landon duffel (which is ideal for  weekend trips  or for using as a  personal item  on the plane) is 35 percent off right now. That brings the price down to a very reasonable $140 from the original $215.

If you’ve already got a Landon or are in the market for a smaller bag to stash your passport and phone in while traveling, Dagne Dover’s belt bags and cross-bodies are discounted as part of the same sale. I own the belt bag and can attest that it’s the perfect size for keeping boarding passes, cash, and tech items safe. It’s also unobtrusive enough that you can hide it under a coat or sweater to evade pickpockets or airline staff looking to enforce extra baggage fees at the gate.

The Strategist  is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about  here . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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