heavy duty backpacks for travel

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

Whether weekend road-tripping or jet-setting around the world, you’re going to need a pack to toss over your shoulder. Here are the best travel backpacks for every adventure.

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 March 20, 2024 to add the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L — a supremely nice commuter-style travel pack, as well as the Thule Aion 40L and Osprey Archeon 30L .

• Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Best Budget Travel Backpack: Dakine Campus 33L Backpack
• 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 to 35 liters.

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.

Dakine Campus 33L Backpack

• Capacity 33 L
• Weight 1 lb., 10.6 oz.
• Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 8"
• Compartment access Zippered top access
• Material Depending on print type, can be 600-denier recycled polyester, 420-denier recycled nylon, 630-denier recycled nylon, or 1,200-denier recycled polyester

• Cheap price
• Available in many different fabric prints
• Unique insulated cooler pocket
• Not many travel-specific features
• Straps don’t pack away

Even at the regular price, the Dakine Campus 33L Backpack ($75) is a great deal. And considering you can grab one on sale for $45, it’s a must-have budget travel backpack.

It has everything you need to keep your travels organized, without getting too big or complicated. This design has a padded laptop sleeve and a fleece-lined top pocket to keep your sunglasses safe. There’s an organizer pocket that’s perfect for pens, a phone, and easy-access essentials. We love pockets, and this backpack has plenty.

And if that weren’t enough, it also has an insulated cooler pocket to keep your snacks fresh on the go, plus double side pockets keep drinks handy. We found the straps comfortable during long travel days. Be sure to use the sternum strap when carrying a heavy load for the best fit.

While this bag does excellent at travel, it isn’t quite what the bag was designed for, thus it’s missing a few travel niceties like a compression system or the ability to pack away the straps. We didn’t find that we missed them desperately, but they would have been nice for a few instances. For similar-sized backpacks with more of a travel bend to them, look to the sleek Timbuk2 Never Check, or the uber-customizable Tom Bihn Synapse 25. But prepare to shell out some more for them.

If you’re looking for a sub-$100 backpack (under $60 during sales!) that does the basics, then the Dakine Campus Backpack is for you. It comes in a variety of colors and is also available in a 25L capacity .

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 compliments 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.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack

• Dimensions 22" x 12.8" x 11"
• Compartment access Zippered clamshell design
• 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 pack. 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

• Capacity 30 L
• 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

Arc’teryx Granville 25 Backpack

• Capacity 25 L
• Weight 1 lb., 14.5 oz.
• Dimensions 22" x 12" x 9"
• Compartment access Drawstring top-entry
• Material N400r-AC² nylon ripstop

• Tough and waterproof exterior fabric
• White interior for easy viewing
• Floating laptop sleeve
• Not very much interior organization
• Simple webbing waistbelt

Made for moving through the city over the concourse, the commute-ready Arc’teryx Granville 25 ($220) takes travel backpacks to the streets in a sleek and tough design that we couldn’t keep from grabbing every day.

Crafted from the same N400r-AC² nylon ripstop as Arc’teryx’s high-end climbing packs, the mountain DNA is strong in the Granville, with fully taped seams that make the pack highly weather-resistant. In our impromptu “rain” test, a garden hose fired directly at the pack wasn’t able to get a drop past the tough exterior.

On the front of the pack, a single water-resistant zippered pocket was practically made for your keys, and could accommodate a few other essentials for when you’re on the go. Tossing back the shaped lid, a single drawstring entry leads to the interior space, which is mainly one large pocket, with a few zippered and drop pockets to separate smaller items. If you’re looking for the same style pack, but with a bit more organization built-in, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 divides up its space well.

The padded interior laptop sleeve will accommodate up to a 16” laptop, and is suspended within the main compartment in a way that leaves us feeling confident in slinging our computer across a shoulder. Compared to other more airline-focused travel packs, the Granville 25 has its feet more firmly planted on the ground, and excels at bus, bike, or foot travel.

Whether your commute is just across town or across the country, the Arc’teryx Granville 25 makes for a good-looking carry-all that’s bound to be around for a while.

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

• 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 ($243) 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 and Arc’teryx Granville packs (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 it’s 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 20-30 liter 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 Dakine Campus 33L 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 liters, make better personal items, and the TimBuk2 Never Check , Tom Bihn Synapse , and Patagonia Black Hole backpacks all fit snuggly 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.

Commuters will find drawstring entry bags the most appealing, and the Arc’teryx Granville 25 has become one of our dedicated laptop toters for everything from remote work stints at the coffee shop to jumping on a ferry for work.

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 Dakine Campus ($75) 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 ($243) 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.

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Gear Top Stories Deals

17 Super Durable Backpacks That’ll Survive the Apocalypse

Take heart! At least if the world ends you’ll be able to keep your precious collection of scavenged items in one of these super-durable backpacks .

C’mon, think positive!

Apocalypse aside, If you are looking for the absolute toughest backpacks on earth these ones should definitely be on your shortlist.

You’ll find these recommendations can also be easily corroborated with other independent forums like the subreddit: buyitforlife .

Durable Backpacks by Category

Edc & day packs.

• Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24
• Patagonia Refugi o

Chrome Industries Hondo

Tactical & bugout.

5.11 Tactical Rush24

• Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault BVS

School & College

Jansport Superbreak

• L.L Bean Quad Pack

Work & Commute

Mission Workshop Fraction

• The North Face Access O2

Osprey Arcane Day Pack

Hiking & trekking.

Patagonia Nine Trails

• Mountain Hardwear Ozonic
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Junction

• Red Oxx RailRunner
• Cotopaxi Alpa 35L
• Osprey Porter 46L

How to Choose a Durable Backpack

What to look for.

• 1000D (Denier) or higher density weave for the most heavy-duty applications.
• Top Fabrics: Cordura, Kordra, Ballistic Nylon, or Dyneema
• 6-10 Stitches per inch on seams
• Heavy secure stitching, no fraying separation when seams and handle are tugged firmly
• Turn inside out: No loose threads, ragged seams, or crooked inconsistent stitching.
• Keywords to look for: Ripstop, YKK zippers, lifetime warranty
• Expect to pay more

What Kind of Backpack Do I Need?

Well, how do you intend to use your backpack?

If you regularly bike to work in rainy Seattle then you’ll want a solid waterproof urban work backpack vis a vis an urban professional who walks to work in the blistering heat of Phoenix. That person would want a light, well-ventilated pack.

Looks matter too. A super-rugged tactical backpack may excel in the wilderness but look completely redonculous as an urban commuter on the subway .

This is why I divided all of these durable backpacks recommendations into basic categories to make life a bit easier for you.

Choose Your Trade-offs

Be prepared to make some trade-offs with certain levels of durability in favor of functionality.

While 1000D Cordura nylon fabric is among the toughest fabrics available in backpacks today, it’s also heavier and less practical for long-haul hikers where every pound matters.

Weatherproof fabrics aren’t necessarily the most durable either so sometimes your climate conditions will demand a compromise.

Don’t Cheap Out

I’m sure it’s no shock that the most durable backpacks out there actually cost more. Obviously, they are built to last by using premium materials. Besides that, a lot of extra time is spent on reinforcement, high-quality seams, and tighter quality control. Naturally, this extra labor costs is why exceptionally durable backpacks cost more .

Durable EDC & Day BackPacks

If you can’t quite decide what kind of backpack you should choose, get an EDC backpack . These are the all-rounders.

EDC Daypacks live a much more rough-and-tumble life than other packpacks like commuters. Think: Mountain biking, gym visits, short hikes, the park, school, and even less formal work settings.

Expect durability coming close to mil-spec tactical backpacks.

Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24

I own this pack and I’m convinced it’s one of the best EDC backpacks out there. The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 has tons of internal organization and you can access it all via the unique Y zipper closure.

I have plenty of other reasons to like this backpack. For that, just head over to my Full Review of the Urban Assault 24.

The Urban Assault 24 has the same tough DNA as Mystery Ranch’s full-on military 3 Day Assault pack …just smaller, lighter and with more organization.

Made from 500D Cordura nylon, the unique 3-Way YKK weather-proof zipper allows you to flay the bag wide-open and access items at the bottom very easily.

The Urban 24 assault also has a full floating sleeve to protect your laptop, tablet sleeves, lid pocket, two internal mesh pockets, two internal long pockets, a passport pocket, pen pockets and two external water bottle pockets.

In my opinion, this one of the toughest and most versatile EDC s available today. You can check it out over at Mystery Ranch

• Capacity: 24L(smaller less feature-rich variants in 21L or 18L size )
• 500D Cordura Nylon fabric
• 3 Heavy Duty, weather-sealed YKK zippers
• 15″ floating laptop sleeve and tablet pocket
• External water bottlehodlers
• 2 Internal long pockets
• 2 internal zippered pockets
• Passport pocket
• Additional internal tablet pocket
• Pen pockets
• Extremely versatile pack(carryon, hiking, commuting, gym etc.) Extremely easy access all items in the main compartment
• proven durable construction(combat heritage)
• Very well organized
• Excellent value
• Only 4 color options
• Not 1000D nylon

Patagonia Refugio

The Refugio is a real Patagonia classic . This thing has garnered a lot of respect over the years.

The Refugio is tough, practical, and shows a lot of real attention to quality and comfort. The air-mesh back panel and thickly padded shoulder straps will keep you cool and comfortable over long stretches.

At 28 L , it’s replete with stash pockets , daisy chain loops , and organization galore. A 15″ laptop sleeve can even be used for an extra hydration reservoir if you decide to use the water bottle stretch pockets other things on hikes.

The Refugio is constructed from 630D water-resistant nylon and a 200d nylon liner to boot. It makes a tremendous jack of all trades ready for whatever crazy mission you throw at it.

• Capacity: 28L (Mens) 26L ( Womens )
• 620D Nylon fabric
• Airmesh back panel & straps
• Water-Resistant DWR coating
• Adjustable Sternum strap
• Compression straps
• Outside access stash pocket
• Made in the USA
• Time-tested
• Classic Patagonia styling
• Good water resistance,
• Great for air-travel
• Very comfortable and cool
• Not very formal

Chrome Industries is a splinter brand from Mission Workshop. Although they now compete head to head with some of the most durable packpacks on earth.

The Hondo is one of Chrome’s most popular and truly rugged EDC day packs.

Built with 1050D Nylon and a 300D tarpaulin liner, the Hondo will keep things dry in driving rain. It can accommodate a 15″ laptop and has extra cushioning on the bast to protect electronics.

The price is the best part: only 100 bucks! That’s an enormous value for a durable backpack of this caliber. Plus, it’s got a true lifetime guarantee.

• Capacity: 21L
• 1050D Nylon Fabric
• 15″ Laptop sleeve
• Webbing for exterior attachments
• Weatherproof
• Quick access compartment
• Best value bag on this list
• Simple, minimalist design
• Extra laptop cushioning in the base
• Water bottle holder doesn’t have a cinch
• More outside pockets would be better

Durable Tactical & Bugout Backpacks

Tactical backpacks are the most durable backpacks out there. They are primarily designed for the military and survivalists for extreme environments. Expect them to carry a midsized load(20-40L) and endure the most punishing abuse you can throw at them.

A good tactical/bugout pack follows the KISS rule(Keep It Simple Stupid.) They are mission customizable for “as needed” modifications typically via Molle webbing.

The GR1 is an American-made legend that built GoRuck’s tough reputation . The GR1 has been our number one recommended backpack from a purely durability standpoint for quite a while now.

Here’s our hands’ on review of the GR1

The GR1 is immensely rugged and built from the ground up with one thing in mind: extreme durability.

To top it off GoRuck’s “Scars Lifetime Warranty” is a true forever guarantee. If anything happens to this backpack they’ll make it right.

Unfortunately, I find the GR1’s price harder to justify unless it’s for serious professional or outdoor applications.

• Variants : GR1 in 21L & 26L / GR2 in 34L & 40L / GR3 in 45L
• 1000D Cordura fabric
• YKK Silent zippers
• Stress tested to 400lbs loads
• Minimalist: Meets Military Dress code
• Hydration pocket
• Customizable velcro patch
• Laptop sleeve
• Molle webbing inside and out
• Opens flat for full access(not just from top)
• Easily one of the most rugged backpacks in the world
• Weather Proof
• Best Lifetime Warranty in the industry
• Available in tons of camo variations
• Pretty plain looking
• Not many compartments or pockets

This is the Bug-out Bag of choice for tons of serious doomsday preppers . 1050D heavy-duty nylon makes it practically indestructible. 5.11 Tactical’s Rush24 is a very customizable backpack that won’t break the bank like the GoRuck GR series.

The 5.11 Rush series has compartments and molle webbing galore to keep your survival kit and mission-critical gear well organized and quickly at hand.

It also works with 5.11’s Tier system which means you can stack multiple packs via quick-release straps for extended missions and versatility.

• Variants: Rush 12 (24L) / Rush 24 (37L) / Rush 72(55L)
• 1050D Heavy duty Nylon fabric
• YKK Zippers
• Wrap around Molle webbing
• Velcro nameplate and flag patches
• Dual drainage grommets
• Excellent value for the money
• Highly customizable with plenty of Molle webbing
• Plenty of internal storage pockets for hyper-organizers
• Water resistance is not the best(consider using a spray coating)
• Heavier due to extra internal pockets

Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault BVS

Mystery Ranch and GoRuck come in around in the same price range. However, the Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault BVS backpack is more technical, customizable and accessible than GoRuck’s GR series design. These packs are legit military spec. They are regularly used in combat deployments.

The unique three-zipper closure allows you to easily flay the whole pack wide-open to access all the contents very quickly. It’s a brilliant design.

• Capacity: 30L
• 500D Cordura with Teflon and PU coatings for weather resistance
• “3 Zip” closure design
• Top and bottom compression straps, stow-able hip belt
• Weather repellant
• Weather resistant YKK Zippers
• Zipper ports for radios/antennas/electronics
• 3 interior water reservoir sleeves
• Removable bolster for a stabilized fit over body armor
• Interior molle webbing and side pockets
• extremely accessible
• well-designed layout
• plenty of molle webbing for customizing
• Where’s the 1000D Cordura nylon?
• Zippers are snugger due to weather stripping so may require two hands.

Durable Work & Commuter Backpacks

Work and Commuter backpacks are typically light and nimble with a small to medium capacity(15-30L). Their slim profiles mean you can stay light on your feet on crowded streets and subways.

Work backpacks are designed with the tech-savvy urban professional in mind . Expect convenient pockets and spaces for your tech and what-have-you.

They definitely carry a more refined and understated look that is suitable in professional settings like meetings and office calls.

The Mission Workshop Fraction is an extremely durable and functional work backpack with a professional yet youthful flair. Bus stop downpours aren’t a worry. Your computer will stay bone dry. It has 4 internal weatherproof pockets. The 1000D nylon fabric is available in black or three tasteful shades of grey.

At only 14L it is definitely a minimalist carry but they do have bigger versions of the same design . The Fraction is also compatible with Mission Workshops Arkiv modular accessories which allow you to add extra pockets and pouches to fit your specific needs.

• Capacity: 14L
• 1000D nylon fabric
• 4 internal weatherproof pockets
• 13″ Laptop sleeve
• Slim design
• Customizable
• Limited colors
• A bit too boxy for some tastes

The North Face Access 02

The Access 02 is more than eye candy, it’s got some cool tricks up its sleeve too. It’ll certainly draw some admiring eyes at the office.

The Access 02’s main compartment opens more like a convertible than a traditional backpack . A proprietary steel button releases the top cover which folds down to reveal the main compartment.

Another cool feature is its ejector handle which allows you to quickly slip your laptop out without any fuss. It reminds me of those fancy toasters that push the toast all the way up so you don’t burn your fingers.

At 25L you’ll haul pretty much anything you need with this durable backpack.

• Capacity: 25L
• Materials:  420D nylon/polyester blend
• Laptop Ejector
• Up to 15″ laptop sleeve
• Push button main compartment access
• two external zip pockets for keys etc.
• Available in 3 colors
• Really great looks
• Large capacity
• Super convenient access to main compartment and laptop
• Not weatherproof
• Internal pockets a bit small for computer adapters etc.

Osprey is certainly a heavyweight backpack brand and their Arcane family of daypacks is one of their best. The Arcane has a very clean and modern and minimalist look going on.

The body of the Arcane is made with a waxed canvas which isn’t as bulletproof as nylon. The base, however, is made with solid 1000D nylon and since the base is typically the most prone to high wear. This thing will still last a long, long time.

• Capacity: Large (20L) / Small (10L)
• Fabric: Waxed Poly-cotton canvas body/ 1000D nylon base
• Laptop Sleeve: Large (15″) / Small (13″)
• Security feature: Aluminum securtiy hook can attach to chairs/tables to thwart theives from snatching the pack.
• Clean modern look
• One of the Top 5 luggage warranties out there.
• Not waterproof
• Small Day Pack may be too small at only 10L
• No outside pockets for gadgets besides mesh pocket on harness

Durable School Backpacks

Durable school backpacks don’t need to be expensive at all (under $40.) Outfitting your kid early on with a durable backpack is really a no-brainer cause these things pay for themselves many times over.

For instance, my daughter’s Deluxe LL Bean book pack has seen 7 years of heavy use and will easily serve her another 5 years. That’s an awesome value from a backpack that only costs $40!

A well-built school backpack should be simple, organized, and rugged. A typical school backpack has a a capacity of 20-30L

There aren’t many backpacks as iconic as the Jansport Superbreak .

Although they are basic, and a little uninspiring to look at, they are apocalypse-proof and have been proving it for decades.

The Superbreak is made from 600D polyester which isn’t the toughest fabric, but more than adequate to last the average student 8 + solid years.

• Capacity: 20L
• 600 D Polyester fabric
• One main compartment and one utility compartment with organizer
• Over 30 colors and patterns
• Typically Under $40: Check the latest pricing on Amazon
• Incredible price considering the many years of use
• Very Light (only weighs 12 oz)
• Simple design great for minimalists
• a recognizable icon
• a bit on the small side at only 20L
• no smart device pockets/organizers
• not a “looker”

L.L. Bean Quad Pack

If basic doesn’t cut it and your teen is extra rough on their stuff then seriously consider stepping up to the Quad Pack from LL Bean .

It’s a nice upgrade and will transfer nicely into the post-secondary environment to see your kids through to their college degree.

The Quad Pack has loads of modern features like a port for audio or hydration, side laptop sleeve, oodles of organizing pockets, upgraded shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel with lumbar support.

• Capacity: 33L
• Pack Body: 420D Ripstop Nylon
• Pack Bottom: 1000D Kordra Nylon
• Side entry laptop 15″ pocket and Stash pocket
• Sternum strap
• Water bottle pocket
• Side compression straps
• Carabiner loops
• Main compartment buckle closure
• Premium smart features
• Excellent for the organized type of person
• Extremely durable construction
• The laptop sleeve is barely suitable for a 15″ as advertised so a 13″ is advised.
• does not have a flat bottom so it doesn’t stand up on its own.

Durable Travel Backpacks

Travel backpacks range from carry-on compliant sizes (30L) up to extra large capacity(+50L.) The larger travel packs feature removable/ stow-able shoulder straps for checking them as airline luggage.

Expect easy access pockets for phone chargers & passports, security features, compression straps, well organized internal pouches and pockets.

Red Oxx Rail Runner

This list would not be complete without a Red Oxx bag. The Rail Runner is a true beast. It’s easily one of the toughest bags on this list.

From heavy duty metal clasps and #10 YKK zippers to the 1050D Urethane coated Dupont ballistic Nylon, its as tough as freight train.

Originally designed for train engineers, the Rail Runner is designed for a life of extreme abuse.

• Capacity: 68.5L
• 1050D coated Ballistic Nylon
• 400D Nylon lining
• Expandable Dust collar
• Double box-stitched stress points, all seams double-stitched
• Hardware: Mil-spec clips, welded d-rings, nickled-plated O-rings, one-hand side pocket button closures, stainless steel grommets, Fastex side-release buckles
• Cable-lock included
• Huge capacity
• Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
• Robust hardware
• Rugged no-nonsense looks
• On the heavy side at 5lbs
• Only available in black

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

The Cotopaxi Allpa is a carry-on legal travel backpack that zips wide open like a suitcase. It features a quick access passport pocket, oodles of mesh dividers, side access to the main compartment and pickpocket resistant zippers.

Cotopaxi has one of the best warranties in the outdoor adventure industry and the Allpa 35 is well-constructed from TPU coated 1000D Polyester and 1680D ballistic nylon.

• Capacity: 35L ( optional size: 28L )
• 1000D TPU Coated Polyester/ 1680 Ballistic nylon panels
• Suitcase style closure
• Security YKK Zippers
• Mesh dividers
• 4 grab handles
• Clamshell closure design
• Stowable harness
• Excellent lifetime warranty
• External pockets lacking
• no water bottle holder
• TPU coatings can crack over time

Osprey Porter 46

Osprey’s Porter series is a familiar site in airport lounges for good reason. They are one of the best travel pack solutions out there. Osprey’s unique “straight jacket” compression straps allow you to cram a heck of a lot of stuff into the Porter series.

The Porter 46 can scape by as carry-on legal so long as don’t overdo it. Either way, you can check it by stowing the detachable shoulder harness and hip belt.

• Capacity: 46L (also in 30L & 65L)
• 420HD Nylon Packcloth fabric
• “Straightjacket” compression system
• Stowable hip belt and harness
• lockable zippers
• front panel travel document pocket
• The compression system is great when space is a premium
• plenty of outside pockets
• great security features
• Possible to over-pack carryon allowances
• Good for travel but not a comfortable long trekker

Durable Hiking/Trekking Backpacks

Hiking and Trekking Backpacks are designed to carry light to medium loads(15L-55L) for 1-3 days in all-weather conditions. To do this comfortably, hiking backpacks should ride snugly to the back and relieve your shoulders by distributing the load via cushioned hip belts.

Don’t expect 1000 D fabrics in trekking backpacks. It’s overkill, impractical and too heavy.

In my opinion, Patagonia’s gear deserves a tremendous amount of respect. Almost without exception, you’ll find that their products are over-engineered and built to last.

The Nine Trails family of Hiking backpacks are one of Patagonia’s flagship product lines. It’s not a surprise that it has a proven following of serious hard-core adventurers. (Available sizes: 14L-36L)

• Excellent sizing/fit options to match your body type
• Mens/ Womens
• 210 Cordura Ripstop Nylon
• Good abrasion and puncture resistance
• Some complaints that the shoulder straps being too close together at the neck for some body types.

Mountain Hardwear Ozonic 50L

The Ozonic series is a professional level expedition pack. It is waterproof, multi-day capable, and well-constructed with world-class durable ballistic nylon.

Do a quick Google image search of “Everest Summit pics.” Mountain Hardwear is clearly trusted by the pros for summit bids. This is a serious no-nonsense professional level brand.

• Available sizes: S,M: 51L / M,L 55L
• Weight: ~ 4lbs
• Rain room tested: Waterproof
• Body: 330D Cordura Ripstop Nylon
• Base: 840D Ballistic Nylon

• Huge Capacity
• Excellent bad weather hiking pack
• Robust no-nonsense design
• Very good competitive pricing: View at Moutain Hardwear
• On the heavier side for hiking packs
• Limited color options

Hyperlite Mounatain Gear 3400 Junction

And now for something truly different and cutting edge. Hyperlite Mountain Gear in Maine builds their packs from Dyneema which is literally the toughest fabric known to man. It is water proof and has a tensile strength 15x stronger than steel.

Racing yachts use Dyneema fabric in their sails because its incredibly strong, light and waterproof.

The 3400 Junction brings a lot to the table. It is is exceptionally light, tough and waterproof. This pack in multiples sizes and two colors (white or black.)

Every pound matters on long treks. The 3400 Junction features large external mesh pockets and tie-downs for hiking poles and make a great spot dirty/wet sneakers or base layers.

• Capacity: 55L
• Weight: 2lbs
• Durable Dyneema Fabric
• Hydro port and pocket
• Large external mesh pockets
• Water sealed seams
• Removable, contoured aluminum stays
• 1/4” foam back panel pad
• Loops for ski/trekking poles
• Super Light and Rugged
• Ergonomic distribution of weight off shoulders to the hip belt
• Only two colors

Don Longworth

Don was born and raised in sub-saharan Africa. Now based in Canada, his extensive experience in non-profit work has served him well over multiple deployments in Africa. Don's experiences have made him a practical "to-the-point" type person. He is a no-frills, low-key guy who appreciates quality and simplicity.

Recent Posts

Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack: Longterm Owner's Review

I've owned a Front Runner Slimline II roof rack for two years and battle-tested it across the back roads of West Africa. It has carried sacks of grain, bikes, Pelican cases, and more across many...

25 High-Quality Clothing Brands Most Guys Can Afford

According to an article by the Wall Street Journal, most people only wear 20% of the clothes they actually own. (source) In other words, people spend five times the value of the clothes they...

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags
• Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags

The 13 Best Waterproof Backpacks of 2024

These durable picks are sure to keep your essentials dry on any adventure.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T + L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

Like what rainboots do for your feet, a waterproof backpack can help keep your stuff dry when going from point A to point B. Whether you're planning a kayaking trip, hiking in a wet climate, commuting during the rainy season, or traveling in unpredictable weather, the extra protection can give you peace of mind. While water-resistant bags provide some defense against moisture, the waterproof variety can handle a torrential downpour (and maybe even a quick dip underwater) while keeping the contents completely dry.

We found rugged, sporty, and heavy-duty options for outdoor adventures, along with sophisticated designs for work trips and commuting. Some are more straightforward, and others boast ample features, like laptop compartments, water bottle pockets, trolley sleeves, and key clips. Check out the best waterproof backpacks below.

Best Overall

Arc'teryx granville 20 backpack.

This comfy, weather-ready backpack has a DWR finish, taped seams, padded shoulder straps, and a foam back panel, plus handy organizational features.

The dark-colored exterior may develop streaks or scuffs over time.

Our number one pick comes from Arc'teryx. Made of 400-denier ripstop nylon, the Granville 25 Backpack has a DWR (durable water-repellent) thermoplastic finish and taped seams to keep moisture out and protect against rain or snow. The light-colored interior makes it easy to find things in the main compartment. There's also a stretchy mesh sleeve that fits a 15-inch laptop or tablet, a front pocket for easy access to smaller items, and a zippered security pocket for keys, cards, or your ID.

This waterproof backpack is comfortable too. It flaunts an ergonomic design with a padded back panel and shoulder straps, both of which are ventilated to encourage airflow.

The Granville may show marks or streaks after being folded or wrinkled, likely due to the DWR coating on the dark-hued exterior. But the brand says this won't affect its waterproofness and is part of the bag developing its own patina over time.

The Details: 22.4 x 19.2 inches | 1.9 pounds | 25 liters | DWR thermoplastic-coated ripstop nylon

Best Submersible

Yeti panga 28l backpack.

Backcountry

The sizable Yeti Panga Backpack will keep your belongings dry up to a meter underwater for half an hour.

It's not a cooler backpack, though Yeti does make those, and it weighs almost 4 pounds when empty.

Looking for something that can actually go underwater? The Yeti Panga Backpack was made for this. Crafted from high-density, puncture-resistant nylon with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) lamination, it's been tested to ensure an IPX7 waterproofness rating . This means it can be submerged in water up to a meter deep for 30 minutes without so much as a drop of moisture getting inside.

This isn't a cooler backpack (though Yeti does make insulated cooler bags). Still, you can count on the large-capacity interior to keep your lunch, towel, extra clothes, or phone dry when you're out on the water. It weighs nearly 4 pounds when empty but is designed for comfortable wear, with ergonomic shoulder straps, a chest clip, and a removable waist belt. We also like that there's a grid for attaching gear or Yeti accessories, like the Sidekick Dry Case .

The Details: 19.7 x 12.5 x 7 inches | 3.9 pounds | 28 liters | TPU-laminated high-density nylon

Best for Work

Rains backpack.

This sleek and sophisticated backpack features a designated laptop sleeve, plus multiple zipper pockets and a phone slot.

The capacity is somewhat small, and while it'll safeguard your stuff from light rainfall, it isn't the best choice for going out on the water.

The Rains Backpack is an excellent choice for professionals. Like the brand's top-rated rain jackets , it's made of polyester and features a PU (polyurethane) coating. The finish ensures waterproofness and durability while creating a smooth, almost leather-like feel. Although it'll protect what's inside from light rainfall, it's not submersible and probably isn't the best option for boating or water sports .

This sophisticated yet versatile backpack has a signature front flap and carabiner closure. While the 13-liter capacity is on the smaller side, it has a designated laptop sleeve that can fit devices up to 15 inches. There's also an internal zipper pocket, another zipper pocket on the back, and a phone slot on the side.

The Details: 18.9 x 11.8 x 4.7 inches | 2 pounds | 13 liters | PU-coated polyester

Best for Hiking

L.l.bean waterproof day pack.

This waterproof backpack has a spacious, compressible interior, plus a shove-in front pocket and gear straps on the sides.

The color options are limited and not very versatile.

L.L.Bean's Adventure Pro Day Pack is perfect for hiking in unpredictable weather. It's made of 420-denier ripstop nylon with a TPU waterproof coating and thermoplastic-welded seams. If you're trekking in the rain, splashing through a puddle, or crossing a stream, you can bet it'll keep your stuff dry.

This backpack has plenty of room to hold a packed lunch, multiple water bottles, a light jacket, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and almost anything else you'd want on the trail. It has a spacious main compartment with roll-top closure and side straps for extra compression and gear attachment. There's also a front shove-in pocket that can hold a compressible coat. In the end, we just wish it came in more colors.

The Details: 20 x 12.75 x 7 inches | 1.75 pounds | 26 liters | TPU-coated ripstop nylon

Best for Kayaking

Patagonia guidewater backpack.

The IPX7-rated Guidewater Backpack is not only waterproof but also fully submersible, with loops and D-rings for easy gear access on the water.

Even though it's waterproof, the brand suggests washing it by hand.

You'll be glad to have the Guidewater Backpack on your next kayaking trip . Constructed from PU-laminated nylon and polyester with a hydrophobic back panel and shoulder straps, the waterproof design is IPX7-rated. It's fully submersible in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes, so you won't have to worry about splashing rapids or even briefly falling in.

This 29-liter bag can fit quite a lot in the main compartment. It also has an internal pocket for smaller items, along with external loops, D-rings, and an adjustable rod tube holder for easy access to gear while on the water. We also like that it's sustainably made from 100 percent recycled materials in a Fair Trade facility.

The Details: 21 x 13.5 x 9 inches | 2.1 pounds | 29 liters | PU-coated recycled nylon and polyester

Best for Travel

Maverick & co. vista waterproof backpack.

Maverick & Co.

This backpack has a minimalist design and functional features, including a laptop slot, a trolley sleeve, and multiple pockets throughout.

The capacity is on the smaller side, and it only comes in two colors.

The Vista Backpack has a pared-down yet polished appeal. It's just the thing for frequent fliers who want a little extra protection from the elements. This bag is made of smooth, high-performance vegan leather with a waterproof treatment. It can handle anything from rainfall to spilled drinks, preventing stains and any moisture from seeping through to the inside.

This travel-ready backpack has a laptop sleeve, multiple interior and exterior pockets, and two key holders. Though it's not as large as others we found, it makes a perfect personal item for flights. There's also a trolley sleeve on the back, allowing you to slide it over your suitcase handle to consolidate your luggage.

The Details: 15.7 x 11.4 x 4.9 inches | 2 pounds | 14.5 liters | Faux leather, polyester

Best for Commuting

Stubble & co. the everyday backpack.

Stubble & Co.

This weather-proof backpack has a separate laptop compartment, an earbud strap, water bottle and umbrella pouches, and various organizational pockets.

Since it's not submersible, it's probably not a good choice for kayaking or rafting.

​​Stubble & Co.'s Everyday Backpack is made of 600-denier recycled nylon and features a durable yet lightweight PET (polyethylene terephthalate) coating. It's not submersible, but the waterproof exterior will safeguard your belongings from inclement weather.

Designed with commuters in mind, this backpack has a decent-sized main compartment that can fit shoes, a light jacket, an outfit change, or a lunch box and a separate laptop compartment that can house devices up to 16 inches. There's also a handy strap pocket for earbuds, side pouches for a water bottle or umbrella, various internal and external pockets, and webbing loops for a bike light or other accessories. With ergonomic straps and a breathable, cushioned back panel, you can bet it's comfortable too.

The Details: 18.1 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 2.2 pounds | 20 liters | PET-coated recycled nylon

Best for Wet Weather

Herschel supply co. roll top backpack.

With a laminated exterior and roll-top closure, this backpack will protect your laptop and other belongings from rain and snow.

It's backed by a lifetime warranty, but you'll need to register your bag after buying it.

This weather-ready backpack from Herschel is constructed from polyester and features a matte TPU coating. The laminated exterior, roll-top closure, and waterproof zipper provide reliable protection from rain or snow. We appreciate that the recycled materials are sourced from post-consumer water bottles.

Organizational features include a padded laptop sleeve that can fit computers up to 16 inches, internal mesh pockets, a key clip, and a front zippered pocket. This durable bag is backed by a lifetime warranty, so it's guaranteed to remain waterproof for as long as you own it. Just make sure to register your backpack as soon as you receive it.

The Details: 18 x 11.75 x 6.75 inches | 22.5 liters | TPE-coated recycled polyester

Best Heavy-duty

Earth pak summit dry bag backpack.

Designed for outdoor excursions, the rugged Summit Backpack promises to keep your things dry while helping you stay comfortable carrying the load.

It can withstand high-pressure water streams but isn't submersible.

This rugged backpack was made for outdoor adventures , from kayaking and rafting to camping and fishing. The heavy-duty design is constructed from a thick 500-denier fabric with a PVC coating and roll-top closure to keep all moisture out. With an IPX6 waterproof rating , it can handle high-pressure water streams at any angle (think rapids or waterfalls). It also has a splash-proof front pocket, an internal zippered pocket, a mesh compartment, and a built-in key ring.

While this bag isn't submersible, it comes with an IPX8-rated phone case lanyard that can go underwater. It comes in three sizes, all of which are larger than most other waterproof backpacks we found. No matter which size you get, the contoured shoulder straps, chest strap, waist belt, and ergonomic back panel will keep you comfortable by supporting your load.

The Details: 3 sizes | 2.5–3.7 pounds | 35, 55, or 85 liters | PVC-coated 500D fabric

Best Lightweight

Sealline skylake 18l dry daypack.

This dry bag-style backpack weighs less than a pound and is conveniently stowable with roll-top closure and removable straps.

It'll survive quick submersions but shouldn't be underwater too long.

The SealLine Skylake Dry Pack weighs less than a pound when empty. It's ideal for outdoor excursions when you want to keep your load light but still want to have the essentials on hand. This mid-sized backpack has a main compartment with roll-top closure and a stretchy front mesh pocket for easy access to smaller items.

Crafted from PU-coated, 250-denier polyester and nylon with welded seams, the Skylake bag is 100 percent waterproof. But while it'll protect the contents during a quick submersion, make sure to pull it out of the water as quickly as possible if it falls in. With removable shoulder straps and a compact, stowable design, this backpack is also made for versatile packing and storage.

The Details: 21 x 10 x 6 inches | 0.8 pounds | 18 liters | PU-coated polyester and nylon

Best Features

Wandrd all-new prvke backpack.

This exceptionally sturdy bag has a tech sleeve, removable camera cubes, several pockets, a trolley sleeve, magnetic handles, and gear loops — to name just a few features.

It's made with photographers in mind but is an all-around great travel, commuting, and adventuring bag.

The Wandrd Prvke Backpack is exceedingly sturdy. It's crafted from 1,680-denier ballistic nylon and tarpaulin (the waterproof material tarps are made of) and features reliable, weather-resistant zippers. Although you can certainly count on the heavy-duty design to protect your belongings from the outdoor elements, it really stands out for its organization features.

This carrier has a tech sleeve that can fit a laptop or tablet up to 15 inches (depending on the size you get), removable camera cubes, a fleece-lined phone pocket, a water bottle pouch, a passport slot, several pockets, and a key clip. Other features include a trolley sleeve, a removable chest strap, magnetic tote handles, and gear loops. The clamshell opening makes for easy packing and organizing, but the convenient side access allows you to grab your stuff at any time.

The Details: 3 sizes | 3.1–4.7 pounds | 21, 31, or 41 liters | Waterproof tarpaulin, ballistic nylon

Most Comfortable

Ortlieb velocity ps pack 17l.

Offering support, cushioning, and breathability, this comfy carrier has ergonomic shoulder straps, a ventilated foam back panel, a chest strap, and a hip belt.

It has no pockets and a small-ish capacity.

The Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack might be the most comfortable waterproof backpack. It has a foam back panel and padded ergonomic shoulder straps, plus a chest strap and a removable hip belt for a secure fit and extra support when you need it. The back is also ventilated to ensure breathability.

In terms of waterproofness, this backpack is made of polyurethane-laminated nylon and features a roll-top closure. It's not designed to withstand prolonged submersion, but water droplets from rain, rapids, or splashing wakes will roll right off. The reinforced base also enhances durability by preventing abrasion. Although the Velocity PS Pack has a somewhat small capacity and no pockets, it does have a removable tech sleeve for a laptop or tablet.

The Details: 17.7 x 11 x 5.5 inches | 1.8 pounds | 17 liters | PU-coated nylon

Best Daypack

Exped typhoon 15 pack.

This lightweight, compact pack is perfect for sightseeing, theme parks, and short outdoor adventures.

The capacity is somewhat small, and the load limit is 11 pounds.

The Typhoon 15 Pack from Exped is made of PU-coated ripstop nylon and features an integrated waterproof liner with taped seams to keep your items reliably dry. Beyond offering protection from the elements, we like that the materials are recycled and Oeko-Tex certified to ensure chemical safety.

This compact daypack weighs less than a pound. Combined with padded shoulder straps, a mesh-covered foam back, a chest strap, and a removable hip strap, it's super comfortable to wear. With a 15-liter capacity and an 11-pound load limit, it's meant for smaller, lighter loads. We think it's a great choice for sightseeing, short hikes, bike rides, theme parks , and music festivals.

The Details: 16.5 x 7.9 x 5.9 inches | 0.8 pounds | 15 liters | PU-coated ripstop nylon carbonate

Tips for Buying a Waterproof Backpack

Know your personal capacity needs.

When buying a waterproof backpack, you'll first want to figure out what size to get. This type of bag can vary pretty drastically in terms of capacity, with options ranging from 12 to 80 or more liters. If you need something to hold a packed lunch, a water bottle, and maybe a windbreaker or another stuffable jacket, a smaller daypack might suffice. But if you're planning a longer excursion or need a backpack to fit additional gear, you may want to look into a larger size.

Look for organizational features

The best waterproof backpacks have various organizational features. This might include pockets with sealed zippers, mesh pouches, a laptop sleeve, a tech compartment, a water bottle slot, a key clip, and external webbing or gear loops. Some bags have all or most of these, while others may only have one or two. Think about what you need to pack, how you'd like to organize your items, and what features will be most useful.

Thanks to the water-repellent thermoplastic coating, most waterproof backpacks can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. You should also be able to wipe down the interior as needed. Even if a bag is billed as submersible, we don't recommend machine-washing unless the brand specifically mentions this in the care instructions. In some cases, you might be able to hand-wash a waterproof backpack with lukewarm water and mild soap. But again, always go with the brand's care guidelines.

A waterproof backpack should be impenetrable to keep the contents entirely dry, even if the exterior gets wet. A water-resistant design, on the other hand, may shed water, resist moisture absorption, and dry quickly, but enough water can still dampen the material and eventually seep through.

Bear in mind there are different levels of waterproofness. Submersible backpacks may have an IPX7 or IPX8 rating, which tells you they can go under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Others are designed to repel rain, rapids, or splashing but shouldn't be fully submerged.

The best materials for a waterproof backpack are generally synthetic textiles, whether it's ripstop nylon or polyester. Some have denier ratings (such as 400D) indicating fiber thickness — and the higher, the better in terms of durability. But since these fabrics aren't waterproof on their own, they're usually coated with some sort of thermoplastic, like TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PU (polyurethane), or PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in travel, luggage, gear, lifestyle, and recreation. With years of experience researching, testing, and reviewing consumer goods, she knows how to find the best products to buy online. She has personally used bags and gear from several brands on this list, including Arc'teryx, Yeti, Rains, Patagonia, and Herschel.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

2-FOR-1 GA TICKETS WITH OUTSIDE+

Don’t miss Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more at the Outside Festival.

GET TICKETS

BEST WEEK EVER

Try out unlimited access with 7 days of Outside+ for free.

Start Your Free Trial

Powered by Outside

The 6 Best Backpacks for Hauling Heavy Loads

Got a gear-heavy trip coming up these packs have got your back..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Whether you like to go ultralight or ultraluxe, Backpacker’s gear reviews have what you need. Get access to our full library of gear reviews—including the complete reviews for these six products—when you become an Outside+ member .

We love going light. But sometimes, for whatever reason—kids, winter, a luxury trip—you just need more space. When you’ve got a big load to tote, these six packs will do it without making your shoulders, back, and hips scream.

When you make a purchase through our site,  we may earn a commission .

Most Durable: Deuter Aircontact Pro 70+15 / Aircontact Pro 65+15 SL

Price: $380 / Weight: 6lbs. 11oz.

With a sturdy aluminum frame that stabilizes loads up to 60 pounds,  this ultratough pack is ideal for rugged, expedition backpacking. The frame’s V shape transfers weight to the center of a wide, padded hipbelt, and a slender profile keeps loads close to the back. Read the Full Review / Buy Now

Best Oranization: Helly Hansen Capacitor

Price: $290 / Weight: 4lbs. 2oz.

Testers loved the 12.5-inch-long vertical pockets on either side of the pack. “I was able to keep my thermos in one, so my hot tea was always accessible,” said one tester after a sleet-filled trip in mid-30°F temps in Denali. Read the Full Review / Buy Now

Most Versatile: REI Co-op Traverse 60

Price: $229 / Weight: 4lbs. 4oz.

The hipbelt wings are moderately padded and provide a central channel to accommodate the iliac crest, preventing compression and rubbing at the top of the hipbone. Multiple adjustability points let us dial in fit even further: Each size—there are four to choose from for both men and women—offers three inches of vertical torso adjustability. Read the Full Review / Buy Now

Most Eco-Friendly: Fjällräven Kajka 65

Price: $375 / Weight: 7lbs. 1oz.

We may complain about heavy loads, but the Kajka never does. (We mean it: The eco-friendly canvas and birch-wood frame don’t squeak like plastic or metal.) Its sturdy-but-flexible parallel wooden stays mimic a spring-steel frame surprisingly well (caveat: they’re more expensive). Read the Full Review / Buy Now

Best Suspension: Mystery Ranch Terraframe 65

Price: $400 / Weight: 5lbs. 11oz.

For packrafters, overpackers, or anyone who’s just gotta have that second case of beer, the Terraframe offers a unique solution originally conceived for backcountry hunting: a 7-inch-deep shelf that accordions out from between the main packbag and backpanel. The shelf provides you a spot to load your heaviest gear right against a reinforced carbon-fiber lattice frame (which, by the way, is rated to carry up to 150 pounds). Read the Full Review / Buy Now

Best Value: Kelty Coyote 65 / Coyote 60

Price: $160 / Weight: 4lbs, 10oz

One zippered hip pocket on the Kelty fits a phone and headlamp, and one non-zippered mesh belt pocket holds a few granola bars. Our testers also loved the space between the lateral zipper pouches and the packbody, which creates a hollow sleeve: “You can run tent poles or trekking poles through the sleeve and into the mesh bottle pockets. Read the Full Review / Buy Now

From May/June 2021

Popular on Backpacker

Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more.

Healthy Living

• Clean Eating
• Vegetarian Times
• Yoga Journal
• Fly Fishing Film Tour
• National Park Trips
• Warren Miller
• Fastest Known Time
• Trail Runner
• Women's Running
• Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
• FinisherPix
• Outside Events Cycling Series
• Outside Shop

© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc

• Share this article

8 Best Heavy-Duty & Durable Backpacks For Every Situation

• Posted by by Editorial Staff

Note : Durability Matters is reader-supported. When you buy through affiliate links on our website, we’ll make a small commission, without impacting your price. Thank you. Learn more .

When it comes to transporting your belonging, work documents, school work, or just about anything else, there is almost nothing better than a backpack. They are versatile and spacious, having multiple compartments for your stuff and various ways to carry them. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and can go almost anywhere with you. If only they lasted forever.

Well, if you invest in the right backpack, then you can find one which will last forever (or, for a very long time, at least). If you spend a little more on quality, you can find a wonderful backpack that is not only long-lasting but comfortable and functional too.

In This Article

3 best heavy-duty and durable backpacks, 5 best stylish and durable backpacks, what to know before buying a backpack.

Whether you need a backpack to transport your laptop around the campus or around the world, you’ll appreciate the value of a good quality, durable backpack. To take a backpack from ‘great’ to ‘out-of-this-world’, add additional compartments for all your other paraphernalia plus anti-theft pockets and USB chargers.

1. Kroser Heavy-Duty Backpack with a Hard Shell Compartment

This multi-purpose heavy-duty backpack, for men and women, is as stylish as they come, but don’t let the stylish looks deceive you! This backpack is heavy duty and made of water-repellent ballistic fabric.

The Kroser backpack is 18.6” x 13.5” x 10.8” and weighs 3.08 lbs. Laptops up to 17.3″ can fit inside the main Hard Shell Saferoom. There are also additional compartments for your iPad, power bank, files, wallet, toiletries and some clothes. There is a specially designated hard-shell zone for your sunglasses and cell phone, and additional side mesh pockets for your umbrella and water bottle.

The bag’s clever design allows for a USB port to charge your device from a power bank (the power bank is not included). RFID Pockets with identity protection function protects data encoded on IDs, credit cards and passports.

The bag has a sturdy handle, reinforced with steel cable, comfortable padded straps, adjustable chest strap, and breathable padded back panels to make carrying the load much easier. The straps can also be fastened to your luggage trolley for peace of mind while traveling.

The Kroser Travel Laptop Backpack is perfect for travel, hiking, camping, college or business.

2. Kroser Heavy-Duty Backpack

This extra-large backpack is ideal for those who need a bit more space. The backpack is 18” x 17” x 10” and has a 60 liter capacity. It has space for two laptop computers including the larger gaming laptops from 15” to 18”.

Apart from all your laptop accessories, the main compartment can hold clothes for several days. There are also additional pockets for travel essentials, stationery, notebooks, toiletries and your cell phone. An RFID Pocket helps to secure personal data encoded on your passport, ID and bank cards. The anti-theft pocket on the back is the ideal space for your phone, passport and wallet.

There is a conveniently situated USB charging port with charging cable for cell phones and other devices, but the power bank is not included with the backpack. The clever addition of a hole for your headphone cable allows for the convenient use of headphones while your cell phone is tucked away safely in a compartment.

The Kroser backpack is specifically designed with airport travel in mind but is also suitable for indoor and outdoor use, travel, college, and activities like hiking and camping.

The backpack has a U-shaped ventilation design for cool carrying, adjustable shoulder straps with padding, adjustable chest straps, and a luggage strap for your comfort and peace of mind.

3. Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack

Need to fit “everything but the kitchen sink” into your backpack? The Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink backpack was designed with extensive luggage demands in mind. Featuring multiple storage areas, as well as external clip brackets and plenty of padding, it’s both practical and protective.

On-board storage space includes a convenient side-access 17” laptop sleeve, organizer panel and mesh optic, eyewear, and hard-media pockets. Many of these expand and are supported by clips and adjustable straps for extra reinforcement. The bottom compartment with drainage is ideal for wet or dirty items, such as shoes, towels, or swimming costumes.

To improve durability, the top flap is reinforced with steel threading, which also features on its zip pulls. This bag’s compression-molded back panel and adjustable padded straps optimize ergonomics and comfort when carrying heavy loads. Available in various color combinations, including black, black with red accents, stealth black, canvas, and khaki, you’re spoilt for choice.

Backpacks are a functional accessory but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. On the flip side, just because something is stylish, doesn’t mean it can’t be durable. Whether you need a backpack for school, college or work, you’re bound to find one that suits your needs to a tee.

1. Harber London Slim Laptop Backpack

Read our hands-on review : Harber London’s Slim Laptop Backpack

The Harber London Slim Laptop Backpack is handcrafted with premium full-grain leather which ages gracefully over time. Each bag will form a unique patina after daily use. Leather is timeless, ageless and a symbol of class. Black water-resistant zips add to the functionality of the design. The excellent craftsmanship extends to the handles, which, over time and with frequent use, will become softer and more pliable. The Slim Laptop Backpack is available in Tan, Black or Brown.

There is a dedicated built-in pocket inside the backpack for your laptop. Additional internal pockets hold your tablet or notepad, cords, pens, etc. The outside pocket is ideal for your cell phone, charger, power bank, and wallet. The detachable magnetic key chain is a clever addition.

Even though the Slim Laptop Backpacks are handcrafted, you don’t have to wait for Harber London to make one from scratch after you place your order. They carry stock and are ready to dispatch the next working day!

2. Brevitē The Jumper

Read our hands-on review : Brevitē Jumper Backpack

The Jumper is a compact, lightweight, and functional camera backpack that can also accommodate a 16” laptop. It has dividers to organize your camera setup, and a quick access pockets on the side ensures that you never miss a shot. There is a secure passport pocket and an additional hidden pocket for valuables–both of which will guarantee you peace of mind when you travel. Speaking of guarantees; Brevitē offers a Lifetime Warranty on their Jumper backpacks!

The Jumper is 17” x 11” x 5.5” with a volume of 18 liters. There are ten colors to choose from, so you are sure to find one that suits you… or buy two if you can’t decide.

The Jumper is ideal for photography students who navigate between the classroom, the studio and out on the field, photographers who are on the move between shoots, or backpackers and travellers who love to take photos. Having a backpack that can hold your camera equipment and a laptop is super convenient.

3. Columns Louie Backpack

Read our hands-on review : Columns Louie Backpack

The Columns Louis Backpack has a modern, sturdy design. The sleek black exterior and 100% grey cotton interior lining ensure that this backpack looks like it belongs in the boardroom, but the secure build and good quality zips mean you can take it anywhere.

Inside the backpack you will find a padded compartment for a 13” laptop, a padded tablet carrier, two interior slit pockets suitable for your cell phone, charger, power bank, cables or other accessories. The exterior pocket compartment at the back is secure and therefore ideal for your paperwork or travel documents.

The backpack measures 16.5” x 10.75” x 5.75”. It is made from a highly durable, water-repellent, nylon canvas and has two YKK No. 10 heavy duty zippers that meet in the middle. Attractive and durable nylon webbing handles make it easy to carry both on and off public transport, through airport security, or simply down the hallway at the office or college.

4. Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus

This cleverly designed travel backpack offers easy access and loads of organization, making it ideal for a long weekend adventure or a business trip. It is airplane travel-friendly as it meets carry-on luggage size restrictions.

The Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus is 21.6” x 16” x 9.5” and has a volume of 38 liters. It is made from durable, water-resistant woven fabric, recycled materials, and premium, environmentally certified leather. The Transit Backpack plus is available in four colors: Black, Lunar, Marine Blue, and Ranger Green.

This backpack can carry a 16” laptop in a quick access compartment for quick airport checks. It has external access pockets that are ‘invisible’ because of the clever cover design. These pockets allow for the secret storage of your passport, wallet, and other valuables. The front pocket has a key clip. There is a special soft-lined pocket for sunglasses, and there is space for a water bottle.

The removable sternum strap and hideaway waist belt help evenly distribute the load, plus, the back of the bag has an ergonomic contoured shape with breathable padding for comfortable all-day carrying. This water resistant bag carries a three year warranty and is great for traveling, work, or school.

5. Incase ICON Backpack

The main compartment in the Incase ICON Backpack provides space for larger items, flat documents and small accessories. The secondary compartment has smaller pockets and is ideal for organizing smaller accessories and other items. There is a dedicated side access pocket for laptops up to 16”, or tablets and notebooks. For the ultimate protection of your laptop, the compartment is padded and lined in faux-fur.

In addition, there is a hip-side power pocket with integrated cable port to allow access to portable power if your devices need charging. This means there is no need to remove your laptop or your phone from your backpack to charge it.

The ICON backpack understands that the modem businessperson is not office bound, and that they need to take their office with them wherever they go. Made from heavy-duty, durable 840D ballistic nylon that will withstand daily wear and tear, the backpack is ideal for public transport, air travel, moving between home and the office, and college or school. The padded shoulder straps are adjustable for optimal comfort and a sternum strap offers secure carrying. The backpack is 13” x 19” x 9” and has a volume of 17 liters and is available in black or dark blue.

We set out to find the most durable and heavy-duty backpacks out there and came back with some wonderful ones. On our way, we set some criteria for what we wanted in a backpack and used it to guide us on our journey.

Related : 16 Best Backpack Brands Known for Quality & Excellence

If you want your backpack to be durable and heavy-duty, then you need to find a material to match.

When we went in search of long-lasting backpacks, we paid particular attention to the ones crafted from canvas, duck fabric, nylon cloth, polyester, and leather.

These are not the only materials out there that are used to create durable backpacks, but they are among the strongest and toughest. They are also water-resistant, which is very important in a backpack that you want to take anywhere with you.

Related : CamelBak MULE Backpack Review: 15 Years Later

We recommend finding a waterproof backpack if you can, but water-resistant is generally a good choice (you want to take every precaution to protect what is inside). You will often find a backpack made from one of those materials, containing some of one, or be a blend of two of them.

Construction

Now that we have great materials, we want them to be put together well. You can have the greatest materials in the world but if they are poorly constructed; then the backpack is not going to last. Look for backpacks that are reinforced at the stress points. Double stitching is ideal if you can find it. Look at the areas around the straps and handles, as well as the zippers. If you are going to be putting a lot in the backpack, you want the stitching to be solid on every part of the bag.

Functionality

Just because we are looking at the most durable backpacks out there, that does not mean that you should compromise on functionality. There are many types of backpack out there, and each comes with a specific purpose. If you want a backpack to use when on your motorcycle or one to protect a laptop, then that is going to be very different from the one which will hold business reports or schoolwork.

We have tried to find a variety of bags which will suit many needs. This includes bags with large compartments or ones with multiple smaller compartments. You can have the most durable backpack in the world, but if it does not function as you need it to, then it is as good as worthless. The longer it lasts, the more you are going to dislike it.

Along with functionality, we have focused on the look of the bag. Just because a bag is durable and long-lasting, it does not mean that it cannot also be elegant and stylish . We want a bag that is tough and will look good after a few years, and we also want a bag that will stand the test of time and remain beautiful. We have shied away from bags that feature short-lasting trends or fads and remained focused on those which have a timeless elegance.

A bag that is built to last should have something to back up that claim. Some bags do not come with a warranty while others do. It depends on the company, but we see a lengthy warranty as a sign that the company has faith in its bags. If you can find a bag with a lifetime warranty , then you will never have to buy another one again (unless you want multiple bags). If any faults are apparent in the bag, then you can get a replacement, free of charge.

Nothing lasts forever, and normal wear and tear will not be covered. We have tried to find bags which offer a warranty but do not do so for an extra cost. if a manufacturer believes in their bag, then the warranty should back that.

Affordability

The final thing which we looked at was the price. We firmly believe that you always get what you pay for and it is wise to pay a little more to get a quality item. If you pay more initially, then you are going to have a backpack which will save you money in the long run .

A durable backpack is going to cost you more than one which will not last.

Having said that, we are still firmly focused on affordability. Durability does not mean spending needlessly. All of the backpacks on our list are durable and affordable.

Editorial Staff

The DM staff writers are often joined by topic experts, to bring you the most accurate, reliable and trustworthy content.

You might also like

Stay a while and read more posts like this

• Posted in in Bags and Luggage

Review: King Kong PLUS26 Backpack

• Posted by by Jeff Hill
• September 26, 2022

Review: Columns Louie Backpack

• Posted by by Steven Doyle
• October 22, 2021

Subscribe & get your free guide to going abroad!!

59+ Best Carry on Backpacks for Travel in 2024: An Expert Guide to the Best Bags Ever for Any Traveler, Any Trip

The luggage you carry when traveling can either go pleasantly unnoticed or create all sorts of unnecessary headaches.  For this reason, on your adventures around the world, taking a carry on backpack for travel, as your only bag, is one of the best ways to improve the quality of your adventure. By traveling the world with only what fits overhead in your international flight saves time, money, and stress, leaving energy for the more enjoyable experiences to come.

In this list of the best carry on backpacks for travel, I’ll share my favorite carry on sized backpacks for weekend trips and years around the world, tech heavy travels, and outdoor adventures, with the perfect carry on sized backpack for every type of traveler.

For over three years I’ve wandered the worlds searching for adventure, exploring urban paradises, and aiming to experience everything in between. Throughout that journey I’ve learned that the baggage you take can enhance your travels or weigh you down, heavily depending on what you aim to find during your travels, where you go, and what you’ll carry. But , no matter how you travel…lighter is better, and “carry on only” travel or “onebag travel” makes for lighter minds and freer adventures.

Read on to discover the best carry on backpacks for travel trekking & trail , urban adventures , women , durability , and weekend travel in this list of the best travel packs for onebag and carry on travel.

(This article contains affiliate links )

Contents of this Ultimate Carry on Backpacks List

• Quick List of the Best Carry On Backpacks for Travel
• Criteria to Consider when choosing a carry on bag

Carry On Backpack Size Guidelines and Recommendations

Major airline carry on regulations.

• Best 45L Carry On Backpacks (Big Enough for World Travel)

Best 40L Carry On Backpack (Big Enough for World Travel)

• Best 35L Carry On Backpacks (Urban Travel Around the World or Adventurous Weekends)
• Best 30L and Smaller Carry On Backpacks (Weekender Bags that Double as Daypacks)
• Best Convertible Duffle Bags as Carry On Backpacks
• Best Carry-On Backpacks for Women
• Toughest Carry On Travel Backpacks
• Weather Proof Carry On Backpacks
• Minimalist and Lightweight Carry-On Backpacks
• Best Anti-theft Carry On Backpack
• Best Trekking, Outdoor, and Adventure Carry On Backpacks
• Best Budget Carry On Backpacks (Under $150)
• Best Carry On Backpack with Wheels
• Packing Cubes
• Packable Daypacks
• Frequently Asked Questions About Carry On Bags

Quick List of the Best Carryon Backpacks

Best 45L Carry On Backpack (Big Enough for World Travel)

• Tortuga Outbreak 45L

GORUCK GR3 45L

• Osprey Porter 46L
• The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 (45L)

Nomatic Navigator 32L Travel Bag (Expandable to 41L)

Nomatic travel backpack (40l), goruck gr2 40l.

• Thule Landmark 40
• Topo Design Global Travel Bag (40L)
• GORUCK Rucker Long Range (39L)

REI Ruckpack 40 (Temporarily Discontinued)

Best 35l carry on backpacks.

• Minaal Carry On 2.0 (35L)
• Aer Travel Pack 3 (35L) or 2 (32L)
• Cotopaxi Allpa (35L)
• Peak Design Travel Bag (35L expandable to 40L)

Best 30L and Smaller Carry On Backpacks : Small Travel Backpacks Big Enough for Weekend Trips

Best Carry On Travel Backpack for Women

• REI Trail 40 (Women’s)
• REI Flash 45 (Women’s)
• Osprey Fairview 40

Osprey Fairview 55

• Women’s Kelty Redwing 36L and 55 L
• REI Ruckpack 40 (Temporarily Discontinued)**

Most Durable Carry on Backpack for Travel

• SPEC OPS T.H.E. Pack

Best Weatherproof Carry on Backpack s

Best Minimalist Carry On Backpacks

• Patagonia MLC Black Hole 45L

Best Anti-theft Backpack s

• Pacsafe Venture Safe EXP45 (45L) and EXP35 (35L)
• Pacsafe Ventures Safe 40

Best Outdoor and Adventure Carry On Backpacks

• REI Trail 40

REI Flash 55

• Gregory Zulu 40 backpack
• Osprey Kestrel 38
• Kelty Redwing 50

Best Cheap and Starter Carry On Backpacks (Under $150)

• Osprey Farpoint 40

Osprey Farpoint 55

• Standard Luggage 3 in 1 Carry On

eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender

Best Duffelbags that Double As Carry On Backpacks

• Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L Convertible Travel Duffle
• The North Face Base Camp Duffel
• Peak Designs Duffle **
• Patagonia Black Hole Duffle **
• Monarc Settra Duffel Backpack **
• Kaka Carry On Duffle Backpack **
• WANDRD HEXAD Access Duffle Backpack **
• Osprey Transporter **
• Tom Bihn Technonaut 30 L and 45L**

Best Carry On Backpacks on Wheels

• Topo Designs Travel Bag Roller **
• Osprey Sojourn **

Extra Space Options

• GORUCK Brick Bag

Best Compressible Duffles and Hand Carry Luggage

• GORUCK Kit Bag 32L

REI Roadtripper Duffle 40L

Other Well Reviewed Backpacks and Brands

( Click here to return to the table of contents )

Click here to jump to our Full List of the Best Carry On Backpacks

Characteristics of the Best Carry on Backpacks for Travel

Meets carryon restrictions for most airlines and can be compressed slightly to meet the rest

Most airlines limit carry on sizes to 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches  (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters) and 40lbs, however the carry on limitations tend to vary by continent and airline with budget airlines in Europe and Southeast Asia having more strict limits. (Click here to see carry on limits by country)

Front-loading or clamshell Design: allows easily accessing anywhere in the bag easily, without unpacking much Lightweight via simple design, innovative materials, and efficient construction saving more weight and space for packing

Comfortable shoulder straps that stabilize the load letting you use it on any terrain

Comfortable yet functional hip belt so they can be used for long walks on any terrain

Durable enough to survive at least 2-3 years of constant travel and hard abuse (budget bags) and the rest should last for life

Fit : The bags shoulder straps, height, width, and waist belt fit your body

Size: The bag’s capacity fits your packing needs, with room for everything you need to travel comfortably, and the dimensions fit the maximum size for your preferred mode of travel – airplane carry on, train, bus, et.c

Sufficient Pockets and Organization : The bag has room and logically placed pockets for everything you’ll carry and in a thoughtful way. Small, zippered and secure pockets for passports, cell phones, credit cards etc., space for shoes (if you prefer), laptop storage, etc.

Designed functionally for your travel plans : Trekking through Patagonia, backpacking Europe, weekend trips, etc.

Other Details to Consider

• Shoulder Strap padding thickness, softness, and construction
• Hip Belt Construction: Padded? Integrated Pockets? Detachable and stowable?
• Sternum Strap: Included?
• Back Panel: Padded and breathable?
• External Pockets and Organization: Water bottle pocket, quick access pockets for valuables (phone, passport, cash)
• Internal Pockets and Organization: Sufficient for your needs?
• Dedicated Laptop Compartment or Laptop Protectioion Sleeve

A Guide to choosing the best carry on backpack for you

No single carry on backpack will be perfect for every occasion, but the best carry on backpacks for travel will be perfect for their intended uses and type of travel – urban adventures, trekking, nomading, etc.. The best approach to picking the right carry on backpack for you is to understand what you will use a backpack for and you can pick the right bag accordingly. From there, look at each backpack option feature by feature and category by category based on the essential criteria you should consider for your backpack

Size and Capacity

Less than 45 liter capacity and airline maximum dimensions (generally 22″ x 14″ x 9″ ) but sufficient to pack clothing and goods for your entire trip if the bag is your only bag.

For world travel and a single bag, 45 liters is sufficient if you are a minimalist packer.

For one week to month of travel, 35L to 45L is sufficient.

For a weekend trip, 25 liters to 35 liters of space is sufficient for most people.

Design: Open Flat Design, Either Clamshell Opening, Top Loading, or Back Loading

Picking a backpack that opens flat instead of a toploading backpack, common in school bags and back country/hiking backpacks, makes it easy to access anything anywhere in your backpack very easily.

Paired with packing cubes an open flat design in a backpack makes packing and unpacking insanely easy

Organization, Pockets, and Features

The possible features on good, well designed carry on backpacks, like the ones on this list, is nearly limitless. As such, not all features are suited to all travelers or travel, and including them all would actually make a bad backpack – heavy, with wasted space.

Instead, aim for a backpack with the organization, pockets, and features that fit your style of travel and you as a traveler. Whether you’re a tech-heavy digital nomad, a 20 something-year-old backpacking through Europe, or a minimalist slow traveler, aim for features that are useful, and ideally essential, to you.

Popular features on carry on backpacks to consider:

• Quick access pockets outside for passports, phones and cash
• Water bottle holder
• Padded waist belt with pockets
• Tech Pockets and Organization inside and outside
• Heavily padded shoulder pads

Comfort (Shoulders and Back)

The main reason for using a backpack for travel is the convenience of wearing it, instead of dragging it behind you on cobblestone roads, or over the shoulder like a duffle bag. For this plan, of ease and more comfort, to work out well the bag needs to be comfortable.

No matter what bag you choose initially, test it out under light conditions with 25 to 40 lbs of weight, at home aiming to keep it clean so you can return it if need be.

Comfortable shoulder straps are the most important point of the bag. Wide, thickly padded shoulder straps will make a lot of difference when walking several blocks through the city to get from your accommodation to your bus stop or train, or even taking your bag around the city.

A breathable, supportive, and ideally contoured back panel is the second most important aspect for a comfortable backpack.

Individual preference for fit and feel comes last, but is very important. Feel how the bag’s shoulder straps, hip belt, and back panel contour to your body, as well as where the weight sits, and judge accordingly.

Examine the bag fabric, stitching, buckles, webbing, zipper quality, durability, and construction based on what you’ll need for your travels and adventures.

The primary cloth used in a backpack is one of the most important aspects of its construction for durability, as it’s abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and strength dictate how long it will last. For instance, 1000 denier Cordura nylon, used as the external cloth on many tactical backpacks, offers some of the highest abrasion and tear resistance, while sail cloth offers great waterproofing.

Polyester cloths on the other hand are very prone to quick wear and damage.

For the highest durability aim for packs with high denier nylon, sailcloth, or a proven experimental fabric used from another industry

Weather Resistance

If you plan to travel through potentially rainy places, especially if you’ll be backpacking around the world, if you have electronics (such as a laptop) it is worth looking at backpacks with weather resistance. Though none of the best travel-sized carry-on backpacks are 100% waterproof, many, such as the Tortuga Outbreaker are constructed with waterproof fabrics and shielded zippers lending protection from the rain.

If you need truly waterproof, simply place a large trash bag inside your backpack and place your belongings inside the trash bag.

Price & Value

For the price, are you getting the function you need? Will the bag last long enough for you and how do you intend to use the bag to justify the price? If your budget is on the light side, be honest. Go for a budget/value pack  now and a pricier, “buy it for life” pack later.

Size, Dimensions and Suitability for Carry On Airline Travel

Does it meet airline carry on size and weight restrictions for the airlines you plan to travel on? Will it be easy to access things in the bag while in an airport or hotel lounge without creating a yard sale?

When examining a backpack’s design ask questions that will help you determine if the features designed into the bag deliver what you need to make travel and daily life easier by storing everything safely and in an organized way and while also making everything accessible.

Does the backpack have the pockets, material, and organization that make your life easier?

Laptop compartment or included padded laptop sleeve?

Quick access cell phone and passport compartment?

Clamshell or alternative style opening that makes full access quick and easy?

Function and Purpose

Whether you’re a hiker, minimalist, digital nomad, business traveler, or other, will the design of the bag, how its carried, and how it stores items make your life easier and less stressful?

Is the bag designed for trail performance: in terms of shoulder straps, weight, durability, and storage?How comfortable will the bag be while hiking for one day? For multiple days?

Is the bag designed for City & Urban Travel in terms of streamlined design, security, and maximization of space use? Will the bag be easy to carry on subways and buses, walking through aisle ways? Is the bag design vulnerable to pickpocketers or slashing?

Does the backpack have the comfort elements you need? Such as padded Shoulder Straps, Padded Hip Belt, suitable Back Panel (softness, breathability)

Fit & comfortable feel specifically for you

Regardless of the reviews, the ultimate deciding factor should be comfort and how the pack fits you. Are the shoulder straps comfortable? Does the hip belt stay comfortable when weighted? Does the back panel feel comfortable on your back and breathe? Fit and comfort are the main reasons for different pack designs for men and women, so make sure you don’t sell yourself short by getting the pack perfect for everyone else and horrible for you.

Quality and Company Reputation

Does the manufacturer provide good customer service support and warranty support after the sale based on customer reviews? Is production quality consistent?

As you discover the common features available in good travel backpacks, note the function you do and don’t need, and select accordingly.

When it comes to travel backpack carry on options, 35 Liters (35L)  to 45 Liters  (45L) is the best bag size for most adventures – big enough to carry everything for trips longer than 1 week, small enough to satisfy the airlines.  FYI, the “L” after the size numbers indicates the liters of capacity  in the backpack

Here are some general guidelines for other backpack sizes:

<30L: Best for daypacks or ultralight travel

30L -> 39L: Weekender or 1-week travel bags (1 month+ for minimalist travel pros) 35L -> ~50L: 1 Week or longer of carry on only travel (perfect for “RTW Travel”) 50L<:  “Summit bags”, multi-climate travel, bringing your own camping gear, and completely moving your life

If you’re traveling through several different climates and carrying your own gear you may need an expandable storage option, to use at times and pack flat during airline travel, to avoid taking a 50L. Keep in mind that for most regions of the world, hiking and camping gear can be rented cheaply and easily for the duration of your trip. Consider the expandable storage options (below) for temporary extra storage.

• (North America) Spirit Airlines Carryon Guidelines : 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 centimeters)
• (Asia) Air Asia Carryon Guidelines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters)
• (Europe) Ryan Air Carryon Guidelines: 21.5 x 16 x 8 inches (55 x 40 x 20 centimeters)
• (South America) Avianca Carryon Guidelines: Can’t exceed 45 inches (115 centimeters) or 22lbs (10 kgs)

How We Picked and Tested These Backpacks

Purchased, used, and tested plenty of bags only recommending the best.

Asking travelers over the past 5 years, in airports, train stations, and coffee shops, what the liked and disliked about the bags they’re wearing.

Analyzed the materials, construction, and technical details of each backpack – dimensions, capacity, pocket placement, materials (Cordura nylon vs. ripstop nylon vs. polyester vs. sailcloth), individual components (zippers, strap padding), features (memory foam, padded waistbelts) and more.

Finally, we used a decade of experience traveling the world, backpacking Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, North America, and the Middle East, trekking Patagonia and the Himalayas, and generally existing as a digital nomad to assess which backpacks would make life easier and more enjoyable – and dismiss the backpacks that “needed work.”

Because each traveler, and their respective travels are different, we narrowed the list to 45+ backpacks total with the 3 to 5 best backpacks for every traveler and respective traveler need.

Full List of the Best Carry On Backpacks – by Categor y

Best 45l carry on backpacks, big enough for world travel and backpacking around the world.

For the past 5 years of traveling the world, I have only traveled with a single, carry-on sized backpack – to lower my cost of travel (avoiding baggage fees) avoid the hassle (no checked bags) for security (keeping my bag close on long bus rides). Having an airplane carry-on-sized backpack allows these benefits, however, the fit can be tight.

A 45L bag (referring to 45 liters of capacity by volume) is the perfect bag for world travel because it is the maximum allowable size giving you every square inch possible to pack, while eliminating the issues of large checked baggage.

This section lists the best 45L carry-on backpacks on the market today.

The Tortuga Outbreaker (45L) 

Best carry on backpack for international travel and exploring cities.

The Tortuga Outbreaker is absolutely one of the best carryon backpack options for urban ventures and my vote for the best carry on backpack for international travel thanks to the meticulous design by travelers, for travelers. The result is a roomy backpack that is as comfortable as can be with tons of space for tech, sheds rain, and still passes for a carry on sized bag. The Tortuga Outbreaker is a ridiculously well thought out pack and has a place for everything.

The Tortuga Outbreaker’s organization, two main compartments with several zippered mesh pockets and padded pockets for electronics.  The separate zippered compartment for a laptop, a tablet, and electronics cables is well thought out. The bag also opens flat for easy packing and unpacking. Comfortable straps, and a water bottle pocket finish off this highly functional bag.

The only concern I have with this is the durability of the touted “X-Pac Waterproof Sailcloth” over 1000D Cordura nylon and 1600D ballistic nylon. The fabric is a combination of 210D nylon and laminates which may suffice for everyday use on airlines but causes me to question durability of the cloth with heavier loads and the abrasion of adventurous travel.

I glean that the Tortuga team implies that you should reasonably expect a 3-year lifespan based on  Tortuga’s official warranty .

From Tortuga’s website:

“Most travelers replace their luggage every few years. Barring a defect as mentioned above, your Tortuga will easily handle all of your adventures during that time…” .

In either case, the bags is impressively designed and well suited for urban adventures, but future reviews will tell if the materials will stand the test of time and adventurous travel.

Best for: Tech saavy travelers, flashpackers, and digital nomads confined to city limits Advantages: Impressively designed for keeping organized without packing cubes due to the plethora of pockets, separated into three compartments and room for a laptop, tablet, and electronics Cons:  Questions on the durability of X-Pac Sailcloth as the primary fabric under hard travel, and the value over 610D Nylon or 1000D Cordura Nylon.  

Bottom Line : Despite the Tortuga Outbreaker’s durability questions (given the price), this is an impressively designed bag that will help keep digital nomads and road warriors organized through the hustle.  If the bag does break down in 3 years, the money spent will be worth the convenience gained

I like what the Tortuga team is doing with their gear but buy this bag understanding that you can only expect a few years out of it or aim for something more durable if that’s your primary concern in a bag.

• Price: $299 (45L); $269 (35L) at Tortugabacks.com
• Size (45L): 22″ x 14″ x 9” | 56 x 35.5 x 23 cm — 5.1lbs | 2.3kg
• Size (35L): 20.3″ x 12.9″ x 8.2” | 51.5 x 33 x 21 cm — 4.6lbs | 2.1kg
• Materials: Waterproof X-Pac Sailcloth (210D nylon with DWR and UV resistant coatings, PET film, 50D polyester taffeta backing)
• Features: Front Loading/Clamshell design; Padded Laptop Compartment for 17″ laptop; Padded, removable hip belt; Lockable zippers; Fleece Lined Electronics Pockets

Click here to read more about the Tortuga Outbreaker in this Tortuga Outbreaker Review

Best tough backpack for long term travel.

You will be hard-pressed to find a more well constructed, more heavy-duty backpacks than the GORUCK line – trust me, I’ve tried.  Among the GORUCK packs, the GORUCK GR3 is the most suited as for long term travel and is one of the best one bag travel backpack options on the market thanks to ample space (45L) and the optional 18L tough bag stuff sack which straps easily to the bottom.

The GORUCK GR3 is inspired military medic packs, upgraded with intuitive yet simplistic design, put together with materials and construction that allow it to carry 450lbs, and tested during 100’s of rucking (aka hiking) competitions GORUCK hosts. Based on specs for design construction and 6 months of travel, I rate this hands down as one of the most durable and best travel backpacks available.

Best for: Heavy use, heavy loads, high abrasion, long term travel Advantages:  Pure durability. Tested to loads of 450lbs+, lifetime guarantee, easily expandable storage to 63L (with GORUCK Tough Compression Sack). Cons: •  Sternum strap sold separately •  Pricey (but you get what you pay for) •  Requires packing cubes to stay organized •  Weight is ~1lb more than your average pack due to heavier materials Price: $545 at GORUCK Size:  22 x 14 x 9 in. | 56 x 35.5 x 23 cm Capacity: 45L | 2746 cu. in. Weight: 5.15lbs (4.59 lbs without hip belt) | 2.3 kg  Materials: 1000D Cordura makes this backpack heavily slash resistant, and great for city travel, “rainproof”; YKK zippers; Mil-spec webbing and buckles

Osprey Porter 46L Travel Pack

• Best for: Backpacking and long term travel
• Streamlined exterior and no loose straps, for easy plane, train, and bus travel
• Compression straps make it easy to pack light, or (slightly) overpack
• Stowaway straps
• Best Price Available: $160 at REI.com
• Weight:  
• Dimensions:
• Also Consider:

Other 45L Carry On Backpacks to consider

• The Topo Design Global Travel Bag 40L: Expands to 45 liter capacity , made of materials and sports a cool retro look
• Peak Design Travel Bag 35L: Expands to 45 liter capacity
• The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45: A 45L anti-theft backpack with integrated metal security mesh and lockable zippers

Best 40L Carry On Backpacks

Still big enough for world travel, but easier to manage.

45L backpacks are perfect for traveling around the world indefinitely, but for travel of a few weeks or a month, the 40L backpacks on the market may be more suitable.

Whereas 45L carry-on backpacks are as monstrous as travel backpacks can get, they may be perfect for a year of travel around the world but may also be too large for some people.

If your travels tend to be in more pleasurable and warm climates, meaning you’ll pack fewer clothes, or primarily in the city, which requires no boots and outdoor trekking gear, a 40L backpack may be the sweet spot of just large enough but not too large.

Additionally, if you plan to take a carry-on backpack and a small duffle or handbag , checked or taken onto the plane as a personal item, the 40L backpack category may have some of the best options for you.

• Advantages:
• Best Price Available: $399 at Nomatic online

Also check out the entire Nomatic Navigator series , consisting of day packs, sling bags, “standard luggage” and more

• Water resistant outer material
• Laptop protection pocket and sleeve, TSA ready
• Dedicated shoe pocket
• Quickly shifts to a duffle bag style, handbag carry without stowing straps

• Best Price Available: $289.99 at Nomatic.com
• Capacity: 40L
• Weight:  3.42 lbs
• Dimensions: 9″ x 21″ x 14″
• Design and Pockets: Laptop pocket – 16″ x 10.5″ x 1.5″
• Warranty: Nomatic Lifetime Warranty
• Also available in a 20L backpack expandable to 30L

A Heavy Duty Backpack Perfect for Shorter Term Travel – 1 week to 1 month or single climate travel and ready for adventure

The GORUCK GR2 retains the same rugged and tested DNA of the GR3, but helps you stay better organized, thanks to more standard pockets and the two compartment setup.  The smaller size (34L & 40L) make it better than the GR3 for shorter travel.

The GR2 does have 5L or 11 less space than the GR3, depending on the variant you get, thus I only recommend it for travels shorter than 1 month and in a single season/climate. A benefit of the GR2 over the GR3 is with the smaller size, it is easier to get away with the GR2 as an everyday use pack. From my experience with this pack, it is excellent for its intended purposes of heavy use and short trips. If that’s what you’re after, the GORUCK GR2 is an excellent option.

• Best for: Heavy use, heavy loads, daily use, shorter trips, and anyone looking for “buy it for life” gear Advantages: Bombproof, durable construction and a significant lifetime guarantee Cons: •  Price…but once again, you get what you pay for •  Weight, approximately 1lb heavier than the average carryon bag and .5lbs heavier than the average carry on travel backpack Price: $495 at GORUCK Size (40L Model): 22 x 12.5 x 9 in. | 56 x 32 x 23 cm Size (34L Model):   20.5 x 12.5 x 9 in. | 56 x 32 x 23 cm   Capacity: 40L Model |2440 cu. in & 34L model | 2074 cu. in. Weight: 4.75lbs  | 2.2 kg Materials: 1000D Cordura makes this backpack heavily slash resistant, and great for city travel, “rainproof”, and abrasion resistant; YKK zippers; Mil-spec webbing and buckles

Thule Landmark 40L Travel Backpack

Very similar to the REI Ruckpack 40

• Best for: Medium to long term travelers (1 month+)
• Perfect balance between a “travel backpack” and a trekking/hiking backpack
• Clamshell opening design makes everything available duffle bag style, perfect to pair with packing cubes
• Dedicated and protected laptop pocket
• Lid pocket with lockable zippers
• Padded, breathable back panel
• Stowable shoulder straps
• Stowable water bottle pocket
• Best Price Available: $199.95 at Backcountry.com or Amazon.com
• Capacity: 40L (2441cu in)
• Weight:  3lb 3oz
• Dimensions: 9.8 x 13 x 21.5in
• Materials: 420D polyester dobby, 600D polyester
• Pockets and design : 1 zippered top, 1 zippered laptop/tablet sleeve (15-inch), 1 CashStash compartment, internal mesh storage, 1 zippered side, 1 side bottle
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty through Thule
• Also Consider: REI Ruckpack 40

Topo Design Global Travel Bag (40L), Expandable to 45L

• Retro look and colorful designs
• Made of tough, high quality material assures you this pack will last
• 40 liter capacity expands to 45L
• Divided internal panel design
• Brightly colored internal cloth make finding items easy in darker places
• 3 Way Carry (traditional backpack, shoulder bag, handbag)
• Boxy design pairs well with packing cubes and makes every inch of space available
• Back panel laptop pocket fits up to a 15″ laptop
• Top and side carry handles
• Removable shoulder straps
• Best Price Available: $229 at REI.com or $229 at TopoDesigns.com** with an optional 15% discount
• Capacity: 40 L / 2441 cu. in., expandable to 45L
• Dimensions: 14″ x 22.5″ x 7.5″
• Materials: 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon, large heavy duty YKK zippers
• Design and Pockets: Expandable and stowaway water bottle pockets

GORUCK Rucker – Long Range (39L)

A seriously tough backpack with additional features to double as a weight backpack for workouts and rucking.

• Best for: Hard users who want a backpack that carries serious weight and can double for workouts
• Most durable ~40L bag on this list
• Stress points tested to 400lbs+
• Handles on top, bottom, and side intended for workouts but very useful for travel
• Open flat design
• Divider and double wrap around zipper create 2 separate “shelves”
• No Laptop pocket
• Best Price Available: $255 at GORUCK.com with lifetime warranty

Budget Travel Backpack: One of the best travel packs for Europe and urban wandering

On the REI Ruckpack 40, REI took clear design cues and hiking performance from the REI Trail 40, then cleaned up the exterior to make it more urban travel focused. This urban-focused bag is one of the best travel packs for Europe for those on a budget. Functional, durable, simple, and comfortable.

Zip away pockets make moving through the cities without being pickpocketed easier. Stowaway shoulder straps and hip belt, hidden at will by the zip up back panel, make for easy bag checking and side/top handles make it easy to move while straps are stowed. Finally, the REI DNA makes for frame/back support and straps design that will stay comfortable throughout the hiking and trekking adventures that happen between city experiences.

Best for: New travelers or travelers on a budget that will hike as much as they’ll adventure by plane, bus, rail, or however the trail happens Price: $140 at REI Online Size: 24 x 13 x 10 in. | 61 x 33 x 25.5 cm.  Capacity: 40 Liters |2,440 Cubic Inches Weight: 4lbs 3 oz | 1.9 kg Materials: 210 Denier Ripstop Nylon and YKK zippers Warranty: 1 year unlimited warranty through REI Features:  Side zip access to water bladder pocket/ laptop pocket that fits a 15″ laptop

Checkout our Full Review of the REI Ruckpack 40

Other 40l carry-on travel packs to consider.

• Gregory Tribute Women’s 40L Travel Pack
• Gregory Tetrad Men’s 40 Travel Pack

For weekenders or one-month adventures in a single climate, as long as you pack efficiently you can’t go wrong with a 35L backpack.

Pack travel friendly clothes that require minimal washing, use packing cubes , and get a functional toiletry bag, and this relatively tiny setup will have everything you need while making your life very easy.

Minaal Carry-on 2.0 Bag (35L)

The Minaal Carry on 2.0 Bag is great option, and more suited to the crowd that values attention to detail.

Minaal clearly pays attention to small details, which shows in the features like a magnetic clipping system for the top shoulder harness support straps, a clip in “holster” for the chest strap, and even etching the bag’s dimensions on the shoulder strap to show to over zealous airport security (not sure that will suffice though…the New Zealand TSA must be quite a bit different than US TSA).

Beyond the tiny details, the bag structure is similar to the other urban carry options: a flat opening pack made of durable material with mesh and covered pockets on the inside front panel. The question is if the additional price is worth those tiny details for you .

Best for: Minimalist travelers and digital nomads moving through urban areas Advantages: The attention to the very  small details Cons: • A bit on the small side making it better for trips of a week or less, but minimalists may do just fine traveling for longer than a week • Heavy design focus on small details that add very small vale to the travel experience Price: $299 Dimensions: 55cm x 35cm x 20cm | 21.6in x 13.7in x 7.8in Capacity: ~35L | ~2135 cu in. Weight: 3.1lbs | 1.4kg Materials: A combination of 600D and 1000D Nylon, YKK zippers Warranty: Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects (+90 day trial period) Notable Features : Chest strap “holster”, embossed bag dimensions on shoulder strap, roll away & zippered cover to stow shoulder straps and waist belt (although reported to annoyingly press into the users shoulders), laptop and tablet strapping system that holds your devices in place and saves space, also suspending your devices to prevent damage when the bag is dropped, document pocket and passport pocket, 2 Small “quick access” pockets on top of the pack and two expanding pockets along the back panel of the main pack

Aer Travel Pack 2 (33L) and Aer Travel Pack 3 (35L)- Small One Bag for Urban Terrain

A near perfect urban travel backpack.

The Aer Travel Pack 2 and 3 are fairly simple carry on sized urban travel backpack made of extremely ballistic nylon, that make it something you can for short travels (~1 week) and use for a long time to come.

The Aer Travel Pack 2’s smaller than average capacity (~33L) may limit it to the corporate traveler, weekend traveler, and short trippers. If you travel for longer than a week, consider something larger, but for 1 week or less (or are a minimalist traveler) this is a great carry on backpack option.

Best for: Weekend travel, short trips, minimalist urban travelers Advantage: Constructed of very durable materials with a clean aesthetic Cons: A bit on the small side at 33L, limiting it to shorter (~1 week) trips. Fairly simple design that could deliver more function for the price tag . Simple, main compartment + front panel/pocket organization differs little from normal laptop backpacks for much cheaper Price: $220 Size: 21.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 | 55 x 34  x 22 cm Weight: 3.7lbs | 1.7kg Capacity: 33 liters | 2014 cu. in. Materials: 1680 Denier Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior, YKK zippers, Duraflex® plastic hardware

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

• Best for: Weekenders to month long backpacking adventures in urban areas and a single climate
• Tough outer materials, TPU coated for water resistance
• Colorful, eye catching fabric
• Side access laptop pocket
• Lashing straps
• 3 Way Carry: Backpack, handbag, shoulder bag
• Stowable shoulder straps and hip belt
• Rain cover included

• Best Price Available: $200 direct from Cotopaxi or $200 at REI.com
• Capacity: 35L (2136cu in)
• Weight:  4lb 10oz (2.1kg)
• Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8in (51 x 30 x 20cm)
• Open flat, clamshell design
• Right side opens into a large, mesh, zippered compartment
• Left side is divided into mesh zippered compartments
• Materials: TPU Coated 1000D polyester and 860 denier ballistic nylon

Peak Design Travel Bag (35L expandable to 45 liters)

• Best for: Weekend travel to month long travel adventures
• Compact enough for
• Sturdy handles on top, bottom, and sides
• Plenty of sturdy lashing points
• Great quality materials and construction will last a lifetime
• Best Price Available: $299.95 at PeakDesign.com
• Capacity: Compressed: 30L, Expanded: 45L
• Weight:  4.5 lb / 2.05 kg
• Dimensions: 22″ x 13″ x 11″
• Materials: Weatherproof 400 denier recycled nylon canvas exterior with durable water resistant coating, 900 denier waterproof bottom
• Warranty: No hassle lifetime warranty

Best 30L and Smaller Carry On Backpacks

Small carry on travel backpacks – big enough for weekend trips and small enough to to double as a daypack.

30L Carry On Backpacks (and smaller) are in a very functional space of being the perfect sized weekend bag that can be emptied and double as a useful daypack.

30L travel bags are also great for long term travel and nomading when paired with a duffle bag that doubles as a backpack .

For digital nomads and long term travelers that make a base in one city for months at a time and travel for shorter periods (a weekend to a week) the duffle bag makes the perfect “leave behind bag” while the 30L travel pack serves as a daypack, the all important carry-on bag, and the travel bag for weekend adventures.

These are the best travel friendly 30L carry-on backpacks.

Also Consider

• Tom Bihn Synik 30 Daypack and Travel Pack

Best Carry On Travel Backpacks for Women

Backpacks specifically designed to be more comfortable for women

In the months I’ve been on the road, I have to admit…I’ve noticed women make up most of the backpackers over the age of 25 that I’ve met. Whether they’re leaving for a week, a month, or on sabbatical, they’re doing their thing and I think that’s awesome! In an attempt to help out my fellow travelers (of the female persuasion), I’ve kept notes on the travel backpacks for women I’ve seen satisfied female travelers wearing abroad. The backpacks below are the ladies’ packs I keep seeing over and over with great reviews.

What makes women’s packs different from men’s packs? Why does it matter?

Curved shoulder straps follow the contours of the chest, and a shorter length and longer hip belt transfer the load from the shoulders to the hips more effectively than unisex backpacks

The structural build of the average male vs. the average female is very different, especially when we look at shoulder width, torso length, hip width/circumference, and the ratios of all these bits and pieces. As a result unisex (i.e., standard) packs can be uncomfortable for many women, especially if they’ve been designed and tested on only men. The same way a one size fits all pack is usually not the best for every hiker, the best unisex backpacks usually aren’t great for women.  The best travel backpacks for women (as reported by women) take into account these subtle differences in body makeup.

Now, in case the title of this site doesn’t make it clear, I am not a woman (and I don’t know the struggle) so these packs are recommended based on observations, research, reviews, and conversations. Ladies, if you have a great pack you can recommend specifically for women (or disagree with the packs on this list) please let me know at [email protected] . Thanks!

REI Trail 40 Pack – Women’s

Note on the Women’s REI Trail 40 Pack Reviews: The Women’s Trail 40 pack on the REI was updated and isn’t enjoying great reviews in its initial days, although the previous version that had great reviews was and is essentially the same pack. I’ll keep an eye on this and update accordingly but I have faith that users will appreciate the bag they get for the price with the Women’s Trail 40.

Best for: Just like the original nisex pack, this pack is a perfectly sized carry on that wears comfortably and is well suited for hiking and trekking. I took this pack (in the unisex version) from Galapagos to Everest and loved it. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better backpack for the price Advantages: The amazing price, and how well the backpack performs hiking and trekking Cons: Could use more horizontal compression straps Price: $119 at REI Online Capacity: 40 liters | 2,441 cubic inches Dimensions: Size (Small): 20.25 x 13.125 x 10.5 inches Size (Medium): 21.6 x 13 x 10.5 inches Weight: 2 lbs. 15 oz. | 1.3 kg.

View the REI Trail 40 Review for more info

REI Flash 45 Women’s Pack (Hiking + Trekking)

Just like the Men’s REI Flash 45, the REI Flash 45 Women’s pack is a true trekking and hiking backpack but aimed at the ultralight hiking and camping crowd, so it performs well while keeping weight light.

The benefit of the women’s Flash pack over the men’s is the shorter length of 25”, meaning it will be easier to squeeze by the all too common 22” length restriction on Southeast Asia and European budget airlines. You can get around this restriction by under packing or offloading some gear into your daypack “personal item” to make that last 3 inches, but know about this potential hassle going in. If you can handle that, you’ll get a carryon sized backpack that is completely designed for trekking and multi-day backcountry adventures. Pair this with the Flash 22 compressible daypack and you’re set for all of your adventures

Best for: Female Trekkers and hikers Advantages: A lightweight pack designed for trekking and hiking that is much more affordable than the competition, with padded and curved straps and a shorter torso to accommodate most female frames Cons: • No dedicated, padded laptop space • Exceeds the strictest Southeast Asian and European budget airlines by 3 inches (which can be made up for by under-packing) Price: $149 at REI Online Weight : 2lbs 12oz | 1.25 kg. Capacity (Sm): 45 | 2,746 cu. In. Capacity (Med): 47 | 2,868 cu. in Size: 25 x 13 x 8 inches | 63.5 x 33 x 20.5 cm Materials: 420 denier ripstop nylon and YKK zippers Comparison: Over the Women’s REI Trail 40 , you get a beefier shoulder strap and waist belt system with the REI Flash 45 Women’s , 5 additional liters, and tougher material (420D nylon instead of the 210D nylon used on the Trail 40)

The Osprey Fairview 40 – Great All Around Women’s Backpack

The well-reviewed and lady friendly version of the Osprey Farpoint 40

Best for: Mostly urban travel with the occasional jaunt beyond city limits. Great for new backpackers and small budgets Advantages:  Cost and versatility Price: $160 at REI Online Materials: 210-denier ripstop nylon/600-denier packcloth Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 9 in. | 53.5 x 35.5 x 23 cm. Weight : 3 lbs. 2 oz. | 1.4 kg Capacity: S/M: 40 liters | 2,441 cubic inches Capacity: XS/S: 38 liters | 2,319 cubic inches

The REI Women’s Ruckpack 40

Great City Travel Option for Newbie Ladies and Small Budgets

The lady friendly version of the Men’s REI Ruckpack 40. This pack’s length does exceed most airline carry on size restrictions by 2”, but you can compensate for this by not over packing the top portion of the pack…so if you get this one, ensure to pack your self-control before packing anything else (and overloading your pack).

What makes this version different than the fella’s version? Shaped harness straps that curve differently around the chest. Shortened torso length. Longer hip straps to accommodate the extra curves (that we love so much)

Best for: Urban travel with light adventuring beyond city limits. Great for new travelers and small budgets Advantages: Price and value. REI delivers amazing packs for the price and the ladies are loving this one Cons: 2 inches too large for some carry on travel, but reportedly a great travel rucksack for the price nonetheless Price: $140 at REI Online Weight/size Weight: 4 lbs 3 oz | 1.9 kg Size: 24x13x10 inches | 61 x 33 x 25.5

Checkout our  Full Review of the REI Ruckpack 40

The perfect backpack for traveling abroad

The ladies’ version of the Osprey Farpoint 55, so this is essentially the Fairview 40 with a zip off daypack included. Impressively reviewed as reliable, convenient for airline travel, and versatile.

Best for: Mostly urban travel with the occasional jaunt beyond city limits. Great for new backpackers and small budgets and travelers that want a daypack included Cons: The Packs length exceeds carry on restrictions for most airlines by 3 inches when fully loaded, so be ready to shift items in your pack if called out by the gate agent Advantages:  Cost and versatility make it suitable for most travelers Price: $180 at REI Online Materials: 210-denier ripstop nylon/600-denier packcloth Dimensions: 25 x 13 x 12 inches Weight: 3 lbs. 13 oz. Capacity S/M: 55 liters | 3,356 cubic inches Capacity XS/S: 52 liters | 3,173 cubic inches

Women’s Kelty Redwing 36 (36L) and 50 (50L)

A tired, true, and legendary backpack in the outdoorsy community that isn’t perfect, but is reputed for being roomy, tough, and comfy. Available at a great price ($119 and $149)

• Best for: Backpacking and outdoorsy adventures and tough enough to last a lifetime
• Best Price Available for the Kelty Redwing 36L: $119 at Kelty.com
• Best Price Available for the Kelty Redwing 50L: $149 at Kelty.com
• Capacity: 36 liters and 50 liters respectively
• Dimensions and Weight- 36L: 22 x 17 x 10 in / 55.87 x 43.18 x 24.40 cm | 2 lbs 9 oz / 1.16 kg
• Dimensions and Weight – 50L: 27 x 18 x 10 in, 3 lbs 15 oz / 1.79 kg
• Materials: Poly 420D Small Back Stafford
• Warranty: Kelty lifetime warranty

Durable & Heavy Duty Backpacks Fit for Carry on Travel

Built to handle heavy abuse, heavy abrasion, and heavy loads. Designed to last through the worst but still serve well for adventurous travelers that want a bag that will last for life

When you want a travel backpack that will last you for life, durability is your main concern and you need a heavy duty backpack for your travels. I admit, this is the category I love most as I usually abuse my backpacks. I also believe each time a backpack survives a “risky encounter”, it retains a bit of luck. Needless to say, my Spec Ops T.H.E. and my GORUCK GR3 are the “luckiest” packs I own.

When shopping for a durable backpack, look for :

• High denier Nylon materials, ideally coated for weatherproofing. I settle for nothing less than 1000D Cordura. • Military-grade straps and buckles • Reinforced and heavily stitched straps, handles, and stress points to support heavy loads and abuse • A track record of good reviews and lots of abuse in varied environments

Spec Ops T.H.E Backpackpack

Budget Durable Travel Backpack

The Spec Ops brand T.H.E. (“Tactical Hold Everything”) backpacks are very durable, heavy duty backpacks at much better prices than you’ll find on GORUCK’s site, making them a great GORUCK GR3 Alternative.

I bought my Spec Ops T.H.E. 13 years ago and took it to war 3 times…and it did just fine. If the GORUCK line is too pricey and you don’t mind the “tacti-cool” look of MOLLE webbing consider this option with the optional removable back panel …or a homemade kydex frame sheet. I’ve run with 25lbs – 45lbs in this bag, hiked and rock climbed plenty with it, taken several trips with it in the last decade and there is not so much as a single thread loose.

Best for: Durability, heavy loads, lots of potential abrasion abuse Advantages: Though it lacks the marketing, arguably as bombproof as the GORUCK series Cons: •  Not fully front loading design •  Will require packing cubes for organization •  Back Panel sold separately (~$30) •  No padded laptop space Price: ~$180 on Amazon Size: 19 x 13 x 12 in | 48 x 33 x 30.5 cm Weight: 3.5lbs| 1.6kg Capacity: 42L | 2550 Cu Inches Materials: 1000D Cordura Nylon, Military grade webbing and buckles, #10 YKK zippers Warranty: Full warranty on workmanship and materials, Spec-ops will prepay shipping to return the item and repair/replace for free. If the gear damage is your fault and you have a great story, Spec-ops will likely repair/replace for free Also Consider: The 5.11 Rush 24 or Rush 72

The ALICE Pack

An Old School Military Rucksack

A reliable, time tested budget option for those that want durable, hiking ready, heavy duty backpacks with old school swag. ALICE isn’t perfect, but she’ll get everything you need done just fine. You can buy one new online or get a “seasoned” one from any military surplus store.

For near perfection, upgrade the shoulder straps to something more substantial and padded and purchase a frame for the pack – or build one out of 1/2″ PVC based on online tutorials. For less than $50 you can have an extremely durable pack with the function to travel well anywhere and is light enough to impress any ultralight traveler.

Another option is to aim for many of the updated versions of this pack, made with 1000D Cordura nylon in the US to durability standards that rival GORUCK. Spec Ops Brand was the front runner, but many have popped up in their place.

Note: If you do go the route of beloved “ALICE”, eBay or your local surplus store are your best bet for getting a genuine, military issue ALICE pack for cheap. Avoid Rothco and Fox gear, as these are replicas and not built to military specifications. Retired, GI backpacks can be found for ~$20-$50 at your local surplus store or on ebay. You’ll have to add your own straps from there, and I recommend Blackhawk, Tactical Tailor, or any other reputable brand for great shoulder straps. At this point, you’ll have a simple, durable backpack for ~$75. If you want to step it up for serious hiking, pickup a used ruckpack frame for the ALICE pack and you will have the most reliable backpack setup possible for under $100. Also, check eBay for used versions of the Spec Ops Brand Recon Ultra backpack for a reliable, updated option (these packs have been discontinued but provide the same function in an updated package for cheap).

My experience: This was my first true “one bag” for a vacation to Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan over a month. For this kind of single climate travel, the ALICE pack is perfect Best for: Travelers looking for a tough budget friendly pack, hard users, minimalists, and anyone who appreciates an old school feel Advantages: Well tested, extremely durable yet functional, cheap Design: Functional via simplicity, with three easily accessed external pockets, one main storage area, a document pouch in the lid, and one pouch in the main compartment Cons: To get the best use out of this bag, making a homemade back support from PVC is optimal, but not necessary Price: ~$50-$75 for the whole package Weight/size: ~2lbs Capacity: 2,285 cu.in | 37.5 liters Materials: Unicorn leather Warranty: None. But this kind of gear doesn’t need one Also Consider •  Greenroom123 Rainmaker: Something more modern on the cheap side •  RedOxx C-Ruck

Best Weatherproof Carry on Backpack

If you plan to travel somewhere with plenty of rain and wet (like a Southeast Asian country during its monsoon season) plan for wet in order to keep your gear dry. Now, remember that aside from a roll top dry bag , such as those design for SCUBA gear, no bag will keep your gear dry under a heavy downpour. If you’re expecting lots of rain or wet boat rides, get a heavy duty trash bag, put that bag inside your backpack, and put your gear inside that.

Whether freediving through the Philippines and traveling rough seas, or getting caught in rainstorms in Bali or Patagonia, that trick (the trash bag) has been the #1 way to keep things dry.

For every other “slightly wet” situation, wherein you want weather resistance, these three bags are your best options.

• Tortuga Outbreaker
• Nomatic Navigator Travel Bag
• Patagonia MLC Black Hole (TPU Outer Version)

Best Minimalist Construction Carry On Backpacks

Most times, less is more – and this is where minimalist bags come in. Getting a bag that is just a well-stitched bit of high quality, durable, weather-resistant material, and throw in some packing cubes for organization can be an excellent, versatile option.

These are the best minimalist carry on backpacks…

The Patagonia Black Hole MLC Brief Case 45L  

This flat folding pack is minimalist, full of pockets for organizing, is made of a fully waterproof  material, and is a fraction of the Outbreaker’s pricetag ( $180 at REI Online with membership + free shipping)

This carryon lacks structure and internal support of the other urban travel carry on backpacks, but is still great for carry on travel. A friend did Southeast Asia with it for 6 months and loved it

Best Anti-theft Backpack

Security is one of the biggest concerns of new solo travelers. Though, to be honest, there is no 100% deterrent for theft aside from staying aware and keeping an eye on your belongings, having a good backpack with slash-resistant fabrics, lockable zippers, lashing points, and other pickpocket deterrents can deliver the peace of mind that will allow you to freely enjoy your travels.

This section delivers the best theft-resistant carry on backpacks for travelers.

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack (45L) and EXP35 (35L)

This high quality bag takes a normal, roomy, functional carry on and builds in security and anti-theft functions to allow you to travel without worry of pickpockets and even leave your bag strapped to a pole or static point.

The combination of locking zippers that are puncture proof and an integrated cut resistant wire mesh throughout the backpack make this a full sized carry on that will keep your belongings and valuables safe. Last, an integrated metal cable allows you to lash this bag securely to a static point.

Available in 35L and 45L

• Best for: Travelers heavily concerned with theft, or your average nomad carrying thousands of dollars of valuables on their back.
• Regenerated nylon made from recycled fishnets
• Slash resistant metal mesh throughout the fabric of the bag
• Locking zipper system with puncture resistant zippers
• Integrated security cable allows locking to a chair, pole, or table
• 2 way carry – as a backpack or briefcase style handbag
• Padded laptop sleeve fits up to a 16″ laptop
• Best Price Available: $239 with free shipping
• Capacity: 45 L / 2746 in3
• Weight:  3 lb 13 oz / 1.73 kg
• Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.8 x 8.7 in / 55 x 35 x 22 cm
• Materials: Water resistant 400 denier recycled nylon, made from recycled fish nets, with integrated wire security mesh

Pacsafe Venture Safe X40 Plus (40L)

• Best Price Available:

Well-padded and designed shoulder straps, waist belt, and back panel make it easier to hike for long periods with these packs while pockets are designed to make it easier to access items frequently used on the trail 

For the traveler that will arrive by plane but inevitably make their way into the outdoors, a travel and trekking ready backpack is a must.

When aiming for a backpack with travel + trekking prowess, look for the following:

• Well-padded and designed shoulder straps a waist belt
• Weather and abrasion resistant fabrics and thoughtful, hiking conscious construction
• External pockets that make storing and accessing essentials while hiking (e.g., water, snacks, camera, phone) quick and easy
• Proven reputation (of the bag and the manufacturer) with travelers and backpackers – good assurance that the bag will perform well over time

The REI Trail 40

One of the most functional and comfortable packs I’ve owned, and a great value for the price.

I tested this bag over 2 years which included hiking to Everest base camp solo, riding the Ho Chi Minh trail by motorbike, countless treks and wandering through 9 countries by plane, train, bus, and boat. For adventurous first time travelers, I absolutely recommend this bag.

Best for: Travelers that plan to hike and trek Advantages: A trekking and hiking ready pack that works equally well as a carryon and is perfect for beginners in performance and price. Cons:  • No dedicated, padded laptop space • Shoulder straps are comfortable but feel like the weakest point on the pack. If carrying heavier loads (45lbs+) expect a ~2 year lifespan, conservatively estimating. Price: $129 at REI Online Weight: 3 lbs Size (Medium): 21.5 x 13 x 10 in. | 54.5 x 33 x 25.5  Size (Large) 22.5 x 13 x 10 inches| 57 x 33 x 25.5   Materials: 210 denier nylon and YKK zippers

Also Consider: the REI Ruckpack 40 if your adventures are more urban and involve more airline travel than overland.  Checkout our Review of the REI Ruckpack 40 for more info

View the  REI Trail 40 Review  for more info

Technically too large to be a carry-on backpack but will fit as a carry on, and is a great minimalist trekking and hiking bag

A true trekking and hiking backpack with a lightweight yet functional design aimed at the ultralight hiking and camping crowd. This pack honestly does not meet carry on regulations, as its 30″ height exceeds the 22″ limit however, you may be able to slip by security by cranking down the lid and sneaking by the airline check stand. With the lid removed or empty, the bag only exceeds carry on restrictions by an inch, and definitely fits easily in overhead compartments. If you want a compact, minimalist, cheap trekking bag, the REI Flash 55 is a great option

This pack’s frame, shoulder and hip padding, and ultra-light hiking design make it a comfortable and useful bag on and off the trail, especially for the price. Plus, with 55 liters of capacity, you’ll be able to pack an entire year’s worth of travel gear in this single bag.

This pack’s length (30” for the unisex medium and 29” for the small) is a bit longer than the 22” average length restriction for budget airlines in Southeast Asia and Europe. You can get around this by under packing or offloading some gear into your daypack “personal item”, but know about this potential hassle going in. If you can handle that, you’ll get a carryon sized backpack that is completely designed for trekking and multi-day backcountry adventures. Pair this with the Flash 22 compressible daypack and you’re set for all of your adventures

From REI’s website: “Most airlines require a piece of carry-on luggage to be no bigger than 45 linear inches (L + W + H) to meet carry-on size restrictions. The medium [REI Flash 45] is 38 linear inches and the large is 49 linear inches, so please check with your airline ahead of time.”

Best for: Trekkers and hikers Advantages:  A lightweight pack designed for trekking and hiking that is much more affordable than the competition Cons: – No dedicated, padded laptop space – Length of the REI Flash 45 Pack when fully packed is technically longer than most budget airline restrictions by 4” on the medium and 5” on the large, but you get great on trail performance in return Price: $199 at REI Online Weight: 2lbs 14oz Size (Medium): 26 x 13 x 9 inches Size Large: 27 x 13 x inches Materials: 420 denier nylon and YKK zippers Comparison: Over the REI Trail 40 , you get a beefier shoulder strap and waist belt system, 5 additional liters, and tougher material (420D nylon instead of the 210D nylon used on the Trail 40)

Also Consider: “Almost” Carry On Backpacks

These 40L trekking backpacks are some of the best, however, 1 to 2 inches longer than the 22″ height maximum for most airlines. Aiming to take these packs as carry-on may not work. However, if you’re looking for a compact, minimalist trekking backpack – to make bus rides, train rides, and even some train rides easier, these may be great options.

Budget & Starter Carry on Backpacks for Travel

If you will be “backpacking Europe” for the first time or know that your adventures from day to day will be confined to the city limits, consider these budget bags for urban adventures.

Urban travel carry on backpacks generally have a durable, abrasion resistant outer material sturdy enough to handle the occasional abuse of checked baggage and being thrown under buses (the storage, not under the wheels). Travel within city limits will be more enjoyable, than with trekking backpacks,  thanks to  the streamlined profile (so that you don’t bump everyone and everything while walking) and the ease of wearing your luggage instead of dragging it (over rolling carry ons).

The shoulder straps and waist belt usually tuck away making for a smooth exterior without straps to snag on conveyor belts, in the occasional adventures of checked baggage. 

Remember that urban travel carry on backpacks are designed to make travel (planes, trains, and buses) easier but the shoulder straps and overall design aren’t meant to be worn all day. Bring a packable day pack that fits inside your carry on luggage, like the REI flash 22 compressible daypack so that your city exploration isn’t limited by what you can carry in your hands.

So, if you’re planning on your first jaunt to a foreign city, consider these option.

Osprey Farpoint 40 (Men’s) ($160)

The Osprey Farpoint 40 has to be the backpack that I come across dmost uring my travels. Whether in the US, Asia, or Europe, you will find plenty of people with this bag, and for good reason.

The size is just right for trips less than 3 months and through a single climate. The build is durable and the bag stays comfortable even on long walks. Lastly, the cost is great considering what you get.

Even today, while writing this article (in Albania), a Canadian guy stopped in front of me with the Osprey Farpoint 40 strapped to the back of his bicycle. It was his first backpacking trip but he got jealous of everyone with the freedom to ride the Balkan coast when and where they chose, so he bought a bike and rode. When I asked him about his bag, he replied, “I love it, it’s been great, and it’s just the perfect size. I wouldn’t have been able to bicycle with it if it was any bigger, so I’m glad I chose this pack.”

Morals of the story: The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a reliable starter bag, and over packing will limit your adventures, so stick to a carryon and consider the Osprey Farpoint 40 as your first bag.

Best for: Urban backpacking with a touch of adventuring beyond the city limits Differentiator: Great price and value, durable, versatile fit and comfortable support system makes it appropriate for most beginners and a great starter pack Cons: You’ll look like 25% of the other backpackers you come across…but in the world of travel, that’s not necessarily a bad thing… Price: $160 at REI Online Weight: 3 lbs. 2.7 oz. Dimensions: Size (M/L): 21 x 14 x 9 inches | 53.5 x 35.5 x 23 cm Size (S/M): 20 x 14 x 8 inches | 51 x 35.5 x 20.5 cm Capacity (M/L): 40 liters | 2,441 cubic inches Capacity (S/M): 38 liters | 2,319 cubic inches Materials: 210 denier nylon, 610 denier pack cloth Warranty: 1 year warranty when purchased through REI (REI Warranty)

For more info checkout our Osprey Farpoint 40 Review

A great all around travel backpack. This bag is essentially the Osprey Farpoint 40 with a convenient zip-off daypack. I have seen the Osprey Farpoint 55 more times on the road than I can count. Partly due to great price (often on sale) and partly due to reliability, as most people have taken it on several trips over the years.

Every time I ask for a traveler’s opinion on their experience with this bag, usually the bag is the traveler’s first travel pack and they still love it. 

Best for: New travelers in need of an all-around performing backpack; those who want a pack/daypack combo Differentiator: Zip off daypack included simplifies travel Cons: Not front loading or fold flat design and a few inches longer than most airline carry on limits Price: $180 at REI, but frequently on discount Size: 25 x 13 x 12 in. | 63.5 x 33 x 30.5 cm. Weight: 3 lbs. 14 oz. | 1.8 kg. Capacity: 55L / 3,356 cubic inches (including daypack capacity) Variants    S/M: 53L (15-19 inch torso)    M/L: 55L (18-22 inch torso) Materials: 210-denier ripstop nylon Warranty: “All Mighty Warranty” – Fix or replace for life, from Osprey

Best Cheap Carry On Backpacks Under $150

When you’re just getting started traveling, most travelers honestly don’t know what they need in a bag. For that reason, dropping $300-$500 on a travel backpack doesn’t make sense…yet.

For another crowd, money may be scarce – whether you’re a gap year student or saving for other things, money may be limited. In both cases, I absolutely advocate experiences (and travel) over material possessions, so spend more money on your trip and less money on your gear. If buying a pricier backpack will compromise a portion of your trip, or prevent you from getting the ticket to the destination that you really want to go to, then get the cheaper backpack now and make those memories. 

In the meantime, consider any one of these great quality backpacks for budget friendly prices.

Standard Luggage Co. – Standard’s Carry on Backpack, 35L-45L

Standard Luggage Co.’s Standard Carry on Backpack is a great carry on backpack option for those that want to avoid checking baggage, will be based mostly in cities, will use a different bag for their day hikes, and don’t want to spend ~$300+ on a backpack.

The Standard Carry on Backpack is made of high quality, durable materials (1600D ballistic nylon), incorporates a few good internal pockets, a laptop pocket for up to a 15” device, and has a shoulder harness system that will get you through your travels comfortably. Just don’t plan to use this as your day bag because the shoulder strap system isn’t built well enough for serious hiking.

Standard’s Carry on Backpack is a well-built yet simple carry on backpack at a reasonable price. The carry on is 35L but unzips and expands to 45L. Get Standard Luggage Co.’s Hanging Packing Cubes , which fit the backpack perfectly, along with Standard’s packing cube that doubles as an 8L backpack , or pick up some reliable nylon packing cubes on Amazon to keep the bag in order.

Best for: Ideal for urban travelers on a budget Advantage: A durable carry on backpack intended for urban travels at a reasonable price Cons : Lacks the organization of the Aer, Minaal, and Tortuga packs, but you can use the money saved to get packing cubes Price: $179 on Standard Luggage; $189 on Amazon Dimensions: 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 in when zipped and 21.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 when expanded Capacity (zipped) : 35 Liters | 2135 cu in. zipped Capacity (unzipped): 45 Liters | 2746 cu in. unzipped Weight: 3.7lbs | 1.7kg Materials: 1600D Ballistic Nylon Warranty: Lifetime warranty for the original owner and excludes damage caused by “negligence, extreme use, improper care, accidents, or the natural breakdown of materials over time” Perks: Free shipping, made in Canada

A simple, straight forward, budget friendly backpack. Don’t expect all of the bells and whistles of other bags, or for this bag to last forever. However, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more suitable “urban travel backpack” for the price.

• Best for: Urban travel
• Advantages: Great price
• Cons: Straps could be sturdier, polyester outer will wear much faster than the nylon used in the best bags
• Best Price Available: $119
• Capacity: 54L / 3300 cu. in.
• Weight:  3.75lbs
• Dimensions: 9 x 22 x 14 inches
• Materials: Polyester
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

• Kelty Redwing 44 and 50 : Only $120 for a legendary outdoor and travel backpack

Best Duffel Bags for Carry On that Double As Backpacks

Functional duffle style bags with a few additions, that make them more conducive to staying organized and traveling. I only recommend these for travel of less than one week or with little movement, but they’re great day to day bags.

A Note on Duffle Bags as Carry on Bags:

For the weekend traveler or the frequent traveler only going from airport to taxi to hotel, a convertible duffle bag may be a simple, functional and cheap solution. “Convertible Duffle Bags” offer a one up on reglar duffel bags because they can be worn as a backpack as well. Granted, these bags won’t be perfect for long hikes, they will make travel easier when walking a couple miles through urban terrain or changing a few buses. But, whatever you do, make sure to get a good shoulder strap.

I personally don’t recommend the pure duffel bag option if traveling more than a week, especially if you’re frequently changing where you sleep, but the following two options are great for any length of trip thanks to the shoulder straps and functional setup.

Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L (The Functional Convertible Duffle)

A meticulously designed urban travel bag that emphasizes organization, via 3 main compartments and countless pockets, and versatility, as it can be loaded and worn as a backpack or shoulder bag/duffle.

Tom Bihn’s Aeronaut incorporates extremely heavy-duty materials, such as 1600D ballistic nylon and YKK zippers, ensure this is a “buy it for life” investment. For those that don’t plan to abuse this bag enough to warrant ballistic nylon, the bag is also available in a lighter 450D nylon.

For the consummate urban traveler that is more concerned with keeping the contents of their bag organized than using it to scale mountains in their free time, the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L is a strong candidate.

Best for: Purely urban travelers that have difficulty staying organized, travelers looking for a bag that will do double duty as the gym back you take to work in the mornings that is built durably to last a lifetime Advantages: • Versatility – can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag, and duffle with a removable frame • Choice of fabrics to choose for light weight (450D nylon) or durability (ballistic nylon) • Novel, intuitive design • With the ballistic Nylon outer (design for bulletproof vests) and lifetime guarantee of workmanship this bag should last for years. • Design: Divided into three compartments with side opening clamshell design for main compartment and top opening/accessing for side compartments Price: $295 Dimensions: 21.9″ x 14″ x9.1″ |55.5cm x 35.5cm x23cm Capacity: 45L | 2700 cu. In. Weight: 1050 Denier Ballistic Nylon – 3lbs 1 oz | 1.4 kg. Weight: 450 Denier Nylon – 2lbs 7oz. | 1.1 kg. Materials:  1050D Balistic Nylon or 650D Ripstop Nylon (your choice); YKK #10 Zippers; Duraflex buckles Warranty: Lifetime free repair and replacement for manufacturer defects. Repair for a reasonable fee of wear and tear Pick this bag if: • Staying organized is difficult for you • You prefer compartmentalized bags to separate things (shoes, gear, etc.)

North Face Base Camp Duffel

An awesome, outdoor tested duffle for cheap.

The North Face Base Camp Duffle is a great convertible duffle bag option as it delivers very well on a simple concept: Duffle with handles and shoulder straps. The best part is the Base Camp Duffle is absolutely a carry on, and it can fit on any plane…but it’s on you to not overstuff the thing.

I’ve had my Base Camp Duffel for a couple years and love it…I was considering using it for this year long trip with a the Ruckpack 28 as a daypack (checkout our REI Ruckpack 28 Review ) when I wasn’t sure if my GORUCK GR3 would arrive in time. The North Face Base Camp Duffle has normal, short carrying handles as well as comfortable shoulder straps to use when moving around town. The fabric is waterproof, though the seams are not waterproof sealed, so count on this bag to be very water resistant, but not quite waterproof.

The outer bottom of the bag is covered with a nylon canvas to protect the waterproof fabric from abrasion and extend the life of the bag. Functional daisy chain loops line the outside of the bag so, with help of some small Metolius carabiners , you can clip shoes, wet gear, or anything else to the outside of the bag. For the price, this is a great duffle that I’ve used it a ton. I wouldn’t plan on hiking with it, but it’s a great carry on option for holding most of your gear and using an REI Ruckpack 28 or a GORUCK GR1 for your other adventures up to a few days

Pro Tip: If you like this bag but don’t need it right now and have Vietnam on your itinerary, visit Hanoi and buy one of these bags for ~$15 -$30 that  have been cut by “quality control” (“or fallen off the backs of trucks”) but are still perfectly solid for use. Look for the “Made in Vietnam” stores as a starting point. I have a The North Face Japan edition backpack that I picked up in Hanoi for my motorcycle ride through Vietnam and Laos. I still have that bag to this day and love it. Bottom line: Pickup this pack cheap in Vietnam, or get it from REI. Either way, you’re getting a great deal.

Best for: General travel, when you have a separate bag for the hikes and treks Advantages: Great quality gear dumpster for the price Cons: • Shoulder strap system isn’t comfortable enough for legitimate hiking and there is no back support system which also limits hiking. Think of the Base Camp Duffle as a gear dumpster to pair with a small hiking pack. • This thing is huge (good) and its on you to not over pack (bad) Price: $149 at REI Online Weight: 3lbs 8 oz. | 1.6 kg Dimensions: 13.9 x 25.4 inches Capacity: 71 liters | 4,333 Cu. In. Materials: 1000-denier fabric laminate (waterproof)/840-denier ballistic nylon (abrasion reistant) Warranty: 1 Year satisfaction guarantee through REI Also Consider: The Patagonia Black Hole Line

Peak Designs Duffle (60L)

This well crafted duffle converts between a three-way carry, as a backpack, hand-carry duffle, and a shoulder-slung duffle. This 65 liter pack is soft sided enough that you could underpack it and easily get it onto a plane as a regulation compliant carry on.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffle (40L)

Patagonia’s Black Hole duffle lives up to the outdoor gear company’s reputation of high quality in gear (in design, materials, and construction) combine with simplicity. This perfectly sized 40L duffle will deliver great performance for a lifetime.

Tough drag handles, waterproof TPU coated cloth, multiple handles and convertible straps for flexible carry, and more make this bag a great carry on friendly bag for travel.

Monarc Settra Duffel Backpack

WANDRD HEXAD Access Duffle Backpack

A techy, well designed, and comfortable backpack style carry duffel bag at a great price.

Osprey Transporter Duffle Bag (40L)

A simple, functional duffle from one of the most reliable backpack manufacturers for travelers at a great price given the quality.

Tom Bihn Techonaut 30 (30L) and 45 (45L)

Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Backpack (45L)

Expandable and Extra Space Options

For long term travelers, during your trip the pile of what you’re carrying can grow and shrink like most waistlines during the holidays. Whether you’re picking up some extra gear for a long hike or accumulating cooking ingredients while traveling overland by bus, having an expandable storage option that straps easily to the outside of your bag and folds flat when empty (as not to violate carryon restrictions) is a convenient way to hold those temporary additions.

The GORUCK Brick Bag 18L

Tough, expandable storage option

Of the 15 or so “compression sacks”, packing cubes, and stuff sacks I’ve been through, the GORUCK Tough Compression Bag is by far the best. This bag is roomy, tough , and easily attaches to my GORUCK GR3.

My GORUCK Brick Bag is currently strapped to the bottom of my GORUCK GR3 and holds shoes, dirty laundry, and anything I don’t feel like packing when traveling by boat, bus, or foot. When I fly, I empty it (making sure I did my laundry), repack my main ruck, and make carryon restrictions just fine. Over 6 months of travel, and sitting on the bottom of my travel ruck, the bag has been rained on, dragged, and beaten pretty well, but is still in fairly great condition (no holes or abrasion).

For comparison, my REI bags have all been filled with holes and worn through after 4 months of travel. The rain resistance and buckle system or two more keys that make this the expandable storage bag you should get.

Best for: Expandable storage capable of taking abuse and can be strapped to the bottom of a bag Advantages: Durability Cons: • Needs vertical compression straps to be a true compression bag • I wish it made coffee for me in the morning • 4x the price of other compression bags – but will last 10x longer, at least. Price: $90 Weight: .73lbs Dimensions: 19.5 x 13 x 13 in. 49.5 x 33 x 33 Capacity: 18L | 1098 cu. in. Material: 1000D Cordura nylon (abrasion resistant, water resistant)

Compressible Duffles as Carry On Bags and “Leave Behind” Bags

If you’re making a long hike, trek, or trip in country and returning to the same spot, keeping a “leave behind bag” handy is a great idea. I’ve had great experiences keeping a flat folding duffle (like the GORUCK Kit Bag ) or easy stowing duffle (like the REI Roadtripper ) to store things in and leave at a location I’ll come back to later.

During my Everest and Patagonia treks, which were in the middle of 6-month long trips, having a “leave behind bag” allowed me to easily drop my gear at a hostel in town, lightening my load for my trek, and returning to quickly grab the goods on my bus out of town. If you plan to be on the road for more than a few months and have some multi-day adventures planned, definitely bring a leave behind bag to make life easier.

GORUCK Aviator Kit Bag 32L

Best Hand Carry Luggage & A Durable Little Duffle

When looking for a pure duffle bag that is simplistic yet easy to organize and will last through abuse , the GORUCK 32L Aviator bag is a great option.

The GORUCK Kit Bag will perform well as a carryon weekend bag, gym duffle, or even suffice for travels up to a week if you use packing cubes and aren’t moving too much. The bag has a very clean aesthetic, muting how well built the bag is.

The 1000D Cordura Nylon and military grade webbing show little signs of use and no abrasion after 6 months of being my leave behind bag and “improvised briefcase” while doing the digital nomad things. Also, the fold flat design let this bag fit easily into the front pocket of my GORUCK GR3 until its ready for use.

Though I advise against using this bag for long term, or as a one bag travel backpack (get something that has shoulder straps), I’m addicted to it as a durable handbag and small duffle. If you do use this bag for travel, absolutely pickup some packing cubes. These Travel Wise nylon packing cubes are what I’ve used for the past 6 months and they’re great. The packing cubes also fit the GORUCK Kit Bag perfectly.

Best for: Leaving gear behind during treks, carryon bag when traveling for weekend trips, gym bag, daily use as an improvised briefcase. Why this bag? A weekender bag that will survive the apocalypse, and keep you organized along the way

My Experience: I accidentally brought this bag on my trip intending send it back to the US…but it went from pinch hitter to being used pretty much on a daily basis. My favored day bag, the REI Flash 22, started to rip at the shoulder straps after 2 years of carrying too much weight (~10lbs) so I started using this bag as a briefcase and urban day bag, instead of just a “leave behind” bag.

The bag quickly became my go to for anything that wasn’t hiking. It can withstand heavier loads (grocery shopping), slings easily over the shoulder easily, and the pockets keep everything organized on the inside (charging cables, laptop, notebooks, snacks, pet ferret) and easily accessible on the outside (immediate snacks, water, cell phone, book/kindle, notebook). I repaired my Flash 22 but I still use this bag as my “briefcase” on workdays (digital nomad problems) and as a personal item on flights to keep the essentials close.

Bottom line: I love this bag. Way better performance and usefulness than I thought I would get Design Notes: The bag has 5 well placed and designed pockets that allow storage and easy access to anything, while doing an impressive job of keeping the bag organized: two on the outer ends, two zippered mesh pockets on the internal ends, and one easy to access internal zippered pockets.

Cons: • Shoulder strap not included – but reviews say the GORUCK shoulder strap isn’t worth buying, so opt for a different one. • Wouldn’t recommend for trips over a week • Fabric (1000D Cordura Nylon) is bulkier than lightweight options – but I appreciate the durability I get in return. Price: $160 Weight/size: 2.5lbs | 1.2 kg Dimensions: 17.5 x 11.5 x 9 in | 44.5 x 29 x 23 Capacity: 32L | 1952 Cu in Materials: 1000D Cordura Nylon, YKK zippers Warranty: GORUCK SCARS guarantee, they’l replace it for life Also consider • Redoxx – C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack $285.00 • Redoxx – Small Aviator Bags

Read the full GORUCK Kit Bag Review

A Cheap and Practical Little Duffle

The REI Roadtripper duffle is another great, simple duffle that packs away into a small package.

The no frills design of the REI Roadtripper Duffle is just right for tossing in gear to leave behind during adventures (instead of using a flimsy trash bag) and still packs into a small disk that can sit at the bottom of your bag. During my Asia trip last year, this bag sat at the bottom of my REI Trail 40 for most the trip, but when I hiked to Everest Base Camp and when I rode the loop around north Vietnam starting and ending in Hanoi I left half of my gear at my hostel in the Roadtripper duffle to lighten the load. As a simple, no frills leave behind bag that sits at the bottom of your pack otherwise, I recommend considering the REI Roadtripper.

Best for: Leaving gear behind during adventures, expandable storage that packs into the bottom of your backpack Advantages: Cheap, packs away efficiently

Pros: • You really can’t be this price • Packs down small Cons: • Not functional enough to be an everyday bag • Didn’t feel durable enough to survive a trip as a primary bag • Polyester material – which isn’t the most durable Price: $40 Weight: 1lb 2 oz. Dimensions (Upacked): 21 x 10 x 10 inches Capacity: 40L | 2,440 cubic inches Materials: Polyester Warranty: 1 year satisfaction guarantee through REI

Other Well Reviewed Backpacks and Manufacturers to Consider

Though this list has most of the best travel backpack options available in carry on size, the list is not exhaustive. This list is just meant to be a starting point for anyone shopping for a new bag. There are several other reputable backpacks and backpack manufacturers to consider if the bags above don’t suit your needs and tastes.

Backpacks are like boots — what may be perfect for someone, may not be perfect for you…and there’s nothing wrong with that. In those cases, use what you’ve learned from the list above and consider these other bags and manufacturers that have great reputations or are newer but full of potential.

• Heimplanet Travel Pack 34L**
• Amazon Basics Slim Carry On Travel Basic Weekend**
• Troubadour Goods Aero Pack**
• Large Expandable Knack Pack**
• Eastpak Travel Pack Cnnct**
• Thule Subterra (40L)**
• Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Daypack (Urban Carry on Alternative)**
• 5.11 Rush 72 – 55L , (GORUCK GR3 Alternative)**
• 5.11 Rush 24 – 37L , (GORUCK GR2 Alternative)**

Smaller Carry On Backpack Options

• REI Ruckpack 28 (28L)   read our REI Ruckpack 28 Review to learn more
• A er Flight Pack 2 (23L )
• Tom Bihn Western Flyer (26L)
• Patagonia Black Hole Pack (30L)
• Osprey Nebula 34

Now What? Grabbing the Other Travel Essentials

• Get packing cubes
• Get a packable daypack
• Get a toiletry bag to stay organized and safe from exploding toothpaste**
• Use a good packing list to avoid missing the important things**
• Slim down your wardrobe and get travel friendly gear to make your travels lighter**

Other Travel Essentials: Packing Cubes

If you’re traveling with only a carry on bag, every square inch matters for packing – and this is why you need packing cubes. Packing cubes are essentially zippered squares of breathable fabric for organizing your clothes and essentially act as drawers. This allows you to easily keep your backpack organized and use space more efficiently

The Packing Cubes I Recommend

• Tortuga Outbreaker Packing Cubes : Tough, well designed, and high quality
• Peak Design Packing Cubes : Cheap for the quality, well designed, lots of sizes
• GORUCK Packing Cubes: Tough, ready for abuse, lifetime warranty
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes : Cheap, reliable

Other Travel Essentials: A Packable Daypack

If your carry on backpack is 35 liters or larger, carrying it around throughout the day will be annoying, cancelling out the convenience and benefit of a carry on backpack. Instead of using your carry on backpack daily, I highly recommend taking a packable daypack that will tuck away neatly and unnoticeably at the bottom of your main carry on bag.

I’ve saved you the trouble of searching and created this list of the 27 best packable daypacks for travel .

Carry On Backpack Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest carry on backpack for international travel.

The REI Trail 40 is one the cheapest and effective carry on backpacks for international travel .

What is the best carry on backpack for international travel?

The best carry on backpacks for travel are the Osprey Farpoint 40L for backpackers, the Tortuga Outbreaker for digital nomads, and the GORUCK GR3 for hard users and long term travelers.

What size backpack is allowed as carry-on a plane?

Most airlines limit carry on sizes to  9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches  (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters) and 40lbs, however the carry on limitations tend to vary by continent and airline with budget airlines in Europe and Southeast Asia having more strict limits.

Can you take a 40L backpack as a carry-on? Is a 40L backpack carry-on size?

Most 40 liter backpacks are allowable as carry on backpacks, however, their measurements must generally be under 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches.

Can a 45L backpack be a carry-on?

Most 45 liter backpacks are allowable as carry on backpacks, however, their measurements must generally be under 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches. Ultimately airline carry on size restrictions and the individual backpacks dimensions determine whether or not a specific 45L backpack can be a carry on.

Can a 55l backpack be a carry-on?

Most 55l backpacks are too large to be carry on items, however, if the overall size can be compressed to 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches then the bag will be allowed as a carry-on

Can I fly with a backpack and a carry-on?

You can fly with a backpack as a personal item and a carry-on item if the airline allows bringing a personal item and the backpack meets the measurements and weight for that specific airline’s personal item policy.

What is the best bag to take on a plane?

The best bag to take on an airplane is a backpack with plenty of handles on top, bottom, and sides, has few external straps and buckles, and is slightly smaller than the carry on size dimensions limit.

What are the best stylish Carry on backpacks?

The best stylish carry on backpacks are the Tortuga Outbreaker , the Nomatic Navigator , and the Peak Design travel bag .

Other Great Travel Content

• The Best Military Grade Travel Backpacks : For hard users and those who prioritize durability
• The 21 Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking
• 8 Great Travel Shoes
• 5 Best Travel Shorts
• 15 Best Men’s Travel Pants
• My Carry On Backpack List for a Year of Travel
• 9 Great Hiking Backpacks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

TheRidgelineReport

Tuesday 2nd of October 2018

I think I have an obsession with packs, and have about a million on my list. Love the look and detailing of the Minaal, and that one has been on my radar for some time now. There's a couple by Timbuk2 that I really love - the especial series is awesome. In any case, still looking to land on a million bucks so I can try them all!

12 Best Wheeled Backpacks (Ultimate 2024 Buying Guide)

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL;DR: The best wheeled backpacks are the High Sierra Freewheel Backpack and the Osprey Sojourn because of their combination of high-clearance wheels and comfortable carrying options that make it easier to breeze through an airport or across cobblestone. The Freewheeler is a perfect budget carry-on bag while the Sojourn comes in larger sizes that would be a good checked bag option.

I used to be one of those travelers who scoffed at wheeled backpacks. 

They just seemed impractical for my style of travel, which was usually off-the-cuff, adventurous backpacking. 

And to be fair, that was probably the case when I used to only do that type of travel. 

When you’re only spending a few days in each location, constantly on the move, and needing to carry your bag for long distances along dusty roads, a wheeled backpack doesn’t make a lot of sense. 

Now that I’m no longer a full-time backpacker and I take a variety of different types of trips, I finally understand the draw of wheeled backpacks. 

Not to mention, after turning 30 and having off-and-on lower back pain as a tall human, a wheeled backpack allows my back to take a break when I don’t necessarily need a regular backpack. 

And the great thing about rolling backpacks is they’re still much more convenient and versatile than traditional rolling luggage. 

They’re easy to convert either into a backpack or a rolling piece of luggage, depending on what I need in the moment. 

So, without rambling further, these are my picks for the best wheeled backpacks for travel, work, commuters, and even students. 

Short on time? Here’s a quick look at the top 12 best wheeled backpacks.

12 Best Rolling Backpacks

Table of Contents

#1 Osprey Sojourn

Best Backpack for Checked Luggage

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in Weight: 7lb 15 oz  Capacity: 45L – also offered in 60L and 80L Best for: Travel (carry-on and checked)

If you’re looking for the best rolling backpack for travel, look no further than the Osprey Sojourn . 

I’m a big fan of Osprey, I’ve been using their packs for over a decade and they’ve never let me down. 

And this Osprey travel backpack with wheels is no exception in terms of a quality piece of gear that’s long-lasting.

If you’re looking for a large travel backpack with wheels, this Osprey pack is a good-sized option.

It’s not too big but big enough to fit a decent amount of clothes and gear for a weekend trip or something longer. 

It’s also a versatile wheeled backpack since the size of this bag fits most airline carry-on dimensions. 

Besides its size, its durability (especially its large high clearance wheels) makes it the best wheeled backpack for Europe travel when you’re navigating those uneven cobblestones. 

Other features of this Osprey backpack with wheels include extra padding to protect your gear, compression straps, and a well-ventilated suspension system to keep you comfortable when you’re carrying the bag as a backpack. 

It also has a zippered top pocket for easy access to liquids or your passport, which I love on a carry-on travel pack. 

This pack acts as a convertible backpack suitcase with a clamshell opening for the main compartment to easily pack and unpack your things. 

Lastly, it has a removable hip belt and harness if you need more room or if you don’t want to carry the extra weight.

And if you’re looking for an even larger backpack with wheels, there’s a larger size in the Sojourn series—the Osprey Sojourn 80L pack. 

• Versatile enough for carry-on and checked luggage
• Compression straps
• Ventilated suspension system
• Large, high clearance wheels for navigating rough terrain 
• Zippered top pocket for easy access to toiletries and passport when you’re going through security
• Clamshell opening for easy packing and unpacking
• Extended handle for extra control of heavier loads
• Mesh hip belt for extra stability when carrying it like a backpack
• Removable hip belt and harness if you need more room 
• Sometimes doesn’t fit strict carry-on requirements. If you fill it to the brim, you might have to check it. 
• No external pockets for carrying a water bottle 
• No padded laptop sleeve
• A little bulkier and heavier than other packs on this list due to its heavy-duty nature and large wheels

#2 Osprey Fairview & Farpoint

Best Carry-On Backpack With Wheels

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in Weight: 5 lbs 5 oz Capacity: 36 L – also offered in 65L Best for: Travel (carry-on)

As you can probably tell from this article, Osprey is one of the best brands for travel backpacks and wheeled backpack luggage.

Another two Osprey backpacks with wheels, the women’s Osprey Fairview and men’s Osprey Farpoint , are the slightly smaller and less expensive cousins to the Osprey Sojourn.

This is the better option if you’re going for carry-on-only travel since the Fairview and Farpoint are more compact and lightweight.  

At 36L, this could easily be your go-to piece of luggage with wheels and backpack straps for those long weekends or week-long trips. 

The Osprey Farpoint and Fairview backpacks are made from durable, abrasion-resistant nylon material and have a lightweight aluminum frame and ergonomic handle. 

They also feature dual compression straps, a padded hip belt for better balance, an easily accessible front zippered pocket to hold toiletries or a passport, and an easy-to-maneuver frame that’s comfortable to roll or wear. 

This rolling travel backpack also has oversized wheels for easier transport and with how they’re designed, they’re easy to tuck out of the way when wearing it as a backpack.

Similar to the Sojourn, this is a backpack suitcase with wheels, with a clamshell opening that allows you to grab your items like you would in a suitcase. 

Or, if you’re looking for a good alternative carry-on wheeled backpack that looks a little sleeker and less like an Osprey backpack, I’d recommend going for the 40L Osprey Ozone .

The Osprey Ozone doesn’t have external compression straps but still feels spacious inside.

All up, if you’re looking for a backpacker’s backpack with wheels, the Farpoint or Fairview packs are some of the best options out there.

Plus, you really can’t go wrong with an Osprey bag. 

• Lightweight
• Compact and meets carry-on dimensions for most airlines—especially for domestic US airlines
• Made from durable materials that are abrasion-resistant
• Handle has an ergonomic grip 
• Dual compression straps
• Comfortable to wear as a backpack for longer durations
• Easily accessible top pocket for liquids or passport
• Padded hip belt for more balance and to help distribute the weight
• Sturdy, oversized wheels
• Wheels aren’t covered in backpack mode
• Large interior pocket isn’t completely flat because the handle goes through it  

SHOP WOMEN’S ON:

SHOP MEN’S ON:

#3 Hynes Eagle 2-in-1 Travel Backpack

Best Wheeled Backpack With a Daypack

Dimensions: 22 x 14.2 x 15.7 in Weight: 8.31 lb Capacity: 43L Best for: Checked luggage and longer trips

If you’re looking for rolling backpacks for travel that include a detachable daypack, the Hynes Eagle 2-in-1 Travel Backpack is an ideal option.

This Hynes Eagle 2-in-1 backpack with wheels features a large main compartment with four zippered pockets and an easy-to-access zippered top pocket for toiletries.

It also has a dual retractable tube handle for better control, lockable zippers, and durable high-clearance wheels.

Instead of fully removable backpack straps like the now discontinued Osprey Meridian, the Hynes Eagle has a compartment for tucking the straps out of the way.

This means there’s no chance of forgetting them at home, only to realize when you want to use the backpack feature on a trip.

The detachable daypack has a few different pockets and good internal organization.

There’s a 15.6″ padded laptop sleeve, plus a pocket for an iPad and other electronics. At the front, there’s a scratch-free pouch that’s perfect for sunglasses or a phone. 

And this is another backpack-suitcase combo. The front compartment has a clamshell opening similar to a suitcase to make it easier to pack and unpack. 

This is one of the most versatile wheeled backpacks on this list since it can technically be turned into three different bags—a wheely backpack, a regular backpack, and a detachable daypack. 

If you’re looking for a portable and versatile large travel pack with wheels that’s perfect for checked luggage, and you liked the Osprey Meridian, the Hynes Eagle is the newest, best option on the market.

• Made from durable, water-repellent polyester that can withstand wear and tear
• Versatile—can be turned into three different types of backpacks
• Wheel cover to protect your clothing from getting dirty
• Dual tube retractable handle for easier maneuverability
• Opens like a suitcase for easy packing and unpacking
• Trolley strap
• Good interior organization with a decent amount of pockets
• No hip straps
• Has a tendency to fall over and not stand up on its own when packed fully 

#4 Everki Atlas

Best Professional Wheeled Backpack

Dimensions: 21.3 x 15.7 x 8.1 in Weight: 6.7 lb Capacity: 30L Best for: Business travel and meetings, college, gaming

By far the best backpack with wheels for business trips is the Everki Atlas . It’s a great professional backpack with wheels that’s sleek, lightweight, and well-organized. 

This carry-on backpack with wheels has top-notch organization and dedicated sleeves for your tech gear, including a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17.3″ laptop. 

And if you’re not carrying a laptop, you can remove the laptop pouch to make extra room for clothes or other items. 

The main compartment unzips fully into a clamshell opening for easy packing and accessibility.

The Everki Atlas business backpack with wheels also features a tablet pocket and an RFID-blocking pocket for your credit cards and passport, as well as spaces for keys, water bottles, books, and more. 

In terms of comfort, this bag is comfortable to wear for long durations, featuring extra-wide and padded straps and a weight-balancing chest strap.

It’s seamless to turn this versatile backpack into a wheeled bag and vice versa.

The backpack straps can be tucked away in the back flap when you’re not using them.

And the same flap protects your clothes and covers the wheels when you’re carrying it as a backpack. 

There’s also a pass-through strap on the back of the bag to make it easy to pair with a larger piece of rolling luggage.

Simply put the handle of the larger bag through the pass-through strap for a secure fit to carry two bags at once. 

Finally, the Everki Atlas is made from durable materials, including good zippers and metal pulls.

If you’re looking for a stylish and quality carry-on for upcoming business trips, or if you’re looking for a more professional backpack for school, the Everki Atlas is an ideal option. 

• Carry-on compliant for both domestic and international airlines
• Good organization, especially for tech gear
• Removable laptop sleeve to make more room for clothes and other items
• Ability to hide wheels or backpack straps for a fully convertible backpack
• Comfortable to wear for long durations
• Has a pass-through strap to carry it on top of larger rolling luggage securely
• Sleek and professional for business travel 
• The handle can be a bit short for anyone over 6′
• Weight distribution makes it slightly slower to roll compared to other bags on this list
• Wheels are small and not good for rough terrain

#5 Matein Wheeled Backpack

Best Waterproof Wheeled Backpack

Dimensions: 19.5 x 9 x 13 in Weight: 4.8 lb Capacity: 36L Best for: Business travel, college/school, carry-on travel 

It’s hard to find good waterproof rolling backpacks these days, most are water-resistant. 

That’s why I was excited to discover the Matein Wheeled Backpack , especially at its affordable price point. 

This convertible rolling backpack is ideal for college or business trips with an organization that’s geared toward tech gadgets. 

Inside the pack, you’ll find a laptop pouch that holds up to a 15.6″ laptop and a main compartment that can hold 36L of books, papers, clothes, or a combination of things.

The smaller front compartment has various pockets to keep items organized and accessible. 

For such an affordable price, this pack is also surprisingly durable. 

It has a waterproof bottom panel and corner guards to protect the bag from wear, lockable zippers, rubber wheels, and a durable telescoping handle that can be adjusted to two different heights.

When you’re not using it as a backpack, you can tuck the backpack straps away in a zippered pocket.

The handle can also be tucked away in a zippered top pocket when not in use. 

Although this bag doesn’t have the ergonomic design that some of the other backpacks on this list have, it still has breathable, adjustable, and padded shoulder straps for comfortable wear.  

If you’re looking for a waterproof carry-on rolling bag for work or a backpack with wheels for college, the Matein Wheeled Backpack is a good choice.  

• Carry-on compliant for domestic and international airlines
• Somewhat durable, although made from cheaper materials 
• Handle has two different heights
• Backpack straps or handle can be tucked away in zippered pockets
• Breathable and adjustable shoulder straps
• Laptop pouch that can hold up to a 15.6″ laptop
• Various pockets and good organization
• Although it’s waterproof, it probably wouldn’t do well in really heavy rain
• Not as good of an ergonomic design as other backpacks on this list, not as comfortable to wear as a backpack for long durations
• No exterior compression straps to make the bag more compact when fully packed
• Wheels don’t spin

#6 Kroser Rolling Backpack

Best Wheeled Backpack Under $100 

Dimensions: 19.8 x 13.7 x 10.2 in Weight: 5.5 lbs Best for: College/school, commuting to work, short business trips

Another affordable small rolling backpack, the Kroser Laptop Backpack is an inexpensive option for school, commuting, and the odd business trip.

There’s not a ton to this backpack, its features are kept simple and streamlined.

Its most prominent feature is its large laptop pouch that can hold up to a 17″ laptop.

The backpack also includes a tablet pocket and additional organization pockets for pens, keys, and other small items. 

If you’re using this backpack to commute to work, there’s room in the back of the bag for an extra outfit and bulkier things.

In addition to the standard interior features, there are two mesh side pockets and hidable padded backpack straps.

The wheels can also be hidden when wearing it as a backpack with a velcro cover. 

As a bonus, the wheels are in a comfortable position when packed away so they don’t dig into your back when you’re wearing it as a backpack. 

With that said, this bag is fairly simple in terms of ergonomic design so it’s not as comfortable to wear for long periods if you’re carrying a lot of weight. 

If you want to use this small pack for a short trip, it’s carry-on friendly and can fit in most overhead bins. 

Lastly, even though the materials used in this pack are somewhat cheap—which is unsurprising with the price point—it’s water-resistant and does a decent job of keeping things dry. 

This is one of the best backpacks with wheels under $100 on the market and it’s versatile enough for school or work.

The Kroser Backpack is perfect for someone who just wants the basics and is looking for an inexpensive rolling backpack. 

• Carry-on compliant, can fit in most overhead bins
• Water-resistant
• 17″ laptop pocket
• Easy to hide straps or wheels when converting it
• Area for clothes and bulkier items in the back
• Padded backpack straps
• Plenty of organization pockets
• Wheels are pretty quiet
• Made from cheap materials
• Not very ergonomic 
• Basic design, not too many extra features
• Small wheels that aren’t good for rough terrain

#7 High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack

Best Wheeled Backpack With Laptop Compartment

Dimensions: 20 x 13.5 x 8 in Weight: 4.65 lb Capacity: 34.5L Best for: Carry-on travel, business trips, gamers, college

If you’re looking for good quality rolling backpacks with a laptop compartment, look no further than the High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack . 

This is one of the best rolling laptop backpacks, and unlike most of the previous packs on this list that have a laptop compartment, this backpack is designed specifically with travel in mind. 

One of the best aspects of this bag is its maneuverability. 

Whether you’re flying through an airport or rolling across cobblestones in a foreign land, this backpack has a telescoping handle and durably designed wheels that are easy to direct.

Additional features of this backpack with wheels include a media pocket with a headphone port, padded and ergonomically designed backpack straps that can be easily hidden, and zippered side pockets.

You can also hide the handle when you convert it into a backpack with the zippered top pouch. 

Add on to this its large multi-compartment design, extra padded laptop pouch that fits up to a 17″ laptop, front organizer compartment with various pockets, and durable wheels that can roll over pretty much any terrain, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the best wheeled laptop backpacks right now. 

If you’re looking for one of the best travel backpacks with wheels that’s relatively small and affordable, the High Sierra Powerglide is a great option. 

This is also an ideal option if you’re looking for a slightly heftier wheeled laptop backpack that can hold a decent amount of weight comfortably. 

• Mostly carry-on compliant for domestic and international airlines, although can be a stretch if it’s packed to the brim
• Protected laptop pouch with plenty of cushion that can hold up to a 17″ laptop 
• Easy to maneuver
• Durable wheels that can handle most terrain
• Front organizer compartment
• Good for carrying a decent amount of weight
• Ergonomically-designed straps
• Zippered side pockets
• Looks professional
• Versatile enough for business or leisure travel
• Relatively heavy and bulky for its size 
• Wheels can be noisy
• Made from somewhat cheap materials
• Not very water-resistant 
• Could have more organization pockets, especially in the main compartment
• Media pocket could be designed better—it’s upside down so things fall out when you open it

#8 Think Tank Airport Takeoff V3.0

Best Wheeled Camera Backpack

Dimensions: 14 x 21 x 8 in Weight: 8.7 lb Capacity: Holds a 600mm f/2.8 lense, two standard bodies, and various other lenses Best for: Photographers 

If you’re a photographer and you’re looking for wheeled luggage to protect your camera gear, the Think Tank Airport Takeoff V3.0 is hands down the best rolling camera bag on the market right now. 

This wheely backpack can hold up to a 600mm f/2.8 lens, two standard camera bodies, and various other lenses and camera accessories in smaller pockets.

With this bag, you can rest assured that your expensive camera gear is protected and secure, easily accessible, and organized. 

And it’s not just good for photography gear, this backpack has two front pockets that hold up to a 17″ laptop and 10″ tablet. 

There’s also a plushy front pocket to hold your smartphone and glasses.  

Another bonus is the pocket and side straps to lock in your tripod if you want to carry it on the bag.

This pack also has a comfortable shoulder harness with integrated backpack straps and back panel padding for more comfort. 

In terms of security, there’s a cable and combination lock that comes with the bag to lock zippers. And zippers are YKK RC Fuse zippers, meaning they’re durable and waterproof. 

Plus, there’s a seam-sealed rain cover included to protect gear fully. 

This Think Tank backpack is also made of anti-theft materials such as ballistic nylon, high-density velex, and closed-cell PU foam.

The ballistic strength nylon makes it near impossible to slash with a knife. 

This isn’t the lightest backpack with wheels, but if you care more about protecting and organizing expensive camera gear, this is one of the best backpacks you can purchase. 

And if the Think Tank backpack is too far out of your budget range, Amazon also offers a basic wheeled camera bag that’s a good alternative for beginner photographers: Deco Gear 3-in-1 Travel Camera Case .

• Carry-on compliant for most domestic and international airlines
• Pockets for all your tech gear, including a 17″ laptop pocket, smaller pockets for camera accessories, and a place to attach a tripod to the bag
• Heavy-duty 80mm wheels that are durable and quiet
• Secure and weatherproof
• Made from high-quality materials
• Lockable zippers that come with locks
• Stylish and looks professional 
• Heavy for a carry-on
• Not a versatile bag, can really only be used for photography gear and a few other gadgets

#9 Samsonite Wheeled Backpack

Best Lightweight Backpack With Wheels

Dimensions: 8 x 14 x 21 in Weight: 5 lb Best for: Carry-on travel, business trips, college/school, commuting

If you’re looking for a lightweight rolling backpack, it’s good to find one that’s around five pounds or under. 

This Samsonite Wheeled Backpack is an affordable option when it comes to lightweight rolling backpacks and is perfect for anyone who just needs the basics. 

This pack features ripstop fabric to help protect it from wear and tear. 

It’s also designed with contoured straps that have extra padding for more comfort when wearing it as a backpack. 

And the straps can be tucked away in a zippered pocket when not in use. 

Although the organization of the bag is fairly simple and straightforward, there are a few additional pockets to hold smaller items and a laptop pouch that holds up to a 17″ laptop. 

This is the ideal bag for someone who’s looking for a lightweight and inexpensive backpack with wheels for carry-on travel, business trips, or commuting to work or school. 

• lightweight
• Includes a 17″ laptop sleeve
• Made with ripstop fabric to help protect it from wear and tear
• Durable wheels that handle rough terrain well
• Weight distribution is not always even with it’s packed fully
• Made from cheaper materials
• Doesn’t have a ton of pockets for organization
• Cheap zippers—be mindful to close them properly

#10 Victorinox Vx Sport

Best Durable Backpack With Wheels

Dimensions: 14.6 x 10.2 x 21 in Weight: 5 lb Capacity: 30L Best for: Carry-on travel, adventure travel, business trips, commuting 

One of the most durable rolling backpacks that’s carry-on friendly, the Victorinox Vx Sport is one of those backpacks that you can take on any adventure.

Inspired by the design of a Swiss army knife, this backpack is all about versatile functionality.

With the Victorinox Vx Sport, you’ll find multiple protected pockets to keep your items organized and secure—including a laptop pocket with an anti-scratch lining that can hold up to a 16″ laptop. 

There’s also a 10″ pocket that can hold a tablet, Kindle, or other medium-sized electronics. 

Another feature of the Victorinox Vx Sport is the front zippered pockets that are easily accessible and perfect for cruising through TSA lines.

It also has mesh side pockets to hold water bottles and side compression straps to keep weight stabilized and condensed.  

As a bonus, when you convert from rolling luggage to a backpack, there’s a retractable wheel cover that protects the wheels (and your clothes) from dirt. 

This is one of the best heavy-duty backpacks with wheels due to its durable nylon materials and inline wheels that can easily roll over rough terrain.

The zippers are smooth and made from quality materials as well. 

If you’re looking for a durable backpack with wheels for travel or commuting to work, this is a versatile choice.

It’s by far one of the top wheeled backpacks on the market today for those who are looking for a small, compact, and lightweight option. 

• Carry-on compliant for domestic and international airlines—it can even fit under airline seats if it’s not packed too fully
• Lightweight and compact
• Made with durable materials
• Smooth high-quality zippers
• Great tech backpack for keeping your gadgets protected and organized
• Versatile enough for the office or adventure travel  
• Stylish and professional 
• There could be more organization pockets in the front pouch
• Might be too small for some—it can be used for a weekend trip away but not much longer than that

#11 Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag

Best Wheeled Duffel Bag

Dimensions: 32 x 15 x 14 in Weight: 11.4 lb Capacity: 100L Best for: Travel (checked luggage) and carrying heavy gear

The Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag isn’t technically a backpack, but it’s a great option if you plan to carry around a lot of heavy gear. 

This is one of the best large rolling duffels with its durable features and capacity to hold a decent amount of weight. 

The Gonex is too big for carry-on travel, but if you care more about being able to carry more things, it’s the ideal piece of checked luggage. 

Features of this wheeled duffel include multiple pockets and good organization, quiet wheels that can roll over rough terrain easily, and two compression belts to keep weight centered and condensed.

This bag also has a foldable bottom design that allows you to fold the bottom of the bag when it’s not in use, allowing you to save storage space when you’re carrying less gear. 

And when you just want to carry it as a duffel, the handle can be hidden away in a top-zippered pocket.

Lastly, this rolling duffel is made with fairly durable materials, especially at its affordable price point.

These include waterproof PVC fabric that’s wear-resistant on the front, quality YKK zippers, and heavy-duty rubber wheels. 

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty bag that can hold a lot of gear, the Gonex Rolling Duffel Bag is a great option. 

Or, if you prefer a more well-known brand, another one of my favorite heavy-duty rolling duffels is The North Face Rolling Thunder . 

Looking for more duffel bag options? Read our guide to the best waterproof duffel bags .

• Heavy-duty and durable
• Good for carrying heavy gear 
• Water-resistant and the front is made from waterproof materials
• Foldable bottom design to help you save storage space when you’re carrying fewer things
• Converts into a standard duffel when you prefer to carry it
• Quiet rubber wheels that can handle rough terrain
• Two compression belts that keep weight centered
• Quality YKK zippers
• Not carry-on compliant, has to be checked
• Gonex branding is large on the exterior of the bag

#12 Jansport Driver 8

Best Wheeled Backpack For College

Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 10 in Weight: 5 lb Capacity: 36L Best for: College/school

Looking for a good roller backpack for school? 

Although trolley backpacks are sometimes associated with elementary school, they can be great for college as well with the number of heavy textbooks students have to carry around daily. 

The classic Jansport Driver 8 is one of the best rolling backpacks for adults who are in school. It’s everything you’d expect from a Jansport backpack but on wheels! 

The simple design of this backpack includes a 15″ laptop sleeve, a front organizer pocket, two large main compartments, a retractable handle that can be used at two different heights, and a side mesh pocket for a water bottle. 

And it’s easy to convert into rolling luggage from a backpack with shoulder straps that can be easily hidden in the back of the pack. 

If the Jansport rolling backpack isn’t your thing, another good option for school is the J World New York Sundance Backpack .

For adults planning to carry heavy loads, just keep in mind that both of these bags won’t have the suspension system or as much back support built-in, as some of the higher-end packs.

• Standard organization for a school backpack – including two main compartments, 15″ laptop sleeve, and a front organizer pocket
• Retractable handle that can be used at two different heights
• Backpack straps that can be easily hidden away in the back panel when not in use
• Good for lugging around heavy textbooks if used as a wheeled bag
• Wheels can be noisy but are easy to change out for a quieter pair if needed
• No compression straps
• Not super comfortable to wear as a backpack if carrying a lot of heavy textbooks, better to use it as a rolling bag
• Zippers can be stiff

What is a Wheeled Backpack?

A wheeled backpack is exactly what it sounds like–a backpack with wheels, or you could say a backpack on wheels. 

These versatile bags come with wheels and a handle attached so you can either wear it as a backpack or treat it like a rolling suitcase. 

Are Wheeled Backpacks Good?

Wheeled backpacks can be great for people who often carry heavy gear or who deal with back and shoulder pain. 

They’re especially popular for business travel, short weekend trips (or longer trips if you’re not backpacking), and as a way to easily transport gear without hurting your back. 

Why are Wheeled Backpacks Bad?

The downside to wheeled backpacks is they’re usually slightly bulkier than a standard backpack. 

They’re probably not the best choice if you’re a backpacker who is constantly on the go. 

Luckily, even if you need to lug rolling backpacks up stairs or walk across uneven cobblestones, they’re still more versatile than standard rolling luggage.

This is because you can easily throw them on your back like a regular backpack if you need to travel over uneven terrain instead of carrying them like a regular suitcase.  

And that can make a huge difference if it’s a heavy bag.

Are Wheeled Backpacks Better for School?

They can be.

Although rolling backpacks are more common with younger kids, if you want to protect your back while carrying heavy textbooks, it can be a good option for high school and college students too. 

Are Wheeled Backpacks Better for Travel?

Yes and no. 

As I mentioned above, wheeled backpacks can be a great option for those who don’t want to carry a heavy bag all the time on their trip. 

However, if you plan to be doing a lot of on-the-go backpacking through places like Southeast Asia, it might be better to get a more traditional backpacking backpack. 

Wheeled backpacks are great for travel if you’re not walking miles to a new destination.

If you usually just go from point A to point B to drop off your luggage, they can be an ideal way to carry your things without straining your back or putting extra pressure on your shoulders.  

Wheeled backpacks are especially popular with business travelers, older travelers, those who take regular weekend trips, and travelers who want a versatile piece of luggage that they can both carry and roll. 

Wheeled Backpacks vs Regular Backpacks – Which One is Best?

To decide whether you want a wheeled backpack or a regular backpack, it’s good to think about what you’re most likely to use this pack for and what’s important to you in a piece of luggage. 

If you’re into trekking or you plan to have long journeys between destinations (that involve a lot of walking), it’s probably best to go with a regular travel backpack. 

If the distance you need to walk between accommodations is relatively short and you plan to roll your luggage as much as (or more than) you plan to carry it, a wheeled backpack is a good option. 

This is especially the case if you’re worried about the extra strain of carrying all your things on your back 24/7.

A wheeled backpack is more versatile in that sense because you can switch between rolling and carrying it.  

Wheeled Backpack Pros

• More versatile than a regular backpack.
• Better on your back—if your back needs a break, you can roll your things instead of carrying them. 
• The quality, features, and support that wheeled backpacks offer these days have improved a lot in the past decade. 
• Can be used for all types of travel, besides maybe trekking or backpacking.

Wheeled Backpack Cons

• Tend to be slightly heavier and bulkier than regular backpacks due to the harness and the wheels.
• Usually not as comfortable as a regular travel backpack for carrying on your back for long distances. This is due to the rod that goes through the back of the bag and the wheels that can sometimes dig into your back. 

Regular Travel Backpack Pros

• Ergonomic and designed with comfort in mind for carrying long distances. There are also more specific packs for women vs men that are based on body shape for the most comfort. 
• Convenient for on-the-go travel and backpacking when you plan to walk long distances and need a durable bag that you can just throw on and go. 

Regular Travel Backpack Cons

• Not as versatile, can sometimes be less professional or stylish compared to its wheeled counterpart.
• Can get heavy very quickly, especially for packs that hold over 30L. 
• It’s easier to strain your back when constantly picking up a heavy travel pack or carrying it long distances. 

Types of Wheeled Backpacks

Depending on your lifestyle, there are different wheeled backpacks on the market that are better for different things.

It’s good to be aware of which type of wheeled backpack you might need and what to look for.  

Everyday Wheeled Backpacks

An everyday wheeled backpack is what you use daily, not just for special trips. This would be your go-to pack for heading to work, school, or sports practice. 

For an everyday wheeled backpack, you’d be looking for high maneuverability, good accessibility, and a lightweight frame. 

Business Wheeled Backpacks

Business wheeled backpacks are what you might take on a business trip for the weekend.

These are generally sleeker, smaller, and have a more professional look to them.

You’ll probably also want to make sure you’re looking for a wheeled laptop backpack and a pack that can fit all of your work gadgets.

For a business wheeled backpack, you’d be looking for style, compactness, carry-on dimensions, and good organization.  

Wheeled Backpacks for Travel

Wheeled backpacks for travel have come a long way in terms of comfort—just look at the Osprey Sojourn and Osprey Fairview or Farpoint .

These backpacks can be all different sizes depending on the type of travel you usually do. 

When it comes to a good wheeled travel backpack, one of the most important things is comfort.

Make sure you can wear the pack for a decent amount of time so you don’t always have to rely on rolling it when you’re traveling through diverse terrain. 

Besides comfort, it’s also good to look for a wheeled backpack that’s lightweight, opens like a suitcase for easier access to your things, and is durable.

Wheeled Backpacks for Gear

Wheeled backpacks can be especially popular for those who have to lug around a lot of heavy gear regularly. 

Whether you’re an athlete or musician, or you simply have a lot of heavy things, finding a durable, heavy-duty wheeled backpack is super important when it comes to transporting gear. 

For a wheeled gear backpack, you’ll often be wheeling your pack around more than wearing it, so find a pack that has good maneuverability and strong wheels that can support a lot of weight.

You’ll also want to make sure your gear can actually fit into the bag’s dimensions, especially if you have odd-shaped gear (e.g. skis, golf clubs, etc). 

There are often wheeled gear bags that are designed for specific sports or activities, so look for those if you need a specific bag for unique gear. 

How to Choose the Right-Sized Wheeled Backpack

There are several factors to consider when finding the perfect-sized wheeled backpack. 

Do you plan to travel carry-on only, or do you prefer to check your luggage? Are you carrying a lot of gear or are you more of a minimalist? 

Do you mostly travel in the summer and pack a lot of light clothing, or are you more of a winter traveler where you’ll need the extra space for puffy jackets and boots? 

Are you needing a wheeled backpack for work or a long vacation in Europe? Or do you need a wheeled backpack that’s versatile enough for all types of travel?

Weight and durability are also things to keep in mind, in addition to size, since they sometimes tie together as well. 

Although some people say a specific amount of liters translates to the number of days of clothes you can carry, I don’t subscribe to that kind of thinking. 

I’ve used a carry-on-sized backpack for three months in Europe and managed to pack two weeks’ worth of clothes in it (before needing to do laundry). 

As a general rule of thumb, a 35L or less pack is good for weekend trips, and a 45L or over pack is better for longer jaunts. 

If you’re needing a wheeled backpack for business trips or as an everyday backpack, you’ll probably be looking for a backpack that’s under 35L. 

If you know you tend to carry a lot of gear and clothes with you, going for a bigger size can be better.

Although you’ll rarely need more than 70L, even for a multi-day trip. 

40L to 55L is a good middle-ground for backpack size that’s not too small and not too big.  

When choosing the right-sized wheeled backpack, it all comes down to your lifestyle, how you plan to use your pack, and how much weight and bulkiness you want to be carrying around with you. 

What to Look for in a Wheeled Backpack

Size & weight.

As I mentioned above, size and weight tend to go hand-in-hand. Are you looking for a compact carry-on or a large wheeled bag to carry a lot of gear?

Because you have the versatility of wheels, you can pack more weight than you might with a regular travel backpack, but it’s good to keep in mind that you might still want to use it as a backpack from time to time. 

If you want to be able to use your wheeled backpack as both a carry-on and for checked luggage, make sure to check its dimensions and weight are within carry-on restrictions. 

There’s a reason you’re interested in getting a wheeled backpack vs wheeled luggage—you want the versatility to be able to wear your pack when you want.

Because of this, you’ll want to look for a wheeled backpack that has a comfortable frame, padded shoulder straps, and a good suspension system.

Even if you plan to mostly wheel your backpack around, there might be times when you have to carry it more than you thought.

When that happens, you’ll be glad you prioritized comfort when choosing your pack. 

Things to look for in terms of picking a comfortable wheeled backpack include the following: 

Compression straps – these allow you to compress the contents of the bag and condense it to a more centered weight load for your back. 

Hip and chest straps – help balance the weight of the bag better and provide extra support. 

Materials – are the materials of the backpack breathable and made of mesh, especially around the straps and back area?

If you’re sweating while lugging around a heavy pack, you’ll want to make sure it’s breathable and still comfortable to wear.  

Ergonomically designed – make sure the wheeled backpack you choose is designed with spine health in mind.

One of the main reasons for using a wheeled backpack is to make carrying luggage easier on your back, shoulders, and neck.

Keep this in mind when choosing a comfortable wheeled pack, and make sure it’s ergonomically designed for your body. 

And comfort isn’t just in terms of wearing your pack like a backpack.

There are additional aspects to think about in terms of comfort when it comes to wheeling around your backpack, such as: 

Handle height – if you’re a tall person, are you needing to crouch down to use the handle? Make sure the handle is at a good height to comfortably maneuver your backpack without resorting to bad posture. 

Wheel Maneuverability – you don’t want to uncomfortably twist your wrists every time you need to change directions. Make sure the wheels on your bag have good maneuverability. This might mean they’re able to swivel in all directions and durable enough to roll over most terrain. 

Durability & Materials

When choosing a backpack with wheels, it’s worthwhile to get one that is made with high-quality materials.

I also prefer most of my gear, especially for travel, to be waterproof. Unfortunately, the vast majority of rolling backpacks are only water-resistant for some reason.

However, if you can find a good waterproof wheeled backpack, that’s a great feature to have because it’ll be more durable in any kind of weather.

If anti-theft is an important aspect to you in a bag, it’s good to look for a backpack that’s made with ballistic nylon. 

And in terms of zippers, YKK zippers are usually a good bet in terms of durability and quality. 

With that said, usually the more durable the bag, the more expensive it’s going to be. 

So, it’s really up to what you’re looking for and what’s most important to you in a backpack with wheels.

Accessibility

Another aspect to think about when it comes to a good rolling bag is accessibility.

Is there a front or top compartment that’s easy to access and that can fit your liquids and passport when you’re going through TSA?

Where is the laptop compartment located and other pockets that hold heavier items and are they accessible to get to?

Smart bag design goes a long way in terms of convenience and ease of use. 

Maneuverability

How maneuverable is the bag? This usually has to do with the wheel and handle design but also how the weight is balanced. 

Wheels are perhaps the most important when it comes to maneuverability, and there are a lot of different wheel designs out there. 

Wheels on a single track that don’t spin can be harder to change direction quickly. 

If you have full spinner wheels that can move in any direction, that can make a big difference in maneuverability. 

Another key maneuverability feature is the handle. 

Some people swear by the single rod handle; others prefer a double rod because it helps with moving the weight of the bag more easily. 

And lastly, compression straps that center the weight in the bag can help with keeping the bag condensed and having a good center of gravity to move around. 

If you’re a business traveler, you’ll probably want something that looks sleek and professional so you can present yourself in the right way. 

And even as a leisure traveler, being a “backpacker” can have a negative stigma sometimes. 

If that’s something you care about, you might want to go for a backpack with wheels that doesn’t look like a traditional backpacking backpack. 

And on the other side of that, maybe you want a funky-looking backpack that’s colorful and stylish in a unique way. 

This also helps it stand out if you’re picking it up from a luggage carousel. 

It’s all about your personal preference when it comes to style and also what you plan to use your rolling pack for. 

Extra features are another aspect to think about that maybe aren’t as important as the core parts of the bag, such as comfort and durability, but are still nice to have.

Are you looking for a pack that has unique features to it? Perhaps a removable day pack or rain cover?

Some packs even come with their own locks to lock zippers and keep your things secure. 

These extra features are usually just bonuses but are still good to keep in mind if you’re having trouble deciding between two different bags. 

Warranty & Return Policy

And finally, what kind of warranty or return policy does the backpack have in case you need to send it back?

Some packs have no warranty, some have a one-year warranty, and others have a lifetime warranty. 

It’s worth it to research the bag’s warranty ahead of time, especially if you’re shelling out a pretty penny. 

Similarly, the backpack’s return policy can come in handy if you end up not liking the bag or there is some kind of malfunction with the bag you receive. 

Amazon and REI have pretty standard return policies but it’s always good to double-check this before purchasing. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mimi McFadden Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Mimi McFadden initially started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her adventures abroad. But since 2019, The Atlas Heart has become a love letter to the Golden State. Mimi enjoys sharing her first-hand knowledge and expertise with the places she knows so well and making the most comprehensive travel guides possible. When she’s not hiking and exploring new places in California, she loves to travel abroad, read in her cozy chaise lounge, play basketball, and connect with friends and family over board games. Over her 28 years in California, she has lived in Santa Cruz (18 years), San Diego (5 years), and the San Francisco Bay Area (5 years), where she currently resides.

Looking for more travel gear recommendations? Check out these related articles below!

Best Travel Purses for Savvy and Stylish Travelers

Best EDC Backpacks

Best Hardside Luggage Sets

Pakt One Review: The Ultimate Travel Duffel

Best Hiking Backpacks for Women

Best Hiking Fanny Packs

Best Dog Backpack Carriers for Hiking

Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for Women

Best Travel Gifts

Pin one of these images for future reference

Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

4 thoughts on “12 Best Wheeled Backpacks (Ultimate 2024 Buying Guide)”

The single pole handles are not as good as the double pole kind. They don’t maneuver as well and you can’t use them to carry another bag that has a trolley strap.

Agreed, the double pole handles can definitely be a nice feature when it comes to wheeled backpacks.

The Osprey Ozone you linked to does not seem to have a backpack option. Am I missing something?

Hi Ben, thanks so much for letting me know and sorry about that, I meant to put the Osprey Fairview/Farpoint backpack instead of the Ozone. It’s fixed now!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

The Atlas Heart is a California travel website dedicated to showing you the best of the Golden State from a local perspective.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

©2024 The Atlas Heart