Ditch the baggage claim chaos and the strain of wheeling a traditional carry-on suitcase through crowded airports. A Lightweight Travel Backpack designed for carry-on is the smart traveler’s secret weapon. These practical, functional, and wonderfully hassle-free backpacks can accommodate up to a week’s worth of clothing, depending on your packing style and wardrobe choices. Whether you’re planning an extended backpacking adventure across Europe or a spontaneous weekend getaway, choosing a lightweight carry-on backpack will streamline your journey, making it more efficient and enjoyable from departure to arrival.
To bring you the definitive guide, we rigorously evaluated 90 different carry-on backpacks through more than seven distinct tests in our dedicated New York City lab. Our testing environment even includes a realistic airplane set – complete with authentic plane seats and overhead storage bins – to mimic real-world travel scenarios. Following lab assessments, each backpack was then taken out into the field for at least six months, undergoing real-world trials across diverse trips to truly assess its performance and value for travelers. The backpacks highlighted below represent our top recommendations after this comprehensive testing process.
Why You Can Trust Our Expertise
I’m Anna Popp, Associate Editor at Travel + Leisure, and I’m deeply immersed in the world of travel gear. Since 2022, I have been personally involved in every single backpack test we’ve conducted, putting over 50 bags through their paces. I even personally use two backpacks from this very list, including our top overall pick. Based on this extensive hands-on experience, I am confident that this guide offers a lightweight carry-on backpack perfectly suited to every type of traveler and travel style.
Our Top Lightweight Travel Backpack Picks
Best Overall:
SALE
Cotopaxi Travel Pack at Amazon $240 $201
Best for Extended Trips:
Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L at Away Travel $220
Best for Organized Packers:
Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack at Amazon $34
Best Expandable Lightweight Option:
Nomatic Travel Pack at Amazon $280
Best Anti-theft Lightweight Backpack:
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL at Amazon $290
Best Compression Lightweight Choice:
Tropicfeel Shell Backpack at Amazon $239
Best for Optimal Organization:
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L at Backcountry $199
Best Waterproof Lightweight Option:
Tortuga Travel Backpack at Tortugabackpacks.com $350
Best Pocket-Rich Lightweight Backpack:
Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack at Calpaktravel.com
Best Lightweight Backpack for Photographers:
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L at Amazon $300
Best Overall Lightweight Travel Backpack
Cotopaxi Travel Pack
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PHOTO: Cotopaxi
$240 $201 at Amazon $250 at REI $192 at Backcountry
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- This lightweight travel backpack is impressively durable, offers generous space, boasts water-resistance, and remains comfortable even when fully loaded.
What to Consider:
- Being one of the larger backpacks featured, it may not fit under all airplane seats and is primarily designed for overhead bin storage.
Overview
Cotopaxi, a brand celebrated for its commitment to sustainable practices and vibrant outdoor gear, consistently ranks as one of our favorite backpack brands. We’ve frequently highlighted our admiration for the Allpa 35L Travel Pack, which previously held our top overall recommendation. However, the upgraded 42L Travel Pack has now claimed the leading spot as our favorite lightweight carry-on backpack due to its increased capacity and enhanced features. In August 2024, Cotopaxi refreshed the Allpa line with even more durable materials, improved weight distribution, and new user-friendly additions such as air mesh shoulder straps, a luggage pass-through strap, and an external stretch water bottle pocket.
During my personal testing of this backpack in the Travel + Leisure lab, I found the design improvements over the 35-liter pack to be significant, offering more thoughtful features for modern travelers. While it’s a substantial backpack that might feel large or heavy for some, I personally found it remarkably manageable to carry. This is largely thanks to the supportive straps and the newly designed hip belt that effectively distributes weight. Furthermore, maneuvering through airports with this backpack is noticeably easier compared to dragging a wheeled suitcase. Although additional internal organization pockets would be a welcome addition, I was able to comfortably pack clothing for a five-day trip with extra room to spare, highlighting its capacity as a lightweight travel backpack.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L features a convenient clamshell opening. One side reveals a large, zippered mesh pocket, while the other side offers two smaller zippered pockets for organized packing. A medium-sized zippered pocket on the front exterior, along with a small, easily accessible zippered pocket at the very front, are perfect for items like passports or phones. The rear of the backpack also incorporates a padded laptop compartment with a divider, capable of securely holding multiple devices. While perhaps not ideal as an everyday bag due to its size, its versatility shines for various travel scenarios including flights, business trips, camping excursions, and road trips, solidifying its place as a top lightweight travel backpack.
Backpack Details
42 liters | 22 x 14 x 11 inches | 3.1 pounds | TPU-coated 1000D polyester, 840D ballistic nylon paneling | 15-inch laptop sleeve | Water-resistant
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Best Lightweight Travel Backpack for Long Trips
Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L
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PHOTO: Away
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- The soft materials and cushioned shoulder straps make this lightweight travel backpack exceptionally comfortable on your shoulders and back.
What to Consider:
- With a height of nearly 22 inches, this pack might be proportionally long for individuals with shorter torsos.
Overview
You’ll be genuinely impressed by the spaciousness of this lightweight travel backpack. The main compartment features a clamshell opening, granting effortless access to your packed items, and easily accommodated a four-day packing list with room for extras. The design incorporates multiple large compartments, compression straps, and several pockets, making it ideal for organizing clothing, travel gear, and accessories efficiently. Although the 45-liter capacity can become heavy when fully packed, the padded shoulder straps provide ample support, ensuring comfort even during extended periods of walking. Furthermore, the thoughtfully included duffel handles offer an alternative carrying style should you experience fatigue, enhancing its versatility as a lightweight travel backpack option.
This backpack also features a well-padded laptop sleeve that reliably protected our test laptop even when we subjected the fully loaded bag to drop tests from counter height three times. Post-testing, the bag’s fabric showed no signs of rips, scuffs, or tears, demonstrating its durability. This water and abrasion-resistant backpack is an excellent choice for avid travelers seeking a sleek, lightweight travel backpack capable of transitioning seamlessly from urban explorations to outdoor camping adventures.
Backpack Details
45 liters | 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches| 3.32 pounds | Recycled polyester | 16-inch laptop sleeve | Water-resistant
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim
Best Lightweight Travel Backpack with Packing Cubes
Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack
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PHOTO: Amazon
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- This lightweight travel backpack offers ample space and includes three packing cubes for optimized organization during your travels.
What to Consider:
- After six months of regular use, some scuff marks and noticeable scratches became apparent on the bag’s exterior.
Overview
The Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, impressing us with its practical packing features and comfortable carry. We found the bag’s organizational capabilities to be exceptional, largely due to both interior and exterior compression features that create extra packing space. It conveniently comes with three packing cubes in small, medium, and large sizes, further enhancing its organizational appeal as a lightweight travel backpack. We also appreciated the inclusion of both a suitcase strap and a handle, providing the option to carry it horizontally. Inside, the backpack features securing straps and a dedicated laptop sleeve, effectively holding down packed items and protecting electronics.
While the overall design might not be as visually striking as some higher-end brands, it incorporates essential features such as a laptop sleeve and a water bottle holder. The versatility of carrying options is another highlight – you can use the Asenlin as a traditional backpack, carry it briefcase-style, or utilize the trolley sleeve to securely slide it onto the handle of a rolling suitcase. However, a wider range of adjustability for the chest strap would have been a beneficial improvement. During our durability assessments, the backpack withstood scuffing and showed no significant signs of damage, proving its resilience. For travelers seeking a durable, comfortable, and spacious lightweight carry-on backpack without breaking the bank, this budget-friendly option is well worth its modest price.
Backpack Details
Details: 40 liters|18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | 2.7 pounds | Polyester | 17-inch laptop pocket
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
The 13 Most Durable Backpacks for Every Adventure, Tested and Reviewed
Best Expandable Lightweight Travel Backpack
Nomatic Travel Pack
PHOTO: Amazon
$280 at Amazon View on Nomatic.com
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Expandable zippers add an extra 3.5 inches of depth, increasing the capacity of this lightweight travel backpack to 30 liters.
What to Consider:
- Some of the numerous pockets might feel redundant or unnecessary for certain users.
Overview
The Nomatic Travel Pack stands out as an exceptionally versatile lightweight carry-on backpack, primarily due to its expandable zippers that add an additional 10 liters of packing space. Ideally sized for overnight trips or extended weekend getaways, this backpack incorporates a variety of pockets and compartments designed for efficient organization of shoes, clothing, accessories, and tech gadgets. While the sheer number of internal pockets might initially seem overwhelming, travelers who prioritize meticulous organization will appreciate features like the designated padded laptop sleeve, a protective sunglasses case, a discreet passport pocket, and a multitude of slip and zippered pockets within the main compartment.
The handles and padded shoulder straps are designed for comfortable carrying, and the backpack’s overall small-to-medium size contributes to comfortable portability without feeling bulky or cumbersome. Throughout four months of testing, including various international trips and rough handling, this lightweight travel backpack maintained a like-new appearance, even after being repeatedly shoved under airplane seats. This resilience and thoughtful design make it a top contender for those needing an expandable and lightweight travel backpack.
Backpack Details
20 liters (expands to 30 liters) | 18.5 x 12 x 6-9.5 inches | 4.16 pounds | Nylon and polyester | 14-inch laptop pocket
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure/Jessica Juliao
Best Anti-theft Lightweight Travel Backpack
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL
PHOTO: Pacsafe
$290 at Amazon $290 at REI $290 at Backcountry
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- This lightweight travel backpack is packed with anti-theft features, including locking zippers and a wire-reinforced inner layer for enhanced security.
What to Consider:
- Some of the advanced security features may require a learning curve to fully understand and utilize effectively.
Overview
Following our recent testing of anti-theft backpacks, this Pacsafe model emerged as our top pick for a lightweight carry-on option. Designed with a generous 45-liter capacity, it’s engineered to replace a traditional carry-on suitcase while providing superior protection for your valuables. Key anti-theft features include an RFID-blocking pocket, lockable zippers, and slash-proof fabric. The clamshell compartment, which opens like a suitcase, easily accommodated our entire packing list during testing, with additional space to spare. Numerous internal pockets enhance organization, but the standout features are undoubtedly the integrated security measures. The two main zipper pulls can be locked together using a built-in padlock system, which, while initially requiring some familiarization, effectively prevents opportunistic bag openings.
The backpack’s exterior is constructed from recycled polyester with a water-repellent coating, adding to its durability. While we were able to cut through the outer material with a box cutter in our security tests, a wire-reinforced inner layer successfully prevented complete penetration and protected the contents inside. The placement of the padded laptop sleeve on the interior further enhances security, safeguarding devices even if the outer layers are compromised. Importantly, we found the backpack straps to be slash-proof. Additionally, a stainless steel cable allows the backpack to be secured to stationary objects, though its operation initially presented a slight learning curve. Despite being slightly bulky and heavy, this lightweight travel backpack is ultimately comfortable to carry and offers a versatile and secure travel solution, rich in smart anti-theft features.
Backpack Details
45 liters | 21.7 x 13 x 7.5 inches | 3.97 pounds | 750D recycled polyester | 16-inch laptop sleeve | Water-resistant
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Best Compression Lightweight Travel Backpack
Tropicfeel Shell Backpack
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PHOTO: Tropicfeel
$239 at Amazon View on Tropicfeel.com
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- This lightweight travel backpack includes adjustable straps to modify the bag’s size and a removable, compression-focused wardrobe organizer.
What to Consider:
- The top handle, while functional, was not as comfortable to grip for extended periods as we had anticipated.
Overview
We greatly appreciate the thoughtfully designed features of this lightweight travel backpack, which cater to a wide spectrum of travel needs. The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack can expand to accommodate up to 42 liters of clothing, suitable for weekend trips or week-long journeys. It also conveniently contracts down to a 20-liter capacity, making it an excellent daypack for sightseeing and everyday use.
After consistent use over six months, we found this lightweight travel backpack to be exceptionally robust and durable. We encountered no issues fitting our complete packing list and discovered ample additional space, thanks to the variety of adjustable buckled straps that allow for size customization. The front buckle can be loosened, allowing the roll-top opening flap to expand for greater volume, and a kangaroo pouch at the backpack’s base adds an extra 6 liters of space, ideal for shoes or items you wish to keep separate. A padded compartment at the back securely holds laptops up to 17 inches, and a removable, compression wardrobe organizer can be hung in a closet upon arrival at your destination.
We found this lightweight travel backpack comfortable to wear after adjusting the shoulder and waist straps, although setting the buckles to your preferred tightness may require a bit of initial effort. The Shell Backpack showed no signs of wear or damage throughout our testing, and its material is weatherproof. For travelers looking to further enhance their backpack’s functionality, the brand offers an organization system and accessory pouches available for purchase separately. If you need a versatile all-in-one lightweight travel backpack, its adaptability justifies its higher price point. As a bonus for environmentally conscious travelers seeking a sustainable backpack, this model is constructed from 100 percent recycled nylon and 64 percent recycled polyester.
Backpack Details
20 to 42 liters|12 x 20 x 7.5 inches | 3.3 pounds | Recycled polyester | 17-inch laptop sleeve
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
The Best Travel Organizers for Shoes, Jewelry, Tech, and More — Tested and Reviewed
Best Organized Lightweight Travel Backpack
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L
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PHOTO: Topo Designs
$199 at Backcountry $189 at Zappos View on Topodesigns.com
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Abundant pockets and a dedicated laptop compartment in this lightweight travel backpack help keep your belongings systematically organized.
What to Consider:
- After six months of consistent use, we observed that the bag can feel quite heavy when packed to its full capacity.
Overview
Packing for a trip can often feel like a chore, but the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L is designed to streamline the process, making it efficient and easy. We particularly appreciated the convenience of the padded compartment at the back, perfectly sized to securely hold laptops up to 15 inches. Additionally, two front pockets provide quick access to items like tablets or phone chargers. This lightweight travel backpack features a wealth of compartments and pockets, offering numerous organizational options for smaller or loose items, effectively negating the need for separate packing cubes. You’ll find dedicated spaces for stashing cords, travel documents, electronics, water bottles, and more.
Adjustable shoulder straps, along with chest and waist straps, facilitate even distribution of the backpack’s weight, enhancing carrying comfort. However, during our long-term testing, we noted that the bag can still become heavy if it’s completely filled. The 100 percent recycled nylon material feels robust and durable, suggesting it will maintain its good condition over extended use, making it a reliable lightweight travel backpack for organized travelers.
Backpack Details
30 liters | 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | 2.63 pounds | 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon | 15-inch laptop sleeve
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Best Waterproof Lightweight Travel Backpack
Tortuga Travel Backpack
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PHOTO: Tortuga
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Crafted from 100 percent recycled and waterproof material, this lightweight travel backpack provides superior protection for your belongings in wet weather.
What to Consider:
- Weighing over 4 pounds, this lightweight travel backpack can feel somewhat heavy to carry when fully packed.
Overview
If your travels take you to regions with frequent rainfall, a waterproof backpack like this Tortuga model is essential to keep your gear dry. It’s constructed using the brand’s proprietary 100 percent recycled and waterproof Shell200 material, often referred to as “sailcloth,” which is designed to reliably protect your belongings and prevent inclement weather from disrupting your trip. During a rainy overnight camping trip, the Tortuga Travel Backpack was essentially submerged in a puddle for hours, yet none of the gear or clothing inside got wet, and cleaning the bag afterwards simply required wiping it down with a damp cloth.
This is a significantly spacious lightweight travel backpack with a 40-liter capacity. We found it easily accommodates a week’s worth of clothing (or more) across its two clamshell compartments. The split-style design simplifies packing, allowing for a clear view of available space on each side. Should you need additional room beyond the main compartments, top, front, and side exterior pockets offer convenient storage for a laptop, accessories, water bottles, and other items you want readily accessible while traveling.
Backpack Details
40 liters|21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches | 4.5 pounds | Waterproof sailcloth | 16-inch laptop pocket | Waterproof
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Best Lightweight Travel Backpack with Pockets
Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack
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PHOTO: Calpak
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- This lightweight travel backpack features pockets within pockets, both inside and outside, including an expandable water bottle holder and a padded laptop sleeve for maximum organization.
What to Consider:
- The glossy material, while stylish, tends to show scuff marks more readily.
Overview
If you value having designated pockets for all your items, the Calpak Terra backpack is designed with you in mind, offering a pocket for practically everything. Despite its medium size and 26-liter capacity, it provides ample space to pack clothing for a four or five-day trip, thanks to its numerous pockets – a hallmark organizational design element found in many Calpak luggage pieces.
“I used this as my carry-on for a four-day trip to Jackson Hole, and it made it incredibly easy to access all my essentials from the exterior front pockets and to quickly retrieve my laptop for airport security,” notes T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco. “I also appreciate the zippered water bottle pocket, which stays sleek when not in use but securely holds a large water bottle when needed.” The glossy material provides water resistance, although we observed it collected black scuff marks after leaning against airport windows, which were easily buffed out.
For longer carries, the padded straps offer substantial shoulder comfort, effectively distributing the pack’s weight. Side buckles and straps allow for maximum compression, ensuring a streamlined profile. The backpack straps can also be tucked away, converting it into a duffel bag for shoulder carry. As an owner of this lightweight travel backpack, I personally prefer using the backpack straps but value the versatility of having multiple carrying options depending on my needs while on the go.
Backpack Details
26 liters | 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | 2.9 pounds | Recycled ripstop polyester | 17-inch laptop sleeve | Water-resistant
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Best Lightweight Travel Backpack for Photographers
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
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PHOTO: REI
$300 at Amazon $300 at Backcountry View on Peakdesign.com
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Access to the main compartment of this lightweight travel backpack is available through four different exterior zippers, offering unparalleled convenience.
What to Consider:
- This is one of the pricier and heavier lightweight travel backpacks on our list.
Overview
This expandable lightweight travel backpack features a main compartment generously sized to hold clothing for at least four days, and its design is particularly well-suited for packing bulkier items such as jackets and shoes. Packing clothing and shoes during our tests was efficient and straightforward, thanks to a removable divider sleeve and compression straps that securely hold everything in place. Designed with photographers in mind, this backpack functions similarly to a camera bag. It’s compatible with camera cubes and offers four access points to the main compartment, allowing travelers to quickly retrieve clothing or accessories without fully unzipping the bag. Features include a padded laptop sleeve and stretchy side pockets suitable for water bottles or a camera tripod.
Despite its weight, Peak Design has maximized every inch of space in this lightweight travel backpack. Even the hip belt includes a small storage pocket and can be tucked away when not needed. All straps are easily adjustable, preventing weight imbalances and discomfort. Constructed from weatherproof and water-resistant recycled nylon, the bag withstood drop tests without showing any scuffs or damage – exactly the durability you expect in a high-quality backpack. While the price is substantial, the abundance of helpful features and stellar performance suggest this lightweight travel backpack is a long-term investment for serious travelers, especially photographers.
Backpack Details
30 to 45 liters |22 x 13 x 9.5 inches (22 x 13 x 11 inches when expanded) | 4.8 pounds | Nylon and polyester | 16-inch laptop sleeve | Water-resistant
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph
Best Value Lightweight Travel Backpack
Matein Travel Backpack
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PHOTO: Amazon
$51 $34 at Amazon View on Matein.com
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Multiple compartments in this lightweight travel backpack facilitate organized storage for clothing, shoes, tech, and accessories.
What to Consider:
- The materials have a slightly lower quality feel compared to other backpacks we tested at higher price points.
Overview
If you’re hesitant to invest in a more expensive carry-on backpack, this functional and spacious option under $60 is an excellent entry point. This 40-liter lightweight travel backpack features a large main compartment that easily accommodates several tops, bottoms, and a toiletry case. We particularly appreciated the separate footwear compartment, which effectively isolates shoe soles from clean clothing and can even fit pairs up to size 12.
Additionally, a large laptop pocket and a front pocket with organizers for phone chargers, headphones, and other small accessories prone to getting lost are included. While the overall material quality is not as premium as pricier models, the nylon fabric showed no tearing or scuffing during our durability tests, suggesting a good lifespan for this budget-friendly lightweight travel backpack.
Backpack Details
40 liters | 20 x 13 x 8 inches| 2.2 pounds | Nylon | 17-inch laptop pocket | Water-resistant
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Other Lightweight Carry-on Backpacks We Liked
While our testing included numerous high-quality lightweight carry-on backpacks, some promising models fell slightly short of our top recommendations due to minor weaknesses identified during testing.
Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack: We were impressed by this 35-liter lightweight travel backpack’s durability, comfort, and water resistance. It also includes a waterproof phone case that effectively kept our phone dry even when submerged. However, the roll-top closure is quite lengthy and cumbersome, making packing somewhat inconvenient. We believe it’s better suited for outdoor adventures than as a primary carry-on travel backpack.
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Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus: We appreciated the adjustable sternum and waist straps that conveniently tuck away when not in use. However, we believe there are superior lightweight travel backpack options available at a more accessible price point.
Amazon Basics Carry-on Travel Backpack: It offered ample compartments for organization and felt durable, but lacked standout features that would make it an essential lightweight travel backpack.
Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L: This backpack accommodated all our packing items and even fit under an airplane seat. However, our budget pick (Asenlin) outperformed it slightly and is available at a lower cost, making it a less compelling option as a lightweight travel backpack.
Our Testing Process for Lightweight Travel Backpacks
Across more than seven separate testing sessions in our New York City lab, we rigorously evaluated carry-on backpacks to ensure our recommendations are based on the best available options from trusted luggage and backpack brands. For our most recent tests, we constructed a specialized airplane set featuring a row of authentic airplane seats and an overhead storage bin. To date, we have assessed over 90 carry-on backpacks through trials designed to compare capacity, design, comfort, durability, and overall value as lightweight travel backpacks. Following our in-lab evaluations, we distributed the backpacks to T+L editors for real-world testing, providing insights into their performance during actual travel scenarios. We continuously update this article with long-term testing results as they become available.
To assess capacity, we began by packing each bag with three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, a toiletry bag, and a dummy laptop (if a laptop sleeve was included). We noted any remaining space and evaluated the compartments’ functionality for organizing packed contents within each lightweight travel backpack. We assessed the overall design, paying close attention to how the bags unfolded, the smoothness of zippers and buckles, and the utility of each pocket and compartment.
Next, we wore each backpack and walked for 10 minutes to evaluate comfort. Top-scoring lightweight travel backpacks were exceptionally comfortable, distributing weight evenly across the shoulders and hips.
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Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Subsequently, we conducted durability tests by dropping the backpacks from a few feet high or off a countertop. Top-rated lightweight travel backpacks showed no scuffs or tears after this rough handling, and the packed items inside remained undamaged.
During lab testing, we remained unaware of each backpack’s price until testing was complete. This ensured unbiased value ratings, where top-performing bags were judged on whether their performance justified their price, particularly for higher-end models of lightweight travel backpacks. After lab assessments, backpacks were used for real-world testing for up to six months, allowing us to evaluate their performance in actual travel situations, including on airplanes.
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Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim
Tips for Choosing a Lightweight Carry-on Backpack
Under-Seat vs. Overhead Bin Lightweight Travel Backpacks
Keep in mind that not all lightweight carry-on backpacks are designed to fit under an airplane seat. If under-seat storage is your priority, we recommend checking an airline’s underseat dimensions before traveling. Similarly, for overhead bin use, verify airline carry-on size restrictions to avoid potential baggage fees if your lightweight travel backpack is overstuffed.
Consider Your Primary Use for a Lightweight Travel Backpack
While seemingly obvious, determining the primary function is crucial when selecting the perfect travel backpack. For travelers primarily on foot, a smaller, lighter backpack enhances portability and comfort. For air travel, a compression bag or a lightweight travel backpack with excellent organization may be preferable to maximize limited airline baggage allowances. If flying, you might also consider wheeled options like a rolling backpack, weekender, or duffel bag for added convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lightweight Travel Backpacks
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How much can a lightweight carry-on backpack hold?
During our tests, we packed three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag into each lightweight travel backpack, often with extra space for more clothing. Many backpacks include a laptop compartment, but confirm this feature before purchasing. Check laptop pocket dimensions to ensure compatibility with your device. We also recommend using compression packing cubes to further maximize packing capacity in your lightweight travel backpack. -
Are all lightweight carry-on backpacks airline-approved?
Carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, and some lightweight carry-on backpacks may exceed these limits. Most product descriptions include a “specs” section detailing backpack dimensions. If your goal is under-seat storage (under the seat), verify the packed bag fits within specified dimensions. -
Can I bring both a lightweight travel backpack and an additional carry-on bag on a plane?
This depends on the airline, destination, and class of ticket purchased. Most airlines permit only one carry-on item (for the overhead bin) plus a personal item (for under the seat), both subject to airline size restrictions.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure for Lightweight Travel Backpack Reviews
Since joining Travel + Leisure in spring 2022 to test travel gear in New York City, Associate Editor Anna Popp has personally tested over 50 backpacks, including several featured in this guide from Cotopaxi, Calpak, Peak Design, and Nomatic. She has personally traveled with a Cotopaxi backpack for over four years and even purchased matching bags for her family due to their popularity.
The 14 Most Stylish Travel Backpacks
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Edited by Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco is a Testing Editor at Travel + Leisure, responsible for planning product tests and writing/editing travel-related product reviews based on thorough testing. Her background includes experience as a travel agent, a journalism degree, and over eight years covering consumer products and gift guides. She has also made over 100 TV appearances discussing consumer products and shopping trends.
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Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor is an Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure, responsible for maintaining article freshness and accuracy. As an avid traveler to 23 countries, she constantly evaluates new products to enhance her travel experiences. She holds a bachelor’s degree in news media and has worked as a writer and editor for over seven years.
