Navigating airports and city streets with cumbersome luggage can be a significant travel headache. Imagine gliding through terminals, hands-free and stress-free, with all your essentials neatly packed in a comfortable, airline-compliant bag. This is the reality offered by the best Travel Backpack Carry Ons. More than just a backpack, these versatile companions are designed to maximize packing space while adhering to strict carry-on regulations, making them ideal for savvy travelers seeking efficiency and ease. Whether you’re embarking on a quick weekend escape or a multi-week adventure, the right travel backpack carry on can revolutionize your journey.
We understand the importance of reliable travel gear, which is why we’ve rigorously tested a wide array of carry-on backpacks to bring you the most dependable options available. In our dedicated New York City lab, we put over 90 backpacks through comprehensive evaluations, simulating real-world travel scenarios with our custom airplane set, complete with authentic seats and overhead bins. But our testing didn’t stop there. We extended our trials into the real world, tasking our team to travel with these backpacks for at least six months, assessing their performance across diverse trips and conditions. The result? A curated list of top-performing travel backpack carry ons that stand out for their functionality, durability, and travel-friendliness.
Expertly Selected: Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations
As Travel + Leisure Associate Editor, Anna Popp, I’ve been deeply involved in every backpack test conducted since 2022. My hands-on experience includes personally evaluating over 50 different bags. Beyond professional testing, I personally rely on carry-on backpacks for my own travels and even own two of the backpacks featured in this guide, including our top overall pick. This extensive testing and personal usage provide me with a unique perspective, ensuring that our recommendations are not only rigorously tested but also genuinely practical for every type of traveler. My goal is to help you find the perfect travel backpack carry on to enhance your travel experiences.
Our Top Travel Backpack Carry On Picks:
Best Overall:
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack at Amazon $240 $168
Jump to Review
Best for Extended Trips:
Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L at Away Travel $220
Jump to Review
Best with Packing Cube System:
Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack at Amazon $34
Jump to Review
Best Expandable Design:
Nomatic Travel Pack at Amazon $280
Jump to Review
Best for Anti-Theft Security:
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL at Amazon $290
Jump to Review
Best Compression Features:
Tropicfeel Shell Backpack at Amazon $239
Jump to Review
Best for Organized Packing:
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L at Backcountry $199
Jump to Review
Best Waterproof Construction:
Tortuga Travel Backpack at Tortugabackpacks.com $350
Jump to Review
Best Pocket Design:
Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack at Calpaktravel.com
Jump to Review
Best for Photography Gear:
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L at Amazon $300
Jump to Review
Best Overall
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
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PHOTO: Cotopaxi
$240 $168 at Amazon
$250 at REI
$192 at Backcountry
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Durable and spacious design, capable of holding clothing for extended trips.
- Water-resistant material ensures belongings stay dry in varying weather conditions.
- Comfortable to carry even when fully loaded, enhancing travel convenience.
What to Consider:
- Its larger size might not fit under all airplane seats, primarily suited for overhead bin storage.
Overview
Cotopaxi, a brand celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and vibrant outdoor gear, consistently ranks among our favorite backpack brands. The Allpa series has long been praised, with the 35L Travel Pack previously holding our top overall recommendation. However, the newly upgraded 42L Travel Pack has claimed the top spot as our best overall travel backpack carry on. This enhanced version offers greater capacity and improved features, making it an exceptional choice for travelers. Cotopaxi’s 2024 refresh of the Allpa line includes more robust materials, enhanced weight distribution, and user-friendly additions like air mesh shoulder straps, a luggage pass-through strap, and an external stretch water bottle pocket.
Having personally tested this backpack in the Travel + Leisure lab, I can attest to its superior design compared to the 35-liter model. The 42L pack incorporates more thoughtful features specifically for travelers. While its substantial size may seem hefty to some, I found it remarkably manageable to carry. The supportive straps and newly designed hip belt contribute to comfortable portability. Moreover, its backpack design offers greater airport maneuverability compared to wheeled suitcases. Although internal organization could be slightly improved with additional compartments, I successfully packed clothing for a five-day trip with ample room to spare.
The pack features a clamshell opening, revealing a spacious interior with a large mesh zippered compartment on one side and two smaller zippered pockets on the other. A medium-sized zippered pocket on the front and a smaller, easily accessible zippered pocket at the very front are perfect for items like passports or phones. The padded laptop compartment at the back includes a divider, accommodating multiple devices securely. While not ideal as an everyday carry bag due to its size, its versatility makes it suitable for flights, business trips, camping, road trips, and various other travel scenarios.
Key Features
- Capacity: 42 liters
- Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 11 inches
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Materials: TPU-coated 1000D polyester, 840D ballistic nylon paneling
- Laptop Sleeve: Fits up to 15-inch laptops
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Best for Extended Trips
Away The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L
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PHOTO: Away
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Exceptional comfort due to soft materials and well-cushioned shoulder straps.
- Spacious interior with a surprising capacity for longer trips.
What to Consider:
- Its length might be disproportionate for individuals with shorter torsos.
Overview
The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L redefines spaciousness in a carry-on format. Its main compartment’s clamshell design offers effortless packing and access, easily accommodating a four-day packing list with extra room. Multiple large compartments, compression straps, and thoughtfully placed pockets facilitate exceptional organization for clothing, gear, and travel accessories. Despite its substantial 45-liter capacity, the padded shoulder straps ensure comfortable carrying, even when fully loaded for extended periods. The addition of convenient duffel handles provides an alternative carrying style, useful when shoulder fatigue sets in. This blend of capacity and comfort makes it a top contender for a travel backpack carry on.
Durability is a key feature, with a well-padded laptop sleeve that effectively protected our test laptop during drop tests from counter height. The backpack’s fabric showed no signs of wear and tear after rigorous testing, underscoring its robust construction. Crafted from water- and abrasion-resistant materials, this backpack is perfectly suited for travelers who demand a sleek yet rugged companion for everything from urban explorations to outdoor camping adventures. It stands as a versatile travel backpack carry on ready for any journey.
Key Features
- Capacity: 45 liters
- Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 3.32 pounds
- Materials: Recycled polyester
- Laptop Sleeve: Fits up to 16-inch laptops
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim
Best With Packing Cubes
Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack
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PHOTO: Amazon
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Ample space and includes three packing cubes for superior organization during travels.
What to Consider:
- Shows wear and tear, including scuffs and scratches, after extended use.
Overview
The Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack proves that budget-friendly can also mean feature-rich. This backpack impressed us with its organizational capabilities and comfortable design, especially considering its affordable price point. It’s an excellent travel backpack carry on for those seeking value without sacrificing practicality. The internal and external compression features enhance packing efficiency, maximizing space and organization. Notably, it includes three packing cubes (small, medium, and large), a significant bonus for organized travelers. The inclusion of both a suitcase strap and a horizontal handle adds to its versatility. Inside, straps and a dedicated laptop sleeve secure belongings and electronics effectively.
While its design may lack the visual flair of higher-end brands, it competently includes essential features like a laptop sleeve and a water bottle holder. Its adaptability shines with backpack, briefcase, and trolley sleeve carry options, catering to diverse travel preferences. A minor drawback is the chest strap’s limited adjustability. However, in durability tests, the backpack withstood scuffs and damage remarkably well. For travelers prioritizing functionality, comfort, and space on a budget, this travel backpack carry on is an exceptional value proposition.
Key Features
- Capacity: 40 liters
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Materials: Polyester
- Laptop Pocket: Fits up to 17-inch laptops
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
The 13 Most Durable Backpacks for Every Adventure, Tested and Reviewed
Best Expandable
Nomatic Travel Pack
PHOTO: Amazon
$280 at Amazon
View on Nomatic.com
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Expandable zippers significantly increase capacity from 20 to 30 liters, offering versatility for different trip lengths.
What to Consider:
- The sheer number of pockets might be excessive for some users, potentially complicating organization.
Overview
The Nomatic Travel Pack excels as a versatile travel backpack carry on, primarily due to its expandable zipper system. This feature boosts its capacity by 10 liters, making it adaptable for both short overnight trips and longer weekend getaways. The bag is thoughtfully designed with numerous pockets and compartments, facilitating efficient organization of shoes, clothing, accessories, and tech gadgets. While the initial abundance of pockets might seem overwhelming, highly organized travelers will appreciate the dedicated padded laptop sleeve, sunglasses case, discreet passport pocket, and various slip and zippered pockets within the main compartment.
Comfort is well-addressed with comfortable handles and padded shoulder straps, and its manageable size prevents it from feeling bulky or cumbersome. Throughout four months of international travel testing, the backpack maintained a like-new condition, resisting wear and tear despite rough handling and being frequently stowed under airplane seats. This resilience and adaptability make it a top choice for a travel backpack carry on.
Key Features
- Capacity: 20 liters, expandable to 30 liters
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 6-9.5 inches
- Weight: 4.16 pounds
- Materials: Nylon and polyester
- Laptop Pocket: Fits up to 14-inch laptops
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure/Jessica Juliao
Best Anti-theft
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL
PHOTO: Pacsafe
$290 at Amazon
$290 at REI
$290 at Backcountry
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Packed with anti-theft features including locking zippers and a wire-reinforced inner layer for enhanced security.
What to Consider:
- Some anti-theft features may require a learning curve to fully utilize and understand.
Overview
The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL stands out as the best anti-theft travel backpack carry on, prioritizing security without compromising functionality. Following recent anti-theft backpack testing, this Pacsafe model emerged as our top carry-on recommendation. Its 45-liter capacity rivals that of standard carry-on luggage, offering ample space while incorporating advanced anti-theft technologies. Features include an RFID-blocking pocket, lockable zippers, and slash-proof fabric, ensuring valuables are well-protected. The clamshell compartment opens wide for easy packing, and it comfortably accommodated our entire packing list with additional space. Internal pockets are plentiful, enhancing organization, but the standout features are undoubtedly its safety mechanisms. The main zipper pulls can be interlocked with a built-in padlock, a feature that, while initially puzzling, effectively deters unauthorized access.
Constructed from recycled polyester with a water-repellent coating, the backpack balances environmental consciousness with practical durability. While a box cutter could penetrate the outer layers in our slash tests, a wire-reinforced inner layer successfully prevented complete penetration and protected the contents inside. The internal placement of the padded laptop sleeve further enhances security. Importantly, the backpack straps proved slash-proof in our tests. An added security feature is a stainless steel cable for securing the bag to stationary objects, although its operation was not immediately intuitive. Despite being slightly bulky and heavy, the backpack remains comfortable to carry, making it a versatile and secure choice for discerning travelers.
Key Features
- Capacity: 45 liters
- Dimensions: 21.7 x 13 x 7.5 inches
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
- Materials: 750D recycled polyester
- Laptop Sleeve: Fits up to 16-inch laptops
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Best Compression
Tropicfeel Shell Backpack
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PHOTO: Tropicfeel
$239 at Amazon
View on Tropicfeel.com
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Features adjustable straps for size modification and a removable, compressing wardrobe organizer, enhancing packing efficiency.
What to Consider:
- The top handle’s comfort could be improved for prolonged carrying.
Overview
The Tropicfeel Shell Backpack is celebrated for its thoughtful design, catering to a wide spectrum of travel needs. This travel backpack carry on is uniquely versatile, capable of expanding to a 42-liter capacity for week-long trips, while also compressing down to a 20-liter daypack for sightseeing and daily use. Its adaptability makes it a standout choice for varied travel itineraries.
After six months of consistent use, the backpack demonstrated exceptional sturdiness and durability. It easily accommodated our complete packing list with significant extra capacity, thanks to adjustable buckled straps that allow for customized sizing. The front buckle can be loosened to expand the roll-top opening, and a kangaroo pouch at the bottom adds 6 liters of separate space, ideal for shoes or items you wish to isolate. A padded compartment at the back fits laptops up to 17 inches, and a removable, compressing wardrobe organizer can be conveniently hung in a closet upon arrival.
Comfort is well-considered with adjustable shoulder and waist straps, though achieving the desired buckle settings may require some initial adjustment. The Shell Backpack showed no signs of damage throughout testing, and its material is weatherproof, adding to its resilience. For further customization, Tropicfeel offers an organization system and accessory pouches available for purchase. For travelers seeking an all-encompassing travel backpack carry on, its versatility and robust features justify the higher price. As a bonus, this sustainable backpack is crafted from 100 percent recycled nylon and 64 percent recycled polyester, appealing to environmentally conscious travelers.
Key Features
- Capacity: 20 to 42 liters
- Dimensions: 12 x 20 x 7.5 inches
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Materials: Recycled polyester
- Laptop Sleeve: Fits up to 17-inch laptops
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
The Best Travel Organizers for Shoes, Jewelry, Tech, and More — Tested and Reviewed
Best Organization
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:
- Features a multitude of pockets and a dedicated laptop compartment, facilitating exceptional organization of belongings.
What to Consider:
- Can feel heavy when fully packed, especially after extended use.
Overview
The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L simplifies packing, transforming a potentially tedious task into an efficient process. This travel backpack carry on excels in organizational design. A padded compartment securely houses laptops up to 15 inches, complemented by two front pockets for easy access to tablets or chargers. The abundance of compartments and pockets negates the need for packing cubes, offering dedicated spaces for cords, travel documents, electronics, water bottles, and other small items.
Adjustable shoulder straps and chest/waist straps distribute weight effectively, enhancing carrying comfort. However, long-term testing revealed that the bag can become heavy when completely filled. Constructed from 100 percent recycled nylon, the material feels durable and promises longevity. This combination of organization and durability positions it as a top travel backpack carry on for organized travelers.
Key Features
- Capacity: 30 liters
- Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches
- Weight: 2.63 pounds
- Materials: 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon
- Laptop Sleeve: Fits up to 15-inch laptops
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Best Waterproof
Tortuga Travel Backpack
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PHOTO: Tortuga
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Constructed from 100 percent recycled and waterproof material, offering superior protection for belongings in wet conditions.
What to Consider:
- Its weight can be noticeable, especially when fully packed.
Overview
For travels to rainy climates, the Tortuga Travel Backpack is the quintessential waterproof travel backpack carry on. Crafted from Tortuga’s proprietary 100 percent recycled and waterproof Shell200, or “sailcloth” material, it provides unparalleled protection against the elements. During a rainy overnight camping trip, the backpack endured hours in a puddle, yet the contents remained completely dry. Cleaning was simple, requiring just a damp cloth.
With a generous 40-liter capacity, it easily accommodates a week’s worth of clothing across two clamshell compartments. The split design simplifies packing and provides a clear view of available space. Additional top, front, and side exterior pockets offer further storage for laptops, accessories, water bottles, and frequently needed items. For travelers prioritizing waterproof protection and ample space, this travel backpack carry on is an excellent investment.
Key Features
- Capacity: 40 liters
- Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Materials: Waterproof sailcloth
- Laptop Pocket: Fits up to 16-inch laptops
- Water Resistance: Waterproof
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Best Pockets
Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack
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PHOTO: Calpak
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Features an abundance of pockets, both internally and externally, including an expandable water bottle holder and a padded laptop sleeve for ultimate organization.
What to Consider:
- The glossy material is prone to scuff marks.
Overview
For travelers who prioritize pocket space, the Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack is an organizational dream. This travel backpack carry on is designed with pockets for virtually everything. Despite its medium 26-liter capacity, it provides ample space for four to five days of clothing, thanks to its numerous pockets – a hallmark of Calpak luggage pieces.
“Using this as my carry-on for a Jackson Hole trip was incredibly convenient,” notes T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco. “Accessing necessities from the front pockets and quickly retrieving my laptop at security was seamless. The expandable, zippable water bottle pocket is another standout feature.” The glossy, water-resistant material, while stylish, does tend to pick up scuff marks, although these are easily buffed out.
Comfort is ensured with padded straps, suitable for extended carrying. Side buckles and straps compress the backpack effectively, and the backpack straps can be tucked away for duffel-style shoulder carry. This versatility and pocket-rich design make it a top travel backpack carry on for organized travelers.
Key Features
- Capacity: 26 liters
- Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Materials: Recycled ripstop polyester
- Laptop Sleeve: Fits up to 17-inch laptops
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant
Product Showcase
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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 -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
The 11 Best Convertible Bags, Tested and Reviewed
Best 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:
- Main compartment accessible from four different exterior zippers, providing unparalleled ease of access.
What to Consider:
- Among the pricier and heavier options in our selection.
Overview
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is an expandable travel backpack carry on tailored for photographers and travelers needing versatile access and robust construction. Its main compartment offers ample space for at least four days of clothing, with a design that efficiently accommodates bulky items like jackets and shoes. Packing is streamlined with a removable divider sleeve and compression straps. Designed with photography in mind, it functions similarly to a specialized camera bag, compatible with camera cubes and featuring four access points to the main compartment. This allows quick retrieval of items without fully unpacking. Additional features include a padded laptop sleeve and stretchy side pockets for water bottles or a tripod.
Despite its heavier build, Peak Design maximizes utility in every aspect. The hip belt even includes a small storage pocket and can be tucked away when not needed. Adjustable straps ensure balanced weight distribution and prevent pinching. Constructed from weatherproof and water-resistant recycled nylon, it demonstrated excellent durability in drop tests, showing no scuffs or damage – ideal for a durable backpack. While it represents a significant investment, its performance and features suggest long-term reliability and value.
Key Features
- Capacity: 30 to 45 liters
- Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches (22 x 13 x 11 inches when expanded)
- Weight: 4.8 pounds
- Materials: Nylon and polyester
- Laptop Sleeve: Fits up to 16-inch laptops
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant
Product Showcase
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph
Best Value
Matein Travel Backpack
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PHOTO: Amazon
$51 $34 at Amazon
View on Matein.com
Pros & Cons
Why We Love It:
- Features multiple compartments for organized storage of clothing, shoes, tech, and accessories, maximizing packing efficiency.
What to Consider:
- Material quality is perceived as lower compared to more premium backpacks.
Overview
The Matein Travel Backpack offers exceptional value for budget-conscious travelers seeking a functional and spacious travel backpack carry on without a hefty price tag. Priced under $60, this 40-liter backpack provides a large main compartment capable of holding numerous tops, bottoms, and a toiletry case with ease. A standout feature is the separate footwear compartment, isolating shoes up to size 12 from clean clothing.
Additionally, it includes a large laptop pocket and a front pocket with organizers for chargers, headphones, and small accessories. While the material quality is not on par with pricier models, the nylon fabric proved durable in tests, resisting tears and scuffs. This balance of features, space, and affordability makes it an excellent value proposition for a travel backpack carry on.
Key Features
- Capacity: 40 liters
- Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 8 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Materials: Nylon
- Laptop Pocket: Fits up to 17-inch laptops
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant
Product Showcase
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao -
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Other Travel Backpack Carry Ons We Liked
While our primary list highlights top performers, several other carry-on backpacks impressed us but fell slightly short of our top recommendations due to specific limitations identified during testing.
Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack: Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack excelled in durability, comfort, and water resistance. Its 35-liter capacity and included waterproof phone case were notable positives. However, the cumbersome roll-top closure made packing less convenient for frequent access, making it better suited for outdoor adventures than as a primary travel backpack carry on.
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Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao
Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus: Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus offered commendable adjustable sternum and waist straps that could be neatly tucked away. Despite these user-friendly features, its price point positions it less competitively against equally capable, more affordable alternatives.
Amazon Basics Carry-on Travel Backpack: Amazon Basics Carry-on Travel Backpack provided ample organizational compartments and durable material. However, it lacked standout features that would elevate it above other backpacks in its category.
Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L: Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L offered generous packing space and under-seat compatibility. Ultimately, our budget pick, the Asenlin, outperformed it slightly while being more cost-effective.
Our Testing Process
To ensure unbiased and reliable recommendations, we rigorously tested over 90 travel backpack carry ons in our New York City lab across more than seven separate evaluations. Our testing environment includes a custom-built airplane set, featuring authentic airplane seats and overhead bins, to simulate real flight conditions. Our comprehensive testing protocol assessed each backpack based on capacity, design, comfort, durability, and overall value. Following lab assessments, we deployed the backpacks with Travel + Leisure editors for real-world testing over six months, gathering insights on their performance during actual travel scenarios. This ongoing long-term testing informs our updated recommendations.
Capacity testing involved packing each bag with a standard set of items: three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, a toiletry bag, and a dummy laptop (if applicable). We evaluated remaining space and compartment functionality for organization. Design assessments covered how the bags open, zipper and buckle performance, and pocket/compartment utility.
Comfort was evaluated through 10-minute wear tests, rating weight distribution and shoulder/hip comfort. Top-scoring backpacks distributed weight evenly and were exceptionally comfortable.
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Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Durability testing included drop tests from countertop height and throwing bags a few feet. Top-rated bags showed no damage, and contents remained protected.
Value assessments were conducted without prior knowledge of backpack costs to ensure unbiased evaluations. Top value bags offered high performance commensurate with their price, especially for premium models. Real-world testing post-lab assessments provided crucial insights into performance during actual travel, including airplane compatibility.
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Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim
Tips for Buying a Travel Backpack Carry On
Under-Seat vs. Overhead Carry-on Considerations
When selecting a travel backpack carry on, consider whether you intend to store it under the seat or in the overhead bin. For under-seat storage, verify airline underseat dimensions to ensure compliance. For overhead bin use, check airline carry-on size restrictions to avoid potential fees due to oversized bags, especially when fully packed.
Intended Use is Key
Determine the primary purpose of your travel backpack carry on to guide your selection. For extensive walking or hiking, prioritize smaller, lightweight backpacks for portability and comfort. For air travel, compression bags or highly organized backpacks maximize limited airline baggage space. Consider rolling backpacks, weekender bags, or duffel bags with wheels for added airport convenience. Utilize our backpack recommendation quiz for tailored suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a travel backpack carry on hold?
Our tests showed that each travel backpack carry on could comfortably fit three shirts, two pants, a jacket, shoes, and a toiletry bag, often with extra space. Many include laptop compartments; verify this feature and laptop pocket dimensions before purchasing. Compression packing cubes can further maximize packing capacity.
Are all travel backpack carry ons airline-approved?
Airline carry-on size restrictions vary. Check product specifications for backpack dimensions to ensure compliance. For under-seat storage, confirm the bag fits within specified dimensions when packed.
Can I bring a backpack and an additional carry-on?
Airline policies vary based on carrier, destination, and class of service. Most airlines permit one overhead bin carry-on and one personal item (for under-seat storage), each adhering to size restrictions. Confirm specific airline policies before travel.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Since joining Travel + Leisure in 2022, associate editor Anna Popp has dedicated countless hours to testing travel gear, personally evaluating over 50 backpacks, including many featured here from brands like Cotopaxi, Calpak, Peak Design, and Nomatic. Her four-year personal experience with a Cotopaxi backpack and her family’s adoption of the same model underscore her deep product expertise and user-centric approach.
The 14 Most Stylish Travel Backpacks
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Edited by Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco, Travel + Leisure Testing Editor, plans product tests and writes/edits travel product reviews based on in-depth testing. Previously a travel agent with a journalism degree and over eight years in product coverage, she has made over 100 TV appearances discussing consumer products and shopping trends.
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Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure Updates Writer, maintains article freshness. An avid traveler to 23 countries, she continually tests travel products. She holds a news media degree and has seven+ years of writing and editing experience.
