backpack cabin bags for travel

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

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

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TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

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

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

Final Verdict

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

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

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

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

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

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

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

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

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

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

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

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

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

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

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

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

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

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

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

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

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

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

• Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

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

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

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

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

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

• Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

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

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

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

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

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Topo Designs

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

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

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

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

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

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

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

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

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

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

• Design 4 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

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

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

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

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

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

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

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

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Mystery Ranch

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

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

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

Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Budget: ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

Best lightweight: mz wallace metro utility backpack.

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

Best for International Travel: Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

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

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

Price: $200 or less

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

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

What our editors say:

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

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $15.99 or less

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

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

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

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $345 or less

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

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

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

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

Dagne dover dakota neoprene backpack – large.

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $215 or less

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

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

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

Aer Travel Pack 3

Price: $249 or less

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

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

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

Price: $185 or less

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

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

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

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Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $117.99 or less

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

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

Price: $475 or less

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

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

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

Price: $299.95 or less

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

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

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

Price: $134.95 or less

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

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

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

Price: $159.99 or less

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

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

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

Price: $148 or less

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

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

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

Price: $230 or less

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

How We Tested

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

You might also be interested in:

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

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A Professional Packer Shares the 11 Best Carry-on Bags That Actually Fit a Week's Worth of Clothes — From $30

Never check a bag again.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

There are some travelers who are completely at ease with bringing just two or three outfits on a trip to skip checking a bag . I am not one of them. I like to pack as many options as my carry-on luggage will allow. While this may initially seem to contradict my title as a professional packer — I’m the founder of the Just Packed travel site and corresponding newsletter — the two aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. Instead, I define an expertly packed carry-on bag as one that contains everything that you may need on your trip (and still has the ability to close).

Before the actual packing process can begin, though, it’s critical to have luggage pieces that offer ample room to ensure its spot in the overhead bin or under the airplane seat in front of you. But, not every travel bag is up for the task. Over my years of research, both on the ground and in the air, these are the 11 roomiest carry-on bags that I've found. They include classic suitcases as well as travel totes, backpacks, and duffels that help you pack a week's worth (and even more) of clothes so you'll have everything that you need for your next trip.

Away Bigger Carry-on

In my line of work, I’m constantly testing different suitcase brands and styles. My 22-inch Away Bigger Carry-on has yet to be topped when it comes to how much it can hold. From the outside, it looks like a basic, albeit sleek , suitcase; there are no bells and whistles. That simplicity, however, is the key to its success. Every inch of the suitcase serves to get the job done (a.k.a. hold as much as possible). By using the interior compression system, I can fit about one week’s worth of clothes without trying too hard — but if I use a few of my tried-and-true packing hacks , I can make it work for a two-week trip.

It's also made with a polycarbonate hardshell, a sturdy material that I always look for when suitcase shopping because of its durability. Trust me, you'll appreciate it when your carry-on gets tossed around during takeoff and landing.

July Carry-on Pro

I might be loyal to my Away suitcase, but the 21-inch July Carry-on Pro recently caught my eye. It has a similar design, but it comes with a few more functional features. The front pocket can fit a 15-inch laptop and an iPad (although I tend to use compartments like this to hold a few items of clothing), and the Y-strap compression system helps keep the contents of the suitcase neatly packed down. I haven’t gotten a test to take mine out for a spin yet, but the luggage brand notes that it can hold six to eight outfits, or between five to seven days’ worth of clothing. 

Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner

If you’re looking for a more affordable carry-on suitcase, the highly-rated Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner might do the trick. Coming in at under $65 thanks to a limited-time deal, this best-selling carry-on is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a capacious bag but doesn’t travel enough to warrant one with a higher price tag. Several reviewers noted that it’s great for week-long trips with its expansion feature that adds 15 percent more packing space, the interior organizer, and the three smaller zippered pockets. 

MZ Wallace Deluxe Large Metro Tote

Overpackers who are actively trying to avoid bringing checked bags on their travels need the MZ Wallace Deluxe Large Metro Tote in their luggage repertoire. Not only is it, hands down, the most spacious tote that I’ve ever used, but it’s also pliable and filled with different pockets and compartments to keep everything organized in a designated spot. I think of it like a Mary Poppins-style bag. On a recent weekend trip, it served as my only piece of luggage, and I had no issue zipping it up while it held my pajamas, two outfits, a pair of sneakers, my laptop, a small toiletry bag, and a collection of other miscellaneous items (chargers, snacks, a hairbrush, etc). But when you're flying, use this as your personal bag along with your carry-on suitcase so you can get away with bringing more clothes on board. 

When buying a new travel tote to use as a carry-on, I always recommend paying close attention to how the bag is designed (and how it will keep your belongings secure). Does it zip, tie, or latch everything inside? The exact closure method, and how it’s implemented, can significantly affect how much can be carried inside. This one has a zip-top design, so I know that it will keep everything safe from spilling out if I put it in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of me.

L.L. Bean Medium Boat and Tote Zip-Top

The classic L.L. Bean Boat and Tote comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and there’s even the option to choose one with or without a zip-top closure. The extra-large tote is technically the largest, but I personally use the medium-sized zip-top version. Inside, I’ll fit my toiletry bag (which tends to take up too much space in my suitcase), laptop, chargers, a water bottle, and a smaller crossbody bag. I’ve also never had any issues fitting it under the seat in front of me on a plane, and it’s sturdy enough to stay upright during take-off or turbulence. 

Oeihuivt Weekender Bag

The Oeihuivt Weekender Bag is the more affordable twin of the steeper-priced duffel bag that I usually use. According to the brand, the bag can hold between two and four days' worth of essentials inside its six pockets, main compartment, and roomy shoe pouch. If I’m traveling with just a pair of shoes on my feet, I’ll often use the shoe pouch as a hack to store more clothes; it makes the perfect spot for my socks, Dopp kit, a sweatshirt, and a pair of jeans. 

Paravel Foldable Travel Duffel Bag

I always think of my Foldable Travel Duffel Bag from Oprah-loved brand Paravel as my “in case of packing emergencies” bag. On a trip to Jackson Hole last year, I knew that there was a possibility that I’d be leaving with a few more items than I’d arrived with — so I tucked this duffel into my suitcase to use on the journey home. It’s one of those bags that’s deceptively roomy, and it held the hiking boots, sneakers, puffer vest, and several sweaters that had been displaced from my suitcase by my new Wyoming purchases. In addition to being an M.V.P. for bringing back souvenirs, it can also be used as a tote when you're at your destination, and even a beach bag if needed. 

Bjlfs Weekender Carry-on

Some trips require a do-it-all kind of bag, one that can handle whatever you need it to hold. Enter the Bjlfs Weekender Carry-on. Its exact dimensions have it measuring in at around 10.7 inches by 22 inches by 7 inches, which means that it has more than enough room for a three-day weekend trip's wardrobe — and you’ll have no trouble fitting it in most overhead bins or under the seat in front of you should you use it as a personal bag. Interested in seeing how it would perform on a longer trip? According to one reviewer , they paired it with a small carry-on suitcase for an 11-day trip, and it was perfect.

Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote

My vast collection of travel bags waxes and wanes on a regular basis, but there are a few extra-roomy styles that maintain their starting positions on my roster. One of those is my Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote. The leather bag is a staple for work travel, and it holds more than you’d think upon initial glance. If you pair it with a carry-on for your next flight, you'll definitely be able to fit everything that you need for your trip. 

A foolproof way to wisely choose a spacious carry-on bag is to identify its purpose. As one of my allowed carry-on bags, this roomy tote is always reserved for my laptop, which means that it has to be strong and wide enough to hold my heavy, 16-inch MacBook Pro and my other essentials. I’ve gone on several trips where it’s managed to perfectly carry my laptop, a couple of books, an extra layer, a water bottle, and even a Dopp kit or crossbody bag.

Roam Continental Backpack

When I say that the Roam Continental Backpack holds just as much as a duffel bag, I mean it. It first accompanied me on a trip to Venice, and I was immediately blown away by the capacity of each compartment. There’s an exterior laptop compartment, which holds all of my chargers, a front pocket (and is great for snacks and smaller toiletries), and a large main compartment. The latter fit a pair of shoes, the rest of my toiletries, a light jacket, and a small purse. There are also two water bottle holders on the backpack’s sides; I used one for my Yeti and the other for a couple pairs of socks. 

Lo & Sons Large Rowledge Backpack

Lo & Sons

I’ve found that the Lo & Sons Large Rowledge Backpack is slightly less bulky than the above Roam style, but somehow, it’s almost just as spacious. If I’m using it as a secondary carry-on bag, the backpack always has extra room; if I’m bringing it on a short weekend trip, I typically don’t need to bring another bag. By using the rolling folding method, I can fit three to four outfits in the larger compartment, and the front compartment is perfect for a travel-sized toiletry bag and other essential accessories. 

Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag

This isn't a piece of luggage, but it's an essential item for making everything fit in a carry-on. There are a few things that I’ll sacrifice when packing — like extra pairs of shoes or an additional coat — but my beauty routine is not one of them. I’m a stickler for using my specific skin and hair care products, even while traveling, so I require a toiletry bag that can hold everything. The large Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag can carry all of my skincare, shampoo and conditioner, makeup, and other hygiene products. If it’s packed in my carry-on, I just have to make sure to use my TSA-sized products or transfer my liquids to my trusty Cadence capsules .

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The best underseat cabin bags for avoiding airline baggage fees

By Chelsea Dickenson and Lauren Burvill

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Gone are the days where a carry on bag simply meant a small suitcase that you can wheel onto the plane and store in the overhead bin. Instead, especially when travelling short haul in Europe, you rarely get more than an underseat bag included in your fare for free, and even then you have to make sure it fits in the strict measurements for your specific airline. While it can be a headache to navigate these rules, the good news is that there are plenty of bags on the market that make life easier for you. Here are my top picks when it comes to the best underseat carry on bags for budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet.

How we choose the underseat cabin bags

Every bag on this list has been independently tested and reviewed by budget-travel expert Chelsea Dickenson of Cheap Holiday Expert , as well as our in-house editors. When testing these bags, we look for function, design features, quality and overall value for money.

• Best all rounder: Cabin Max Travel Bag
• Best for maximum packing space: Decathlon 20L Bag Essential
• Best for quality: Antler Chelsea Overnight Bag
• Best under seat suitcase: Flight Knight Lightweight 4 Wheel Suitcase
• Best under seat backpack: Lossga Backpack with USB Charging Port

Cabin Max Travel Bag

When I asked others for underseat carry on bag recommendations, the Cabin Max range was the response I heard numerous times. This makes sense when you realise that the company truly understands the plight of bargain hunting travellers and so have created a line where each backpack meets the exact maximum measurements for the specific airline that you’re flying. In addition, their bags feature multiple pockets (including one for a laptop and bottle), adjustable ‘packaway’ straps and air mesh padding. There’s a 3 year warranty too.

The only downside is that if you opt for a larger bag – say the easyJet size – it probably won’t fit in the baggage sizer for either Ryanair or Wizz Air. However, you could always opt for a Ryanair sized bag to make sure you’re sorted for all options in the future. Chelsea Dickenson

• Ryanair Size: 40 x 20 x 25cm – Fits on: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet
• Wizz Air Size: 40 x 30 x 20cm – Fits on: Wizz Air and easyJet
• easyJet Size: 40 x 36 x 20cm – Fits on : easyJet

Decathlon 20L Bag Essential

You might have seen the ‘ viral Ryanair bag ’ doing the rounds on social media but I think this bag is better. For one, it’s cheaper at just £6.99, and the shoulder strap is going to make carrying this bag a lot easier than hauling around a bag by just its handles. Originally created as a gym bag to separate your workout gear from your shoes, the two compartments work just as well for travel. Plus, all Decathlon products come with a two-year warranty, so while it may not be the best quality bag, you’ll be covered for your next few trips at least. CD

• Size when folded: 23 x 20 x 10 cm
• Size unfolded: 40 x 23 x 20 cm
• Fits on: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet

Antler Chelsea Overnight Bag

It might be called an overnight bag, but if you pack strategically Antler's Chelsea bag can easily work as a weekender bag. I travelled with it on a recent trip to Barcelona and was able to comfortably fit a weekend's worth of clothes and toiletries. Although if you need to pack extra shoes, there's room for a pair of flip flops but little more. If you're a frequent flyer, this is a worthy investment – in addition to numerous internal and external pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and a water bottle pouch, it also has an over-handle sleeve, making it an ideal option to take on a long-haul flight . The bag is made in a durable water-resistant nylon and comes in nine different colour options, which of course match their Chelsea suitcase range . See our full Antler Chelsea overnight bag review for more. Lauren Burvill

• Size: 41.5 x 26 x 18cm
• Fits on: easyJet

Lossga Backpack with USB Charging Port

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from reviewing small cabin bags is that they can get surprisingly heavy if you fill them to the brim! If you'd prefer to avoid heavy shoulder straps, an underseat backpack is the better option. I can’t get over just how many features this pack from Lossga has, including multiple pockets, a laptop sleeve, compression straps, a 180 degree ‘clamshell’ opening, and even a USB port for you to connect your own portable battery pack to.

For the price, it looks good – the outer material has a shine to it which keeps it from looking too cheap. The inside material is less lux, but it’s practical nonetheless. Overall, it’s a fantastic bag for the price and one of my top picks. CD

• Size: 40 x 20 x 25 cm

Flight Knight Lightweight 4 Wheel Suitcase

If you hate the thought of hoisting a heavy bag along with you for your holiday; don’t worry. There are only a few hardshell suitcases that will fit the small underseat carry on bag allowance but they do exist. Like Cabin Max, Flight Knight are a company that have noticed a need for luggage that fits exact requirements and so you can opt for one of their suitcases which is the exact size for Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyjet.

The case has an anti-scratch water resistant outer shell and comes with a three-digit combination barrel padlock for added security. It also has a five-year warranty. If space is important to you, do note that the Ryanair sized suitcase is only 16L – meaning you miss out a huge 4L compared to many of the soft bags! However, what you lose in packing ability, you absolutely make up for in comfort and ease. CD

By Abigail Malbon

By Sarah James

By Marti Buckley

VMIKIV Underseat Carry On Bag

Most small carry on bags have quite a practical look to them, and yet this bag could easily pass as a casual day bag as well. I really liked that it was double lined, with several pockets on the inside and out, and I was surprised to find a padded laptop sleeve inside too – my 13” laptop fit in with plenty of room to spare. Other perks include the reinforced handles, a shoulder strap and a strap across the bag that allows you to slot your suitcase handle through it should you be travelling with that too.

The only drawback is that whilst it states it’s the same size as others, I couldn’t fit as much in as the other bags I tested. However, it’s a great option if you’re packing light and need a daily bag to carry your laptop around in too. CD

Lossga Convertible Cabin Bag

I think this bag is a great compromise between style and function. It looks good while having several pockets, a suitcase handle sleeve, reinforced handles, a shoulder strap and even one ‘wet pocket’ for storing damp items – perfect if you fancy one final dip in the pool before coming home.

However, the real standout feature of this bag is a little zip at the bottom that makes the bag even bigger. Try not to overfill the bag though, as it can get quite bulky in its bigger state which means you could struggle to fit it into the baggage sizer if asked. My top tip is to measure your bag once it’s full just to double check. CD

• Extended Size: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
• Fits on: easyJet - but don’t fill it to the brim!

Take Off Personal Item Suitcase

One of the major downsides of using a suitcase is that the wheels take up a lot of space, so what if there was a suitcase where you could detach the wheels?! This is exactly what Take Off have created, meaning that many travellers have already hoodwinked airline staff by quickly removing the wheels on their cases before being asked to prove its size. CD

• Size: 45.7 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm (18 x 14 x 8 inches)
• Fits on: The dimensions are a fraction of a cm over the allowance for easyJet (45 x 36 x 20 cm) however there is a photo on the Take Off website showing that it fits in the easyJet baggage sizer. I definitely wouldn’t overpack this case.

The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags

By Kit Dillon

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

Next to a good carry-on suitcase, the right personal-item bag—what the airlines call any purse, briefcase, or small backpack—is key to having a stress-free flight.

The carry-all at your feet is the best place for your necessities: books, headphones, your phone, a laptop.

Of course, just about any bag, as long as it fits under a seat, can be a personal item, but having a great one is especially important if you’re flying basic economy, which may limit you to a single underseat item.

There’s more to great underseat luggage than its size. In this guide, we go over the features you should look for, including excellent quality of construction, multiple ways to carry the bag, and internal organization options.

From there, we look at different types of personal-item bags that have all those features but are suited to different needs: Some bags are more protective, which is good if you’re traveling with expensive or breakable items. Others are easier to carry, which is helpful if you find larger carry-ons cumbersome. And still others provide more divided compartments and extra pockets for travel necessities. We also offer a few picks to fit different situations.

The research

Why you should trust us, what is a personal-item bag, what makes a good personal-item bag, decide what type of personal-item bag you need, a wheeled bag with reinforced sides: travelpro crew versapack rolling tote, a handsome shoulder bag: waterfield air porter carry-on bag, an adaptable carry-all: the away everywhere bag, a classic tote in nylon: longchamp le pliage tote, the competition.

I’ve covered bags and luggage for Wirecutter since 2014. In that time, I’ve assessed hundreds of bags, ranging from carry-on luggage to travel backpacks to duffle bags . I’ve talked to bag designers, luggage experts, and people who make a life (and sometimes a living) as world travelers. For this article, we also looked at underseat size regulations for the major domestic airlines.

At its most basic, a personal-item bag is a carry-on bag that you can stuff under the seat in front of you while on a flight—which is why it’s sometimes called underseat luggage. Although we wanted to find bags that maximize your available underseat space, airlines generally aren’t as forthcoming with their underseat dimensions as they are with their overhead-bin restrictions. And personal-item sizes, once you do find them, usually differ from one airline to another:

Air Canada : 17 by 13 by 6 inches Alaska : not specified Allegiant : 16 by 15 by 7 inches American : 18 by 14 by 8 inches Breeze : 17 by 13 by 8 inches Delta : 22 by 15 by 9 inches Frontier : 18 by 14 by 8 inches JetBlue : 17 by 13 by 8 inches Southwest : 16.25 by 13.5 by 8 inches Spirit : 18 by 14 by 8 inches United : 17 by 10 by 9 inches

After checking with 12 airlines, we found that the average size of a personal-item bag is roughly 18 by 14 by 8 inches. If your bag isn’t rigid and comes close to these measurements, you’re probably going to be okay stuffing it under the seat in front of you. If you really want to be sure your underseat luggage will fit, the best way is to call ahead and confirm the underseat dimensions for your flight.

Similar to carry-on luggage, underseat luggage is subject to size and shape requirements. However, unlike most of the things people fly with—nearly all of which are precisely designed for airplane use—almost any small bag (your favorite backpack or tote, for instance) can work as a personal item. That said, there are a few details that separate a great personal-item bag from an ordinary one. Beyond it being just the right size, we’ve found that a personal item should have a few key design details to really stand out.

• Durability: A personal-item bag will spend a bunch of time sitting on an airplane floor, an unappealing resting place of shoe grime, spilled liquids, and lost snacks. It’s important that a bag is made of material that’s both resistant to abrasion and easy to clean.
• Organization: As more airlines begin to introduce Basic Economy tickets, which often restrict travelers to personal items only, having a bag that can mimic some of the capacity and organization of a carry-on becomes increasingly important. We prefer a variety of pockets, ideally a separate laptop compartment, and some kind of water-bottle holder.
• Multiple carrying options: Some underseat luggage pieces designed with air travel in mind have sleeves that you can slide over the rails of carry-on luggage handles. But other carrying options, like backpack straps, shoulder straps, or side handles, can also facilitate easy maneuverability.

Lots of luggage manufacturers now sell bags specifically labeled “personal items,” and some of these have useful features that you might not find in your average backpack or tote bag (more on that later). Still, if you have a bag that already works for you, stick with it. If not, check out our picks below, but also look at the recommendations in our guides to laptop backpacks (most of which will fit under a seat), to duffles (ditto), and any of the picks in our guides to packable daypacks  and tote bags . One of those might work just as well for you as a made-for-the-purpose personal item.

For this guide, of those bags specifically designed to be personal items, we looked for models from reputable brands that we’ve recommended in the past, that meet the average underseat dimensions, and that have the traits to make it a great personal-item bag. Then we chose bags that offered different features to suit multiple types of travel scenarios and preferences.

We have a wheeled-bag pick for people who prefer to roll their bag behind them. We have picks that carry like totes. Some of the bags we chose have pass-through straps to loop over the handles of your carry-on luggage . Though this last feature can help you manage the load of a suitcase and a bag, several luggage designers I’ve talked to over the years have said that one of the most common ways to break a carry-on is to rest something too heavy across the telescoping handles. Though they’re able to pull a decent weight, these handles are not designed to support large or heavy loads across their narrow frames. With this in mind, we have options for travelers who prefer pass-through straps as well as those who don’t.

Travelpro Crew VersaPack Rolling Tote

A wheeled bag with reinforced sides.

Designed to fit under an airline seat, this diminutive version of our favorite carry-on luggage rolls along on wheels, has a long extending handle, and its reinforced sides mean it’s tougher than your average fabric tote or backpack.

Buying Options

Who it’s for: The Travelpro Crew VersaPack Rolling Tote’s small squat form sits on two wheels, which makes it a remarkably maneuverable case for anyone who doesn’t prefer (or is unable) to carry their personal item on their shoulder or back. The Crew Tote also mounts well to the handles of a carry-on suitcase with a pass-through strap that’s held tight with Velcro.

Why it’s great for travel: The compact Crew Tote is large enough to carry everything you need for an overnight trip but still falls within the average US airline underseat dimensions. However, if you catch a seat with an underseat power bank or any other kind of obstruction, you won’t be able to wedge this case into place like you might be able to do with a soft bag or backpack. That said, the internal frame, wrapped in nylon fabric similar to soft-sided carry-on luggage, should endure plenty of accidental kicks and scuffs. That reinforcement is particularly useful if you’re packing delicate items, such as cameras, extra computer equipment, or fragile gifts.

We’ve recommended Travelpro Platinum Elite luggage for years in our carry-on and checked suitcases guides because of its durability, dependability, and lifetime warranty (that also protects against airline damage for the first three years). Like those other Travelpro picks, the Crew Tote meets the same standards in materials, build quality, and guarantee.

Pockets and organization: The Crew Tote has one main compartment, as well as a front pocket for small papers and tickets. The main compartment of the Crew Tote is built and organized like a small piece of carry-on luggage, with rolling wheels and internal, zippered organizational compartments, combined with some aspects useful in a personal item, such as a padded sleeve (it holds up to a 14-inch laptop) and a pass-through sleeve. The tote is also compatible with Travelpro’s customizable packing-cube system (video) , which we discuss in the Competition section of our packing cubes guide.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: As with any rolling luggage, you lose a little packing space to the handle and wheel carriage. The rigid shape of the Crew Tote means there’s very little wiggle room if, for whatever reason, it doesn’t fit under the seat in front of you. Despite the inclusion of a small, exterior, flexible pocket—nominally for an umbrella or water bottle—we found that it was too small to be of much use for anything except a very narrow plastic water bottle.

Dimensions: 16.5 by 15.75 by 8.5 inches Weight: 6.7 pounds Capacity: 22.5 liters

Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag

A shoulder bag to organize your tech.

The versatility and toughness of a canvas-and-leather briefcase, with the organization and capacity of a small daypack.

Who it’s for: The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag is a high-end personal item made for air travel. But the bag truly shines as a tech organizer that still has enough room to also hold a change of clothes. Plus, it’s good-looking enough to carry from the plane to the boardroom without raising an eyebrow.

Why it’s great for travel: The Waterfield Air Porter has a pass-through strap you can attach to a wheeled-suitcase handle, and like our other picks, the bag fits well under an airline seat. In addition to the waterproof waxed-canvas exterior, which makes the bag easy to wipe off if it comes out from under the seat looking dusty or spilled-on, Waterfield bags have waterproof exterior zippers and water-resistant interior lining. The Air Porter is built to look better with age, while also keeping your stuff safe from the elements and stress of travel. In addition to the pass-through strap, the bag has handles (so you can carry it like a briefcase) and a removable shoulder strap, which keeps it from getting caught on things while it’s stowed away.

Waterfield also makes an Air Caddy to hold your tablet and cables. If you don’t already have a tech organizer , I recommend it. The Air Caddy is as well built as the Air Porter, plus it fits nicely inside the bag and matches the overall look. (Unfortunately, Waterfield no longer offers a discount for bundling in an Air Caddy when you buy the Air Porter.)

Pockets and organization: The bag is split into two compartments. One half has a built-in padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop and two pockets for tech accessories (including wires, headphones, and charging components), both of which are large enough to hold a battery pack for on-the-go charging. The other half is the larger compartment, with plenty of small interior pockets to assist you in organizing things like a few small pieces of clothing or a toiletry kit. The Air Porter also has a front expanding pocket, with magnets that keep the flap closed whether the pocket’s empty or full. It’s a great feature if you often travel with magazines and books. On either side, the Air Porter has two expanding sleeves for holding a travel umbrella and a water bottle.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Air Porter is our priciest pick, but considering the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, we think it’s worth the price—this bag will last a lifetime if cared for properly. We do wish it were a little larger so you could take full advantage of the space available at your feet. Waterfield has a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee, but you will have to cover return shipping costs. Additionally, Waterfield offers a lifetime warranty for any product defects.

Dimensions: 15 by 10.25 by 4.5 inches Weight: 2.4 pounds Capacity: 11.25 liters

Away The Everywhere Bag

A hold-all to attach to your carry-on.

This bag slides over the handles of your carry-on for easy transport. It’s made of durable nylon and has plenty of space for in-flight essentials.

Who it’s for: The Away Everywhere Bag feels aggressively designed to offend absolutely no one. It is the true neutral of all personal items, with plenty of carrying options and as many organization options as our other picks. If you want a personal item that’s both simple and well-organized and similar to a weekend duffle bag or large tote (with enough space for a spare outfit, toiletry bag, and a laptop), this is an excellent pick.

Why it’s great for travel: The Everywhere Bag is made of water- and abrasion-resistant nylon, which is perfect for the floor of an airplane. The bag also has a removable shoulder strap, and like most of our other picks, it includes a sleeve for slipping over the handles of a carry-on suitcase, which makes it convenient to carry atop your luggage.

Pockets and organization: The interior features six slim pockets and a sleeve large enough for a 15-inch laptop. At the base of the bag, there’s a zippered waterproof pocket for an umbrella. Outside the bag is a single slim pocket, well-shaped for tickets and important travel documents. Otherwise, the bag opens into a larger interior pocket, which is enough to hold a change of clothes, a toiletry kit, and a book or magazine. If you’re flying for just an overnight trip, this could easily be the only bag you need to carry. (The bag comes in two versions: Original, which has a main zipper that extends partway down the ends of the bag, and New, which has a main zipper that extends all the way down each end of the bag, providing a larger opening.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Without any interior separation, all your gear is mashed together along with your computer and tech. There isn’t a special pocket for a water bottle, which means if you carry one, it is dangerously close to everything else.

Dimensions: 16.3 by 7.3 by 10.2 inches Weight : 2.6 pounds Capacity: 20 liters

Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag

A stylish, expandable tote.

This tote packs up small when not in use, and the tough nylon is perfect for the floor of an airplane: It’s easy to clean and protects its contents from most scuffs and kicks it might receive on a long flight.

Who it’s for: The Longchamp Le Pliage Tote is great if you need an adaptable personal item that can easily double as a purse or work bag as soon as you leave the plane. Unlike many bags made to be this tough, the Longchamp is handsome and looks good enough to easily transition from travel bag to daily carry.

Why it’s great for travel: The lightweight (especially compared with leather bags) Le Pliage Tote shines as a travel bag because of its simple, packable design and practical materials. The nylon construction wipes down easily if spilled on, and you can fold it down and pack it away if you want to consolidate down to one bag on any leg of your trip.

The Le Pliage’s shoulder strap is made of rolled leather, which our tester said kept the strap from biting into their shoulder as much as unrolled leather straps can. Its main compartment is large enough to hold a laptop, sweatshirt, water bottle, and other assorted travel items. It zips shut, so you won’t lose anything even as you stuff it underneath your seat. The understated shape and design of the bag also blends in nicely with both professional and casual outfits.

Pockets and organization: There is one modest pocket on top for your phone, wallet, and keys. However, we found that even this pocket felt a touch small.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: For a bag that’s great for taking right from the plane to the office, we wished for a laptop compartment, or some other way to separate items beyond the single top pocket. In our testing, we ended up organizing the tote ourselves with bag organizers . The Le Pliage lacks a pass-through strap or slot for attaching to the handles of your carry-on luggage.

Dimensions: 12.25 by 11.75 by 7.5 inches Weight: 0.7 pounds Capacity: 17 liters

Cotopaxi Nazca 24L Travel Pack: The clamshell design of this backpack, a former pick in this guide, was perfect for anyone who liked to separate their gear into individual pockets and compartments. The bag was well made, shaped to fit under just about any airline seat, and warrantied for a lifetime of travel. Sadly, it’s been discontinued.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

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

Further reading

The Best Duffle Bags

by Kit Dillon

After lugging 34 duffles through airports, to beaches, and on weekend trips, we chose seven bags that’ll carry what you need carried in a range of scenarios.

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

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

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

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

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

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

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Best Carry-On for Most People Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Away Carry-On Read more

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Yeti Crossroads 35L Read more

Best Bag for a Lifetime Briggs & Riley Baseline CX Read more

Whew! You've made it all the way across the globe. But have your toothbrush, pajamas, and running shoes made it, too? If you're a frequent traveler, it's easy to obsess over the logistics of getting your stuff clean, organized, and in good working condition upon arrival. Paying for a decent travel bag and a few useful accessories means buying a little peace of mind, especially when a few yards of zippers and some nylon are the only barriers between your precious belongings and the belly of an airliner.

Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated April 2024: We reorganized this guide and added new picks, such as the Yeti Crossroads, Tom Bihn Aeronaut and Trinity, the Frame Carry-On Max, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, the Camelbak A.T.P. 20, the Calpak Luka Duffel, and the Rux 70. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Carry-On for Most People

Look around any airport—if you see flight attendants or pilots, they will probably be rolling around a Travelpro suitcase. We like Travelpros because you get a lot of bang for your buck. They're durable, light, and not too expensive.

For only a little over $100, the Maxlite 5 is one of the more affordable Travelpro suitcases, and at 5.4 pounds, it's very light! The exterior toiletry pocket is a nice touch for when you go through security and need to take out your liquids, and the zippers are also quite strong and don't tend to get stuck. The wheels also rolled nicely on both the spinner and roll-aboard versions. Reviewer Matt Jancer did note that the aluminum handle extensions did sometimes stick and the main grab handle on the bag is only single-stitched, which may cause durability issues farther down the line. However, he has seen no issues yet. This probably the best bag you can get in the $100 to $150 price range.

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Away's business practices may have raised some eyebrows , but there's no denying that this company changed the travel market entirely. It has increased in price since we first tested it, but multiple WIRED staffers still use the classic Away hard-shell carry-on ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) as their travel suitcase.

Hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier. There's also not as much give in the case, so you may find it hard to squeeze in more items than in a soft-shell bag, bu they look a lot sleeker than their soft-shell counterparts and protect fragile items better. The Away weighs 7.5 pounds, which is pretty standard for a hard-shell carry-on. When I tested it, I liked that it had multiple height settings and that the polycarbonate shell wiped clean and stayed mostly scuff-free (it helped that my tester was in the darker navy color). Away's suitcases also come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, four spinner wheels capable of rotating 360 degrees, and an included laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The handle did feel a bit wobbly, though.

★ Alternatives: So many companies now offer a direct-to-consumer, stylish, hard-shell carry-on similar to the Away's. We've tried ones by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . Besides price, the differences are mostly negligible. I like July's aluminum bumpers, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. Both have survived multiple cross-country trips, being checked as baggage, and being ridden on by two small children with no damage.

Paravel also offers an Aviator carry-on ($395) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller bag that's carry-on size for most major airlines. It weighs 7.7 pounds, on par with soft-sided competitors of the same size.

I recently spent a week dragging the Crossroads up and down grimy subway station escalators, thumping it across cobblestones, and scrunching it into overfull overhead bins during a trip to London, Paris, and Brussels. The blue 700D nylon on the front and sides looks just as fresh as it did out of the box while the molded polycarbonate shell on the back has a few well-earned battle scratches. The two extra-large fixed wheels are rolling as smoothly as ever and hopped up curbs so well that I grew to favor them over smaller spinner wheels. The Crossroads has a half-dozen well-placed pockets and sturdy zippers that didn't give me any anxiety even as I tugged them hard while smooshing down to fit souvenirs into a carry-on with 8 days of clothing. —Martin Cizmar

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright.

The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

★ Alternatives: If you need an absolutely bomber-tough rolling suitcase and don't mind its 9.6-pound weight, the Pro Front-Access Carry ($799) will stand up to more abuse than most rolling bags, with its aluminum frame and 70-percent-recycled polycarbonate body. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's his favorite rolling bag in years. Jancer also likes Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on ($315) , which he calls one of the most high-end polycarbonate bags on the market.

Best Backpack

When I reviewed the Cotopaxi Allpa in 2018 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), it had only recently launched. Now, a half-dozen years later, it is one of the most popular travel backpacks that I see online and in airports all over the world. It's a combination of a camping backpack, a suitcase, and a soft, frameless duffel. You can splay it open like a sandwich to pack it easily; access items through a side zip; put it on your backpack and secure its weight with a sternum strap; or squash or stomp it into any overhead compartment or corner of your car trunk. The use case for this bag is extremely specific—the same people who are bopping around Thailand for several weeks in one backpack are not the same people trying to look professional at a work conference. But it is sturdy and comfortable.

★ Alternative: I took the Ekster Packable Duffel ($250) on several weekend trips this spring, and found that it more than upheld its claims of being built for “smoother journeys, on and off the grid.” This travel bag converts from a backpack to a duffel, with two separate compartments that also splay open for easier packing. The 600-denier exterior and water-resistant zippers are so sturdy that when we ran out of space in the car, we lashed it to the roof rack with surf straps and drove for hours in the rain. It, and its contents, remained pristine.

Best Convertible Bag

Every serious traveler knows the name of Seattle-based Tom Bihn, manufacturer of bomber bags that will last you a lifetime. The Aeronaut 45 is the classic Tom Bihn convertible carry-on, which the size of the maximum allowable carryon bag on a plane.

You get everything from a Tom Bihn bag that you pay for. It’s made of incredibly sturdy 1050 denier ballistic nylon, with bombproof YKK zippers. It has both hidden backpack straps and an extremely comfortable cross-body strap. This is commerce director Martin Cizmar's bag, and he's tossed it around and lugged it down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. He owns two and the first lasted for more than a decade. This is the bag that both he and I would use, if we didn't have to constantly test other bags.

Best Personal Item

Some airlines are not content with charging you extra for checking a bag and now charge you for overhead bin space . The Tom Bihn Trinity ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) addresses that problem by providing a space for you to pack everything you need while still fitting underneath the seat in front of you. As the name suggests, it has three main compartments and three ways to carry—either as a briefcase with padded grab handles, a backpack, or as a shoulder bag with two attachment points.

It has three main compartments which can be arranged to your liking; for example, on one of the side compartments, you can zip a water bottle holder into place or unzip it for more room. It wasn't quite as versatile as I expected; I found that I prefer a small duffel with one main compartment that I can organize as I like. However, it does fit under the seat in front of me, even with clothes, laptop, and four (four!) hardcover books that I somehow stuffed inside it.

Best Work Bag

I've been traveling a lot for work and for family reasons in the past few months, and the bag I prefer for my personal item is the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, which is the larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate as an everyday bag, but the large turns it into a versatile work/travel bag. It’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. There's a hidden separate compartment if you spill water on yourself, and it has sturdy feet so you can put it on an airplane bathroom counter and dig for your makeup without it falling over or getting the bottom of the bag too disgusting. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag.

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes , but we love Lo & Sons. The Catalina Supreme Tote ($338) is also great for weekend trips. Again, there's also a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes, or anything else you need to keep separate.

The Best Hiking Daypack

The Camelbak A.T.P. is so useful that I’m always startled to realize it only has a 20-liter capacity. I have it in the 100 percent recycled white color, which saves water and only emits half the greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the dying process. It’s a panel loader, which means you can unzip the top and see exactly where everything goes, like a duffel. This is convenient when packing for trips—I was able to fit clothes, a Dopp kit, and electronics for an overnight trip. (I know these types of zippers fail more often than top loaders, but it does make it easier to arrange and sort items near the bottom of the pack.)

I particularly like how narrow it is. It fits my back and goes under airplane seats that even my children’s backpacks can’t. The bottle pocket has a zipper that makes it expandable so it can fit a little coffee thermos or my giant Yeti water bottle . Exterior compression straps also help squeeze my clothes even smaller. This is a great backpack if you want something that looks sleek enough for a work bag but is durable enough to take on a weekend trip to Yosemite.

★ Alternative: I also love the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) . This 25-liter bag is the perfect combination work/adventure bag. The suspended 15-inch laptop pocket clips shut, and the rest of the pockets are thoughtfully placed. It’s extremely light (a little over a pound) and is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric.

Best Duffel Bag

The Big Haul ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite duffel because it hits the right balance of robust build materials and pockets without being too heavy to lug around all day. The standout feature of the Big Haul series, which comes in 28-liter to 120-liter options, is the ability to easily reposition the carrying straps, which feature plastic fishhook-style ends that slip into fabric loops. You can connect one strap end-to-end or double up on two straps in an H pattern for more stability with heavy loads. Adding and removing the straps isn't super fast, but it's not difficult, either, and six low-profile loops seems less intrusive than six rattling plastic buckles.

Two small interior pockets and an exterior pocket keep small things organized, and its water-resistant fabric is thick and tough without being stiff. All the sewing around the grab handles feels very robust too. Padded backpack straps hide away under a padded pocket on the top of the bag. This means that when you sling the Big Haul over your shoulders to give your arms a rest, your back is against the relatively clean top of the duffel, rather than a wet, dirty bottom side that's been set down on the ground. The current iteration of the Big Haul is also made with recycled nylon. What's not to love? —Matt Jancer

★ Alternative: For slightly more money, the classic duffel in this category is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159) , which also comes in a variety of colorways and sizes. You can either carry it by the grab handles or with the shoulder straps, and it's made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate. I (Adrienne) have had the 40-liter version for almost 15 years now and the laminate has yet to peel. It also fits as a carry-on on flights.

The Best Expedition Bag

If you like outdoor sports, you probably need a good expedition bag—that is, a huge, burly duffel that you can just throw all your pointy ice axes, trekking poles, or camp chairs into that you can take anywhere and everywhere. Reviewer Matt Jancer's expedition bag of choice is the Red Oxx PR5. He's used it for whitewater paddling trips and to lug mountain climbing equipment from coast to coast without a single frayed thread. Everything about Red Oxx is overbuilt. The zippers are huge, its thick pieces of nylon webbing are robustly sewn, and chunky metal rings hang the detachable carrying strap. All that said, it's not abominably heavy. At 3.4 pounds it's still lighter than many wheeled bags.

★ Alternative: If you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists; I also have a Mountain Hardware duffel ($180) and after 20 years, the coating has finally started to peel.

Best for Camping

We love everything from Rux; I'm currently testing the waterproof adventure tote ($150) and I use it for everything from my climbing gear, to picnic gear, to bringing my kids' roller skates and soccer balls to the park. I have also leaked an entire water bottle in it and it stayed contained and out of the bottom of my car.

But for camping (or any outdoor pursuit, really), what you need is a Rux storage system , which, as the artist and filmmaker Van Neistat puts it, will help you kit your shit . It holds its frame shape, which means you can stack and organize inside of it just like a box, but it folds down like a bag for easy storage once you're at your destination. It's also light and waterproof and comes with a wide array of accessories . This is an upgrade for everyone who currently sorts their camping, climbing, or snowboarding gear in a series of $5 plastic totes and stacks them in their trunk.

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

Perhaps you've seen those Instagram-friendly, shiny aluminum suitcases and wonder whether it's worth the investment. Aluminum is extremely durable and can be machined with precision. That means it will protect your belongings better, and you can close them with latches instead of zippers. Your suitcase will last longer and be more secure— zippers are pretty easy to break into —and generally have fewer points of failure.

In my opinion, the cost-benefit analysis generally weighs against them. Aluminum suitcases are usually heavier and won't flex as much if you have overpacking tendencies, and I find them painfully conspicuous. Any suitcase with a decent warranty policy will painlessly cover any repairs. If you must have one, we like Arlo Skye's the Frame. Arlo Skye was founded by alumni from Louis Vuitton and Tumi, and reviewer Matt Jancer says that everything about the Frame screams robust quality, from the leather grab handles to the combination-lock latches. It also comes with a removable battery bank and has a few more liters of carrying capacity than the similarly-sized Away. The main disadvantage is that the interior organization is a bit lacking.

★ Alternative: Do you want the benefits of an aluminum suitcase without the drawbacks? You might want to consider Monos's Hybrid Carry-On ($325) . You won't fool anyone into thinking you've shelled out for a 100 percent aluminum suitcase, but Jancer notes that it's only a pound or so heavier than the competition and the aluminum frame offered better protection than any 100 percent polycarbonate suitcase that he tried.

A Good Emergency Go Bag

To be clear, any bag here could be considered a go-bag—even a grocery bag works when you have to leave the house imminently. But reviewer Nena Farrell used Calpak's duffel for an emergency surgery, and she is kicking herself for not getting it sooner. It was big enough for everything from makeup bags and extra outfits to a massive book and Nintendo Switch, and was comfortable to carry thanks to the large straps.

The shoe compartment was big enough for sandals and slides, but not big enough for shoes with an ankle. It was also a great place to stash haphazard Ziplocs of emergency toiletries and medications. There are some side pockets inside too, plus an exterior side pocket and a pass-through panel to place it on top of your luggage. It was a great hospital companion, but Farrell can't wait to take the Luka somewhere a little more fun.

Other Bags We Like

Not every good product can snag a best-in-category title, but there are several more bags we've tested that get our thumbs-up.

Osprey Ozone 40L for $280 : At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It's also made from 400D recycled bluesign-approved nylon and is treated with DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist above my head and has also been checked multiple times.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel for $140 : This duffel weighs a scant 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily beefy (though plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventuring. There's an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack straps don't tuck away for storage—you have to unclip them—but might be the most well-padded, comfortable straps I've encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive features list.

Land's End Waxed Canvas Duffel for $180 : Most duffel bags these days are made of nylon, and while it's tough to call a material that's been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don't have the old-school charm that this waxed canvas bag does.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $149 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $160 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81 : Looking like a cross between a duffel and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can become overfilled, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring it onto a plane as a carry-on. She appreciates its durability and the many internal pockets for organization, though, and its rather long five-year warranty.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $345 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $200 : This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.

Adidas Defender Duffel for $40 : If you're looking for an inexpensive duffel that'll handle some light-duty traveling, this is a good way to save $100. The fabric is significantly thinner and less sturdy than that of other duffels in this guide, and it lacks backpack straps. But for taking on the train or tossing into a car trunk, it'll do the trick.

Bags We Don’t Like

Some bags just aren't worth the asking price, especially with so many good alternatives at all price points.

Peugeot Voyages Carry-On Spinner for $595 : What a price tag for a plastic-case suitcase. You can see where Peugeot tried to imbue the Voyages with some luxury, such as the metal riveting and built-in travel locks, but the case felt no more solid than a budget hard-sided bag, and the USB charging port felt cheap, like an outlet you'd find built into a seat in an airport terminal.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On for $469 : At 6 pounds, 2 ounces, this bag is a bit heavy. There's a zip-off 19-liter backpack that you can separate from the rest of the 37-liter bag, but when they're zipped together, the combined size doesn't meet carry-on restrictions.

Ebags CTS Carry-On Spinner for $200 : This one wasn't awful, but there are much better options for the money. Its hard plastic sides felt more brittle than the hard-sided plastic Away suitcases. The handle rattles a lot and it didn't roll quite as smoothly as other bags.

A Few Travel Accessories

Once you've got your bag, you'll want to pack it with a few more useful items:

Apple AirTag for $24 : If you have an iPhone, it's one of the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 keep everything inside your bags organized by allowing you to separate it into different cubes, so you won't ever have to hunt through seven pairs of socks to find your bathing suit again.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $75 : Calpak’s viral clear cases come in three sizes and a ton of colors for the edge trims. Reviewer Nena Farrell loved the small size for my gym bag and traveling with a smaller carry-on bag, while the medium was a great size for my daily makeup or larger suitcases.

Troubadour Buddy 2.0 Tech Case for $75 : You probably need a case to organize your spare charging cables and power banks. I've been testing this compact, waterproof, and recycled bag that fits neatly into my personal item.

UrPower Portable Steamer for $24 beats a travel iron because it's far lighter and you don't need to hunt down an ironing board at your hotel. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using UrPowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything. You just need to refill it often.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 is handy when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Use it to weigh your luggage and make sure it's within the weight limits. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

InCase MacBook Sleeves for $50 will keep your laptop from bearing the damage caused by airport security lines. Travel through an airport without a case and it's only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Check our guide to the Best MacBook Accessories for more.

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

Every airline sets its own dimensional requirements for carry-on baggage, so if you want to be safe, you should check your airline's requirements before packing. But broadly, they're split into two categories: domestic and international.

Domestic flights by US airlines (and a few others) have standardized on 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

International carry-on bag sizes tend to be about 21 inches tall and a bit narrower, but they're all over the place. It's tough, because many international airlines will measure your bags at the airport and reject anything even slightly bigger than the allowed size. If you fly outside the US a lot, you may as well buy a bag sized for international flights.

You'll also want to check each airline's weight limits. They vary wildly, but some international airlines restrict you to 15 or 20 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. For example, there are some East Asian airlines that limit carry-on bags to 11 pounds. Once you subtract 6 or more pounds for the bag, you're not left with much wiggle room to put stuff inside.

When to Remove Battery Banks

Battery banks, also known as power banks, are a travel must-have. Whether you're using a tablet to watch movies on your flight or relying on your phone to coordinate rideshares, hotel check-in, and handle your boarding passes, you've got to keep those devices charged and topped up. Many bags offer a removable battery bank that slides into a special pocket or notch of the suitcase.

For carry-on luggage on a flight in the US, you're allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery of 100 watt-hours or less. You don't need to remove it from the suitcase's pocket if you're storing your bag in the overhead bin.

Lithium-ion battery banks are not allowed in checked luggage. If you check your bag or have to gate-check it, make sure to remove the battery bank before you give your suitcase to the gate agent. Slip the battery bank into your purse, backpack, or pocket for the duration of the flight.

Louryn Strampe

Medea Giordano

Martin Cizmar

Julian Chokkattu

Adrienne So

Parker Hall

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How To Choose The

Best Travel Backpack

The minimalist's guide to selecting a carry-on backpack for one bag travel.

• 01. Introduction
• 02. Our Picks
• 04. Function
• 05. Aesthetic
• 06. Conclusion

Fitting your life into one bag is no small task. We’re here to help.

Find your adventure essentials at Public Lands. Check it out →

Best Travel Backpacks

Click to learn more about why we love these top picks.

• 9.2/10: Aer Travel Pack 3 (Best value)
• 9.1/10: GORUCK GR2 (40L)
• 8.9/10: Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L
• 8.8/10: TOM BIHN Synik 30
• 8.6/10: Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 30L
• 8.5/10: TOM BIHN Techonaut 30 (Best splurge)
• 8.3/10: Able Carry Max Backpack
• 8.2/10: Osprey Farpoint 40 (Best budget)
• 8.2/10: Minaal Carry-On 3.0 Bag
• 8.0/10: EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35)
• 7.6/10: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L
• 7.5/10: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

See all reviews: Travel Backpacks

How to Select The Best Backpack for One Bag Travel

There’s something so freeing about traveling with only one bag. All of your important stuff is within arm’s reach, and it forces you to cut down on many of life’s seemingly necessary consumer goods that you can probably live without. With one bag, you easily glide from location to location, always having just enough but never too much.

Choosing the perfect travel backpack for one bag travel can be a challenging endeavor. There are so many brands and models to choose from with varying degrees of durability, price, and try-on-ability (we made this word up for trying something out before buying it online). Add varying views and opinions into the mix from folks with different values, needs, and body types—and you’ve got a veritable clusterf*ck of options to wade through. Whether you’re a new traveler gearing up for your first trip, a digital nomad going through a “sell-all-my-stuff-and-put-it-in-a-backpack” phase, or somewhere in between, it’s essential to have the best travel backpack that works for you.

Here’s the bottom line: There is no “best” backpack that is perfect for every traveler in every scenario. However, we believe everyone can find a pack that’s perfect for their unique needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors we think are most important when choosing the ideal one-bag travel backpack for you.

This guide is written and informed by Pack Hacker staff, many of whom are frequent travelers and digital nomads. That means we’re using and testing these products every day to better understand what’s available out there and how each bag may appeal to different types of travelers.

If you’d rather skip all this info and get straight to the backpacks we’ve reviewed, you can take a look at our highest-rated travel backpack list in the next section, or all of our Travel Backpack Reviews . We’re constantly updating this list as we review and rate new bags frequently.

Is It Better To Travel With a Backpack or Suitcase?

We’ve found that backpacks give you much greater mobility. You can breeze through airports. You’ll never stand around a baggage carousel after a long haul again. And as long as your pack is carry-on size compliant, you’ll never lose your luggage, ever. Depending on your travel style and what you’re hauling, it comes down to your personal preference—both roller luggage and backpacks can be good options. In this guide, we’ll focus on travel backpacks for a couple of reasons:

They Feel Freeing

You’ve got both of your hands-free, and you’re not constantly dragging something behind you. No matter what terrain you’re walking on, you’ll never have the annoyance of loud or unsteady wheels behind you from standard travel luggage. Sure, roller bags work like a charm on smooth airport and hotel floors, but how about the winding cobblestone roads of Paris or a sandy beach in Ko Pha Ngan? You can traverse almost any terrain when you’re wearing a backpack.

Best Travel Backpack | Traveling with the Osprey Farpoint 40 in India.

Travel Backpacks are Versatile & Usually Lightweight

If you pack light enough, you can comfortably have all of your belongings with you at once . Did you arrive earlier than your hotel or Airbnb check in? No problem, just take your pack around with you for the day—no need to stop by and drop your luggage off. Versatility at its finest.

We can’t necessarily guarantee the pack will be lightweight if you fill it up with a bunch of heavy stuff (like camera gear), so we made a Travel Camera Guide too.

They Provide Flexibility

You’ll take up less room on the airplane or in public transit. You’ll generally feel more agile vs needing to drag around rolly luggage, with the added benefit of not looking like an out-of-place tourist. It caters to a more adventurous lifestyle by always being ready to go. And, you can easily catch that train that’s about to depart without awkwardly side-running with a roller bag or two.

Utilizing a Backpack in Travel Contexts

In this guide, we’re going for travel versatility. We want you to look good carrying these bags around in an urban environment and have the flexibility to head out on a hike for a couple of days of camping without having your backpack ruined by the elements. If you’ve got a piece of roller luggage, it’s going to be hard to do that spontaneous half-day trek on the trail to the neighboring city you’ve been wanting to check out. Likewise, if you’re going to post up at a coffee shop for a day of office work, you’re going to look out of place with a bulky, multi-colored hiking bag. The packs mentioned in this article will blend into most city environments and are durable enough to withstand the abuse of longer excursions.

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Some of our top-rated bags for your travel backpack consideration.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team is comprised of seasoned one-bag travelers who have been testing and reviewing travel backpacks since 2017. Each person has experience living out of a single bag while traveling the world, some for years at a time as digital nomads. When testing gear, we evaluate each backpack for a minimum of two weeks, putting it through the wringer on flights and commutes to our Detroit HQ alike. Each bag is then rated using our objective scale that allows us to compare its performance to other bags on the market.

Editor’s Note

June 25, 2024: We narrowed down our list of the best travel backpacks at the top of this guide. It previously included all of our top-rated bags; however, we now include a range of top picks that satisfy different needs. May 22, 2024: We removed the ULA Equipment Dragonfly from our Top Picks, as they released a new version that’s often out of stock and, therefore, isn’t as accessible. April 17, 2024: We considered adding the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L as one of our top picks, though we ultimately stuck with the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro since it comes in a smaller size, too.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 takes some of our favorite travel backpack features and puts them into one bag: helpful load lifters, easy-to-engage compression straps, and easy access to different compartments. It has Aer’s sleek signature style and is made with quality materials like CORDURA® ballistic nylon and YKK zippers, which add a ton of durability and make this a reliable bag that can withstand extended travel. In fact, this is one of our highest-rated bags and a Pack Hacker Pick because of how it’s held up on trips across the U.S., Thailand, South Korea, and more.

The organization is streamlined for easy packing, and it even includes a hidden pocket where you can tuck a smart tracker—a great feature for keeping track of your bag if it’s stolen or gets lost in transit. The harness system is super comfortable even when the bag is fully loaded and includes wide, cushioned shoulder straps with keepers to cut down on dangling. We also like that there’s an option to add a hip belt because it helps take a ton of weight off your shoulders when the bag is loaded. If you don’t need as much liter space, we recommend the Aer Travel Pack 3 Small because it takes key features from its bigger sibling and puts them in a smaller package built for shorter trips and smaller frames.

Why We Like It

• It has just-right organization and open space
• Compression straps don’t impede access to the compartments, so it’s easy to grab gear quickly

What You Should Know

• Magnetic compression buckles sometimes come undone on their own
• There isn’t a huge false bottom to the laptop compartment, which impacts tech protection—more of a nitpick, as we’ve found it’s still reliable

If you’re looking for a durable pack that can handle any adventure you throw at it, look no further than the GORUCK GR2. It’s a little on the heavier side (courtesy of the CORDURA® Nylon and beefy YKK zippers), though we think the durability is worth the weight sacrifice. We’ve fit its boxy shape under the seat in front of us on some budget airlines, which is great if you’re trying to avoid fees while you travel the world (who isn’t?). In fact, this is the bag that Pack Hacker’s founder Tom used to travel the world for over 2 years.

Though the organization inside is simple, there’s still plenty of room for packing cubes and pouches. It’s covered in PALS webbing, which we use to attach MOLLE accessories like pouches that we fill with items we want quick access to on the plane or while exploring. The customization options mean you can make the pack fit your specific needs, whether it’s Digital Nomad travel or a weekend fishing trip with your family. Plus, GORUCK has one of the best lifetime warranties in the business and a killer repair program, so if you have any issues, contact their customer service.

• The external fabrics are some of the most durable we’ve seen—it even held up when we dragged it behind a car
• Plenty of PALS webbing, so it’s easy to add modular MOLLE attachments to customize your organization
• The rugged materials and hardware add a lot of weight to the pack
• It has a tactical look and feel that’s hard to disguise if that’s not your style

Since this is a bag from Peak Design, it has some great camera features. There are plenty of attachment points inside and out for your photography gear. However, it’s an excellent travel backpack even if you don’t take a DSLR on every trip, thanks to its clean lines and clever design.

The main compartment has well-structured sides and opens clamshell to make it easy to pack, although we’ve noticed that anything we store on the bottom blocks built-in mesh pockets, so you’ll have to choose between gear storage or smooth access. They’re useful for gear you won’t need until you reach your destination, and side pockets help you get to things that you need as you travel, like your passport. There’s a well-padded sleeve for your laptop, and the front pocket has organizational features for tiny gear, which is great for getting to your essentials while sitting in your airplane seat or waiting at the gate. For times when you’re not packing as much, the compression system does an excellent job at holding gear in place.

If you find that 30L isn’t enough space or you want bring more of your photo kit, we recommend the Peak Design Travel Backpack , which has the same great features and added room for your gear. It expands to 45 liters if needed and has compression snaps to lock it down if you want to use it as a daypack.

• It has a comfortable harness system, with a sternum strap that won’t slip out of place
• Structured sides and clamshell opening create a bucket shape that’s easy to load with gear
• ID pocket on the back panel is easy to overlook, so a stranger may not see it if they find your misplaced bag
• Some main compartment pockets aren’t as accessible as we’d like, which slows you down when searching for gear

Going with a lower-capacity pack reduces size and weight, meaning you can even use it as a daypack once you arrive at your destination. However, that doesn’t mean it has to be short on features. Enter the TOM BIHN Synik 30. It’s a smaller version of the Synapse and features the same top-notch and customizable organization we’re used to seeing from TOM BIHN. That means it has multiple exterior pockets for storing gear and numerous attachment points on the interior for attaching modular pouches. While we like the ballistic nylon options because they’re sleek and durable, you can opt for a different material if you want (TOM BIHN has a ton to choose from).

The style won’t be for everyone, and its round shape can make it more challenging to pack some packing cubes and pouches, causing you to lose out on some storage space in the corners (or lack thereof). However, once you’re used to the internal organization, this is one of the smartest-designed internal layouts we’ve seen in a travel backpack.

• The internal organization is great for both travel and daily carry
• Plenty of options to add modular pouches to customize gear organization
• Has a heritage look that may not be everyone’s taste
• Rounded edges can make it harder to pack with some organizers and pouches

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 30L has a thickly padded harness system, from the shoulder straps to the hip belt and the back panel, along with vertical height adjustment and load lifters for extra support. All of these features together make for a comfortable carry even when the backpack is completely full. There are plenty of places to pack your gear, including water bottle pockets on each side, a top pocket for small items like keys, a front pocket for wide but flat items, and smaller pockets on the hip belt. You can stash your tech accessories in a well-organized admin panel, and there’s a dedicated laptop compartment as well. It includes a zippered pocket for accessories, which we love for the trips where we don’t need to bring a separate tech pouch.

The large bucket space of the main compartment is simple, with no dividers to get in the way. This means you can pack however you please, whether you load up on packing cubes or fold your clothing into neat piles—though we recommend packing cubes so that things don’t get too jostled. A mesh compartment hinges along the main compartment opening for some built-in segmentation, and you’ll find a similar feature on the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L . While the 30L is great for smaller frames, we think the larger version is excellent if you want more space to pack. It’s even a Pack Hacker Pick !

• The smaller size means this travel backpack doubles as a daypack if desired
• Simple organization in other pockets while the main compartment is open to organize as you see fit
• Can be slow to access the large mesh pocket in the main compartment because it opens toward the inside of the pack, not the outside
• The harness system can feel a bit overkill for a bag of this size if it’s not full

The Techonaut 30 is a classic example of what makes a TOM BIHN bag great. There are a ton of durable fabric and colorway options—we like the 525D ballistic nylon because of its strength-to-weight ratio, though there are stronger and lighter-weight options available depending on your preferences. Plus, it has clever, functional organization that’s easy to load with all your gear. When we need to keep even more small items in check, we add TOM BIHN pouches to the included O-rings around the bag (we’re partial to the Ghost Whale pouches because of their size, but almost any will work).

You can carry the Techonaut 30 like a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag, although you’ll have to get a separate strap to carry it as a messenger. We prefer backpack mode because the back panel is supportive even when all 30 liters are fully packed.

Inside, it has a variety of pockets, including an integrated water bottle pocket and two quick-grab pockets, which work in either horizontal or vertical orientation, meaning you can store gear based on the way you’re carrying the bag. Briefcase mode? Use the top pockets. Backpack? Go for the sides. However, if you need to carry some hydration, we find that the integrated water bottle pocket can cut into the main compartment, so you’ll have to trade some storage space. Though the main and bottom compartments are separated, you can expand the former via a collapsible floor, which is handy if you need a bit of flexibility with the available space. This is great if you like traveling with shoes but don’t want to buy a separate shoe pouch.

• Bottom pocket unzips to merge with the main compartment for even more storage space
• It can be carried three ways, and all of them are comfortable
• It’s tricky to see inside the top pocket because of its sideways opening
• The dedicated shoe pocket struggles to fit large shoes, which isn’t ideal for those with large feet

The VX21 X-Pac material on the Able Carry Max Backpack gives it a sporty look that we like, and there’s also 1000D CORDURA® nylon on the underside for durability. You won’t have to worry about the sturdiness of this bag, as it’s well-constructed, with reinforced stitching in key areas. There is plenty of room in the laptop compartment for up to a 17-inch computer and organization for your tech gear. Loops and strips of webbing around the bag give you the flexibility to pack it however you wish, and there are two quick-grab pockets for gear you want to get at as you travel. You can even get a third quick-access spot if you use the internal bottle pocket instead of the one outside the bag for hydration.

The Max Backpack is really comfortable to carry and easy to adjust. The shoulder straps have dense padding and breathable mesh undersides, with X-Pac on top for durability and style. While the tablet pocket is a bit shallow, we don’t have too many problems during regular use.

• It’s easy to customize organization thanks to webbing and loop attachment points
• The durable fabrics are held together with equally-sturdy stitching
• The X-Pac material may not suit everyone, though you can always opt for CORDURA® nylon
• A rear pocket is a bit narrow and tricky to access

This durable bag is made with recycled and bluesign® approved polyester and a PFAS-free DWR coating, which is great if you’re an eco-friendly traveler. It has a bit of an outdoorsy look, which is to be expected from Osprey. However, the external storage is hard to beat if you’re the adventurous type. A large front stash pocket holds a water bottle or damp gear like a rain jacket or towel, and there’s also a decent-sized top pocket for smaller accessories. We like that it’s big enough to tuck your 3-1-1 bag inside to keep it within reach through the security line at the airport. The main compartment opens fully clamshell, and is easy to pack since you can see all the space at once. A couple of mesh pockets inside help organize your gear, and compression straps hold clothing or packing cubes in place as you travel. The large laptop compartment is accessible from the outside of the bag, so you can get some work done as you wait for the plane to board.

What’s really great, though, is how comfortable you’ll be while carrying this bag. The breathable mesh back panel keeps things airy, and the harness shifts higher or lower so you can adjust it to your height and torso length. If you have a more petite frame but want to carry the same amount of gear, try the Osprey Fairview 40. As opposed to coming straight over your shoulders, these curve in and around, making it easier to carry for more petite users of any gender.

• The harness system is comfy even when the pack is fully loaded
• An ample-sized main compartment makes this a great pick for one bag travel
• You can’t remove the bulky hip belt even if you don’t need it
• There aren’t any dedicated bottle pockets, and the front pocket can be tight for larger bottles

The 35L Minaal Carry-On 3.0 for one bag travel is aesthetically sleek and has smart features to improve quality of life on your trip. If you carry a lot of tech, you may appreciate that the laptop compartment lays completely flat, making it easy to load and access on the go. It has a suspended laptop sleeve that you can adjust to different sizes, so your 13-inch MacBook Air isn’t drowning in a pocket designed for a big gaming computer. Plus, the shoulder straps hide away behind a zipping panel, which we find makes it easy to slide this backpack into an overhead bin.

The main compartment opens clamshell for easy packing and includes some built-in organization. However, unlike most other backpacks, you load the bag into the “scoop” section (the front of the bag) instead of the back. This takes a little getting used to, though it’s easy to use once you do. While we recommend taking advantage of packing cubes for most of your gear, there is a large mesh pocket at the top, along with a nylon pouch below it where you can pack shoes. Two external pockets give you quick access to your wallet, phone, and small accessories, and there’s also a security pocket behind the back panel for your passport. Just be careful when using the water bottle pocket, as they can slip out even when the bungee is tight.

• It’s great to be able to securely carry devices of different sizes in the adjustable sleeve
• Excellent accessibility since both compartments open fully clamshell
• You have to pack it “scoop side down,” which can get unwieldy without packing cubes
• The bungee designed to hold a bottle in place doesn’t always work as intended, and some bottles slip out

Some packs are designed with a specific use in mind, and others are designed to be as versatile as possible. Every once in a while, you’ll come across a bag that does both (and does it well). The features on EVERGOODS’ Civic Travel Bag 35L, or CTB35, make it one of the most versatile travel backpacks we’ve seen on the market.

There’s plenty of organization to choose from without going over the top, meaning there’s a spot for large and small gear alike. The main compartment has ample space, so we’re able to fit everything from a camera cube to bulky shoes inside, and it even has a few zippered pockets for small items like tech. As for external storage, there’s a built-in yoke pocket on the top and a vertical zippered pocket on the front that we like to use as a dump pocket for our phone, wallet, keys, and more while going through airport security. Plus, there’s an easily accessible laptop compartment if you work on the go. The harness system is contoured nicely, which makes this backpack incredibly comfortable to wear even when fully packed, so we have no problem carrying it all day long.

We like the 35-liter option because it’s big enough to work for long trips. However, if you’re into the organization but want something smaller, it also comes in a 26-liter size (which we like equally as much).

• The harness is well-padded and comfortable even when the pack is completely full of gear
• It strikes a balance between built-in organization and empty space, so you’re not pigeonholed into packing your gear a specific way
• Since the organization is so minimal, you’ll need to find a way to manage things like clothing—we recommend utilizing packing cubes
• We find it difficult to stow the hip belt without it twisting a bit, so it takes a bit of finesse to get right

We like the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag so much that we chose it for the first iteration of our Vacation Packing List . The large size makes sense because you can fit more gear; however, there’s a smaller 30-liter size that we find is better for smaller-framed folks and people who want to save space. Why do we like it so much? We’re happy you asked!

These packs have built-in organization options inside the main compartment, including a divider with zippered pockets that we use to stow smaller items like socks and underwear, but it’s also great for tech or miscellaneous gear. There’s also a large second compartment, a dedicated laptop compartment, and a quick-grab pocket on the front that’s handy for gear you’ll need throughout the day. While all of this organization is great, it’s worth mentioning that all of these zippered pockets are pretty shallow, so you’ll have to pack strategically to ensure your bag will zip up when everything is loaded in. On the plus side, the liner is brightly colored, which makes finding your stuff that much easier!

If all of that space isn’t enough for you, there are attachment points on the front of the bag where you can attach an additional daypack. The harness system isn’t our favorite because there’s no frame sheet to add structure and it can feel pretty heavy when it’s all packed out, but the hip belt does a good job taking some weight off your shoulders.

• There’s ample organization to segment your gear, making it easier to find
• The bright liner material adds a ton of visibility when we’re looking for our stuff in the multiple zippered pockets
• Can be difficult to slide a laptop into the dedicated compartment when the bag is fully packed because of how it starts to bulge
• It’s not the most comfortable bag we’ve worn for extended periods because the back panel lacks significant structure

While some travel backpacks fit best in an urban setting, the Allpa 35L Travel Pack works as a hiking or work bag as well as a travel pack. However, just because it can serve other purposes doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the travel department. It has a refined design and ample space that make it easy to pack for vacation, with mesh dividers and organizers inside to help you keep your gear sorted. While the exterior materials aren’t very structured, you’re unlikely to reach for this large of a bag unless you plan to pack it out, so it’s not always noticeable. The polyester is coated with TPU for water resistance, so your gear is safe as you walk in nearly any weather.

If you’re getting started on your journey into one bag travel, you can get the Allpa with an accessory bundle that includes mesh laundry bags, a nylon shoe bag, and a snap-on mesh water bottle sleeve. You also have the option to add-on Cotopaxi’s Batac Daypack, so you can have a complete travel system ready with just one click. And in case you needed another reason to consider Cotopaxi, you should know that their bags are made in the Philippines in a factory committed to fair labor and environmentally-sound practices, so you can feel good about your purchase, too.

• It’s a ruggedly durable backpack if you’re a more adventurous traveler
• The bag feels roomy and conveniently-placed pockets for small gear storage
• Hip belt isn’t removable if it doesn’t fit, and the pockets often feel too snug when wearing the bag
• It’s on the heavy side for its size

Others We Considered

Though it’s a great size for those who want a carry on backpack that’s small enough to be a personal item, we ultimately decided against the CabinZero Military Backpack 28L because it gets uncomfortable to carry when it’s packed to the brim. Since it’s so small, that’s pretty easy to do.

Decisions, decisions… Navigating the not-so-clear world of travel packs.

Video Guide Part 2: Form

Feel free to watch this guide section in video format. We’ll keep the written content on this page up to date.

Be sure to subscribe to Pack Hacker on YouTube and never miss a video. We also have these videos in a series playlist format on YouTube so you can watch them easier.

Best Backpack Size & Weight for Carry-On Air Travel

We favor smaller bags that fit in the overhead bin. Yes, it can be a challenge to fit your entire life into a 40L bag, but wow, is it worth it!. Trust us—you can fit your entire life into an 18L backpack if you’re disciplined, and we highly recommend staying under 50L for one bag travel. Life is just easier with a smaller & lighter backpack. If you want to cheat a bit and get some extra space, you can also go the sling bag on the front, backpack on the back route.

Airlines can get pretty stingy around the amount of weight you can bring on board. It’s essential to make sure your backpack itself isn’t too heavy, or you won’t be able to fit in as much clothing and other travel gear. We’re all for less clothing and gear, but we are not for getting hit with extra fees if your carry-on is overweight. Starting out with a bag that’s already too heavy before you’ve packed it is just setting yourself up for failure! We calculate a carry-on compliance score for every travel backpack reviewed on our site using its dimensions and data we collect from most airlines worldwide.

True Volume

It’s easy to get caught up in all this talk around liters of a backpack. There’s really no “industry standard” around this, and the liter size of a pack can vary from brand to brand. What’s more important is the “True Volume” of a backpack and how usable the space is. Some weird, trapezoid-shaped backpack will certainly be more of a challenge than something with a larger, rectangular compartment. The thickness and flexibility of the material matter as well. A thin, strong material will leave you with more space inside of a backpack than something with thick padding in the liner. However, a rigid material—Dyneema, for instance—doesn’t have much additional flex and isn’t very forgiving when you’re trying to pack your bag to the brim. The efficiency of space can make or break the usefulness of a pack.

Pack’s Exterior Profile

The slimness of a pack can help out quite a bit. Not only does it seem less heavy because the weight is close to your back, but it has the added benefit of giving you a smaller, slimmer form factor. With this, you won’t be taking up too much room on public transit or smacking people in the face when you’re boarding the airplane—it’ll be a better experience for you and everyone around you.

Max Legal Carry-On

Otherwise known as “MLC,” Max Legal Carry-On size covers the largest acceptable backpack size for carrying on most airlines. Make sure to check with your airline before arriving at the airport, though—size limits can vary based on the airline you’re flying with.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a well-executed travel bag from a company with an excellent track-record of bringing innovative and unique designs to the backpack world. This maximum legal carry-on can easily handle one bag travel, photography, or digital nomading with ease—and it will be a joy to use for any of those activities.

Top-loading vs Panel-loading (Clamshell) Backpacks

There’s a big debate around clamshell and top-loading packs. We’re personally a fan of clamshell for one-bag travel, as it gives you more open space to work with. Clamshell functions more like a suitcase and opens literally like a clam. You can easily open it up flat and see everything inside, so it tends to be easier to organize all your travel gear.

The Able Carry Max Backpack is a clamshell-style backpack that opens to give you easy access to a spacious main compartment—this works great for packing cubes or rolled up clothing—whichever you prefer! Also, it’s got a large but low-profile water bottle pocket.

Top-loading packs are great if you’re on a long, multi-day trek or participating in other outdoor-focused activities as there’s no main zipper that can fail you (which could be catastrophic if you’re halfway up Mt. Everest).

The Thule Subterra 34L is a top-loading backpack with a roll top opening. A top loader’s usual pitfalls are fixed by an easy to access side zip that allows entry to the main compartment. This zip comes in handy when you don’t have time to mess around with the roll top, or you want to grab something located at the bottom of the bag.

Weather Resistance

Best Travel Backpack | The GORUCK GR2 features “weather resistance” but it’s not “waterproof.”

Weather resistance is another key component to consider for one bag travel. With all your tech gear and expensive possessions in your pack, you don’t want it to get wet. We look for packs with some great weather resistance that’ll easily get you through light rain and ideally through 20 minutes of a monsoon in Southeast Asia. There’s a big difference between waterproof and water-resistant bags. We’re mainly focused on the latter, as this will be plenty in most situations. Sure, waterproof is more secure, but unless you’re leaving your pack outside in a torrential downpour for hours on end or plan to go snorkeling with your laptop on your back, there’s no need for that extra tech.

The Mission Workshop Fitzroy VX utilizes weatherproof materials and weather-resistant zippers. We’ve found it to hold up decently in a downpour. Even if you’re caught in a pretty torrential rainstorm, you should be okay with the PET waterproof membrane.

Got something that needs some additional weatherproofing? Consider picking up a DAKA Pouch . It’ll give your valuables that extra layer of protection without requiring you to purchase an entirely waterproof bag—plus, these pouches double as organizers, separating your precious gear from the rest of your loadout with some additional protection to boot. It’s a win-win.

Durability and Quality

Whether you’re traveling for a week, a month, or a year plus, your backpack is pretty much your home, so you don’t want it to break. Take it from us—the last thing you want is to find out that you lost your phone charger because your zipper broke during the journey to your next accommodation. Investing in a good backpack will prevent loss and damage to your gear, and higher quality products will last for several years. It can be a challenge to tell if a backpack is durable right out of the box, which is why we test bags as much as possible to notice any faults. Higher durability usually means higher weight, but not always. Here are a couple of key considerations we’ve found when it comes to durability.

When it comes to durability, the Topo Designs Travel Bag 40L doesn’t mess around. The 1000D nylon, beefy YKK #10 zippers, and simplistic design all come together to create a bag that won’t let you down.

YKK zippers are some of the best around, so naturally, the best travel backpack brands tend to use them. They’re super strong and have different weights depending on the area of the pack they’re used. A YKK #10 will keep a main compartment secure, whereas a YKK #5 may be suited for smaller side pockets that don’t receive as much use or tension.

YKK is obsessed with quality, and they do everything in-house. They smelt their own brass, forge their own zipper teeth, and even make the machines that make their zippers and the cardboard boxes they ship in! Needless to say, you probably won’t end up with any broken zippers with YKK on your side. YKK zippers also account for about half of all zippers in the world, so that says something. Although less popular, RiRi zippers are pretty great too. Both RiRi and YKK are superior to any other zipper made in-house by a bag manufacturer, and Zoom Zippers are climbing up on that list as well, though we still find intermittent issues with them.

Backpack Fabric and Material

There are a ton of fabrics and materials out there, too. When looking at fabrics, you’ll often see a number followed by a D—250D, 950D, 1500D, etc. The D stands for denier, a term used to measure the fabric’s thickness and weight—specifically the yarn. The formal definition is the mass (in grams) per 9,000 meters of thread, so lightweight fabrics (like silk) have a very low denier, while heavier fabrics have a higher denier. When it comes to backpacks, a higher denier is not necessarily better. In general, a higher denier will be more durable (depending on the fabric & weave) but also heavier. While the denier can tell you the weight and thickness of a material, the type of material, weave, and manufacturing involved will ultimately tell you more about its strength and durability. Here are some materials you’ll come across when selecting your pack, along with the pros and cons of each one.

Ripstop Nylon

Pretty close in property to standard nylon, “ripstop” nylon has a unique square weave that prevents further tearing from happening after a puncture. It has an incredibly high strength-to-weight ratio, and, as the name implies, it is highly resistant to rips and tears. The reason why it’s so strong is that additional fibers are sewn into the weave. Ripstop Nylon was developed in World War II as a more robust alternative to silk parachutes and is currently used in ejector seat parachutes for fighter pilots!

Ballistic Nylon

Ballistic Nylon refers to any nylon fabric with a “ballistic weave,” a variation on the simple basketweave. This gives it excellent tensile and tear strength—especially when layered—and makes it heavier than a lot of other materials. Keep in mind that ballistic nylon almost exclusively comes in black. Why is it called ballistic? It was initially used on flak jackets for World War II airmen to protect them from artillery-shell and bullet fragmentations. PSA: We do not recommend the use of backpacks for protection in war zones.

CORDURA® Nylon

CORDURA® is not a fabric in and of itself—it is a brand covering a whole host of different materials, from cotton to nylon to polyester. What they do is take fabric from various mills, inspect it to make sure it’s up to their standards, and then slap that CORDURA® tag on it. Yes, it’s a bit deceiving, but they do put out some high-quality stuff. You’ll mostly always see a “®” next to “CORDURA” (in all caps) because #branding and #lawyers.

Kodra Nylon

Kodra is virtually synonymous with CORDURA® but made in Korea. Peak Design opted for this in V1 of their Everyday Backpack.

Polyester is one of the most common fabrics on the planet. It’s made from plastic fibers, and you can find it pretty much everywhere—in clothing, pillows, seat belts, upholstery, rope, the list goes on… Oh, and backpacks. Polyester is not the most durable fabric, so you’ll usually find it on lower-end packs (think of those classic Jansport backpacks everyone had in high school). It’s really not the most suitable choice for a travel pack—as it just won’t hold up through the years. Besides lacking in durability, polyester is also fairly heavy compared to other fabrics like nylon. If you’re looking for a low-budget day pack, polyester is fine. If you’re looking for something more serious, stay away from it.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a polymer that is used to make fabrics. This stuff is seriously everywhere—it is the world’s second most widely produced synthetic plastic! It’s used to make ropes, carpets, labels, plastic lids on tic-tac containers, plastic chairs, long underwear…basically, if you see something made of plastic, there’s a solid chance there’s some polypropylene in it. You’ll find it mostly in minor backpack components, but it’s also used to make drawstring bags and totes like the ones that are handed out for free at a college fair or festival. Polypropylene fabric has a few things going for it. It’s cheap, it’s a good insulator because it doesn’t transfer heat very well, and it won’t absorb water since it’s hydrophobic. The major problem with polypropylene is that it is not very UV resistant. If it’s repeatedly exposed to sunlight, the fabric will fade and break down over time. This is not great for backpacks. You may, however, see polypropylene used as a liner on the inside of some packs as it won’t be affected by UV light and adds some additional protection.

You could say that canvas is the OG backpack material. Back in the day, canvas was just about the only thing you would use for a “backpack,” outside of maybe a burlap sack thrown over your shoulder. In World War II, GI’s carried all their equipment around in canvas packs and slept in canvas tents. Canvas very thick and sturdy and was historically made from cotton, linen, or hemp coated in wax for waterproofing. Today, canvas tends to be made from things like nylon and polyester. Most modern backpack companies shy away from canvas because it’s usually heavy, not overly water-resistant, and easily damaged by abrasion. If you’re looking for a canvas one-bag travel pack, you’re not going to find much out there. However, if you want the nostalgia factor, you can still find a bespoke canvas bag to satisfy that.

We may need to scrap our statement on canvas because leather is arguably as OG as it gets. Its use has been traced back as far as Ancient Greece and Rome! Like canvas, you’re not going to see many travel packs made of leather. While a leather bag can make for an excellent, stylish daypack, it’s not ideal for a long-term travel pack, mainly because of its weight. There is also a lot of potential care involved. Between protective oils and various cleaning techniques, it can be a hassle to deal with if you’re on the move. There are three grades of leather—genuine, top-grain, and full-grain.

Contrary to popular belief, genuine is the lowest grade of leather while full-grain is the highest. Full-grain is used for heavy-duty use-cases like weapon holsters and work belts, so if you’re dead set on a leather pack, we’d recommend looking for full-grain leather. Ideally, you’ll want to find something thin enough to not be overly heavy while still thick enough to ensure durability.

The actual material is called ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene… but most know it as sailcloth (yep, the same material used on a sailboat). A relatively rare material for backpacks, brands like Tortuga have taken advantage of sailcloth due to its lightweight and water-resistant properties. It is by far the most lightweight and waterproof material on our list (no need for DWR or liners), but it does have some drawbacks. It’s stiff and crinkly with zero stretch, which can cause problems if you’re trying to utilize every nook and cranny of your pack. It isn’t quite as indestructible as some other materials listed, but it’s reasonably durable and can be patched. It also tends to be one of the most expensive backpack materials out there.

Dyneema® Composite Fabric

In May 2015, Dyneema purchased Cubic Tech, the creator and manufacturer of Cuben Fiber, and rebranded it as Dyneema® Composite Fabrics. So, Dyneema® Composite Fabrics = Cuben Fiber. This stuff was initially designed for high-tech sails on racing yachts because it is ridiculously light and robust. As such, it has been adopted wholeheartedly by the ultralight backpacking community. It’s sort of like the carbon fiber of the backpack world—high-tech, super strong, super light, and…super expensive. While Dyneema® Composite Fabric is popular within the ultralight backpacking community, it has yet to become commonplace in the one-bag travel scene. That being said, if you do see Dyneema® Composite Fabric, you should know that you’re getting some of the best stuff around.

Thermoplastic polyurethane —TPU for short—is a polymer used to add strength to a material, either through a manufacturing process or coating. You’ll recognize it on products like inflatable rafts, phone cases, wire cables, and footwear. Think stuff that needs to be as durable as possible to avoid things going south for the user. It easily sheds water and oil, resists abrasions, and won’t crack in high or low temps, making it ideal for frequent outdoor use. Unlike polypropylene, TPU is UV-resistant and won’t be subjected to the same amount of fading over time. If you’re the type of traveler who wants extra peace of mind on the go, you’ll want to keep an eye out for TPU because of the extra strength it adds to a pack, but we wouldn’t consider a lack of TPU a deal-breaker.

X-Pac is not so much a fabric as it is a bunch of fabrics smooshed together. With the help of lamination technology, it combines complementary materials to make an overall higher-performing product. Though there are variations in denier and waterproofing, it’s most commonly made up of a nylon face for durability, polyester mesh for strength, and waterproof film that won’t disappear over time. Like Dyneema® Composite Fabrics, it was inspired by the efficiency of sailcloth but is a less costly option that provides a similar level of ultralight performance. It holds its shape over time, won’t fade with UV exposure, and easily sheds moisture, making it great for outdoor enthusiasts who hike and bike with their pack on the regular. However, it may be a bit overkill for casual travelers unless you’re looking for a backpack for epic mountain climbing adventures.

Ultimately, the production process and design will dictate whether your gear will stay together. If a bag is made with 1000D CORDURA®, but it doesn’t have good zippers to match, it doesn’t matter how good the fabric is. Look for brands that proudly back their product with generous warranties, like GORUCK and their “SCARS warranty” or Patagonia and their “Ironclad Guarantee.” These brands know they make quality products, so they’re happy to back it up. If a brand offers no warranty or a short warranty, there’s probably a financial reason for that, and the quality may not be as high. We’re all about buying quality pieces that last versus something that’s going to need repair or replacement year after year.

Whether you’re hopping on a plane or navigating city streets, you need a backpack that can hold up.

Video Guide Part 3: Function

Best Backpack for Comfortable Wear and Extended Travel

Comfort is a big deal when it comes to one-bag travel—especially if you plan to carry the bag around with you for hours on end. You’ll want a high-quality harness that works with the shape of your body. When selecting a bag, it’s crucial to take your height and body type into consideration. Although this matters more for hiking backpacks where you’re carrying a ton of gear, it’s less important for smaller, one-bag travel packs. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about it before you make a purchase. A backpack suited for someone that’s 6’5″ and 250 pounds probably isn’t the best travel backpack for someone that’s 5’3″ and 140 pounds. Buying something that doesn’t fit your frame correctly will make for some seriously uncomfortable travel.

Men’s Focused Fit Vs Women’s Focused Fit

Some backpacks are only available with a “one size fits all” harness system, but there is an ever-increasing number of women’s focused fit and men’s focused fit travel backpacks on the market. For example, the Thule Landmark 40L , REI Ruckpack 40 , and Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 are all available in two different fits. The differences are subtle but have a big impact on how comfortable the harness system is on your frame. Compared to a men’s focused fit, a women’s focused fit backpack will typically feature:

• Smaller hip belt with a more pronounced curve

Backpack Straps

You’ll want to look for bags with high-quality straps that work for your body type. A mismatch here could lead to an uncomfortable carry, even with only a little weight inside.

Even though the GlobeRider45 has the functionality and looks of a travel backpack, it carries more like a daypack. Its shoulder straps feature dense padding that curves and falls naturally to the body. A relatively high top area does give it a very slight hiking backpack feel, but it’s an overall tameable bag to travel with, considering its 45-liter storage capacity.

The thickness of straps doesn’t necessarily matter. Thinner straps that use high-quality foam may be more comfortable than thicker, bulkier straps.

If you’re concerned with weight, look for bags that include load lifters – these are the adjusters that appear at the top of the straps. This concept is borrowed from larger hiking backpacks and does wonders for fitting the bag well to your back with different loads.

Some straps swivel and pivot to cater to different shoulder widths and make it easier to quickly flip the pack around to access the goods you’ve got inside.

We’re middle-of-the-road on hip belts for one-bag travel backpacks. They can help a ton if you’ve got a heavier load or plan to carry your pack for long stretches but aren’t necessary if you pack minimally in a smaller pack.

A good hip belt should be comfortable and secure without becoming too cumbersome. There are few things worse than hitting people with your bulky hip belt while walking down the aisle of an airplane. We’d recommend taking a look at travel backpacks that feature a detachable or hideable hip belt, so you don’t have to use it when you don’t need to.

Sternum Straps

Nearly all travel backpacks include a sternum strap. They’re designed to distribute some weight away from your shoulders and secure the shoulder straps across your chest.

While sternum straps are all pretty similar across the board, there are a couple of things we’d recommend looking out for. First, some will feature an elasticated portion that allows the strap to flex with your body as you walk. We’re big fans of these. Second, some sternum straps can be detached, leaving them vulnerable to falling off when not in use. We’re not kidding; this has happened to us on multiple occasions. Not good, especially when you’re traveling halfway around the world in remote locations! A detachable sternum strap is great when you don’t always need to use one, and it makes adjusting the height easy. Just make sure it’s secure and adequately anchored to the shoulder straps.

A well-designed back panel can make things much more comfortable. Although it’s hard to avoid the old sweaty back with more extended periods of wear in hotter climates, well-ventilated mesh and foam can help with this. A curved frame can help with ergonomics and ventilation, but we don’t see this on many travel-focused backpacks. Sometimes, it seems like overkill.

How Do you Pack the Thing?

With all these fancy features, it’s essential to consider how you should use them and how you pack your bag. Generally speaking, you want to load the heaviest items closest to your back. This’ll ensure the heaviest bits of your bag are the closest to your center of gravity, pulling you down less from the back of the bag.

Best Travel Backpack | Configuring a backpack.

If you’ve got all the features mentioned above, you want to strap and tighten your hip belt first, then adjust the shoulder straps, then tighten the load lifter straps (the straps on top) to a 45° angle, and finally, adjust and tighten the sternum strap.

The Heimplanet Travel Pack 34L (V2) has a horseshoe zipper at the top front of the pack, which opens up to allow you to reach into the main compartment and grab essential items rather than opening up the full clamshell. It also features liter independent compartments and pockets, which are great for packing to the absolute limits. Check out the smaller 28L version, too.

Modular Backpack System

If you want more options for customization, check out modular gear. To put it simply, this is gear that brands design to work with their bags. They allow you to make a bag suit your preferences, adding and swapping parts as needed instead of trying to fit your gear into the organization already installed in your pack. Anyone who uses a bag with PALS webbing, for example, will tell you how convenient it is to have loops ready where they can stick MOLLE accessories. Whereas PALS webbing and MOLLE attachments are one of the better-known standards out there, brand-specific modularity and attachment systems also exist.

In fact, some brands, like ALPAKA , TOM BIHN , Boundary Supply , and Roark , are known for it. We like to count how many O-rings we can find on each TOM BIHN bag we buy because that’s where we can clip the brand’s key leashes, admin pouches, packing cubes, and more.

These great for carrying tiny travel accessories wherever we go. Sizes range from Super Mini, which can hold AirPods, chapstick, and similarly sized items, to A5, which is big enough for an A5-size notebook and pens. They’re made from scrap fabric, so you can feel good about saving them from the cutting room floor. They clip to the O-rings in a TOM BIHN bag or a loop on another backpack to save you from digging for small gear.

ALPAKA’s HUB Ecosystem lets you swap your keys, sanitizer, card holder, and more between your bags. Pull the Hypalon tab to release the magnetic fastener to swap your gear, then attach it to different points throughout their bags or the HUB ModPanel hanging in your house. Then you’ll always be able to find your keys.

The Prima System includes a 30L travel backpack, the Fieldspace admin panel, and Verge Camera Case. The Fieldspace holds a tablet or small laptop, plus small accessories, docking to the laptop compartment with a magnet, so it’s removable if you don’t need it. The camera case is also fully customizable and can sit inside the pack, connect to its exterior, or be carried separately.

Organization: Multiple Travel-Focused Features or One Big Compartment?

Some backpacks take the approach of having a massive inner compartment with no organization. This is great if you’re planning on using some packing cubes or compression sacks, but not so great if you want a little more internal organization out of the box. More things to consider: is there a dedicated place to put a pen or two for those pesky customs forms? Is it easy to grab? How about a dedicated laptop compartment (or, for that matter, a dedicated laptop bag )?

This iteration of Tortuga’s travel backpack design gives more control to the user. It has fewer organization options than its predecessors, but the extra space and weight savings can be better used for packing cubes and organizers. Those already invested in such accessories will find the wide and spacious main compartment easy to fill and navigate.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes can be a great addition to your luggage regardless of whether the bag is one massive compartment or has a couple of smaller pockets inside. Packing cubes allow you to organize clothing between type, outfits, clean or dirty, and much more.

The Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On’s size and shape make it easy to pack with cubes. Plus, the light gray interior makes it easy to find your gear.

Compression and Expandability

If you’re going with one bag, versatility is essential. Ideally, your pack will cater to different amounts of items that are packed in the bag.

Some packs even offer detachable daypacks, but they tend to be slightly larger in liters to justify the additional use of materials (extra zippers and extra straps.) If you’re looking for a small travel daypack , consider some highly compressible bags from Matador . There won’t be any padding on these, but you could also pair these with a padded field pocket from GORUCK or a padded laptop compartment if you want to cafe-hop and work for the day.

If you are looking for a more padded daypack, a Mystery Ranch In and Out Packable Daypack , or something like a Fjallraven Kanken 13″ Laptop Backpack could work. At the end of the day, you’re packing another set of straps, padding, and zippers—all space and weight that’s being subtracted from your main pack.

We like sticking to one bag whenever possible, and there are some bags out there with the right size and look that can be used as a daypack and for one bag travel.

The Thule Aion 28L Backpack expands to 32L when you need more space for a trip. Use the extra room when you’re traveling, then empty it and compress it back down when you arrive at your destination to have a slimmer bag that can be used as a daypack while walking around.

Another great option is the Osprey Farpoint 40 , mentioned above. One of our team members has utilized the compression straps to carry his tripod while traveling to numerous countries.

Security Backpacks

Be on the lookout for packs with great security features. Are the zippers lockable with TSA approved locks? Are there separate secret security compartments to place your passport and other valuables in hard-to-reach places? Is it made of a solid material to prevent the quick slash-and-grab? Are the outer pockets minimized to make it hard for a thief to unzip and grab what they want quickly?

A lot of safety when traveling comes down to common sense and your own self-awareness, but there are a couple of pack features that can make your trips a little bit safer.

Lockable Zippers & Anti-Theft Backpacks

Some packs offer lockable zippers, or special looped zipper pulls that can be configured to deter thieves. Locking the zippers on your pack won’t turn it into an anti-theft backpack—someone can still take it or cut through the fabric—but it can help stop wrongdoers from quickly unzipping your bag for a quick-grab, or make them move to the next easily accessible bag on a train or bus. No backpack is impenetrable, though, and some of these features on backpacks can be gimmicky—included just so the purchaser has some peace of mind—even if the benefit isn’t that great. Peak Design’s security features (example below) and PacSafe’s Tough Zip put a lot of emphasis on that extra layer of security.

The zippers on the Peak Design Travel Backpack come with multiple locking features. This won’t necessarily deter all theft, but it’ll stop anyone from the old unzip & grab trick, and it won’t be against TSA Guidelines.

Anti-Theft Backpack Materials

Some bags offer more robust fabric that naturally enforces the bag. As we mentioned before, materials like Ballistic Nylon, CORDURA®, and others are super helpful with this. Some companies even include special mesh wiring, like Pacsafe’s eXomesh®, that almost theft-proof your backpack, allowing you to lock it to a fixed object for added security. EXomesh® is either lined inside the fabric and can also be purchased externally with other backpacks. For the type of traveling we do, we think this is a little paranoid and adds some weight plus another thing to carry. But depending on your situation, it could be helpful. Strolling through Tokyo? Probably not necessary. Heading to Barcelona for the first time? Yeah, we’ll take that extra layer of security.

RFID Blockers (Identity Theft-Proof Backpacks)

We feel that having a bunch of RFID-blocking tech covering an entire backpack is overkill. Sure, it’ll stop folks from electronically scanning your passport, but If you’re concerned with this, you could get a special wallet or wrap your passport & cards in aluminum foil. Let’s face it—it’s much less effort for a thief to physically grab what they want from you than dicking around with RFID technology. But again, whatever helps you sleep at night. If it’s a 100% secure backpack you seek, we’re not going to stop you.

If you’re looking for a secure travel pack, the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 offers some great features for exactly that. From the eXomesh® slash-proof material to the secure zippers and RFID secure pockets, there is some great thinking that went into this pack along with some solid materials.

You know what they say—“It’s not how you feel, it’s how you look.” Or something like that...

Video Guide Part 4: Aesthetic

Finding the Best Travel Backpack Style For You

At the end of the day, the look and feel of a travel backpack should be right for you and your tastes. There are many things to consider as far as aesthetics go we’ll pull in here for consideration. Stylish “urban travel” backpacks became a lot more popular within the last couple of years, and that’s the look we prefer. Gone are the days of international travel with a big blaze-orange hiking backpack. Those certainly have a utility, but that utility is in the wilderness. Here are a couple of overall style points for your consideration:

Minimalist Travel Backpacks

When you’re in a new country, think a bit about how you want to be perceived. If you’re heading to a more crowded or dicey area, nothing screams tourist like having a large, colorful backpack while looking up at tall buildings or a landmark in awe. It’s easier to keep a low profile and blend in a little if you’re not carrying around a monstrosity of a bag that acts as an advertisement for thieves and wrongdoers looking to target travelers for their own gain. It’s an added bonus if you can roll into a meeting wearing one of these things. As one-bag travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, we’re seeing many solid urban packs coming out that are built specifically with one-bag travel in mind.

• Minaal Carry-On 3.0

Tacticool Backpacks

There are a ton of great, high-quality bags out there that are made to military spec. There’s some really great utility to things like MOLLE for customizing your pack and including other accessories on your bag, and the stronger materials make for highly durable bags. Keep in mind that some folks may perceive you as being in the military if your bag has too much digi camo going on. It’s one thing if the pack is all black & subdued, but another if it’s camo and filled with patches. If this is your look, go for it, but this type of pack might also bring about some “unwanted attention” in certain parts of the world.

• Mission Workshop Radian

Outdoor & Hiking Backpacks

Think sportier packs with lots of pockets, brighter colors, and louder material. For a long time, outdoor backpacks were the only option for long-term one-bag travelers. They tend to be bulky and are built to carry big, heavy loads over long distances. This typically means lots of straps and a tall pack that will peek up over your head. Great for an extended camping excursion, not so great for a trip through the airport or a newly-discovered city square. They also tend to scream “TOURIST.” No one casually walks around with a giant hiking backpack.

• Gregory Zulu 40

Backpacker Backpacks

If it’s not already obvious, the “Backpacker Backpack” is designed specifically for backpacking around the world. Typically from manufacturers that also make outdoor and hiking backpacks, this is the go-to style for anyone on a gap year looking to tick off as many countries in Southeast Asia as possible. And because of that, they’re some of the most popular bags on the market today. Sure, you’ll still look like a tourist—albeit not as much as you would wearing a hiking backpack—but that’s fine because that’s exactly what you’re doing.

• Gregory Detour 40

Heritage Backpacks

These bags are engineered with a classic look in mind. Most will be some variation of the one-compartment style with leather straps, subdued colors, and some type of canvas-y material. These packs look great but can sometimes lack functionality and comfort. Although there are a few bespoke style travel bags (we like Vinta and Rivendell Mountain Works), most will fall into the daypack category.

• Red Oxx C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack

Having said all of this, aesthetic is subjective, and beauty remains in the eye of the beholder. This is why we conduct weekly polls over on our Instagram to get our communities’ take on the look of bags. Follow us on Instagram to cast your votes! You can find all the results of the polls on our individual review pages too, so you can see how well a bag you’re looking for has performed.

The humble backpack: It’ll get you through anything and everything...

There Really is No “Best Travel Backpack”

Although, there is a best travel backpack for you. All this boils down to your preferences.

When we first started creating this guide, we admittedly thought there would be one best bag for travel, but the deeper we dug, the more we realized it depends on your needs as an individual traveler. Sure, there are generally guiding principles to follow, and a bag made out of cardboard objectively won’t last, but there are too many quality backpacks out there to pick just one. If you’re on a short trip, a lighter, less durable pack will suit you well. If you’re headed to Southeast Asia during the monsoon season, you may want some heavy-duty weatherproofing.

We wish you the best of luck moving forward with your selection. Still want more? Be sure to check out our other guides and travel gear reviews too!

Our team at Pack Hacker developed the “best travel backpack” guide in partnership with our friends (and bag experts) at Carryology . We’re constantly updating this guide as new backpacks are released, and the travel landscape changes.

Author: Tom Wahlin

Tom has lived out of a 40L backpack for 2 years of travel, helping him learn what to pack and what to leave behind. His top achievements include designing for Apple and eating large quantities of ramen (ongoing).

19 Carry-On Backpacks to Take on Your Next Flight

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links. See our full disclosure here .

You simply can’t beat the versatility of a carry-on backpack. These contemporary pieces of travel are insanely practical, comfortable to carry, and, best of all, their functionality extends way beyond the airplane’s cabin.

Built with travel efficiency in mind, our favorite picks seamlessly transition through a variety of terrains and circumstances. Some of them can withstand the worst wear and tear, others come with a dash of refined minimalism, which makes them ideal for city breaks and business trips, and all are brilliantly engineered to magically pack a ton of stuff into a compact, streamlined design.

Here is our selection of the best carry-on backpacks in 2024, one more carefully thought-out than the other.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L

Even in a market saturated with competitors, it’s hard not to fall for Peak Design’s fresh approach to functionality and design. This started nine years ago with the creation of their wildly successful Capture Camera Clip and remains proudly visible in the Travel Backpack 45L .

Fitted out with a weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell, an elegant expanding mechanism, clever tuck-away shoulder straps, and ultra-light padded foam throughout, this is the ultimate carry-on travel backpack. It’s strong, handsome, and gloriously adaptable.

As well as expanding from a 35 L cabin bag to a 45 L check-in luggage, it also compresses down to a 30 L daypack, offering creative versatility. And don’t even get me started on those magical magnetic closures and smartly positioned access points, which add to both looks and functionality. Last but not least, there are all sorts of zippered, mesh, soft-lined, and hidden pockets for organized packing, including a dividing panel that separates the backpack into two compartments.

I’ve now taken the Peak Design Travel Backpack on a couple of national/international flights and countless road trips, and it’s proved to be an invaluable companion. When paired with the brand’s Camera Cubes, it also makes an excellent pick for traveling photographers.

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus

Slim aesthetics and modern functionality make this Bellroy pack an ideal choice for traveling professionals and weekend warriors alike.

Lightweight and minimal, the Transit Backpack Plus works well in urban settings but has the robustness and weather resistance needed to deal with more demanding environments.

It’s made from durable, recycled materials, with premium, environmentally certified leather accents, and its space-saving design, with thoughtfully engineered pockets and compartments, takes on-the-go organization to the next level. There’s a quick access 15″ laptop compartment, sleeves for all kinds of miscellaneous items, as well as a number of discreet external-access pockets for wallet, documents, and water bottle.

On top of that, contents are held securely in place with internal compression straps; a removable sternum strap and hideaway waist belt help distribute the load efficiently, and the bag’s breathable contoured back panel makes it comfortable to wear all day long.

After using the Transit on adventures near and far, including multiple plane trips, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in search of a lightweight carry-on backpack.

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

Even at 4.5 lbs (2 kg), our recent testing revealed that the 40 L Tortuga Travel Backpack is still one of the most comfortable-to-wear options around. But that’s hardly its only selling point. Crafted from super-durable, recycled, and waterproof materials and filled to the brim with organizational features, this maximum-size carry-on backpack is the perfect suitcase alternative for week-long trips.

Its smart, adjustable suspension system, along with the thick, foam-padded shoulder straps, removable hip belt, sternum strap, and load lifters, keeps you comfortable in transit, while the well-designed front panel and protected laptop/tablet compartment make sure you have all travel essentials at your fingertips.

Just as important, the pack has room for a week’s worth of clothes in its huge clamshell-style main compartment and sports lockable, weather-resistant zippers for added security.

Db Ramverk Pro Backpack 32L

A sleek, minimalist-looking backpack packed with features, Ramverk Pro Backpack 32L is a clever pick for creatives, adventurers, and anyone in between. It offers more than enough room for a few days worth of travel essentials, and packing is easy as the front panel fully unzips to allow total access to the spacious main compartment. Meanwhile, if you require a compartmentalized protective organization for your photography equipment, this can be customized with padded dividers or a camera insert.

An ingenious top pocket and a series of interior mesh sections offer convenient storage for smaller valuables, while a separate, padded computer compartment fits 16″ laptops. Like most of Db’s bags, this one sports the brand’s unique rib cage construction for extra protection and its patented hook-up system, which lets you attach multiple bags together for ease of transportation.

For a closer look at its highlights, check out our piece on the best backpacks we tested this year .

Carl Friedrik 72-hour Backpack

We like front-loading backpacks for travel, but up until now, we haven’t seen one as elegant as this pick from Carl Friedrik.

Dressed in sleek black nylon and detailed with classy Vachetta leather trims, it’s a sophisticated option for style-savvy wanderers. But look beyond its luxuriously refined exterior, and you’ll find an abundance of modern practicality.

Designed to accommodate three days’ worth of travel, the 72-hour Backpack is laden with clever pockets for organizing essentials, and its main compartment opens flat for easy packing. An integrated luggage holder and a separate external-access laptop compartment for devices up to 16″ make it perfect for business travelers.

Monos Metro Backpack

Cut from water-resistant, ultra-microfiber vegan leather, the Monos Metro Backpack mixes reliable toughness with a surprising amount of organization, all within a stylish, structured silhouette that goes effortlessly from work to weekend.

The clamshell opening gives you full access to the roomy main compartment for efficient clothes packing, while thoughtful pockets and compartments organize documents, electronics, and other accessories. There’s even a stretchable, waterproof privacy section designed to keep your shoes and wet bathing suits separate from the rest of your contents. The bag’s smartest feature, however, is the detachable front Dopp kit, which functions as an independent pouch for your essentials while on the move.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller

Easily the most adaptable carry-on backpack on the list, the Global Travel Bag Roller stands out for its rugged-meets-stylish design and heavy-duty wheels, which add a whole new level of convenience to your ride.

Part backpack, part rolling suitcase, this is one of the lightest carry-on luggage pieces we’ve come across, and it’s a clever choice for multi-taskers and one-bag adventurers alike. Complementing its recycled nylon exterior are tough YKK zippers, a pair of crush-proof wheels, and various handles so you can carry it in different ways.

Built to make traveling easier, this hybrid Topo Designs piece also scores big on organization with two spacious internal compartments and multiple mesh and zippered pockets for smaller items.

With so many great features, it is little surprise that it made our list of the best carry-on luggage for men .

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack

Matador bills its GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack as “the ultimate pack for the world traveler”. We’d say it’s a fierce competition, but they’re not far from the truth.

Conceived to withstand any adventure, this carry-on-compliant backpack has all the right features – a clamshell architecture for ease of packing, excellent carrying comfort, and endless organizational pockets for separating your gear. The pack is built around an aluminum frame for added strength, and the durable, water-resistant materials used in its construction are sustainably sourced. Meanwhile, an external padded compartment offers quick access to your laptop, and its outdoor-inspired fit and weight distribution ensure superior comfort on the go.

Troubadour Explorer Aero Backpack

Troubadour’s Explorer collection blurs the lines between work packs and adventure bags with innovative technical materials and streamlined forms. If you want the packing capacity of a duffel bag in backpack form, look no further than their luxe Aero Backpack , which features an impressive 34L capacity – perfect for traveling – alongside stellar additions like a dedicated shoe pocket, a separate laptop section, and a trolley sleeve that slides over your suitcase handle.

Made with lightweight, waterproof recycled fabrics, this carry-on-friendly backpack is designed around a spacious tube-shaped compartment for stowing everything you need on the go and sports a unique zip-top opening for easy access to your items. The breathable back panel and ergonomic memory foam shoulder straps ensure you can effortlessly carry around the bag all day. There’s also a quick-access top-zippered pocket for keeping your documents and other personal items within reach.

Tropicfeel Nest

At 16 liters, the Nest may fall into the everyday carry backpacks category, but with its modular add-ons, it morphs into the perfect carry-on backpack, providing plenty of room for your personal items.

Crafted from water-resistant, recycled materials, Nest features well-padded shoulder straps, a breathable back panel complete with luggage pass-through, and a clamshell main compartment that you can organize to your liking using Tropicfeel’s thoughtful accessories. Likewise, a 4L kangaroo pocket that folds out from the bottom of the bag, a 10L packing cube designed to fit within the front pocket, and a detachable divider called Spider Net System increase the backpack’s capacity from 16L to 30L, providing versatile external storage for your gear.

I’ve had it for almost two years, and it’s a great backpack for air travel, and really any scenario.

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

Can’t decide between a suitcase and a backpack? You don’t have to. Samsonite’s Silhouette 17 Backpack offers the best of both worlds in a streamlined, contemporary design, ideal for modern travelers.

Made from the brand’s proprietary Recyclex, a sustainable fabric created using 100% recycled PET bottles, this durable all-in-one bag makes packing a breeze thanks to its convenient split-case opening and meticulously organized interior. Unlike top-opening rucksacks, this backpack opens like a suitcase, revealing a spacious main compartment for easy, organized packing – all while meeting carry-on size requirements. An adjustable garment compression panel minimizes wrinkling, and the WetPak pocket keeps wet items separate.

Additionally, business travelers will appreciate the backpack’s 3-way convertible design, which enables it to be comfortably carried as a backpack, briefcase, or shoulder bag, as well as its smart tech-oriented features, including a fully padded laptop pocket and a removable TecKit complete with USB pass-through & wireless charging capabilities.

Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack

Style and practicality meet in this tech-savvy carry-on backpack from Briggs & Riley. Constructed from rugged, moisture-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon, the Medium Cargo Backpack withstands whatever you throw at it while still looking sleek.

It’s a beautiful, sturdy bag with a polished, professional look, but perhaps the greatest thing about it is its internal organization – the three-section interior design, with quick-access laptop/tablet storage and an array of intuitive pockets, makes it easy to pack and stay organized on the go.

A signature SpeedThru pocket keeps your valuables safe and on hand at security checkpoints, while an RFID-blocking pocket protects your passport and credit cards against identity theft/electronic pickpocketing. Top it all off with Briggs & Riley’s legendary lifetime warranty, and you’ve got yourself one of the coolest carry-on backpacks on the market.

NOMATIC 40L Travel Bag

Durable, weatherproof, and chock-full of innovative features, it’s no wonder travelers worldwide are obsessed with the NOMATIC 40L Travel Bag . Designed for trips of up to 7 days, this sleek bag is the max carry-on size and transitions from backpack to duffle in a snap thanks to its patented strap system.

But probably what makes the NOMATIC backpack one of the best carry-on travel bags around is its unrivaled compartmentalization. Separate pockets for shoes, clothes, gadgets, and everything in between provide versatile, efficient organization of all your belongings while also allowing you to pack more in less space. Meanwhile, a hangable laundry bag keeps dirty clothes separate while traveling, and the TSA-ready flap lets you breeze through security checkpoints without removing your tech.

Solgaard Venture Backpack

Stay organized and productive on the go with the Solgaard Venture Backpack , a clever travel backpack made with innovative fabrics created from upcycled ocean-bound plastic and equipped with the brand’s award-winning FlowCloset™ travel system.

Conceived with modern travelers in mind, this recycled, one-of-a-kind bag acts as a mobile wardrobe, complete with a removable hanging closet with compression straps that will keep your clothes tidy and easily accessible.

It also includes a “workzone” and a “lifezone”, so you can organize your work items and personal belongings separately, and it comes with cool features like secret pockets and a suitcase seatbelt strap for effortless mobility.

The large version expands from 20 to 31 liters, providing ample room for a week’s worth of outfits and gear. However, those looking for a carry-on backpack for international travel should instead opt for the medium model.

WANDRD HEXAD Access Duffle Backpack

Whether on outdoor adventures, photography trips, or flights to Europe, protect your gear on the go with this ultra-organized bag from WANDRD. Combining dedicated camera compartments with separate areas for storage of clothes and accessories, the carry-on-sized HEXAD Access Duffel Backpack leaves no desire unfulfilled.

Complete with three large sections and a variety of thoughtful pockets, this well-engineered backpack/duffel hybrid is loaded with utility. Not only that, but it’s made from strong, weather-resistant materials and comes with a convenient clamshell opening, plus dual side access, for easy packing & retrieval of items. Inside, there’s space for everything, including a padded laptop sleeve, an expandable laundry pocket, and a fleece-lined phone pocket. Internal mesh dividers make organizing a snap, while grab handles on all four sides add to the bag’s versatility.

Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Designed with smart packers in mind, the Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack offers a streamlined aesthetic and great organization while meeting carry-on luggage size restrictions for most airlines.

Durable, lightweight, and tastefully understated, it’s just as good for one-bag travel as it is as a practical cabin companion on longer trips. Actually, we’d go as far as to say it wouldn’t look out of place at the office, either.

Made from wear-resistant nylon, this 41L convertible travel pack easily transforms from a backpack to a shoulder bag and comes with an RFID-blocking pocket for added safety.

The main compartment opens up flat for effortless packing, and a vast array of pockets, including a dedicated, padded laptop section, keep all your gadgets in place during transit. A pair of tuck-away backpack straps, a removable, padded shoulder strap, and padded handles on all sides provide versatile carrying options, and there’s also a pass-through strap so you can slide it over the handles of your suitcase when navigating airport terminals.

If you’re looking for a gigantic travel pack that fits a ton while still falling into the cabin-size category, this is it. Say hello to the largest possible carry-on: the GORUCK GR3 .

Featuring 45L of storage, a rugged 1000D nylon Cordura construction, and a bombproof laptop compartment, this beast is ready to go anywhere and do anything. The extra padded shoulder straps and removable hip belt are extremely practical, given that this bag is designed to handle over 400 pounds. Other nifty details include silent YKK zippers, MOLLE bottom attachment, and an integrated hydration system.

Inside, various pockets, two side compression straps, and a Velcro back panel for additional packing cubes allow for optimized organization of contents during travel.

Knack Convertible Duffel

Take the packability of a duffel and the convenience of a travel backpack, and you get the Knack Convertible Duffel . It’s lightweight, good-looking, and can fit up to 7 days’ worth of essentials inside a carry-on compliant size.

Wrapped in durable, high-density nylon fabric, it features a separate expandable suitcase compartment for packing your clothes, a side-zip padded sleeve for 15″ laptops, and ample pockets for organizing all your bits and pieces. Your passport and business cards are best stored in the secret pocket, and there’s also a cleverly designed water bottle pocket hidden on the side.

By far, this duffel backpack’s best feature is its expandability. With a quick unzip, it enlarges to almost double in size from 24 liters to a max of 40 liters, making for a handy travel accessory for frugal explorers, wandering professionals, and everyone with an appetite for the one-bag life. When not expanded, it qualifies as a personal item, fitting perfectly under the airplane seat.

Horizn Studios SoFo Backpack Travel

With its expandable design, handy exterior pockets, and smart luggage strap, this sustainable pack from Horizn Studios makes a cool backpack for men . Crafted from vegan, recycled cotton canvas, it’s sturdy, lightweight, and impervious to water.

The breathable mesh padding on the back and shoulder straps make the SoFo Backpack Travel comfortable to carry, and its roomy interior can accommodate up to 5 days’ worth of travel necessities, including a 16″ laptop in its own separate padded compartment.

What’s your favorite?

Pff… that’s hard to say! I use most of these backpacks, depending on my trips. But I would say that I mostly use the Peak Design 45L (or the 30L one, depending on the length of my stay) and the Db Ramverk Pro (super resistant!).

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The 16 Best Carry-On Luggage Bags for Any Traveler in 2024

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

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Table of Contents

Things to consider with carry-on luggage, best carry-on luggage cases with hard shells, best carry-on luggage cases with soft-shells, best carry-on backpacks, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Cabin bags have revolutionized the way we travel. With airlines charging extras fees for checked luggage , more and more of us are cramming our belongings into little carry-on bags.

If you pack well, you can get pretty much everything you need into these compact cases — and you will also reap the rewards of not having to waste time at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination.

Most U.S. airlines will have strict rules about the amount of carry-on luggage a traveler can have with them, as well as the size of the items they bring on board. Items that are too large, too heavy, or restricted won’t be allowed to travel with you and will need to be checked instead.

Every airline is different , but as a general rule you’ll be allowed the following per passenger:

• 1 small purse or laptop bag
• 1 small cabin bag measuring no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (some airlines have even tighter restrictions, so check before traveling)

The usual rule for carry-on luggage is that it must weigh less than 40 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. If you want to be sure before you fly, weigh your bag using a good scale before you leave home .

If your bag is too heavy, it will be stowed in the hold. Carry-on luggage is placed in the overhead lockers — too heavy and it’s a safety risk since too many heavy bags make for a dangerous flying environment.

Need to fly with your suitcase full of weighty items? Opt for checked baggage instead.

Material and Durability

Unlike your checked luggage, your carry-on bag will stay close to you for the duration of your flight. This means you probably don’t need to pay for supertough materials if you don’t want to since it won’t be thrown around or battered by luggage handlers. But you do want something quality that will last.

You need to carefully consider the weight of the luggage you choose to use on board. Since you only have up to 40 pounds to play with, lightweight but durable nylon bags or similar are usually the most practical option.

There are thousands of small cases, bags, and even rucksacks that are designed to meet the size and weight restrictions of most major airlines, so finding one should be a cinch.

Carry-on Backpack vs. Carry-on Suitcase

As the battle between backpack and suitcase rages on, travelers usually come to a conclusion based on their individual travel needs. While a cabin bag usually comes with wheels and is easy to pull around the airport, they can have limited access and may hold less than their counterparts.

Backpacks need to be carried at all times, but do offer plenty of hidden compartments for handy travel accessories — and using one will keep your hands free while you fumble for your tickets at check-in.

Which is best? Both work well, and your choice should be based on your own personal preference .

Hot Tip: Need some tips on packing your carry-on? Check out our carry-on travel essentials  for short and long flights!

Wheeled cabin luggage is perfectly designed to let you pull it around the airport — when the wheels are good, that is! Complete with pull-up handles and different types of wheel options, these types of cases are now the go-to accessory for savvy travelers around the world.

Standard 2-wheeled versions are perfect for pulling behind you or pushing in front when you have to. They are practical and affordable.

If you want something that offers even more maneuverability, opt for spinner wheels that allow you to wheel your case sideways next to you as well. Spinner wheels are much more practical when it comes to pushing your case down a busy airplane where space is limited.

Either way, quality counts . Pay bargain prices and you can expect a wheel to pop off here or there or a broken handle that will render it useless halfway through your trip.

If you are pulling, pushing, or even carrying your luggage, you want to be sure the handle will withstand the journey . Cases often come with collapsible, extendable handles that stow away in the body of the case when not being used.

Backpacks, on the other hand, need handles that are strong and durable but are also easily flexible when it comes to storing your luggage in the locker.

Much like wheels, quality is key. A badly built extendable handle may snap or come out of its housing, while a backpack or bag with inferior handles can break and leave you cradling it like a baby.

Hard or Soft Luggage

This is another decision that should be based on personal choice. Legend has it that hard-shell luggage is more durable than softer cases, but in reality, this is not always so.

While hard cases do offer some extra protection, they can be heavier, and space may be compromised by the design of the shell. Soft suitcases are more flexible in terms of shape and generally lighter. That said, they could also be more prone to splits or tears.

Guess what we’re going to say next? Yep — whatever you choose, quality is key ! Pay for well-manufactured, lightweight hard-shell cases or strong nylon soft cases to ensure your cabin luggage lasts you for more than 1 journey.

Laptop Compartment

If you’re taking your work with you, you need to ensure that your laptop is well-protected while you fly.

Carrying laptops on board has its own intricacies, and you’ll usually need easy access to remove the laptop for airport security . After that, you need practical, secure storage for the duration of the journey.

Some cabin cases are designed with laptop users in mind and have their own laptop compartments fully padded for extra protection. Other travelers choose to take a separate laptop bag with them, but you would need to check with your carrier to see if this is allowed within your onboard baggage limitations.

Smart Luggage

These days, everything is getting “smarter” — from our phones to our homes, and now even our luggage. Smart luggage offers fancy extras like power banks to charge your devices, electronic baggage tags, GPS tracking, and TSA-approved locks.

Bags like this may cost more than regular luggage, but they’re totally revolutionizing the way we travel. Locate lost luggage, charge your devices, and keep your belongings safe from theft or damage as you go.

These additional functions are priceless for anyone who wants to enjoy fuss-free travel in the digital age.

Airline Rules for Smart Luggage

Turns out some things really are too good to be true! While smart luggage may seem like the perfect solution for connectivity problems of the modern-day traveler, it appears that it’s also causing major problems for the airlines.

The lithium-ion batteries found in these cases aren’t allowed in the cargo hold, and uninstalled ones can only be held by the passenger in the cabin during transit.

In an effort to combat potential fires and explosions as a result of lithium-ion batteries, no smart bags are allowed to be checked at all , and they can only be carried in the cabin if the battery is removable. Airlines who have already implemented policies like this including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines.

It’s likely that many more will also follow suit, so please check with your airline before flying with smart luggage .

For Every Type of Traveler

• Samsonite Omni Hardside Spinner 20

Weight: 6.8 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 22.0 x 15.0 x 9.5 Inches

Made by one of the biggest names in luxury luggage, the Samsonite Omni Hardside Spinner is a beautiful piece of engineered luggage. Lightweight and effortlessly mobile , the 100% polycarbonate design is easy to move, offers plenty of internal space, and looks like business.

The micro-diamond texture is extremely scratch-resistant, which is important if you’re planning to use the case on multiple journeys. Inside the suitcase are interior dividers to help keep your belongings organized, as well as cross straps for flattening your clothes.

For added security, there is a side-mounted TSA-compliant lock. The free-spinning wheels are the major selling point of this individual case, and allow you to pull the case behind you or along next to your side.

Hard-wearing, good-looking, and incredibly practical, this Samsonite case is designed to match the size and weight allowances of most U.S. airlines. If you are looking for a case that will fit enough clothes and toiletries for a week away without checking your luggage, this little beauty could be the one for you.

What We Like

• Side-mounted TSA lock for security

What We Don’t Like

• In the unlikely event of a fault, the buyer pays shipping to return the item

For the Fashion-Forward Traveler

Delsey Luggage Chatelet Spinner

Weight: 7.7 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 10 inches

If you want to fit in with the jet set but aren’t quite in the market for a full set of Louis Vuittons, this little beauty is stylish, practical, and a firm favorite with those in the know.

Elegant and innovative, this case is a real looker and comes in a variety of different colors. Clean curves and soft leather trim mean it wouldn’t look out of place in the most luxurious of destinations, while the polycarbonate construction is built to last. Designed to be seen, it can withstand extreme temperatures and will survive the general scuffs you can expect to receive.

The nearly silent spinner wheels assure smooth maneuverability and are a real talking point. Finally, the luxurious red interior is like a Louboutin for your belongings, and the zippered compartments keep your garments safely secured while you travel.

• Stylish design without exorbitant price
• Marks are easier to see on a light-colored bag

Premium Suitcase That Really Go the Distance [We Use This One]

Delsey Paris Helium Aero 21″ Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels

Weight: 7.98 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 20.5 x 14.5 x 10 inches

The Paris Helium Aero case is made from 100% impact-resistant polycarbonate, ensuring that it’s strong enough to withstand the bumps and dings of airline travel while still offering plenty of class and style.

At 8 pounds, this may not be the lightest carry-on case on the market, but it is close and arguably one of the best looking. Stylish and sleek, the double spinner wheels add to its allure as the case glides effortlessly around the airport. 

On the inside, 2 full-size packing compartments provide plenty of space for all your travel essentials, and the tie-down straps will prevent your neatly packed items from moving around in transit. No matter how full your case, you will still be able to comfortably carry it when you need to thanks to the soft-touch top and side carry handles. 

Because Delsey understands just how much you love your luggage, this case also features integrated, TSA-approved locks, allowing agents easy access to your belongings without the worry of them causing any damage. 

• Lots of pockets and compartments for storage
• Zippers can sometimes break with heavy use

For the Budget-Conscious Traveler

AmazonBasics Geometric Hardside Spinner Cabin Case

Weight: 6.77 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 21.7 inches

Basic by name, but not necessarily basic by nature, this little case from Amazon is great for budget-conscious travelers . The 21.7-inch hardshell case is perfect for shorter trips and will easily stow all your belongings safely while you travel.

Made with a scratch-resistant finish to protect against over-eager cab drivers or baggage handlers, the extra thick ABS shell is on par with many of its more expensive competitors and adds enhanced strength and durability.

Inside, the case is lined with 3 zippered pockets for storing all those important bits and pieces you need to bring along. Packing is a breeze with this expandable case — a useful extra 15% capacity means you can throw in that extra sweater or pair of shoes with ease.

The 4 double spinner wheels make this case easy to maneuver with 1 hand, leaving the other free for important tasks like child-wrangling or retrieving your tickets and passport while you walk.

With a telescopic handle and an additional securely mounted short handle, you can drag, roll, or carry this case through airports and foreign lands the world over.

• Supersmooth double spinner wheels
• Nowhere to store the zippers for protection

The Bang-for-Your-Buck Hard-Shell Carry-on

Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 20″ Hardside 4-Wheel Spinner

Weight: 6.25 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  21.75 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches

This case offers tons of useful features for an insanely low price. For ease of mobility, the Reaction case can literally turn on a dime — the multi-directional 4-wheel spinners allow for smooth, 360-degree movement over virtually any surface.

Being exceptionally lightweight makes it even easier to move around, and you can fill it to the brim with your belongings without having to worry too much about your weight allowance when you board. Garment straps are useful to hold your clothes in place and prevent too much creasing.

If you’re into the aesthetic charms of carry-on luggage, this one is sure to please, with molded corners, an ergonomic handle, an attractive shine, and a scratch-free ABD hard-shell cover that looks great and is highly durable. The case is also available in 11 different colors , so you are sure to find something that suits your tastes.

Internally, there are additional zippered compartments that make light work of keeping your valuables and smaller items safe while you travel. All in all, this is a great little case that won’t cost a fortune. Kenneth Cole also offers a 10-year limited warranty with this case for your peace of mind.

• Molded corner guards to protect from impact
• Warranty only covers manufacturing defects, not general wear and tear

For Travelers Looking for a Truly Lightweight Carry-On

BAGSMART Carry On Luggage

Weight: 6.39 pounds

Overall Dimensions : 21.7 x 14 x 8.7 inches

BAGSMART designs great-value luggage that performs well and looks awesome. This case is no exception, offering a lightweight, unbreakable shell that you can fill up for your next adventure.

Made from 100% polycarbonate, the case is ultra-durable, really lightweight, and incredibly easy to maneuver. It is also strong enough to withstand being thrown around during transit since the shell can absorb most knocks, eliminating nasty dents and scratches.

Designed for the organized traveler, the internal space is practical and well-thought-out . There are 2 main compartments, a zippered mesh compression divider, and an interior pocket for smaller items. These partitioned compartments keep everything neat and tidy.

When you’re packed up and ready to go, the multi-directional wheels make quick work of airport terminals — and have been tested on bumpy terrain such as gravel.

Complete with a TSA-approved lock that is set using a combination code, you should be able to pretty much guarantee your belongings will stay safe wherever you’re headed.

• Well-organized interior with a compression divider and internal pockets
• Doesn’t expand for more storage space

Hot Tip:  For more lightweight options, check out our separate review dedicated to the best lightweight carry-on luggage . 

For Samsonite Luggage Lovers

• Samsonite Freeform Spinner Cabin Case

Weight: 6.5 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 10 inches

Samsonite is one of the biggest names in luggage, and every case it sells is designed to be lightweight, extremely durable, and a good-looking addition to any traveler’s collection.

This particular model has been created to offer the strength you would expect from a hard-shell case, with the lightweight maneuverability you’d expect from a roller skate (honestly, it handles that well!).

Spacious interiors make light work of clothing and belongings to last a few days away, while the cross straps and divider are perfect for keeping your clothing tightly pressed and uncreased during transit.

The double wheels are perfect for pulling along behind you or keeping close by your side, and the Samsonite TSA 3-dial lock will prevent unwanted opening by anyone other than TSA agents.

This case is also expandable to a degree so you can pack that extra heavy sweater, and the built-in ID tag makes it easily identifiable as it swings past you on the luggage carousel.

The Freeform is designed with the discerning traveler in mind. The price tag may be a little higher than some of the lesser-known models out there, but you’re paying for a superb case built to last by a world leader in the luggage market.

• Built-in ID tag for quick identification
• Shows scratches easily

For Frequent Flyers Who Want Chic Design

Trek Aluminium Suitcase

Hot Tip: Use special promo code UP10 for 10% off!

Weight: 9.6 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 8.7 inches

Chic and stylish, this hardshell carry-on case is designed to offer maximum luggage capacity, while still meeting the size restrictions for overhead lockers on most domestic and international airplanes.

With its unbreakable aluminum-magnesium alloy shell , the Trek carry-on case oozes sophistication and good looks, making it perfect for both business travelers and leisure trips alike. The unique zipper-less closure is easy to open while remaining incredibly secure, and the dual TSA-approved combination locks mean the case can be accessed easily by security agents should they need to.

The super spacious, fully-lined interior offers over 34 liters of space in both halves to carry everything you need for your next trip. The pocketed panels will keep your liquids and clear bag secure in transit.

It’s not just the rugged good looks, and clever design touches that make this such an excellent choice for carry-on passengers, the way in which it moves is a revelation, too. Forget about wonky wheels and flimsy handles, this beauty comes complete with ultra-smooth 360-degree spinner wheels and an aluminum telescoping handle that makes it an absolute delight to wheel around the airport.

Refined, sophisticated, and built to last, this is the perfect carry-on case for frequent flyers.

• Zipless closure and hard-shell for tamper protection
• Might be out of budget for many travelers

For the Tech-Heavy Business Traveler

COOLIFE Suitcase With Front Compartment

Weight: 7.87 pounds

Overall Dimensions : 14.5 x 9 x 21 inches

With a front opening compartment complete with a padded laptop pocket and other small storage, this suitcase is designed for those who need instant access to their devices, documents, and other items while they travel.

Grab your passport, wallet, phone, tablet, or laptop with the flick of a zipper , leaving your pockets empty and your hands free. Great for business travelers or those who need to take a lot of tech with them, you can breeze through security without having to unpack your entire bag just to get your devices out.

The main compartment is also pretty impressive with plenty of space for your clothes, and each compartment is held in place by cross straps and an organization divider to stop your belongings from rolling around during transit.

Both the main and front compartments can be locked using the double TSA combination lock, so you can rest easy knowing your items are secure when unattended in the overhead lockers.

Made from ABS and polycarbonate, this suitcase is lightweight to maneuver on the 360-degree spinner wheels. With a durable structure, this sleek and futuristic-looking case has a particularly impressive look.

This is a great case for those who want to be able to access their items at a moment’s notice.

• Front pocket and double TSA lock
• Tech compartment eats into the main compartment space quite a bit when full

Designed for the Practical Traveler

SwissGear Travel Gear 6283 Spinner Luggage

Weight: 8 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 inches

Soft and light yet somehow strong and dependable, the SwissGear Travel Gear 6283 is a good choice for those who like soft-shelled cabin luggage.

Every aspect of this case has been designed with longevity in mind. This is a case that’s built to last and offers tons of features to help it withstand the rough and tumble of long-distance travel.

Made from durable, scuff-resistant polyester, the case is lightweight and can expand to offer extra packing space when needed. It also has some nice extra features like a zippered wet bag for keeping dirty clothes separate from the clean stuff.

It is also easy to maneuver with a telescoping locking push/pull handle system and 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels that will glide effortlessly across most types of terrain.

With easy-to-access front pockets (that you won’t find on most hard-shell cases) and a built-in ID tag, this is one case that you can literally buy, fill, and carry on!

• Comes with a removable zippered wet bag
• Can tip over easily due to lightweight wheels

For the Discerning Traveler

Travelpro Platinum Magna Expandable Spinner Suitcase

Weight: 7.7 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9 inches

No one wants to be traveling and find their cell phone has run out of charge. This Travelpro suitcase comes with a built-in USB port and power bank pocket , so you can charge up on the move.

As with all the best cabin luggage, this suitcase is lightweight, sturdy, and conforms with the height and weight restrictions in place on most U.S. airlines. It’s not just on the plane where this case excels though — the super-smooth rollaboard wheels and PowerScope extendable handle ensure that this case is easy to pull along, no matter how far the journey.

On the inside, your clothes can remain wrinkle-free during travel as you lay them neatly inside the suiter compartment. The engineered zipper is also designed to withstand the constant opening and closing of your case while you find the perfect outfit for your vacation.

Another plus for this particular bag is its extremely lightweight design, meaning you can pack more belongings without worrying about having to check your luggage. Overpacked? Not to worry — this case also comes with expandable capability to increase the internal storage area.

Complete with a worry-free lifetime warranty , this is a great little case for your next adventure from a brand that makes quality products.

• No loss of internal space with rollaboard wheels
• The built-in suiter is a little narrow

For the Traveler Who Always Packs Too Much

Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Expandable Cabin Case

Weight: 9 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  14 x 9 x 22 inches

Briggs & Riley has been committed to supplying American globetrotters with luxury luggage for over a quarter of a century; this cabin case is another example of the company’s very fine work.

A top pick with frequent flyers and airline staff, the Baseline expandable case has its very own neat trick that allows it to offer a whopping 25% more packing space when needed . The case then manages to compress back down to fit perfectly in the overhead storage lockers of most U.S. domestic airlines.

With a state-of-the-art hybrid fiberglass frame, the case remains lightweight and easy to maneuver while still being incredibly durable. Made from super-strong ballistic nylon, the outer fabric is hard-wearing and water-resistant.

The aluminum handle system offers a super comfortable ergonomic handle, and the freewheeling system makes this case a dream to move around even the busiest of airports.

• Exterior telescopic handle with no compromise on internal space
• Not as much freedom pushing and pulling compared to spinner wheels

For the Really Modern Traveler

Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 22 Inch Expandable Rollaboard

Weight: 5.4 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 22 x 14.5 x 9 inches

The Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 is one of the lightest cabin bags ever made, meaning you can bring even more of your wardrobe when you travel. With lots of innovative features, this little beauty is made from tough, durable polyester that looks and works perfectly.

This case’s most fascinating feature is the patented Rollaboard that places a frame several inches from the bottom, allowing the designers to do away with heavy and bulky reinforcing frames found in similar cases. This means less weight and more space for you !

Exterior pockets are spacious enough to safely store a laptop, while the full-size inner compartment is large enough to keep even the crispest of suits wrinkle-free. If you want to squeeze even more in there, the case can expand to give you more room — but you could quickly exceed the maximum size restrictions for your airline carrier .

The modern design is also pretty impressive. Despite its somewhat surprising dimensions, this looks pretty sleek for a softshell case, and the smooth gliding wheels and ergonomic handle make it a good choice for most travelers.

• Super light, so you can get more from your carry-on allowance
• Tips forward easily

For Those Serious About Traveling the World

Osprey Farpoint Travel Backpack

Weight: 3.5 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  22 x 14 x 9 inches

Osprey is world-famous for their awesome backpacks, and this one is as good as any in the range. In fact, this one comes in 2 different options for men and women. The Farpoint and the Fairview offer practical solutions for those looking for a cabin-sized rucksack that can be used for your onward journeys, too.

If you like to sling your belongings on your back, both the Farpoint and the Fairview are made from super-tough ripstop nylon and feature slash-proof straps, tons of useful compartments, and a harness and hip belt for ease of wear during longer excursions.

Both have a discreet laptop and tablet sleeve that will keep your tech protected while you travel. Easy to access, lightweight, and big enough to handle a good amount of belongings while still being cabin-sized, these backpacks are just about the perfect alternative to cabin-sized suitcases.

Osprey backpacks also come in a wide range of colors (and bigger sizes, too), so if you want to coordinate your checked luggage, you should be able to find a size and style that matches.

• Comfortable harness and hip belt for comfortable wear
• No frame to stand up straight vertically

The Backpack To Stay Organized on the Go

Asenlin 40 Liter Travel Backpack

Weight: 2.7 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.2 x 9.45 inches

Whether you’re jetting off on vacation or a business trip, this backpack is versatile, attractive, and perfect for travelers who prefer to carry the world on their back instead of pulling it along on wheels.

Weighing in at 2.7 pounds, you can maximize your hand luggage allowance by filling up your bag with as many belongings as you need while still meeting the size restrictions for overhead bins.

Offering an impressive 40-liter interior, you can pull the compression straps tight to keep the pack easy to carry. Stay organized on the go by stashing your belongings into the convenient packing cubes that come in 3 different sizes .

To increase the comfort, the designers added well-padded and adjustable shoulder and sternum straps that can be zipped away to check your backpack or to easily attach to the handle of your suitcase.

With a front organizer pocket to quickly access your tickets, passport, and other accessories and a separate padded compartment for a 17.3-inch laptop, you’ll breeze through security in a matter of minutes.

• Includes 3 packing cubes to stay organized
• The laptop compartment makes the backpack front heavy

The Best Design for the Cool Backpacker

Hynes Eagle Flight Approved 40L Backpack

Weight : 2.53 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  20.1 x 13.4 x 9.8 inches

Hynes Eagle bags suggest that you’re a traveler who knows a bit about the world — and that you certainly know which kind of bag best suits your needs. Their cabin-approved backpacks are just the right size and offer tons of interior space while retaining modern silhouettes and a certain minimalist chic.

Made from water-repellent polyester, this is one of the hippest of all cabin rucksacks… and should probably be accessorized with a chai latte (and maybe even a beard).

Trendsetting aside, everyone should be impressed by the multiple interior slip pockets — one of which fits a 15.6-inch laptop with ease. Externally, there is a front zip pocket that enables easy access to your passport, money, phone, and frequent flyer cards.

Designed with ergonomics in mind, there is an adjustable sternum strap for added stability, as well as multiple exterior compression buckle straps for adjusting the height based on your own individual needs.

This is a true hands-free carry-on bag that won’t limit your mobility, while still being able to stow plenty during your travels.

• Convenient interior slip pockets for your passport, money, and gadgets
• No waist belt to help distribute the weight

The ability to travel without having to check bags makes your check-in faster and negates the need for lengthy waits at baggage claim.

Although you may need to do your research before you invest in the right cabin luggage for your needs, finding a small case that is easily maneuverable, lightweight, and able to hold everything you need for a few days away is really a game-changer when it comes to domestic and international air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a backpack considered a personal item or carry-on.

The size of the backpack and the individual airlines rules will determine whether a backpack is a personal item or carry-on. As a rough guide, if the backpack is handbag-sized and comfortably fits under the seat in front of you, it would usually be classed as a personal item. Please check with your airline for their exact requirements.

What is considered carry-on luggage?

Each airline will have different carry-on luggage size requirements but carry-on luggage is usually determined by its dimensions. As a rough guide many airlines consider carry-on luggage to be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This will vary, so please check with the airline you are flying with.

What is the best carry-on bag for travel?

Cabin bags have revolutionized the way we travel. With airlines charging extra fees for checked luggage, more and more of us are cramming our belongings into little carry-on bags. These are some of our tops picks:

• Chester Lightweight Polycarbonate Spinner Case
• Delsey Paris Helium Aero 21″ Hardside Luggage
• Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 20″ Hardside

What bags are suitable for hand luggage?

As the battle between backpack and suitcase rages on, travelers usually come to a conclusion based on their individual travel needs. While a cabin bag usually comes with wheels and is easy to pull around the airport, they can have limited access and may hold less than their counterparts. Backpacks need to be carried at all times, but do offer plenty of hidden compartments for handy travel accessories — and using one will keep your hands free while you fumble for your tickets at check-in.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Travel Backpacks Backpacks are the classic choice, not only for travel but also for work, school, etc. They typically come in 30-70L capacity, suitable for anything from a weekend getaway to a months-long trip. They make for the perfect carry-on and personal bags . Shop our range of airline-approved CabinZero backpacks to skip the queues, avoid luggage fees, and enjoy the freedom that suitcases can’t give you.

Travel Shoulder Bag Compared to backpacks, the CabinZero shoulder bags offer a more laid-back and effortless way to carry your belongings. You don’t have to dig around; their organisations allow quick and easy access to your essentials. 

Travel Bum Bag If safety and theft are your concern, the CabinZero Hip Packs are the safest type of bag to carry. These can be worn close to your body and prevent unwanted hands from getting to your valuables. Plus, some carriers don’t count them towards your carry-on or personal item, which is always a win in our book.

Travel Crossbody Bag If you prefer something sizable enough to store additional items yet still rock a compact profile, the CabinZero crossbody bag fits the bill. It’s the best of both worlds. They can be slung in the front or on the back for quick access to ID, travel documents, water bottles, and more.

Travel Bag Accessories - Packing Cube & Rain Cover Keep your belongings organised and protected further with the CabinZero packing cubes and rain cover . Both can be applied to any of our backpacks, streamlining the packing (and unpacking) process and making your time on the road a breeze.

Essential Features for Travel Bags

How do you pick the pack that can accommodate what you need? It’s a simple question but requires much thought. Since you’ve already determined what you want, here are some pointers to pick the perfect pack

A Pack That Lasts, Just As You Are

Everything starts and ends with durability. Opt for abrasion-resistant and tear-proof fabrics like Cordura nylon, ripstop nylon, or high-density polyester. These materials can withstand wear and tear better than regular nylon or canvas.

Zippers are often the most overlooked. But when you experience a quality zipper or slider, you’d want nothing less. Look for reputable brands like YKK, which have smooth teeth and strong pulls.

Choose a backpack with a long warranty, indicating the manufacturer's confidence in its durability. All of CabinZero packs come with a 10-year warranty, which can be extended to 25 years with a few steps.

Travel With No Sweat

A backpack is as good as how well it can carry and be worn on your back. Sure, you can pack a lot, but that means nothing if your back screams for breaks after 5 minutes of walking. Besides making sure it fits, look for the following features if you value comfort:

• Hip and chest belts
• Padded back panel and shoulder straps
• Adjustable straps
• Internal and external frames
• Air channels or mesh fabric for ventilation
• Breathable and lightweight materials like nylon.

Worry Less, Travel More

No one should spend much time safeguarding valuables during travel. We mean, you should, but there has to be an easier way, isn’t it? Leaving them at home or hotels is a good point, but what about traversing, exploring, and flying?

That’s when security features on your backpacks come to the rescue. Lockable zippers, hidden compartments, and RFID-blocking technology are what you should look for in a secured backpack.

Expandability

Air travel can be strict, especially about what and how much you can bring on board. That’s why choosing a pack that is airline-approved is crucial, especially if you fly on a budget . Besides the size, you also need to pay attention to how squishable your packs of choice can be.

For instance, the CainZero Classic lineup features a lightweight and compact profile which fits the majority of airlines. But they truly shine when you want to shrink your loads. Simply tighten your neatly packed CabinZero bag using compression straps. Your carry-on/personal item will be less bulky, easier to carry, and less noticeable to the security officers‘ eyes.

Note : Always pack reasonably. No one can help you if you try to bring bulky/oversized/overweight bags on board, which may lead to additional fees.

How To Know Which Bag Is Best For Travelling

No two trips are the same. Some may find themselves leisurely strolling around Paris streets, while others may be trekking in the rugged landscapes of Iceland. Knowing the diverse travel styles and needs, we offer a range of travel backpacks and accessories. Anyone will find what they are looking for.

Know What You Want

Where are you going? Is it a city break, a beach retreat, or a rugged trek? Some backpacks, like the Classic, are designed for short walks and day trips with their minimalist style. Others, like the Military and ADV collections, are better suited for hiking and rugged adventure thanks to the added hip belts and paddings.

How long are you travelling? A weekend getaway needs a companion that is about 28-32L. A month-long exploration calls for something with a bigger volume: about 44-50L. If you plan for a half-day trip, a mini backpack such as Classic Flight 12L is fine.

Are there any features you’ll need? What type of opening do you prefer: clamshell, roll top, stuff sack, etc.? Are water-resistant important to you? Do you require a water bottle pocket on the side or a water reservoir? Ask yourself as many questions as possible, and you will get there.

Define Your Travel Style

It’s the age-old question: carry-on or checked bags ? Ask yourself if you want to travel hassle-free or if you want to bring as much as you can.  When you plan to travel in groups, with families, and especially with kids and the elders, check your luggage.

On the other hand, if your trip lasts less than a month, the answer is likely the former. One-bag travel is a life-changing experience, one where you don’t have to deal with bag-dropping counters, long queues, excess fees, and risks of damaged/lost luggage. 

There’s nothing wrong with one way or another (or both). But if you are a minimalist traveller or want to travel as hassle-free as possible, travel light is the way.

Invest In Quality

You may be set back by tens or hundreds of pounds, but the benefits you get from quality backpacks are immeasurable. You are set for years of travel without worrying about replacing or fixing anything.  

When you want to travel light in a minimalist way, the CabinZero Classic is perfect for you. These are made from 600D Polyester material with water-resistant coating, ensuring additional protection. The upgraded Classic Tech includes an external laptop compartment on the back and a water bottle pocket.

Anticipating a rough road ahead? You can’t go wrong with the Military lineups . Made from 1,000D nylon fabric, they are ready to handle anything you throw at them. Plus, there is the MOLLE webbing, which is handy to attach additional gear.

Last but not least, the ADV and ADV Pro backpacks. They are the most premium CabinZero backpacks, but you get what you pay for: padded hip belt, Nylon 500D Rip-Stop fabric, Eva foam back panel, etc. everything you need for an extended trek at a volcano or an adventure through the forest.

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16 best travel backpacks, tried and tested during hiking holidays and city breaks

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Considering suitcases have all too often stolen the limelight, the trend of embracing the humble backpack is one we’re fully on board with, and we’ve been busy rounding up the best options on the market.

While suitcases benefit from a smooth set of wheels, they’re often more prone to pitfalls. We’ve lost count of the number of times an over-eager baggage handler has left our suitcase missing a wheel, and we’ve never quite got over the occasion when a faulty latch meant our suitcase appeared on the luggage carousel wide open, our underwear displayed for all to see.

So, what exactly makes one backpack better than another? Small stash pockets at the top of the bag are invaluable for storing items such as keys and spare change, while wide straps are great for spreading the weight.

Look for additional adjustable chest and waist straps, if you’re looking for a bag on the larger side (anything over 25l). We’re also huge fans of backpacks with openings on the sides and at the rear. This will mean you don’t have to rifle through your underwear, toiletries and bug spray to get to the items you’ve placed at the bottom of your bag.

We’ve picked out the best ones to suit any type of traveller, for city breaks, business trips and hiking holidays. Read on to find out which ones really impressed.

Best cabin bags for great escapes

9 best packing cubes and how to organise your suitcase for a 2023 holiday

15 best reusable water bottles: Good for hydration and the planet

Best travel pillows that give support while snoozing on the go

How we tested the best travel backpacks

We’re proud to say we consider ourselves backpack experts – we know our compression straps from our backboards, and we know precisely which features crank up the comfort and can help lighten the load. We put each backpack through its paces during trips to the Middle East and India, testing their capabilities to the max by filling them with everything from our gadgets and gizmos to the various items we needed for a weekend city break.

The best travel backpacks for 2024 are:

• Best travel backpack overall – North Face trail lite speed 20l backpack: £105, Thenorthface.co.uk
• Best budget travel backpack – Lifeventure waterproof packable backpack: £36.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best backpack for versatility – Jack Wolfskin traveltopia weekender: £83.50, Jack-wolfskin.co.uk
• Best backpack for expandability – Fjällräven weekender: £185, Fjallraven.com

North Face trail lite speed 20l backpack

• Best : Travel backpack overall
• Weight : 640g
• Rain cover included : No
• Incredibly comfortable
• Plenty of pockets

This is the backpack of our dreams. After a recent shoulder injury (caused, ironically, by lugging an ill-fitting backpack around Cambodia), this is precisely what we needed – a backpack with wide, contoured straps, which did a brilliant job of spreading the load, and easily accessible dual sternum straps to reduce pressure during long hikes.

We were blown away by this bag’s low weight, given how many added extras there are – from the mesh pockets incorporated into the shoulder straps, the carrying fixtures for hiking poles and the supersized pockets (why are these pockets usually so small?!) to the internal water-bladder pocket.

We also loved the versatility – side compression straps enabled us to reduce the bag’s bulk (this came in especially useful on an airline with particularly stringent cabin baggage policies), while generous use of reflective material ensured we stayed visible, too.

Lifeventure waterproof packable backpack

• Best : Budget travel backpack
• Weight : 150g
• Rain cover included : No, but waterproof outer
• Tackles rainy weather with ease
• Reflective tabs
• Compact design and super lightweight

Let’s face it. As much as we’d love 365 days a year of sunshine, the odd rain shower is unavoidable, which is where this brilliant backpack comes into its own. In a nutshell, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, there’s no backpack we’d rather be wearing. Made from waterproof Cordura ripstop fabric, it’s a bag that will ensure the contents stay dry, while reflective tabs ensure you stay visible.

We also loved the fact we could hang our bike light from the dedicated light attachment, for extra visibility. But, for us, its main USP is its compact design – it’s extremely light and squashes up into its very own pouch, but still felt fabulously comfortable, thanks, largely, to ergonomically contoured shoulder straps and a hip belt.

Monos metro backpack

• Best : Backpack for simplicity
• Weight : 1.08kg
• Elegantly stylish
• Lots of room

We’ll be honest, when we come across backpacks that look this glam, our heart often sinks, simply because they’re often all about style over substance. Thankfully, this wasn’t the case with this beauty, which has a Tardis-like interior – we were particularly impressed by the laptop pocket, which had an ultra-soft lining.

It’s another backpack that scores highly when it comes to customisation – the wallet-sized pocket at the top was perfect for stashing smaller items such as keys, and we loved the presence of two small handles that mean it can be carried handbag-style. Additionally, these handles clip together, enhancing the minimalistic design.

The bag’s USP is the detachable metro kit, which attaches to the backpack using Monos’s QuickSnap system (a genius invention that allows it to be attached to other bags in the range). This toiletry-bag-sized pouch (which we filled with our favourite moisturisers and serums) came into its own during skin-drying long-haul flights – we simply unclipped the metro kit from the backpack after we’d stashed it in the overhead cabin.

Chrome hondo backpack

• Best : Backpack for toughness
• Weight : 0.96kg
• Incredibly tough
• Great internal design
• Its boxy shape might not appeal to everyone

This is one seriously hard-wearing bag. It comes with 1,050-denier recycled nylon shells and extra thick 1,680-denier recycled nylon bottom panels (in our experience, it’s the base of a backpack that is usually the first area to show signs of wear and tear). It also features reinforcement in unexpected (but truly worthy) places, such as over the front pocket’s zip.

Despite its streamlined shape, there’s an abundance of pockets, including two on the side, a padded sunglasses pocket at the top and an internal laptop sleeve. We also appreciated the numerous internal pockets, which were perfect for separating smaller items such as loose change, keys and charging cables. Easily adjustable straps and an ultra-breathable back panel did a great job of cranking up the comfort, too.

Vango quest 65 backpack

• Best : Backpack for innovative design
• Weight : 2kg
• Sturdy compression straps
• It weighs more than many backpacks

As travellers constantly try to evade ridiculously stringent restrictions relating to cabin baggage, we’d describe this Vango design as pure genius. Why? It comprises a larger backpack and a smaller 20l backpack, attached via a zip. This was music to our ears, because our first thought, after clapping eyes on this bag, was that there was no way it could double as a backpack for short city strolls, but the smaller backpack (which isn’t immediately obvious) means it does exactly that.

Exterior and interior compression straps will come in handy for reducing its bulk when you’re travelling light, and, despite its relatively compact size, there are still all the added extras we look for, including plenty of pockets, an elasticated flight cover and external hooks for securing items such as water bottles.

Fjällräven weekender

• Best : Backpack for expandability
• Weight : 650g
• Comfortable shoulder straps
• We’d love to have seen more internal pockets

OK, we use the word “tardis” a lot, but it’s truly justified with this bag, which can also be carried duffel-style. The straps are multi-purpose – they clip together using a press stud, compressing the contents and aiding the bag’s compact look, which is quite impressive, considering its 30l size.

Inside, it’s pretty minimal, with a large central compartment and a laptop pocket. Oh, and another strap, which means the bag can be worn over the shoulder, too. Despite the bag’s relative simplicity, it’s got everything we need – the easily accessible pocket on the front is great for items such as passports, and we were pleasantly surprised by the shoulder straps. On lightweight bags, the shoulder straps are often flimsy (at best) but Fjällräven’s had enough padding and width to keep our niggling shoulder pain at bay.

Osprey sojourn porter

• Best : Innovative backpack
• Weight : 1.3kg
• Compact design
• When full, it’s unlikely to fit under seats on budget airlines

Osprey has created a backpack that is seriously tough (the star of the show is the 460D high-tenacity ripstop nylon) and has more than enough room for a weekend away, but is also a joy to wear. However, it’s the compact design that really sets this backpack apart. To start with, the shoulder straps tuck neatly into a concealed pocket at the rear, while a combination of extended exterior sidewalls and straps not only compress the contents but can be used to cover the front of the backpack, providing extra security.

Although there’s a dedicated laptop pocket, two large central compartments mean you don’t really need one (who needs padding when your laptop’s surrounded by pants and jumpers, after all?), while two handles on the front enable it to be carried duffel-style, too.

Olpro 44l travel bag

• Best : For a weekend away
• Weight : 1.35kg
• Innovative pocket placement
• Numerous handles offer endless options when it comes to carrying style
• Not the most rugged of backpacks

This is a brilliant option for a weekend away – especially if you’re someone who likes to separate all your essentials. We loved the presence of two large pockets on the front of the bag, as well as the duffel-style opening – the bag unzips on three sides and opens up to reveal a single central compartment (although a mesh divider allows this space to be divided in two).

This bag’s all about portability – both the sternum and shoulder straps are easy to adjust, and there are side and top carry handles, too. We also appreciated the roller bag handle slot on the rear, which meant we could easily slip it over the extendable handle on our spinner suitcase.

The North Face base camp duffel

• Best : Duffel-backpack hybrid
• Weight : 1.19kg
• Although it can be worn easily as a backpack, it’s definitely easier to carry as a duffel

Backpacks that double as duffels make us nervous because they’re rarely comfortable or practical. This base camp bag, however, is our favourite exception to the rule. Yes, as its name suggests, it will serve you well if you’re hiking to a remote mountain, but it’s also great for weekend city breaks, thanks to its generous 50l capacity and the ridiculously tough material (1,000-denier polyester material with an 840-denier reinforced bottom layer).

The ergonomic straps were surprisingly comfortable, and we were able to remove them in a flash on occasions when we carried the bag duffel-style. The interior is simple but roomy – one supersized compartment with more than enough room for everything we needed for a (long) weekend away.

Montane trailblazer 25l backpack

• Best : All-rounder
• Weight : 750g
• Surprisingly light
• Well-balanced back support
• Lots of adjustability
• Deep pockets

When we read about this backpack’s “figure-hugging” design, we feared a serious case of sweaty-back syndrome. However, even when filled to its 25l maximum capacity, this bag felt surprisingly light, thanks, in part, to a well-balanced back support system that kept the bag close to our body while still allowing for breathability.

Montane has prioritised adjustability here. It was a breeze to adjust the back support system, harness and straps, and we were especially thankful for the extra-deep side pockets. Breathability is also obviously a key focus – almost the entire rear is covered with breathable mesh. Our favourite feature, however, was the easily adjustable chest straps, which were elasticated and could be loosened or tightened in a nanosecond.

Berghaus unisex remote hike 35 rucsac

• Best : For travellers with lots of kit
• Weight : 1,020g
• Rain cover included : Yes
• Lots of bells and whistles
• Lots of different weather protection
• Customisable

A backpack that pretty much does everything except cook campfire cuisine at the end of the day, Berghaus’s bag is a true workhorse but it doesn’t come with the bulk or weight we’d associate with this type of backpack.

The easily accessible bivi system (a waterproof hood that can be unfurled over the backpack) meant it was easy to add another layer of protection when the weather took a turn for the worse, and the side compression straps took this bag’s customisation capabilities to new heights. We loved how we could access the contents not only through the top but through size zippers, too.

We were also impressed by the backboard – these can be a godsend when designed correctly, as this one was, providing just enough to create space between our back and the bag, but without adding too much extra weight.

Jack Wolfskin traveltopia weekender

• Best : Backpack for versatility
• Weight : 630g
• Rain cover included : No, but water-repellent
• Sustainable materials
• Lots of pockets

An essential for organised travellers, Jack Wolfskin’s traveltopia weekender is also exceptionally stylish. On the rear of the pack, a large pocket unzips on three sides to reveal two separate mesh pockets in the lid and a built-in laptop/tablet sleeve. The main compartment – accessible through one zip in the centre of the pack’s front (sounds weird, but it works) – is enormous, and the bag’s stiffer sides meant we were perfectly happy stashing more delicate items in the weekender.

It’s got great sustainability credentials, too – the pack is made from recycled polyester and has a water-repellent and scratch-resistant coating made from natural beeswax.

Helly Hansen Loke backpack

• Best : Backpack for a logical layout
• Weight : 575g
• Bigger than it seems
• Great for carrying precious tech
• Quick-access pockets

This is another tardis-like backpack – we were sceptical about its suitability for a trek through a national park but it didn’t let us down. The generously sized handle on the top came in useful when dragging it out of overhead compartments on planes, and the logical layout of the interior, with its padded laptop pocket, made it easy to separate essentials – we used the main compartment for tech, the padded pocket for our laptop and the internal organiser for pens and notebooks.

We appreciated the quick access pocket at the top (as travellers prone to losing keys, the presence of a key hook was hugely appreciated) and the adjustable straps on the sides meant we could reduce its bulk in situations where space was at a premium – such as when travelling on planes or local transport.

Osprey Eja pro backpack

• Best : Osprey travel backpack
• Weight : 900g
• Designed with comfort in mind despite is huge size
• Low weight and wide load-bearing straps
• Plenty of clips

There aren’t many 55l backpacks we’d be happy to wear for significant periods of time, but this one’s the exception. Everything is designed with comfort in mind, from the ridiculously low weight and the wide, load-bearing straps to the generous patch of breathable mesh on the rear of the bag and on the straps.

What really impressed us was the opportunities for customisation. With lighter bags, these are often in short supply, but favourite features included the removable lid, designed to provide extra protection in rainy weather (when removed, the opening can still be sealed with an internal cover), internal compression straps and plenty of clips from which to hang items such as water bottles.

Fjällräven Abisko hike foldsack

• Best : For easy access
• Tough and durable
• Internal zips for extra protection
• Adjustable straps

Full disclosure – Fjällräven is the reason we embraced the concept of fold-closure bags. This type of design feature has to be done right, and Fjällräven is an expert in the field. We loved how we could easily tweak the tightness of the closure, using the adjustable strap, as well as the way in which the aforementioned strap could be tucked neatly out of the way, by slipping it under the pack’s bungee cord strapping.

In the case of this bag, which has an incredibly tough build, there’s also an internal zip closure for extra protection. We appreciated the generous areas of breathable mesh on the straps and the rear, and the fact that both the chest and hip straps were removable.

The main compartment and side pockets both have toggles, which, when combined with the fold-closure design feature, makes this an incredibly versatile bag. Tighten the side pockets and add extra folds when travelling light, or loosen the toggles when you’re carrying more weight.

Peak Design travel backpack

• Best : For withstanding wear and tear
• Weight : 1.44kg
• Lots of strap options
• Great for weekends away
• Abrasion resistant

We love additional straps on our backpacks, and Peak Design’s offering has loads of them, including a centrally placed strap on the rear and one on the top. Plenty of pockets crank up the versatility – we found the small one at the top perfect for items such as keys and sunscreen, while the backpack’s main section (which is enormous) had two large mesh pockets that proved useful for stashing sweaty hiking kit.

The sleek look of this backpack – and the presence of an internal laptop pocket – makes this a great option for weekends away, too. Its toughness, courtesy of abrasion-resistant thread, recycled 400D nylon canvas and an additional internal liner, means this is a backpack that will stand up to some serious wear and tear. Bonus points for the full-size zip, too – it extends around three sides of the bag, which meant we could quickly get to the items we needed most urgently.

The verdict: Travel backpacks

North Face’s trail lite speed 20l backpack is our idea of portable perfection – it’s lightweight and comfortable to carry but had enough room for all the clothing, gadgets and other sundries needed for a weekend on the continent. Meanwhile, Monos’s metro backpack is a rarity – a backpack that cuts the mustard when it comes to capacity and durability but is also wonderfully stylish. Finally, we’ve got to mention Chrome’s hondo backpack – there’s little this bag can’t handle, and it offers fantastic value, too.

Venturing to the great outdoors? These are the best hiking boots for women and men

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These are the best carry-on backpacks – according to the Good Housekeeping team

These are the backpacks our editors stash under airplane seats

And if you’re flying with an airline that even charges for an overhead carry-on, then having a backpack with room to cram in all your necessities and outfits (so that you’re not wearing a hundred layers on your flight) is essential.

To solve this packing conundrum, we asked the Good Housekeeping team – all frequent flyers – to tell us what backpacks they always travel with. Here is our list of best buys:

Best travel backpacks

Cabin Max Metz Cabin Bag

Hayayu Designed for Easyjet Underseat Cabin Bag

Fjällräven Kånken Backpack

Antler Chelsea Backpack

Cabin Max Manhattan 20L Backpack

Away The Everywhere Bag

Antler Discovery Backpack

Osprey Tempest 20

What size bag can i fit under an airplane seat.

The smallest carry-on restrictions come from Ryanair, which only allows a bag that measures 40 x 20 x 25 cm as part of the ticket price. This must fit underneath the seat in front of you, and there are fairly hefty additional fees to put luggage in the overhead lockers, not to mention the hold.

Other key under-seat airline restrictions to note include EasyJet (45 x 36 x 20 cm), WizzAir (40 x 30 x 20 cm) and British Airways (40 x 30 x 15cm). We detail all the main airline luggage restrictions in our detailed suitcase buying guide .

Below, you'll find a mix of sizes, including some that precisely meet Ryanair's stringent requirements, and others that may squeeze under, provided you don't fill them to the brim. Ultimately, it's worth picking the one you'll get the most use out of.

How we picked the best carry-on backpacks

Curated by the GHI's homes editor (who has reviewed countless suitcases over the years), all the bags on this list have been tried out and loved by a member of the Good Housekeeping team.

We’ve compared and listed each of their measurements, so you can check them against your airline of choice. We also looked for extra features and benefits, including pockets, laptop sleeves, if they fit over a suitcase handle, and assessed their overall design, so you can find your perfect travel buddy.

Cabin Max designs its rucksacks with airline size restrictions in mind, so you can find one to fit perfectly under your Easyjet or Wizz Air seat.

This one was recommended by our Consumer Affairs Director, Jo Finney. “It's amazingly roomy and has lots of compartments so it’s easy to find stuff and comfortable to carry,” she says. “It’s so good, I’ve now got several of them!”

If Easyjet is your budget airline of choice, this cabin backpack, recommended by the GHI’s SEO Manager Rebecca Johnson, is a top pick.“It's the ideal size to go under a seat on the plane, which saves me luggage costs on flights,” she explains. “The compartments make it easy to pack, it has a laptop section and an anti-theft pocket for valuables.

“It's surprisingly roomy – I managed to fit a week's worth of clothes, toiletries and books with ease. The adjustable straps also make it comfy to wear when travelling. I love having my hands free to hold a much-needed coffee rather than dragging a suitcase around the airport.”

“The distinctive rectangular shape of these popular backpacks makes them well-suited to airplane travel. The dimensions mean you should be able to fit it neatly underneath the seat of even the most stringent airlines.

“My partner has travelled with this backpack on many holidays, so I’ve witnessed its suitability first hand – it’s also a good one if you want to pop a bigger bag inside your suitcase for excursions and adventures, as it packs down flat.” Hannah Mendelsohn

“I love this sleek backpack – it’s available in a chic selection of colours (I opted for navy) and it slips easily over my suitcase handle, which is handy if you want to take the pressure off your back. The zip opens fully and there are packing straps, so I can organise it neatly rather than having to stuff everything in from a narrow opening at the top. Plus, there’s a laptop slot and lots of pockets, including a detachable one that I like to use to keep dirty clothes separate on the way back.

“I’ve stashed it under airplane seats before, but I'd struggle to fit enough in it for more than one night away (I am a chronic over packer). It’s such a great all-rounder for travel though that my mum was inspired to buy the same one!”

Hannah Mendelsohn, Homes Editor

This one is designed to fit perfectly under a Ryanair seat, and it has the most stringent luggage requirements of all the airlines, you should be able to take it with you, whoever you fly with.

“I tested out the Manhattan 20L Backpack in black and loved it,” says Georgie D’Arcy Coles, GH cookery assistant. “I managed to pack everything I needed for a four-day trip to Barcelona into it, including two pairs of shoes!

“It has lots of compartments (a great feature to keep everything organised), a sleek laptop storage area, a side pocket for a water bottle, a zip front pocket for important items, and even a USB charging socket with a cable. This means you can attach a power bank to it inside your bag and charge your phone from the outside. Genius!

“The only downside is that I only own one of these bags and my boyfriend keeps trying to steal it for himself!”

Backpacks aren't for everyone, and Away has established itself as a stylish luggage brand, so when our Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White, recommended this, we decided to include it anyway.

“My Away weekend bag is the best and it slots nicely onto my Away case ,” Florence says. “I use it for long weekends and it has a handy slot for my laptop, which is crucial when I’m off on a press trip and need to make notes and get work done while on the plane.

“It fits under the seat if it’s not too overpacked (guilty), and goes really easily into the overhead compartment.”

This is another well-designed backpack from Antler. It has a great capacity and lots of pockets. When packed full, you may struggle to slip it under a budget plane seat. But if you're careful not to overpack, then it should serve you well.

"The Antler Discovery Backpack has become my go-to for weekends away and short city breaks,” says senior health and wellbeing writer, Priyankaa Joshi. “I'm able to fit an impressive amount of stuff inside and I love the separate compartments for keeping everything tidy. There's even a dedicated laptop pocket, a water bottle holder, and a cord for attaching extras on like travel pillows.

“Despite how much stuff I pack inside, it's pretty lightweight and I like the range of handles all over the backpack, making it super convenient to carry when on the go. There's also a back sleeve that you can slot onto a suitcase handle – a feature I will make the most of on long trips. "

“This is actually my running backpack, but it would make a good pick if you often jet off on adventure holidays. I travelled with it when I was heading to the mountains, and it just about fitted underneath my plane seat.

“It has straps that go around your body for extra support and a few different pockets. Plus, the 18L capacity (or 20L if you opt for the slightly bigger size) means you should be able to squeeze a fair bit in there.” Hannah Mendelsohn

Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows , and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.

Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist , working for Stylist , Sky Sports and more.

Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.

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Home » Gear » Best Carry-On Bag For Ryanair – Squeezing Into 2024!

Best Carry-On Bag For Ryanair – Squeezing Into 2024!

Ryanair has taken minimalism to the sky. They shook up the industry with discount rates by separating the flight cost from the baggage fees. If you truly travel with pretty much nothing, you can find flights from Paris to Morocco cheaper than catching a train to Nantes.

Their cheap rates provide easy opportunities to get abroad and hook millions of budget travelers each year. Who can say no to a $10 direct flight, right? Unfortunately, if you want to travel with more than a change of clothes or two, your luggage will likely cost more than your ticket!

Low-cost airlines gotta sneak in those lost earnings somewhere, usually at the customer’s expense. I can respect that about Ryanair. Unlike other, more expensive airlines, they don’t pretend like they aren’t trying to squeeze money out of you every step of the way. And at least some of it is optional.

Baggage fees are a natural place to start. It seems fair enough until you start reading the fine print. Carry-on-size definitions on Ryanair are much smaller than you’d expect. Nobody in their right mind would call this small size reasonable, but that is clearly not the goal here. Every time you fly with them, the seats get smaller, and the cushion wears thin. We’re only a few months away from gate agents breaking out the measuring tape in the name of a 30-euro bag fee.

You always think you can get away with traveling with less, but only a few select travelers can spend more than a day or two living out of one free carry-on bag. Three days of peace and music is doable with one carry-on-sized container, but sometimes you’ve got to crumble and accept the extra charge. I mean, if you’re going to have a better time and you can afford it, it’s hard to argue against it.

Ryanair knows that and continues to crank up the argument.

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Allow us to introduce you to the rebuttal. These backpacks are at the frontlines of discount travel, packing more storage options into less space and helping you march off the plane and straight out the door, 34 euros poorer and in Amman.  

These carry-on bags are savvy travelers’ responses to rules that got too strict. While no backpack on the market can magically turn 40 liters of storage into a 30 x 20 package, these bags store more than their size and maximise the storage space they do have.

You’ve got to plan ahead to beat budget airline companies and keep your costs down. It starts with the right carry-on, so let’s dive into the qualifications before looking at the most qualified backpacks.  

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What is the Ryanair Carry-on Bag Size?

Small. Really, really small!

Especially if you hadn’t flown with them since 2018 when the carry-on size decreased. Each ticket now only comes with one personal bag that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. The listed dimensions of that bag are 40cmx20cmx25cm or roughly 20 litres of storage. Ouch!

The good news is that Ryanair does allow for a modicum of flexibility. Those numbers can represent any three angles of your bag, so a suitcase that is 40 cm long is just as acceptable as a backpack that is 40 cm tall, as long as the other two edges stay within the lines. 

Compare the size of their hand baggage-only fares to Luftansa’s (55cm x 40cm x 23cm), and British Airways (40 x 30 x 15cm), and the good news turns bad. The key to Ryanair’s infamous policy is their strict interpretation of the definition of small. 

A bag that you can get away with on other airlines will get stopped at the door at Ryanair. Travelers who don’t want clean underwear or folks heading to the beach might be able to stretch their free carry-on bag out to a week, but realistically, 20 liters plus the clothes you’re wearing on the plane will get you through a long weekend. 

For an extra fee, you can travel with that carry-on bag plus a 10 kg piece (55cm x 40cm x 20cm.)  This service is called paying for “priority,” and it comes in a limited supply. Anything else, or anything bigger, will be heading underneath the cabin. 

Don’t think you’re out of the woods just for upgrading. This 10 kg piece will usually top out at around 40 liters, which can be a tight squeeze. It’s the bare minimum most one-bag travelers would recommend, but there is still a chance staff might pull you up with a 40-liter backpack stuffed full.

That’s why the secret of great one-bag travel is multiple bags. Priority gives you a larger cabin bag in addition to your free personal item. That means with the right backpack combination you can walk on the plane with 55 litres of storage, which is more than enough to get you through a month in most tropical places.

Not every trip ends at the beach. Sometimes to get where you’re going, you’ll need a bit more gear, like for camping or winter trips for example. Each passenger can pay to check up to three 20 kg pieces of luggage too.

If you know you’ll have to check a backpack, doing it online will always be cheaper than being stopped at check-in. And they will check. Gate agent’s eyes light up with dollar signs at the sight of dirty hiking bags stuffed to the brim. 

Every backpack on our list will qualify as a carry-on bag for Ryanair, some in the overhead compartment, and some as a free personal item. Be sure to check before you travel if you need to upgrade.

Ryanair opened up flights to a bunch of different destinations to draw in tourism. We have created this expert guide on the top 10 Ryanair destinations . It details who this location is ideal for, the best time to visit, and (most importantly) what you can actually get up to while there.

How Much is a Ryanair Carry-On Bag?

You’ll want to bite the bullet early on all luggage purchases, both to make sure there is still room in the priority class with access to overhead bins and also to avoid the higher fees that come with same-day luggage checking. 

The cold hard truth is that if a gate agent decides your bag is too big, there’s not much you can do to plead your case. You might get away with it a time or two, but eventually, you’ll have to buy some extra luggage and it’ll cost you a fair bit more.

The Priority Pass is Ryanair’s solution. They make things sound fancy by emphasizing your two free cabin luggage options, but really it’s the one free bag plus one 10kg case. You’re paying for an extra backpack and an earlier boarding group. 

A lot like mushrooms, priority is best purchased online! Even if you call a Ryanair call center instead of booking your bags online, the prices will be higher. Nothing compares to the fees they’ll place at airport ticket desks though!

A good rule of thumb for anything involving Ryanair is to take care of things before you get to the airport. Thankfully, they finally stopped charging us for not having our tickets printed out, but there are still plenty of extra fees the company looks to tack on while checking you in. 

The fees are real, and they are enforced. Going by carry-on size restrictions, Ryanair is literally the worst.

The Best Bags For Ryanair Flights

There’s carry-on ready, and then there is Ryanair ready. The budget ticket seller makes no secret of their passionate enforcement of draconian bag requirements. Just like the black market adjusting to the police increasing cell phone monitoring, some companies have made it their mission to stay ahead of the rules. 

The choices are split between free bags that may have to go in the overhead compartment and carry-ons guaranteed to fight under tight seats.

Just remember, the art to travelling carry-on only with Ryanair is not just the bag itself, but learning how to properly pack your bag for flying on the chicken bus of the skies!

We’ll show you a few backpacks that bring the power back to the passengers!

Nomatic Backpack – Travel Pack 14L

• Dimensions (CM): 48 x 30 x 14
• Capacity (L): 14-21
• Price ($): 279.99

When you’re trying to squeeze your gear down to carry-on size, every detail matters. Nobody does more with less than the Nomatic Travel Pack. The Nomatic Travel Pack is perhaps the classic Nomatic flagship product and this is the 14 – 21L, “under the seat” version. It is a versatile and feature-heavy backpack designed specifically for travel purposes.

It has a sleek and minimalist design with a capacity of 14 -21 liters (it extends its capacity by zipping up/down) . It is an under-seat, carry-on size backpack that meets all known airline requirements (including Ryaniair), making it suitable for both short trips and longer travels.

The backpack is designed for efficient organization and has loads of different compartments and pockets. It features a full-perimeter zippered clamshell opening which allows easy access to the main compartment. Once inside, you’ll find multiple mesh and zipper pockets for organizing all of your belongings, including separate compartments for clothes, shoes, and toiletries.

We’re also massive fans of Nomatic here at TBB and we’ve also got a rundown of our favourite Nomatic backpacks too if you’re looking for something different. For more info on this magnificent piece of gear, check out my full Nomatic 14L travel pack review .

Tortuga – Travel Pack 30L

• Dimensions (CM): 53cm x 34cm x 18cm (20.9″ x 13.4″ x 7″)
• Capacity (L): 30l
• Price ($): 350

The Tortuga Travel Pack is a serious piece of equipment. The revamped 30L version of the Travel Pack has been custom designed to be accepted for carry on all over the world. With this bag, Tortuga has cemented it place among the best luggage brands in the world .

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

Note that there isa 40L version available but in order to spare you all the wrath of European airlines like Ryanair, we suggest using the smaller 30L version.

I loved taking this pack around Europe as it was accessible, comfy to carry and fit all my gear. One thing I noticed about this pack is how durable and strong the zippers feel.

Peak Design – Travel Pack 30L

• Dimensions (CM): 53cm x 34cm x 18cm
• Capacity (L): 27l extendable to 33l
• Price ($): 229.95

Ryanair’s stringent carry-on restrictions demand a bag that can fit within the specified dimensions without sacrificing utility. The Peak Design Travel Pack 30L is designed with carry-on travelers in mind, with its well-thought-out design. Offering 30 liters of space, it is perfectly sized to comply with Ryanair’s carry-on restrictions, yet spacious enough to carry all you need for a short trip.

The pack’s innovative organizational system, complete with adaptable dividers and various pockets, allows travelers to maximize space, so packing becomes an art rather than a struggle. The external compression straps help keep everything compact, ensuring compliance with airline size requirements.

For frequent travelers on budget airlines, durability is key. The Peak Design Travel Pack 30L is crafted with high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of regular travel. Its weatherproof shell offers protection against unexpected spills or rain, providing peace of mind during transit. Additionally, the quick zip access ensures that everything inside the bag is readily accessible, which can be a lifesaver during security checks or when retrieving items during the flight.

WANDRD – PRVKE Lite

• Dimensions (CM): 40 X 28 X 14 cm
• Capacity (L): 11-16
• Price ($): 239

WANDRD’s flagship PRVKE model can work as a carry-on on most airlines, but to get onto Ryanair they had to think smaller. The Lite bag takes things down a size while still bringing cushioned, organized storage to a solid amount of gear. You’ll still have plenty of divider options and even a laptop compartment, all in a great under-seat size that’s kind on the shoulders too.

PRVKE’s dimensions are right at the edge of the baggage policy, getting under the legal limit without giving up a single Centimeter more. You might have to answer a few tough questions if the bag is stuffed full, but with enough patience, you can stuff this solid bag inside any steel cage. The roll top feature means you can throw your hoody or a few extra bits back in once you arrive at your destination.

If you’re looking for a similar but slightly larger setup, then check out the WANDRD PRVKE 31L instead.

Stubble & Co – The Roll Top

• Dimensions (CM): 41 x 28 x 12
• Capacity (L): 14
• Price ($): 155

The Roll Top is a commuting specialist that works great whether your route is underground or in the air. The same sleek features that help this bag fight snugly over your shoulders in an amphibious march to work will also help the bag slide under the seat. The direct access laptop pocket means once your bag gets beneath the seat, you won’t have to zip it open until touchdown. 

If you’re feeling like flirting with the limits even further, Stubble & Co, has a larger roll-top backpack with an extra 6 liters of storage, all while only adding on 3 centimetres of length, width, and height. Leave an extra t-shirt behind, and you can likely still sneak it onboard.  

If it’s the hipster style you’re looking for and the Stubble & Co Roll Top doesn’t quite hit the mark, then check out our round-up of the best hipster backpacks on the market for some more ideas.

Osprey – Transporter Panel Loader

• Dimensions (CM): 47 x 33 x 23
• Capacity (L): 25
• Price ($): 165

The Transporter’s dimensions are a dangerous game. If you fully stuff the Panel Loader full, There’s a good chance this backpack can get flagged at the gate. Worst case scenario, it will still easily fit in the overhead compartment, and thanks to its lack of stiff joints, you might be able to squeeze it under a seat or two with a bit of elbow grease!

Osprey switched up their usual operating procedure, creating a super flexible shell that can collapse down to a small stature. While there is still plenty of comfort against your spine, Osprey skipped the Airscape back panel on this bag, greatly increasing shrinkability. An internal water bottle pocket finishes the job off, resulting in a sleek backpack that can fit in tight spaces. 

If you’re looking for some different options when it comes to Osprey bags, maybe you’ve decided to check in some bigger luggage, then check out our guide to the best Osprey bags on the market .

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

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

Osprey – Quasar

• Dimensions (CM): 48 x 30 x 27
• Capacity (L): 26
• Price ($): 120

The Quasar marks the start of our backpacks that flirt a bit with the overhead compartment.  Take advantage of the compacting side straps, and you can still easily pack this bag for a weekend trip, squish it under the seat with a 100% success rate.

The 26-liter bag has a few great exterior features that make the bag feel both bigger and smaller. A durable mesh cord allows you to strap on a sweater or oversized tools, and a top bungee connection helps the bag squeeze tightly together to slip into smaller spaces. When it’s time to ease your bag into the gate side metal box, remove your sweater and fit right in. I have personally taken this bag as my “under seat” bag on countless flights and never had any problems including with Ryanair. Check out my Osprey Quasar review .

Want something more specific to the female figure, why not check out the Archeon 25 Women’s backpack instead?

Tropicfeel  – SHELL

• Dimensions (CM): 51 x 30 x 19
• Capacity (L): 20-40
• Price ($): 249

This backpack takes on many different forms. Fully loaded, it’s practically a mobile closet with a detachable hanger, toiletry kit, a tech pouch, and a camera cube. Unfortunately, at maximum size, you’ll also need priority. Start deconstructing things, and suddenly you’ve got a  great bag to beat Ryanair. 

You can squeeze things down over 6 liters smaller to get through security and then unfurl a kangaroo pouch perfect for souvenirs. You can even add and remove hip straps to affect the bag’s overall size further. The adaptability of the bag means you can slim down for your flight and open it back up once you arrive.

No matter which setting you’ve employed, it’s got a tough waterproof exterior and organised interior that come together for a great backpack. 

Not sure if the SHELL is right for you, why not have a look at the TropicFeel NEST instead, it’s still 16L and has similar expandable features.

Cabin Max – Memphis 30

• Dimensions (CM):  40 x 30 x 20
• Capacity (L):  30
• Price ($): 54.30

This affordable and functional bag was custom designed for aviation and will slot perfectly under your seat on all Ryanair and Wizair flights. You can wear the Memphis 30 ear as a backpack, carry it by the top handles or even combine with your rolling luggage using the rear handle pass-through.

If offers 24L internal capacity with built in packing compression system, a nice padded laptop/tech compartment, 3D packing pockets, water bottle pocket and organiser compartment with key clip and then a discrete rear ‘secret’ pocket. Padded backpack straps with adjustable chest strap and sunglasses loop. Aesthetically, its not the prettiest bag and my first thought was that it looked a bit ‘cheap’ but after trying it I can say its honesty a very well designed and usable carry on backpack.

Stubble & Co – Adventure Bag

• Dimensions (CM): 55 x 38 x 24
• Capacity (L): 42
• Price ($): 300

You might need to show up at the airport with some extra baroque bridges in your pocket to sneak this bag onboard. At full size, It rides the limits of Ryanair’s overhead compartment specs. Take advantage of the strap adjusters and side compression straps to blend in and avoid any further inspection, and stay aware. It’s easy enough to leave home with a slim pack, but everyone’s bag fills up along the road.

Once you land, this bag really shows out. Stubble & Co’s new model comes with features from across the aisle. You won’t find many backpacks with a reflective, stormproof cover and a padded laptop compartment/secret pocket combo. The new streamlined shape sits like a jetpack on your back, ready for takeoff. 

Wanna know more? Of course, you do! We’ve gone to the effort of writing a full post on the Stubble & Co Adventure Bag .

Mahi Leather – The Dixie Boho

• Dimensions (CM): 30 x 29 x 10
• Capacity (L): 9
• Price ($): 168.50

Dixie Bohoes bounce from Texas to Tennessee, strapped up in leather bags and bangles. Mahi leather is along for the ride with one thumb stuck out by your side. When some other materials break down, this full-grain Leather won’t even crack. This bag only bends and morphs with time. 

Brass fittings and YKK tell the world this company is dedicated to taking care of the little things and letting the leather do the talking. The genuine suppleness of the leather takes on different shapes through use, further whistling dixie. High-quality materials and focused detail work are a great combination to provide genuine craftsmanship no matter where the value fare takes you. 

The best thing about the bag though, it’s easily below the size limitations for Ryanair carry-on luggage, so you’ll never have to stress.

Like the look of this leather bag? Check out the best leather bags on the market for some more options.

Aer – Go Tote 2

• Dimensions (CM): 38 x 28 x 13
• Capacity (L): 17.5
• Price ($): 89

The Go Tote is a sneaky way to get on board with a whole lot of storage. Gate agents aren’t used to providing an over-the-shoulder bag with the same scrutiny as backpacking backpacks. While it’s a few liters lighter than those more traditional models, it’s also guaranteed to qualify as a free option on any flight. 

Those fools have no idea! Below the surface, this is no ordinary tote. Thanks to nifty organization options and a laptop compartment, this bag can keep your gear organized and fit in a whole load more than you might imagine. It has six separate pockets ready to outscore any Jansport. That proficiency takes this bag places… and does it without having to pay any extra baggage fees!

Looking for a tote-style bag but not too sure about the Aer? Have a look at our guide to the best messenger bags for a few more ideas.

AER – Go Sling 2

• Dimensions (CM): 24 x 13 x 5
• Capacity (L): 0.8
• Price ($): 59

This bit of gear is the backpack equivalent of a swiss army knife. If you pack smart and dress loosely, you can get some storage for free with this close-fitting chest piece. The slim storage capacity is chock full of mesh, zippers, and dividers that split up your gear and keep your cords untangled. Most importantly, it does all that while fitting underneath your clothing. 

If they’re going to treat us like cattle, we’re going to turn this game into Animal Farm. Sneaking an extra bag onboard exists on the outskirts of the rules, sort of like counting cards at a casino. If you get caught, you might get invited into the backroom and tossed around, but ultimately you’ll just pay a small fee. 

Sling-style bags are a great option when it comes to carry-on travel as they’re small, fit most of your valuables and often go undetected. If you’re in the market for one but want a few more options then check out our roundup of the best sling bags for a few more ideas.

Looking for a suitcase instead of a bag? I’ve just put together a review of the top pieces of luggage from Level 8 , including may suitable for carry-on.

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Final Thoughts on Finding The Best Ryanair Carry on Bag

You didn’t spend a month searching Skyscanner for the year’s cheapest getaways just to piss it all away on extra luggage fees. To really save money on your next trip, carry-on bags are the way forward. Spending a bit of extra money on the right bag now will save you money on each and every flight. 

Right now, you can find 67 flights on Ryanair’s website that are cheaper than the price to check a 20 Kg bag. The right carry-on bag can cut your travel budget in half. That sounds great, but you’ll be surprised how challenging it is to cram things down to 15 Liters.

If your bag is on the edge of glory, we’d prescribe paying for priority upfront and half a Xan after you get through security to ensure a smooth travel day. Even if you’ve already taken the pledge and splurged for a checked bag, you should still consciously choose your carry-on. 

A good carry-on bag will ensure everything you need stays by your side and with airlines potentially scrapping liquid rules soon, it’s an even more convenient way to travel.

Budget airline or Eithad, there’s a real chance things get lost along the way. While your checked bag does the legwork, your carry-on bag should store a few days of gear, so you don’t have to spend the first afternoon of your vacation bikini shopping.

Ultimately, there is no carry-on bag that has truly hacked Ryanair. Every bag that you can fit underneath the seat had to make some serious sacrifices to make it happen. The bags on this list soften the blow while still maximizing storage to give you a fighter’s chance.

Aiden Freeborn

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Most of the luggage listed above is still too large in at least one dimension to qualify as a RyanAir ‘personal item’.

I just spent a long time trying to find a backpack which definitely falls within the 40x25x20 limit. I found a few that were 42 or 43 high; these ought to be acceptable to all but the most zealous of RyanAir staff – e.g. the Deuter Race 8 backpack, Montane Trailblazer 8 and the Rab Tensor 10 – but these are all 8-10 litres, and still potentially going to be rejected.

I eventually came across the Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 13 (the other varieties of Kanken are just a bit too big one way or another, but this one is 35x25x16). So far this is the largest backpack I have found which is definitely within the RyanAir restrictions – combined with an Osprey Farpoint 40 as a 10KG carry-on, this gives me a pretty useful amount of storage for longer trips, and a nice daypack for when out and about. Probably enough for two-three days somewhere warm on its own.

Another trick for reducing luggage (if you’re not traveling in the winter) is to layer up your clothes when flying. They will only see the top layer going through the gate. As soon as you’re on the plane head to the washroom and remove the outer layers. Also always wear your heaviest and largest footwear on to the plane.

You should review luggage vests or jackets so people can eliminate luggage completely. Granted it’s for a small demographic but its important when you absolutely can’t check luggage for whatever reason. These things have massive pockets allowing people to bring an enormous amount of stuff on to the plane. Probably one could even convert a raincoat for this. As soon as you’re on the plane you can put it in an overhead bin. You could also bring a stuff sack for it to fit into. This is truly packing on another level.

Another area that people rarely consider is traveling with a bicycle and the box it has to be packed in. Sure you have to pay for the box but there is often a LOT of space in that box and they don’t seem to care what it weighs so unless you’re transporting heavy stuff it can be utilized for a lot of items. This along with the luggage vest would be interesting. You can get bike boxes for free in most cities as bike stores just throw them out. Ideally it would be made out of lightweight plastic but that’s just more thing someone can steal. Though it could be used to protect the bike if you’re taking the bus/train within the country. Local transportation can be rough.

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NBC Select Travel Awards 2024: The best duffels, backpacks and weekenders

At NBC Select, we spend hours researching and testing products so you can be more selective with your purchases. For our first-ever NBC Select Travel Awards, we spent months thoroughly testing numerous products covering a variety of travel categories.

We flew across the globe to Japan and Paris with suitcases , took train rides around New York City with weekenders and duffels in tow and packed bags full of packing cubes , toiletry bags and noise-canceling headphones to road trip across the East Coast. After all that testing, our editors sat down to choose products deserving of NBC Select’s stamp of approval.

Below are our award-winning duffels, weekenders and backpacks , plus information about how we evaluated each product.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best bags | Best duffel bags | Best backpacks | Best weekender bags

select We tested over 50 travel accessories for our first ever Travel Awards — these are our favorites

How we picked the best travel bags .

The backpack, the weekender and the duffel are all bags that need to serve multiple functions while on a trip. We fill them with whatever we can’t fit in our suitcases, throw our essentials inside them for overnight getaways and use them to carry our laptops and water bottles on planes, trains, and automobiles. They are versatile and multipurpose, making it useful to keep at least one at home when traveling. Here’s how we evaluated travel bags to find NBC Select’s 2024 Travel Award winners.

• Zippers, handles and straps : To ensure zippers glide smoothly and don’t get stuck at any point, we opened and closed each bag numerous times when it was empty and full. We also considered how strong the bags’ handles and straps were, including how they felt when we held or wore them on our bodies.
• Structure and organization : We assessed how each bag’s structure impacted our ability to pack it easily — for example, whether it stayed open while we added clothing or flopped over and whether it was too stiff to overstuff or just flexible enough. We counted how many outfits (and, if applicable, how many pairs of shoes) fit inside the bags, plus what type of organizational features they offer, including built-in dividers, pockets, and pouches.
• Comfortability : After filling our bags to the brim, we ensured they felt comfortable carrying for long and short periods. We carried them as the brand intended: on our backs or over our shoulders.
• Durability : We noted the material each bag is made from and how well it withstands being tossed around during travel. We also considered water resistance.

The best duffel bags

Best overall: calpak luka duffel.

Calpak Luka Duffel

With its spacious main compartment, exterior and interior pockets, exterior shoe compartment and trolley sleeve, this bag makes for the perfect travel and daily duffel. “I love that I can use this bag for trips as well as in my everyday life as a gym bag. I didn’t find that with the other duffels I tested, so I appreciated this,” says Zoe Malin , NBC Select associate updates editor. “The size of this bag and how lightweight it is makes it a perfect workout bag for me. I put my sneakers, a change of clothes, weights, a towel, toiletries and a water bottle inside it to go to yoga after work.”

The soft and puffy polyester bag is also durable, easy to clean and water-resistant. “I had to walk to the train in the rain with this bag and everything inside was totally dry,” says Malin. “I just wiped water off the bag in the bathroom of the train station with paper towels.”

Best large capacity: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel comes in four sizes — 40L, 55L, 70L and 100L — so you can choose the capacity that’s best for your travels. The duffel is made from 100% recycled fabrics, plus it has a durable and weather-resistant exterior.

On the inside, this spacious bag has interior pockets that are similar to a carry-on suitcase. It also closes and opens easily since the zippers glide easily, says Mili Godio , NBC Select updates editor. “The only thing I wish is that it had more pockets, especially for smaller items like my wallet and keys, but the ones it does have are super spacious.”

The best backpacks

Best overall: calpak laptop backpack.

Calpak Laptop Backpack

This Calpak backpack is great for frequent travelers looking for a large, durable bag to hold essentials of all sizes, as well as a laptop. The backpack has exterior and interior pockets, a water bottle holder and a trolley sleeve so you can slide it onto your luggage. “Calpak’s backpack has completely changed how I travel,” says Bianca Alvarez , an NBC Select associate reporter who’s a super commuter . She travels from Virginia to New York City every week for work. “I tossed my old backpacks after using this one because it makes my travel days easier,” she says.

Alvarez says storage and space are a guarantee with this bag due to its plethora of organizational features. She especially loves its interior pockets. They’re located near the top of the bag rather than the bottom, which prevents her from having to rummage through everything packed inside to find what she’s looking for.  Alvarez says the bag’s main compartment can easily fit clothes, shoes and cosmetics bags, and there’s a separate compartment for her laptop and notebooks.

Best for commuting: Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Dagne Dover’s Dakota Backpack is ideal for commuters, like NBC Select staff who brought it back and forth to the office. “I’ve been using this backpack for two months as my work bag and it’s been a major upgrade from my last situation,” says Rebecca Rodriguez , NBC Select editorial projects manager. The backpack has padded straps, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and it has compartments and pockets to store whatever you’re traveling with.

Whether you’re commuting in the rain or accidentally spilled your morning coffee , no worries — this backpack will keep your items protected. “The backpack got dirty a couple of times while I used it, but the neoprene material was super easy to clean with soap and warm water,” says Rodriguez.

Best outdoors: Orvis Trekkage LT Adventure

Orvis Trekkage LT Adventure

While the Orvis Trekkage backpack is specifically designed for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, it has features that allow you to use it in everyday life, including a laptop pocket and a hidden security pocket for valuables. The bag is made from heavy-duty recycled, water-repellent fabric, and its main pocket is lockable making it easier to protect your items while outdoors camping or just traveling. There are also expandable side pockets and a built-in hydration reservoir.

“This bag is big without looking like it belongs on the 'Amazing Race,'” says Rosalie Sparaco, NBC senior social media editor. “It has a ton of space, although it could potentially use more internal pockets since it was easy to lose stuff.” She also says the backpack is comfortable to carry thanks to its padded back panel and curved ergonomic shoulder straps. If you need extra support, you can use the bag’s adjustable sternum strap and adjustable, removable waist strap. The backpack also fits under the seat of a plane.

The best weekenders

Best overall: dagne dover landon carryall.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall

The magic behind Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall lies in its structure, says Malin: “It has shape, so it stays open while I’m packing and never flops over, yet it’s flexible and soft, so I can overstuff it without any issues.”  The bag is also expandable. “You can unsnap the sides of the bag to make it bigger, which is such a great option,” says Malin. “I expand it for longer trips, but leave it snapped for overnight trips when I don’t need a ton of space.”

The organizational features this bag offers vary by size. It’s available in extra small, small, medium, large and extra large options — the bigger the bag, the more extensive its organization features are. Because of this, we recommend the medium, large and extra large options for traveling (the extra small and small Carryalls function more as everyday handbags, based on our testers’ experiences). They’re designed with a laptop carrier, an exterior phone pocket, interior side pockets, a key leash and an attached zip-top pouch. The larger bags also come with a shoe bag and a detachable adjustable crossbody strap.

Best for a long weekend: July Carry All Weekender Plus

July Carry All Weekender Plus

If you need a weekender bag that fits enough clothes and toiletries to last you a few days, this one from July is exactly what you’re looking for. “I’m very impressed by how incredibly spacious this bag is,” says Ari Night, NBC Select editorial assistant. “Not only does it fit multiple outfits, but it also has segmented pockets that keep everything organized inside.” The bag’s clamshell opening allows it to lie flat making it  easier for packing, and there’s a padded pocket in the center to put delicate items like a laptop or tablet . This weekender also has a hidden internal pocket with a magnetic opening for valuables like jewelry, an exterior zip pocket and a luggage sleeve. It also  comes with a detachable adjustable shoulder strap.

Why trust NBC Select?

Products underwent an eight-week trial before being selected as our favorite in their respective categories. We utilized our editors as shopping and trying experts. Each editor was given the same criteria during the testing period to ensure each item was held to the same standards and procedures. We looked at spaciousness, durability, comfort, zippers and much more. You can read more about our process here .

What our badge means

When a product carries the NBC Select badge, you can trust that our team of editors as shopping experts and professionals vetted the item thoroughly. First and foremost, we are journalists, so we will always do our research and reporting.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Select Staff on NBC News

Pick the right cabin luggage for your airport transit: A complete guide for your next travel purchase

F ind yourself travelling more frequently of late? Has the hassle of packing made you wonder what you are doing wrong? Let’s explore how to find the right type of luggage to ensure we are comfortable during our transit periods.

The most important piece of luggage to own during flights is your transit or cabin baggage. While the check-in suitcase, no matter what type and style, ultimately gets checked in and is not your responsibility there on, the cabin luggage is what truly ensures your comfort and how you experience the whole journey till you reach your destination.

With the availability of multiple types of cabin luggage, it gets hard to know which one works best for you. We're here to help with insights on multiple types of luggage like backpacks, cabin suitcases, duffle bags and more. We've also curated a list of the top picks from Amazon to help you buy that perfect cabin luggage without any need to do the research yourself.

Checked baggage vs cabin baggage

Checked baggage is stored in the aeroplane's cargo hold and requires check-in before the flight. Cabin baggage, or carry-on luggage, is kept with passengers in the cabin, typically stowed in overhead compartments or under seats.

What is cabin luggage?

Cabin luggage refers to small bags or suitcases that passengers can carry onto an aeroplane. They fit in overhead compartments or under seats, typically weighing 7-10 kilograms.

Now that we know what cabin luggage is; let’s dive into the details of the different types of cabin luggage/transit luggage that we can explore and use.

The different types of cabin luggage we will be discussing in this article are

Cabin trolley bag, cabin luggage trolley bag with external laptop compartment.

• Travel backpack
• Messenger bag

A cabin trolley bag is essentially a small-sized suitcase. According to most airlines, carry-on luggage can only be 22 inches in length. This may seem small, but it’s actually the perfect size to fit everything you might need for a trip, making them perfect for anyone who has extra baggage and wants to be able to carry more luggage with them. There are multiple restrictions on check-in baggage numbers and weight allowance. A few extra kilos of luggage can easily be moved to your cabin suitcases and carried with you.

What to keep in mind while using a cabin trolley bag

Ensure you follow the guidelines on what can be carried and what cannot.

What is the perfect use for a cabin trolley bag?

These suitcases are perfect for vacations. The smaller suitcase is ideal for storing all your footwear and accessories like sunglasses, purses, watches and other things that you might feel are more valuable than your clothes. It's also suitable for items you do not want to send off in your checked-in luggage.

Top 3 picks for cabin trolley bags currently available on Amazon:

1. American Tourister Liftoff 55 Cms

2. Skybags Stroke Cabin Abs Hardshell Luggage (55 Cm)

3. Safari Thorium Neo 8 Wheels 55 Cm

We now know what a cabin trolley bag is, many brands now have specific designs with a zipped compartment on the outside that can hold your laptops, tablets, phones, and even a book or two if needed. These are perfect for ensuring you can deviate the weight from your shoulders to a smooth, movable suitcase that travels alongside you at the airport.

What to keep in mind while using a cabin luggage trolley bag with an external laptop compartment?

The laptop compartment is sleek, so do not try to fit bulky items into it. Ensure you follow the guidelines on what can be carried and what cannot.

What is the perfect use for a cabin luggage trolley bag with an external laptop compartment?

These suitcases are perfect for people who work on the go. If you cannot stay without your laptop then these trolley bags are a great pick as they keep your tech safe and tucked in and also your shoulder stress-free from all the weight of additional things like a charger and mouse. The laptop compartments are usually sleek but spacious enough to hold laptops, their accessories, a book or file if needed and also a tablet or Kindle as well. This is the perfect place to keep all your tech to ensure you can find them in one spot during security check zones as well.

Top 3 picks for cabin luggage trolley bag with an external laptop compartment currently available on Amazon:

1. American Tourister Hardside Expandable Carry-On Luggage

2. THE ASSEMBLY Hard-Sided Polycarbonate Cabin Luggage

3. MOKOBARA The Cabin Pro Luggage

Travel backpacks

Backpacks are a great way to go completely hands-free while you travel. Today brands are focusing on design and utility and backpacks come with such customised pockets and compartments that they make storage even more enjoyable as an experience. From dedicated laptop compartments to easy ways to store your portable chargers, the facilities and possibilities are numerous.

What to keep in mind while using a travel backpack?

These bags will add a strain to your back but will help you go hands-free completely. Ensure you follow the guidelines on what can be carried and what cannot.

What is the perfect use for a travel backpack?

If you are travelling with a backpack, you will have your hands free to be able to game on your phones, carry your books and coffee or even hold your toddler's hand. This makes the commute easier and much more comfortable, as you do not have to worry about leaving anything behind while using your hands to carry your luggage.

Top 3 picks for travel backpacks currently available on Amazon:

1. FUR JADEN 40L Weekender Travel Laptop Backpack

2. Wesley Spartan Unisex Travel Hiking Laptop Bag

3. Safari Seek 32 Ltrs Overnighter Travel Laptop Backpack

Duffle bags

Duffle bags are large, cylindrical bags made of cloth, leather, or synthetic material, often used for travel. These bags are spacious and perfect when you want to carry things that you might need to access during transit. They are not tedious to open like suitcases, nor are they difficult to reorganise like backpacks. They come in attractive designs, and fabric, and some even have wheels at the bottom so you can pull them along instead of having to carry the weight.

What to keep in mind while using a duffle bag?

These bags are a great way to carry many items that you might need to access. Ensure you follow the guidelines on what can be carried and what cannot.

What is the perfect use for a duffle bag?

Duffle bags are great when you are travelling with kids and toddlers as you can easily unzip and access all the things you need. They are spacious so can carry smaller bags, organisers, blankets and other things you might need. Duffle bags also make great options to carry all your shoes and sports equipment while travelling.

Top 3 picks for duffle bags currently available on Amazon:

1. Fur Jaden Brown Textured Leatherette Duffle Bag

2. Skybags Cardiff Polyester 55 Cms Travel Duffle Bag

3. Lavie Sport Lino Wheel Duffel Bag

Messenger bags

A messenger bag is a type of bag with a long strap, worn across the body or over the shoulder. It's often used for carrying books, laptops, and other essentials, making it popular for students, professionals, and travellers. The design allows easy access to content while on the go.

What to keep in mind while using a messenger bag?

These bags are perfect for people who have limited things to carry and want a sleek option that is stylish and smart to use instead of a bulky bag that needs to be towed along. Ensure you follow the guidelines on what can be carried and what cannot.

What is the perfect use for a messenger bag?

Messenger bags are perfect for students, solo travellers with limited luggage and even people on short trips who want to keep a few essentials and a sleek laptop in a stylish bag they can carry across their body without any hassle. These are less bulky than backpacks and perfect for having a hands-free experience.

Top 3 picks for messenger bags currently available on Amazon:

1. AirCase Office Unisex Adult Men's Laptop Bag

2. HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER Genuine Leather Laptop Bag

3. Amazon Basics Messenger Laptop Bag

Some frequently asked questions for you to consider:

What is the importance of cabin luggage?

Cabin luggage is important because it allows passengers to keep essential items close at hand during the flight, provides quicker access upon arrival since there's no need to wait at baggage claim, and reduces the risk of lost or delayed baggage.

What do I keep in mind while selecting cabin luggage?

• Size and Weight: Ensure it complies with airline regulations for dimensions and weight.
• Durability: Choose sturdy materials to withstand handling and frequent use.
• Compartments: Look for multiple compartments for organized storage of items.
• Mobility: Opt for smooth-rolling wheels and a comfortable handle for easy transport.
• Security: Consider bags with reliable locks or zippers to keep belongings safe.

A comparison table of various types of travel luggage bags

To find the right bag, understand your current needs, and evolve your choices according to them. Happy and safe travels!

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The Best Carry-On Luggage and Weekender Bags for Summer Travel: Shop Away, Samsonite, Monos and More

The right luggage or carry-on bag can help make summer travel as smooth as possible.

If you're gearing up for your summer travel plans, you may be searching for the perfect luggage to accompany you on your upcoming getaway.  Carry-on luggage  — including weekender bags and spinners — is probably the best way to travel if you want to beat the lines at busy airports, especially if you're traveling on a Friday.

No matter where your travel destinations are, one thing's for sure: the right luggage will make all the difference. We've found the best luggage to shop for all of your travels, from spacious duffle bags and practical backpacks to large and luxurious carry-ons  for your next flight.

Need a new tote bag to toss everything in for an upcoming July 4th weekend getaway or a bigger carry-on for a tropical vacation? The Beis Weekender Bag will fit all your essentials and help you travel in style. Need a new go-to suitcase for every travel situation? Away’s  standard carry-on traveler bag has plenty of packing space while still fitting in the overhead bin. Trying to avoid the checked baggage fees and long bag drop line? The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Luggage helps you save money and time by going straight to TSA.

Below, we've rounded up the best carry-on luggage and weekender bags this year to take along on your summer trip .

The Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Not only is the Samsonite Hardside Spinner perfectly sized and extremely durable, it's also incredible lightweight so you won't have to strain putting it in the overhead airplane compartment. With all kinds of pockets, you can easily organize all your belongings confidently. 

$200   $140

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase 2.0

The perfect-sized luggage that doubles as a personal item — just pop off the wheels and slide it under your seat. 

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

$170   $127

With Coupon

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

$145   $100

Monos Carry-On

Traveling is a breeze with the minimalist Monos carry-on, designed to fit in the overheard bin of almost any flight.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro is a pilot-founded brand that you've likely seen used by flight crews. Travel stress-free with the Travelpro hardside carry-on luggage that effortlessly fits in the overhead bins of major domestic airlines, thanks to rigorous sizer bin testing and enhanced packing capacity. The PrecisionGlide System delivers impeccable control and a seamless rolling experience, so you can get through the airport with ease.

$370   $314

The Best Travel Backpacks and Totes for 2024

Béis travel tote.

The Beis Travel Tote, from Shay Mitchell's baggage line, can conveniently slot into place atop a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, but can also be carried on its own with a detachable shoulder strap, and top handles designed to rest comfortably on your shoulder. This bag boasts a bottom zip shoe compartment, padded tech sleeve and multiple exterior and interior pockets. 

Samsonite Detour Travel Backpack

Built to protect your belongings from the elements, the Detour Travel Backpack has enough capacity for your business, overnight or weekend trips.

$150   $112

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

This sleek tote is made of Italian leather and comes in a bunch of color options. You can choose from three sizes and whether to include a top zipper.

Calpak Luka Backpack

With multiple storage compartments including a separate laptop sleeve and a space to store your shoes that has its own exterior access, this lightweight Luka backpack will help you stay organized on the go.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

This travel backpack comes with a weight-distributing, low-profile harness system and a 35L capacity, making it suitable for carry-on use. It is designed with a full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment, along with large and subdivided zippered mesh compartments on the sides, providing convenient packing options. Additionally, its attractive design ensures you can easily identify your bag wherever you go.

Troubadour Featherweight Tote

A modern classic and easy-access bag. This Featherweight Tote features a light and waterproof fabric with vegan leather handles, and is perfect for gym trips or a day out!

The Best Weekender Bags for 2024 

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

For weekends away, this extra-large duffle includes a laptop sleeve, shoe bag and plenty of space for all your essentials.

lululemon Go Getter Bag 2.0

This sleek, modern bag looks like a tote and duffel rolled into one. There's also a little strap in the back that you can attach to your luggage. 

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away Travel's The Everywhere Bag lives up to its name: you can take it everywhere from work to the gym to a weekend away. It also pairs nicely with The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On.

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

Enjoy the benefits of a large bottom compartment, ideal for stowing shoes or enhancing the organization of your items.The roomy main compartment comes with interior pockets, ensuring you have plenty of space to store your belongings in a well-arranged manner.

SwissGear Apex Travel Duffle Bag

This duffle bag will come in handy during your next vacation. You can wear it multiple ways and it has reinforced sides to keep your belonging secure.

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These Two-In-One Convertible Bags Are a Travel Necessity

By Lauren Dana Ellman

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When it comes to picking the perfect travel bag , versatility is key. With that in mind, it’s well worth investing in one—or more—of the best convertible bags. As you can likely tell by the name, these innovative accessories can be worn at least two ways—and in some cases, three or four. Some examples of great options for travelers include a tote that transforms into a backpack to help more evenly distribute weight (and avoid an achy shoulder in the event of overpacking), a purse that turns into a clutch to take you from day to night, and a shoulder bag that can also be worn crossbody . When you've only got a carry-on suitcase to work with, having bags that serve multiple functions can help trim down your packing list.

When selecting this edit of the best multi-purpose bags, I looked for ones designed with durability and functionality in mind, be it in the form of several pockets, a waterproof exterior, sturdy straps, and so on. Keep reading to discover 16 excellent convertible backpacks, purses, and weekenders from Traveler -approved brands like July, MZ Wallace, and Béis, broken down by category.

The best for travel days

The best for parents, the best for day to night, the best for commuting.

This endlessly versatile bag from Tumi can be carried as a backpack (the padded adjustable straps provide plenty of support) or a tote bag, making it especially convenient for sightseeing. It also has a removable leather top handle, two front zip pockets, and a dedicated pocket for your smartphone.

I took the older version of this belt bag-slash-fanny pack everywhere on my two-week Hawaii honeymoon. The updated version, available in 15 colors and patterns, is just as impressive with its water-repellent construction, extendable strap, and an exterior zippered compartment with interior pockets for small but necessary items like keys, credit cards, and lip balm. Wear it around your waist, across your chest, or on your shoulder.

This convertible bag—which features a fully removable bottom compartment that doubles as a packing cube —works exceptionally well as a weekender and an everyday bag. The removable padded laptop sleeve is just the icing on the cake.

Few travel bags are as innovative as this tiny-but-mighty crossbody option. When emptied and not in use, it can be easily stored away or conveniently carried in hand (or via wrist) using the attached strap.

Ideal for on-the-go families, this diaper bag easily converts from a backpack to a shoulder bag. It has plenty of pockets to help you stay organized and an insulated pouch for snacks or bottles.

This workhorse of a bag—which can be worn as a traditional backpack or shoulder bag thanks to its long strap—is equipped with dedicated spots for all your (and your kids’) essentials, including diapers, wipes, bottles, toys, and more. Its waterproof nylon construction is a bonus.

This chic quilted backpack is unique in that it doubles (er, triples) as a crossbody or shoulder bag. The 18 pockets(!) ensure you stay organized while on the go, while the built-in luggage sleeve allows for hands-free carrying—a must when trekking through an airport with little ones in tow.

As you can guess by its name, Calpak's convertible stroller caddy crossbody seamlessly converts from a crossbody bag to a stroller caddy (and vice-versa). Don’t be fooled by its small size: The bag features two insulated bottle pockets plus expandable sides for extra storage.

Designed to be carried everywhere, this miniature hardshell case from Traveler -approved suitcase brand July stands out for its detachable strap (which converts it into a clutch) and durability.

Read a full review here .

Made from 100 percent Italian leather, this timeless accessory can be worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody simply by adjusting the strap length. Its internal double compartments, center zippered divider, and back slip pocket are equally impressive.

This sleek leather bag is named for how the buckled tabs embrace its size—adorable, I know—and it’s just as functional as it is cute. The adjustable shoulder strap can be removed, allowing you to carry it as a clutch for a formal event.

Behold, your new summer wardrobe staple : the Staud Bean Convertible Leather clutch. Thanks to its clever convertible and removable strap, the purse can be worn as a clutch, shoulder bag, or wristlet.

The aptly named Transform Tote from Pond Los Angeles is a favorite of associate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny , who describes it as “the most functional tote I've ever used” thanks to its roomy interior, sleek design, and water-resistant construction. Plus, it can be worn not two, not three, but four ways: as a shoulder bag, a crossbody bag (thanks to its longer adjustable strap), a backpack, or on top of your carry-on courtesy of the built-in trolley sleeve.

This office-appropriate backpack will garner some compliments thanks to its structured silhouette and textured leather construction. The padded laptop compartment and multiple storage pockets add an extra-functional touch. Simply pull and extend the back strap to wear it as a crossbody or over the shoulder.

Whether worn as a backpack or carried as a briefcase, this convertible Timbuk2 bag was designed with savvy professionals—looking at you, business travelers —in mind. The luggage sleeve, which allows for hands-free carrying, is a bonus.

During the workweek, carry this Mark & Graham bag as a traditional work tote and stash your tablet inside the matching laptop sleeve. Come the weekend, switch things up by wearing it as a shoulder bag (there are built-in double shoulder straps) or a crossbody bag (I love the style of the attachable twill crossbody strap). Best of all, it can be monogrammed with your initials.

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Metz Travel Backpack for Women and Men Carry on Luggage Sized 22x14x9

Purchase options and add-ons

• ✔️ DIMENSIONS - Carry on luggage 22x14x9 inches - Perfectly sized backpack for multiple airlines including; American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines and many, many more!
• ✔️ SPACIOUS - The large main compartment is 44 liters of uninterrupted space! Lightweight and durable design weighing in at just 1.5lbs your new Metz backpack isn't just stylish its also incredibly lightweight
• ✔️ ORGANIZED - Your Metz backpack features 3 main lockable zipped compartments, including a document pocket, to speed up progress in the airport, organisational accessories and a tech pocket, including 2 zipped compartments within the compartments, so your luggage can be organized however you decide!
• ✔️ DURABLE - Your Metz is designed to be as durable as possible, made from high strength 600D polyester, made to be showerproof, with adjustable padded shoulder straps, padding on the back of the bag and a heavy duty handle on the top of the bag for lifting the backpack into overhead storage.
• ✔️ GUARANTEE - All Cabin Max luggage comes with a 3 year manufacturers warranty.

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The Metz backpack is the most popular in the Cabin Max collection. The classic exterior design comes in over 30 different colour variations and patterns, so we are confident that you will find one to suit your style and personality. Measuring just 22x14x9", the Metz rucksack is perfectly sized for the hand luggage restrictions of the most popular budget airlines - such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines to name a few. It's ultra lightweight at just 660 grams which means that you can pack your hand luggage to the MAX and avoid paying those extra check-in baggage costs.

Engineered in the UK

Cabin Max offers well designed functional, versatile and durable products. We've been designing and manufacturing multifunctional cabin approved hand luggage for over 10 years, and we wholeheartedly believe that travel should be as easy as possible.

Our range of hand luggage backpacks, trolleys and stowaway bags were developed using our own experience, with all members of staff keen travellers, and our design and manufacturing knowledge.

We provide you comfort in the knowledge that our original backpacks are still in use today, 10 years later!

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Customers say

Customers like the value, comfort, appearance and portability of the backpack. They mention that it's great for the price, comfortable to wear and that the shoulder straps have a nice comfortable fit. They appreciate the size, quality, and port ability. However, some customers disagree on zipper and straps.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the backpack. They say it's well built, durable, and holds up fine. They appreciate the hefty zippers and the excellent features. Some mention that the material is thin for a purpose.

"...I purchased the tropical print and aside from being comfortable and practical , the colors are vibrant and beautiful. Definitely recommend." Read more

"...The quality is pretty good , and overall I think a good value for this product, as I can see it lasting a long time and useable for many years of..." Read more

"...A lot lighter than my 8 lb traditional carry-on. The material seems sturdy and I was able to easily fit all the items I need for my Norwegian flight...." Read more

"...with several different sizes if packing cubes, and it really seems to hold up fine ...." Read more

Customers like the size of the backpack. They mention it's roomy, fits in all the overhead compartments, and is the perfect size for cabin travel. Some love the size and fabric, while others wish it had more structure. Overall, most are satisfied with the compartments and full book bag type pockets.

"...This bag size was PERFECT . It’s the same size as a carry on but malleable. It’s very lightweight...." Read more

"...Plus, you can fit a lot in it with all the different compartments, and the straps are padded enough so that it is comfortable to carry on your back...." Read more

"...The material seems sturdy and I was able to easily fit all the items I need for my Norwegian flight...." Read more

"...The zippers work well and there are some internal pockets for organization . I love the print and I think the fabric must be water resistant...." Read more

Customers find the backpack very light and easy to carry. They say it's great as a carry-on, perfect for backpacking, and perfect for short and long trips. Customers also mention that it'll make the perfect carry on.

"...It’s the same size as a carry on but malleable. It’s very lightweight ...." Read more

"...box, due to its unstructured construction, so combined with its light weight it could be perfect for an airline that is strict on size and weight." Read more

"...The dimensions are just right and its weight is miniscule so I won't go over the 17 pound limit. It's perfect except that it doesn't wheel...." Read more

"...my first Cabin Max, packed enough for one week and it fits under the seat of most planes if you use the compression straps and really cinch it down...." Read more

Customers like the comfort of the backpack. They mention that it's easy to wear, padded enough to be comfortable to carry on their back, and the shoulder straps have a nice comfortable fit. Some say that the bag is the perfect size and comfort wise.

"...I purchased the tropical print and aside from being comfortable and practical, the colors are vibrant and beautiful. Definitely recommend." Read more

"...and the straps are padded enough so that it is comfortable to carry on your back . I also clipped my neck pillow on the side using the side buckles...." Read more

"...The shoulder straps have a nice comfortable fit with padding that will hopefully help keep the bag from..." Read more

"...or straps with which to displace the weight so they were less comfortable than hiking packs (I would NOT use these for back country hiking), but we..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the backpack. For example, they mention that the colors are vibrant and beautiful, the print is pretty, and the pattern is awesome. They also appreciate the selection of designs and themes, and say that the backpack is funky and unique.

"...print and aside from being comfortable and practical, the colors are vibrant and beautiful . Definitely recommend." Read more

"...I love the print and I think the fabric must be water resistant...." Read more

"...Super happy with the choice. And the pattern is awesome ! I'm never traveling with a roller bag again.***..." Read more

"I bought this for a safari trip to Africa. The design is great ...." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the backpack. They say it's great for the price, great for discount airlines that weigh carry ons, and has saved them money on checked bag fees.

"...The quality is pretty good, and overall I think a good value for this product , as I can see it lasting a long time and useable for many years of..." Read more

"...all the choices of colors & patters, I noticed that they had different price points ...." Read more

"...big spenders, but I think both these purchases were absolutely worth the price ." Read more

"...This travel bag has saved me so much money on checked bag fees! It's the only way I travel. It so efficient, spacious, and light on my back...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the straps. Some mention the strap are padded enough and comfortable to carry, while others say they wish it had an additional strap to secure in the front across their chest.

"...fit a lot in it with all the different compartments, and the straps are padded enough so that it is comfortable to carry on your back...." Read more

"...Unlike hiking packs, these have no frame or straps with which to displace the weight so they were less comfortable than hiking packs..." Read more

"...Plus the padding on the back makes long term wearing when the bag is full and heavy quite comfortable...." Read more

"...And I like that it had compression straps on it as well. These are 4 straps on the sides that shrink the thickness of the back pack...." Read more

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Best backpacks for hiking and camping that are ideal for days spent outdoors

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Summer is here, which means the time is ripe to plan a little getaway.

Popularity for camping holidays remains high with many favouring a quick, UK trip away from the big cities. Whether you’re plotting a camping weekend or dream of a longer hike around one of our beautiful national parks, backpacks are step one when you’re thinking about your kit.

Perhaps you are looking for a daypack for weekend trips or something suitable for more demanding adventures; whatever your needs we’ve rounded up the best options for all scenarios - from the latest offerings from brands you’ll be familiar with to worthy newcomers.

How to find the best backpack for you

That’s a tricky one, simply because it depends on how you’ll be using it.

Although some are specifically designed with certain situations in mind (be it hiking, camping or travelling), contemporary constructions will now cut the mustard in a range of scenarios. Great camping backpacks will often make fantastic cabin bags, for example. For this reason, versatility is key.

Backpacks with so-called tuckaway straps – which can be slipped into mesh pockets on the rear of bags – will come in handy if you decide to check your backpack into an airplane hold. If you’re keen on support straps around the waist – an essential if you’re carrying heavier items such as tents - consider ones which can be removed when they’re not needed.

Love an internal pocket? Look for ones which are removable – internal pockets can be a lifesaver when you’re carrying items such as iPads or laptops , but on long hikes, the extra material can add to your burden.

Sustainability

More brands than ever are prioritising sustainability. Look for brands which are members of the Fair Wear Foundation. There are backpacks made of recycled polyester, PET plastic bottles, or fabrics which has Bluesign certification. This means the production processes meet strict criteria relating to sustainability.

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Picture BP26 Backpack

If Picture isn’t on your radar, it should be. One of the most sustainable backpack brands out there, it was founded by three snowboarding buddies with a serious passion for the environment. The company is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation and so vets all of its suppliers and producers closely. It also takes an innovative approach to waste reduction, whether it’s with the use of so-called “roll packaging” (which essentially means securing garments with string instead of plastic bags) or making its products entirely with recycled polyester. The BP26 is a great example.

It’s designed with snowboarders in mind, but it’s a fantastic camping backpack, as well as a great stand-in for the humble cabin bag. It has huge amounts of space and a rolltop closure which can be adjusted depending on the contents. We also love this bag’s versatility. It has many added extras, which include a ski carry system, ice axe holder and sternum strap and yet, its lightweight, clever design (the waist belt, for example, is removable) means it’s one of the few technical bags that make a truly fantastic daypack, too.

Helly Hansen Transistor Backpack

This Tardis-like backpack, which has a 30L capacity, is a joy to wear, thanks largely to its straps, which have generous amounts of padding and are extra-wide. The bag itself is packed full of handy features we didn’t know we needed until now - who knew a key clip could prove so useful? There’s also the more standard stuff such as attachments for trekking poles and ice axes (which can be used for other items, including tent poles).

The ventilation on the rear did a great job of keeping us cool, and we loved the roomy interior, which had two internal pockets, one of which is made with transparent mesh. 

In summary? This is a brilliant daypack with the technical features of a much larger bag. They have been incorporated into a lightweight backpack which makes it ideal for everything from short hikes to city breaks.

Red Original Eco-Friendly Waterproof Backpack

This multipurpose miracle, which has a 30L capacity, has been designed with a wide range of situations in mind. A roll-top closure will keep the contents dry on the rainiest of days (it’s also a design feature which allows the bag to provide more room when it’s needed) and the use of reflective materials makes it especially suitable for cyclists .

A padded internal organiser (which can be slipped out when not in use) provided peace of mind when we were travelling with our laptop in tow, and we appreciated the addition of a secret internal pocket, designed for valuable items such as keys and cash.

It’s eco-friendly, too – the ultra-tough material has been made from recycled plastic bottles. The construction has slightly more rigidity than most of the bags we tried, but for us, this was a bonus – it ensured there was room for air circulation between our back and the bag.

Klättermusen Jökull Ski Touring Backpack 24L

Yes, this is a lot to spend on a backpack, but we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. It’s ridiculously roomy and packed with features we wish we saw more of.

Our favourites? The fleece-lined sunglasses (or goggles, if you’re hitting the slopes) pocket, the removable helmet holder and the additional pockets on the waist straps.

This is one of the most comfortable backpacks we’ve come across, and even when it’s stuffed to capacity with items like ground mats and sleeping bags, the chances of chafing are low, thanks to the generous use of padding and extra-wide straps which reduce pressure on vulnerable areas.

Osprey Transporter Carry-On Bag Unisex Duffel Bag

We’ve always been a fan of Osprey bags – they’re tough, lightweight and wonderfully comfortable, no matter how much stuff we’ve crammed into them.

The Transporter Carry-On is no exception – a compact, stylish bag which maximises the capacity dictated by airlines, but still doubles as a brilliant hiking backpack. The design of the interior is refreshingly simple, with an easily accessible padded sleeve for laptops, and we were amazed by the size of the breathable mesh panel on the back – it covers almost the entire rear of the bag.

This panel also doubles as a pocket for the straps, which can be tucked away – a godsend for those times when you’re manhandling backpacks into spaces like overhead lockers, or checking backpacks into airplane holds.

Patagonia Altvia Backpack 28L

This is one of the most versatile backpacks we’ve come across. It’s got a 28L capacity, but if you’re travelling light, its drawstring closure means it’s easy to tuck any excess fabric away. This was one of our favourite features. By plumping for a drawstring opening, Patagonia has reduced the chances of dirt and damp working its way inside the bag when it’s placed on the ground.

It also feels incredibly secure, something which is often a higher priority on camping trips, especially if there might be moments when backpacks are left unwatched in tents for short periods of time. Add an ultra-breathable back panel and strap cushioning where we need it most, and this might just be the most comfortable backpack we’ve come across.

Vango Shuttle 25

Full disclosure – this only comes out in May, but we guarantee it will be worth the wait, and that’s not simply because Vango bags are famously well-designed. This bag has effortless access to the main compartment, ultra-tough components (the straps are particularly rugged) and a design which means it can be slipped sideways over handles on larger wheeled suitcases and rested on top. It’s also one of the few bags with a front stash product we’d consider using, due to the pocket’s concealed design.

Lixada Hiking Backpack 60L

There’s no danger of missing this backpack on the luggage carousel: the bright orange will scream for attention from miles away.

The large capacity backpack is light at 1.12kg empty, leaving more space for all your stuff, but it’s a strong bag too with details like breathable mesh padding, a wide hip belt with zipped pockets and adjustable straps to keep things comfortable when you’re on the move.

There are zips and pockets galore, with the one on the top able to expand overall capacity. There’s even a rain cover to protect your things in case of a downpour. As well as backpacking, it’s an excellent option for camping, hiking and festivals.

Also available in the less exciting colours of black, blue and green.

Mountain Warehouse Nevis Extreme 65 + 15 Litre Rucksack

With a wide zipped entry into the main compartment, this backpack is perfect for travel, allowing you full access without having to dig your stuff out of the bottom. The 65L main bag comes with a 15L mini day back attached, boosting capacity when you need it and also acting as an extra backpack for day trips.

Both feature plenty of pockets and straps to store and secure the design to you, making it as easy as possible to cart around. We like the fact that the side of the main bag features handles, making it easier to grab out of a luggage rack. The rip-stop fabric works to stop minor nicks and cuts from ruining the entire design and there’s even built-in cable access to plug in your headphones when your device is securely packed away.

If you’re remote working while you’re travelling a dedicated laptop sleeve will keep your tech safe until the next shift. Comes with a rain cover.

Forclaz Women’s Symbium 50 + 10L Rucksack

Make the decision to travel light and you’ll be rewarded with less stuff to lug around on your voyage. This pale blue backpack is loaded with zip entries and pockets with extra storage in the hip belt to keep necessities close to hand. It’s originally designed for female trekkers but there’s no reason it wouldn’t work for longer-term backpacking too. The carrying system makes it easier to bear heavy loads when you’re getting from A to B.

OEX Vallo 70 Rucksack

This design is made for long-haul backpacking adventures with up to 70L of precious space to make use of. The lightweight pack splits its capacity with a 10L pocket at the top and the rest in the main compartment, safe under a durable and water-resistant shell that can handle short showers (for serious downpours, reach for the integrated rain cover).

This blue whale has all the bells and whistles that you could hope for in a serious backpack, from spongey straps and an adjustable harness system to u-shaped zip pullers that are easy to use even if you’re wearing gloves.

Doshwin 70L Backpack

It’s a case of access to all areas with this backpack from Doshwin. Store the bulk of your clothes in the drawstring-close main compartment, and use the top, side and side mesh pockets to stash important documents, and water bottles and keep currency close to hand. There’s even a dedicated pocket to hold shoes, perfect to stop them from dirtying the rest of your clothes. The overall capacity is 70L, a good option for up to six months travelling with careful and considered packing.

Gandys Black Coated Cotton Bali Backpack

Best for: sustainable shoppers and giving back

Set up by two brothers orphaned in the 2004 Tsunami, this is a London brand with a heart. Every purchase goes towards one of the five kids’ campuses in Sri Lanka, Malawi, Brazil, Nepal and Mongolia, but that’s not the only reason to get involved. The men’s apparel is understated and pared down; both un-gimmicky and stylish. With simple cuts and classic colours, this is the go-to shop for high-quality and stylish outdoor gear.

The Bali is a stylish, sturdy backpack that will set you apart from the crowd. A coated exterior protects against the elements, while buckle detailing and handy pockets are perfect for storing office essentials.

Helly Hansen Capacitor 65 Litre Backpack

If you’re venturing far from the beaten track on ski adventures, a RECCO detector is a really good idea – these small transponders emit a directional radar signal that makes you searchable to mountain rescue teams in the event of an emergency.

Our pick of the packs with built-in RECCO is Helly Hansen’s Capacitor, which at 65 litres has enough room for overnight hut-to-hit kit and all your ski touring equipment, is easy to pack on the go and is compatible with hydration packs. The hip belt is excellent and makes even a heavy load feel comfortable to carry all day long.

Picture’s BP26 Backpack is a brilliant backpack which will rise to any challenge, whether you’re slogging it up Snowdon or simply exploring the walking trails surrounding your campsite. Few bags tick every box as well as the BP26, which packs a host of technical features into a backpack which looks the business, too.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

9 Best Pieces of Lightweight Luggage, Tested & Reviewed

A great lightweight suitcase can make the whole "travel light" endeavor a little easier.

Here, we've rounded up some of the best tried-and-true luggage that is as lightweight as it gets. Not one of these bags is over 10 pounds, and the lightest is crazy light at 3.9 pounds. Obviously, the bigger the bag, the heavier it gets. So while most of these are carry-ons , their checked bag counterparts are also on board the lightweight luggage cause.

Best Investment Lightweight Luggage

Rimowa cabin.

Best Large Lightweight Luggage

Samsonite c-lite large spinner.

Best Softside Lightweight Luggage

Bric's x travel carry-on.

Whether you're prioritizing absolute weight, capacity, or smart design, one of these lightweight suitcases will improve your next trip immensely.

The love for Rimowa runs deep, and it's not just because of its status symbolism. Rimowa luggage is sleek, minimal, and virtually indestructible. Its aluminum frames are known for denting as part of the whole adventure, and part of the game that you're playing when it comes to airy aluminum luggage. But Rimowa also designed the classic Cabin bag in an even lighter polycarbonate (7 pounds, versus aluminum's 9) that's also a bit cheaper. For a lightweight suitcase that's a hefty investment, it's a Rimowa through and through.

Samsonite has been tinkering with its suitcase design for as long as it has been around, and this is a big suitcase with little weight to it. It's a nice 30.7"H x 21.5"W size but only 6.3 pounds, ensuring you can stuff it full of clothes and it won't feel any heavier than necessary. It's simple, clean, and reliable for years to come.

Bric's makes a reliable, lightweight, soft-sided carry-on for anyone who isn't into this hard-sided business. It's still water-resistant and durable, but it's naturally going to be more flexible than any hard-sided suitcase can be. It's a classic: The top unzips for access to the big inside pocket, rather than opening into two separate sides.

Briggs & Riley Global 21" 2-Wheel Carry-On Duffle

Briggs & Riley's carry-on is part duffle, part suitcase. The soft-sided top unzips to reveal a huge space for packing in the middle, and there are some smaller organizational pockets, too. Carry it by the strap on front for a duffle style, or pull it on its two wheels. For shorter trips where you spend a lot of time carrying or moving your luggage, this one makes the process smoother.

Calpak Ambeur Medium Luggage

For minimalist, medium-sized luggage, Calpak is a no-brainer. This suitcase is roomy on the inside and sturdy on the outside. It expands up to 2 inches, too, if you happen to acquire things in your travels. Nine pounds is fairly light for a medium-sized suitcase, but this one is also available in a carry-on (mini, pocket, and regular), large, and as part of a matching set.

July Carry On Light

Extraordinarily lightweight luggage is kind of travel brand July's whole schtick. And it is no joke: This carry-on weighs just 3.9 pounds (!). It has a polycarbonate shell, with a water-resistant and stain-proof nylon lining.

Tumi International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On

If you're trying to get the most reliable, straightforward luggage once and call it a day for the next 10 or so years, get a Tumi. It doesn't feel quite as luxe as, say, a Rimowa, but it still feels damn good. This option is sleek, reliable, and, while pricey, won't ever break in your travels.

Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase

Now, if you're not ready for an investment suitcase and just want something that can get the job done, Quince's carry-on is a solid lightweight option. It's generally straightforward, no extra bells or whistles to speak of, and it transports your stuff as intended. Although the polycarbonate is indeed light, it (along with the zippers) can feel a bit cheap.

Monos Carry-On Plus

I've owned a lot of suitcases in my lifetime, and my Monos is my favorite. It makes me feel like I have my shit together, the way wearing a $200 outfit to the gym makes me feel like I have my shit together. Do I need to do this? No. But do I feel good with a pretty suitcase that has a few extra inches of precious shoe space? You bet.

Honorable Mentions

I know, shocking that this is an internet story on suitcases and there isn't an Away suitcase in here. It's nothing against Away—I still have a tiny carry-on I've been using for years—but it's just kind of tiring to see the same suitcase everywhere you go, and it's not noticeably lighter (or cheaper) than any of its peers.

What to Look For

For lightweight, hard-sided suitcases, polycarbonate reigns supreme on being the most effective combination of sturdy but light. It's also going to be cheaper than still lightweight (though not as light) aluminum. There are also some soft-sided suitcases made of ballistic nylon or other polyester blends that keep it light.

Of course, your smaller bags will, hopefully obviously, be lighter in weight. Make sure to look not just at the "size" (as in carry-on or medium) but the dimensions. Different brands have slightly different sizing. And if you're looking for lightness at all costs, the smaller sizes are great. But if you want a bigger size of these options, you'll be veering closer to 9, 10, and 11 pounds.

Why Trust Esquire

Our luggage knowledge spreads far and wide. Some of these bags we have been testing for years—and we do the work on them. I am, for one, am no light packer, no dainty suitcase user at all. We've worn in and worn out the best of them so you don't have to.

@media(max-width: 73.75rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.4375rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.5625rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}} Big Black Book: Summer 2024

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Ryanair passengers caught out by luggage fees despite ‘approved’ bags – here’s the pre-flight check you should make

• Hope Brotherton , Travel Reporter
• Published : 10:15, 18 Jun 2024
• Updated : 8:37, 20 Jun 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

AIRLINES will often make extra money by charging passengers to bring extra luggage on board the plane.

Holiday costs can dramatically increase if hand luggage is deemed oversized, meaning it has exceeded the baggage restrictions set out by the airline.

In recent weeks and months, several passengers have been forced to pay hefty fees after their bags were deemed too large by boarding gate staff .

Earlier this week, one passenger revealed she was made to pay £70 on her Ryanair flight because her hand luggage was "too deep" for the baggage size checker.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) , she wrote: "Anyone else been charged at the boarding gate by Ryanair for a paid for cabin bag being 'oversized'?

"I was told my case (bought because it claimed to be overhead locker compliant) was too deep and they made me pay £70 at Leeds-Bradford on Thursday."

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Her post was accompanied by a photo showing her mint green suitcase jutting out mere centimetres when placed in the baggage size checker .

This isn't the first time a passenger has been asked to pay for their luggage because it was deemed too large for the airline's requirements.

In 2023, one woman was told she would have to pay an extra $99 (£81) because her  bag was too big  for the cabin.

In a video, which was posted on TikTok , she was able to prove airport staff wrong by easily slotting her bag into the  size checkers , showing that it was clearly within the limits.

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Other passengers have previously taken  drastic measures  to avoid having to pay for their bigger bags.

For example, a group of easyJet customers were seen snapping the wheels off their cases to make sure they fit  the airline's sizes .

USE THIS PRE-FLIGHT CHECK

To avoid these hefty fees and the stress at the boarding gate, holidaymakers can use one simple trick to make sure their luggage adheres to the restrictions laid out by the airline.

Even though luggage companies may advertise bags as being compliant for overhead lockers, this may not be the case.

This is because airlines have different requirements, so a bag that's suitable for a British Airways flight might be too large for Ryanair -even if the difference is only a few centimetres.

Passengers who want to make sure their luggage is compliant before arriving at the airport should use a measuring tape to measure their bags.

Suitcases with wheels should be measured from top to bottom, with the wheels included.

Passengers should also make sure they measure the depth of their suitcase too, as this often gets forgotten.

Aim to add on an extra inch to your measurements, so you have a little bit of leeway when you're at the airport.

Any passenger who has ordered brand-new luggage for their summer getaway that claims to be compliant with airline restrictions, should also be measured - just in case it is a fraction too large.

If your bag is too big for the restrictions laid out by the airline your travelling with, then you have time to return the luggage before your trip.

And if you're shopping for luggage at a shop or supermarket, take your measuring tape with you.

This is so you can make sure your luggage is compliant before purchasing.

Passengers who are travelling with just an underseat bag, like I often do, should also pack a measuring tape with them.

I use my measuring tape when I'm packing for my return flight, just to make sure my rucksack isn't too deep or tall.

If it is a little too large, I'll unpack items like my book or tablet, or an extra layer of clothing, to decrease the size of my bag, so it adheres to the requirements.

By carrying on these items, it simply looks like I am getting ready for my flight rather than being cheeky with the limits.

For Brits worrying about their  hand luggage  for upcoming flights, here are all the rules for the most popular budget airlines in the UK.

All  Ryanair  passengers are allowed to bring a small personal bag on board, but it must fit under the seat in front.

Passengers can pay to bring a larger cabin bag onboard, which must be no bigger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and weigh no more than 10kg.

Each person is allowed to bring a small cabin bag on board.

Passengers can pay to bring a larger cabin bag onboard, which must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including any handles or wheels.

Jet2  passengers can also bring a small piece of hand luggage on board free of charge.

Those bags must not weigh more than 10kg and can’t be any bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including any wheels and handles.

Holidaymakers can also bring a small, personal, item onboard, such as a handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase.

Wizz Air  passengers can take one small cabin bag for free onto the plane.

Passengers can pay to bring a larger cabin bag onto their flight, which must be no bigger than 55cm x 40cm x 23 cm and weigh no more than 10kg.

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Hand luggage rules for uk airlines.

We've rounded up how much hand luggage you can take on UK airlines when booking their most basic fare.

One personal bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm

One personal bag measuring no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm

One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm weighing up to 10kg

One personal item that its underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm weighing up to 10kg

British Airways

One personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm weighing up to 23kg

Virgin Atlantic

One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm weighing up to 10kg

Meanwhile, travellers love  this bag  that they claim prevents them from having to pay for hand luggage.

And this woman revealed a hack to get  extra hand luggage  on a flight.

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