10 Best Airplane Backpack 2025 in the United States

The Wildkin 12-Inch Kids Backpack is a great option for young children, particularly those in preschool or daycare. Its compact size (12.5 x 10 x 4.5 inches) makes it easy for little ones to carry without being overwhelmed. The backpack is lightweight, weighing only 10 ounces, which adds to its ease of use for toddlers. The material appears durable and child-friendly, and the padded back and adjustable straps enhance comfort for young users.

One of its standout features is the insulated front pocket, which can double as a lunch box, making it convenient for travel and daily use. The backpack has two zippered compartments, which offer decent space for organizing school supplies and snacks, though it might be a bit tight for larger items. In terms of style, the vibrant patterns are designed to appeal to children, and it coordinates with other Wildkin products, which can be a plus for parents looking for matching sets.

This backpack excels in being a practical and appealing choice for young kids, especially for short trips and daily school use. Its strengths lie in its size, weight, and comfort, while the lack of advanced security features and limited capacity for larger items are minor drawbacks that may affect its versatility for older children or more extensive travel needs.

The JetKids Stokke Crew BackPack in Pink Lemonade is designed for kids aged 2-7, making it a versatile option for both school and travel. One of its standout features is its expandable capacity, growing as your child does, which is quite handy. The material is high-quality and water-repellent, ensuring durability and easy cleaning—a great plus for young kids. Comfort is well-addressed with padded shoulder straps and a chest strap, which can help distribute weight evenly, though its small size might limit long-term use as your child grows older.

Additionally, the pull-out seat pad is a thoughtful touch for outdoor activities, preventing your child from sitting directly on the ground. The backpack offers simple organization with one large and two small pockets, plus an extra storage bag for dirty items, making it easy to keep things tidy. However, with a total capacity of only 2 liters, it may not hold a lot of items, which could be a limitation for more extended trips or older kids. Weighing just 12 ounces, it's lightweight and easy for young children to carry. The reflective material adds a layer of safety, making your child more visible in low-light conditions.

Style-wise, the Pink Lemonade color and detachable captain stripes give it a fun, appealing look. The backpack's compact size does mean it might not be suitable for carrying larger items, and its limited capacity may make it less useful as your child grows. This backpack is best suited for younger children who need a lightweight, durable, and stylish option for short trips or everyday use.

The MATEIN Carry on Backpack stands out as a reliable choice for travelers needing an airplane-friendly backpack. It offers an impressive expandable capacity, increasing from 40L to 45L, which accommodates various packing needs from clothes to camera gear. This flexibility makes it ideal for both weekend travelers and those taking longer trips. Its size and compliance with airline carry-on requirements make it convenient for overhead or under-seat storage on flights.

The backpack’s convertible design allows it to transform from a backpack to a briefcase, adding to its versatility. The hideaway padded shoulder straps and luggage strap are practical features for easier handling during travel. Comfort is prioritized with adjustable, padded shoulder straps, and a ventilated back panel that ensures breathability. The sternum strap further helps distribute weight evenly, reducing shoulder strain.

In terms of organization, the backpack includes multiple compartments, compression straps, and lockable zipper heads, enhancing both convenience and security. Constructed from water-resistant polyester, it’s durable and weather-resistant, though it’s worth noting that extreme weather conditions might still be a challenge. Despite its lightweight build at 2.2 pounds, the backpack’s heavy-duty design and sturdy zippers add to its durability. Style-wise, its sleek black finish appeals to a broad audience. On the downside, users might find the lack of dedicated security features like RFID protection a minor drawback, and some might prefer additional padding in the grab handles for extra comfort. This backpack is particularly suited for frequent flyers, business travelers, and anyone seeking a versatile, durable carry-on solution.