We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Carry On Backpacks 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MATEIN 45L Travel Backpack, Large Carry on Backpack for Men Women, Water Resistant Lightweight Expandable Daypack, Business Weekender Backpacks, Gifts for People who Travel, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,264
Size and Capacity
Weight
Comfort

Most important from
12781 reviews

Size and Capacity
Easily fits all essentials for a 10-day trip while remaining well-made and user-friendly with smooth zipper access.
Weight
Lightweight at just over 2 pounds, it balances size and comfort for carry-on compliance and ease of transport.
Comfort
Comfortable and sturdy shoulder straps combined with the option to carry it horizontally or vertically provide great flexibility during travel.
Durability
Holds up well under heavy loads, maintaining durability even when fully stuffed and weighing around 15 pounds.
Organizational Features
Front pockets are spacious enough for tablets, though they lack padding, which is compensated by surrounding clothing for protection.

The MATEIN 45L Travel Backpack is a solid choice for travelers looking for a large, versatile carry-on bag. With its expandable design, it comfortably meets airline carry-on size rules while offering extra space when you need it. Weighing just over 2 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry without feeling too bulky. Comfort is addressed through adjustable shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and a sternum strap that helps spread the weight evenly across your chest.

The backpack’s convertible style, allowing you to hide the shoulder straps and carry it like a briefcase, adds flexibility for different travel situations. Organization-wise, it includes compartments for essentials like phones and headphones, plus internal compression straps to keep your items secure and neat. It also features four external compression straps that help stabilize the load and protect the zippers. Durability is a strong point thanks to water-resistant polyester, sturdy zippers, and solid stitching, ensuring it can handle various travel conditions.

The relatively large size might be a bit much if you prefer a more compact backpack. Also, while it has many useful features for travelers, those seeking specialized compartments for tech gear or hiking might find it basic. This backpack is well suited for weekend and business travelers who want a reliable, roomy, and comfortable carry-on option with good durability and organization.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,264
Size and Capacity
Weight
Comfort

Most important from
12781 reviews

Size and Capacity
Easily fits all essentials for a 10-day trip while remaining well-made and user-friendly with smooth zipper access.
Weight
Lightweight at just over 2 pounds, it balances size and comfort for carry-on compliance and ease of transport.
Comfort
Comfortable and sturdy shoulder straps combined with the option to carry it horizontally or vertically provide great flexibility during travel.
Durability
Holds up well under heavy loads, maintaining durability even when fully stuffed and weighing around 15 pounds.
Organizational Features
Front pockets are spacious enough for tablets, though they lack padding, which is compensated by surrounding clothing for protection.
#2

Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack Lite, Black - Large Carry-On Travel Backpack for Men and Women - Durable, Comfortable, Easy to Pack, Airline-Approved Bag with Laptop Compartment

Rating
9.7
Durability
Size and Capacity
Organizational Features

Most important from
51 reviews

Durability
The backpack delivers premium quality with durable materials and solid zippers, showing no signs of loose threads or stitching issues.
Size and Capacity
Its 40-liter capacity strikes a balance between ample packing space and manageable size, fitting well in overhead bins without excessive bulk.
Organizational Features
The front-loading suitcase-style design makes packing and unpacking intuitive, with thoughtful pockets for quick access to essentials like passports and chargers.
Comfort
Comfort features such as padded straps, a sternum strap, load lifters, and a hip belt effectively distribute weight, though heavy loads can still pull on the shoulders slightly.
Weight
Compared to the PRO version, the LITE feels lighter and simpler, catering to travelers who prefer minimal internal organization and may use a separate bag for office gear.

The Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack Lite is an excellent option for travelers seeking a large, carry-on size backpack that fits easily in overhead bins. With a 40-liter capacity, it provides ample space to pack for about a week without the need to check a bag. Designed with comfort in mind, it features padded straps, a sternum strap, load lifters, and a hip belt that shifts most of the weight from your shoulders to your hips, helping reduce fatigue during longer trips.

Constructed from durable 630D CORDURA nylon and equipped with reliable YKK zippers, this backpack is built to withstand frequent use. Its front-loading, suitcase-style design simplifies packing and unpacking, while a padded laptop compartment and two quick-access pockets keep belongings organized. Weighing just over 3 pounds, it is reasonably lightweight for its size, though some may notice the weight compared to smaller daypacks.

With a mostly simple and functional design, the black color and sturdy materials give it a sleek yet rugged appearance suitable for both men and women. This backpack suits travelers who prioritize comfort, durability, and efficient packing space in a carry-on sized bag, though those who prefer something ultra-light or minimalist might find it somewhat bulky.

Rating
9.7
Durability
Size and Capacity
Organizational Features

Most important from
51 reviews

Durability
The backpack delivers premium quality with durable materials and solid zippers, showing no signs of loose threads or stitching issues.
Size and Capacity
Its 40-liter capacity strikes a balance between ample packing space and manageable size, fitting well in overhead bins without excessive bulk.
Organizational Features
The front-loading suitcase-style design makes packing and unpacking intuitive, with thoughtful pockets for quick access to essentials like passports and chargers.
Comfort
Comfort features such as padded straps, a sternum strap, load lifters, and a hip belt effectively distribute weight, though heavy loads can still pull on the shoulders slightly.
Weight
Compared to the PRO version, the LITE feels lighter and simpler, catering to travelers who prefer minimal internal organization and may use a separate bag for office gear.
#3

MATEIN Mens Backpack for Travel, Extra Large Expandable Carry on Backpack with Hideaway Shoulder Straps for Travelling, Water Resistant Heavy Duty Daypack, Gifts for Men Women, Dark Green

Rating
9.7
Size and Capacity
Weight
Comfort

Most important from
12780 reviews

Size and Capacity
The backpack offers impressive space without feeling bulky, easily fitting clothes, electronics, and more for travel.
Weight
Its design balances lightweight construction with comfort, featuring padded straps and ventilation for long wear.
Comfort
Its design balances lightweight construction with comfort, featuring padded straps and ventilation for long wear.
Durability
The build quality stands out with sturdy handles, solid stitching, and materials that hold up well even when fully packed and heavy.
Organizational Features
Multiple compartments and front pockets keep essentials organized and accessible throughout trips.

The MATEIN Mens Backpack is a strong choice for travelers looking for a versatile carry-on bag. Its expandable design offers generous packing space, meeting airline size limits while letting you fit extra items when needed. Weighing just 13.7 ounces, it’s very lightweight, easing the burden when moving through airports or on day trips. Comfort is well addressed with padded, adjustable shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and a sternum strap to help distribute weight more evenly, which is great for longer wear. The backpack converts neatly between a traditional carry-on style and a briefcase look by hiding the shoulder straps, adding flexibility for different travel situations. Organizationally, it includes a front pocket for small essentials like phones and earphones, a large main compartment with compression straps to keep items secure, and multiple grab handles for easy handling.

Durability is impressive due to its water-resistant polyester fabric, sturdy zippers, and solid stitching, which should hold up well under various travel conditions. A luggage strap also lets you attach it securely to a suitcase handle, simplifying transit. On the downside, while the backpack is large, its expandable feature might add extra bulk that could be tricky in very tight overhead bins. Also, it’s designed as a unisex bag but the styling and color options may not suit everyone’s taste. This backpack is well suited for frequent travelers, weekend adventurers, or anyone wanting a practical, lightweight carry-on with smart features and good durability.

Rating
9.7
Size and Capacity
Weight
Comfort

Most important from
12780 reviews

Size and Capacity
The backpack offers impressive space without feeling bulky, easily fitting clothes, electronics, and more for travel.
Weight
Its design balances lightweight construction with comfort, featuring padded straps and ventilation for long wear.
Comfort
Its design balances lightweight construction with comfort, featuring padded straps and ventilation for long wear.
Durability
The build quality stands out with sturdy handles, solid stitching, and materials that hold up well even when fully packed and heavy.
Organizational Features
Multiple compartments and front pockets keep essentials organized and accessible throughout trips.

Buying Guide for the Best Carry On Backpacks

Choosing the right carry-on backpack can make your travel experience much more comfortable and convenient. The key is to find a backpack that fits your needs, whether you're a frequent flyer, a weekend traveler, or someone who needs a reliable bag for daily use. Consider the size, weight, comfort, durability, and organizational features of the backpack. By understanding the key specifications, you can make an informed decision and select the best carry-on backpack for your lifestyle.
Size and CapacitySize and capacity refer to the dimensions and volume of the backpack. This is important because it determines how much you can pack and whether the backpack meets airline carry-on size restrictions. Backpacks typically range from 20 to 45 liters. For short trips or minimal packing, a 20-30 liter backpack may suffice. For longer trips or if you need to carry more items, a 30-45 liter backpack is ideal. Consider your travel habits and the amount of gear you usually carry to choose the right size.
WeightThe weight of the backpack itself is crucial, especially if you plan to carry it for extended periods. A lightweight backpack reduces the overall load you have to carry. Backpacks can range from under 1 pound to over 4 pounds. If you prioritize mobility and ease of carrying, look for a backpack that weighs less than 2 pounds. However, if you need more features and durability, a slightly heavier backpack might be necessary. Balance the weight with the features you need.
ComfortComfort is determined by the backpack's design, including the shoulder straps, back panel, and hip belt. This is important because a comfortable backpack reduces strain on your body. Look for padded and adjustable shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and a supportive hip belt. If you plan to carry heavy loads or wear the backpack for long periods, these features are essential. Try on the backpack and adjust the straps to ensure a good fit.
DurabilityDurability refers to the backpack's ability to withstand wear and tear. This is important for ensuring the longevity of your backpack, especially if you travel frequently. Look for backpacks made from high-quality materials like nylon or polyester, with reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers. Water-resistant or waterproof materials can also add to the durability. If you need a backpack for rugged use or frequent travel, prioritize durability in your choice.
Organizational FeaturesOrganizational features include compartments, pockets, and other design elements that help you keep your items organized. This is important for easy access and efficient packing. Look for backpacks with multiple compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve, internal and external pockets, and compression straps. If you carry a lot of gadgets or need to keep your items well-organized, these features are crucial. Consider your packing style and the types of items you carry to choose the right organizational features.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now