10 Best Carry On Backpacks 2025 in the United States

The TUMI Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack shines as an everyday travel backpack designed to meet the needs of commuters and travelers alike. Its dimensions of 16.0 x 14.0 x 7.3 inches provide a generous capacity of 265.98 cubic meters, offering ample space for your travel essentials. The backpack also features a zip expansion, making it highly adaptable to various packing needs. Weighing in at 2.8 pounds, it strikes a balance between sturdiness and portability, although it might be on the heavier side for some users when fully packed.

Comfort is well addressed with its padded mesh back panel and adjustable shoulder straps, ensuring a comfortable carry even during extended use. The inclusion of a padded laptop compartment that fits up to a 15” PC or 16” MacBook makes it a tech-friendly option, offering good protection for your devices. Durability is another strong point; as a TUMI product, it is expected to last, backed by a generous warranty (five years for most of its products).

The backpack is constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use. Organizational features are plentiful, with numerous zip pockets for easy access to smaller items. However, the hefty price tag typically associated with TUMI products might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. This backpack is highly suitable for professionals or frequent travelers who value durability, comfort, and organizational efficiency.

The Travelpro Altitude Large Expandable Travel Laptop Backpack is a versatile and durable carry-on backpack suitable for both men and women. With a capacity range of 30 to 36 liters, it offers ample space for travel essentials and an expansion feature that adds up to 20% more space when needed. The backpack is made from high-density ballistic ECOFAB material which is eco-friendly and water-resistant, ensuring long-term durability and protection from stains and scrapes. It features premium details like full-grain leather touch points and airline-grade aluminum hardware for added style and resilience.

The organizational features are impressive, with multiple compartments, padded sleeves for laptops up to 16 inches, a Travelpro ID TheftBlock pocket, and anti-theft pockets to keep your valuables secure. Comfort is well-addressed with padded airflow back panels and adjustable shoulder straps, along with aircraft-grade aluminum sternum straps to distribute weight and prevent shoulder strain. At 4 pounds, the backpack is relatively lightweight, considering its robust construction.

Additionally, the backpack comes with a lifetime warranty and a trusted companion promise, providing peace of mind for frequent travelers. One potential drawback is its weight of 5.61 pounds, which may be on the heavier side for some users. However, the comprehensive features and durable construction make it a strong contender for those needing a reliable and organizationally rich carry-on backpack.

The TUMI Alpha Brief Pack is a stylish and versatile laptop backpack designed for business travelers and daily commuters. It boasts a dedicated padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, a tablet pocket, and multiple other pockets that enhance its organizational capacity. With a total capacity of 15 liters, it provides ample space for essentials, though it might be limiting for those needing more storage for longer trips.

Weighing 3.5 pounds, it is relatively lightweight considering its durable ballistic nylon construction, which ensures it can withstand daily use and travel rigors efficiently. The adjustable and padded straps add a high level of comfort, making it suitable for extended wear without causing strain. Additionally, the fabric sleeve to secure it over carry-on luggage handles is a thoughtful feature for frequent flyers, simplifying airport navigation.

On the downside, its compact size may not accommodate bulkier items, and at a higher price point, it may be considered an investment piece. The sleek black leather adds a touch of sophistication, but might show wear over time. This backpack is ideal for business professionals and frequent travelers who prioritize organization, durability, and a premium look in their carry-on luggage.