10 Best Travel Carry On Backpacks 2025 in the United States

The MATEIN 45L Travel Backpack is a solid choice for travelers looking for a large, versatile carry-on bag. Its 20 x 13.4 x 8.6 inch size meets most airline carry-on requirements and offers expandable storage, which is great if you need extra packing space for weekend trips or business travel. Weighing just over 2 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry comfortably without adding much bulk. The backpack is made from water-resistant polyester, which helps protect your belongings from light rain or splashes, and the strong zippers add durability for frequent use.

This backpack shines in organization, with a large main compartment featuring compression straps to keep your items secure and multiple pockets for smaller essentials like your phone or earphones. The convertible design is a neat feature—hideaway straps let you switch from backpack to briefcase style, and a luggage strap lets you easily attach it to rolling suitcases, making airport navigation smoother. Comfort is taken care of with padded, adjustable shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel to reduce sweat, and a sternum strap to distribute weight evenly on your chest.

On the downside, while its size is generous, it might be a bit bulky for travelers who prefer minimalism or need to fit this under tighter airline seat spaces. The material, though water-resistant, isn’t fully waterproof, so heavy rain could still be a challenge. Also, the backpack’s style is somewhat plain, which might not appeal to those wanting a more fashionable look. This backpack is a practical and comfortable option ideal for weekend travelers, business commuters, or anyone who needs a durable, expandable carry-on. Its thoughtful features and solid construction make it a dependable travel companion, especially for those who value flexibility and organization.

The Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack Lite is a solid choice for travelers needing a large, carry-on approved bag that fits most airline overhead bins with its dimensions of 22 x 14 x 8 inches. With 40 liters of space, it’s roomy enough for trips lasting about a week or more, making it ideal for those who want to avoid checked luggage. Weighing 3.5 pounds, it strikes a balance between being lightweight and durable, thanks to its sturdy 630D CORDURA nylon material and reliable YKK zippers, which means it should hold up well through frequent use and different travel conditions.

The backpack offers smart organization with a suitcase-style front-loading design, a separate laptop compartment, and two quick-access pockets, helping keep things orderly and easy to reach. Comfort-wise, it stands out with thick padding, a sternum strap, load lifter straps, and a hip belt designed to transfer most of the weight away from your shoulders, reducing strain during long walks or airport treks.

At 3.5 pounds, it’s not the lightest carry-on backpack available, so if you prioritize ultra-light gear, this might feel a bit heavy when fully packed. Also, while the size is great for many, travelers looking for a smaller or more compact bag might find it bulky. This backpack is an excellent option for those wanting a spacious, tough, and comfortable carry-on that simplifies packing and travel logistics, especially for week-long trips or longer.

The Thule Aion Travel Backpack is a solid choice for travelers looking for a functional and stylish carry-on option. With a capacity of 40 liters, it offers ample space for personal items, making it ideal for short trips or as an additional bag for your travels. One of its standout features is the use of 100% recycled polyester and a durable water-resistant coating, which not only supports eco-friendly practices but also helps keep your belongings protected from the elements. The removable TPU rolltop bag allows for additional organization, helping users keep items separate and easily accessible. This is particularly useful for travelers who want to streamline their packing.

On the comfort front, the backpack is designed with padded storage that can accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop and a 12.9-inch tablet, ensuring your tech gear is safe during transit. However, the optional Thule Aion Sling Bag, sold separately for use as a hipbelt, might not be necessary for everyone and can add to the overall cost if you choose to purchase it.

While the Thule Aion Backpack has many strengths, it’s essential to consider its weight of 1215 grams (approximately 2.68 lbs). This might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially when fully packed. Additionally, the size dimensions (6.3 x 13.78 x 21.65 inches) are relatively standard, but could be a tight fit in some airline overhead compartments, depending on the specific airline regulations.