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 Travel 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
9.8
Chosen by1,227
Size
Weight
Material

Most important from
12042 reviews

Size
The backpack's size is generous but may feel bulky for those seeking a minimalist or ultra-compact bag.
Weight
Its lightweight, breathable design ensures comfortable carrying without bulk during long travels.
Material
The water-resistant polyester material and sturdy construction hold up well against travel wear and light rain.
Compartments
The backpack offers deep, well-placed pockets and ample room for clothes plus extra items, making it ideal for school, travel, or daily use.
Comfort
Padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and a sternum strap distribute weight evenly and keep the wearer comfortable.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,227
Size
Weight
Material

Most important from
12042 reviews

Size
The backpack's size is generous but may feel bulky for those seeking a minimalist or ultra-compact bag.
Weight
Its lightweight, breathable design ensures comfortable carrying without bulk during long travels.
Material
The water-resistant polyester material and sturdy construction hold up well against travel wear and light rain.
Compartments
The backpack offers deep, well-placed pockets and ample room for clothes plus extra items, making it ideal for school, travel, or daily use.
Comfort
Padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and a sternum strap distribute weight evenly and keep the wearer comfortable.
#2

coowoz Travel Backpack For Women Men,Carry On Backpack,Hiking Backpack Waterproof Outdoor Sports Rucksack Casual Daypack Travel Essentials(Black) 25L

Rating
9.6
Size
Weight
Material

Most important from
21000 reviews

Size
The compact size fits perfectly as an airline personal item, comfortably sliding under seats even on airlines with strict dimension limits.
Weight
Lightweight yet sturdy, the material and stitching demonstrate thoughtful construction, making it reliable for daily use and travel.
Material
Lightweight yet sturdy, the material and stitching demonstrate thoughtful construction, making it reliable for daily use and travel.
Compartments
This backpack strikes a great balance between utility and style, offering padded laptop protection alongside multiple well-designed pockets for organized storage.
Comfort
Comfortable padded shoulder straps and a lightweight design make it ideal for hands-free, extended wear during travel or work commutes.

The coowoz Travel Backpack is a versatile and practical option for short trips or daily use, especially for travelers who want a lightweight, comfortable carry-on backpack. It’s made from waterproof polyester, which helps protect your belongings from rain and makes the bag durable over time. The padded shoulder straps improve comfort during longer wear, and the material also allows good air flow to keep you cool. At about 2.2 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around without feeling heavy.

The backpack offers multiple compartments including a wet bag for separating damp items and a separate shoe compartment, which is very handy for travel and sports activities. It also has two laptop sections that fit a tablet and a 15.6-inch laptop, making it suitable for work or study on the go. The size is designed to hold about 1-2 days worth of clothes and essentials, with dimensions around 17 x 31 x 42 inches, though the exact capacity is noted between 17 and 25 liters. This size works well for short getaways but might be tight for longer trips.

Some users might find the bag’s design more casual than sleek, which suits outdoorsy or everyday use better than formal business travel. The backpack excels in versatility, comfort, and protective features but may have minor inconsistencies in size details and is best suited for travelers needing a compact, organized bag for short trips or daily activities.

Rating
9.6
Size
Weight
Material

Most important from
21000 reviews

Size
The compact size fits perfectly as an airline personal item, comfortably sliding under seats even on airlines with strict dimension limits.
Weight
Lightweight yet sturdy, the material and stitching demonstrate thoughtful construction, making it reliable for daily use and travel.
Material
Lightweight yet sturdy, the material and stitching demonstrate thoughtful construction, making it reliable for daily use and travel.
Compartments
This backpack strikes a great balance between utility and style, offering padded laptop protection alongside multiple well-designed pockets for organized storage.
Comfort
Comfortable padded shoulder straps and a lightweight design make it ideal for hands-free, extended wear during travel or work commutes.
#3

MATEIN Weekender Backpack, Large Capacity Travelling Suitcase Backpack with Strap for Clothes, Expandable Flight Approved Business Carry on Daypack for International Travel, Blue

Rating
9.4
Size
Material
Compartments

Most important from
12042 reviews

Size
Perfect for a 2-week trip with enough clothing and shoes for varying weather conditions, avoiding the hassle of checked bags and lost luggage.
Material
This backpack is incredibly durable with deep, comfortably placed pockets and strong zippers, making it theft-proof and perfect for high school, college, or travel.
Compartments
The layout and ample pockets are fantastic, and the suitcase-like backpack form is used all the time, qualifying as a personal item even when max-packed.
Comfort
Value for money is incredible, and the backpack looks stylish, especially in black. It's comfortable and breathable, making it a genuinely perfect backpack for any use.

The MATEIN Weekender Backpack is designed for travelers who need a versatile and spacious carry-on option. It boasts a large capacity with an expandable feature, allowing up to 45L of storage space, which is ideal for packing cubes, clothes, and other travel essentials. This makes it suitable for weekend travelers and occasional vacationers. The backpack meets carry-on size requirements for several airlines, making it convenient for international travel.

Its convertible design includes hideaway padded shoulder straps, transforming it from a backpack to a briefcase, and a luggage strap for easier handling on trips. Weighing only 1.87 pounds, it is lightweight and features adjustable shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel for enhanced comfort during extended use. Multiple compartments, including a front pocket and internal compression straps, help organize and secure items, while external compression straps minimize movement inside the bag.

Made of water-resistant polyester with sturdy zippers and durable stitching, it is built for durability and can withstand various conditions. However, the large size and capacity might be excessive for those who prefer a more compact option. Additionally, the lack of more specialized compartments may not suit everyone’s needs. Its dimensions (19*13*8 inches) may also be cumbersome for smaller overhead bins, despite claims of fitting standard carry-on sizes.

Rating
9.4
Size
Material
Compartments

Most important from
12042 reviews

Size
Perfect for a 2-week trip with enough clothing and shoes for varying weather conditions, avoiding the hassle of checked bags and lost luggage.
Material
This backpack is incredibly durable with deep, comfortably placed pockets and strong zippers, making it theft-proof and perfect for high school, college, or travel.
Compartments
The layout and ample pockets are fantastic, and the suitcase-like backpack form is used all the time, qualifying as a personal item even when max-packed.
Comfort
Value for money is incredible, and the backpack looks stylish, especially in black. It's comfortable and breathable, making it a genuinely perfect backpack for any use.

Buying Guide for the Best Travel Carry On Backpacks

Choosing the right travel carry-on backpack can make your trips more comfortable and convenient. The ideal backpack should be easy to carry, fit within airline size restrictions, and have enough space to hold your essentials. When selecting a carry-on backpack, consider factors such as size, weight, material, compartments, and comfort. Understanding these key specifications will help you find a backpack that suits your travel needs and preferences.
SizeSize is crucial because it determines whether the backpack will fit within airline carry-on size restrictions. Most airlines allow carry-on bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Backpacks come in various sizes, typically measured in liters. Smaller backpacks (20-30 liters) are suitable for short trips or minimalists, while medium (30-40 liters) and larger (40-50 liters) backpacks are better for longer trips or those who need more space. Choose a size that fits your travel duration and packing style.
WeightThe weight of the backpack itself is important because it adds to the total weight you will be carrying. Lighter backpacks (under 2 pounds) are easier to carry and ideal for those who prioritize mobility. Medium-weight backpacks (2-4 pounds) offer a balance between durability and ease of carrying. Heavier backpacks (over 4 pounds) may provide more features and sturdiness but can be cumbersome. Consider how much weight you are comfortable carrying, especially if you plan to walk long distances.
MaterialThe material of the backpack affects its durability, weight, and water resistance. Common materials include nylon, polyester, and canvas. Nylon and polyester are lightweight, durable, and often water-resistant, making them suitable for most travelers. Canvas is heavier but very durable and has a classic look. If you expect to encounter wet conditions, look for backpacks with water-resistant coatings or rain covers. Choose a material that matches your travel environment and durability needs.
CompartmentsCompartments help organize your belongings and make it easier to access items quickly. Backpacks with multiple compartments, including a main compartment, front pockets, side pockets, and internal organizers, offer better organization. Some backpacks also have dedicated laptop sleeves or shoe compartments. If you carry electronics, look for padded compartments for protection. Think about what you typically pack and choose a backpack with compartments that suit your organizational preferences.
ComfortComfort is essential, especially if you will be carrying the backpack for extended periods. Look for features such as padded shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a hip belt to distribute weight evenly. Adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit to your body. Ventilated back panels can help keep you cool. Try on the backpack if possible to ensure it fits well and feels comfortable. Consider your body type and any specific comfort needs you may have.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now