10 Best Travel Carry On Backpacks 2025 in the United States

The NOMATIC Travel Carry On Backpack is a solid choice for travelers looking for a compact, organized bag that fits easily under an airplane seat. With a 20-liter capacity, it offers enough space for daily essentials like a laptop, clothes, and books without feeling bulky. At just under 4 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry comfortably for extended periods. The backpack’s water-resistant material provides good protection against light rain, making it dependable in various weather conditions.

It excels in organization, featuring multiple pockets including an RFID lockable security pocket, mesh zipper compartments, and a dedicated laptop slot sized for up to a 16-inch device. This helps keep your items secure and neatly arranged, which is great for business travelers or anyone who likes order. Comfort considerations suggest the size and weight should make it reasonably easy to carry, though it might lack the extra cushioning found in larger travel backpacks. The inclusion of cord pass-through holes adds convenience for charging devices on the go.

One minor drawback is its relatively narrow water bottle pocket, fitting bottles up to 3.5 inches in diameter only, which could be limiting if you use larger bottles. Also, the backpack’s dimensions (around 15 x 29 x 41 inches) seem somewhat large for a typical 20L bag, so checking airline carry-on size restrictions is advised. This backpack is well suited for business travelers and everyday commuters who want a sleek, well-organized, and water-resistant bag that can easily double as a personal item on flights. If you need extra comfort features or larger storage, there might be better options available.

The Osprey Daylite 44L Carry-On Travel Pack is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a lightweight and durable backpack. Weighing just 1.22 kilograms (2.68 pounds), it’s designed to be easy on the back while providing ample storage with a 44-liter capacity. Its size allows it to be the largest carry-on permitted by many airlines, making it a great option for short trips or as an additional bag for longer travels. The bag includes TSA-friendly access for a 16-inch laptop, which is a big plus for business travelers or students on the go.

One of its standout features is the AirScape backpanel and shoulder straps, which enhance comfort during extended wear. This is especially beneficial for those who may need to carry their backpack for longer periods, whether navigating through an airport or exploring a new city. The single main compartment keeps things straightforward, though users looking for more organizational pockets might find it somewhat limiting.

While the bag is durable and designed for travel, the lack of multiple compartments may not meet the needs of those who prefer to have their items more segmented or easily accessible. Additionally, though it is constructed from up-spec’d materials, the reliance on a single compartment might lead to challenges in maintaining organization, particularly for longer trips. The Osprey Daylite 44L is a solid choice for travelers who prioritize comfort and ease of use over extensive organization. It’s especially suitable for light packers and those who appreciate a straightforward approach to carry-on luggage, but users with a need for more compartments and organization may want to explore other options.

The Samsonite Mother Lode Jr Backpack is a solid choice for travelers looking for a carry-on backpack that balances capacity and organization. With a 44-liter capacity, it offers plenty of space for packing, including a large main compartment with compression straps and a fold-down shelf to keep items secure and organized. It also expands slightly (by 1.5 inches), which can be handy if you need a little extra room. The backpack meets most airline carry-on size restrictions, making it travel-friendly.

Weighing around 2.22 kilograms (about 4.9 pounds), it’s not the lightest option out there but remains manageable for most users. The multiple compartments, including a front zip pocket with internal organizers and a key leash, plus side and exterior quick-grab pockets, offer good versatility for travel essentials and easy access to items like water bottles. The bag includes top, bottom, and side carry handles, giving you multiple ways to carry it.

The material quality typical of Samsonite products suggests durability, but heavier weight could be a factor for those prioritizing ultra-light gear. This backpack suits adult travelers who need a reliable, well-organized carry-on with ample space rather than those focused on ultra-light or minimalist options.