10 Best Travel Carry On Backpacks 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

The Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack Pro is a solid choice for travelers who want a carry-on bag that can hold enough for a week or more without checking luggage. Its 40-liter capacity strikes a good balance between space and airline carry-on size limits (22 x 14 x 8 inches), making it suitable for most international and US flights. Weighing just over 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds), it’s relatively lightweight for its size, helping reduce strain while on the move. The backpack is made from tough, waterproof sailcloth with water-resistant zippers, so it should handle rough travel conditions and rain without damage.

Comfort is well thought out here: height-adjustable straps, thick padding, and a hip belt help distribute the weight away from your shoulders, which can be a big relief on longer walks or airport transits. The bag’s organization is another strong point. It opens like a suitcase from the front, making packing and unpacking easier than many traditional backpacks. Multiple compartments, including laptop and tablet sleeves, mesh pockets, water bottle holders, and hip belt pockets, provide convenient access and keep gear well organized.

One downside is that while the bag is large for a carry-on, very heavy packing might still feel bulky or cumbersome, especially if you prefer a lighter load. Also, the design leans toward a more minimalist, professional look, which may not appeal to those wanting flashy or highly colorful styles. This backpack is best suited for travelers who prioritize durability, comfort, and smart organization in a carry-on-sized bag, whether for work trips or leisure travel. It performs well in these areas but may not be the ideal choice for those seeking an ultra-lightweight or more casual backpack.