10 Best Under Seat Travel Backpack 2025 in the United States

The MATEIN Backpack for Travel is an impressive option for those seeking a versatile under-seat travel backpack. With a spacious 27L capacity, it expands to accommodate various essentials like packing cubes and outdoor gear, making it ideal for weekend getaways or day trips. The water-resistant polyester material and sturdy zippers enhance durability, which is essential for travel. Weighing just 2.01 pounds, it remains lightweight, ensuring easy carrying without straining your back. The backpack also features a comfortable air-mesh ventilated back panel and adjustable straps, allowing for a personalized fit that can relieve shoulder pressure during longer journeys.

One standout feature is its convertible design, where you can hide the padded shoulder straps to turn it into a briefcase-style bag, along with a luggage strap for easy attachment to your suitcase. This flexibility caters well to different travel styles, whether you're heading to the office or on an adventure.

There are a few considerations. While the compartments are thoughtfully designed, some users may find the main compartment slightly restrictive for larger items. Additionally, the backpack’s size is optimized for carry-on requirements, which is great, but it might feel cramped for those needing more room for bigger travel gear. The security features, like lockable zippers, are helpful, but the backpack lacks more advanced anti-theft designs found in some other models.

The MATEIN Backpack is well-suited for casual travelers who need a reliable, stylish option for shorter trips. Its strengths lie in its lightweight, adjustable design and ample storage, while potential drawbacks include limited space for larger items and basic security features. This backpack could be a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to travel or needs a practical daypack for various activities.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Lightweight Underseat Carry-On Travel Tote is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a compact bag that fits neatly under airline seats. At 1.6 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for weekend trips or overnight stays. The dimensions (11 in x 18 in x 8 in) ensure it complies with most airlines' size restrictions for under-seat luggage, which is a strong advantage for frequent flyers.

This bag is made from durable polyester with a stain-resistant and water-repellent coating, which helps protect your belongings against spills and moisture, adding to its practicality. The ergonomic zipper pulls contribute to its ease of use, while various compartments and built-in pockets allow for efficient organization of personal items. The rear strap for stacking on larger luggage enhances its usability, and the multiple carrying options (top handle and removable padded shoulder strap) provide flexibility based on your preference.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the lightweight design is a plus, some users might find that it lacks the sturdiness of heavier bags, particularly when fully loaded. The storage capacity, although adequate for overnight essentials, may be limited for longer trips or for those who like to pack extra items. Additionally, while the warranty offers peace of mind, it is important to ensure that registration is completed after purchase to benefit from the repair coverage.

The BOXSAM Large Vacuum Travel Backpack offers several strengths for travelers looking for an efficient under-seat backpack. Its size, at 18x14x8 inches, makes it suitable for fitting under the seat during flights while still providing ample space for personal items. The innovative vacuum compression system is a standout feature, allowing you to maximize packing efficiency by reducing wasted space, which is particularly useful for long trips. The included portable vacuum pump adds convenience for on-the-go adjustments, making it easier to manage space and compress luggage as needed.

The material is high-density and waterproof, which offers protection against the elements and ensures your belongings stay dry. With compartments designed for travel essentials, including a padded front compartment for a 17-inch laptop and side pockets for water bottles, the backpack is versatile for both travel and everyday use. The weight of 2.18 pounds is relatively light, further enhancing its portability. Its security features include luggage straps on the back for easy attachment to a luggage rack, adding convenience during travel.

However, while the vacuum compression system is beneficial, it may require some getting used to, especially for users unfamiliar with vacuum pumps. Also, the additional accessories for different pumping needs may add slight complexity. This backpack is ideal for travelers who value efficient packing, waterproof materials, and multiple compartments for organizing their items, though it may require some learning to fully utilize the vacuum compression feature.