We Tested & Reviewed the Best Carry-on Travel Backpacks on the Market. Here’s What We Found.

A good travel backpack needs to be comfortable, organized, and durable, especially if you’re relying on it for one-bag travel.

Jeremy Scott Foster

By Jeremy Scott Foster

Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert, travel photographer, and recovering nomad based in Southern California.

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Your carry-on backpack should make traveling easier. It should be easy to pack and unpack. It should be comfortable for long walks across the airport or across town. It should be durable enough to rely on for years of globetrotting.

The TravelFreak team has reviewed and tested hundreds of backpacks, and I spent several months analyzing data from our backpack database, revisiting old favorites, and putting new bags through their paces.

The biggest takeaway from my testing is that there is no single perfect travel backpack for everyone. Some people need to carry expensive laptops and tech gear, while others travel off the beaten path for outdoor adventures. Everyone has specific needs for their travel backpack.

That’s why the packs in this list vary widely in design, style, and intended use.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is the highest-scoring backpack we tested, and it’s ideal for city-hopping travel. The Aer Travel Pack is close competition, though, and it costs less. Each backpack on this list has its tradeoffs, and each one excels in a specific scenario.

At the end of the day, you need a backpack that fits your traveling style. My goal is to help you decide which one is right for you.

Why Trust TravelFreak

We are a team of gear junkies, product engineers, international travelers, vanlifers, and travel photographers. We aim to create the most helpful gear reviews possible because we know how important having the right equipment is for travel.

While travel certainly isn’t all about the stuff you bring, gear can make or break your trip.

Because of that, we hold ourselves to a very high standard when it comes to creating review content that provides real value and helps you make the best purchasing decisions possible. That requires in-depth research, testing, and years of expertise, but the result is worth it.

We never allow corporate incentives to sway our recommendations; we only recommend products that we are happy using ourselves. We do earn a small affiliate commission if you buy a product using a link from our site, but only if you don’t return it. We want to help you find a product that serves you well.

We’ve put a lot of effort into figuring out how best to do that. We travel extensively and constantly evaluate the products we use in real life. We spent months devising, testing, and refining a rating system that lets us compare competing products more objectively and find exactly what makes one better than another.

We did this because we weren’t satisfied with making recommendations purely on personal preference and gut reactions. We wanted to understand exactly what makes a great backpack and help travelers like you make truly informed purchasing decisions.

We have a soft spot in our hearts for a great backpack. Most members of our team have lived out of a backpack at one time or another, whether doing one-bag travel around the globe or long-distance thru-hiking.

We’ve been testing backpacks and travel gear for the better part of the last 15 years, and we’ve tested and rated over 200 bags from many of the best backpack brands.

In actuality, we don’t believe the perfect backpack exists, but we do believe that some backpacks are better than others—for certain people. We want to make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting and the trade-offs you’re making. If you’re happy with the gear you buy, we’ve done our job well.

How We Picked and Tested

We started our research with an in-depth investigation to create a list of the best and most recommended travel backpacks on the market, including those that fly under the radar for most people.

We read all the top reviews and backpack lists, watched hours of YouTube videos, and spent an excessive amount of time scouring subreddits including r/onebag, r/HerOneBag, r/travel, and r/BuyItForLife. We also checked out the top packs from brands that we used and recommended in the past.

From this research, we put together a list of the 50 best travel backpacks. This included packs we’d used for years as well as brand-new models that were getting rave reviews. These were the bags we were most interested in testing ourselves

We then evaluated every backpack using our proprietary backpack rating system. We scored each backpack using across 39 individual metrics in 9 categories: Build Quality, Comfort, Ease of Use, Functionality, Water Resistance, Brand Impact, Buying Experience, Warranty, and Price-to-Performance Ratio.

For each metric, we use a standardized scale to generate a score from 0-10. We combine those individual scores with weighted averages to get total scores for each category and then a total overall score.

This system lets us make more objective comparisons. Just because one member of our team likes a particular bag doesn’t mean it’s going to be ideal for everyone. Every bag we recommend scored highly in our rating system and performed well in real-world testing.

Because we divide our rating into different metrics and categories, we can also see exactly where each bag excels or falls short. Interestingly, no backpack had the highest score in more than two categories. This finding highlights the fact that every backpack has strengths and weaknesses for different scenarios.

This is where our hands-on testing became important. Our rating system let us see specific strengths and weaknesses, but we had to get the packs out into the wild to see exactly where they shined. We tested over 20 of the best-scoring backpacks in the real world.

We didn’t do our testing in a sterile lab. We used backpacks on our own travels across the globe and took them on long-haul flights, Himalayan treks, Caribbean cruises, city-hopping jaunts, work trips, and more.

By using backpacks on many different trips, we got a good sense for how they perform and what they’re best at. This lets us pick the 10 best backpacks and understand exactly how to recommend each one.

Who This Article is For

We selected this list of carry-on backpacks for any traveler who prefers the simplicity and freedom of traveling light without traditional luggage. We searched for backpacks that work well for one-bag travel, because when you don’t have multiple suitcases and bags to manage, traveling becomes less about the stuff you bring with you and more about the experiences along the way.

One-bag travel with a carry-on backpack is perfect for adventure travelers taking rougher routes than spinner wheels can handle, long-term travelers or digital nomads who are always on the move, business travelers who need professional-looking gear that isn’t out of place in a conference room, or anyone who prefers to pack light and keep their hands free while traveling.

Of course, you don’t have to be a minimalist one-bagger to enjoy the benefits of a good carry-on backpack. If you’re packing a bigger checked suitcase for your trips, a travel backpack is an excellent choice for your second bag. That way, you don’t have two unruly suitcases to manage.

If packing light isn’t for you, check out our list of the best checked luggage, which has options with more packing space.

1

Best Carry-On Travel Backpack Overall

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L
9.7

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is a premium carry-on sized travel pack that excels in comfort and durability. Though it comes with a hefty price tag and weight, its standout features include an outstanding harness system, weatherproof sailcloth construction, and thoughtful organization. It’s perfect for frequent travelers who prioritize quality over ultralight weight. This is one of the most well-rounded travel backpacks I’ve ever tested.

Tortuga designed this to be the ultimate carry-on backpack for urban travelers. Its outstanding build quality, thoughtful design, and superior comfort earned it the highest score of any carry-on backpack our team has ever tested.

It’s ideal if you want an easy-to-pack, easy-to-carry backpack that works for almost any trip to any destination. It’s ideal for city travel, but you can really take it anywhere.

Even when I was carrying a lot of weight, the Tortuga Travel Backpack felt comfortable and evenly distributed. This pack scored 9.2 for Comfort, which is the highest comfort score of any urban travel backpack we tested.

The main compartment fully opens like a book, which means you can pack it like a suitcase rather than stuffing things in from the top like a standard daypack. The external laptop sleeve made it really easy for me to pull my computer out for TSA checks, and I love the array of pockets. I was able to stay very organized during my trips with this bag.

Lastly, the backpack’s build quality is top-notch, scoring 9.5. The fabric is tough, the zippers are big YKK models, and every component feels durable.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro isn’t perfect though. For one thing, at 4.5 lbs, it feels pretty heavy. I think the added comfort and support makes up for the weight, but if you really want a lightweight backpack, this isn’t a good option.

The price of this backpack is also on the higher end. You get what you pay for with the durable construction and smart design, but it’s not a great choice for anyone who only travels occasionally. This bag is an investment, and you want to be sure you’ll use it often enough to get your money’s worth.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is ideal if you need a robust, high-capacity bag that organizes like a suitcase and carries comfortably across city streets and airports. However, if you tend to travel light or are concerned about price, this might not be the best choice. This backpack excels for frequent travelers who value organization, durability, and style.

If you like the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro but want something lighter or cheaper, Tortuga offers an alternative option: The Travel Backpack Lite. It has a very similar design, but it is made of a less expensive 630D nylon, has less stiffness/structure, is less water-resistant, doesn’t have the adjustable torso length, and weighs a pound less.

Buy it if you...
  • are a one-bag traveler..
  • are a digital nomad or business traveler..
  • want a well-rounded travel backpack that can go anywhere..
  • travel with a laptop and other tech..
  • are traveling internationally.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • are on a budget..
  • are an ultralight traveler..
  • are going hiking or doing other outdoor adventures.
2

Best for Travel Photographers

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
9.6

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is an exceptionally versatile travel bag with innovative features like expandable capacity (30-45L) and hidden shoulder straps, though its minimal harness system isn’t ideal for long carries. It’s definitely expensive, but the lifetime warranty and bombproof construction make it a worthy investment for the right person. It’s perfect for photographers who need one highly adaptable bag for various trip lengths, but it’s overkill for simple day-to-day use.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack was an easy choice for the best carry-on backpack for photographers because it seamlessly transitions from packing for a trip to carrying camera gear on a photo shoot. It’s packed with features to keep your gear protected and easy to access.

This bag pairs perfectly with Peak Design’s Camera Cubes. These cubes are heavily padded and have removable dividers to keep cameras and lenses organized and safe from bumps or scratches.

The side and back panel access meant I could get to my camera and lenses in seconds without having to dig through other contents. I could swing the bag around on one shoulder, undo a single zipper, and grab my camera for the next shot.

If you’re a travel or adventure photographer who shoots on the go, this feature is awesome.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L can adapt to whatever you need to carry. Its standard volume is 35L, but it can expand or compress. If you’re just heading out for a day excursion, the bag shrinks down to 30L—perfect for a large daypack. If you’re packing for a two-week trip, the expansion zipper gives you a larger 45L volume to pack in.

This pack can also do a lot more than just carry camera gear. Without any camera cubes, the spacious main compartment gives you space to pack for any trip. Because it is so adaptable and feature-packed, this bag scored 9.7 for Functionality—higher than any other backpack we tested!

For all its genius in design, the Peak Design Travel Backpack can feel like a puzzle box with its assortment of straps, pockets, and zippers. It’s not just a grab-and-go kind of bag; it’s got a bit of a learning curve to understand how to get the most out of every feature. If you prefer simplicity and ease over high customization, this might be overkill.

If you’re a photographer or a traveler who loves gadgets and values the ability to organize and access your equipment quickly and efficiently, this bag is a dream. The fact that it works perfectly with Peak Design’s Camera Cubes and other accessories make this a very capable and adaptable backpack.

Buy it if you...
  • are a traveling photographer who needs to carry camera gear and clothes for a trip..
  • travel with a laptop or other devices..
  • take many different kinds of trips and need a bag that can adapt..
  • mainly travel to city destinations.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • need a bag for rugged outdoor adventures..
  • will be carrying heavy loads for long distances/times.
3

Best for International Travel

Aer Travel Pack 3
9.5

Aer Travel Pack 3

The Aer Travel Pack 3 excels at organized travel with premium build quality, thoughtful tech storage, and comfortable carry despite its 4.1-pound weight. Its main drawbacks are the non-weatherproof zippers and potentially overwhelming number of pockets. It’s perfect for tech-focused one-bag travelers who value organization and durability over ultralight design. Plus, the 35 liter capacity fits most international airline requirements.

International airlines typically have tighter carry-on size limits than US domestic flights. If you’re flying internationally, you need a bag that fits those limits.

The Aer Travel Pack is on the smaller end for travel backpacks (35L volume), and it works as a carry-on for virtually any flight around the world.

The 35L volume is ideal if you like to pack light. This is a bag for more minimalist travelers, so it’s not ideal if you tend to overpack.

It’s also great for traveling with a laptop and other tech devices. The  laptop sleeve can fit larger devices and it has a separate compartment for your charger. The front admin panel has an awesome array of smaller pockets for tablets, notebooks, pens, cables, headphones, snacks, and any other small items you want to keep organized.

The panel-opening design makes this bag easy to pack, though I still recommend using packing cubes. I like this design more than the clamshell opening of the Tortuga Travel Backpack because I can unzip either side of the bag without opening the whole thing.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is built tough with burly 1680D Cordura nylon and chunky YKK zippers. This is essential for anyone who, like me, doesn’t go easy on gear. After our testing and research, this backpack has the highest Build Quality score of any travel backpack: an outstanding 9.7.

My main complaint with the Aer Travel Pack is that it doesn’t include a hip belt; you have to buy that separately. This pack is fairly comfortable on its own, but without a hip belt, it starts to hurt my shoulders if I have it fully packed. I hate that I have to spend extra money for an almost essential feature!

The Aer Travel Pack is great for international travel, and it is also stiff competition for the Tortuga. It’s more durable and less expensive, and I like the pocket layout more. The only reason the Aer Travel Pack didn’t earn our top pick is that it isn’t quite as comfortable and doesn’t include a hip belt.

Buy it if you...
  • are traveling internationally and need a pack that fits all carry-on size restrictions..
  • are a one-bag traveler or digital nomad..
  • travel with a laptop and other tech devices you want to keep organized and protected..
  • are traveling for work.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • tend to overpack (it’s only 35L)..
  • want an included hip belt (you have to buy it separately).
4

Best for Hiking and Travel

Osprey Farpoint 40
9.5

Osprey Farpoint 40

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a durable, supremely comfortable carry-on backpack that excels at minimalist travel but lacks modern organizational features. It’s ideal for backpackers and travelers who prioritize comfort and simplicity over fancy features, especially those who want a bag that can handle both urban and outdoor environments.

Osprey is a brand that’s known more for hiking and outdoor adventure packs than travel gear. The Farpoint (or Fairview for women or any folks with shorter torsos) is a carry-on-size travel backpack that Osprey designed to combine their expertise in comfortable hiking packs with a travel-oriented design.

If you need a carry-on backpack that you can take on a flight around the world and then load up for a backcountry trek, this is it.

The Farpoint is inspired by Osprey’s hiking backpacks. It has a full-perimeter aluminum frame, a stiff frame sheet, a ventilated back panel, comfy shoulder straps with load lifters, and a structured, padded hip belt. This backpack earned a stellar 9.6 Comfort score in our testing, which isn’t surprising since Osprey is known for making some of the most comfortable hiking packs on the market.

While it has the comfort of a hiking backpack, the Farpoint is designed to be easy to pack for travel. The front has a full wrap-around zipper that lets it lay fully open. I loved that I could pull this open and quickly see all my gear.

The Farpoint 40 is not the backpack to get if you have lots of gadgets and accessories that you want to keep organized. It only has a few pockets, and I had a hard time keeping my tablet, charging cables, power bank, keys, and other smaller items from getting lost inside the main compartment.

Think of it more as a reliable gear-hauler that’s ready to go straight from a long-haul flight to an outdoor adventure.

Buy it if you...
  • need a travel backpack that can transition to hiking/trekking..
  • want a travel bag that is as comfortable as a backpacking bag..
  • want a backpack that will last a lifetime..
  • are looking for excellent value for your money.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • are traveling for business or in urban settings..
  • travel with lots of tech devices..
  • want quick and easy access to your gear.
5

Best Small Travel Backpack

Topo Designs Global Travel Backpack 30L
9.3

Topo Designs Global Travel Backpack 30L

The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L is a thoughtfully organized, durable travel backpack with excellent build quality and versatile carry options. While it lacks water bottle pockets and has some comfort limitations for smaller frames, its low profile and functional design make it ideal for minimalist travelers. It offers exceptional value for experienced one-baggers who appreciate its retro aesthetic and don’t mind its 30L capacity constraints.

Many travel backpacks are designed to be close to the maximum legal carry-on size to give you the most packing space possible, but not everyone needs that much room.

The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L is on the small end for carry-on backpacks, and it’s my go-to choice for any short trip. I chose it as the best small travel backpack because it hits the sweet spot between portability and functionality. It’s ideal if you are a textbook minimalist traveler or usually take shorter weekend trips.

Most travel packs are in the 35-45L range, so this 30L bag felt significantly smaller. That was awesome when I carried it around—it was comfortable and slim on my back—but it meant I had to be more conscious of what I packed.

This bag is right on the line where you can use it as a personal item on most flights. That’s a huge bonus if you often fly with airlines that charge for carry-ons. Technically, it’s slightly too tall, but unless you have it packed to the bursting point, it’s easy to squish it down to fit under seats or into the size checker.

The Global Travel Backpack doesn’t just perform well; it looks good while doing it. The retro aesthetic is both stylish and functional, fitting seamlessly into urban and outdoor environments. It also comes in a wide range of color combos, so you can show some personality. Plus, since it is small, it doesn’t look like a travel bag, so you don’t stand out as a tourist.

My main complaint with this bag is that the shoulder straps, although padded, started to dig into my shoulders when the bag was fully loaded. If you plan to carry heavier loads or need a bag for longer treks, you might be better off with something like the Osprey Farpoint or Tortuga Travel Backpack.

If you like the design of the Topo Global Travel Bag 30L but want a little more space, they also have a larger 40L version.

Buy it if you...
  • are a minimalist traveler and like to pack light..
  • often take short weekend trips..
  • want a pack you can use as a personal item..
  • You want a pack made from extremely durable materials..
  • care about sustainability and recycled materials.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • are a long term traveler..
  • need as much packing space as possible..
  • want a sleek, professional-looking bag.
6

Best Wheeled Travel Backpack

Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Pack 22″
9.2

Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Pack 22″

The Osprey Sojourn 22″ combines premium wheeled luggage with a fully functional backpack suspension. It features exceptional build quality and comfort, but does come in at a premium price point. The versatile design is awesome if you need both rolling and carrying capabilities. At 45L, this carry-on is right in the sweet spot for those who want one bag that can handle any travel situation, from smooth airport terminals to rough cobblestone streets.

Do you want a backpack with wheels? If yes, get this one. It’s that simple.

The Osprey Sojourn has comfortable shoulder straps and a supportive hip belt so you can carry it like a backpack. You can also stow straps away and pull out the telescoping handle to roll it around like a suitcase. It’s a backpack and a suitcase combined!

So why would you want that?

Rolling luggage is great for cruising around the airport or smooth city streets—you can keep the weight off your back, which is more comfortable. However, luggage falls short on rough surfaces. If you’re heading off the beaten path (or just going up and down a lot of stairs), a backpack makes way more sense. This bag has the advantages of both.

The Osprey Sojourn isn’t made like a typical flimsy spinner suitcase that will jam or break on rough surfaces. It has oversized wheels with chunky rubber tires that easily handle cobblestone streets or even dirt paths.

When carrying it as a backpack, this bag is surprisingly comfortable. No, it won’t be as good as something like the Osprey Farpoint, but it’s clear that carrying comfort wasn’t an afterthought.

The shoulder straps have decent padding, a contoured shape, and load lifters. The aluminum frame does a great job at transferring weight down to the padded, wraparound hip belt, so it’s easy to get most of the weight off your shoulders. Surprisingly, the wheels and telescoping handle didn’t dig into my back at all.

The Sojourn is heavy though (7.5 lbs), so I didn’t love carrying it for hours at a time. While I never had uncomfortable pressure points, the backpack did feel a bit bulky and cumbersome on my back, even when it wasn’t fully loaded.

If you want to carry this on your back most of the time, I recommend just getting a normal travel backpack without wheels. However, if you would rather roll your bag around, this is an awesome option that gives you the flexibility to carry it when you need to.

Buy it if you...
  • can’t decide between a backpack or wheeled luggage..
  • don’t like carrying weight on your back for long periods..
  • are traveling to more remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • want a lightweight backpack..
  • are on a tight budget.
7

Best for Business Travelers

NOMATIC Travel Pack 20L
9.2

NOMATIC Travel Pack 20L

The NOMATIC Travel Pack is a highly organized 20-30L expandable backpack that nails business-focused features like laptop protection and professional aesthetics, though it sacrifices some comfort when fully loaded. The combination of premium materials, thoughtful organization, and clever design elements like magnetic water bottle pockets make it an excellent choice for business travelers taking 1-3 day trips who need their bag to look as good in the boardroom as it functions on the road.

NOMATIC has built a reputation for creating versatile, durable, and stylish bags and packs. Their Travel Pack is expandable from 20 to 30 liters, making it perfect for both daily commutes and short trips. Whether you’re on a business trip or are a long-term digital nomad, this is one of the best backpacks for traveling with a laptop.

The NOMATIC Travel Pack is a sleek, professional-looking bag that is packed with features.

The external laptop sleeve is one of my favorite features. Unlike most backpacks, this laptop sleeve has a full perimeter zipper that lets it fold flat away from the main body of the bag. This design means you can go through airport security without fully removing your laptop, which is awesome.

The NOMATIC Travel Pack is also very versatile; you can use it both for everyday commuting to the office or as a travel pack. Its 20L standard volume is the perfect size for a daypack, but it can expand 10 whole liters (!) by undoing a wraparound zipper. The 30L expanded volume is still on the small end for travel backpacks, but it’s great for shorter trips.

That 30L max size is the main limiting factor of this bag. Unless you’re a really light packer, it isn’t a great choice for extended trips.

This bag excels for weekend trips or short jaunts for business meetings. It’s even great as a secondary laptop bag in addition to a larger carry-on suitcase. When it isn’t expanded, it’s small enough to bring aboard as a personal item.

The key advantage of the NOMATIC Travel Pack is its versatility. Standalone bag for shorter trips, daypack for everyday commuting, or personal item for longer trips—take your pick!

Buy it if you...
  • travel with a laptop..
  • want a backpack that works for both everyday use and weekend trips..
  • have lots of tech gadgets and accessories..
  • travel for business.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • You are a one-bag traveler who goes on trips longer than a few days..
  • You are on a tight budget.
8

Best for Minimalist Travelers

Minaal Carry-On 3.0
8.9

Minaal Carry-On 3.0

The Minaal Carry-On 3.0 is a premium 35L travel backpack that shines with its innovative laptop protection and minimalist organization, though it comes with a steep price tag and a few minor design quirks (like an underwhelming water bottle pocket). This bag is perfect for minimalist one-bag travelers, especially those who use packing cubes, but might not be ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those needing serious weatherproofing.

When you’re traveling around the world, a big, flashy travel backpack is pretty much a neon sign saying, “Hey, look at me! I’m a tourist!”

You don’t want to be that guy.

Minaal is our top pick for minimalist travelers exactly because it doesn’t make you stand out like a sore thumb. It’s slim and understated, and it’s got exactly the features you need without any unnecessary bells and whistles to complicate things.

The 35L size is ideal for minimalist packers. It’s on the smaller end for travel backpacks, but as long as you know how to pack light, it’s easy to use this bag for extended trips.

I can fit a surprising amount of stuff inside this bag, but the stripped-back design makes it look smaller than it is. I love that I can carry all my travel gear in this bag without looking like a tourist.

One of the unique features of the Minaal Carry-On is its laptop compartment, which is honestly one of the best and most useful that I’ve ever tested. There is a full wraparound zipper that lets the compartment lay fully flat, and you can pull your device out either from the side or the top. I found that to be very useful when pulling my laptop out for airport security.

The Minaal Carry-On is definitely most at home in urban settings; it isn’t a pack I would recommend for a trip into the Himalayas or the jungles of Southeast Asia. It’s sleek and well organized, but I think it would feel out of its element on more adventurous trips.

For minimalist city travel, this pack is perfect.

Buy it if you...
  • are a light-packing one-bag traveler..
  • are a digital nomad or business traveler..
  • want a sleek, minimalist design that is still very functional..
  • carry a laptop and want the absolute best protection and accessibility..
  • mainly take city trips.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • are planning more adventurous, outdoor-oriented trips..
  • need the maximum carry-on space..
  • are on a tight budget.
9

Best Travel Duffel Backpack

Db Roamer Duffel 40L
8.6

Db Roamer Duffel 40L

The Db Roamer Duffel 40L is a cleverly designed carry-on with excellent build quality and a great price point, though its thin materials and minimal organization hold it back. I particularly appreciate how it packs down small and integrates with other Db gear, but the lightweight construction isn’t ideal for rugged use. It’s best suited for urban travelers and frequent flyers who want a sleek, flexible bag for weekend trips.

I love a good duffel bag. There’s something extremely satisfying about having a simple, functional bag that carries your stuff without any extra frills. It’s also the highest-scoring duffel bag we tested, with a 9.0 Overall score.

That’s exactly the kind of experience you get with the Db Roamer Duffel Backpack. It’s a durable, stripped-back, no-nonsense bag that gets the job done. While it certainly isn’t for everyone, it’s a utilitarian piece of gear that is perfect for the right kind of person.

If you’re an adventurous traveler who just needs a dead-simple bag to haul your gear, this is the ideal fit.

If you like having lots of pockets and compartments, you’ll hate the Roamer. This bag is as simple as it comes. There is a cavernous main compartment and a single small zippered pocket on the outside. That’s it. No laptop sleeve. No hidden passport pocket. No admin panel. You just toss your stuff in and go.

One feature that makes this duffel bag unique is that you open it through a big zippered panel right behind the shoulder straps. Db calls this “backsess” (yes, that sounds stupid). There’s one big advantage to this design: you can set it down on the ground—straps up—to open it. That means the part that touches your body never touches the ground, so it stays clean.

The opening is also huge! I love that I can rip it open and quickly see everything inside the bag.

The biggest downside of the Roamer Duffel is that it just isn’t that comfortable to carry for a long time. It only scored 6.4 for Comfort. The shoulder straps have nice padding, but since there isn’t much structure and no hip belt, all the weight goes right on your shoulders. It’s fine for quick jaunts, but you definitely wouldn’t want to wear it for a long hike.

Buy it if you...
  • need to haul outdoor gear for adventurous trips..
  • like simplicity..
  • want a rugged, water-resistant bag.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • travel with a laptop or other devices.
  • mainly take city trips.
10

Best for Budget Travelers

Coowoz Travel Backpack
7.6

Coowoz Travel Backpack

The Coowoz Travel Backpack is a budget-friendly carry-on alternative with impressive organization features and clever storage solutions (though the build quality and comfort are mediocre at best). Despite having thin straps and basic materials, its excellent price point and functional design make it a compelling choice for occasional travelers and weekend trips. I recommend it for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize value over premium quality, especially if you’re looking to avoid airline baggage fees.

I have some good news: even if you don’t have much cash to spend, you can still get a capable and stylish travel backpack for your next trip. The Coowoz Travel Backpack has been getting a lot of attention on social media, and for good reason. It costs a fraction of any other pack on this list, but it still works surprisingly well.

While this backpack doesn’t score well for Build Quality or Comfort, the Functionality score is a solid 8.3. Here’s the key takeaway: this backpack isn’t the nicest or most durable, but it functions just as well as more expensive bags when it comes to carrying your travel gear.

The overall layout of the Coowoz Travel Backpack mimics most higher-end carry-on bags. The main compartment has a full-length panel opening that makes it really easy to pack. There are tons of pockets, and the external laptop sleeve gives you quick access to your device.

To be clear, nothing about this backpack will match the quality or durability of anything else on this list. The materials are pretty cheap, and the bag is pretty floppy overall. Still, the Coowoz Travel Backpack hits way above its price point.

If you need a backpack on a budget, you won’t find a better bang for your buck.

Buy it if you...
  • are strapped for cash..
  • don’t care about owning the fanciest backpack around..
  • travel with lots of gadgets and accessories that you want to keep organized..
  • mainly take city trips..
  • want a trendy backpack that doesn’t break the bank.
Don’t buy it if you...
  • want a durable bag that will last for years of travel..
  • need a backpack that’s comfortable enough to carry for long periods..
  • can afford something better.

Other Backpacks We Tested

Our team tested a lot of backpacks, and we’re confident that the 10 packs in our list are the best of the best. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other bags we liked. Here are some of the other packs that stood out in our testing and rating. Depending on your preferences, one of these might be a perfect fit.

  • Tortuga Backpack Lite: This bag has almost identical features to our top pick, the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro, but in a lightweight, more affordable package. It isn’t quite as durable or water-resistant, but it is more flexible and costs $100 less. If you like the Tortuga Travel Backpack, this is a fantastic option that won’t hurt your wallet as much.
  • Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: This popular carry-on backpack is awesome if you want a bag with a splash of color. It’s not all about style though; the Allpa is built from rugged materials and has a very functional design. The main reason it didn’t make our top 10 is that the lack of structured support makes it a bit uncomfortable with heavy loads.
  • WANDRD TRANSIT: WANDRD specializes in backpacks and gear for photographers, and the TRANSIT is their first foray into the travel market. The design is complicated and has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get used to it, all the features are very useful.
  • Osprey Daylite Carry-On: This simple, lightweight, and affordable backpack is an awesome all-rounder if you want a backpack that balances functionality, durability, weight, and price. It didn’t make our list of top picks simply because it wasn’t the absolute best in any single category, but it is still a fantastic pack (especially for the price). Plus, it comes with Osprey’s legendary warranty.
  • Able Carry Max: If you’re looking for a backpack that can transition between everyday commuting and weekend travel, this is a great choice. It’s durable, comfortable, and has an awesome laptop compartment. The 30L capacity is a tight squeeze for longer trips, but it’s awesome for quick getaways or minimalist travelers.
  • Matador GlobeRider 45: This backpack combines design elements from hiking and outdoor packs into a travel-ready backpack. It is rugged, comfortable, and loaded with awesome features. The main reason it didn’t make the cut for our top 10 is that the laptop sleeve zipper is too small and makes it hard to get a device in and out. Other than that, this is an awesome backpack for adventure travelers.

Travel Backpack FAQs

What is the best size backpack for carry-on travel?

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is our top pick for a carry-on travel backpack. The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L is a more affordable alternative.

What is the best backpack for a personal item on a plane?

The Aer Travel Pack 3 Small is the perfect personal item backpack for light packers who only want one bag.

What is the best backpack for a long-haul flight?

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L is our top pick for a carry-on travel backpack, and it’s great for long-haul flights.

Will a 35L backpack fit under an airplane seat?

Probably not. A 35L backpack will be too big to fit in the personal item sizer or under the seat of most airlines.

How strict are airlines about backpack size?

It varies, but many airlines are very strict about backpack sizes, and will make you check your bag in the sizer if it looks close to the limit.

Jeremy Scott Foster
About the Author

Jeremy Scott Foster

Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert and travel photographer based in Southern California. Previously nomadic, he’s been to ~50 countries and loves spending time outdoors. You can usually find him on the trail, on the road, jumping from bridges or hustling on his laptop working to produce the best travel and outdoors content today.
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4 comments
  1. Your rundown of the best travel backpacks is a lifesaver for adventurers like me. Your concise reviews and expert recommendations have simplified the daunting task of choosing the perfect backpack. Each option you’ve highlighted seems to offer a unique blend of durability, comfort, and functionality, making it hard to pick just one! Thank you for sharing your expertise and insights with us. Your article has left me feeling well-equipped and ready for my next journey. Keep up the fantastic work!

  2. Recently I was looking for a backpack. I didn’t have enough information about a lightweight backpack. After reading your article I was able to buy it.

  3. Looking at the list, the one thing is weight. Here in Europe quite a few airlines have tightened up on weight. The previous 10 kilo limit has dropped to 8 kilos. Some majors allow more.

    I only fly between main destinations, the rest is by train and bus. Here is where the depth of the pack causes problems, some trains and buses have very shallow overhead racks and the backpack will not fit. Especially buses, so the pack has to go in the cargo hold and you pray no one steals your pack at the various stops en-route (yes it happens).

    A large pack of 35L is my main one, bought from a mountain shop in London–I travel very light. For short trips, an ultralight 20L Gonex (also inside my large one on longer trips) does the job, it weighs 6.5 ounces and compacts well. The straps are nice, stuff stayed dry in a down pour and I use it a lot.

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