Are you sick of lugging around heavy suitcases at the airport? Do you want to be able to travel light and efficiently, without having to check any bags? If so, then you need a carry-on travel backpack. Carry-on backpacks are the perfect way to travel – they’re big enough to fit everything you need for a short trip, but they’re also small enough to fit in the overhead bin on your flight.
But with so many different carry-on backpacks on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best carry-on travel backpacks out there for 2024.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the best carry-on travel backpack for you, including:
- The different types of carry-on backpacks available
- The features to look for in a carry-on backpack
- The best carry-on backpacks for different types of travelers
So whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long backpacking trip, this guide will help you find the perfect carry-on backpack for you!
This article was written by Catalin from TravelTrained with additions and edits by Claire
Why Take A Carry On Backpack Instead of Checking In?
Checking in a bag can be expensive, depending on your airline and the type of ticket you choose. Low-budget airlines charge a fortune for checking in luggage, which can cost more than the cost of the flight ticket!
Travellers can always avoid bag check expenses by packing a carry-on backpack, as long as you check the restrictions carefully to make sure your backpack fits the size and weight requirements.
Not only will sticking to hand luggage save you money but also valuable time at your destination, as you can walk straight off the plane and out of the airport without having to wait at luggage carousels or worry about your stuff going missing!
Finally, carrying less weight on the plane also makes your flight slightly more eco-friendly, so it is a no-brainer – if you can pack light, then carry on luggage is definitely the way to go.
What makes a Good Carry On Backpack?
The ideal carry-on travel backpack must be able to fit within airline restrictions for carry on luggage – which unfortunately do vary quite a bit. One huge benefit of carrying a travel backpack instead of a hard-sided suitcase is that they are flexible, and can usually be squeezed into the space available if they’re not packed too tight.
Carry-on backpacks also have to be small enough to comfortably ride on the traveller’s lap and have enough storage to carry all your belongings. While it might sound like a challenge to find a good carry-on travel backpack, there some excellent options on the market.
If you are first starting out and don’t have any travel gear, then getting fully kitted out can be expensive. While you might be tempted by cheap backpacks, consider looking for second-hand quality travel backpacks which can save you a ton of money without compromising on anything else.
If you want to upgrade your gear, then consider selling some of your old equipment to raise funds, or donating it to charity so others can benefit from them too.
The highest price doesn’t necessarily mean a backpack is the highest quality, but if you are travelling for a long time or to a remote location, having a comfortable and sturdy backpack that will keep all your belongings safe is worth spending a little more money on.
Tortuga Travel Backpack 40l
The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40l is a fully-featured backpack designed especially for carry-on travel, making it my top choice on this list. I’ve used it for several trips and love it!
The Tortuga Travel Backpack is versatile, easy to carry, and packs like a suitcase. This backpack is a comfortable carry-on size and has a maximum capacity of 40L.
check pricesThe Tortuga Travel Backpack has many useful travel features like recycled waterproof sailcloth outer material, buckles, padded adjustable shoulder straps, and a removable hip belt which can take up to 80% of the weight of your shoulders.
It is a room backpack with several compartments for easy packing, organisation and access to all of your gear. You can buy custom-made packing cubes from Tortuga or it will fit any standard-size packing cubes. There are separate padded laptop and tablet safe sleeves, lockable zippers, and so much more.
You can read my full Tortuga backpack review here, or check out more specs and reviews direct on their website.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Backpack
In 2020, US News and World Report awarded the Osprey Farpoint 40 as the Best Overall Travel Backpack of the year. This award-winning backpack is designed for light packing and easy travel. The Osprey Farpoint 40 for men, and its equivalent for women, the Osprey Fairview 40, is practical, but unlike many other backpack brands, it’s also fashionable.
check pricesThis travel backpack comes in a range of colours and is highly versatile as it can be worn as a backpack, or used as a duffel bag, or messenger bag. This carry-on backpack has features such as lockable zippers, comfortable handles, detachable shoulder straps, internal and external compression straps, dual mesh pockets, and an additional 15-inch laptop pocket.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 and Osprey Fairview 40 are both excellent choices for practical and durable carry-on backpacks for travel because of their quality craftsmanship, comfortable fit, and affordable price.
Ebags Mother Lode Travel Backpack
Carry-on bags see a lot of action, so it’s crucial to bring a bag that can withstand some damage. The Ebags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (formerly known as the Mother Lode Weekender Backpack) is made from sturdy materials with rugged zippers and lockable rings, making this backpack perfect for active globetrotters.
check pricesWhile competitors may break down after a few trips or tear under too much weight, the Mother Lode Travel Backpack will hold any load – although you need to be mindful of any carry on bag weight restrictions for your airline.
While this carry on backpack might be a little pricey, it’s definitely worth the cost! Ebags Mother Lode Travel backpack is an excellent carry-on because of its easily accessible main compartment and smaller internal compartments.
Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
The Nomatic 40L Travel backpack is specially designed for easy travel with over 20 valuable, travel-safe features. While this backpack might be a little expensive, it’s worth the price with its high quality, water-resistant materials and 20L to 30L expansion feature.
check pricesThe Nomatic 40L Travel bag is sleek, stylish, and versatile, but what makes it a great carry-on bag is its multiple internal compartments that make for easy organization. This travel backpack also comes with an extra TSA safe laptop case, travel pack, sunglasses case, and retractable key leash.
Lifeasy Travel Backpack
A Lifeasy Travel Backpack is an affordable option for travellers looking for quality without breaking the bank. The Lifeasy travel backpack comes with many features like ventilated design, waterproof fabric, zippered shoe compartment, two padded laptop compartments, and adjustable straps.
check pricesThis quality backpack also has anti-theft features like a fold-over top and buckle closure. With an affordable price, outstanding durability, and compact size, the Lifeasy travel backpack is the perfect carry-on travel backpack for budget travellers.
SwissGear ScanSmart Backpack
The SwissGear ScanSmart Backpack is an excellent carry-on choice for any traveller for its durability, various features, and travel-friendly size. This backpack is made from durable ballistic polyester fabric and heavy-duty zippers.
check pricesThis full-featured ScanSmart carry on backpack comes with internal compartments, airflow technology, thick contour-shaped padding, tablet safe pocket, accordion file folder, and ScanSmart pocket flaps that protect electronics and allows quick access for security.
It’s aimed more at professional travellers than budget backpackers and is perfect for short city trips and business travel.
Veegul Multipurpose Travel Backpack
The Veegul Multipurpose Travel Backpack is reasonably priced yet still high quality with many internal compartments and organizational options. It is on the small side with a capacity of 18L, so perfect for minimalists!
check pricesThis backpack is made out of durable polyester and features of the Veegul Multipurpose travel backpack include a padded laptop and tablet compartment, light-coloured lining, wide access opening, side pockets, and adjustable padded shoulder straps.
Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop Backpack
Timbuk2 backpacks are known for quality and durability, which is why the Timbuk2 Uptown laptop made this list. Timbuk2 backpacks come with groundbreaking features like custom-fit strap design, air mesh ventilated panels, crush-proof sunglasses compartments, padded laptop compartment, and easy access front zip pocket.
check pricesThe Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop backpack is ideal for travel with its compact size and ability to lay flat while going through security.
All travel expenses can add up, lower financial strain by bringing a carry-on backpack onto your next flight. Always remember, a good carry-on backpack will be fashionable, compact for travel, fit the airline’s size requirements, and carry all belongings without hassle. Before booking that next flight, invest in one of the carry-on backpacks listed above and you’ll save money and time at the airport.
About the Author
Catalin Geangos is an ex-professional poker player, the founder of TravelTrained and an aspirant travel blogger who mainly focuses on nightlife, pub crawls and party experiences while travelling in Southeast Asia. He moved from Romania to the UK 6 years ago and since then he travelled to over 30 countries. You can also find him on social media on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Youtube.
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