Carry on backpacks are a popular choice for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of checking in luggage. These backpacks are designed to fit in the overhead compartment of airplanes, making them a convenient and efficient option for short trips or weekend getaways. Carry on backpacks come in various sizes, materials, and styles, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and preferences.
When shopping for a carry on backpack, there are a few critical things to consider. First, ensure the backpack complies with the airline’s size restrictions for carry on luggage. This will vary depending on the airline, so be sure to check before you buy. Second, consider the material of the backpack. Some materials are more durable and water-resistant than others, which can be important if you’ll be traveling in inclement weather or rough terrain.
Finally, consider the features you need in a backpack, such as pockets, compartments, and straps. To help you find the best carry on backpack for your needs, we researched and tested several options on the market. After hours of testing and evaluation, we’ve identified the top carry on backpacks that offer the right balance of functionality, durability, and style.
Best Carry On Backpacks
Looking for the perfect carry on backpack for your next adventure? We’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks for the best carry on backpacks on the market.
MATEIN Carry on Backpack
If you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight, and expandable backpack for your travels, the MATEIN Carry on Backpack is a great choice.
Pros
- Extra-large capacity with expandable feature
- Convertible design for flexible carrying experience
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
- No external water bottle pocket
- Not suitable for heavy-duty outdoor activities
- May not fit larger laptops
The MATEIN Carry on Backpack is designed for travelers who need a spacious and flexible backpack that can fit overhead and under the seat. With its expandable feature, you can easily pack more items, including packing cubes, outfits, camera gear, and more. Its convertible design allows you to transform it from a carry-on duffel to a briefcase-style backpack, making it easier to carry in different situations.
The backpack is also lightweight and easy to carry, thanks to its adjustable shoulder straps and comfortable air-mesh ventilated back panel. You can easily take it from an overhead bin with its 2 padded grab handles. The backpack also has a luggage strap on the back, which is designed to fit on luggage or a suitcase, making it easier to carry on international travel or a cruise.
The MATEIN Carry on Backpack is built for travel, with its front compartment for little gear, such as a notebook, phone, or earphones. The large inside pocket has internal compression elastic straps, and the padded straps include a sternum strap that can be adjusted upward or downward, relieving the weight from your shoulder. The backpack also has 4 external compression straps to keep contents from sloshing around and can get an inch or 2 more of vertical space, reducing stress on the zippers.
The MATEIN Carry on Backpack is made of water-resistant lightweight polyester with lockable zipper heads, ensuring it survives different temperatures. With sturdy zippers and decent stitching, this backpack won’t show any defects when on the go, ensuring you an unforgettable weekend getaway. It’s an ideal gift for travelers, parents, children, and school kids who love to travel.
Coowoz Carry On Backpack
If you’re looking for a spacious and versatile backpack for your travels, the Coowoz Carry On Backpack is a great option.
Pros
- Waterproof and durable polyester material
- Separate shoe compartment and a wet bag for organization
- Built-in USB charging port
Cons
- Color may differ slightly from pictures due to monitor differences
- May not fit under all airline seats
- May not be suitable for heavy loads
The Coowoz Carry On Backpack is made of waterproof and durable polyester material, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The separate shoe compartment and wet bag are great for organizing and cleaning your belongings. The built-in USB charging port is a convenient feature for charging your phone on the go. However, the color may differ slightly from the pictures due to monitor differences, and the backpack may not fit under all airline seats. It may also not be suitable for heavy loads, so keep that in mind when packing. Overall, if you’re looking for a spacious and versatile backpack for your travels, the Coowoz Carry On Backpack is a great option.
Lumesner Carry on Backpack
If you’re looking for a spacious, durable, and comfortable backpack for your travels, the Lumesner Carry on Backpack is a great choice.
Pros
- With a large capacity of up to 40L, this backpack can easily hold packing cubes, outfits, camera gear, and more for 3-7 days of travel.
- It has four packing cubes, including a shoe pocket and a water-resistant toiletries cube, to help keep your belongings organized.
- The backpack is designed for travel with multi-panel ventilated padding and adjustable, breathable straps, making it comfortable to wear for hours. It also features an adjustable chest strap and a luggage strap to attach to your suitcase.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the backpack is too large to fit in fully packed overhead compartments.
- The zippers can be stiff and difficult to open and close at first.
- While the backpack is water-resistant, it may not hold up well in heavy rain or other extreme weather conditions.
The Lumesner Carry on Backpack is a reliable and practical choice for any traveler. The backpack’s spacious capacity and included packing cubes make it easy to stay organized while on the go. The comfortable design and adjustable straps also make it a great option for those carrying it for extended periods. However, be aware that the backpack may not fit in all overhead compartments, and the zippers may take some time to get used to.
Overall, if you’re in need of a durable and spacious backpack for your travels, the Lumesner Carry on Backpack is definitely worth considering.
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
If you’re looking for a durable and spacious backpack that can hold all your tech gear and more, the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is a great option.
Pros
- Plenty of storage space, including a separate laptop compartment and a spacious packing compartment
- Comfortable and sturdy design with padded back and adjustable shoulder straps
- Functional and safe, with a luggage strap and hidden anti-theft pocket
Cons
- USB charging port only offers easy access to charge. The backpack doesn’t power itself
- Some users have reported issues with zippers breaking over time
- The backpack may be too large for some airline carry-on size restrictions
The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is perfect for anyone who needs to carry a lot of tech gear and other items on the go. Its spacious compartments and comfortable design make it ideal for daily commutes and longer trips. However, it’s important to note that the backpack may not fit within some airline carry-on size restrictions.
The backpack’s USB charging port is a convenient feature, but it’s important to remember that the backpack itself doesn’t power devices. Some users have also reported issues with the zippers breaking over time, so handling them carefully is important. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and spacious backpack.
VGCUB Carry on Backpack
Looking for a reliable and spacious flight-approved backpack? The VGCUB Carry on Backpack might be the perfect travel accessory for you.
Pros
- Large capacity with multiple pockets for easy organization
- Convenient USB charging port for your devices
- Trolley sleeve and anti-theft pocket for added security and convenience
Cons
- The shoe compartment adds bulk to the front of the backpack
- The light-colored version can get dirty easily
- The side water bottle pocket can be a bit small for larger bottles
The VGCUB Carry on Backpack is designed with the traveler in mind. With a large capacity and multiple pockets, you can easily organize all of your travel essentials. The built-in laptop compartment fits most 15-inch laptops and is situated close to your back for added security. The USB charging port is a convenient feature for charging your electronic devices on the go.
The trolley sleeve on the back of the backpack allows for hands-free transport and easier carrying. The hidden anti-theft pocket on the back of the backpack is perfect for protecting your valuables from thieves. The shoe compartment on the bottom of the backpack is a great addition to keep your shoes separated and everything else clean.
The backpack’s robust padded straps and back panel provide a comfortable and stable walking experience. The removable sternum strap and air-mesh ventilated back panel help minimize back sweat. However, the shoe compartment can add bulk to the front of the backpack, making it a bit harder to use. The light-colored version can also get dirty easily. Additionally, the side water bottle pocket might not be suitable for larger bottles.
Coofay Travel Backpack
If you’re in need of a reliable and versatile backpack approved for airline travel, the Coofay Travel Backpack is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The backpack has a large and multifunctional design that can hold 4-6 pieces of thin tops or pants, making it perfect for short trips or business trips for 2-3 days.
- The backpack features a separate shoe compartment and wet pocket, allowing you to switch freely in different states of travel, business trips, and outdoor sports.
- The backpack has a USB port design, which can be connected to a power bank inside the bag, and a cell phone connected to the outside of the bag through a data cable, allowing you to charge your cell phone or iPad while walking.
Cons
- The backpack’s external dimensions are 16.5×11.8×5.9 inches (H×W×D), which may not be suitable for those who prefer a smaller backpack.
- The backpack weighs 2 lbs, which may be too heavy for some travelers.
- The backpack may be unsuitable for longer trips with more packed items.
The Coofay Travel Backpack is a great choice for those needing a reliable and multifunctional backpack for short or business trips. The backpack’s large design and separate compartments make packing and organizing your belongings easy, while the USB port design allows you to charge your devices on the go. However, the backpack’s size and weight may not be suitable for everyone, and it may not be the best choice for longer trips where more items need to be packed.
IGOLUMON Carry On Backpack
If you’re looking for a durable and spacious flight-ready backpack that can fit all your essentials, the IGOLUMON Carry On Backpack is a great choice.
Pros
- Meets airline requirements for package size and fits nicely in the overhead luggage compartment or under the airplane seat
- Large capacity with separate padded laptop compartment and multifunctional storage pocket
- It comes with a separate dirty-proof drawstring shoe bag and a hidden pocket for anti-theft protection
Cons
- May be too bulky for some travelers
- No external pockets for easy access to small items
- Water bottle pockets may not fit larger bottles
The IGOLUMON Carry On Backpack has a spacious 40L capacity and is perfect for air travel. It has a separate padded laptop compartment that can fit laptops up to 17.3 inches and can pass TSA checkpoints quickly. The backpack also has a multifunctional storage pocket with a retractable keychain for easy access to your passport, wallet, and other small items. The back of the backpack is designed with a zipper pocket that can completely hide the shoulder straps, making it a great anti-theft feature to protect your phone and wallet from thieves.
The backpack also comes with a separate dirty-proof drawstring shoe bag that can fit most shoes up to 18 inches and store other personal items like socks or charging lines. The backpack has multiple carrying options, with handles set on top and one side that allows an easy switch between backpack and suitcase and a back luggage strap that can securely attach the backpack to a rolling suitcase. The backpack is made of waterproof and scratch-resistant polyester fabric, and the overall construction is durable and well-stitched. The front reflective strip design ensures your safety during evening biking or walking.
However, the backpack may be too bulky for some travelers, and there are no external pockets for easy access to small items. The water bottle pocket may also not fit larger bottles. Overall, the IGOLUMON Carry On Backpack is a great choice for travelers looking for a spacious, durable backpack that fits all their essentials.
Carofield Carry On Backpack
If you’re looking for a spacious, durable travel backpack that can also keep you organized, the Carofield Carry On Backpack is a great option.
Pros
- Lots of storage spaces and pockets for easy organization
- It comes with three additional storage bags for even more organization
- Features a luggage belt, breast strap, and anti-theft pocket for added safety and convenience
Cons
- It doesn’t have side pockets for water bottles or other small items
- May be too large for some airlines’ carry-on size restrictions
- The charging port only offers an easier way to charge and doesn’t power itself
The Carofield Carry On Backpack is perfect for those who need to carry many items while traveling. You can easily organize your belongings with its spacious main compartments and hidden pockets. Plus, the additional storage bags make keeping everything in its place even easier. The luggage belt, breast strap, and anti-theft pocket also provide added safety and convenience.
However, it’s worth noting that the backpack doesn’t have side pockets for water bottles or other small items, which may be inconvenient for some. Additionally, its large size may not meet some airlines’ carry-on size restrictions. Finally, while the charging port is convenient, it only offers an easier way to charge and doesn’t power itself.
If you’re in need of a spacious and durable travel backpack that can keep you organized, the Carofield Carry On Backpack is definitely worth considering.
Lapsouno Travel Laptop Backpack
If you’re looking for a spacious and durable backpack for your travels, the Lapsouno Travel Laptop Backpack is a great option.
Pros
- Plenty of storage space with over 15 pockets and two main compartments.
- Comfortable to wear with a multi-sided airflow design and adjustable shoulder straps.
- Waterproof and scratch-resistant material with an anti-theft design for added security.
Cons
- No charging cable is included with the USB port for charging devices.
- The backpack is quite large and may be too bulky for some travelers.
- The purple color may not be to everyone’s taste.
The Lapsouno Travel Laptop Backpack is perfect for those needing a lot of storage space and a comfortable and durable backpack for their travels. The multi-sided airflow design and adjustable shoulder straps make it easy to wear for extended periods of time, and the waterproof and scratch-resistant material ensures that your belongings stay safe and dry.
However, the backpack is quite large and may be too bulky for some travelers, and the purple color may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Overall, if you need a reliable and spacious backpack for your travels, the Lapsouno Travel Laptop Backpack is worth considering.
Taygeer Carry On Backpack
Suppose you’re looking for a versatile and convenient travel, school, or work backpack. In that case, the Taygeer Carry On Backpack is a great option that offers ample storage, organization, and a built-in USB port for charging your devices on the go.
Pros
- The built-in USB port makes it easy to charge your phone or other devices while you’re on the go.
- The backpack has a roomy capacity with 3 main compartments and 9 inner pockets, making it easy to stay organized and find what you need quickly.
- The backpack is flight approved and fits easily under the seat or in the overhead compartment, making it a great option for travel.
Cons
- The backpack doesn’t have a power bank or charging cable, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you don’t already have them.
- The backpack can feel a bit heavy when fully loaded, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for a lightweight backpack.
- The backpack is only available in one color (pink), so it may not be the best option if you want a more neutral or versatile backpack.
The Taygeer Carry On Backpack is a versatile and convenient backpack that’s perfect for travel, school, or work. With its built-in USB port, roomy capacity, and flight-approved design, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and functional backpack. However, it may not be the best option if you’re looking for a lightweight or neutral-colored backpack.
One of the standout features of this backpack is the built-in USB port, which makes it easy to charge your phone or other devices while you’re on the go. This is especially convenient if you’re traveling or using the backpack for work or school, as you can easily stay connected and charged throughout the day.
In addition to the USB port, the backpack has a roomy capacity with 3 main compartments and 9 inner pockets, making it easy to stay organized and find what you need quickly. The backpack is also flight-approved and fits easily under the seat or in the overhead compartment, making it a great option for travel.
While the backpack has many great features, there are a few potential downsides to consider. For example, the backpack doesn’t have a power bank or charging cable, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you don’t already have them. Additionally, the backpack can feel a bit heavy when fully loaded, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for a lightweight backpack. Finally, the backpack is only available in one color (pink), so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for a more neutral or versatile backpack.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best carry on backpack, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Size and Capacity
The first thing to consider is the size and capacity of the backpack. Most airlines have specific size restrictions for carry on luggage, so it’s important to choose a backpack that meets these requirements. Look for a backpack that is spacious enough to hold all of your essentials but not so big that it becomes cumbersome to carry around. A 30-40 liters capacity is usually sufficient for most travelers.20.5 x 13 x 7.1 inches is the dimension of the backpack, whose capacity is 40 liters which is equal to the 2440.95 cubic inches of the storage capacity
Comfort and Fit
Another important factor to consider is the comfort and fit of the backpack. Look for a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel to help distribute the weight evenly and reduce strain on your back and shoulders. Adjustable straps and a waist belt can also help ensure a comfortable fit.
Organization and Accessibility
Organization and accessibility are also important considerations when choosing a carry on backpack. Look for a backpack with multiple compartments and pockets to help keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. A backpack with a front-loading design can also make it easier to pack and access your belongings.
Material and Durability
The material and durability of the backpack are also important factors to consider. Look for a backpack made from high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Water-resistant or waterproof materials can also help protect your belongings from the elements.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you, such as a built-in USB port for charging your devices, a luggage strap for attaching the backpack to your suitcase, or a lockable zipper for added security.
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Size and Capacity | Very important |
| Comfort and Fit | Very important |
| Organization and Accessibility | Important |
| Material and Durability | Important |
| Additional Features | Optional |