Master the Overhead Bin with These Ultimate Carry-On Backpacks

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The top carry-on backpacks significantly influence our total experience. travel Comfort: Choose incorrectly, and you'll find yourself lugging around something as cumbersome as an extra-large suitcase through an endless airport corridor. Adding to this challenge are stringent airline rules that permit only backpacks small enough to stow beneath the seat ahead or in the overhead compartment, making the quest for the perfect travel bag seem quite daunting.

That's why we put several top-notch technical and stylish carry-ons through testing. backpacks For all types of travelers, ranging from artistic objects d'art to carry-on Travel backpacks that maintain their style whether you're queuing at the TSA checkpoint, attending a meeting, or hiking through nature. As spring break trips ramp up shortly, each of these options ensures you'll appear and feel like a high-end traveler (yes, even when flying in coach).

The Top Carry-On Backpacks, As Suggested By GudangMovies21

• Best Carry-on Backpack Overall : Peak Design Travel Backpack , $300
• Best Budget Carry-On Backpack : Jansport Venture Pack , $150
• Best Lightweight Carry-On Backpack : Aer Travel Backpack 3 , $249
• Top Travel Backpack That You Can Use In Various Styles : Topo Designs Worldwide Adventure Backpack , $229
• Top Pick for Traveling Backpacks Ideal for One-Day Excursions: Yeti Ranchero , $275
• Top Pick for the Best Travel Backpack : CalPak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack , $175
• Best Water-Resistant Carry-On Backpack : Rains Rolltop Large Backpack , $170
• Best Everyday Carry-On Backpack : Lululemon Cruiser Backpack 23L , $168

Looking for Something Specific?

• What to Look For in a Carry-On Backpack
• How We Tested

Best Carry-on Backpack Overall: Peak Design Travel Backpack

Travel Backpack

$300.00, Peak Design

Planning a trip is stressful enough, so packing the bag should be the easy part. Right? If only all bag companies took a cue from Peak Design's playbook, because its Travel Backpack is the ideal companion for all journeys short and long. This 45-liter bag has a black-hole-like interior, where organization and ease of access take precedence so that packing and unpacking your bag is a breeze. Ingenious storage solutions—like hidden exterior storage straps and zippered pockets throughout the inside and outside of the bag—might get you confused as to where exactly you put that travel adapter, but that's a minor complaint for all the ways you can optimize the storage to bring literally everything you want and need.

The biggest selling point of this bag is that despite its massive size, you can compress it to be a 35-liter bag so it's more convenient to tote on the daily. Either way, you'll have no issue getting this on your plane without having to argue with TSA about it passing the carry-on size requirements.

Top Affordable Travel Backpack: Jansport Venture Pack

Venture Pack

$150.00, Amazon

The Jansport backpack, likely what you toted around during high school, has now launched a travel-friendly version that’s evolved beyond just holding pens and a few textbooks. Known as the Venture Pack, this robust bag features a single spacious primary section that can be completely unzipped for easy loading. What we appreciate about it is the inclusion of a padded laptop pocket positioned nearer to the user’s back, enhancing security and deterring potential thieves—especially useful when you’re preoccupied navigating through Google Maps.

Compression straps are ideal for those who tend to overpack and want to remove as much air from their items as they can, ensuring the luggage fits neatly into the overhead compartment. In terms of comfort, this bag includes a perimeter wireframe suspension system along with an adjustable torso length feature, making the load seem less burdensome when worn. Furthermore, you have the option to purchase the strap separately. Venture Daypack , which attaches to the Venture Pack allowing you to transport twice as much cargo: one on your back and another in front. Will it be stylish? It certainly has a style of its own, but it will definitely boost the amount of gear you can haul.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag: The Best Carry-On Backpack Designed for Versatile Wearing Styles

Global Travel Bag 40L

$229.00, Topo Designs

Obviously, you’re seeking a carry-on that doubles as a backpack. But imagine this: one day your back could really hurt, then maybe you’d prefer using it as a shoulder bag instead. What about if it could even function like a duffel at times? The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag allows you to switch between these modes—backpack, shoulder bag, and duffel—to fit whatever suits your travels best. Most importantly though, it’s an excellent solution for transporting everything from point A to point B, plus anything extra you may pick up en route.
The primary section features a full-length zipper allowing easy access to contents inside, eliminating the hassle of digging around aimlessly within your luggage just to locate specific items. There’s another smaller segment designed specifically for holding thinner objects; they stay neatly arranged thanks to multiple zipped pockets provided here. For optimal use of your Global Travel Bag, consider pairing it with accessories offered by the same brand. packing cubes to make the sizable space even more expansive.

Top Choice for a Light Packing Backpack: Aer Travel Backpack 3

Travel Pack 3

$249.00, Aer

If your backpack is already weighted down and you still need to pack a week’s worth of supplies, then expect frequent visits to your chiropractor in the coming weeks. Fortunately, Aer's Lightweight Travel Pack 3 weighs only slightly more than four pounds, allowing you to fill it with as many outfits as you could possibly think about taking along without having to worry about lugging an entire wardrobe. The numerous zipped compartments outside the bag ensure that items like your smartphone, passport, and boarding passes each have their own designated spot for easy retrieval during travel by air, rail, or road. With compression straps included, you can stuff everything tightly into place. tad Fit some extra items into this relatively compact bag, but most importantly, you can wear your backpack while hiking without needing a spinal adjustment after your trip.

Top Pick for Day Trip Backpacks: Yeti Ranchero

Ranchero 27L Backpack

$275.00, Yeti

A company known for producing high-quality coolers and insulated tumblers might seem like an unexpected player in the world of luggage, but Yeti proves otherwise with their recent launch of the Ranchero. This new offering comes in two sizes: a spacious 27 liters and a more compact 20-liter version. One standout feature is its Y-shaped opening, which allows easy access even when packed deep inside. Additionally, the external dual buckle system functions not only as compression straps but also offers additional space—perfect for attaching items such as jackets externally. "The manner in which this bag fully unzips is fantastic," GudangMovies21 Ian Burke, who serves as the senior commerce editor, mentions, "'In all my years of testing various bags, I’ve never come across an Y-shaped opening before. This design really simplifies packing larger items such as shoes or workout equipment without fumbling around inside the bag. Additionally, the spacious compartments designed for water bottles are quite convenient.'"

Just like with any reliable travel buddy, this item comes packed with numerous zippers, compartments, and pockets, eliminating the need for you to emulate your father by sporting cargo pants when going through airport security.

Best Comfortable Carry-On Backpack: Alo Stow Backpack

Stow Backpack

$128.00, Alo

Small but mighty, the Alo Stow Backpack has a matte neoprene shell which (aside from being water-resistant) makes the pack soft and malleable while always keeping its shape—even when I’m cramming it in between seats. I like that its chunky, jam-free zippers allow me to grab it and open compartments from any angle, too. While other backpack straps have a way of twisting and feeling like daggers cutting into my shoulders, Alo figured out the delicate balance of having lightweight straps that can support up to 75 pounds of weight against my back while staying firmly in place. The roomy main compartment, two exterior zipper pockets, water bottle pouch, interior pocket, and laptop sleeve that can fit my entire packing list just sweeten the deal.

Top Pick for a Travel Carry-On Backpack: CalPak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

Terral 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

$175.00, Calpak

The discomfort of enduring a lengthy transatlantic flight is often compounded by similarly tedious waits for an Uber ride—this can turn even the slightest travel pack into a burden. Fortunately, one standout attribute of the CalPak Terra 26L is how swiftly it transforms between a backpack and a duffel, taking less than five seconds; this makes waiting in lines much more comfortable. Additionally, these shoulder straps are fully customizable and removable, adding further flexibility. However, arguably its greatest asset might be the sturdy compression straps equipped with buckles designed to secure items securely so they won’t move about during transit. Constructed using eco-friendly recycled ripstop polyester material, this versatile carry-on includes a padded compartment capable of accommodating laptops up to 17 inches diagonally as well as offering a complimentary strap pouch.

Top Waterproof Travel Backpack: Rains Rolltop Rucksack

Rolltop Rucksack Large

$170.00, Rains

I’ve been a fan of Rains since I first acquired their waterproof (read: basically floodproof) backpack , which I still use to this day. I’m equally infatuated with their Rolltop Rucksack: Minimalist, refined, durable, and with black-hole-levels of storage, this bag’s sensibly sized dimensions allow for easy storage under an airline seat or in the overhead bin. The rolled top secures with a lobster clasp to make sure I can tightly squeeze in all of my chargers and gear or let things breathe a little if I’m simply packing a hoodie or two. I also thoroughly enjoy the side pockets which ensure I'm able to slip in everything from my earbuds to a pack of gum with ease. Plus, there’s a two-year warranty should anything happen to your pack.

Best Everyday Carry-On Backpack: Lululemon Cruiser Backpack 23L

Cruiser Backpack 23L

$168.00, Lululemon

As someone who travels often, having sufficient storage space is crucial for me. When I discovered this top-notch backpack from Lululemon with its playful vintage design, I knew I needed it right away. The Lululemon Cruiser offers compartments galore—from an exterior rigid casing designed to safeguard my cherished sunglasses to convenient side and frontal pouches perfect for holding grooming essentials and miniature product packs. Morning Kick (The digestive remedy endorsed by Chuck Norris that I rely on to fight off tiredness, travel-related stomach issues, and jet lag during journeys.) Even though this bag is very lightweight, it offers substantial cushioning designed specifically for safeguarding laptops. It also comes with a strap to attach it directly to your wheeled suitcase. Another feature I appreciate is the poly-nylon material which repels water; this ensures all items stay protected even when my beverage accidentally spills mid-flight.

Key Features to Seek in a Travel Backpack

Firstly, you must be capable of, essentially, carry on your carry-on bag—which means it’s got to be small enough to squeeze by airline restrictions (you’re generally safe with anything 40L or smaller). A true goldilocks carry-on luggage pick features multiple pockets and compartments, is comfortable enough to lug through an airport, and looks good enough to make us feel stylish even on the most brutal of travel days. Bonus points for extras including packing cubes, hip belts, water bottle storage, laptop sleeves, water resistance, and easy-access compartments. Most importantly, make sure to pick the carry-on backpack that works best for you—i.e., don’t just snag the first pack you find on Amazon without making sure it addresses your specific travel needs.

How We Tested

GudangMovies21has been testing and reviewing men’s backpacks for years, and we’re currently conducting in-depth testing on the top carry-on travel packs. We’ll continue to update our selections in this guide as we pack, carry on, and rack up air miles with these bags. When evaluating the best travel backpacks
When evaluating carry-on backpacks, we start by assessing their durability. This includes checking whether the bag has sturdy materials, an internal frame, or water-resistant properties. Then, we examine storage capacity—how much travel equipment can fit inside? Accessibility is key too; we inspect ease of access through different pockets and compartments.
During practical testing, we fill these packs with essentials and walk around to gauge comfort over extended periods. Sweat buildup at the back is just as bothersome here as elsewhere, so we seek out models featuring ample cushioning where needed most.
We also put each pack under stress to observe potential signs of damage after use. Where feasible, we utilize them as actual carry-ons throughout flights to ensure compliance with airline regulations concerning size limits and overall convenience when traveling.
In keeping with tradition at GudangMovies21, every candidate undergoes a style assessment known as "the fit test." Our aim is identifying those styles drawing spontaneous praise for appearance alongside functionality—a reflection of our belief that presenting oneself well embodies respect towards others and ourselves alike.