The 12 Best Carry-on Travel Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Other Carry-on Backpacks We Liked

While we tested plenty of quality carry-on backpacks, some didn’t quite make our list due to weaknesses revealed during testing. However, they still may be a good option for certain travelers.

Earth Pak Summit Dry Bag Backpack: We loved how durable, comfortable, and water-resistant this 35-liter backpack is. It also comes with a waterproof phone case that kept our phone dry when submerged underwater. However, the roll top is so long and cumbersome, it makes packing a bit of a hassle, so we think it would work better for outdoor travel than as a carry-on.

Amazon Basics Carry-on Travel Backpack: It had plenty of compartments for staying organized and the material felt durable, but there weren’t any stand-out features that made it a must-have backpack. 

Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L: This backpack fits all of the packing items, and it even fits under an airplane seat, but our budget pick performed slightly better and costs less. 

Our Testing Process

On more than seven separate occasions, we tested carry-on backpacks to make sure we were creating this list with the best options from trusted luggage and backpack brands. For our latest tests, we built a specially designed airplane set that includes a row of real airplane seats and an overhead storage bin. To date, we’ve put more than 90 carry-on backpacks through a series of trials that compared capacity, design, comfort, durability, and overall value. After completing our in-house testing, we sent the backpacks out with our T+L editors to give us insight into how they fared during real-world travel. We have been updating this article with long-term testing insights as soon as they become available. 

To test for capacity, we began by packing the bags with three shirts, two pairs of pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, a toiletry bag, and a dummy laptop if there’s a laptop sleeve. We noted if any space was left over, as well as how functional the compartments were for organizing the contents packed. We evaluated the overall design of the bags by paying attention to how they fold out, how well the zippers and buckles work, and the functionality of each pocket or compartment. 

Next, we put on the backpacks and walked around for 10 minutes to evaluate comfort. The best backpacks were exceptionally enjoyable to wear, with the weight evenly distributed on the shoulders or hips.

Then, we threw the backpacks a few feet away or off a countertop to test for durability. The top bags had no scuffs or tears after rough handling, and the packed items inside remained unharmed as well. 

While testing, we had no previous knowledge of the cost of each backpack until after testing was completed. This allowed us to give an unbiased opinion of overall value, where the top bags were determined to be fairly priced based on a high-quality performance, especially for the pricier bags. After our tests, the backpacks were sent out for real-world testing for up to six months so we can assess how they perform in real travel situations, including on airplanes.

Tips for Buying a Carry-on Backpack

Consider under-the-seat versus carry-on bags

Not all carry-on backpacks will fit under the seat of an airplane, but if that’s your intended use, we recommend checking an airline’s underseat dimensions before heading to the airport. Similarly, with a carry-on backpack for the overhead bin, you’ll want to double-check the airline’s carry-on size restrictions to avoid paying unwanted fees if the bag is stuffed full of clothes. 

Keep in mind what the bag will be used for

It may seem obvious, but to find the perfect travel backpack you need to first consider its primary function. For those traveling by foot, a smaller, lightweight backpack would be better for portability and comfort. For those traveling by air, a compression bag or backpack that has plentiful organization could be a better choice so you get the most out of the limited airline baggage space. When traveling by air, you might also want to consider an option with wheels for added convenience, like a rolling backpack, weekender, or duffel bag.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Since moving to New York City in the spring of 2022 to test travel gear for T+L, associate editor Anna Popp has spent countless hours personally testing more than 50 backpacks including bags on this list from Cotopaxi, Calpak, Peak Design, and Nomatic. She has been traveling with a Cotopaxi backpack for more than four years—and even had to get everyone in her family the same bag so they would stop stealing hers.

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