The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Any Adventure

An excellent carry-on-sized travel and adventure backpack can be a packing game changer. Whether used solo for shorter trips or carried along with other luggage for extended journeys, the best options offer plenty of storage space for clothes and a slew of easy access and protective pockets for water bottles, laptops, and other personal items.

Having spent many days on airplanes crisscrossing continents and oceans for work and play alike, here are the best carry-on travel and adventure bags we’ve tested and recommend hovering in the 35–55 liter size range.

How We Test Travel & Adventure Backpacks

Will Sabel Courtney

Our tester journeyed far and wide on numerous trips by plane, train and automobile with these backpacks, loading them up with apparel, gadgets and gear to see how they handle the stress. They were loaded and unloaded into luggage racks, trunks and back seats alike, carried on long walks to and from terminals and destinations, and left to bash about in the closet between trips.

For many of the tests, he loaded it up with a typical array of clothing and equipment one would need for a business or personal trip of several days time: an extra pair of jeans or slacks, 2–3 T-shirts, 1–2 overshirts or button-downs, a pair of sneakers, gym shorts and shirts, a DSLR camera, iPhone charger and Apple Watch charger and of course, several changes of undergarments.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Best Overall Travel Backpack

Peak Design

Best Overall

Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack

Specs

Volume	45 – 30L (Depending on compression)
Primary Material	Weatherproof 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas external shell. DWR impregnated and double poly coated for water resistance.
External Dimensions	22″ x 13″ x 9.5″
Weight	4.5 lbs
Laptop Sleeve Compatibility	Up to 16″
Colors	Black, Sage

Pros

• Can expand from a 35L day bag into 45L multi-day gear hauler
• Offers many ways to load & access contents
• Backpack straps can hide conveniently out of site via magnets
• Weather proof shell

Cons

• Main pouch less accessible than some other bags on the list
• Cinch straps only work okay

Read our full review of the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack

• 
  $299 at Peak Design
• 
  $299 at Huckberry
• 
  $299 at REI
• 
  $299 at Backcountry
• 
  $299 at Amazon

Peak Design’s travel backpack has been a top pick of ours for a while now, and suffice it to say, it’s still impressive. You can tell it’s a premium product from the first moment you lay hands and eyes on it; it looks and feels nice, from the action of the zippers to the smooth, almost waxy waterproof exterior to the soft, gentle gray fabric of the interior. But look closer, and you’ll find more features you might have missed the first time; hidden magnets seamlessly tuck away the backpack straps when not in use. (Just be sure you check the straps’ length every time you pull them back out, as they can slide out longer a little more easily than some bags.)

Of course, none of that would matter if it weren’t capable of carrying a bunch of gear. Luckily, this bag excels at that. Two main pockets easily enable the carriage of several days’ worth of apparel, while smaller slots for everything from toiletries to cables to headphones to laptops are found inside. There are grab handles for one-handed toting, multiple zippers for easy entry from several angles, and slots for water bottles on the sides, of course.

We also love that unlike most other options on this list, this bag can contract down to a smaller-sized bag 35 L capacity for shorter trips or bulk up to a 45 L if you need to bring more along (or wound up acquiring a few items while out on the road.)

All in all, it’s probably as close to the perfect travel backpack as you might find on sale today.

Best Rollaboard Replacement Travel Backpack

Tortuga

Best Rollaboard Replacement

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

Specs

Primary Materials	SHELL200 (Durable, waterproof sailcloth)
Capacity	40 L
Laptop Sleeve Compatibility	Up to 16″
External Dimensions	21.7″ x 13.8″ x 7.9″
Weight	4.5 lbs
Colors	Black

Pros

• Designed to maximize allowable carry-on space
• Opens and packs like a carry-on suitcase
• Featured padded hip belt with side pocket for better weight distribution

Cons

• Accessing items in main compartment can be awkward on the go
• Lacks luggage pass-through sleeve
• Slightly heavier than other options

• 
  $350 at Tortuga

Tortuga’s Travel Backpack Pro is regarded as one of the best travel backpacks for good reason. Its rectangular shape lets the bag maximize its available storage capacity while ensuring its dimensions fall within standard airline carry-on guidelines. The primary storage compartment also opens as a suitcase to reveal a large mesh zipper compartment side and a spacious main compartment. Depending on your use case, this design detail can be a pro or con.

On the one hand, it’s great to lay the bag flat on a bed and unzip the clam shell zipper to reveal and grab whatever’s inside quickly. However, quickly grabbing something buried deep inside the main compartment can be difficult if you don’t have enough space to lay the bag fully flat. The bag’s space-maximizing design also means its physically and aesthetically a bit more boxy than other options we recommend. Tortuga sells a smaller 30L capacity version of the same bag if 40L feels too big for your needs.

Best Bargain Travel Backpack

Aer

Best Bargain

Aer Travel Pack 3

Specs

Volume	35 L
Primary Material	1680D Cordura® Ballistic Nylon
External Dimensions	21.5″ L x 13″ W x 9″ D
Laptop Sleeve Compatibility	Up to 16″
Weight	4.12 lbs
Colors	Black, Grey, Navy, Olive

Pros

• Features handles on all sides
• Tons of pockets, including a hidden one for Airtags / Tracker
• Includes luggage handle pass-through strap

Cons

• Main pouch less accessible than some other bags on the list
• Cinch straps only work okay

• 
  $249 at Aer

Aer’s Travel Pack 3 is a little more affordable than the Peak Design entry, but don’t hold that against it; this bag is a lot like the above model. There are an abundance of pockets; you won’t have any trouble finding a place for everything and putting everything in its place. And while it doesn’t look or feel quite as premium when standing next to the Peak Design bag, it still has the quality and appearance of a high-end product.

Will Sabel Courtney

On the downside, the orientation of the main pouch can make opening it and filling the bag a bit trickier than some other entries on the list, and the magnetic clips for the chest strap and cinch straps feel like an unnecessary complication. It’s also a little smaller than other recommendations on this list. Still, overall, it’s a great choice for a few days on the road.

Best Multi-Use Travel Backpack

Yeti

Best Multi-Use

Yeti Crossroads Backpack 35L

Specs

Primary Material	Tuffskin Nylon
Capacity	35 L
External Dimensions	20.5″ H x 13.4″ W x 8.5″ D
Laptop Sleeve Compatibility	Up to 15″
Weight	3.7 lbs
Colors	Black, Navy, Alpine Brown

Pros

• Made from thick, abrasion resistant nylon
• Stable luggage pass through sleeve
• Removable external straps for lashing on other gear
• Sold in multiple smaller sizes

Cons

• Laptop sleeve is a little smaller compared to other bags
• Less water resistance than other options
• Lack of DWR coating also means its more prone to staining

• 
  $250 at Yeti

Yeti’s approach to backpacks is the same as its coolers. The brand’s Crossroads Backpack is a durably constructed and capable bag with a slightly less techy aesthetic than other recommendations on this list. It also includes a unique feature mix that makes it great for airports, city travel, and outdoor adventures.

For work-related trips or voyages within city limits, it’s got padded organization pockets for various items, including a laptop, and opens clamshell-style for easier packing. In cases of outdoor adventuring, it also features a pair of removal external straps for toting along other items like a rain shell, ground cover, or a lightweight camp chair. There’s also a pocket big enough to fit a 26 oz water bottle, although it’s located inside the bag, which might be a controversial decision for some. We lack the fact that Yeti sells smaller 22 L and 27 L versions of the bag for those interesting in something that’s closer in size to a more traditional backpack.

The Travel Backpack with the Smartest Feature Set

Matador

Smartest Feature Set

Matador GlobeRider 45L Travel Backpack

Specs

Capacity	45 L
Primary Material	420D Bluesign® nylon UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) reinforced ripstop, PU waterproofing
External Dimensions	22″ H x 12.8″ W x 11″ D
Laptop Sleeve Compatibility	Up to 16″
Colors	Black, Artic White
Weight	4 lb 8 oz.

Pros

• Features a highly adjustable outdoor backpack style harness for optimizing carrying comfort and weight distribution
• Stowable main backpack straps can tuck away for checking
• Dedicated internal compartment that’s great for keeping dirty / worn shoes from the rest of the bag’s contents

Cons

• Looks more technical / camping oriented than other options
• Pricey
• Bigger compared to other tweener-sized options

• 
  $350 at Matador
• 
  $350 at Huckberry
• 
  $350 at REI
• 
  $350 at Backcountry

Smart design details distinguish all of Matador’s products, and their premium GlobeRider 45 travel and adventure backpack puts this part of the brand’s DNA on full display. While the sheer variety of features makes this bag stand out, its outdoor-grade harness, complete with adjustable load lifters, a contoured aluminum framestay, and a backpacking carry harness, make it one of the best travel backpack options for anyone who expects to walk long distances carrying it. The harness is also stowable behind the padded back panel, which can help prevent the bag from being caught up in machinery if you decide to check it. 

We also love the larger, built-in internal organization pocket that’s sizeable enough to keep a pair of dirty hiking boots separated from other packed items and the internal shockcord securement system on the other side for keeping contents in place when the bag is open. There’s even a “smugglers pocket” tucked away behind the back panel for keeping critical items like a Passport out of harm’s way.

Most Distinctive Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi

Most Distinctive Option

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Specs

Capacity	42 L
Primary Materials	TPU-coated 1000D polyester
External Dimensions	22″ x 14″ x 11″
Laptop Sleeve Compatibility	Up to 15″
Weight	4 lbs 2 oz
Colors	Randomized”Del Dia” options as well as 22 x 14 x 11″

Pros

• Available in more colorful outdoorsy-styled versions, including a randomized Del Dia option
• Includes removable raincover
• Includes strap for carrying crossbody
• Designed to work perfectly with Cotopaxi packing cubes and accessories
• Includes a lifetime warranty + repairs

Cons

• Less open space for cramming gear inside

• 
  $220 at Cotopaxi
• 
  $220 at Amazon
• 
  $220 at REI

We gravitate to more unremarkable colors in bags. Still, if you prefer your equipment to stand out or like owning something unique, Cotopaxi’s Allpa 42 L is an excellent option. It’s available in various standard colors, most of which mix and match various bright shades to give off a classic outdoorsy vibe. But there’s also the option of buying a one-of-a-kind “Del Dia” version made from leftover parts and pieces from other companies’ production runs. While you can pick the primary color you are interested in, the different colored elements of the bag are determined on the production line based on available materials. The result is an aesthetically unique bag that’s also more sustainably produced. 

But don’t assume the appeal of this bag is all aesthetic. It also offers plenty of practical travel-centric details, including various internal zippered organization pockets, a removal rainfly for foul weather protection, and a removable waist belt. Its primary harness straps can also be tucked away for easier checking. 

If you want to enter the Cotopaxi travel ecosystem fully, the bag is also specifically designed to fit the company’s packing cubes and fanny pack.

Best Made in the USA Travel Backpack

GoRuck

Made in America

GoRuck GR3 45L USA

Specs

Volume	45 L
Materials	1000D CORDURA®
External Dimensions	22″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
Laptop Sleeve Compatibility	Up to 20″
Weight	5.15 lbs
Colors	Black, Wolf Grey, Camo

Pros

• Ridiculously sturdy and tough
• Simple design
• Made in America

Cons

• Harder to access laptop and other pockets on the go
• Expensive compared to bags with bells & whistles

• 
  $455 at goruck.com

GoRuck is known for building bags that are sturdy as hell, and meant to go through it, too. The canvas skin feels thick enough to resist tiger claws. That’s not to say it’s harsh on the wearer; 201D Cordura straps and back panels feel plenty soft even over the long haul. We tested the smaller GR1, but even that 26-liter bag punched above its weight, proving large enough to carry our usual kit without much trouble; the 45-liter GR3 will no doubt prove capable of taking whatever you throw at it, inside or out.

Will Sabel Courtney

With only one main compartment and a couple rather small pockets, it’s a bit harder to stash smaller items in their own areas — you may have to rummage through your underwear to grab your laptop — but if your priority is making sure everything in your bag stays safe and sound no matter what, GoRuck has you covered. Be aware that this bag is often sold out.

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Farpoint

Most Versatile

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack

Specs

Capacity	55 L
Primary Material	450D Recycled Twist Dobby Polyester, PFAS-Free DWR
External Dimensions	9″ H X 14″ W X 22″ D
Laptop Sleeve Compatibility	Up to 16″
Weight	4.23 lbs
Colors	Gopher Green, Black, Muted Space Blue, Tunnel Vision Grey

Pros

• A built-in secondary pack is great for day trips
• Massive capacity
• More affordable than other options

Cons

• Re-assembly of constituent bags can be tricky when full
• Forces you to split your gear up between two bags when packing

• 
  $220.00 at osprey.com
• 
  $176 at Backcountry Gear
  
  $220
  
  (20% off)
• 
  $215 at Amazon
• 
  $220 at REI
• 
  $220 at L.L. Bean

Nerd alert: What does the Osprey Farpoint 55 have in common with the USS Enterprise-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation? (Which, coincidentally, first aired with a pilot called “Encounter at Farpoint.”) Well, both starship and backpack can separate into two separate vessels if the need arises. In the case of the Osprey, that means the smaller, secondary pocket detaches to become its own daypack, perfectly sized for short hikes and office visits. Combined, the complete bag is a mammoth beast, capable of taking on a stunning amount of gear; if you tend to pick up souvenirs on your trips, this bag is for you.

Will Sabel Courtney

On the less-appealing side, it’s a bit difficult to get into the main bag when “assembled,” and that assembly process can be tricky when both bags are stuffed. Combined, the overall package is bulky; it’s not an issue when wearing it (or at least it wasn’t for our six-foot-four-inch tester), but it does generally necessitate splitting the bag into its constituent parts on the airplane, stowing the big part in the overhead and the small one under the seat ahead.

Best Travel Backpack for Awkward-Sized Gear

Patagonia

Best for Awkward-Sized Gear

Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L

Specs

Primary Material	100% Recycled Nylon With PU Coating + a DWR Finish
Capacity	45 L
External Dimensions	14″ x 9.5″ x 36″
Laptop Sleeve Compatibility	No Laptop Sleeve
Weight	3 lbs 2 oz.
Colors	Black, Tree Ring Brown

Pros

• Giant pocket and wide opening make for easy packing
• Light compared to other bags

Cons

• Not as optimal for business travel as some other bags
• No true dedicated sleeve for laptops or tablets

• 
  $152.99 at Patagonia
  
  $219.00
  
  (30% off)

Of course, any list of high-quality backpacks wouldn’t be complete without a Patagonia entry. The Cragsmith may be made for rock climbing, but it’s also a good fit for travel, with ample capacity in a giant central compartment as well as secondary slots for other gear. That said, the lack of a second main compartment may be a turn-off for some, and the relaxed sleeve on the inside of the main cargo bay is better suited for rope than a laptop. But if you want a sleek travel backpack from one of the best names in outdoor equipment, the Cragsmith should treat you right.

Key details to consider before deciding on the right travel or adventure backpack for your needs.

• Do you plan on using your travel or adventure backpack frequently in conjunction with a rollaboard?

  If yes, we recommend keying in on options that feature a luggage pass-through sleeve. This will allow you to take the bag off your back and more easily roll it with your suitcase during extended treks in the airport.

• Do you plan on using your travel backpack off the beaten path or expect to be exposed to the elements for longer stretches?

  If yes, look for options made with DWR coatings or sold with an included rainfly as well as sealed zippers for added water protection.

• Do you plan on walking/hiking long distances while wearing the travel backpack?

  If yes, we recommend focusing on backpacks that offer integrated waist straps or, even better, more adjustable/tunable harnesses. Both features will allow you to distribute the weight of the bag better and for more comfort. 

• Do you plan on ever checking your travel backpack on an airplane?

  While less critical than the other considerations, bags with stowable straps and harnesses are better suited for checking. It’s an unlikely risk, but extraneous straps can get caught in conveyor belt machinery while being scanned.

• Do you plan on ever checking your travel backpack on an airplane?

  While less critical than the other considerations, bags with stowable straps and harnesses are better suited for checking. It’s an unlikely risk, but extraneous straps can get caught in conveyor belt machinery while being scanned.

• Do you prefer packing with packing cubes and smaller bags?

  If so, then we recommend looking at backpacks with less built-in organization pockets to maximize what you can carry. If you’re in the opposite camp, then many of the options that include a variety of pockets and zippered compartments can help you quickly find whatever you’ve packed.

An easy rubric for gauging the right sized carry-on adventure backpack for your needs.

If you are hoping to use a single backpack for a trip lasting more than three days, we recommend focusing on bags with a capacity of 40 L unless you are an extremely light packer.

A handy list of approved carry-on sizes for major U.S. domestic airlines

Approved Carry-on sizing reference table last updated 4/9/2024

To learn more about how big (or heavy) your carry-on can be, refer to our broader guide to the best carry-on suitcases for every trip.