The Best Carry On Backpacks For Travel (Updated for 2024)

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The Best Carry On Backpacks For Travel – Complete Buyers Guide

If you want to see all the best carry on backpacks for travel in the same place, you have come to the right place. This is a collection of my favorite travel backpacks after years of testing. I started One Bag Travels in 2018 and have since tested hundreds of packs, these are my favorites.

If you’re looking for a Duffel Bag, this is the post for you: Best Duffel Bags For Travel

For more options, I have compiled a handy filterable Comprehensive Travel Backpack Spreadsheet.

What’s included in best carry on backpacks for travel?

• Bags are in the 25-35 liter range. These bags will all easily fit as a carry-on for most major airlines, while some are small enough to use as a personal item. Not all bags in this list will comply with all airline carry-on regulations. Check this dimension chart and your airline policy before you fly.
• Bags are convertible, meaning they can be carried multiple ways. They should have either an over the shoulder strap, top and side handles, backpack straps, or a combination of these.
• One-bags are intended to be mobile and versatile, not cumbersome. Included are clam-shell style, top-loading, and tri-fold backpacks. No rolling luggage is included in this list.

My favorite travel backpacks in alphabetical order:

Able Carry Max Backpack

Cost: $278
Capacity: 30 liters
Dimensions: 20.5” x 12.5” x 8” (52 x 32 x 20 cm)
Style: Panel Loading
Weight: 3.79 lbs (1.72 kg)
Laptop: 17”
Materials: VX-21 X-Pac (blue color), 1000D Cordura Nylon; YKK Zips; Duraflex hardware
Origin: China
OBT Reviews: Able Carry Max Backpack (YouTube); Able Carry Daily Plus (YouTube)
Shop: Able Carry Max

Able Carry has created some incredible designs since their inception in 2018. The Hong Kong based company has a focus on sleek, functional, high quality travel and EDC backpacks, using some of the best materials (X-pac fabric and YKK zippers). The 30 Max Backpack size opens up into a large clamshell style, giving you access to a large main compartment. Good interior and exterior orginaztion for small items, an exterior water bottle pocket, and luggage pass through sleeve make the Max Backpack great as a minimalsit carry on, or a larger personal item bag.

Aer Travel Pack 3 Small

Cost: $229
Capacity: 28 liters
Dimensions: 19″ x 13″ x 7.5″ (48 x 33 x 19 cm)
Style: Clamshell
Weight: 3.62 lbs (1.64 kg) (X-Pac fabric)
Laptop: 15.6”
Materials: 1680D Ballistic Cordura ® Nylon or VX42; YKK Zippers
OBT Reviews: Aer Travel Pack 3 Small; Travel Pack 2 Review, Aer vs. Minaal 2.0
Shop: Aer Travel Pack 3 (35L) Aer Travel Pack 3 Small (28L); 3 Small X-Pac Fabric

The updated smaller version of their bestselling Travel Pack. Aer Travel Pack 3 small is lighter and smaller, better suited for minimalist travel. It’s compressable so can double as an EDC pack, but with a clamshell style opening that makes it great for travel. The Travel Pack 3 comes standard with tough 1680 ballistic nylon. For a slightly lighter, more waterproof version, check out the X-Pac fabric.

Bellroy Transit Backpack

Cost: $259
Capacity: 28 liters
Dimensions: 20.8″ x 14.2″ x 7.5″ (53 x 36 x 19 cm)
Style: Panel Loading
Weight: 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
Laptop: 16” compartment
Materials: YKK #8 Aquaguard zippers; Leather accents
Fabrics: Black = Dura Nylon; Nightsky = Baida Ripstop; Ranger Green = Baida Nylon
OBT Reviews: Bellory Transit;
Shop: Bellroy Transit Backpack; Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus (38L)

Two words: minimalist elegance. The Bellory Transit Backpack epitomizes the simplicity of a well made travel backpack. Comfortable enough to carry long-distances, yet still large enough to hold all your clothes and a 15″ laptop. Use it as a weekend bag, or a full-time travel backpack for the skilled traveler. If you need something a little larger, the Transit Backpack Plus has a nearly identical style but with an increase of 10L capacity.

Cabin Zero ADV Pro 32L

Cost: $146
Capacity: 32 liters
Dimensions: 18.1″ x 12.2″ x 7.9″ (46 x 31 x 20 cm)
Style: Panel Loading
Weight: 2.0 lbs (0.92 kg)
Laptop: 15.6”
Materials: 500D Ripstop Nylon; water-resistant coating
OBT Reviews: Cabin Zero ADV Pro 32 (YouTube); Blog Version
Shop: Cabin Zero ADV Pro 32L

Cabin Zero always impresses me with their ability to create a high-quality, comfortable, well designed packs at reasonable prices. The ADV Pro has a classic top-load design, it’s priced as a budget backpack, but the carry system is excellent, and the pack is extremely well made. The downside being that it has a rather small laptop compartment.

Cabin Zero Military 28

Cost: $95
Capacity: 28 liters listed (<25L tested)
Dimensions: 15.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Style: Panel Loading
Weight: 1.9 lbs (0.85 kg)
Laptop: 15.6” Sleeve
Materials: 500D Ripstop Nylon
OBT Reviews: Military 28 YouTube; Classic 36 Youtube; Military 28 Blog
Shop: Military 28; also a similar design but larger the Classic Plus 32L

Cabin Zero is a British company that focuses on simple, lightweight bags, but with features upgraded from your basic budget backpack. The Military 28 is one of my favorite minimalist packs because it’s very well made for the price, it has an extremely simple design that maximizes volume, while also keeping a comfortable carry system.

Cotopaxi Allpa 28

Cost: $170
Capacity: 28 liters
Dimensions: 19″ x 12″ x 9″ (48 x 30 x 23cm )
Style: Clamshell
Weight: 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg)
Laptop: 13”
Materials: TPU coated 1000D polyester, 840D ballistic nylon paneling, YKK Zips
OBT Reviews: Allpa 28 Review; Allpa 35 Review; Packing Demo Farpoint vs Setout vs Allpa;
Shop: Allpa 28; Allpa 35; Allpa 42

Cotopaxi is a unique brand with a unique look. The Allpa is wonderful travel bag with excellent interior mesh compartment organization and a comfortable carry system. The interior pockets mean your gear stays separated without the need for packing cubes. The thick rubberized exterior fabric is extremely durable, and they offer many fun colors to choose from.

Evergoods Civic Travel Bag 26

Cost: $299
Capacity: 26 liters
Dimensions: 19″ x 12″ x 8″ (48 x 30 x 20 cm)
Style: Clamshell
Weight: 3.38 lbs (1.53 kg)
Laptop: 17″ dedicated compartment
Materials: 420 denier high tenacity nylon 6
OBT Reviews: CTB 26 (YouTube); CPL 24 (YouTube); CAP 1 and 2 Pouches are great also
Shop: Evergoods Civic Travel Bag

Evergoods is known for making well-designed urban and outdoor gear with the highest quality materials. I’ve taken their bags all over the world from Croatia to Jordan and I love their simplicity and ruggedness. The smaller bags easily doulbe as an EDC pack, with great laptop protection. The 3D pockets means your gear doesn’t compete for volume which makes for easy packability.

Knackpack Series 2 Expandable (Medium)

Cost: $265
Capacity: 24-35 liters (expandable)
Dimensions Unexpanded: 19″ x 12″ x 4.5″ (48 x 30.5 x 11.4 cm)
Dimensions Expanded: 19″ x 12″ x 9.5″ (55 x 36 x 24 cm)
Style: Clamshell
Weight: 3.0 lbs (1.36 kg)
Laptop: 15″ dedicated compartment
Materials: 420 denier high-density nylon; PU water-resistant coating; YKK Zippers
OBT Reviews: Series 2; Series 1 vs 2; Convertible Duffel; Expandable Sling; Medium vs Large (Series 1)
Shop: Knackpack Large, Also Knackpack Medium (17-31 L), Knackpack Small (16-29 L)

The Series 2 improves on an already great design. Sleeker and more organized than the original, the expandable design removes the need to carry a separate daypack. The Medium size is a modest 24 liter travel backpack, that expands out to 35L if you pick up extra gear on your trip. Remove your gear at your location and it doubles as an EDC daypack with great tech organization and lots of easy to access pockets.

MEC Outpost 35

Cost: $139.95
Capacity: 35 liters
Dimensions: 22″ x 13.4″ x 6.7″ (56 x 34 x 17 cm)
Style: Duffel
Weight: 2.76 lbs (1.25 kg)
Laptop: 15″
Materials: 70D ripstop nylon
OBT Reviews: MEC Outpost 35 (YouTube)
Shop: MEC Outpost 35;

Osprey Porter Sojourn 30

Cost: $175
Capacity: 30 liters
Dimensions: 17.5″ x 14.6” x 10.63″ (44 x 37 x 27 cm)
Style: Duffel
Weight: 3.1 lbs (1.41 kg)
Laptop: 15” sleeve
Materials: 1680 ballistic polyester; 460 ripstop nylon; YKK Zips
OBT Reviews: Osprey Sojourn 2023 Update; Osprey Porter vs Sojourn
Shop: 2023 Osprey Sojourn Porter 30;

Think backpacking backpack turned travel bag. The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a favorite among hiking enthusiasts that enjoy travel. The bag is very functional, however lacks some of the features that make it strictly a travel bag. The large clamshell style large gear compartment is great for holding your clothes. The front has a laptop compartment that is light on organization for smaller items. However backpack straps are some of the best in this category and make carrying your gear comfortable.

Pakt One V2

Cost: $285
Capacity: 28 liters
Dimensions: 18.9″ x 11″ x 9.8″ (48 x 28 x 25 cm)
Style: Clamshell
Weight: 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg)
Laptop: 16” internal sleeve
Materials: Recycled nylon; YKK zips
OBT Reviews: Pakt One V2.0
Shop: Pakt One V1; Pakt One V2

If you’re like the carry style of duffels, but the organization of a clamshell suitcase, the Pakt One does a great job of filling both these roles. It’s simple, looks great, and comes with a ton of internal and external organization. A lay-flat, suitcase-style main compartment makes packing a breeze without the need for packing cubes.

Patagonia Mini MLC

Cost: $199
Capacity: 45 liters
Dimensions: 22″ x 16″ x 9″ (56 x 41 x 23 cm)
Style: Clamshell
Weight: 3.6 lbs (1.66 kg)
Laptop: 15”
Materials: Polyester ripstop, TPU laminate
Shop: Patagonia Black Hole® MLC®

The Patagonia MLC 45 is a classic favorite among one-bag travelers, it’s even better with Black Hole Fabric. It’s a rugged, clamshell-style bag that converts to a backpack with shoulder strap carry. The main clamshell compartment holds your large items, while an easy to access front zipper pocket allows you to neatly organize your smaller items.

Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L

Cost: $149
Capacity: 32 liters
Dimensions: 22″ x 10.5″ x 6.8″ (56 x 27 x 17 cm)
Style: Top Load
Weight: 1.8 lbs (0.81 kg)
Laptop: 15”
Materials: 300D Polyester Ripstop, TPU Laminate
Shop: Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30

Cost: $299.95
Capacity: 35-45 liters (Expandable)
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm) Unexpanded
Style: Panel loading
Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)
Laptop: 16” x 11” x 1” (40.6 x 30 x 2.5cm)
Materials: Weatherproof 400D and 900D nylon; EVA foam; metal components
OBT Review: PD Blog Review, YouTube Review, PD vs Outbreaker, How to Pack PD Travel Backpack, PD Travel Accessories
Shop: Peak Design Travel Backpack

The modular design and great organization make the PD Travel Backpack one of the best carry on backpacks for travel. Custom packing cubes fit perfectly in the bag, as well as a whole slew of useful cubes and pouches. Cons? The shoulder straps are thin for such a large bag, and expandability is limited.

REI Ruckpack 28

Cost: $139
Capacity: 40 liters
Dimensions: 24″ x 13″ x 10″
Style: Top load
Weight: 4.2 lbs (1.90 kg)
Laptop: 15”
Materials:
OBT Reviews: REI Ruckpack vs Osprey Farpoint, Ruckpack vs Farpoint Video, REI Ruckpack Blog Review, Ruckpack Video Review
Shop: REI Ruckpack 40

The REI Ruckpack 40 is a top-load style travel bag with fabulous stow-away backpack straps. This bag is more of a backpacking backpack that converts to a travel bag. The water reservoir can double as a laptop sleeve. While the top loading style popular with backpacking, has an extra-long zipper that allows more accessibility for travel.

Thule Aion 28

Cost: $159.95
Capacity: 34 liters
Dimensions: 20.5″ x 12.2″ x 9.1″ (52 x 31 x 23 cm)
Style: Top Load
Weight: 2.8 lbs (1.25 kg)
Laptop: 15.6″
Materials: 800D nylon
Shop: Thule Subterra 34, and Thule Subterra 30

Tom Bihn Synik 30

Cost: $300
Capacity: 34 liters
Dimensions: 20″ x 13.4″ x 8″ (51 x 34 x 20 cm)
Style: Top Load
Weight: 3.0 lbs (1.36 kg)
Laptop: 15″
Materials: 525 nylon, 420 ripstop, or 400D Halcyon
Shop: Tom Bihn Synik 30

A new bag from Tom Bihn and already a favorite over at r/onebag. Designed for the urban explorer who doesn’t need much more than a laptop, a few electronics, and a small stash of clothes. The front organizational pockets are almost legendary, with the uncanny ability to store a ton of gear without affecting the capacity of the main compartment.

Tortuga V4 Travel Backpack

Cost: $179 or $199
Capacity: 35 or 45 liters
Dimensions 35: 21.5” x 13.5” x 7.5” (55 x 34 x 19 cm)
Dimensions 45: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
Style: Clamshell
Weight: 3.4 lbs or 3.9 lbs (1.54 or 1.77 kg)
Laptop: 17”
Materials: 900D polyester with DWR coating, YKK zips
OBT Reviews: Tortuga Setout 35 Review, Setout 35 YouTube, Outbreaker vs Setout, How to Pack the Tortuga Setout, Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Setout 35
Shop: Tortuga Setout Men’s, Setout Women’s Version, or Smaller Setout Divide

The Tortuga Setout Backpack is a clamshell style travel bag with comfortable backpack straps. One spacious main compartment holds the bulk of your gear. Smaller mesh inside pockets help with organization. Round out the bag with great features like the lockable zippers, hide-away backpack straps, and water bottle holder.

ULA Dragonfly

Cost: $179 or $199
Capacity: 35 or 45 liters
Dimensions 35: 21.5” x 13.5” x 7.5” (55 x 34 x 19 cm)
Dimensions 45: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
Style: Clamshell
Weight: 3.4 lbs or 3.9 lbs (1.54 or 1.77 kg)
Laptop: 17”
Materials: 900D polyester with DWR coating, YKK zips
OBT Reviews: Tortuga Setout 35 Review, Setout 35 YouTube, Outbreaker vs Setout, How to Pack the Tortuga Setout, Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Setout 35
Shop: Tortuga Setout Men’s, Setout Women’s Version, or Smaller Setout Divide

The Tortuga Setout Backpack is a clamshell style travel bag with comfortable backpack straps. One spacious main compartment holds the bulk of your gear. Smaller mesh inside pockets help with organization. Round out the bag with great features like the lockable zippers, hide-away backpack straps, and water bottle holder.

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