The best carry-on backpacks are spacious (sometimes even more than hard-sided luggage), easy to tote around the airport, and can be used as a daypack (or fold up to be stowed away) once you reach your destination. They toe the line between the best travel backpacks and a suitcase, allowing you to keep your travel gadgets organized while leaving ample space for a few days’ worth of clothes and shoes.
What to Consider
Size Compliance
This is arguably the most crucial factor. Airlines impose specific size limits for carry-on luggage, and exceeding these limits can lead to the inconvenience of checking your bag and paying checked-bag fees. Always check out your airline’s website for the exact dimensions and carefully measure your backpack before you fly. 45L is generally the biggest bag you can fit in an overhead compartment, so it may be better to go for a smaller, expandable bag if you’re someone who likes to pack their bags full. Though we have travelled frequently with bags up to 55L and been allowed to carry them on, but do so at your own risk.
Storage Capacity
The size compliance conversation leads us to storage capacity. Consider how much you need to pack and how long you’ll be traveling. A larger capacity bag (around 45L) is ideal for longer trips or if you tend to overpack, while a smaller bag (about 30L) may be sufficient for shorter trips and minimalist packers. The smallest bag on our list, the Nomatic Travel Pack, comes in at just 20L, but is ideal as a second bag or personal item on longer trips.
How It Packs (Clamshell, Traditional, etc.)
Consider how much you need to pack and how long you’ll be traveling. A larger capacity bag (around 45L) is ideal for longer trips or if you tend to overpack, while a smaller bag (about 30L) may be sufficient for shorter trips and minimalist packers. Also, think about your preferred packing style. Clamshell-style backpacks open fully like a suitcase, providing easy access to everything, while traditional top-loading backpacks may require more digging.
Organization
A well-organized backpack can greatly enhance your travel experience. Look for features such as multiple compartments, pockets for smaller items, and designated spaces for electronics or shoes. Effective organization maximizes space and ensures you can easily locate what you need without unpacking everything.
Handles/Straps
Since you’ll be carrying this backpack more often than not, comfort is key. Look for padded shoulder straps and a hip belt to distribute weight evenly. Adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit, and sturdy handles make it easier to grab your bag like a duffel from overhead bins or to carry it short distances.
Durability
Travel, especially air travel, can be tough on luggage—we’ve all seen videos of bags getting tossed around. Make sure to choose a backpack made from durable materials that can withstand bumps, scrapes, and weather (think nylon, ripstop nylon, and canvas). Reinforced seams, water-resistant fabric, and sturdy zippers are all essential features to look for.
How We Selected
I have been writing about travel and luggage for the past five years and consistently testing out backpacks, duffels, and suitcases of all shapes and sizes in my travels. Using that base experience, I worked with Men’s Health Senior Gear and Commerce Editor Ryan Brower to select carry-on backpacks we’d consider for this guide. He and I then put a handful of carry-on packs to the test and evaluated their storage capacity, organization features, durability, weight, and price. I also drew recommendations and testing from Executive Editor Kengo Tsutsumi and Fitness and Commerce Editor Charles Thorp, NASM. While using these bags during trips to destinations like Los Angeles, London, Scotland, France, Spain, and beyond, myself and our staff testers paid close attention to comfort, ease of carrying, how they fit in overhead compartments, and whether they could handle the rigors of every type of travel.
The guide below represents my top picks for the best carry-on backpacks in 2025.
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JOE LINGEMAN
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
Best Overall
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L
When it comes to duffels, the Patagonia Black Hole takes the versatility cake. This rugged yet refined bag is built to withstand the rigors of any travel, crafted from durable, weather-resistant recycled nylon and polyester. While the 40L version can certainly suffice for light-packing trips, we’ve gotten more use out of the 55L size. (We should caveat though that you could run the risk of an airline not allowing it as a carry-on, but we have yet to encounter that problem.) This provides a spacious main compartment that absolutely swallows gear with ease (without it feeling lost)—one editor used it as his only bag for 10 days in the U.K. (in the winter) and it was plenty of room for enough warm clothing.
Comfort is a key factor for us, and this one has it in spades, thanks to padded shoulder straps and a reinforced grab handle. When it was fully loaded up on the U.K. trip it was quite heavy, but still not a burden to carry on the back (even while hustling through Paddington Station). While it lacks a separate laundry compartment, we didn’t find this to be a dealbreaker as it’s one of the only flaws with the bag.
We also like that the Black Hole Duffel is a sustainable choice, built with recycled materials and Patagonia’s Fair Trade Certified sewing. Whether you’re tackling a mountain trail or navigating airport terminals, this duffel is ready for anything.
Read more: The Best Luggage Brands
| Volume | 40L, 55L, 70L, or 100L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22.8″ x 13.3″ x 9.5″ |
Runner Up
Cotopaxi Allpa 42 L Travel Pack
Despite being just over a decade into existence, Cotopaxi gear competes with the heavyweights in the outdoor world. And the Allpa 42L Travel Pack is a perfect example of the brand’s ingenuity, quality craftsmanship, and low footprint. Featuring multiple pockets and compartments, along with a spacious main compartment, our testers found this bag to be one of our favorites for keeping everything organized. We especially love the separate compartment for dirty laundry—which is a nice-to-have on longer trips where doing laundry might not be an option.
The padded shoulder straps are fairly comfortable (but a little thinner than an older Allpa Duo Duffel we’ve used) and the sturdy grab handles on either end make it very easy to grab off a luggage carousel or overhead compartment, even when fully loaded. Our testers have used this one on trips to Los Angeles and internationally, and found every time that it’s the ideal capacity and never a burden to be carrying. And like all Cotopaxi products, the Allpa Duo is made with recycled materials, making less of an impact on the environment and minimizing waste.
| Volume | 28L, 35L, 42L |
|---|---|
| Size | 22″ x 14″ 11″ |
Best for the Outdoors
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L
Pros
- Sleek, close-to-the-body fit is comfortable even when heavy
- Easy to keep organized
- Compartments open far enough to pack the bag like a suitcase
Cons
- Not a good shape for bulky items
Our tester has used this bag on three trips just this year, putting it through the wringer on multiple flights. He’s carried it on with great success—its low-profile and boxy design make it the ideal bag to stow in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front, even if it’s packed full.
With a bevy of different compartments, with the main one being a large clamshell, this bag can be packed in a variety of ways. Having this sort of versatility means you’ll get plenty of use out of it. And it’s also got handles and straps galore for any sort of need: Two very ergonomic backpack straps (with a waist strap), a side handle, a top handle, and a detachable shoulder strap.
We know this is a carry-on recommendation, but our tester was extra smitten when he checked the bag and saw absolutely no damage to the contents, even with all of the straps out. The material is durable, the compartments open wide for easy packing, the zippers are extremely sturdy, and we could fit a full three days’ worth of gear in it at one time.
| Volume | 40L (can expand to 45L when fully packed) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14″ x 22.5″ x 7.5″ |
Best Roller Backpack
Tumi International 2 Wheeled Duffel Backpack Carry-On
The only bag in this guide with wheels, the Tumi International 2-Wheeled Duffel is one of the most versatile pieces of luggage you can buy. The duffel-style opening makes packing it to the brim a breeze, and the wheels and telescopic handle come in handy if you like to stuff your bag full. A luggage pass-through makes it easy to load onto a larger bag when walking through the airport, while backpack straps give you a comfortable carry option when you’re lugging your bag down a cobblestone street in Europe.
In our testing, the first thing that stood out is just how nice this bag is. The quality is apparent from the moment you see the bag (not a surprise from Tumi), from the telescopic handle to the wheels and duffel-style carry straps. It thrives while rolling, but the option to carry it like a backpack adds a ton of utility, even if the boxy design and wheels make it slightly awkward to carry on your back. This is no big issue to us, though, as the versatility the bag offers is plenty to recommend it.
| Volume | 40L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.8″ X 14.0″ X 9.0″ |
Best Clamshell Carry-On
Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack
Pros
- Clamshell opening keeps packing and unpacking simple
- Comes in a bunch of great colors
- Multiple carry points
Cons
- Clamshell opening makes it tough to use this for anything but packing for travel
When Yeti enters a new category, we’re all ears. The brand took over the cooler space, went on to dominate the water bottle scene, and is has also been coming for your luggage compartment. The Austin-based brand has launched a bunch of excellent bags over the past half decade, and we were excited to give the Crossroads a try. Designed to be the perfect carry-on bag, the Crossroads 35L is big enough to carry an entire weekend’s worth of gear, but also works well as a complement to bigger checked-bags or hard-sided carry-ons.
The clamshell opening makes it easy to spread wide open and pack full, though we did find that this opening makes it difficult to use this bag as a daypack once you reach your destination—the clamshell opening isn’t conducive to frequent rummaging or quick access. With that said, it’d definitely work in a pinch.
It has several convenient carry points and a luggage pass-through, giving you multiple carry options when walking through the airport or to your hotel.
| Volume | 22L, 27L, 35L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4″ x 8.5″ x 20.5″ |
Best for One-Bag Travel
Away The Active Convertible Backpack 45L
Away is more than just hard-sided carry-ons. The Active Convertible Backpack comes in 25L or 45L options, letting you pick how to get the most from your travel, whether you’re trying to get everything in one bag or just need a bigger backpack to go with your suitcase. And the exterior compression straps mean you can pack it with more.
The backpack straps can be stowed away if you want to check the bag or carry it with the shoulder strap, and 100% water- and abrasion-resistant Dual Action fabric keeps your stuff protected from the elements.
When testing the bag, we found a few standout features that earned it a place in our guide. The mesh back is comfortably padded and is surprisingly breathable, making this a great option for travelers who will be wearing the bag on their back for long periods of time. We also love the hidden compartment at the back that keeps dirty clothes away from your clean gear.
| Volume | 25L or 45L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17″ x 13″ x 7.6″ |
Best for Photographers
Peak Design Travel Backpack
Pros
- High-quality materials and construction
- Great for photographers
- Useful access points all over the bag
Cons
- Expensive for its size
Peak Design is one of the top brands in travel bags. Originally made for traveling photographers, Peak Design’s Travel Backpack has everything you need for travel, including exceptional organization options, easy laptop storage, and can be worn or carried in multiple ways with a handle on the backside.
Our team loves the option to bundle the bag with internal organization accessories, like camera padding, storage cubes, and more. Plus, the clamshell design helps the internal organization even more since you’ll never lose a thing in this bag.
The obvious standout feature from our testing was the sheer amount of compartments and handles and storage sections in the bag, making it one of the most versatile we’ve tried. The handle at the center back makes it easy to carry like a duffel, but the backpack straps are well-padded and comfortable, too.
| Volume | 30L or 45L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22″ x 13″ x 9.5″ |
Best Smaller Carry-On
Nomatic Travel Pack
Pros
- Well-built and made to last
- Convenient pocketing keeps things organized
- Versatile enough for any type of trip
Cons
- Luggage pass-through runs vertically making it awkward to stack on other luggage
A favorite of Men’s Health Executive Editor Kengo Tsutsumi, the Nomatic Travel Pack may be the smallest bag in our guide at 20L, but it packs a punch. From his first trip with the bag in 2019, Tsutsumi was hooked. “My first outing with the Travel Pack was the ultimate stress test: A Spain-Portugal-France two-weeker where this was the ONLY bag I had with me the whole time, and this baby proved suitable for planes, trains, mopeds, busses, boats, and yes, a handful of those short-haul flights. I indeed felt very cool.”
We wouldn’t peg a 20L pack as a do-it-all workhorse, but half a decade of testing doesn’t lie: This thing is a veritable travel juggernaut. It’s a competent day pack, works well as a personal item on long-haul trips, and packs enough gear for a weekend trip to Miami. The 22 internal pockets make organization a breeze, the water bottle holders are convenient and functional, and the wide mouth opening makes packing enjoyable.
Tsutsumi’s final words? “In the age of planned obsolescence, something that is so clearly built for longevity feels genuinely luxurious.”
| Volume | 14L or 20L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18.5″ x 12″ x 9.5″ |
Best for Impromptu Adventure
Goruck GR3
Pros
- Padded straps and carry points
- Compression straps keep the bag within TSA limits
- Built to withstand just about anything
Cons
- Price is high for a soft-sided carry-on
GoRuck bags have been a mainstay at the Men’s Health office for years, so it’s not surprising at all that one of our editors relies on his GR3 for all kinda of adventures—even work travel. “Even my work trips have been known to turn into hiking or rucking adventures spontaneously; if there’s a great trail nearby, I will find my way on it,” says Fitness and Commerce Editor Charles Thorp, NASM. “When the brand started making a travel-specific bag, I had to try it out. First, I like the clean, simple, and practical look of the GR3. In the black, it fits every occasion. Because it’s built with the high-tenacity Cordura nylon to handle extreme wear and tear that comes from the outdoors, I don’t have to be precious with it either. I’ve been beating up this bag for years without a single rip or thread out of place.”
The GR3 undeniably impresses. The 45L capacity is ideal for a midweek work trip or weekend adventure, coming in at the exact max size for a carry-on with most major airlines. Just throw it in the overhead compartment and you’re set. It has various carry points, padded handles and straps for comfort, and compression straps to help you pack down oversized loads.
| Volume | 35L or 45L |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22″ x 14″ x 9″ |
What Are the Size Restrictions for Carry-On Backpacks?
This is a crucial question (and perhaps the most crucial question) since airlines can vary significantly in their allowed dimensions. It’s essential to check your specific airline’s website beforehand. You don’t want to arrive at the gate only to discover that your trusty pack is too large and needs to be checked, which could incur those pesky fees you were trying to avoid in the first place.
Can I Bring a Laptop in My Carry-On Backpack?
Yes, most airlines allow laptops in carry-on backpacks, but be prepared to remove them from your bag and place them in a separate bin during security screening. Try to find a bag with a laptop sleeve to make this process easier.
How Should I Prioritize Packing My Carry-On Backpack?
Essential items like medications, electronics, chargers, and valuables should always be the first thing you stow away in your carry-on. We also like to keep a change of clothes and some snacks, which can be lifesavers if your checked luggage gets delayed or you get stuck in a random airport trying to make a connection.
Originally from Chico, California, Will is currently living and working in Boise, by way of Brooklyn.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up.
He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.
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