Travel light, travel smart — and look good doing it. Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend city break or planning an extended adventure, the right carry-on backpack can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ve rounded up 8 of the best carry-on backpacks for women, designed with comfort, style, and function in mind. From sleek minimalist options to feature-packed travel companions, these backpacks strike the perfect balance between fashion and practicality. Say goodbye to overpacking and hello to your new favourite travel essential.
Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Backpack
The Osprey Fairview 40 is engineered specifically for women’s bodies with a shorter torso length, contoured shoulder straps, and an ergonomic hip belt that transfers weight comfortably. This 40-liter backpack maximizes international carry-on limits while offering exceptional organization through a large main compartment with compression straps, a padded laptop sleeve, and multiple pockets for accessories.
The LightWire frame suspension system distributes weight evenly across the back and hips for all-day comfort. A standout feature is its versatility—stowable shoulder straps and hip belt transform it from backpack to shoulder bag instantly. Constructed from durable ripstop nylon with lockable zippers, the Fairview balances durability with a reasonable weight.
Lightweight and streamlined, the Fairview Series is an ideal travel pack for fast-moving globetrotters. Despite their minimalist weights, these women’s specific, full-featured packs offer plenty of organization and travel-focused features. The stowaway harness and hipbelt disappears for safe keeping when you check your bag, and durable fabrics offer added protection. A large panel zip provides convenient access to the main compartment, lockable sliders keep your gear secure, dual front compression straps slim down your pack when you carry less, and a padded laptop/tablet sleeve keeps your electronics secure. The Fairview 40’s compact size ensures carry-on compliance on most flights. . No matter where you go, the Fairivew is backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee.
Patagonia Refugio Day Pack 30L
Women’s Backpack
Patagonia Refugio Day Pack 30L is an American outdoor brand that has earned tremendous trust worldwide. Patagonia products are made and designed with simplicity and practicality, so they are not trendy. This brand is highly popular for people who are not only looking for serious outdoor tastes such as climbers, skiers, and fishers, but also for those who want to enjoy outdoor fashion as street wear. Made of 100% Recycled Polyester
To resist light moisture, this 30-liter pack is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish made without intentionally added PFAS; all fabrics are 100% recycled polyester except the stretchy mesh for the side pockets, which is a 72% recycled nylon/28% spandex blend. Padded 15″ Laptop Sleeve.
Removable padded sleeve fits laptops up to 15″ and has two drop-in pockets and a secure zippered pocket to hold pens, cords and other desktop items to ease transitions from work to play.
Breathable Back Panel and Hydration Hanger. Hydration hanger, pass-through access and a breathable back panel are as ready for the trail as the daily commute.
Dedicated Desk Caddy compartment, the largest main compartment in the Refugio lineup, a zip-secure top accessory pocket and an external bungee cord for lashing help keep your day organized and frequently used items close at hand.
Bike-light clipping point at the base of the pack. 19″ torso length fits most adults (the “Refugio Fit”)
NOMATIC Travel Pack – 20L Water Resistant
Nomatic travel Backpack 20L This multifunctional bag also serves as a carry on backpack with its luggage strap, making it an ideal travel backpack carry on. It effortlessly transitions from a briefcase to a backpack by simply popping out the straps
Expandable Capacity Anti Theft Backpack with Laptop Compartment: This tech backpack transforms from a sleek 20-liter work backpack to a spacious 30-liter large backpack, providing full access to the interior for all your essentials
Stay Organized: Featuring a range of pockets, including an RFID lockable security pocket, mesh zipper pockets, a dedicated notebook pocket, and a 16-inch laptop pocket, this is a great computer backpack for women and men looking to stay organized
Versatile Everyday Bag: In need of a stylish business backpack, a functional backpack, or a versatile computer bag? This aesthetic backpack is your all-in-one solution for everyday use
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Women’s Backpack
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L embodies adventure-ready design with its distinctive color-blocked look and robust functionality. This carry-on compatible backpack features a unique 360-degree zipper system that opens like a suitcase, providing full access to the main compartment with mesh organization pockets. Constructed from durable TPU-coated 1000D polyester, it withstands rough handling while theft-proof zippers protect valuables.
Though not women-specific, the padded shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap comfortably accommodate smaller frames. The included rain cover ensures protection in unpredictable weather, while multiple grab handles offer versatile carrying options. Cotopaxi’s commitment to ethical manufacturing and vibrant design makes this $200 pack stand out among conventional travel bags.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L Women’s Backpack
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L offers premium design with exceptional versatility for women travellers. This streamlined carry-on features an innovative expansion system (27-33L) and multiple access points—full rear panel, side, and top. Though not women-specific, the padded shoulder straps adjust for various torso lengths and body types. Constructed from weatherproof 100% recycled nylon canvas with sealed zippers, it maintains a sleek profile while protecting contents.
Thoughtful details include magnetic strap stowage, hidden attachment points, and a tablet/laptop sleeve. The internal organization adapts with optional packing cubes (sold separately). This investment piece delivers sophisticated styling with photographer-friendly functionality for female travellers.
eBags Mother Lode Travel Women’s Backpack
The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack offers exceptional value with its feature-rich design and budget-friendly price point. This 32L carry-on compatible pack expands to accommodate extra gear when needed. The suitcase-style opening provides full access to the main compartment, which includes adjustable compression straps and mesh dividers for organized packing. A separate padded sleeve fits laptops up to 15 inches, while the front panel organizer keeps small essentials accessible.
Though not specifically designed for women, the contoured shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap provide comfortable wear. Additional features include a water bottle pocket, multiple grab handles, and a pass-through sleeve for securing to rolling luggage. The durable polyester construction balances weight with longevity.
Tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L Carry-on.
Tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Friendly Flight Approved Carry-on
Tomtoc This Navigator-T66 carry-on backpack provides ample space for all your travel essentials. It features a large main compartment with a separate laptop compartment, and several other pockets and compartments for organization. Dimensions: 20.47 x 13.39 x 9.06 inch. Depending on the packing methods and contents, the actual usable capacity ranges between 38-40L
You can reach the main compartment from the quick access front pocket for easy reach of your travel essentials on the go, and the main compartment can also be unzipped like a suitcase for easy packing and unpacking; The tech compartment can accommodate up to 17″ laptop and 13 inch iPad with accessories; Front pocket, top pocket and side pockets for easy access to glasses, documents and travel liquids, etc.
The laptop compartment is friendly designed to be opened 90°-180° for security scanning, helps get through airport security checkpoints quick and easy; And the dimension meets the maximum size requirements by IATA flight, it’s ideal for airplane traveling
Made of premium quality YKK zippers and durable recycled fabric—that is 100% post-consumer material made from PET plastic bottles, which is sustainable and can also reduce energy consumption and pollution; Keep traveling with the best recycled fabric! The results might surprise you
3D padded back panel and contoured thick shoulder straps for superior ergonomic comfort. An adjustable chest buckle help transfer weight off your shoulders, keeping you relaxed and cozy all the time; Two handles, one on top and one on the side provide flexible carrying experience. A strap on the back for luggage pass-through for convenient carry
Tolaccea Travel Carry on Backpack
Tolaccea Travel to keep your laptop safe and within reach. Our inner laptop compartment (fits up to 15.6″) of travel backpack is suspended to absorb shocks and impacts, protecting your device even when the bag is set down hard. The smart side-access design lets you grab your laptop instantly—no need to open the main compartment. Ideal for busy professionals and frequent travelers who need both security and speed
Tolaccea carry on flight approved backpack meets the carry-on standards of airlines like Delta, Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue. The 180° opening design of the carry on laptop backpack simplifies packing and unpacking, making airport security checks fast and easy. No more last-minute unpacking stress with Tolaccea travel duffel backpack for men and women
Expand the 40L travel backpack to 50L with dual-compartment main storage, this travel laptop backpack adapts to your needs from daily commutes to 5-day getaways. Large separate dry-wet compartments keep gym gear, toiletries, or damp clothes neatly organized. Whether you’re packing light or loading up, this versatile travel bag ensures everything stays in place, making it your ideal travel companion
Designed for any journey, this carry on backpack adapts to your needs with three comfortable carrying modes—wear it as a backpack, carry it as a briefcase with the side handle, or sling it as a shoulder bag for a relaxed, on-the-go style. Padded straps, breathable mesh back, and a supportive chest strap ensure lasting comfort, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or exploring the outdoors
This laptop backpack features tear-resistant polyester, reinforced stitching, and SBS anti-scratch smooth zippers for lasting performance. Tactical straps details keep essentials within reach and chest strap adds stability, while a luggage strap lets you slide it onto your suitcase for seamless airport travel. Designed for travelers, professionals, and commuters who need a reliable, high-performance bag.
The crossbody strap is stored in the water bottle pocket. Simply take out the straps and attach them to the tactical webbing. Choose the best webbing position for your desired fit and comfort. The laptop compartment is located between the two main compartments, not in the back storage area.
