TOP 8 BEST CARRY-ON TRAVEL BACKPACKS 2025

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L represents the pinnacle of versatile carry-on luggage, designed for photographers and discerning travellers alike. This meticulously engineered pack features an innovative expansion system that compresses to 35L for daily use and expands to 45L for maximum capacity—while maintaining sleek aesthetics throughout.

Constructed with 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas and weatherproof zippers, the pack offers exceptional durability and protection. The thoughtful design includes multiple access points—full rear panel, dual side entries, and top access—ensuring you never dig for gear.

What truly distinguishes this backpack is its customizable interior with clever dividers, dedicated tech organization, and compatibility with Peak Design’s packing cube ecosystem. The comfortable magnetic strap stowage system, padded hip belt, and adjustable shoulder straps make carrying heavy loads surprisingly comfortable.

Perfect for photographers, business travellers, and adventure seekers, this premium backpack justifies its investment through versatility, durability, and intelligent design that anticipates travellers’ evolving needs.

Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40 

Renowned for exceptional comfort during long travel days with its superior suspension system, clamshell opening, and detachable daypack option.

The Osprey Farpoint (men’s) and Fairview (women’s) 40L backpacks have earned their legendary status among travellers for good reason. These nearly identical packs feature gender-specific fits with anatomically contoured shoulder straps, hip belts, and back panels that make carrying comfort their standout quality.

Built with Osprey’s expertise in technical hiking packs, the Farpoint/Fairview combines outdoor performance with travel-specific features. The full-perimeter zipper opens like a suitcase for easy packing, while the padded laptop sleeve keeps electronics secure. Internal compression straps maximize space efficiency without sacrificing organization.

What distinguishes these packs is their versatility: stowable suspension system for checked luggage, lockable zippers for security, and a detachable daypack for shorter excursions. The lightweight yet durable construction has proven reliable through countless miles of global travel.

Perfect for backpackers, digital nomads, and practical travellers, the Farpoint/Fairview 40 delivers exceptional value with Osprey’s renowned All Mighty Guarantee—making this the definitive carry-on backpack for those who prioritize comfort and function.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L – Vibrant, sustainable pack featuring unique colour blocking, full-wrap zipper access, and robust security features ideal for adventure travellers.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is a vibrant statement piece that doesn’t sacrifice functionality for style. This carry-on compatible backpack features Cotopaxi’s signature colour-blocked design in rugged, recycled polyester fabric—instantly recognizable while reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

What distinguishes the Allpa is its thoughtful accessibility: a full-wrap zipper system opens like a suitcase, revealing an interior organized with mesh compartments, a padded laptop sleeve, and clever storage solutions. The weatherproof TPU-coated shell and sealed zippers provide protection in unpredictable conditions without added weight.

The Allpa balances security and comfort beautifully, with theft-deterrent zipper loops, a low-profile harness system that tucks away for transit, and load-distributing shoulder straps with chest and hip support. The external webbing allows attachment of additional gear or Cotopaxi’s compatible accessories.

Perfect for adventurous travellers seeking ethical gear, the Allpa 35L embodies Cotopaxi’s “Gear For Good” philosophy—combining playful aesthetics, practical design, and responsible production in one versatile travel solution.

Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L

Modular Bag System by Peak Design, customise the internal carry options to match your requirements Meets international max carry-on standards in default 35L configuration. Dual expansion zips give 10L extra volume for 45L max storage. Dual side zippers for instant camera and item access. Full rear access via large dual zips. Quick tablet and laptop access using the main back zip. Packing Tools, Camera Cubes, Tech Pouch and Wash Kit compliment the Travel Line Backpack and are available separately.

Nomatic Travel Pack

Nomatic Travel Pack: Ultimate Versatility for the Modern Traveler

The Nomatic Travel Pack represents thoughtful innovation for the tech-savvy traveler, expanding from 20L to 30L with a simple zipper system that adapts to your journey’s needs. This sleek, water-resistant pack combines minimalist aesthetics with maximum functionality.

What sets the Nomatic apart is its meticulous organization: a dedicated tech compartment with RFID-blocking pocket, hidden water bottle pocket, and ingenious cord pass-through system connecting multiple compartments for convenient charging. The main compartment features a clamshell opening with mesh dividers for efficient packing and visibility.

The attention to detail extends to its comfort features—magnetic snap-back shoulder straps, detachable sternum strap, and breathable back panel designed for all-day wear. The luggage pass-through sleeve and multiple carrying options (backpack, briefcase) offer versatility for different travel scenarios.

Perfect for business travellers and digital nomads, the Nomatic Travel Pack delivers premium materials and construction that justify its investment. This pack excels for 2-5 day trips where adaptability, organization, and professional appearance matter.

NOMATIC 40L Travel Bag- Convertible Duffel/Backpack, Carry-on 

Nomatic 40L Travel Bag TSA Ready Travel Laptop Backpack: This TSA compliant bag serves as a carry on backpack with its luggage strap, making it an ideal travel backpack carry on. It effortlessly transitions from a duffel bag to a backpack

Travel Smart: With 20+ innovative features, find your things easily with pockets designed specifically for shoes, liquids, and tech, 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

Best Tavel Backpack: Pack the most functional travel pack ever! On top of being a functional personal item bag, this mens backpack has a sleek minimalist design and gives you confidence for your life on the move

Durable Anti Theft Backpack with Laptop Compartment: Traveling can be rough, so we engineered this tech backpack to be long-lasting! This large backpack is made of durable materials to keep your belongings safe

Tolaccea Carry on Travel Backpack

  • Tolaccea travel backpack meets the carry-on standards of airlines like Delta, Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue. The 180° opening design of the carry on backpack simplifies packing and unpacking, making airport security checks fast and easy. No more last-minute unpacking stress with Tolaccea carry on flight approved backpack
  • The personal item backpack is perfect for trips up to 5 days with dual-compartment main storage, keeping your gear organized. Expand the 40L travel backpack to 50L for extra souvenirs or compress with straps to save space. The top opening offers quick access to jackets, snacks, or travel documents—perfect for life on the go!
  • Stay organized with a dedicated laptop compartment (fits up to 17.3″)and an extra padded sleeve for smaller devices (up to 15.6″). The separate shoe compartment (fits size 14) and two aluminum-lined dry-wet pockets of the travel backpack prevent odors and moisture. Plus, the built-in USB charging port lets you charge devices hands-free!
  • Adjustable, padded shoulder straps and the breathable mesh back of the tactical backpack ensure comfort, even during long days. The added side handle transforms the backpack into a sleek briefcase for versatile carrying. Whether camping, city-hopping or hiking rugged trails, this outdoor traveling backpack ensures all-day comfort!
  • Crafted from tear-resistant polyester with reinforced stitching, the travel laptop backpack can endure years of tough use. SBS anti-scratch zippers provide smooth reliable performance, tactical straps enhance durability, and a luggage strap for easy attachment to your suitcase. Perfect for travelers, business professionals, and commuters alike—premium durability with exceptional value.  

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus

Refined aesthetics with sustainable materials, intuitive organization, and impressive capacity-to-weight ratio for stylish lightweight travel.

Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus: Refined Elegance Meets Practical Travel

The Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus represents Australian design excellence with its sophisticated aesthetic and thoughtful functionality. This 38-liter carry-on pack marries premium, environmentally certified leather accents with durable, water-resistant recycled materials—creating a backpack that looks as good in business meetings as it does navigating foreign transit systems.

What sets the Transit Plus apart is its intuitive organization: a designated tech compartment with suspended laptop protection, perfectly positioned quick-access pockets, and an internal compression system that maximizes packing efficiency. The clamshell-style main compartment opens wide for visibility while maintaining structure.

The exceptional comfort features include contoured shoulder straps with breathable padding, a removable sternum strap, and a ventilated back panel designed for extended wear. External compression straps maintain a slim profile even when fully packed.

Perfect for design-conscious professionals and style-minded travellers, the Bellroy Transit Plus commands a premium price justified by its superior materials, impressive capacity-to-weight ratio, and the brand’s commitment to responsible manufacturing—proving that practical travel gear can also be genuinely beautiful.