10 Travel + Leisure Editor-loved Carry-on Backpacks

Working for Travel + Leisure, our editors have the unique opportunity to test out a truly astounding amount of travel gear. That, combined with the fact that each member of our team has unique travel preferences (from hiking and exploring out-of-the-way countries to lounging on a cruise), means the items we put to the test have just about done it all—making the gear we reach for time and time again all the more reliable.

While I’m already dedicated to a carry-on backpack, I was curious what personal items my co-workers were traveling with. So, after polling the team, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best backpacks that some of my fellow travel writers have even been using for upwards of a decade. And whether you’re willing to shell out on a bag or are looking for a more affordable price tag, our picks run the gamut from $75 to $300, with one important through-line: they’ll all stand the test of time.

Best Carry-on Backpacks Overall

“I received the Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack as a birthday gift last year, and I can easily say, without a shadow of a doubt, it has markedly improved the way I travel. First off, this thing is like the Cadillac of personal item bags: Its large size and rectangular shape allows you to make use of every single inch of underseat space you’re allotted on a flight, which is crucial if you plan on flying carry-on-only. While I usually pair this bag with a rolling carry-on, it can easily fit everything you need for a two- or three-day trip.

It’s also a dream for staying organized, with zippered compartments and pockets everywhere you look (I counted 20)—and it has a separate padded laptop compartment, which makes it easy to pull out and put away your computer at TSA checkpoints. Some other features include a luggage trolley sleeve, strong, padded shoulder straps, multiple reinforced grab handles, and an adjustable shoulder strap that instantly transforms it from a laptop backpack into a duffel bag. What’s more, the exterior is made from a ripstop polyester that’s easy to clean and water-resistant, preventing accidental spills and surprise rain showers from ruining your gear.”  —Amelia McBride, Associate Editor

“I’ve been traveling with the Calpak Terra Laptop Backpack for just about two years now (starting with a 10-day trip to Norway), and it’s safe to say I’ll never use another—especially when it comes to long-haul flights. While I’ve been trying to work on my overpacking tendencies, international travel often leads me to pack my personal item to the brim, and this backpack is the first one I’ve encountered that can actually handle everything (even if I go shopping during my trip). Since it unzips like a clamshell suitcase, it’s incredibly easy to optimize the storage space and play Tetris to make sure my toiletry kit, in-flight entertainment, and usually a change of clothes and shoes fit nicely. Plus, there’s a padded compartment at the back that’s the ideal place for my electronics so I can access them while rushing through TSA.

There’s no shortage of exterior pockets so I always know where my wallet, keys, passport, and even snacks are kept, and despite regularly packing this bag to its maximum capacity, it still always slides beneath the airplane seat in front of me. I’ve even received countless compliments on it since it’s actually fairly stylish for such a practical bag.” —Merrell Readman, Senior Travel Writer

“After nearly four years of testing the Thule Aion Travel Pack 40L, it’s become my go-to for just about every kind of trip—from hopping between European cities to a recent stretch through Oman. At 40 liters, the capacity is genuinely impressive without tipping into bulky territory. I can comfortably pack a full week’s worth of winter clothing—think pants, sweaters, tees, even a dress and a leather jacket—or stretch it to 10–14 outfits in the summer with lighter fabrics like cotton dresses and linen sets. It’s one of those rare bags that actually delivers on the promise of carry-on-only travel without forcing you to make packing cuts.

What makes it especially functional is the thoughtful organization. The deep, zippered side pocket at the back keeps my laptop, Kindle, and cables secure but easy to access, while the small top pocket near the handle is perfect for stashing essentials like my passport, wallet, and phone when I’m moving through the airport. There’s even a built-in wet pouch divider, which has come in handy more times than I expected—especially when dealing with damp swimsuits on vacation. Durability has also been a standout: after years of being shoved into overhead bins, wedged under plane seats, and tossed into cars and trains, it still looks great. The waxed, slightly distressed exterior does a solid job of hiding scuffs and offers enough water resistance to handle light rain without issue.

The only drawback is the lack of a hip belt. When the bag is packed to the brim, you will feel the weight over longer stretches, since there’s no way to redistribute it more evenly. That said, it’s not designed as a hiking pack, so it’s a tradeoff I’ve been totally fine with. I usually stack it on top of my roller carry-on while in transit and slide it under the seat on planes as my personal item—it fits surprisingly well and has honestly been a bit of a loophole for squeezing more into a “carry-on only” setup. For trips where I want flexibility without checking a bag, it’s been a game changer.”  —Susan Brickell, Senior Director, T+L Commerce

“This isn’t a carry-on backpack, per se, but it’s the bag I reach for every time I’m going somewhere—whether it’s a long-haul flight or a weekend trip. The Béis Travel Backpack has built-in compression straps that help me fit up to five days’ worth of clothes (if I use packing cubes) and two genius compartments (one mesh and one waterproof) for stashing undies, socks, bras, and other accessories and toiletries. Like any other Béis bag, it’s packed with thoughtful, travel-friendly features, but I love the clamshell-style opening, which makes it easy to pack and unpack, and the laptop compartment that doubles as a sneaky shoe compartment when I’m trying to pack light.” —Emily Belfiore, Assistant Editorial Director 

“I’ve had this Bagsmart carry-on backpack for about two years, and it’s completely replaced my former go-to duffel as my personal item when flying. It can fit even more, and it slides comfortably under the seat. I love that it has a shoe compartment, and the interior has convenient organizational features like a compression strap and two pockets (in addition to the two zippered exterior pockets, and a hidden zippered side pocket I like to tuck my passport into).

I use this backpack every month, and I’ve found it can hold a pair of shoes, a long weekend’s worth of clothes, a toiletry bag, my laptop, and a book. What’s more, the padded shoulder straps are genuinely comfortable, even when the bag is stuffed to the brim (as someone with shoulder issues, this is a huge plus). The two grab handles—one on the top and one on the side—and the trolley sleeve are major bonuses, too.” —Erin Cavoto, Senior Editor

“The Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack comes everywhere with me. I’ve had it for at least four years, and despite countless flights and trips, it still looks practically brand-new. The quick-drying neoprene material holds up incredibly well (even after the occasional spill) while the padded straps feel cushiony on my shoulders and back, which makes a huge difference on long travel days. Even when it’s packed with my laptop, Kindle, chargers, snacks, and headphones, it still fits neatly under the seat in front of me—so it’s the bag I reach for on every flight.” —Rosie Marder, Travel Writer

“As a study abroad student who wanted to see the world but was tight on funds, there was no escaping crowded public transportation, tiny hostels, and budget airlines that charged for carry-ons. That’s where my Samsonite Mother Lode Jr. Backpack came in, helping me save money, travel bulk-free, and avoid overpacking. Its impressive compression straps made it possible to stow the backpack comfortably under my airplane seat, letting me get away with using it as a personal item and avoiding luggage fees.

It’s equipped with tons of strategically placed interior and exterior pockets so everything has a home, allowing me to seamlessly pack up to five days’ worth of clothes, two to three pairs of shoes, travel-size toiletries, and a laptop all on my back. And three years later, it still looks as good as new. It was the perfect hands- and stress-free travel solution then, and is now my go-to bag for flying, camping, road trips, and even long weekend getaways.” —Julia Morlino, Travel Writer

“To say I’m obsessed with the Brooklyn Backpack would be an understatement. It’s packed with features—and every one of them is intentional. It has space for two laptops and comes with multiple interior and exterior pockets (11 in total!)—and I use every single one of them. My favorites? The trolley sleeve and the little slip pocket on top that’s just big enough for my cellphone when I’m rolling through the airport. Plus, the cinched, wide opening means I can stuff this backpack to the brim, and it still fits under my seat and in the overhead bin. Not only is this my go-to carry-on backpack, but it has also served me well on dusty, miles-long hikes all over the country when I don’t want to pack a daypack.” —Kayla Kitts, Senior Editor

“When I learned that my all-time favorite carry-on had a matching backpack, I knew I had to have it. I’ve since flown with the pair of them to Paris, Montreal, and Napa Valley over the past few months, and have been astounded by how spacious the backpack is, given its compact size. What really makes it stand out is that it separates into two smaller backpacks—a main bag, which opens up suitcase-style and fits a long weekend’s worth of clothes, and a go-bag that’s attached via a hidden zipper. I pack the larger compartment with my clothes and toiletries, then stash my laptop, books, and an extra layer in the smaller compartment. Both are equipped with multiple internal and external pockets that keep me organized, and I love that I can leave the larger portion at home and only carry what I need with me in the go-bag during the day.” —Sophie Dodd, Travel Writer

“I almost always check a bag, which means I’m super picky about my personal item bags since they will have to carry everything I need for the flight. I’ve been loving this new Cotopaxi thanks to its manypockets, including a padded laptop sleeve, padded tablet sleeve, and zippered lid pocket. The back panel is also incredibly well-padded, so I don’t feel items digging into my back when I’m wearing it—even when it’s packed full. Finally, I love that the style is versatile enough that I can wear it traveling or commuting to work. Most Cotopaxi bags are a bit more on the outdoorsy side, and I like that this is a more versatile, lifestyle pack that I can use as a day bag in addition to a personal item.” —Taylor Fox, Editor 

“I subscribe to the belief that ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, which is how I’ve come to still travel with the same backpack I’ve had since middle school. Originally bought for my first day of eighth grade, this durable backpack has lasted with me through my last class in college, my summer jobs as a camp counselor, countless sleepovers, and even transatlantic flights. It’s not that I’ve never owned or tested another backpack; it’s just that I can’t help always returning to my most tried-and-true one.

This backpack has light-reflecting detailing, helping cars and other hazards see you at night, and the 16-inch laptop sleeve has been keeping my devices safe since middle school. Even on rainy travel days, I don’t worry about my belongings getting soaked thanks to the bag’s durable finish, which repels water and prevents the fabric from becoming saturated. As someone who needs their emotional support water bottle with them at all times, I especially love the handy external bottle pocket on the side of the bag.” —Caroline Hughes, Travel Writer

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletterand we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.