The 19 Best Carry-On Backpacks For Your Next Trip

5 minute read

When it comes to the perpetual dilemma of carry-on suitcase vs. backpack, it all depends on your personal preferences and travel needs. Although, we have to admit, we’re leaning towards the backpack option, not because we feel nostalgic about the good old schoolyard days, but because we’ve found it to be the more practical alternative of the two, especially on budget airlines where you’re more concerned with the weight of your luggage.

Most backpacks tend to be lighter than standard luggage (they’re often made of sturdy polyester) and smaller, too — usually fitting neatly under the seat in front of you. Plus, you can easily take your carry-on backpack from the airport to the beach and beyond, while using your hard-shell suitcase as your beach bag is perhaps not the most functional idea.

And if you’re a fan of rolling your way through airports instead of having to speed-walk between terminals with 15 pounds of stuff on your back, we have some good news for you. Many of our best travel backpack picks come with built-in wheels and a double-locking handle so you can have a suitcase and a backpack all in one.

Tech-savvy travelers will also love the smart features some carry-on backpacks have, such as solar panels and USB ports.

Here we rounded up 20 durable and stylish options to take with you on your next flight.

This article originally appeared on TravelandLeisure.com

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Marc Jacobs Nylon Knot Camo Backpack

Courtesy of Nordstroms

You could also wear this cool camo-print backpack as a tote thanks to its two top handles.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $151

Poketo Voyager Backpack

Courtesy of Spring

This versatile backpack has a leather clasp that makes carrying it as a tote comfortable, too. It features a large exterior and two interior pockets so you’ll have plenty of room to store your carry-on essentials.

To buy: shopspring.com, $158

Kipling Seoul Backpack

Courtesy of Macy's

Kipling’s trendy metallic backpack will not only fit all of your valuable belongings, but it will also make you the chicest passenger on board.

To buy: macys.com, $124

Tumi Tahoe Butler Backpack

Courtesy of Zappos

Perfect for the business traveler, this sleek backpack fits a 15-inch laptop and features a removable sternum strap.

To buy: zappos.com, $345

Adidas by Stella McCartney Backpack

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

This sporty, yet stylish backpack features multiple exterior and interior pockets and is made from lightweight polyester so it won’t take up much of your carry-on weight allowance.

To buy: saksfifthavenue.com, $130

Pacsafe Slingsafe LX350 Anti-theft Compact Backpack

Courtesy of Zappos

This modern two-tone backpack comes in combination with a detachable cross-body strap. The interior slip pockets feature RFID-blocking technology that blocks identity scanners.

To buy: zappos.com, $90

Fjallraven Kånken Water-resistant Backpack

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Originally used by Swedish schoolchildren in the ‘70s, the Kånken backpack is now a staple in travel gear due to its functionality, sturdy design, and cool Scandinavian look.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $80

Nike Hoops Elite Max Air Backpack

Courtesy of Zappos

The main compartment of this backpack can fit all of your travel and gym essentials in case you don’t like skipping workouts even when you travel.

To buy: zappos.com, $90

Briggs & Riley BRX Duffle

Courtesy of Zappos

The sturdiness and versatility of this water- and dirt-resistant backpack will blow you away — it has a top handle and a removable shoulder strap in addition to its backpack straps, so you could wear it as a messenger bag as well.

To buy: zappos.com, $170

TRAKK Vigor Power Charging Backpack

Courtesy of eBags

Never run out of battery again thanks to this water-resistant backpack with a built-in rechargeable power bank and an external USB port.

To buy: ebags.com, $130

Deuter Helion 80 Backpack

Courtesy of Zappos

This cool backpack features a large main compartment and easily switches from carrying to rolling thanks to its exchangeable wheels.

To buy: zappos.com, $217

Incase EO Travel Backpack

Courtesy of Spring

This sleek weather-resistant backpack expands to increase its capacity by 35 percent, which means you can carry a lot more in it.

To buy: shopspring.com, $180

O’Neill Beachblazer Backpack

Courtesy of Zappos

Headed to the beach for a few days? This pretty floral-printed backpack is TSA-friendly and is perfect for carrying your holiday essentials.

To buy: zappos.com, $46

Ogio Soho Backpack in Windowpane

Courtesy of eBags

This padded backpack can fit a 15-inch laptop and looks stylish with its three oversized front buttons.

To buy: ebags.com, $90

Timberland Walnut Hill Backpack

Courtesy of Nordstrom

This durable canvas backpack features a padded laptop compartment, but we have to admit, it’s the classic, rugged look that sold us.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $115

Samsonite Luggage Vizair Laptop Backpack

Courtesy of Amazon

This backpack provides your laptop with superior shock absorption thanks to three air bumpers at the bottom and corners that protect your valuable electronics in case you drop it.

To buy: amazon.com, $85

BirkSun Sport Backpack

Courtesy of Spring

This cool backpack is equipped with a built-in battery that is recharged via waterproof solar panels. As long as you’re somewhere sunny, you’ll never run out of juice.

To buy: shopspring.com, $139

eBags TLS 22″ Convertible Wheeled Carry-On

Courtesy of eBags

This carry-on easily coverts into a backpack thanks to two adjustable straps that tuck away into its front pocket.

To buy: ebags.com, $220

Vera Bradley Backpack in Rumba

Courtesy of Zappos

We’ll take any opportunity to stand out in a crowd, and this bold-colored, water-resistant backpack will help do just that.

To buy: zappos.com, $98

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