--- title: The 19 Best Carry-On Backpacks For Your Next Trip description: You can easily take your carry-on backpack from the airport to the beach and beyond canonical: https://time.com/4811181/best-travel-backpacks-carry-on-travel-tips/ author: TIME article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2017-06-08T18:27:20.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-11T04:58:46.610Z og:title: The 19 Best Carry-On Backpacks For Your Next Trip og:description: 2017’s best travel backpacks are both smart and stylish og:url: https://time.com/4811181/best-travel-backpacks-carry-on-travel-tips/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: TIME og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: The 19 Best Carry-On Backpacks For Your Next Trip twitter:description: 2017’s best travel backpacks are both smart and stylish twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production --- # The 19 Best Carry-On Backpacks For Your Next Trip > Sponsored content. 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They are at time.com/newsletters and are separate from a paid subscription. ### Sources * TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-sub-2026q3/newsletters?i=865239e1-50ab-4d57-b54f-944297b67c51&cr=time-sub-2026q3-v1) * TIME Subscriptions: [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-sub-2026q3/subscribe?i=865239e1-50ab-4d57-b54f-944297b67c51&cr=time-sub-2026q3-v1) by [Dobrina Zhekova / Travel + Leisure](https://time.com/author/travel-leisure/) ## Dobrina Zhekova / Travel + Leisure Jun 8, 2017 6:27 PM UTC by [Dobrina Zhekova / Travel + Leisure](https://time.com/author/travel-leisure/) ## Dobrina Zhekova / Travel + Leisure Jun 8, 2017 6:27 PM UTC When it comes to the perpetual dilemma of [carry-on suitcase](http://www.travelandleisure.com/style/shopping/best-luggage-options#intro) 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](http://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/best-lightweight-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](http://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/beach-travel-bags) is perhaps not the most functional idea. And if you’re a fan of [rolling your way through airports](http://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/best-rolling-backpacks-duffels) 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](http://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-accessories/smart-luggage) 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_](http://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/best-carry-on-backpacks#intro) _originally appeared on_ [_TravelandLeisure.com_](http://travelandleisure.com) [(_Read TIME’s affiliate link policy_.)](http://time.com/4605406/time-affiliate-link-policy/) ### 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](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=390098.1&type=10&tmpid=8156&RD%5FPARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fshop.nordstrom.com%252Fs%252Fmarc-jacobs-nylon-knot-camo-backpack%252F4580538%253Fcm%5Fmmc%253DLinkshare-%5F-partner-%5F-10-%5F-1%2526siteId%253D93xLBvPhAeE-MBwq.EGOr0syXliqM%5FAGGw&u1=TMsyndtravelbackpacks), $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](http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/carry-on-must-haves). To buy: [shopspring.com](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=460311.1&type=10&tmpid=21551&RD%5FPARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopspring.com%2Fproducts%2F46889877%3FranMID%3D41558%2526ranEAID%3D93xLBvPhAeE%2526ranSiteID%3D93xLBvPhAeE-w.41m2pl6jpVoCMApIq7fg%2526siteID%3D93xLBvPhAeE-w.41m2pl6jpVoCMApIq7fg&u1=tmsyndtravelbackpacks), $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](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=486467.1&type=10&tmpid=1512&RD%5FPARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.macys.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Fkipling-seoul-backpack%3FID%3D3080294%2526LinkshareID%3D93xLBvPhAeE-S0Z8Us.%5FjzQDuKQOP1fTsQ%2526PartnerID%3DLINKSHARE%2526cm%5Fmmc%3DLINKSHARE-%5F-5-%5F-63-%5F-MP563&u1=tmsyndtravelbackpacks), $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](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7876402/type/dlg/sid/TLTRVG1CarryOnBackpacksDZMay17/http://www.zappos.com/p/tumi-tahoe-butler-backpack-black/product/8932290/color/3), $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](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=365991.1&type=10&tmpid=2174&RD%5FPARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.&RD%5FPARM2=saksfifthavenue.com%2Fmain%2FProductDetail.jsp%3F&RD%5FPARM3=PRODUCT%253C%253Eprd%5Fid%3D845524447092315%2526site%5Frefer%3DAFF001%2526mid%3D13816%2526siteID%3D93xLBvPhAeE-a0l7fXaSuk..qoxyVOkJ%5Fw%2526LSoid%3D365991%2526LSlinkid%3D10%2526LScreativeid%3D1&u1=tmsyndtravelbackpacks), $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](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/TMsyndtravelbackpacks/http://www.zappos.com/p/pacsafe-slingsafe-lx350-anti-theft-compact-backpack-w-dectachable-crossbody-chili/product/8773291/color/284?PID=7876402&AID=11554337&utm%5Fsource=Time+Inc.&splash=none&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&cjevent=61d1f96c4c6a11e783e7848f69845969%5F820107080678884227%3AWbB.PRlDHwh%5F), $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](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=390098.1&type=10&tmpid=8156&RD%5FPARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fshop.nordstrom.com%252Fs%252Ffjallraven-kanken-water-resistant-backpack%252F3833666%253Fcm%5Fmmc%253DLinkshare-%5F-partner-%5F-10-%5F-1%2526siteId%253D93xLBvPhAeE-TeQe3gl6qEeuvL9r5NqWXA&u1=tmsyndtravelbackpacks), $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](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/TMsyndtravelbackpacks/http://www.zappos.com/p/nike-hoops-elite-max-air-backpack-pale-grey-black-white/product/8681637/color/659130?PID=7876402&AID=11554337&utm%5Fsource=Time+Inc.&splash=none&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&cjevent=b48ec9dd4c6a11e78058848f69840f81%5F820107080678884227%3AWbB.PRlDHwh%5F), $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](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/TMsyndtravelbackpacks/http://www.zappos.com/p/briggs-riley-brx-exchange-medium-duffle-blue/product/8454053/color/158?PID=7876402&AID=11554337&utm%5Fsource=Time+Inc.&splash=none&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&cjevent=cb206daf4c6a11e781df842b2b32a132%5F820107080678884227%3AWbB.PRlDHwh%5F), $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](http://ebags.evyy.net/c/249354/207595/3588?subId1=TLTRVG1CarryOnBackpacksDZJun17&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebags.com%2Fproduct%2Ftrakk%2Fvigor-water-resistant-power-charging-travel-backpack%2F341370), $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](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/TMsyndtravelbackpacks/http://www.zappos.com/p/deuter-helion-80-black-moss/product/8352102/color/65611?PID=7876402&AID=11554337&utm%5Fsource=Time+Inc.&splash=none&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&cjevent=da94bd494c6b11e7837f848f6983eac1%5F671303824392113240%3ARDg28BhHHwuF), $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](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=460311.1&type=10&tmpid=21551&RD%5FPARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopspring.com%2Fproducts%2F32738243%3FranMID%3D41558%2526ranEAID%3D93xLBvPhAeE%2526ranSiteID%3D93xLBvPhAeE-NpwKgw4TMOTsjQNtLfpJ.A%2526siteID%3D93xLBvPhAeE-NpwKgw4TMOTsjQNtLfpJ.A&u1=tmsyndtravelbackpacks), $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](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/TMsyndtravelbackpacks/http://www.zappos.com/p/oneill-beachblazer-backpack-honey/product/8838194/color/2754?PID=7876402&AID=11554337&utm%5Fsource=Time+Inc.&splash=none&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&cjevent=0eddf17b4c6c11e780ba842b2b27905d%5F820107080678884227%3AWbB.PRlDHwh%5F), $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](http://ebags.evyy.net/c/249354/207595/3588?subId1=tmsyndtravelbackpacks&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebags.com%2Fproduct%2Fogio%2Fsoho-pack%2F230769%3Firgwc%3D1%26clickid%3DVy7Vz8RKrV8qS%253AY020TleVQPUkhT-BWrhSKkSI0%26irpid%3D249354%26utm%5Fcampaign%3DOnline%2520Tracking%2520Link%26utm%5Fcontent%3DONLINE%5FTRACKING%5FLINK%26utm%5Fsource%3DTime%2520Inc.%26utm%5Fmedium%3Daffiliate), $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](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=390098.1&type=10&tmpid=8156&RD%5FPARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fshop.nordstrom.com%252Fs%252Ftimberland-walnut-hill-backpack%252F4596027%253Fcm%5Fmmc%253DLinkshare-%5F-partner-%5F-10-%5F-1%2526siteId%253D93xLBvPhAeE-vBjZ.zPQ.HVOkRrGuc38Gw&u1=tmsyndtravelbackpacks), $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](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011M83K4G/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fsp%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B011M83K4G&linkId=9f3d3b1afa2d075c8f233ccf1dddb373&tag=TMsyndtravelbackpacks-20), $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](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=460311.1&type=10&tmpid=21551&RD%5FPARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopspring.com%2Fproducts%2F35666014%3FranMID%3D41558%2526ranEAID%3D93xLBvPhAeE%2526ranSiteID%3D93xLBvPhAeE-gBk9HHBEFBHuNGsoZ1PXAw%2526siteID%3D93xLBvPhAeE-gBk9HHBEFBHuNGsoZ1PXAw&u1=tmsyndtravelbackpacks), $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](https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/tls-convertible-wheeled-carry-on-with-backpack-straps/332366?productid=10510928&lastsearchterm=ebags+tls+22%22+convertible+wheeled+carry-on), $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](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7885613/type/dlg/sid/TMsyndtravelbackpacks/http://www.zappos.com/p/vera-bradley-small-backpack-cuban-tiles/product/8927934/color/682505?PID=7876402&AID=11554337&utm%5Fsource=Time+Inc.&splash=none&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&cjevent=0eac59dc4c6d11e780ba842b2b27905d%5F820107080678884227%3AWbB.PRlDHwh%5F), $98 ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4811181/best-travel-backpacks-carry-on-travel-tips/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4811181/best-travel-backpacks-carry-on-travel-tips/"},"headline":"The 19 Best Carry-On Backpacks For Your Next Trip","datePublished":"2017-06-08T18:27:20.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T04:58:46.610Z","description":"2017’s best travel backpacks are both smart and stylish","url":"https://time.com/4811181/best-travel-backpacks-carry-on-travel-tips/","keywords":["Travel","onetime"],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Dobrina Zhekova / Travel + Leisure"}],"articleSection":"","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/tag/travel/","name":"Travel"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4811181/best-travel-backpacks-carry-on-travel-tips/","name":"The 19 Best Carry-On Backpacks For Your Next Trip"}}]}] ```