There isn’t a more convenient bag to take on a plane, bus or train than a carry-on backpack. These compact bags are designed to meet airline regulations for carry-on luggage but can hold enough for a weekend away or a complete trip if you want to travel light.
Many models will feature a padded pocket to carry a laptop or tablet. Look too for accessible pockets that keep your travel documents in easy reach and zippered sections so you don’t have to rummage too deep to find things. Wearing it on your back frees up your hands but extra handles and straps make the bag more versatile to carry. Waist straps will help distribute the weight and save your shoulders. Compression straps are useful for squeezing everything in. Here are the carry-on backpacks we recommend.
Osprey Nebula Men's Laptop Backpack
Plentiful pockets and protection
This backpack has a TSA airport-approved laptop pocket to keep your precious technology safe (fits up to most 15” laptops). There’s also an internal magazine or document sleeve and a front panel organisation pocket with a key clip. Tuck water bottles in the dual side pockets and other essentials in the stretch mesh front panel pocket. There’s a loop to attach a light plus a scratch-free slash pocket.
Dinictis 40L Carry on Flight Approved Travel Laptop Backpack
Multiple carrying options
Designed to meet the maximum size allowed by IATA flights, this backpack is suitable for 10” tablets and up to 15.6” laptops. A hidden shoulder strap, luggage trolley straps, main and side handles make it easy to lift from multiple angles. As well as the protective laptop pocket, there is a small item storage bag and quick access pocket to help keep your gear organised.
Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack
Compression straps and packing cubes
This carry-on backpack comes with three packing cubes to help you fit your luggage in its 40L interior. Multiple exterior compression buckle straps help you adjust the bag and there are adjustable sternum and waist straps to help with stability when it’s on your back. Concealed shoulder straps convert it from duffle to backpack in seconds and there are multiple interior pockets including a laptop compartment.
Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
All the straps and pockets you need
The main compartment of this backpack has a zippered laptop sleeve and zippered mesh space to protect and organise your gear. Compression straps and a full-expansion zipper will help you squeeze everything in. The padded shoulder straps can be disconnected and stored in the zippered back pocket along with removable sternum and waist straps. The front-top pocket gives easy access to travel documents.
Bottom line
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A good carry-on backpack is essential for a comfortable trip just about anywhere. They are not only the maximum size allowed on a plane but offer the perfect amount of space for a weekend away. When it comes to packing, their multiple pockets and compartments help you to stay organised and keep important items accessible. The bag we would recommend for most people is the Osprey Nebula Men's Laptop Backpack. It’s a quality backpack from a respected brand that won’t let you down. You’ll be thankful for its well-placed pockets and organising features.
For a great value bag, the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack is a choice you won’t regret. It does everything you want a carry-on backpack to do and feels well-made and durable.
