10 Best Carry On Backpacks 2025 in the United States

The TUMI Alpha Brief Pack is a stylish and versatile laptop backpack designed for business travelers and daily commuters. It boasts a dedicated padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, a tablet pocket, and multiple other pockets that enhance its organizational capacity. With a total capacity of 15 liters, it provides ample space for essentials, though it might be limiting for those needing more storage for longer trips.

Weighing 3.5 pounds, it is relatively lightweight considering its durable ballistic nylon construction, which ensures it can withstand daily use and travel rigors efficiently. The adjustable and padded straps add a high level of comfort, making it suitable for extended wear without causing strain. Additionally, the fabric sleeve to secure it over carry-on luggage handles is a thoughtful feature for frequent flyers, simplifying airport navigation.

On the downside, its compact size may not accommodate bulkier items, and at a higher price point, it may be considered an investment piece. The sleek black leather adds a touch of sophistication, but might show wear over time. This backpack is ideal for business professionals and frequent travelers who prioritize organization, durability, and a premium look in their carry-on luggage.

The TUMI Voyageur Montana Backpack is a stylish and practical choice for women who need a compact carry-on backpack for business or travel. It fits laptops up to 16 inches, which covers most work devices, and offers a decent 17-liter capacity, enough for daily essentials without being bulky. Weighing just 6.4 ounces, it’s lightweight, which means it won’t add much extra weight to your load.

Comfort is well considered with padded, adjustable straps that help carry the backpack easily throughout the day. It also has several organizational pockets, including a quick-access phone pocket and a water-resistant bottle holder, making it easier to keep things tidy and accessible. The side zip expansion adds flexibility for extra space when needed. Durability should be reliable given TUMI’s reputation and the 5-year warranty for travel or business bags, though the backpack is made in China, which might be a consideration for some.

With only 17 liters of capacity, it’s better suited for day trips or commuting rather than longer travel where more packing space is required. While the backpack is lightweight, its stylish design may lean towards fashion over ruggedness compared to highly durable outdoor backpacks. This backpack is ideal for professional women who want a fashionable yet functional bag for everyday work travel, offering good comfort and organization but limited space for bulkier packing.

The MATEIN Mens Backpack is a strong choice for travelers looking for a versatile carry-on bag. Its expandable design offers generous packing space, meeting airline size limits while letting you fit extra items when needed. Weighing just 13.7 ounces, it’s very lightweight, easing the burden when moving through airports or on day trips. Comfort is well addressed with padded, adjustable shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and a sternum strap to help distribute weight more evenly, which is great for longer wear. The backpack converts neatly between a traditional carry-on style and a briefcase look by hiding the shoulder straps, adding flexibility for different travel situations. Organizationally, it includes a front pocket for small essentials like phones and earphones, a large main compartment with compression straps to keep items secure, and multiple grab handles for easy handling.

Durability is impressive due to its water-resistant polyester fabric, sturdy zippers, and solid stitching, which should hold up well under various travel conditions. A luggage strap also lets you attach it securely to a suitcase handle, simplifying transit. On the downside, while the backpack is large, its expandable feature might add extra bulk that could be tricky in very tight overhead bins. Also, it’s designed as a unisex bag but the styling and color options may not suit everyone’s taste. This backpack is well suited for frequent travelers, weekend adventurers, or anyone wanting a practical, lightweight carry-on with smart features and good durability.