10 Best Travel Carry On Backpacks 2025 in the United States

The Thule Aion Travel Backpack is a solid choice for travelers looking for a functional and stylish carry-on option. With a capacity of 40 liters, it offers ample space for personal items, making it ideal for short trips or as an additional bag for your travels. One of its standout features is the use of 100% recycled polyester and a durable water-resistant coating, which not only supports eco-friendly practices but also helps keep your belongings protected from the elements. The removable TPU rolltop bag allows for additional organization, helping users keep items separate and easily accessible. This is particularly useful for travelers who want to streamline their packing.

On the comfort front, the backpack is designed with padded storage that can accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop and a 12.9-inch tablet, ensuring your tech gear is safe during transit. However, the optional Thule Aion Sling Bag, sold separately for use as a hipbelt, might not be necessary for everyone and can add to the overall cost if you choose to purchase it.

While the Thule Aion Backpack has many strengths, it’s essential to consider its weight of 1215 grams (approximately 2.68 lbs). This might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially when fully packed. Additionally, the size dimensions (6.3 x 13.78 x 21.65 inches) are relatively standard, but could be a tight fit in some airline overhead compartments, depending on the specific airline regulations.

The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L is a well-sized carry-on backpack designed to fit within most airline requirements, making it a solid choice for weekend or short week trips. It offers about 30 liters of space, which is enough to pack essentials without being bulky. Weighing around 3.2 pounds, it strikes a balance between being sturdy and lightweight, though it’s not the lightest option available.

The bag is made from durable recycled nylon materials, including tough ballistic nylon for extra wear resistance, which means it can handle rough travel conditions while also being environmentally conscious. Inside, it features multiple compartments and mesh pockets to keep your items organized and easy to access, along with a padded external laptop sleeve for added protection.

Comfort-wise, the bag offers three carrying options: backpack straps, a shoulder strap, and grab handles, so you can switch how you carry it depending on your comfort or situation. While the construction is solid, the 3.2-pound weight might feel a bit heavy if you prefer ultralight gear. Some users may find the design more functional than sleek or minimalist. This pack is well suited for travelers seeking a versatile, durable carry-on backpack that keeps gear organized and adapts to different carrying styles.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-on Weekender is a well-designed travel backpack that caters to both men and women, making it versatile for various users. One of its main strengths is the drop-bottom compartment, which provides additional packing space and helps keep items organized. This feature is particularly useful for travelers who need to separate clothes from other essentials, ensuring everything stays secure during transit. Additionally, the QuickSlip front pocket with magnetic closure is a thoughtful addition for quick access to mobile phones or boarding passes, which is great for convenience on the go.

Weighing just 2.2 lbs and measuring 15.75 in x 19 in x 9 in, this backpack is lightweight and compact, ideal for carry-on travel. The sizer bin testing means it fits the overhead bin space on most major US airlines, making it a practical choice for air travel.

In terms of material, the durable polyester fabric with a water-repellent coating is a plus, as it resists stains and offers some protection against the elements. The interior lining made from recycled materials reflects an eco-friendly approach, appealing to environmentally conscious travelers. The padded, adjustable shoulder strap adds comfort, making it easy to carry during long airport treks.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the backpack offers plenty of organization options, some users might find that the compartments could be more numerous or specifically designed for tech devices like laptops or tablets, which some travelers prioritize. Additionally, though the backpack is lightweight, it may not have as much padding as some users would prefer for protecting more fragile items.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 serves as a solid option for weekend trips and short getaways, particularly for those who value organization and convenience in a lightweight package, though it may have limitations in device-specific storage and padding.