10 Best Carry On Backpacks 2025 in the United States

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.

The NOMATIC 40L Travel Bag is designed as a versatile carry-on backpack that easily converts into a duffel, making it a flexible choice for airplane trips and daily use. Its 40-liter capacity is generous for a carry-on size, fitting the standard airline limits while offering plenty of space for clothes, tech gear, and essentials. Weighing just over 4 pounds, it strikes a reasonable balance—not too heavy to carry comfortably, though it might feel a bit bulky when fully packed.

Comfort is enhanced by thoughtful straps and a luggage strap for easy attachment to rolling suitcases, but those sensitive to heavier bags should test it with their typical load first. Durability is a strong point, thanks to quality materials that protect your belongings and resist wear, which is important for frequent travelers. The bag shines with its organization: over 20 specialized pockets hold shoes, liquids, laptops, and other items neatly, saving time and hassle during security checks or daily use.

One potential downside is the minimalist design, which might not appeal to everyone, especially if you prefer a softer or more casual style. Also, while the anti-theft features add security, the bag’s larger size might draw more attention than smaller, less conspicuous backpacks. This bag is a solid choice for travelers and professionals who want a durable, well-organized, and TSA-friendly carry-on backpack that can adapt to different needs.

The Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack Pro is designed to be a large, carry-on-friendly backpack that fits most airline size limits, making it a great choice for travelers who prefer to avoid checked luggage. It offers a roomy 40-liter capacity, which is enough space for a week or longer trip, thanks to its smart interior layout and multiple compartments. Comfort is a strong point here: with height-adjustable straps, thick padding, and a hip belt that transfers most of the weight away from your shoulders, it’s built to carry heavy loads without causing pain.

The backpack is also easy to pack, featuring a suitcase-style front opening and several pockets for organizing laptops, tablets, water bottles, and smaller items. Durability is well-addressed, using waterproof sailcloth material and quality water-resistant zippers, meaning it can handle rough travel conditions without falling apart. On the downside, at just over 2 kilograms (about 4.5 pounds), it’s not the lightest option out there, so if you’re looking for an ultra-light backpack, this might feel a bit heavy when empty. Also, while the design is practical, its size and structure may feel bulky for those who prefer minimalist or ultra-compact carry-ons.

This backpack is ideal for frequent travelers who need a robust, comfortable, and well-organized carry-on bag that can hold plenty of gear without the need to check a bag.