The best carry-on backpacks have an big impact on our overall travel comfort: Pick the wrong one and you’ll end up hauling what feels like an oversized load through a never-ending airport terminal. Compound that with strict airline regulations that only allow for backpacks that can fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin, and suddenly, finding the best carry-on pack can feel like a tall order.
That’s why we tested a grip of the best technical and fashionable carry-on backpacks for every kind of traveler, from aesthetic objets d’art to carry-on travel backpacks that look as good in the TSA line as they do in a meeting or on the trail. We pulled techy one-bag travel options from Dakine and Rains, luxe picks from Parker Clay and A.P.C., comfort-forward choices from Alo and Everlane, and more. Whether you’re sitting in business or basic economy, all of these picks will have you looking (and feeling) like a first-class traveler.
- The Best Carry-On Backpack, Overall: Dakine Split Adventure 38L Backpack, $165
- The Best Comfortable Carry-On Backpack: Alo Stow Backpack, $128
- The Best Carry-On Backpack for Travel: CalPak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack, $175
- The Best Water-Resistant Carry-On Backpack: Rains Rolltop Large Backpack, $170
- The Best Carry-On Backpack for Commuters: Parker Clay Atlas Backpack, $448
- The Best Lightweight Carry-On Backpack: 66°North 15L Backpack, $140
- The Best Everyday Carry-On Backpack: Lululemon Cruiser Backpack 23L, $168
- The Best Minimalist Carry-On Backpack: Homme Issey Miyake Yellow Pocket 1 Backpack, $322
- The Best Carry-On Backpack for Day Trips: APC Treck Backpack, $465
- The Best Budget Carry-On Backpack: Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack, $95
Versatile enough to hit both the most adventurous trails and overcrowded airport lounges, I use the Split Adventure LT 38L to divide up my stuff on long trips the same way I would in a classic roller board—minus the wheels. This bag’s clamshell design features a variety of pockets to pack away any and all of my take-alongs, yet its compact size makes it easy to slide right under my airline seat or into the overhead bin. While I’ve found many tablet and laptop compartments can still expose your gear to some serious jostling, the Split Adventure’s snug, fleece-lined tablet compartment and laptop sleeve protects your tech from shakes of any magnitude. The back panel also slides onto a roller handle so you can seamlessly tote it through the terminal.
The Best Comfortable Carry-On Backpack: Alo Stow Backpack
Small but mighty, the Alo Stow Backpack has a matte neoprene shell which (aside from being water-resistant) makes the pack soft and malleable while always keeping its shape—even when I’m cramming it in between seats. I like that its chunky, jam-free zippers allow me to grab it and open compartments from any angle, too. While other backpack straps have a way of twisting and feeling like daggers cutting into my shoulders, Alo figured out the delicate balance of having lightweight straps that can support up to 75 pounds of weight against my back while staying firmly in place. The roomy main compartment, two exterior zipper pockets, water bottle pouch, interior pocket, and laptop sleeve that can fit my entire packing list just sweeten the deal.
The torture of a long-haul flight is usually followed up by what feels like equally long Uber wait times—which can make even the lightest of backpacks start to feel heavy. Thankfully, the CalPak Terra 26L’s best feature is that it easily converts from backpack to duffel in under five seconds, making it a pleasure to stand in line with. (Its adjustable shoulder straps are also detachable for even more versatility.) But perhaps its most impressive feature is the compression straps with buckles that keep anything important or fragile from shifting around inside. Made from recycled ripstop polyester, it also sports a 17” laptop sleeve and comes with a bonus sling bag.
I’ve been a fan of Rains since I first acquired their waterproof (read: basically floodproof) backpack, which I still use to this day. I’m equally infatuated with their Rolltop Rucksack: Minimalist, refined, durable, and with black-hole-levels of storage, this bag’s sensibly sized dimensions allow for easy storage under an airline seat or in the overhead bin. The rolled top secures with a lobster clasp to make sure I can tightly squeeze in all of my chargers and gear or let things breathe a little if I’m simply packing a hoodie or two. I also thoroughly enjoy the side pockets which ensure I’m able to slip in everything from my earbuds to a pack of gum with ease. Plus, there’s a two-year warranty should anything happen to your pack.
The Atlas is perfect for business travelers: It’s a gorgeous pack fashioned in full-grain Ethiopian leather with brass hardware, and I’ve been carrying around the Rust Brown version for years. Its roomy, wide-open interior has allowed me to fill it with everything from hiking boots to video shoot gear over the years, and there are built-in passport and slip pockets for me to quickly access my phone, keys, headphones, and the like. A handy exterior pocket at the back of the backpack reveals a padded 15” laptop sleeve, as well. Parker Clay also has a great rep for the impact they make in the Ethiopian communities where they operate, which is even more reason to snag one of the most handsome carry-on backpacks in the game.
Made in Iceland, 66°North’s Backpack is made of durable, leftover fabric cuts, which tracks for the certified B Corp. On the smaller size, this backpack is built with volatile weather in mind, so expect a mix of waterproof fabric and neoprene that keeps moisture out and your back cool. Its Scandi good looks make it feel like a score from an aesthetic shop in Reykjavik or Copenhagen, but 66°North knows it’s what’s on the inside that counts when it comes to this carry-on backpack. Despite its slender frame, a key feature we fell in love with is its puffy, quilted interior lining—supple enough to keep your camera or other carry-on gear scratch-free without any extra protection. Dual-buckle closures and an internal drawstring help keep your contents safe and secure, and since there are over 15 colors to choose from, it’ll match any and every travel aesthetic.
As a frequent traveler, storage is a huge priority for me, and when I found this high-quality backpack from Lululemon in a retro-fun style, I immediately had to have it. The Lululemon Cruiser has a pocket for everything and then some, from the external hard shell case that protects my favorite sunnies to the quick-access side and front pockets where I stash toiletries and travel-sized packets of Morning Kick (the Chuck Norris-approved digestion aid I swear by to combat fatigue, traveler’s tummy and jet lag on trips). Despite being so slim, this bag had a solid amount of padding meant for laptop protection and a strap to slip it right onto your rolling bag. I also love that the poly-nylon fabric is water-repellent and made to keep everything safe even when I inevitably spill my inflight drink.
This pleated tricot bag in mustard yellow will catch looks in the queue to your seat, whether it’s in business class or basic economy. The lush, pleated polystyrene fabric and drawstring closure are as stylish as they are handy, and the bag’s adjustable uniform straps sit well on the shoulders. The only downside of traveling with this backpack is that it doesn’t have any interior pockets, though there is a single, discrete exterior pocket at its back. Despite its high-fashion demeanor, cleaning this bag is low-maintenance: If your travel-sized bottle of conditioner leaks, simply machine-wash the bag on cold and lay flat to dry.
The Best Carry-On Backpack for Day Trips: APC Treck Backpack, $465
Lightweight and spacious, the A.P.C. Treck backpack is the utilitarian daypack I want as my travel companion. Though it has many bells and whistles—a comfortable carry handle, adjustable padded straps, side zip pockets, fully padded laptop pocket, and cord-lock drawstring—what sets this one apart is its functional design. It comes with a carabiner that’s perfect for hanging a water bottle or using as a backup hook and it has an easy-to-use, press-release flap over top. It even features an ID patch in case you ever mistakenly leave it in the overhead bin.
The Best Budget Carry-On Backpack: Everlane
A bag that’s lightweight, made for travel, has ample storage, and doesn’t break the bank? Sounds impossible—and yet the Everlane Renew Backpack is all of that and more. Coming in at under $100, the bag seriously outperforms its price. The shoulder straps are ergonomically designed to fit over your back and shoulders (something I can attest to when I tested it) while still allowing me to reach not one, but the two built-in water bottle pockets. As if that weren’t enough, Everlane has also made massive strides to lessen their environmental impact by eliminating 90% of the virgin plastic from their lines.
What to Look For in a Carry-On Backpack
First of all, you need to be able to, well, carry on your carry-on bag—which means it’s got to be small enough to squeeze by airline restrictions (you’re generally safe with anything 40L or smaller). A true goldilocks carry-on luggage pick features multiple pockets and compartments, is comfortable enough to lug through an airport, and looks good enough to make us feel stylish even on the most brutal of travel days. Bonus points for extras including packing cubes, hip belts, water bottle storage, laptop sleeves, water resistance, and easy-access compartments. Most importantly, make sure to pick the carry-on backpack that works best for you—i.e., don’t just snag the first pack you find on Amazon without making sure it addresses your specific travel needs.
How We Tested
GQ has been testing and reviewing men’s backpacks for years, and we’re currently conducting in-depth testing on the top carry-on travel packs. We’ll continue to update our selections in this guide as we pack, carry on, and rack up air miles with these bags. When evaluating the best travel backpacks and carry-on backpacks, we first consider durability. Does the bag have durable fabric, internal frames, or waterproofing? Next, we consider how much travel gear can be stored inside. Access is also important, and we check to see how easily we can reach our items from the various pockets and compartments. When we go hands-on, we load up the backpacks with gear and other personal items to see how comfortable they are during long walks. We hate back sweat as much as any traveler, and we’re looking for bags with generous and comfy padding in all the right places. Finally, we check to see how much wear and tear the bag sustains. Whenever possible, we used the bags as carry-ons during air travel to see how travel-friendly (and “carry-on size”) they really are. Since this is GQ, there’s one final test: the fit test. We want to see which bags earn unsolicited compliments and look best on our backs. Call us vain if you like, but we believe looking your best is a sign of self-respect and its own reward.
