Best Carry-On Backpacks for Every Budget

Investing in the right luggage can help improve every travel experience. Many frequent travelers have discovered that the right bag can help you stay organized as you jaunt between planes, trains, and automobiles. I once discovered the hard way that quality luggage is worth every penny after my travel backpack’s zipper busted in the middle of a crowded square in Guatemala. As my laptop collided with the cobblestone street, I swore to myself that I would never again purchase a low-quality bag, no matter how much I liked its aesthetic.

A great backpack is a travel staple, and you should consider having one on hand so that you’re ready to head off on an adventure at a moment’s notice. Many backpacks can be used for a variety of trips, but you should consider choosing one that fits your general travel style. When choosing the perfect travel backpack, you’ll want to consider a few factors. Durability is of utmost importance. Spaciousness is also key. You’ll want to choose a bag with plenty of space to fit your travel essentials. Bags designed with strategic compartments for items like cell phones, water bottles, and laptops are wonderful for staying organized on the go.

Whether you’re looking for a spacious bag that allows you to pack enough for a weekend getaway, but still fits within the “personal item” size limits for airlines (which is generally 18 x 14 x 8 inches), or you’re heading off on a month-long backpacking expedition, we’ve rounded up a list of the top-rated carry-on backpacks to help make packing for your next trip a breeze — no matter your budget.

If you’re embarking on a weekend getaway, it’s a good idea to pack light so that you can fit everything you need for your trip into one convenient backpack. It’s difficult to beat the budget-friendly, TikTok-famous travel backpack that went viral in 2024 and even harder to beat its price. There are various renditions of this bag being sold online, but I recommend the coowoz Travel Backpack in size extra-large that is sold on Amazon for around $40. Despite its low price, the pack is durable and well-made. I especially loved the separate shoe compartment at the bottom of the bag and the spacious interior with pockets for all of my devices. I was able to fit enough clothes for a five-day trip, toiletries, electronics, and a book. I was able to get away with it as a personal item and saved some money by not having to pay for a carry-on bag, but you should double-check the size requirements with your airline before you fly. It comes in a ton of cute colors and has more than 14,000 five-star reviews.

The tomtoc Travel Backpack is slightly more expensive at about $85. Its 40-liter size ensures that you can fit everything you need, but you’ll have to pay for a carry-on bag as it won’t fit fully under the seat in front of you. Its water-resistant fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles. To access the spacious center compartment, you unzip it like you would rolling luggage. There’s a laptop and electronics pocket that fully unzips to 180 degrees so that going through TSA is easy. Amazon reviewers say that it’s a great dupe for the splurge-worthy Pakt travel backpack, which costs $325.

If you’re traveling for business, you’re going to need a bag that can easily transition from the airport to the office. Ideally, your backpack should look sleek and professional to pair well with business casual attire and be spacious enough to fit all of your electronics. Whether you’re living the digital nomad lifestyle and working remotely while traveling or pitching your startup idea to international investors abroad, these bags offer the perfect blend of form and function. 

The Manhattan backpack by Andar is a “modern take on the briefcase” that’s perfect for an urban commute or a nature hike. There is a budget-friendly canvas version for $159 and a natural leather option that costs $374. With a 22-liter capacity, it has enough room for your laptop and other work materials, along with a few travel essentials. It can be worn on your back or carried from the side handle like a briefcase.

The Nomatic Travel Bag comes in two sizes and can be used either as a backpack or a duffel bag. It costs $289 and is designed with a weeklong trip in mind. Stand-out features include a waterproof internal water bottle pocket, laptop storage, a ventilated shoe compartment, and a removable waist strap. The bag has received hundreds of glowing reviews, and customers call it the best bag they’ve ever purchased and perfect for travel.

The Modular Leather Backpack by Harber London is a splurge-worthy option. It costs over $1,000 and is crafted with high-quality full-grain leather that will develop a lovely patina with age. There are interior pockets for your laptop, along with a hidden interior water bottle pocket. The Nomad Insert conveniently stores your passport, iPad, charging cords, cards, and other essentials.

Although it can be stressful at times, traveling with young children is an enriching experience for the entire family. A travel backpack that is specially designed for parents ensures that you have everything your little bundle of joy needs. The BabbleRoo Baby Essentials Travel Bag costs just $33 on Amazon. With 17 pockets to keep you organized and a spacious interior compartment, you’ll be able to fit plenty of travel essentials for you and your baby. There are three insulated bottle pockets, a diaper organizer, and an exterior pocket for your water bottle. The bag comes with a travel diaper changing pad and a clip-on pacifier carrying case. It comes in tons of cute colors and has received more than 25,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

The Ultimate Diaper Backpack by Beis pairs perfectly with their collection of suitcases. It has everything from a roll-out diaper changing pad to a stink-proof wet bag where you can stow those dirty diapers until you’re able to dispose of them. It has insulated pockets for baby bottles, a trolley strap that fits easily on your suitcase handle, and packable stroller attachment straps. It costs just under $200 and has received over 800 five-star reviews.

No Reception Club has crafted a line of family-friendly luggage that will remain useful as your children grow. The Getaway Bag, which costs $320, was named the Best Travel Diaper Bag of 2024 by Babylist. It has multiple storage pockets, two insulated lunch bags, a tech pocket for your laptop, and a security pocket for travel documents. It also comes with a diaper changing pad and a smaller bag called The Sidekick that can be worn as a fanny pack or crossbody. 

Boring luggage can ruin a great outfit, but there’s no need to skimp on style when you travel. If you’re looking for a travel backpack that adds to your aesthetic instead of clashing with it, consider some of these fashion-forward options. The Everlane Renew Backpack is simple, chic, and spacious. It comes in four different neutral colors: warm quartz, black, slate grey, and warm charcoal. It has an exterior laptop pocket for easy access and two exterior water bottle sleeves. The magnetic closure ensures that you don’t accidentally leave your bag open when you’re rushing through the airport. There’s also a trolly strap. The Renew Backpack is crafted from recycled plastic bottles and costs $95. It’s a budget-friendly, stylish, and sustainable choice.

AllSaints is a British fashion brand that’s known for high-quality leather goods and edgy-meets-classic clothing. The Carabiner Embossed Leather Backpack is perfect for travelers who need a stylish, durable backpack. The black bag is crafted from all-natural materials, including cow leather, sheep leather, and organic cotton. It has a nifty carabiner that’s perfect for clipping on your water bottle and an exterior pocket with a zipper for storing your phone and other on-the-go essentials.

If you’re looking to make a statement while traveling, the GG Jumbo Large Backpack by Gucci is fashionable and practical for travel. At $3,890, it’s a major splurge, but if you’re a fan of turning heads, it may be worth the price. It’s crafted from leather and features the classic Gucci GG logo displayed prominently all over the bag. It’s big enough to fit all of your electronics and travel essentials. With buckle details and magnetic closures, it’s a high-fashion bag that still gets the job done.

To formulate this list of the best carry-on backpacks for every budget, we considered a variety of travelers. A parent adventuring with small kids has different needs than a digital nomad exploring solo, so we sought out options that could work for different types of trips. Within each category, we researched options for various budgets. For our budget-friendly picks, we eliminated anything that cost over $200 and prioritized backpacks under $100.  We also tested some of the bags ourselves and read dozens of customer reviews to get a feel for how they held up during travel.