10 Best Travel Carry On Backpacks 2025 in the United States

The Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6 Travel Pack is a lightweight and durable choice for travelers seeking a versatile carry-on backpack. Weighing just 1.75 pounds, it is easy to carry without adding bulk, and its materials are designed to withstand frequent use. The pack starts with a 26-liter capacity but can expand by an additional 6 liters, providing extra space without worrying about airline size restrictions. Its size fits well as an international personal item, allowing it to be stored under the seat on most flights to avoid gate check hassles.

This backpack features one main compartment complemented by useful pockets, including two stretch water bottle holders and a front zip pocket for quick access to essentials. The padded AirScape back panel offers good ventilation and ergonomic support, helping keep your back comfortable during long travel days. While it has only a single main compartment, which might limit organization for those preferring many separate pockets, the included tech sleeve and luggage pass-through add convenience for travelers using rolling bags.

This backpack is well suited for travelers who prioritize lightweight comfort and flexible space within carry-on limits, especially for day trips or as an extra personal item on flights.

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 Osprey Farpoint 40L is designed as a versatile travel carry-on backpack that meets most airline size limits, making it a solid choice for travelers wanting to avoid checked baggage. Weighing about 3.5 pounds, it strikes a good balance between being lightweight and sturdy. The material is durable, typical of Osprey's trusted build quality, ensuring it can handle the wear and tear of travel. With 40 liters of capacity, it offers ample room for a multi-day trip without being bulky. The main compartment opens with a large panel zip that’s easy to access, and there are useful features like lockable zippers for security and a padded laptop sleeve that fits most 16-inch laptops—a handy spot for tech gear. Organization is enhanced by front mesh water bottle pockets and an external toiletry pocket, which help keep essentials within easy reach.

Comfort is addressed by a stowaway harness and hipbelt, which can be hidden when not needed, simplifying airport navigation, and then quickly deployed for hiking or walking longer distances. The backpack’s dimensions might feel a bit tall or narrow for some, and the 3.5-pound weight, while reasonable, could be heavy if you prefer an ultra-light option. Additionally, it lacks a lot of small internal compartments for detailed organization, which some travelers might miss. For adult travelers who want a reliable, comfortable, and well-sized carry-on backpack with solid security features, the Osprey Farpoint 40L is a dependable option that blends travel convenience with outdoor-ready functionality.