Advertisement

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

Kit Dillon

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

  • When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
  • Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
  • No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

A graphic comparing the difference in capacity between a 45-liter and a 35-liter backpack.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

The packed Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack, shown fully open so that the contents are accessible.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

  • Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
  • We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

A person stands by a wooden fence outdoors while wearing the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, our larger pick for the best carry-on travel backpack.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

  • It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
  • More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L, our also-great pick for the best carry-on travel backpack, is held in midair by a person wearing a plaid shirt.

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

  • We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

The Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview 40 Travel Pack, one of our also-great picks for the best carry-on travel backpack, shown in black.

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

travel bags 35l

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

View of the straps on the reverse of the Osprey travel backpack.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

  • For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

The Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L, our also-great pick for the best carry-on travel backpack.

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

The Tortuga Backpack Pro shown with the front clamshell lid in the open position.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

  • Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
  • It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

  • Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

A graphic illustrating a clamshell bag opening

  • Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
  • Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
  • Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
  • Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
  • Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
  • Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
  • Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

travel bags 35l

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

Four Osprey travel backpacks, two blue, two green, sitting next to each other.

The Best Travel Backpack

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

A person in an outdoor environment wearing one of our picks for best buy it for life backpack with a minimalist look, the GoRuck GR1.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Three of our favorite backpacks, totes and duffle bags on display

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

A person wearing the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel backpack.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

Your cart is empty

{ discount.title }

{property.value}

{ cart.item_count } Items

{ cart.total_price | money Currency.currentCurrency }

You're saving { cart.total_discount | money Currency.currentCurrency }

Shipping & taxes calculated at checkout

Global Uprising, PBC dba Cotopaxi ("Cotopaxi") distributes 100% of the monetary donations that it receives from its customers to the Cotopaxi Foundation on a monthly basis.

What is the Cotopaxi Foundation?

The Cotopaxi Foundation is a Utah-based private 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Giving is core to the Cotopaxi model. The foundation is the next step in terms of doing more good. 1% of our annual revenue goes to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which aims to boost our grantmaking, democratize our impact, and help us make a bigger difference in the communities we touch.

Every time you purchase one of our products, you’re contributing to the Cotopaxi Foundation. But we encourage you to be part of Doing Good by giving directly to the foundation. However you support our efforts, your contribution is making a difference.

We are not able to provide tax deductible receipts for our customers at this time. Cotopaxi is exploring how to modify this process in the future, and will post updates here on our website.

Route Logo

Guaranteed for Good™

Truly sustainable design includes a backup plan. If there's a problem with your gear, we'll happily repair it, replace it, credit your return, or reward you for trading it in.

  • Free Shipping $99+
  • Easy Returns & Exchanges

We provide easy returns and exchanges for US* orders within 30 days of purchase. Items purchased in November and December can be returned or exchanged until January 31st of the following year.

Exchanges and refunds for store credit are free. For refunds back to the original payment method, we deduct a $5 restocking fee.

When preparing your return, please ensure tags are still intact and that items are unworn and unwashed. Items marked as “Final Sale” are not eligible to be returned.

Need to return an item? Visit  https://returns.cotopaxi.com

HOLIDAY GIFT WITH PURCHASE

Offer valid while supplies last. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid on event tickets, gift cards, sale items, or previous orders. Color selection for items in the Del Día Gift Bundle will be chosen at random. Both the Quito Beanie Gift Bundle and the Allpa Overland Gift Bundle are comprised of the 750ml Agua Water Bottle and the Graphite/Fiery Red Quito Pom Beanie—color requests will not be taken. Promotional items cannot be exchanged. Cannot be applied to previous orders. If you return purchased items, return your gift-with-purchase or you will be charged for your gift-with-purchase.

travel bags 35l

You're now subscribed.

You can change your email preferences at any time by selecting 'unsubscribe' in any email you receive.

travel bags 35l

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Newsletters
  • Sweepstakes

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

  • Travel Products
  • Luggage + Bags
  • Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags

I’ve Worn This Travel Backpack in More Than 50 Countries, and It’s Still Going Strong

This Cotopaxi carry-on even fits under most airplane seats.

Travel + Leisure / Pamela Jew

My job as a travel writer has taken me to all seven continents in the last 10 months, and after all those miles, let me tell you: There are just certain things I can’t travel without. The true MVP? My Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack , which has carried me through more than 50 countries — from Costa Rica to South Africa — and which I don’t expect to retire any time soon.

I’m in good company with my love of this backpack. After lots of testing, Travel + Leisure editors recently named the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack the best overall on its list of 2023’s best carry-on backpacks . 

To buy: amazon.com and cotopaxi.com , $200 

Still, I first heard about this bag years ago from a writer friend of mine who’d just returned from an assignment in Georgia (the country, not the state). While he had a lot to say about the destination, what he really raved about was the bag he lived out of for two weeks. It was carry-on compatible, had a 35-liter capacity, was lightweight and waterproof, and opened up like a suitcase for easy packing (impressive!). Plus, it had a waist strap so it’s easy on the back and, to top it all off, a rare lifetime warranty. I knew I just had to try it — so I got one. Of course, one quickly turned into two. 

Travel + Leisure / Katie Jackson

I’m convinced this Cotopaxi bag is indestructible, because it’s made with high-quality, tear-resistant nylon fabric and a water-resistant TPU coating designed to withstand the relentless wear and tear of travel. And I know firsthand just how waterproof it can be. I was once carrying it in Costa Rica, during the rainy season, when I got caught in a downpour. Despite getting drenched, my bag’s contents stayed completely dry. And that was without using the rain cover it comes with! I’ve found this bag to be so waterproof that I don’t even bother bringing it. 

To buy: amazon.com and cotopaxi.com , $200 For a bag made with such durable materials, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is quite light. It weighs less than four pounds, and because it has a waist belt and padded shoulder straps, weight is evenly distributed across my hips and shoulders. In September, I wore it in Portugal, where I stocked it up with bottles of wine. Despite how heavy my bag got, I never had any back pain. Even if you don’t want to wear it as a backpack, you can simply tuck the straps in and carry it using the side handles (reinforced, of course). I usually do this when I’m in Thailand, where it’s so hot and humid I don’t want to have anything on my back. 

But by far, my favorite feature of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is the fact it opens like a suitcase. With traditional backpacks, I have to dig to the bottom of the bag to find what I’m looking for. But with this pack, I just unzip, open, and can see everything I packed. In addition to the large main compartment, there are so many internal pockets I almost don’t even need to use 2023’s best packing cubes . 

There are even more functional features too, including a padded sleeve for a laptop or tablet and security YKK zippers to deter pickpockets (which I appreciated when I was in Paris last year, where I have had stuff stolen before). Finally, there’s a convenient external pocket that comes in handy for things like sunglasses and water that I want easy access to.

For such a functional bag, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is also very aesthetically pleasing. My next trip is to South Africa’s newest five-star luxury retreat, Future Found Sanctuary in Cape Town , and instead of rolling up with Louis Vuitton luggage, I’m proud to sport this pack because it’s actually pretty stylish. Both of my bags are two of the most eye-catching colorways — Cotopaxi is famous for its bright colors — but this bag is also available in solid black if you don’t want to be bothered by strangers giving you compliments on it. That said, it’s so cool that they’ll probably still ask where you got it. 

To buy: amazon.com and cotopaxi.com , $200

At Cotopaxi.com , the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack starts at $200 and has an impressive 4.7-star average rating from more than 1,000 reviews. It also has a 4.7-star average rating at Amazon, where it starts at $198 and where shoppers call it the “best backpack for airline travel.” I’ve never had an issue getting it to fit in an overhead bin, including when I flew the discount airline Wizz Air this summer to Romania. It usually fits under the seat in front of me, too. 

One shopper who calls it a great carry-on loved using it during a flight when traveling with their two young sons. “They need lots of snacks and toys and changes of clothes and other things,” they wrote. “This bag was able to fit all of it at once. Best of all, it kept all of our things very organized.” Another shopper who raves about how spacious it is managed to fit two pairs of pants, nine tops, a dress, pajamas, a pair of shoes, a bathing suit, socks, underwear and more, and still had space left!

To buy: amazon.com , $198

Despite being able to carry pretty much everything but the kitchen sink, this pack is still surprisingly comfortable. And unlike other carry-ons, because you can wear it, you can easily carry it with ease over cobblestone streets. One shopper who spent a week traveling around London and Paris during transportation strikes ended up having to walk everywhere and says they “never could have taken this trip without this pack.” 

Even if your plans don’t involve walking a lot, you won’t be disappointed if you treat your back to the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack . This bag ensures you’ll arrive at your destination with all of the things you need, neatly organized. I’m not saying you should definitely buy two, like me, but I am saying it’s such a cool bag, I wouldn’t be surprised if it sells out. 

At the time of publishing, the price started at $198. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Shop More T+L-Approved Picks

travel bags 35l

Related Articles

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

travel bags 35l

There are a lot of great travel backpacks out there, but not all of them are created equal. A travel pack needs to be comfortable to carry, easy to organize, and durable enough to withstand being toted from place to place.

From hitting the road for the weekend to spending months traveling abroad, we’ve put nearly 30 different travel backpacks through the wringer. We tallied our airline miles, punched our tickets, and put our tray tables in the upright and locked position for close to half a decade now, taking domestic and international flights to as far as Iceland and as close as 30-minute island hops. And while there isn’t a single pack that suits every traveler, we’ve highlighted a variety of designs and price points to help you find the perfect travel backpack.

Choosing a travel backpack can be a dizzying experience, and we’ve shaken down the best to sort through the static. Each pack has seen its time on the baggage carousel, hostel luggage cart, and we’ve even had a few go missing for the full experience. We fully pack and live out of these bags to test them, and in the end, we’re confident that the 15 packs collected here are the best travel backpacks available today. Check in and check them out.

For all your travel pack questions, consult our buyer’s guide , where we’ve laid bare all the essentials. Compare each of the packs using our handy comparison chart , and if you’ve still got questions, check out our FAQ section.

Editor’s Note: We updated our travel backpack guide on May 21, 2024, adding the JanSport Journey Pack as our new best budget travel pack, as well as the feature-rich and burly Able Carry Max Backpack .

  • Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
  • Best Budget Travel Backpack: JanSport Journey Pack
  • Best Carrying Travel Backpack: Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs
  • Best Organization in a Travel Backpack: Matador SEG45 Travel Pack
  • Best Shoulder Bag: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
  • Best Commuter-Style Travel Backpack: Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L
  • Best Personal Item Travel Pack: TimBuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

  • Capacity 45 L (collapses to 35 L)
  • Weight 4 lbs., 8 oz.
  • Dimensions 22" x 13" x 9.5" standard, 22" x 13" x 11" expanded
  • Compartment access Back panel clamshell design with #10 zipper
  • Material Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400-denier nylon canvas shell; 900-denier waterproof bottom

Product Badge

  • Compresses down to maximum airline carry-on size, and then expands once you’ve hit your destination
  • Burly construction
  • No details are overlooked in the design
  • Side-carry handles are offset in an awkward position

Perfect is a dirty word in product design, but we’re about stumped when it comes to drumming up a quibble about the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L ($300). This redeye-ready clamshell design is made to the highest of standards.

It’s made of quality materials, utilizing aluminum hardware and a burly 400-denier nylon canvas — and it easily ticks all our boxes for the best overall travel backpack. The interior of the bag is split into two compartments: a larger main area for storing the majority of your kit and a secondary sleeve at the front of the bag with five zippered pockets. The main pocket also sports a foam-padded laptop sleeve and three more pockets.

One of the more impressive aspects we discovered along the bag’s inaugural leg from Seattle to Anchorage was how easily the straps of the Travel Backpack stow away into the bag. Two foam panels on the back of the bag flip away to secure them and then close with a magnetic closure — very slick. This was our favorite strap-stowage system, with the zippered panels of the Matador GlobeRider45 coming in a close second. We find the Peak Design bag compresses smaller.

Then there are the little details. An ID-size sleeve on the back panel provides all the information should your bag get separated from you. Zipper pulls thread through one another to keep what’s yours safe. And a collapsible system adjusts the bag from a full 45 L to 35 L.

In our review, there’s little about the Peak Design pack that misses the mark. The company leans heavily toward the camera-toting travelers among us, but the 45 L Travel Backpack makes no compromises and works just as well for any user group. The high price is undeniable, but for the scope of the travel pack, it’s a buy-once-cry-once purchase we would make again.

Also available in a 30L size , the range of Travel Backpacks from Peak Design is so well-thought-out that you can practically see the cogs turning in their creators’ heads. We think they make the best travel backpacks on the market.

JanSport Journey Pack

  • Capacity 28 liters
  • Weight 1 lb., 13.6 oz.
  • Dimensions 19.5" x 12.5" x 7"
  • Compartment access Zippered top access
  • Material 100% 600D recycled polyester + 1680D ballistic boot
  • Electronic storage 15" laptop sleeve

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Compact and clean profile
  • Plush foam back panel and shoulder straps
  • Compression straps on bottom of pack tote around a jacket
  • Smooth-running zippers
  • Good internal organization
  • Laptop sleeve won't fit some large modern laptops
  • Water bottle pockets sized for slimmer vessels

At $95, the JanSport Journey Pack does a lot for a little. As a campus commuter, airline personal item, or do-it-all backpack, this pack leverages its lack of specificity to make it amenable to being used on just about any day. Part of a trio of new travel packs from the legendary campus bookbag brand, the Journey surprised us with a more high-end build than expected, and for the money, it made an excellent travel companion.

While the Journey isn’t trimmed out in some of the more boutique fabrics, it is still solidly built and uses the good stuff where it counts, such as the 1680D ballistic boot material that’s reinforced with recycled car windshield liners (news to us). The 600D polyester used elsewhere has a rugged nailhead finish, and shoulders wear well.

The thick EVA foam used in the shoulder straps and back panel is cushy and applied liberally. On the inside, the laptop sleeve is lined with plush tricot material, along with an organizer pocket for stashing your readers or sunnies.

The organization of the pack is similarly uncompromising and is broken down into a spacious main compartment, front stash pocket, small bits and bobs organizer pocket, and a 15″ laptop sleeve — which easily toted our tester’s MacBook Pro safely.

When packed as a carry-on, we were able to stuff in an assortment of layers we might need along the way (rain jacket, warm puffy, hat), along with our headphones, book, travel pillow , and lunch for the flight, and still had space for an empty water bottle or two.

As a 28-liter pack, there’s no alternate sizing available and no hip belt to go along — though, in our opinion, loads this light doesn’t need one. Compression straps are limited, though you do get a set at the bottom of the pack that doubles as a dock for your beach towel, picnic blanket, or rolled-up jacket.

Like the TimBuk2 Never Check , the side water bottle pockets on this pack are really only ideal for thin bottles or flasks, and while we could shoehorn a Nalgene in there, it didn’t look happy.

Compromises aside, for less than $100, the JanSport Journey Pack doesn’t take the easy way out and phone it in with fewer materials or a more simple organizational layout. We had a pocket or sleeve for anything we needed to stash (besides a dedicated passport pocket), and the Journey made for an easy personal item on the handful of flights we took it on — easily stashing beneath the seat. If you’d rather ball out on your big-ticket luggage and just need a travel backpack that’ll plain work, this is the bag for you.

Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs

  • Capacity 40 L
  • Weight 3 lbs., 7.6 oz.
  • Dimensions 22" x 14" x 9"
  • Compartment access Zippered back panel clamshell design
  • Material Bluesign-approved 450-denier recycled polyester

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Supreme suspension system offers the best carry of any pack we tried
  • External compression straps limit the volume well
  • Comfortably padded grab handles
  • Not much internal organization

No stranger to producing supremely comfortable suspension systems, Osprey injected a good bit of its tech into the Farpoint and Fairview packs ($185), which both sport LightWire frames, load lifters, and breathable framesheet and suspension straps. Our Farpoint pack was easily the best load carrier of any we tested and a close contender for the best travel backpack overall.

Far beyond what any of the other travel packs offer, the pack even allows you to adjust the torso length — unheard of in the typical travel pack. Newly updated, these packs have been tweaked to ride the line between traditional backpacks and functional luggage, a claim we can substantiate.

The 40-liter capacity is just about the sweet spot for domestic carry-on luggage limits, and these packs make good use of the space. We could easily pack away a long weekend’s worth of travel essentials into the bag with a little space to spare.

Whereas many other travel packs stash straps away into the body of the pack, the Farpoint and Fairview move in the opposite direction with a deployable strap cover that neatly seals in the suspension for safekeeping when checked. This produces a clean profile that’s ready to be slung around, but it’s not quite as easy and quick as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design Travel Backpacks, as you need to unclip straps to tuck them away.

The interior of the pack is rather spartan, incorporating only one zippered pocket, a laptop sleeve, and two internal compression straps. We would have rather seen a bit more organizational features involved like those that the Matador GlobeRider and Topo Designs Global Travel bags incorporate, but for those who stuff more than pack, the Farpoint and  Fairview may very well punch the ticket.

With one foot on the platform and one on the trail, these packs from Osprey will get you where you’re going and carry a trip’s worth of kit with ease.

Matador SEG45 Travel Pack

  • Capacity 45 L
  • Weight 2 lbs., 8 oz.
  • Dimensions 22" x 13.4" x 10.2"
  • Compartment access Full clamshell interior, additional front zippered access
  • Material 420-denier nylon exterior, 100-denier Robic Dynatec interior

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Excellent storage organization options
  • High-quality, strong, and lightweight construction
  • No frame to speak of
  • Shoulder straps don’t pack away

Aiming to do more with less, the Matador SEG45 Segmented Backpack ($200) proposes a future free of packing cubes and splits up the bag for you, making the organization of your travel pack a breeze.

The full 45 liters of volume is shared among the five segments (6, 9, 15, 9, and 6 L) and trades volume between the full clamshell compartment and the segments. Each of these segments is accessible via its own water-resistant zippers and can be collapsed as your needs change.

We found organizing by clothing type made the most sense in our own packing, but you could even pack based on the day of the week or the use. The clamshell-accessed main compartment was ideal for holding larger items like spare shoes or quarantining spent outfits.

Known for its overbuilt but lightweight bags, Matador didn’t spare the SEG45, utilizing 420D UHMWPE-reinforced nylon in the pack body, as well as 100D Robic Dynatec weave on the interior. It should be noted that this travel backpack doesn’t have any kind of frame and will rely on being packed well to carry correctly. Because of this, this pack won’t carry as well as bags like the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, so consider packing mostly clothing in the SEG45.

Our testers felt this bag excelled as a travel bag you might deploy once you’ve hit your destination, as it packs away into larger bags so well. Unfortunately, however, the shoulder straps don’t pack away into the bag itself, so you’ll have to wrangle them into place to keep things tidy.

No matter what you’re up to, everything has got a spot to live in the SEG45 . Need a bit less space? Matador offers the SEG28 ($250) for that.

Read Review: Dresser in a Backpack: Matador SEG42 Review

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

  • Weight 3 lbs., 10.3 oz.
  • Dimensions 22.8" x 8.6" x 14.5"
  • Compartment access Back panel zippered clamshell design
  • Material 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU laminate

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Multiple ways to carry the pack
  • Many different storage and internal organization options
  • Burly external fabric
  • Doesn’t carry the best as a backpack

Looking to squeeze out every last liter of allowed space? Patagonia named this pack in honor of the cause: the Patagonia Black Hole Maximum Legal Carry-On 45 L ($239). This bag can be carried in a number of different ways, but we found it shined during travel as a shoulder bag.

Borrowing fabric from Patagonia’s line of burly Black Hole Duffels , the MLC 45 is made for the long haul. The 900-denier polyester ripstop is coated in a TPU laminate and feels ready to take on the surliest baggage carrier. We certainly felt no remorse in tossing the bag around.

At 45 L, the MLC is certainly right at the cusp of the maximum allowed size, but thankfully that space is well divided up inside the pack. Inside the main clamshell-accessed compartment is a blizzard of zippers and mesh pockets and dividers. Anything we tossed inside was well-stabilized.

Because there isn’t much of a frame to speak of, the Black Hole MLC doesn’t carry the best when slung over both shoulders and can sag when not entirely full. But over a shoulder with the included shoulder strap, this pack feels great and can be easily accessed on the go. This is one of the only packs in our testing to feature a shoulder strap (the other being the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag).

On top of all this, we greatly appreciate that the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 L is made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing. Perfect for grabbing and going, this pack is ready to move.

Read Review: Patagonia Black Hole MLC Bag Review: An Organized, Carry-On-Size Wonder

Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L

  • Capacity 24 L
  • Weight 3 lbs., 1.6 oz.
  • Dimensions 18" x 7: x 11.5"
  • Compartment access Zippered clamshell
  • Material 840D ballistic nylon 6, 420D HT nylon

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Functions as both a laptop backpack and suitcase
  • Well-structured and protected
  • Full panel loading access
  • Limited colorways

With an understated look that betrays the truly impressive fit and functionality inside, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L ($279) doesn’t need to brag — it knows it’ll tote your kit through the worst of your travel or everyday commutes without missing a beat. This bag is our newly anointed best commuter-style travel backpack.

From a fabrics and materials standpoint, it’s clear that someone at Evergoods truly nerded out when they brewed up this bindle. The 840D ballistic nylon 6 that makes up the exterior of the pack is burly (errantly spilled coffee wipes right off), and complements the thick #10 zippers and spacer-mesh back panel. Even the Evergoods logo is low-key: a simple 2×2” patch on the front of the bag with a slash. That’s it — and we dig it.

Bar none, the Civic Panel Loader has the best laptop sleeve we’ve ever encountered in a backpack, and that’s saying something. The side-accessed zippered aperture can hold a 17” Macbook Pro, and nestles into a fully padded space at the rear of the pack.

This sleeve is suspended from the bottom of the bag, as we’ve seen in many forward-thinking bags, but goes a step further and protects the laptop from the side with an aluminum stay — the primary functionality of which is to support the side handle on the bag. Genius.

The high-polish finish on the CPL24 feels reminiscent of the attention to detail we loved about the Tom Bihn Synapse 25, but we ended up enjoying this pack even more for a simple reason: side carry. The broad handle on the side of the pack is reinforced by that aluminum stay, and it creates a perfectly supported carry for jostling through crowded terminals.

On the interior of the pack, two large pockets are subdivided with a few smaller sleeves and pockets, which are oriented to be accessed with the bag on its side. We carried this pack for a month straight of remote work, lugging it to coffee shops and co-working spaces, and it supplanted all other packs we’ve used previously.

“It’s hard not to love a pack that makes your life easier,” says Senior Editor Nick Belcaster. “This pack does that. Laptop, headphones, notebooks — a whole lot goes into the pack without a care.”

Up there with Nomatic, GORUCK, and Tom Bihn, Evergoods is certainly among the pack-makers that put intelligent design and smart material choice above all else. The Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24L is the final word when it comes to a travel pack you can carry every day. We certainly do.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack

  • Capacity 27.5 L
  • Weight 2 lbs., 9 oz.
  • Dimensions 18.9" x 11.4" x 5.9"
  • Material 420x2000D Cordura nylon, 135D polyester

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Dang good looking
  • High-quality trim and details, including anodized G hooks and supple webbing
  • Supper cushioned back panel
  • Exterior expandable water bottle pocket is a bit slim
  • Pack straps don't stow away.

Pulling off a good expandable backpack can be a tough task, with fabric accordion folds often taking up valuable real estate on the interior when collapsed in lesser bags. Not so with the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), which takes a simple backpack shape and elevates it with premium materials and design to create one of our favorite travel backpacks for tucking under an airliner seat.

Unlike a lot of the pure-function rectangular bags in our lineup, the Never Check is a real looker — easily one of the best styled in our testing so far, and we’d have no qualms about bringing it along as a business bag. Small details like rubber-covered zipper pulls, anodized G hooks, and supple webbing keep it looking sharp. The 27.5-liter size is just about dead-on for most airline ‘personal item’ size requirements, and this bag easily slides under a seat.

The main compartment is accessed through a clamshell zipper on the front of the bag, which is gusseted to hang open while you’re loading it up. During the few national and international flights our Senior Editor Nick Belcaster deployed the bag on, this was easily enough space for everything you might want during a plane ride. And for everything else, a front pocket is lined with multiple drop and zip pockets for organizing small gadgets like chargers or keys.

The back panel of the Never Check is a plush ½-inch of comfortable foam, and combined with the equally padded shoulder straps made for a very nice carrying bag. The straps unfortunately do not stow away, but on a lower volume pack such as this, it’s a much less useable feature in our opinions. 

And finally, one of our favorite features: the wide laptop sleeve. This 15” opening is generous enough to accommodate the larger laptops of today, and is suspended from the bottom of the backpack to ensure bumps don’t turn into bruises.

Just like the name suggests, the Never Check Expandable Backpack provides a svelte solution to bringing a bag with you during airline travel — or even just to the office. Its clean profile and attention to detail impressed us, and it would make an excellent work-to-weekend bag.

Able Carry Max Backpack

  • Capacity 30 L
  • Weight 3 lbs., 14.4 oz.
  • Dimensions 20.4" x 12.6" x 7.9"
  • Compartment access Zippered clamshell design
  • Material X-Pac and 1000D nylon face fabric, ripstop 420D nylon interior

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • High-quality fit and finish with top-shelf materials
  • Dedicated work compartment is well organized and padded
  • Shoulder straps and back panel are cushy Zotefoam
  • Fits 17" laptops
  • No hipbelt can be nice for storing, but needed for heavy carries
  • On the higher end for travel pack pricing

Sporting many of the same features and functionality as the leading travel packs in our review, the Able Carry Max Backpack ($278) leaves little on the cutting room floor, decked out with ultra-durable Cordura nylon and X-Pac materials to pull together a travel pack that you could kick, throw, or loft across the airport to no ill effect. This is one tough pack.

At 30 liters, the only thing not ‘Maxed’ out on the Max is the capacity, which lands at less than the maximum legal carry-on size for most domestic airlines, but will be ideal instead for those who are operating with a little more room in their checked baggage, freeing up the Max for the important stuff. We also find slightly smaller packs such as this fly much easier on worldwide flights, where carry-on sizes can be a bit more diminutive.

That space is wisely dispersed, organized, and split between the laptop and main compartments. The laptop sleeve won’t hold any remote worker back, as it will host up to the 17″ mondo laptops of the modern age. It is flanked by an accessories pocket lined with four stretchy pockets for swaddling your chargers, cords, memory cards, and wireless mouse.

The main compartment leaves the organization up to you and is accessed through a broad clamshell opening that gives you full access to the entire space. A couple of packing cubes won’t go to waste in this space, and while Able Carry doesn’t supply the straps themselves, a couple of daisy chain webbing loops run the length of either side of the interior, meaning you can wrangle unruly items if need be. The back panel tucks away a few more zippered pockets, and a water bottle pocket also collapses away when not needed.

On the exterior, the Max is crisscrossed by seatbelt webbing on almost every facet, which will appeal to those who are looking for a modular pack for attaching and switching kit around as it’s needed. The VX21 X-Pac material is a rough and tumble weave that might not have the slick finish of the canvas on the Peak Design Travel Backpack but is easily as weather and abrasion-proof. We also highly appreciated the 1000D Cordura nylon on the boot of the pack, which made shuffling it around a worry-free exercise.

There are a lot of high-quality travel backpacks in the 30-liter space, and while most all will get the job done, it’s the construction of the Able Carry Max Backpack that keeps drawing us back to it. The stitching on this pack is exact and plentiful and works to hold a number of high-quality materials together in a thoughtful design.

Fully loaded, we did sometimes wish for a removable hip belt to help shoulder the weight a bit, but only the most jammed-full load-outs elicited this desire. For anyone after a dialed-in travel pack, the Max lives up to the name.

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack

  • Dimensions 22" x 12.8" x 11"
  • Material 420D UHMWPE-reinforced ripstop nylon, 100D Robic nylon mini-ripstop

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Incredible density of pockets and sleeves
  • Tough UHMWPE outer fabric can be tossed around
  • Shoulder straps tuck away in a novel and smart manner
  • Laptop sleeve opening is a bit tight
  • Price is up there

With a pocket or sleeve for pretty much everything, the new Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350) gives the Peak Design Travel Pack a run for its money when it comes to the best overall travel pack. 

Our Managing Editor raved about the GlobeRider after serious testing where she pretty much lived out of it for 3 months: “If you travel often and look for crucial components like internal and external pockets, laptop storage, and backpack and hip straps, consider the Matador GlobeRider 45. It’s a unique design in that the [pack] seems to have it all — every feature I’ve needed so far, both living out of it and in my travels — in a pretty packable size.”

What impressed us most was the way the GlobeRider was able to balance both an eye-watering amount of organization and versatility, and burly durability that ensures that this pack won’t shy away from tough travel conditions. In total (and we double-counted) there are 19 individual pockets on the pack, in all types of stretch mesh, zippered, and collapsible configurations. When good organization is key, the GlobeRider reigns. 

On the back panel of the GlobeRider, one of the more novel stowage systems we’ve seen packs away the shoulder straps and hip belt for when you want to slim down the bag. Two zippered panels — similar to the structure of the Peak Design packs, save for the closure — envelop the straps when not in use, and provide a lump-free panel for toting around. 

When it comes to downsides, the GlobeRider doesn’t miss much. The laptop sleeve aperture is a bit small at 9.5”, which in today’s age of mondo-screened computers may be limiting to some with larger devices. There also is no ability to convert the pack to a shoulder bag like the Patagonia MLC does, which can be handy when moving quickly through the airport.

Dang-near the top of the list, the Matador GlobeRider 45 would be an excellent choice for anyone who practices one-bag travel, or desires to have a place for everything in their journeys. The price does sting a bit, but based on the long-term testing we’ve completed so far, we’ve seen no indications that this pack will fade away anytime soon.

Read Review: I Lived Out of This Backpack for 3-Plus Months: Matador Globerider45 Review

Thule Aion 40L

  • Weight 3 lbs., 3 oz.
  • Dimensions 13" x 9.1" x 20.5"
  • Material Waxed P600 polyester canvas

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Maxes out on carry-on-compliant space
  • Internal roll-top TPU bag separates the clean from the to-do laundry
  • Waxed canvas exterior has a classy look
  • Centered side handle carries well
  • Well-cushioned back panel
  • No shoulder strap stowage option
  • No hipbelt on a 40L is pushing it

Better known for their roof boxes and racks, it’s fair to say that Thule knows travel, and the addition of smart, organized, and comfortable travel packs like the Thule Aion 40L ($200) makes all the sense in the world to us. This pack is a finely-honed bag for international and local travel alike, and is decked out in some high-class materials.

Like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC pack, the Aion 40L aims to go for the maximum allowed capacity, and at our measurements (21.5” x 15” x 8”), the pack slides in just half an inch less than the normal 45 linear inches typically allowed. That’s efficient. The space is split up into two main compartments and a laptop sleeve, with the larger opening with a full clamshell zip.

This inner compartment hosts a few zippered pockets and internal compression straps, but the star of the show here is the integrated TPU rolltop bag. This sack can be used to cordon off your liquids (and easily presented for inspection), as well as separate your pile of ‘to-do’ laundry. This reminds us of the ActiveShield compartment in the Gregory Border Traveler pack, but we enjoy the removable aspect here even more. 

Round the back of the pack, the spacer-mesh swaddled laptop sleeve rivals the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader , and has an additional sleeve for items like tablets, notebooks, or chargers. The back panel itself is impressively cushioned (one of the more luxe in our testing) and that extends to the shoulder straps. 

Unfortunately, there’s no shoulder strap-stowage system here, so you’ll have to wrangle those yourself, and while we typically enjoy the lack of a hip belt in smaller travel packs, the absence in a 40-liter pack is a little puzzling. Fully loaded, the Aion could certainly benefit from one, and while a separate sling bag can be added to function as one, you’ll need to fork over $50 for it.

Ranking high up there with your Peak Designs and your Ospreys, the Thule Aion 40L nails the style and material departments, and with a full 40 liters of space on board, has all the room to pack for your week-long trips — no roof box required.

Osprey Archeon 30L

  • Weight 3 lbs.
  • Dimensions 20.5" x 13" x 11.4"
  • Compartment access Zippered top-access
  • Material 840D ballistic polyester with carbonate coating

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Extra-tough exterior fabric with carbonate coating
  • High-polish details such as seatbelt webbing straps
  • Mini-wing hipbelt tucks away easily when not needed
  • Smart internal storage pockets that lay flat when not needed
  • Laptop sleeve opening is a bit too snug
  • Compression straps lay over the main zipper

First off, one word: Rugged. The Osprey Archeon 30L ($250) is a high-end build that spares little in the material department, and looks dang good while it’s at it. The 30-liter size makes this bag weekend travel-ready, and we greatly appreciated the fit and finish.

The overall design of the Archeon reminds us a good bit of the Peak Design Travel Bag (certainly the all-waterproof exterior zippers and curved side-entry pockets), but it’s the exterior fabric that really impressed. The 840D ballistic polyester is coated with a carbonate polyurethane coating, a bolstered recipe that increases durability by a magnitude over traditional PU coatings. In testing, we wore out before putting a dent in it.

The pack itself breaks down into two main compartments, with the main pocket opening behind a curved clamshell zip (we did have a little trouble with the zipper passing behind the exterior straps. Removing them fixed that). Inside, three expandable tech pockets tuck away all of your small kit, and do a good job of keeping things tidy on the interior.

On the exterior, Osprey doesn’t disappoint when it comes to suspension straps, which are comfortable, adjustable, and stashable. The mini wing-style hip belt earns special praise on packed flights, where we find traditional hip belts to be a hassle to store, and combined with the slick shoulder-strap stash pocket, the Archeon converts to minimal mode in under a minute.

Something the Archeon certainly could use, however, is a slightly larger aperture into the laptop/tech compartment. As-is, the zipper doesn’t quite extend down far enough to truly open up the pocket, and as such it can feel a bit like rummaging around in the dark looking for cords and chargers in the bottom of the pack. Extending these zippers down to the middle of the pack would seem to fix the issue, and we hope a later iteration might address this.

Nonetheless, we were still impressed by the Osprey Archeon 30L . There’s also a 40-liter version if you’re looking for a max-capacity carry-on, and even a smaller 24-liter for kicking around coffee shops day-to-day.

Read Review: Hack Carry-On Rules: Osprey Archeon Kit Gives Power Back to Passengers

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L

  • Weight 3 lbs., 10.4 oz.
  • Dimensions 22.5" x 14" x 7.5"
  • Material 1000D recycled nylon, 400D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Overbuilt design with tough materials and chunky zippers
  • Plenty of organizational pockets
  • Bright interior
  • Not the cleanest strap stowage

Chunky zippers, an overhead-savvy profile, and multiple ways to sling it over your shoulder: The Topo Designs Global Travel Pack ($229) has honed in on much of what we love in a travel backpack.

During a recent trip from Seattle to Southern California, we were heavily saddled with the maximum the airline would allow. But this pack made use of every inch of space and reached the allowance of what we could check as our carry-on. The 40 liters of internal capacity is broken down into a series of dividers and pockets, which made condoning off things like electronics from the rest of our kit easy. And the interior of this pack is a cheery canary yellow, which helps with ease and visibility.

On the exterior of this pack, three separate carry styles are available to get you through the concourse in whatever way you choose. We found the full-featured backpack straps to be our go-to, which even sport load-lifters for a comfy carry. This suspension system does tuck away for when you might want to check the bag, though we found the hipbelt to be a bit tricky to fully retract.

Rounding out this travel-ready backpack is a tough build that makes use of 1000D recycled nylon and heavy-duty zippers, and we had no qualms with tossing this bag around during our trip. Perfect for anyone who subscribes to the one-bag travel ethos, the Global Travel Pack from Topo Designs makes the grade for those who want the most out of their carry-on.

And if you’re only going to be away for a short trip, the Global Travel pack is also available in a 30L capacity .

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

  • Capacity 28 L
  • Weight 3 lbs., 4 oz.
  • Dimensions 19" x 12" x 9"
  • Material TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester, 840-denier nylon paneling

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Burly exterior material holds up for the long run
  • Plenty of zippered mesh storage pockets
  • On the heavier side
  • TPU-coated nylon can feel grabby

The Allpa 28L Travel Pack ($170) will change the way you travel. It’s sleek, durable, and able to fit an incredible amount of stuff in a small space. The zippered mesh pockets keep clothes organized. And the compression straps maximize what you can pack.

The tough polyester and nylon construction can take a beating without any signs of wear. And we appreciate that the externally accessed, padded laptop sleeve makes pulling out your electronics at security checkpoints a breeze. There’s also a small outer compartment to keep essentials at hand.

You can completely tuck away the backpack straps and carry the pack like a briefcase, or wear it comfortably as a backpack. We’ve stuffed this pack to the gills countless times and have never had a problem with the zippers. Light rain showers or spills roll right off the TPU-coated exterior, but for legit rainstorms, just pull out the included rain cover.

The Allpa also comes in 35L, 42L, 50L, and 70L capacities. As our editor noted in the 42L review , “Building on its fun and functional ethos, Cotopaxi beefs up its bestselling product. The Allpa Travel Pack earns big points for clever design, clean aesthetic, and a surprising number of handy — and hidden — features.”

Yes, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs are an investment, but anyone who travels regularly will find it a worthy one. These powerhouse travel backpacks are sturdy, versatile, and built to last.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

  • Capacity 25 L
  • Weight 1 lb., 13 oz.
  • Dimensions 13.4" x 20" x 9.1"
  • Material 400-denier Halcyon, 420-denier nylon ripstop

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • Many different fabrics and color schemes are available
  • Built to last design and materials
  • Removable webbing hip belt
  • Suspension doesn’t pack away
  • Side wing pockets are a little awkward to access

Refined and clean-looking, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($250) is a high-end travel backpack we just can’t stop staring at. It just looks that good. Made of burly textiles and zippers, this pack was built to stand the test of tough travel and come out shining on the other side.

The Synapse 25 is the larger version of Tom Bihn’s Synapse 19 , a popular backpack made for daily carry. The bump in volume is appreciated in this travel-oriented version and is doled out in one large compartment as well as a set of pockets on the front of the pack.

We found all the pockets easily accessible, save for the side wing pockets. While these were excellent for the organization of smaller bits and bobs, the openings were a bit awkward to jump into.

Topped off by a cushioned suspension (the foam is a half-inch of supple EV50), this travel backpack didn’t weigh us down on long days of travel when fully packed. And when we wanted to go light, even the webbing hip belt was removable. In terms of the ability to bop around town as a daily driver, this pack is up there with the TimBuk2 Never Check (we liked the back panel on this pack the most).

Along with being carry-on compliant, the Synapse is also one of the few bags on our list that are compact enough to fit under most airline seats without hogging too much precious legroom.

Osprey Nebula 32 Daypack

  • Capacity 32 L
  • Weight 2 lbs., 1.7 oz.
  • Dimensions 19.2" x 12.2" x 11.4"
  • Material 420-denier recycled nylon

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

  • TSA-compliant laptop sleeve
  • Many options for organization
  • Water bottle pockets fit 32 oz. bottles
  • Need to release two buckles in order to unzip the main pocket all the way

When it comes to backpacks, Osprey has put in the time — and it shows. The Nebula 32 ($140) feels like all the brand’s most popular packs morphed into one. Most of all, we love how it seamlessly goes from city streets to trails.

This backpack can do it all, whether you’re hauling your laptop and books around town; water, food, and layers on an easy hike; or all of the above and then some for a weekend away.

The internal storage pockets are great for organizing all of your things for easy access. And while the Nebula 32 is top-loading, the main pocket opens up wide enough so you won’t have to unload everything to get to the one thing you want at the bottom. The sternum strap and hip belt are comfortable as well, especially when carrying a heavy load.

On smaller volume packs like this, sometimes design concessions need to be made to accommodate all the functionality, and on the Nebula, it’s in the side compression straps. Like on the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, the compression system of the pack overlays across the main compartment zipper, meaning you’ll need to undo some straps before rifling around in the storage area. Not a deal breaker, but a little annoying when the TSA line starts to back up behind you.

Overall, the Nebula 32 won’t disappoint if you make it your go-to smaller-volume travel backpack.

Travel Backpack Comparison Chart

travel bags 35l

How We Tested Travel Backpacks

The staff of GearJunkie is a hot-footed bunch, restlessly plodding across the country or around the globe in search of adventure and whatever else comes our way. And we have a lot of stuff, which necessitates having a travel bag or four in the stable.

Surely any old bindle will do in carrying your kit around, but having a travel backpack that is dialed into the needs of travel can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. We’ve been testing travel backpacks since 2019 and have put the market slice through the wringer on thousands of miles of travel to weed out the best of the best.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has a zeal for international travel, and he leads up our current travel pack testing, logging almost 10,000 flying miles in the last year alone. From Iceland to Utah, Belcaster has carried these packs and lived out of them for weeks, relying on them to support back-to-back travel excursions.

In testing, we looked for a number of features in our travel backpacks, including overall capacity, carry style, durability, and aesthetics. It’s important to think about how you’ll use your travel pack, and as such, every pack on our list is carry-on compliant for the worst-case scenario.

We know no trip will be like the next, so we took a broad swath of the travel backpacks on the market in order to create a list that will suit many different travelers. Packs in hand, over our shoulders, or on our backs, we hit the four corners and tested the best travel backpacks of 2024.

Curious about what we pack in our travel backpacks? We’ve penned up a list for both domestic and international trips .

Peak Design Travel Pack 45L at SEATAC

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Travel Backpack

Travel backpack user profiles.

The International Jet-Setter: The term ‘One Bag Travel’ is no stranger to you, and you’ve just about got your life distilled down into 45 liters of space. If international travel is your bag, then a backpack that’s up to the task will be essential to see you through to further time zones.

Efficiency will be the name of the game here, and going with a pack that is dang-near the carry-on maximums for international flights will mean you can make it through without checking a bag. Look for near to 45-liter packs with plenty of organization baked in, as well as a comfortable (and stashable) carry system.

For international travel, the bag we reach for most often had to be the Peak Design Travel Backpack , with a razor-thin second place going to the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack . For an emphasis on organization, the Matador SEG45 splits up the volume well, and if you’ll be schlepping bags around a long way, the Osprey Farpoint & Fairview Packs have all the Osprey suspension we love.

Osprey Farpoint Travel Pack in Iceland

The Weekend Warrior: Maybe it’s a work trip, and maybe it’s just for fun, but it’s only going to take 2-3 days total, and you’ll need a bag that can pack it in. For weekend excursions, we find packs in the 25-35 liter range work well for the minimalists among us, and the 30-40 liter range for those who like a bit more options.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is easily one of the most stylish packs in our review, only slightly edged out by the Timbuk2 Never Check , and both make the grade for a single overnighter in a foreign locale. For a bit more space, you can’t go wrong with the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L , a fun pack that is a lot tougher than the multi-colored exterior would let on.

Peak Design Travel Backpack on the Back of a Traveller in Seattle International Airport Looking out on the Tarmac.

The Commuter: No flight involved! Duty calls, and sometimes you’ll need to lug around a bit more kit than the old briefcase can allow for. Commuting with a travel backpack is a great way to stay comfortable on longer rides, as shoulder and handbags are cumbersome over the long run. Focus on a bag with a more traditional backpack shape that puts an emphasis on ease-of-access, and is in the 20-30L range.

For bumping around town, we’ve come to love the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader 24 , which not only lugs our remote office around with ease, but also looks pretty slick doing it. The drawstring opening here is a huge boon for quickly stashing a jacket, and the tough exterior fears no weather forecast. For a budget just-get-it-done choice, the JanSport Journey Pack will make it happen for less.

travel bags 35l

The right size pack for you depends on a few things. First, where are you going? And, how long do you plan to stay? Winter travel often comes with more gear, so you’ll need to pack extra layers. Longer trips often require larger bags.

That said, your personal packing style will be the most important factor. We know minimalists who happily travel for months with only a single backpack in tow and others who want the largest travel backpack possible in addition to a totally stuffed duffel bag . One method isn’t better than the other, but knowing your style is helpful when choosing a bag.

In general, we’ve found that something in the 28-45 liter range is ideal for comfort and packability. Many packs will also offer a compression system to allow you to limit the overall volume of the backpack. We’ve seen many different ways to accomplish this, but the most effective by far were the button snaps and expanding zipper of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Packs toward the 40-45 liter range will be your carry-on bags of choice, and the 45-liter Peak Design, Patagonia MLC , and Matador GlobeRider are perfect for maxing out your allowed space. The 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs give up a little internal room for the luxe suspension system they’re carried with.

Packs in the smaller end of the range, from around 25-30 L, make better personal items, and the TimBuk2 Never Check , Tom Bihn Synapse , and Patagonia Black Hole backpacks all fit snugly underneath an airliner seat. These small bags move through a city gracefully and look more like everyday carry backpacks than traditional luggage.

Peak Design Travel Backpack Clamshell Access

What good would a bag be if you couldn’t get into it? From a simple drawstring to a thicket of Velcro and zippers, there are plenty of ways to keep your bag closed while you’re on the go, but not every one will be amenable to travel.

Zippered Clamshells: Most travel backpacks will use a clamshell-style design that opens up the backpack like a suitcase, allowing you to pack intentionally as opposed to stuffing things in. Oftentimes, an internal strap system will help keep your items contained while you’re on the move.

Packs with this clamshell design may also opt to add internal dividers to the main storage area, and make these dividers removable — should you need the entire storage area uninhibited. For packs without internal dividers or straps, consider adding a few packing cubes to keep your items organized.

In addition to the rear entry, some backpacks will offer additional entry points through the top or front of the pack. This can be helpful when you need to quickly retrieve something like a passport from your bag, without the need to totally spill the contents. The majority of packs in our review close in this clamshell manner, and a few of our favorites are the Peak Design Travel Backpack , Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs , and Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Pack .

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

Zippered Top-Access: Much like many traditional backpacks, zippered top-access packs load and unload from the topside, and generally only offer one point of entry/egress into the pack. For this reason, packs of this flavor are generally left packed during travel, as digging around for something at the bottom can be a hassle.

Bags of this stripe, including the uber-nice Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and expandable Timbuk2 Never Check , most often make better personal items over carry-ons, as their smaller volumes make for easier searching within.

Drawstring Top-Entry: While not quite as common as a zippered clamshell or top-access pack, drawstring top-entry packs can make for very quick and easy access to your kit if you’re on the move. These packs will integrate an extended fabric collar to the top of the storage area, which can be compressed when needed, or overstuffed with bulky items like jackets.

Carrying Options

Patagonia MCL 45L Travel Backpack Carry Options

There are plenty of ways to lug your kit to your boarding gate, but not all of them will be comfortable for everything. Over-shoulder backpack straps can support a good bit of weight but typically will need some type of frame to truly be supportive. The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview packs were the best-carrying packs in our testing, owed largely to the wire frame and Airscape mesh back panels, but we also enjoyed the carry of the aluminum frame stays on the Matador GlobeRider.

A shoulder strap travel backpack, like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L , can be slung across your body and provide a great amount of accessibility on the go. Don’t expect to carry too much weight this way, however.

And then there’s the classic suitcase style, easily towed anywhere. It’s good to note many travel backpacks will have stowable straps to better streamline the pack for a trip through an X-ray machine or stowed under a seat. The strap storage design of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L impressed us most of all, utilizing magnetic closure flaps to pack away the shoulder and hip straps neatly.

Pockets & Organization

Matador SEG30 Travel Backpack Storage Options

There’s an organizational saying: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” And we couldn’t agree more. Keeping track of everything while you travel is key for organization. And while more pockets always seem better, there is a threshold where having too many simply becomes more places to misplace things. Instead, we recommend packs with three to six pockets.

The Cotopaxi Allpa and Topo Designs Global Travel Bags both have ingenious inner organization systems complete with large zipping “pockets.” It has just enough space to find room for everything but not so many compartments that you’ll be hunting all day for your misplaced passport. For even more organization, the Matador SEG45 splits into five different segments that are accessible from the exterior of the pack.

Bringing along a laptop is a necessary evil for some travelers, and having an incorporated laptop sleeve in your travel backpack can keep it safe during travel. Most laptop sleeves will be padded with some type of foam and nestle in close to the back for maximum protection. In order to be TSA-compliant, a laptop sleeve will need to fold entirely flat away from the pack to be scanned.

Because flying with liquids over 3.4 ounces is prohibited in the U.S., carrying all of these items in a separate toiletry bag can make your foray into the screening line a breeze. Many of the packs on our list incorporate many external pockets where such a bag could be stashed and produced when needed.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25 Travel Backpack

Travel luggage takes a beating, so durability is a top concern. Luckily, gear manufacturers realize this and are making increasingly burly yet portable packs. The fan-favorite Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L pack is made with a 900-denier ripstop nylon outer with a TPU laminate for extra durability. It’s nearly indestructible, water-resistant, and versatile.

If you’re traveling somewhere with inclement weather or if your pack needs to double as a climbing bag or hiking pack, durability is extra important. And it’s worth paying more for a backpack that is water-resistant.

Space Efficiency & Carry-On Compliance

Peak Design Travel Pack at SEATAC

Astute observers will note many of the packs in our review sport a rectangular shape, which is certainly due to designers aspiring to create a more space-efficient pack. This isn’t to say that more shapely packs won’t make it happen, but when you’re struggling to make every liter of space count, maximizing dimensions matters.

Carry-on luggage is any bag that you plan on bringing into an airplane and storing in the overhead bins. Because space is limited, airlines dictate the maximum size that any carry-on can be. In the U.S., the most common size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). However, this is just a rough guideline; some airlines differ from these dimensions, and you should refer to their information directly.

In general, these dimensions provide a travel backpack with around 40-45 liters of internal volume, so buying a pack that’s as close to that as possible will provide the most space allowed. Many of the packs on our list have the ability to compress to a smaller size, such as the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L .

Be mindful as well, that any protrusions from your travel pack such as shoulder straps or handles will also need to fall within the maximum allowed size. Many travel backpacks today incorporate some type of strap-stowing ability, such as the magnetic panels of the Peak Design packs, the zippered cover of the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview, and the hybrid zipper/panel of the Matador GlobeRider 45. All of these provide a more streamlined profile that should both hit the mark, and fit better into overhead bins.

travel bags 35l

Travel backpacks run the gamut of prices — from affordable to downright pricey. There are a number of factors that play into what you get for the money.

Budget-Minded Travel Packs

Travel backpacks, as a category, are generally a bit pricer than your average luggage, as they incorporate tough materials that can put up with extensive wear over the lifespan. Travel is tough on bags, so it’s unsurprising that even budget travel backpacks will cost you around $100-150.

These packs often will incorporate more traditional architectures such as a zippered top access, as opposed to the more complicated (and spendy) full-zip clamshell designs. For example, the JanSport Journey Pack ($95) is pretty much your average school bag.

Volumes, too, will be a bit limited in this price range — added material adds cost. The 32-liter Osprey Nebula ($140) is about the best price-to-volume ratio you can get.

Mid-Range Travel Packs

Mid-range packs make up the bread and butter of travel packs, and can be had for around $150 to $200. These designs are often more of the full carry-on variety, and aim to capitalize on permitted volume as much as possible. The 45-liter Matador SEG45 ($200), Patagonia Black Hole MLC ($239), 40-liter Osprey Farpoint/Fairview ($185), and Topo Designs Global Travel Bag ($229) all shoehorn in just about as much space as a friendly gate agent will let you get away with.

For the price, you also get a good variety of functionality that makes travel easier, such as stowable pack straps, interior segmented pockets and sleeves (done excellently on the $170 Cotopaxi Allpa ), and an external compression system that limits the space your bag takes up. Some packs, like the TimBuk2 Never Check ($209), don’t exactly hit these parameters, but instead make up for it in high-quality design and materials.

travel bags 35l

Premium Travel Packs

Above $250, you’re likely paying for premium materials or a to-the-hilt design that leaves absolutely nothing on the cutting room floor. The Peak Design Travel Backpack ($300) is a great example, and utilizes super high-quality nylon canvas, custom aluminum hardware, and supple seatbelt material webbing in its build, as well as fitting in just about every conceivable feature you could want in a travel pack. The same can be said of the Matador GlobeRider 45 ($350), which uses high-tech UHMPWE-reinforced materials and sports a total of 19 pockets.

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 ($250) is a bit of an outlier, as it commands a high dollar amount not for the extreme amount of space it offers or amount of features, but for being a hyper-customizable, hand-made bag that uses the nicest textiles available, as well as the best zippers, webbing, and foam in its design. If you’re a fan of the finest materials, this is your daily driver pack.

What Is One Bag Travel?

The ‘One Bag Travel’ ethos and travel backpacks go hand-in-hand. Simply put, to travel in one-bag style is to be minimalist in your luggage choices, and only take what you can carry onto the plane/train/pack animal. Not only does this do away with the fuss of deciding what exactly to bring along with you, but it also allows for breezing through airports — skipping the need to check baggage, wait at baggage claim, or fear for lost luggage.

In order to most effectively travel with one bag, be sure to read up on exactly the baggage size allowances provided by your transportation. This can affect both overall size and weight, and having an expandable pack is a large benefit here. In this way, you can carry just enough to skirt through under the limit, and then expand the bag when you’ve hit your destination for more breathing room. If you aim for a 35-40 liter backpack, you’ll be right on the money for one-bag travel.

Finally, remember that this bag is going to be the only item of luggage you’ve got, so ensure it’ll be comfortable enough for the long haul. Look for padded back panels and hip belts that’ll transfer the load correctly, and if they stash away — all the better.

Our team unanimously agrees that the best travel backpack is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . It’s extremely durable, and it offers plenty of organizational pockets to stash your kit away in. The clamshell opening makes packing a breeze, and we really appreciated the unique shoulder strap storage options available to turn the pack into a stripped-down bag that would slide into any overhead compartment.

Peak Design Travel Pack in Denver

The best size bag for traveling depends largely on your travel itinerary and mode of transport. The Cotopaxi Allpa packs range from 28 to 42 liters.

The 28-liter option makes for a compact and comfortable backpack that easily fits in overhead airplane compartments. The 42-liter option is a bit more like carrying a duffel bag on your back, but it still manages to fit in overhead compartments. It’s a great option for maximizing carry-on capacity in backpack form.

While both have their place in travel, a backpack can offer some advantages over a suitcase. Since they’re much more portable, backpacks can be brought to many more places where a suitcase won’t work. Suitcases can be your large load carriers, but a good travel backpack gives you the freedom to strike out on daily adventures.

Travel backpacks absolutely can be carry-on luggage, given they meet the size requirements. In the U.S., the most common maximum size is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches (length + width + height). But this is only a common size, and different airlines will have different specifics. Consult with your airline specifically to determine what they allow.

While different body types will find different travel packs comfortable, we can all agree that a good support system and ample foam make for a comfortable carry. In our own testing, we found the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Travel Packs were by far the most comfortable due to their plush suspension systems.

Because many different airlines operate a slate of different planes, there isn’t a standard under-seat luggage size, although there is an average: 16 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches. Some airlines allow personal items larger than this, but you should consult with their customer service for specifics. Our favorite personal item-sized travel pack was the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack , which, at 24 liters compressed, easily slides under a seat.

travel bags 35l

The Best Laptop Backpacks of 2024

Whether you’re headed to the office, class, or even the trailhead, here’s our top picks for the best laptop backpacks of 2024.

travel bags 35l

The Best Daypacks of 2024

We tested the best daypacks of 2024 with options for every budget. Top picks include Osprey, Cotopaxi, and more.

travel bags 35l

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Gear Top Stories Deals

travel bags 35l

  • Best Whiskey
  • Best Gym Shoes
  • Best Pocket Knives
  • Best Apple Watch
  • Porsche Models

This Is the Only Carry-On Bag I Use for Travel. Here’s Why

A backpack I picked up long ago on a whim has replaced nearly all of my travel luggage — and it’s still going strong.

a person wearing a backpack

By Sean Tirman

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

For a long time, I had a problem: I was a serial bag buyer . Enrolling in school? New backpack . Going to Iceland for my honeymoon? New adjustable duffel bag . Flying to my parents’ place for a long weekend? New carry-on luggage . It seemed like every time I took a trip, I bought a new bag. But I never found one that I wanted to keep using after just a trip or two. It’s not that they were bad, per se; it’s just that they didn’t really impress enough to stick.

Image of Aer Travel pack laying flat next to a variety of other common travel accessories

Then, on one of my many bag-buying whims, I picked up the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack , and everything changed. Finally, I found a bag that I not only liked using the first few times, but I continued to use it for years. In fact, it became my go-to bag for pretty much all of my travels. It even encouraged me to pack smarter on longer trips so I wouldn’t need more than just this one bag. And all those other bags? I either gave them away, or they’re collecting dust in a closet somewhere. Here’s why Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L Pack replaced all of my other luggage .

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Pack: What We Think

If you value speed, durability and (perhaps most importantly and significantly) versatility, this is a tough bag to beat. The internal compartments do away with the need for additional packing cubes and encourage organization. The weatherproof exterior makes this an ideal bag for ever-changing weather conditions. And its flexible soft construction and array of grab handles make putting it in overhead bins a simple and speedy prospect. If you’re a conscientious packer who values efficiency, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better travel backpack.

That said, it’s not perfect and certainly isn’t for everyone. The soft sides make it risky to store things too delicate (especially if there’s a chance your bag will need to be checked), and the lack of an easily accessed external stash pocket (for things like your wallet, keys, small travel must-haves, etc.) are fairly big drawbacks. Furthermore, it lacks any kind of wheels, so you’ll have to haul it on your back or in your hands through the airport .

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here .

7-Best-Adventure-Travel-Weekenders-gear-patrol-Cotopaxi-Allpa-35L-Travel-Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

  • $200.00 at cotopaxi.com
  • Superb internal organization
  • Weatherproof exterior
  • Specifically designed for carry-on travel
  • External top pocket is lacking
  • Risk of contents being crushed in transit

Integrated storage encourages organization

Most backpacks, even those designed for travel , have little, if any, real organization beyond a few unstructured zippered pouches in which to shove your belongings — at least in my experience. This backpack is a refreshing divergence. Not only does it have several compartments — including a padded laptop sleeve , an externally-accessed top pocket and a spacious clamshell-opening main storage area — but it also has zippered meshes of several sizes inside that main compartment, essentially replacing the need for packing cubes.

an open backpack

Furthermore, it boasts two sets of compression straps in the larger compartments, meaning you can pack even more stuff into the same amount of space as you might with a hard-sided bag. Along with that, there are also three smaller zippered pouches (and some hidden space beneath them) perfect for socks, underwear, toiletries and the like. Even for longer trips (my longest was a full calendar week), I’ve never struggled to get the bulk of my apparel — including an extra pair of shoes — into this bag.

The rugged exterior is perfect for different climates

A few months ago, I traveled from San Diego up to Santa Rosa for a work trip, and I used the Allpa 35L Pack as my sole travel bag. At the time, San Diego was sunny and hot, and Santa Rosa looked slightly chilly at worst. However, when I arrived, the weather had taken a turn, and it was raining in Santa Rosa. Because I chose this bag with its waterproof exterior panel, my apparel stayed dry while I waited out in the rain for my rideshare.

a person wearing a backpack

Note: the entire bag is not waterproof, just the external panel. However, the bag also comes with an included rain cover that’s easily stored in the bag when not in use. While the rain wasn’t severe enough to necessitate it, it was nice knowing I had a backup plan.

Obviously, a hard-shelled carry-on would offer similar protection, but you’d also have to drag it over the wet, puddled ground, and it is more of a hassle when navigating unfamiliar, crowded places, like through airports to outdoor pickup areas. The point is, whether you check the weather or not, this bag is great for keeping your gear protected while traveling between climates.

It makes air travel easier and less frustrating

“Carry-on standards” be damned, there have been plenty of times when I’ve had a bag well within the size limits seemingly not want to fit under the seat in front of me or into an overhead bin at all. In fact, that very issue, especially on fully booked flights, has led me to have to check my carry-on bags in the past.

a backpack on the floor

The Allpa 35L Pack, by contrast, is still within those size guidelines but is much easier to squeeze into tight spots because of its non-rigid construction. So long as you don’t stash delicate, breakable stuff in your carry-on, this bag is easy to squeeze into tight spots, including under the seat (as I discovered on a cross-country flight from San Diego to New York).

I wish it had a better external pouch

You know how most backpacks have that little external pocket on the lower front? This backpack doesn’t have one of those. While it makes the exterior look a lot sleeker, It does feel like a sacrifice not having that handy little stash pouch. I should clarify: there is a top-accessed pocket that serves a similar purpose, but it comes with a major drawback.

a person opening a laptop section of a backpack

That top pocket takes up the same internal room as the rest of the internal compartments. This means, unlike those little stitched-on pouches found on the likes of JanSport bags, you need to make sure you leave enough space to utilize this pocket. Most of the time, it works fine, but the minute you’re pushing the bag’s capacity to the limit, you’ll see just how difficult it is to keep this pocket functional. For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t trade the bag’s looks for that extra pocket, though. Typically, I just use a crossbody bag in tandem (my “personal” item, which is arguably more convenient since I usually stash my bag in the overhead bins anyway), and I’m none the wiser about the omission.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack: Alternatives

If you’d really prefer a bag with wheels you can drag behind you instead of haul on your shoulders, it’s hard to beat our pick for the best carry-on bag you can buy: the aptly named Away Carry-On . For an upgrade with a lot more padding and structure (but perhaps not more storage space), you can trust the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . And if you’re looking for something a lot more compact (or to go alongside your Allpa, as I mentioned), our favorite crossbody bag is the Moment Fanny Sling 2L .

style

Related Topics

Skeptical Dog: Are you human?

Are you human?

Something made us think you are a bot, but don’t worry. Just press on the button below and we’ll get you back to your journey.

You might have received this message if JavaScript or cookies were disabled in your browser settings. Occasionally a plugin or extension may be at fault. If you would like to learn more, just reference Why Was I Blocked for more details.

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Newsletters

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

  • Trip Planning

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our simulations reveal which bags you can count on

travel bags 35l

In This Article

  • Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other carry-on backpacks we tested.

  • What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

A solid backpack is key to a successful trip. Think about it: You can use it as a carry-on, and if you pack light, it'll be the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip. It won't weigh you down as you rush to catch the inter-terminal train at the airport, and it'll look good on you as you stroll the streets of your destination. Find a good travel backpack, and it will serve you for years to come.

There’s a lot to consider when looking for a backpack to take you through all kinds of situations and environments. Waterproof, anti-theft, stylish, lightweight, wheels or no wheels—all things to keep in mind as you shop. To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value.

Best Overall

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

  • Capacity 5 /5
  • Design 5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5
  • Comfort 5 /5

Super durable material

Very comfortable with multiple carry methods

Lighter and more rugged than previous models

Nothing yet

Does the perfect travel backpack exist? We’re not sure, but we can’t think of one that comes closer than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This second version of Cotopaxi’s best-selling backpack is rugged and comfy, has excellent organization capabilities, and is the perfect size to throw in an overhead bin, toss in a vehicle, and huff around from train to hostel.

The pack uses burly TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and lightweight 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling. It has excellent weight distribution with comfy shoulder and sternum straps and hip belts, or stow the straps and carry the pack with side handles. The inside features multiple pockets of different sizes that we found perfect for separating clean and dirty clothes, electronics, and shoes. Bonus: It comes with a rainfly to protect it from the weather.

Capacity: 35 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces | Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches | Materials: TPU-coated 1000-denier polyester and 840-denier ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Osprey fairview 40.

Quite spacious while remaining carry-on sized

Keeps belongings secure

Good padding and weight distribution

Osprey’s women-specific Fairview 40 pack impressed our tester with its size, space, and compartments. “This bag has a lot of compartments and a lot of straps to hold everything in place,” our tester reported. Despite the bag fitting a bit large, our tester said it was still very comfortable to wear. Osprey employs its proprietary Lightwire Frame Suspension, which helps spread the weight across the back panel and from the harness to the hip belt.

Despite being a 40-liter pack, it weighs just about 3 pounds, thanks to the lightweight nylon ripstop material and frame. “It did not hurt my back, and I like how most of the weight was shifted to my lower back,” our tester mentioned. Besides the fit, we also appreciated that all straps are stowable, making it easy in case you need to check the bag on a plane (which is possible on smaller planes with this larger-capacity pack). For the men’s version of the same pack, check out the Farpoint 40 .

Capacity: 38 liters (extra-small/small size) | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 8 inches | Materials: 210-denier nylon mini hex diamond ripstop and 600-denier packcloth

Best Budget

Vancropak 40l travel backpack.

  • Capacity 4 /5
  • Design 3 /5
  • Comfort 4 /5

Great for a short-to-medium-length trip

Could double as a business travel pack

Feature packed and user friendly

Lacks tech compartment

Cloth material could get dirty easily

This 40-liter pack checks all the boxes, including excellent value. Vancropak says it fits enough for trips between three and seven days, and we’d have to agree. “It fit everything even though I packed quickly and not thoughtfully or strategically,” our tester said. “It’s perfect for a weekend trip when you want to pack extra ‘just in case’ outfits or items. It even expands to provide more room. It has extra pockets, opens like a suitcase, has many different handles, and backpack straps that can be tucked and zipped away.” Compression straps also help shrink the bag back down after being packed.

And if you weren’t convinced yet of its value, it also includes packing cubes. “Its business-casual aesthetic makes it ideal for short business trips, too,” a tester added. One nitpick? There’s no laptop sleeve. But our testers thought the other features—and comfort—more than made up for that slight issue.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 13.7 x 6.2 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester

Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack

Functional straps

Multiple ways to carry

Not too weighty

Our tester didn’t love the style

If you didn’t dig the budget pack above, behold another excellent value travel pack. Like the Vancropak, the Asenlin Travel Backpack also includes three packing cubes. Our testers found they could easily fit everything needed for a weekend trip. They also liked the internal straps for organization and the external straps for compression. “It offers three different carrying methods, which is nice,” the testers reported. “It has a lot of different pockets and storage areas. The bottle holder on the side also unzips to expand, which is a thoughtful addition.”

Our testers liked how comfortable the bag was to wear and that it wasn’t overly heavy (the brand claims it weighs less than 3 pounds). We also believe this could double as a business travel bag.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Water-resistant polyester Oxford cloth

Best for Business Travel

Nomatic travel bag.

  • Comfort 3 /5

Fits about a week’s worth of items

Loads of internal organization

Comes with an additional laundry bag

Uncomfortable to carry at times

Some scuff marks after tossing around

While we certainly love this bag's sleek and simplistic aesthetic, there’s a lot more to it than just looks. It’s durable and water-resistant and has multiple carry options (e.g., duffel and over the shoulders), a separate shoe compartment, lots of tech organization, and a TSA-ready laptop sleeve.

Our testers loved the capacity of this pack. “It easily fit everything on the list with plenty of room to spare,” one tester said. “I think everything you would need for up to a week away would fit easily.” The pronounced rectangular shape of the bag made it extra easy to pack and helped organize folded clothes. “The bag had two different shoe pockets, a laptop sleeve, and many other compartments for both smaller clothing items and even some work supplies,” a tester reported.

The one drawback of this pack was our testers didn’t find it the most comfortable. Specifically, the straps were stiff and dug into one tester’s neck. Overall, though, our testers were very pleased with the pack and thought it was worth the fit, especially for the design and ease of packing.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 14 inches | Materials: Not listed

Best Multi-use

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

  • Value 4.5 /5

Excellent capacity

Easy to handle

Thoughtful storage solutions

This 45-liter travel pack from Peak Design debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in 2018 and promptly won many awards. A few years later, it still holds up. Peak Design basically thought of everything when designing this pack. The outside features weatherproof recycled 400-denier nylon canvas and ultralight padded foam. It includes grab handles on each side, stowable hip belts, and a sternum strap. The inside has multiple pockets for organization and loads of room for trips of four days or longer.

Our testers loved the size and the zippers allowing access from four different sides of the bag. “It was super easy to pack, and there were just enough organization solutions to provide options for different packing strategies,” a tester said. “I also loved how many handles there were. A grab handle on all four main sides of the bag makes it super easy to maneuver, especially when putting it in the overhead compartment.”

Testers also liked the sheath built into the pack to stow the hip belt and the small pocket on the belt for stashing quick-grab items like lip balm, keys, or cards. They also enjoyed the water bottle pockets on both sides and the pack's comfort. Oh, and this pack is 100 percent carbon neutral. The only issue they saw was the price—it’s one of the most expensive on this list. But if you can look at this as an investment, the durability suggests it should last for many years. It's certainly carry-on luggage that any travel-savvy guy can appreciate.

Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Materials: Weatherproof 100 percent recycled 400-denier nylon canvas external shell and 900-denier waterproof bottom liner

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Most Comfortable

Topo designs global travel bag 40l.

Excellent internal organization

Many different carrying options

Great for long travel days

Could be roomier

If your travel involves carrying your backpack for long periods, we recommend Topo Designs' Global Travel Bag. This super durable pack is also super comfortable with plush and padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. We also love that there are multiple ways to carry this pack with a comfy and padded sling. Its construction includes durable and recycled nylons with a canvas feel. And it meets Fair Wear certification standards, ensuring fair labor practices.

“There are a ton of compartments and pockets, so a lot of options for staying organized with small or loose items in the absence of packing cubes,” one tester said. “I could easily see places to stash cords, travel docs, electronics, water bottles, and more.”

While our testers liked a lot about this bag—including its durability—the comfort won them over. “All the features built into the bag suggest it's intended to create maximum comfort for someone who anticipates carrying the bag for a more extended period of time,” our tester concluded.

Capacity: 40 liters | Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces | Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Materials: 1000-denier recycled nylon, 400-denier recycled nylon, 210-denier recycled nylon, 1680-denier recycled ballistic nylon

Best Splurge

Bellroy transit backpack plus.

Flat opening made for easy packing

Comfortable to carry

Long lasting

Minimal internal organization

If you weren't convinced by our business travel pick above, consider this your alternative. This pack's sleek, durable, and comfortable design makes it ideal for business and formal travel. Our testers found it easy to fit enough items for up to three or four days away. Lighter packers could stretch this to five days. The inside is designed more like a typical carry-on pack with one large compartment.

“This bag felt super light on my back and was padded in all the right places,” a tester reported. “It has adjustable sternum and waist straps that you can tuck into the back of the pack when you don't want to use them, which is a genius feature.” Our testers were also impressed with the bag's durability, as it survived being tossed around our lab with zero marks or scuffs.

Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.4 inches | Materials: Recycled Dura nylon

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

  • Design 4 /5
  • Durability 4 /5

Suitcase-like opening allows easy access

Eco-friendly materials

Suitable for long travel days

Internal organization may be overcomplicated for some

Launched in 1958, Samsonite’s Silhouette collection is likely the oldest on our list. But those six decades of innovation have helped make this one of the best and most versatile bags out there—not to mention one with excellent style. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that it features 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles.

Our testers liked the size of the bag and the opening, similar to a suitcase, which made it easy to pack and access items. There were many—almost too many—pockets and compartments. And our testers loved how comfortable and supportive this bag was to carry, noting its excellent weight distribution. “I would recommend this bag to someone looking for a backpack they can use as a primary form of luggage,” a tester concluded. “It has enough room and compartments to fit all of the essentials and keep them organized. It's also comfortable, supportive, and easy to carry.”

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.31 pounds | Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7 inches | Materials: Polyester and Recyclex

Best for Techies

Thule subterra backpack 34l.

Functional and looks good

Bag included for dirty laundry

Portable charger

Not the most comfortable

We’ve been pleasantly surprised with Thule’s line of luggage. And that certainly includes the Subterra backpack. This rugged pack could also be a good commuter option as it has a magnetic rolling top closure, a padded laptop sleeve, and a PowerPocket for charging items on the go. We love that it has many access points and comes with a packing cube and garment bag for dirty clothes.

"I loved being able to put my normal packing cubes inside the big cube that comes with the bag, and I was able to use the bag as a day bag anytime I needed to carry extra, and it never felt super bulky,” a tester reported—however, they noted that the bag didn’t particularly help their already-sore back. Not surprisingly, considering its construction, the pack aced our durability tests.

Capacity: 34 liters | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 20.5 x 12.2 x 9.1 inches | Materials: 800-denier nylon

Best for Storage

Mystery ranch mission rover.

Sturdy with grab handles around the pack

Well-designed internal storage

Different ways to carry

A bit heavy

If you’ve never heard of Mystery Ranch, let us introduce you to the Bozeman, Montana-based brand, which makes super rugged packs for backpacking, hunting, the military, and firefighters. This travel-focused pack is incredibly solid on the outside and has many excellent organization and design features inside.

Highlights include a stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, multiple carrying options, a dirty clothes compartment, three inner divided pockets, and lockable zippers.

Capacity: 30, 45, and 60 liters | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 12 inches | Materials: Plain spun nylon, 210-denier nylon

We recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack thanks to its incredibly durable polyester and nylon materials, well-designed internal storage, and included rainfly. Another great pick is the Vancropak Travel Backpack , which rings up at a fraction of the cost of some other options on the market.

We selected products to test based on the expertise of TripSavvy editors and writers and on internet research. Not surprisingly, TripSavvy editors and writers travel a lot. And they have many carry-on backpacks they like and don’t like.

To ensure we weren’t missing anything, we also researched what other prominent sites have featured and looked at top-rated and reviewed backpacks on sites like Amazon and REI. Once an initial list of products was selected, we narrowed it down to the final 28 for testing based on style, function, and price.

We tested the backpacks for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. In our New York City-based testing lab, we asked testers to pack each backpack with three shirts, two pants, one jacket, one pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag to test for capacity. We asked the testers to consider all aspects of the backpack’s construction, organizational capabilities, and any design innovations.

Testers then carried each backpack around using the different carrying styles. We asked the testers to rate how comfortable the bag felt fully packed. After the comfort test, we asked testers to toss and throw the bag several feet multiple times. We looked for damage on the outside of the bag and any damage to products inside the bag. Lastly, we asked testers to rate the bag for overall value after a price reveal.

We have since sent the backpacks to testers to continue testing as they travel. We will update this document accordingly as their insights are submitted.

Aer Travel Pack 3 : This pack was comfortable to wear thanks to its supportively firm and cushioned back, while its rugged fabric stood up well to rough handling. Our tester subtracted some points for capacity, as it was a squeeze to get everything on the list to fit, and for the more function-forward style.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack : This bag is very nice to look at and proved quite durable. However, it's on the small side and the features aren't particularly travel-oriented—namely, the inflexible bottle holder and the magnetic flip top that is easily displaced when the pack is full.

Minaal Carry-on 3.0 Bag : Our tester appreciated the comfort of the straps and the practical capacity of this bag, though the price was on the higher end and the packing experience was a bit of a learning curve.

Monos Metro Backpack : Another looker, the design of this bag got high praise. We liked the 270-degree opening, the easy-release front pouch, and the comfortable straps. At 18 liters, this back is more of a complement piece to other luggage and could use a better weight distribution system.

Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable : The expansion feature was a hit once we figured out how to use it and the durability of this pack was undeniable. It was difficult to look past a faulty zipper design that got caught frequently when trying to close.

What to Look For in a Carry-on Backpack

Prices for carry-on backpacks vary widely, so consider what your greatest needs are. You can find a spacious travel backpack for under $100—often under $50—but if you plan on facing harsh outdoor environments , consider investing a bit more money for something waterproof. Leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars; keep this in mind if that material is important to you. Anti-theft travel backpacks can be a bit more expensive but are often essential in highly trafficked destinations.

There are so many styles out there you could spend days filtering through the different backpacks on the market. Keep it simple: How will you be using this backpack? If you’re interfacing with clients or business partners, look for something minimal and sleek that doesn’t showcase a million pockets. If you plan on living out of your backpack for most of your trip, pockets are more of a priority. You'll want a bag that zips open flat like a suitcase for easy packing and unloading (this also makes going through security easier).

If you are using your travel backpack for hiking, find something with a removable hip harness to distribute the weight of your pack better when you’re on the move. If you plan on wearing your travel backpack casually—only in the airport or to work—seek out a style with adjustable straps and a padded back. This will help ward off any back pain, especially if you carry a lot of weight. When you’re trying on backpacks, test out the shoulder straps and imagine how they would feel if the pack was filled to capacity. Is there ample padding? Will the material cut into your shoulders? Does the back of the backpack feel like it would be breathable?

The size of backpacks is generally measured in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches or centimeters). While it is essential to refer to the specific requirements of the airline you'll be flying, a good starting point for a carry-on when flying domestically is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 total linear inches (115 centimeters) including all handles and wheels. This size comes out to a 43-liter pack, so anything smaller should easily meet any U.S. airline size restrictions. However, this is only the beginning, and several factors may increase or decrease your allowance, such as the size of the plane and flight class you book.

This will vary based on your backpack's materials. For nylon and other water-resistant fabrics, get a damp cloth and spot-clean your pack. A damp cloth will also do the trick if your bag has plastic or metal elements. For leather backpacks, you’ll want to purchase a special leather conditioner and cleaner to maintain the integrity of your backpack.

This is an excellent feature if you plan on hiking or spending long periods carrying your backpack. It will help distribute the weight of your pack better across your body, ultimately providing more comfort. Most backpacks that are focused on outdoor adventures will have this feature.

Many backpacks are marketed as anti-theft, meaning it’s tougher for someone else to get inside your pack. Some backpacks have zippers that allow you to open the main interior compartment while wearing it—so you don’t have to take it off and risk having someone else pick it up. Others are designed with webbing over the zipper openings, making it very hard for someone to locate and unzip the bag while you have it on.

No, this is not the norm when it comes to backpacks. Compression cords make packing easier and function the same way a compression strap or cord would work in a regular suitcase. Some travel-focused carry-on backpacks do have this built-in. But if you want to squeeze in more items, consider investing in some packing cubes . These will help organize your backpack, too.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy’s Outdoor Gear Editor. He has traveled to five continents, including plane, train, and bus travel. For most travel scenarios, he prefers backpacks over spinners or roller suitcases because of their ruggedness and different carrying methods. He currently uses Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L, Thule’s Subterra, and Topo Design’s Global Travel Pack the most. Each product recommended in this review was thoroughly researched and tested.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Travel Continuously

Bange Travel Backpack 35L Review: A Budget Nomad Bag

If you’re looking for a budget digital nomad backpack that can handle all your travel needs, then you’ve come to the right place.

As an avid traveler and long-term backpacker, I have tested out my fair share of travel backpacks.

Today I’m going to review the 35L Bange Travel Backpack , a Flight Approved Carry On Backpack for International Travel.

This review will give you an in-depth look at the features , pros , and cons of this backpack, so you can make an informed decision on whether this nomad backpack is the right one for you.

Read on to find out if the Bange 35L Travel backpack is a good budget choice for digital nomads .

Table of Contents

Bange Travel Backpack 35L Review

Bange Travel Backpack 35L

Bange Travel Backpack 35L

This backpack is well made with great attention to detail.

It’s compliant as carry-on luggage and yet it’s still large enough to store everything you need when going on short trips.

There are some concerns over its long-term reliability though, which I’ll go into in greater detail below.

35L Travel Backpack,Flight Approved Carry On Backpack for International Bag,

One of the top budget Nomad Backpacks

  • This backpack is lightweight, yet provides ample storage space for long trips.
  • It is approved by airlines as a carry-on bag, so you don’t have to worry about checking it in.
  • It is made of water-resistant material , so your belongings are safe and dry during travel.
  • It has a large 17-inch laptop compartment, so you can keep your laptop safe and secure.
  • The adjustable straps and padded back panel ensure comfort and stability when carrying the backpack.

Concerns over long term durability

  • The straps may be too tight for some users .
  • The backpack may not provide enough space for larger items .
  • The laptop compartment may not fit all types of laptops .

Quick Verdict on Bange Travel Backpack 35L

The 35L Bange Travel Backpack is worth a buy if you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable and stylish backpack but on a budget.

The key selling point is its spaciousness. It can fit in your laptop, clothes, books and other items. The adjustable padded straps provide maximum comfort and the waterproof fabric ensures that your items are kept safe and dry.

A few criticisms are that the zippers are quite stiff and difficult to open, and some people have complained that it’s not worth the $65 asking price.

Overall, this is a good backpack for anyone looking for a budget backpack for short trips.

But for longer trips, it may feel the wear & tear, and not be as reliable as the slightly pricier but more reliable competitors.

NOMATIC Travel Pack - 20L Water Resistant Laptop Bag -

Not quite what you’re looking for?

Here’s our Complete Guide to the Best Digital Nomad Backpacks.

More about the Bange Travel Backpack 35L

22-35l expandable design.

The Bange 35L Travel Backpack features an awesome 22-35L expandable design. It’s the perfect way to fit all your gear without ever having to worry about being over the weight limit or running out of space!

The expandable design allows you to adjust the capacity depending on your needs. This means you can take all the essentials on a short trip and expand the bag to its full capacity for longer trips. It’s like having two bags in one.

The bag has a three-sided expansion zipper, which gives you an extra 13L of storage. This allows you to fit in all your gear without having to worry about being over the weight limit.

This makes it very useful for:

  • Weekend getaways
  • Short trips
  • Carry-on luggage.

Waterproof & Anti-Theft Design

This 35L Bange Travel Backpack features a waterproof and anti-theft design to keep your belongings safe and dry.

The waterproofing comes from a special coating that repels water , while the anti-theft design is achieved with a special locking system that uses a key to unlock the backpack.

This makes it hard for someone to access your items without the key.

Pro Tip: To make the most of the waterproof and anti-theft design , make sure the backpacks are locked when you’re not using them. That way, you can be sure your belongings are safe and dry.

Large Capacity – Can Fit 5-8 Pcs Clothes

This bag has a relatively large capacity for a carry-on bag, meaning you can comfortably fit your clothing and your essentials for short trips.

The best part is, this bag is flight approved , so you won’t need to worry about it not being allowed on the plane. And of course, it has a 17-inch laptop compartment, so you can always keep your laptop close and safe.

The bag is designed to be spacious, with lots of extra pockets and compartments for you to store all your items.

Pro Tip – Make sure to use all the pockets and compartments the bag has to offer. That way, you can maximize your packing space and make sure you can fit all your items in.

Solid Construction & Durability

The backpack is made with relatively durable materials that can withstand wear and tear for short journeys.

The ergonomic design of the airflow on the back also makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It’s designed to provide air circulation between the pack and your back, so you can stay cool and comfortable.

And, the adjustable padded shoulder straps allow you to customize the fit for your body.

The only downside is that many people have reported that it is not as durable as the brand makes it out to be. This is clear from extensive Amazon reviews.

Pro Tip – Consider this backpack for shorter trips, but find something else for longer continuous travel purchases.

Review and Score

Our score: 65/100.

The Bange 35L Travel Backpack is perfect for going on a weekend trip as it fits within the requirements of most airlines as a carry-on bag.

The laptop space is spacious enough to fit my 17″ laptop , along with all other belongings securely, plus it has great cushioning protection for my items.

Additionally, its waterproof design keeps everything dry from an unexpected rain shower, which here in Bali I am very used to!

My only concern is that it will not last a long time with consistent use . This is feedback that is repeated within the Amazon customer reviews, so I feel it is only a matter of time before the backpack begins to break.

With a 65 rating out of 100 potential points given by our internal rating system, I would suggest that you can buy yourself one right away for short trips, but for anything longer, consider a more reliable alternative .

What are the Best Digital Nomad Backpacks?

NOMATIC Navigator Premium Backpack - 15L w/ 6L Built-In Expansion

Traveler & Content Creator

My name is Jordan Simons and over the past few years I've learned how to travel the world continuously. Now I want to show you how to do the same.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

EVERGOODS x CARRYOLOGY: NOW LIVE

  • CARRYOLOGY x EVERGOODS
  • NEW COLOR: CAP0.5
  • OUR ECO-FRIENDLY COLLECTION
  • OUR BESTSELLERS
  • HIP PACKS & SLINGS
  • ACCESS POUCHES
  • TRANSIT PACKING CUBE
  • ELEMENT DROP IN
  • PATCHES & ZIPPER PULLS
  • Our Design Process
  • Our Fabrics
  • Our Product Line
  • Protecting Our Home
  • Get First Access

EVERGOODS

Your Cart is Empty

  • $0.00 Subtotal

Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout

FREE SHIPPING U.S. ORDERS $75+

EVERGOODS

CIVIC Travel Bag 35L

Your one bag for all your adventure and travel..

CTB35 offers a swath of travel-forward features: intuitive and expansive 3D pockets, luggage passthrough, and a stowable ergonomic waist belt. Engineered for long-haul comfort, it’s built with our breathable and abrasion-resistant back panel and a comfortable ergonomic harness. Built with a tightly woven solution dyed 400D HT Nylon textile, you get rugged, water-resistant durability in a lighter eco-friendly package.  Champion of the "Best Carry-On Bag" award category from Carryology's annual Carry Awards.

✔️  Upgrade your organization with Access Pouches and Packing Cubes ✔️  FREE global shipping and lifetime warranty 

Also available in a smaller, everyday size of 26L.

All Bags Sizing Chart

travel bags 35l

"BEST CARRY-ON BAG"

Travel specific features and intuitive organization in a classic backpack silhouette. Fits in overhead bins and under most plane seats. Our bestselling backpack for one-bag travel.

CIVIC TRAVEL BAG 35L CTB35 SIZED BREATHABLE AND DURABLE BACK PANEL

ULTIMATE BREATHABILITY

Best in class breathability and durability mono-mesh back panel construction. Smooth hand feel plays well with your clothing whether at work or at play.

CIVIC TRAVEL BAG 35L CTB35 SOLUTION DYED TEXTILE ECO-FRIENDLY

MORE ECO FRIENDLY

To color their products, most big brands add dyes after the fabric has been developed. For this evolution of the CTB, we solution dyed our custom textile at the polymer stage in the beginning of the supply chain, which uses far fewer resources and produces a longer lasting product.

travel bags 35l

DUAL SIDE-UTILITY STRETCH POCKETS

Exterior side pockets built from hard-wearing mountain apparel grade 4-way stretch woven for easy access to gloves, 1 liter water bottles, sunglasses, etc. Holds contents close and expands for larger items. Elastic inside top edge is protected from abrasion.

CIVIC TRAVEL BAG 35L CTB35 DURABLE AND WEATHER RESISTANT TEXTILE

DURABLE, WEATHER RESISTANT TEXTILES

Cut from the same durable fabric as our mountain line for a lightweight, low-bulk feel. 420d high tenacity nylon 6 main shell fabric with PU knifecoat on back side. Balance weave for equal tear strength in both directions.

CIVIC TRAVEL BAG 35L CTB35 EXTERIOR STASH FRONT POCKET

EXTERIOR PANEL STASH POCKET

Deep, medium volume pocket for quick stash or retrieval of items like CAP1, water bottle, light jacket, etc. Pocket has independent volume and is high up on the bag, so isn’t crowded by other load areas.

CIVIC TRAVEL BAG 35L CTB35 QUICK ACCESS YOKE POCKET

QUICK ACCESS YOKE POCKET

Utilizes available volume behind the shoulders to keep fragile items like sunglasses high and protected. Also good for quick-access to smaller items like snacks or masks. Key leash for easy location of keys, or other small, clippable items.

travel bags 35l

PADDED + SUSPENDED LAPTOP COMPARTMENT

Internal padded sleeve is fully suspended with Velcro strap to protect devices up to 17” MBP. Sleeve can be used to separate computer, tablet, documents, etc. Asymmetrical profile of overall compartment allows laptop to be held securely without compromising contour fit.

CIVIC Travel Bag 35L in solution dyed black in paris

- Front exterior pocket with internal organization - Internal padded laptop sleeve is fully suspended on all sides to protect devices up to 17”. - Top external 3D pocket with key leash - Front external oversized stash pocket - Internal 3D security pocket - Internal stretch pocket for folders or books

Small Details - Bias cut panels for improved abrasion resistance or stretch - Differentially cut shoulder straps for natural curve - Aluminum side stay for sturdy side carry - Utility loops outside of top carry handle to temporarily clip/secure smaller items

CIVIC TRAVEL BAG SPECS AND MATERIALS

- Volume: 35L - Weight: 4lbs (1815g) - Overall dimensions: 20.5 x 9.5 x 12in (back panel length 19 inches)

Materials - Shell fabric: 420d High Tenacity Nylon 6 with Water Repellent Finish - Lining: 420d HT nylon with PU coating - Shoulder pad foam: Zote EV50 - Frame Sheet: HDPE - Aluminum side stay: 7075 grade - Zippers: YKK #10RC and #8RC with DWR finish

CIVIC Travel Bag 35L in solution dyed black in paris

- Integrated harness with curved aluminum stay for streamlined excellent fit - Fully padded 3d ergonomic stowable waist belt - Asymmetrical laptop pocket allows body contour for comfortable device carry - Easy on body access to contents

Care - Hand wash only - Line dry out of direct sunlight

Warranty - Lifetime

Upgrade your ctb35

travel bags 35l

Pack Hacker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Review

The EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L’s (CTB35) soft structure maximizes space while managing its weight with a supportive hip belt.

Our Verdict

Save time. Get access to brief summaries of our reviews so you can browse and make decisions more efficiently.

Join Pack Hacker Pro or, Sign In

  • Yoke pocket is convenient storage space during airport security
  • Supportive harness system includes a stowaway hip belt
  • Spacious even among similarly-sized bags
  • Removing laptop from compartment requires horizontal clearance
  • Hip belt stowage is a bit tight
  • Slightly saggier than other EVERGOODS Civic bags

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 93/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

Like the Look

Polled on Instagram

Weight (lb)

4 lb (1.8 kg)

20.5 in x 8.75 in x 14 in (52.1 x 22.2 x 35.6 cm)

Back panel length 19 inches

Notable Materials

Nylon, Polyurethane, HDPE Plastic, Aluminum, YKK Zippers, DWR Coating, VELCRO®

Manufacturing Country

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

EVERGOODS Lifetime Warranty

Full Review

The folks over at EVERGOODS know a thing or two about putting together a solid travel backpack . We’ve seen our fair share of them. Thus far, they’ve done a good job nailing the crucial characteristics that we look for, such as carrying comfort, space, and organization—three aspects that sound simple but are tricky to balance on large travel bags.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Side

Meet the Civic Travel Bag 35L, also known as the CTB35. Though it’s not perfect when it comes to balancing the three aspects we mentioned above, it has its niche carved out nicely. The bag’s 35-liter capacity is maximized and decked out with thoughtful and easily accessible organization. At the same time, it’s also more comfortable to carry than its larger sibling, namely the Civic Transit Bag 40L (CTB40) , a bag that—though also comfortable to carry—we wish had a hip belt. That said, EVERGOODS’ decision to use a lighter denier fabric means a slight compromise in structure, compounded by the bag’s large size.

The change in fabric is but one of the many details affecting how the CTB35 performs as a travel bag. There’s plenty more to go through, so let’s dig right in.

Materials & Aesthetic

The CTB35 has a very mature, almost industrial look to it—a look that it shares with many of the brand’s gear. EVERGOODS’ approach to styling may not excite those looking for the most eye-catching design, but it appeals to those looking for the opposite: sleek, inconspicuous, and stealthy. Well, as stealthy as a large 35-liter travel backpack can be.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) For Patch

The black-on-black aesthetic is a look that we absolutely dig because of its versatility. Whether we’re walking down a busy city street or trekking through a trail, the subdued looks of the CTB35 can blend just about anywhere. There are no other colorway options, and the only (easy) way to give it some personalization is through the front loop logo patch.

This is a fun signature feature on most of EVERGOODS’ gear. It’s two-by-two inches in size and compatible with their Hi-Vis Patches, which are very reflective. Of course, you can custom make your own; just remember to have yours hook-sided.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Zipper

Looks aside, the more important question is, does it still have that trademark quality we’ve come to expect from EVERGOODS?

The short answer is yes, but with a key difference. Gone is the usual 500-denier nylon we’ve seen on most of their bags, like the CTB40 and Civic Panel Loader 28L (CPL28 V2) . In its place is lighter 420-denier high tenacity nylon with a water repellent finish. Side by side with the 500D fabric of the CPL28 V2, this fabric feels slicker because of its tighter weave.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Airport 3

It still feels strong enough to be used on a travel bag, but not anything too crazy like being dragged across boulders and gravel. According to EVERGOODS themselves, the fabric uses the same yarn as their 500D fabric, only more tightly woven, which results in a lighter package. Those last two words seem to be the key terms here, as the CTB35 weighs a relatively hefty four pounds when empty. We’d imagine that’d be a higher number if they didn’t make the change.

Combined with the 420-denier liner (with polyurethane coating), the bag has a pretty good structure, though not as good as the CTB40’s. The difference the relatively small reduction in denier makes is more apparent once we compare it to the smaller CPL28 V2. When empty, the CTB35 is floppier than the CPL28 V2, not only because of the lower denier but also because it’s bigger and therefore has more fabric to deal with. That said, the CTB35’s structure feels rigid enough for long-haul travel.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Fabric

Before we get into the CTB35’s other external features, we have to note the hardware involved. The zippers are all YKK-branded, and the buckles come courtesy of Duraflex. Both are reputable brands with which we very rarely find issues. With something as big as a travel backpack, you really don’t want any of the many moving parts to be unreliable, so we’re glad none of them are.

External Components

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Side By Side

Let’s go over the harness system, and where better to start than the bread and butter of any good backpack: the shoulder straps. The straps are densely padded with Zote foam and feel spongy and thick. There’s a pass-through for tubes around the top of each strap in case you want to equip a water bladder for hands-free hydration.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Strap

Along the shoulder straps are sets of daisy-chained loops where a sternum strap mounts. It’s not as granular as the sliding on-rails type, which we prefer, but it does the job well enough for the CTB35. It uses a simple side-release buckle, the kind we like.

The CTB35 also comes with a beefy hip belt. It’s well-padded like the shoulder straps, with a simple but effective side-release buckle in the middle. It’s not stiff, though, and can flex and pivot up to a certain degree for a better fit. It can also be tucked away when you don’t need it.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Hip Belt

Tucking away the hip belt does take some shimmying. This is partly because the slip pockets are relatively tight and partly because you want to make sure the buckle and straps sit flat inside. It’s a bit fussy to do; not the fastest straps to tuck away, though we like that the option is available.

One of the features of the hip belt we like is the elastic strap keepers. These are great for preventing slack from dangling freely and keeping the looks generally cleaner. However, it’s unfortunate that the shoulder straps and sternum strap don’t have strap keepers of their own since those are the straps we use more frequently.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Back 2

Moving on to the back panel, there are two sections of meshed foam with a shallow air channel in the middle. Each section has diagonal patterns that break up foam and act as mini air channels. The design puts up a valiant effort to keep things breathable, but a sweaty back is almost inevitable because of how much area the bag covers, especially in warmer climates.

Embedded along the center air channel is a luggage pass-through. It sits the bag horizontally on rolling luggage, which may not be optimal. We’ve had insightful discussions in the Pack Hacker Pro Community about luggage pass-throughs and the pros and cons of how they orient the bag. For example, the CTB35’s horizontal orientation makes for an overall lower profile on a roller and makes the front sideways-opening pocket easier to access.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Luggage

On the other hand, access to one of the water bottle pockets or the top-opening quick-grab pocket is a bit more awkward. All in all, it’s one of those tiny details some may not pay particular attention to, but it’s something to watch out for if bag ergonomics is something you consider important.

EVERGOODS’ approach to handles on the CTB35 is rather clever. They’ve made one that’s sort of continuous, starting from the top-right corner and extending down towards the left side. They’ve divided this by stitching it into sections, two of which form the top and left handle. The spaces in between are left open as attachment loops from which accessories can hang. There’s also an aluminum stay at the side to help maintain the bag’s shape when carried by hand.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Loop

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the left handle coincides with the left-facing front pocket. That way, the pocket remains accessible, even when you’re carrying the bag by the side handle.

Call it extra, but we like the simple yet elegant way they designed the handles. They’re comfortable, balanced, functional, and clean to look at—everything we could ever ask for in a handle.

Now, all of that said, how well does the CTB35 handle its weight and size?

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Side Carry Handle

The fit feels characteristically similar to that of the CPL28 V2 and CPL24. For example, the upper portion of the back panel wedges out and contours to your back, preventing that “hover back” phenomenon where the bag feels like it’s pulling away from you.

Still, the CTB35 has a slightly saggier feel because of its larger size. Fortunately, the shoulder straps’ dense padding cushions and distributes weight well. In addition, the CTB35’s hip belt is great to have since it takes a lot of the weight off the shoulders. We’re particularly happy with this feature because we sorely missed it on the even larger CTB40.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) CPL28 CTB35 CTB40

Comfort-wise, the CTB35 is not as taut as the smaller CPL28 V2. We feel that the CPL28 V2 is easier to wield and is a much better expression of a minimal travel bag that you can also use for everyday carry. The CTB35 definitely leans more on its largeness rather than comfort. The good news is that all that “largeness” translates well to actual usable space, which we’ll discuss in the next section. The downside is that we’d say it’s too big to use as an everyday carry backpack, and there are no compression straps to tone down the volume.

We’re not saying you can’t use the CTB35 as a daily carry; everyone has their own tastes, needs, and preferences. It’s just not as easy to wield as other travel backpacks that come equipped with compression systems or are more compact.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Water Bottle Pocket

Last but not least among the external features are the water bottle pockets. There are two of them on the CTB35, and they use a stretchy cloth material. Each has two holes at their bottom corners for drainage, which are quite useful in case rainwater seeps in. Size-wise, these water bottle pockets completely swallow our relatively large 32-ounce Nalgene with some elasticity to spare. EVERGOODS themselves say these pockets can fit up to a liter-sized bottle, and we don’t see a reason to doubt that, considering we got pretty close.

The elastic does have good grip. However, slim bottles with a slick finish (like a stainless steel one) can still slip out. Our workaround for our 18-ounce Hydro Flask is to clip its lid to the CTB35’s side handle. If you think that’s overthinking it, then you haven’t seen someone’s water bottle fall out and roll 40 rows down the aisle of a plane.

Inside The Backpack

As briefly mentioned earlier, the front pocket has a sideways opening, somewhat stealthily hidden by a gusset. Inside, there’s ample room for even large-sized everyday carry items like a notebook. Some backpacks feature a similar style front pocket, the downside being it tends to lack depth despite having broad coverage.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Pocket 2

The good news is that the CTB35’s front pocket has enough leeway to expand. This means not only better overall spaciousness, but also better interior visibility and more comfortable access since it’s not cramped.

Its organization has a similar layout to that of the CPL28 V2. There’s a pen silo, a passport-sized liner pocket, and a zippered mesh pocket. Pictures really don’t do the latter-most justice, but it’s big enough to fit our 10,000 mAh Satechi Quatro Wireless Power Bank in addition to other small tech accessories.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Tech Case Inpocket

Next, we have the top pocket. This is where we put our tech pouch, compressible cap, and portable hard drive; items that we think are too clunky to put in the front pocket but are not too often used. The gray liner fabric provides enough interior visibility that we don’t have to look too closely to find even small items.

We’ve pointed out a lot of the features on the CTB35 that we like. However, we can definitively say that the yoke pocket is our favorite. In more common terms, this is what we’d call a quick-grab pocket for frequently used items. It also works great as a dump pocket for all the items we carry in our own pockets; handy for whenever we have to go through airport security. The key difference between this pocket and the top pocket from earlier is a wider opening and a slightly roomier interior.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Top Pocket

Additionally, the inside is lined with soft fabric to prevent scratches on fragile items like sunglasses. There’s also a built-in key leash that’s helpfully orange-colored, so it’s easy to spot. The clip used here is a durable carabiner-style; the kind also featured in their other gear, and it’s the kind we like for its security.

Finally, we arrive at the main compartment. It opens up like any other typical clamshell-style opening. Since the zippers need to travel a long way around the 35-liter bag, we grab the loops located near each end to help with the unzipping. Yes, you can also use these loops to hang accessories, though keep in mind that they’ll be hanging low.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Empty Interior

Inside, you get the usual travel bag features like the bucket-style space where you put all of your clothes. In our case, all of our clothes are organized into packing cubes to prevent mix-ups caused by jostling. There are no built-in hold-down straps, so packing cubes are still our prime recommendation for getting organized.

We’re able to fit four packing cubes as well as a small toiletry bag. Again, even among 35-liter-sized backpacks, the CTB35 feels quite spacious and maximized. There’s also an elasticated slip pocket towards the back where you can put documents. Just above, there are two sets of daisy-chained loops; primo spots to hang a smart tracker.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Stuffed Interior

On the opposite side are the main compartment’s built-in organization. At the top is a zippered pocket that has its own pockets inside. One is a liner pocket wide enough to fit a passport inserted sideways, while the other can fit a compact smartphone charger. Space is relatively generous since the pocket is gusseted at the bottom.

Below is a large sideways opening mesh pocket, which is also zippered. It’s big enough that we can fit our Patagonia Nano Puff without too much of a fuss (we didn’t even have to compress it fully). The clever part is EVERGOODS was forward-thinking enough to give this pocket a sideways opening, so it’s accessible even with the main compartment only partially opened from the side.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Interior Pocket

Speaking of sideways openings, the laptop compartment also opens the same way. We’re not the biggest fans of this orientation for laptop compartments since it means having to put the bag on its side before we can take our laptop out. Trust us; it’s more courteous to pull a laptop from the top than the side when you’re sitting next to someone on a plane almost elbow-to-elbow.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Interior Pocket 2

The compartment features a sleeve for laptops up to 16-inches big like our MacBook Pro. It comes with a VELCRO strap to secure it in place. This strap can also be placed on a separate target if you don’t want to use it. Strangely, this target is slightly off-center relative to the strap itself, though only by a few millimeters.

The compartment also has quite a bit of independent volume, more than what we would deem necessary for a lone 16-inch MacBook Pro. There’s enough room for bulky laptop accessories like a cooling pad or a stand. Keep in mind that anything too bulky may compromise the back panel’s flatness and, therefore, comfort.

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Side Compartment

That wraps our review of the Civic Travel Bag 35L. In terms of size and comfort, it sits somewhere between the CPL28 V2 and the CTB40, which makes a ton of sense if you just look at their numbers. This leaves us with a pretty straightforward conclusion: if you’re looking for a spacious travel backpack (more than the CPL28 V2) but carries relatively comfortably (better than the CTB40), then the CTB35 is a sweet spot.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

  • The hip belt is built-in and non-removable, but it stows away when not needed
  • Side handle has a metal stay underneath the fabric
  • Built-in key clip uses a split strap
  • Pleasurable pack with some great built quality—something we’ve come to expect from EVERGOODS
  • Spacious bag was great on a weekend trip to NYC—plenty of room to spare—though it’s listed at 35L, it feels larger
  • Built-in hip built is handy and comfortable when worn, though it takes a bit of effort to stow it away, and you can feel it in your back slightly if not appropriately stowed
  • Slick 420D material is easy to clean and not a hair magnet
  • Feels saggier than the CPL28 V2 when fully packed out, though the contoured shoulders are still comfortable

EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Airport 1

Get your questions about the EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page. Plus, join discussions with other members about gear, guides, and more.

Sign up to get our 5 Minimalist Travel Hacks Guide. Plus, a weekly digest of our newest content in the newsletter.

EVERGOODS CIVIC Travel Bag 35L (CTB35)

Whether you need a new carry on, packing cubes, or any bag, shop Monos for travel gear. Check it out →

Bellroy Laneway Sacoche

Fall Sale: UP TO 50% OFF Prices as Shown. Ends 9/24. Shop Now

Icon of a delivery truck

It's time to upgrade your browser

Your current browser is no longer supported on llbean.com. Please upgrade to one of the following for a smoother, safer shopping experience with us:

Chrome's Logo

MICROSOFT EDGE

Adventure Duffle, Medium, 35L

Adventure Duffle, Medium, 35L 0.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 0 Reviews | Write a Review

main, view 1 of 11

Save 20%: Purchase price is $55.20 upon approval of the L.L.Bean Mastercard. Learn More

 Color Option: Alloy Gray, $69.

FREE SHIPPING with $75 Purchase.

Product thumbnail

Product Details

We've improved our most popular medium duffle, loved since 1996 for its travel-tough durability, fun colors and great price. Now made of 100% recycled fabrics, with a new U-shaped zipper that opens wider for easier access. Meets most airline carry-on requirements.

  • Capacity: 35L.
  • Dimensions: 9"H x 22"W x 13"D.
  • Weight: 1.9 lb.
  • Carry-On Sizing: Meets most airline carry-on requirements.

Introducing our best-ever Adventure Duffle, redesigned using customer feedback, product reviews and tests from our own in-house lab. We chose a rugged fabric that's 100% recycled--and just as strong as before. Next, we packed it with improvements, including a wider opening, more comfortable shoulder strap and a new storage pouch you can use as a packing cube while traveling. Available in sizes and colors for every member of the family!

  • Recycled 600-denier polyester on body, with recycled 1000-denier polyester on base that's twice as abrasion resistant for added durability.
  • Fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles; this 35L bag uses 17 plastic bottles.
  • Waterproof fabrics. Zippers and seams not waterproof.
  • Coated interior for added weather protection; tested for 24 hours in our deep freeze with no signs of cracking, flaking or peeling.
  • Spot clean.
  • New U-shaped zippered opening offers 50% more access to contents inside.
  • Zipper flap adds weather protection.
  • Grab handles at either end for easy maneuvering, with low-profile lash points.
  • Roomy main compartment.
  • Redesigned storage pouch can be used as a packing cube while traveling, and to store duffle between uses.
  • Adjustable, removable shoulder strap has improved sliding design with wider symmetrical padding.
  • Handles have wrap closure for comfortable carrying.
  • Outside zip pocket.
  • Features small L.L.Bean logo on either side of bag and shoulder strap.

Customer Reviews

English

  • Weather news
  • Weather forecast
  • Climate monitor
  • World climate
  • Weather archives
  • Weather history
  • World weather
  • Weather maps
  • Weather blog
  • Registration
  • Weather & Climate
  • Primorsky krai
  • Today weather in Barabash --> 
  • Weather forecast in Barabash
  • Climate monitor in Barabash
  • Current weather in Barabash
  • Weather archive in Barabash
  • Weather history in Barabash
  • Weather summary in Barabash
  • Climate in Barabash
  • Webcam in Barabash

Average monthly and annual air temperatures in Barabash

travel bags 35l

  • Electronics
  • Computers & Accessories
  • Laptop Accessories
  • Bags, Cases & Sleeves

Add to your order

travel bags 35l

  • No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
  • Coverage: Plans starts on the date of purchase. Stains, rips or tears and seam separation covered from day one. Defects in materials or workmanship covered after the manufacturer warranty expires.
  • Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. We will send you an e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product. In some instances, we will replace or repair it.
  • Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
  • Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
  • Buy a lot of stuff on Amazon? Tons of items eligible for coverage, from the latest tech like Laptops, Game Consoles, TVs, Phones, and Cameras to major appliances, sporting goods, tools, toys, personal care, furniture, and more.
  • Accidents Happen. That’s why for your portable products we cover accidental damage from handling such as drops, spills and cracked screens. We also cover electrical and mechanical malfunctions, power surges, and wear and tear.
  • Past and Future Purchases covered. 30 days after you are enrolled, all eligible past purchases (up to 1 year prior to enrollment) and future eligible purchases made on Amazon will be covered by your plan as long as you are enrolled.
  • Fast, easy claims. Frustration-Free claims, with most filed in minutes. We will fix it, replace it, or reimburse you with an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your product (excluding tax). File at Asurion.com/amazon.
  • No Hidden Fees. For just $16.99 a month + tax you’re covered for up to $5,000 in claims per 12-month period. *THIS PROGRAM IS MONTH-TO-MONTH AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL CANCELED* Coverage for all products ends 30 days after the plan is canceled. Cancel any time.

Amazon prime logo

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

  • Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
  • Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
  • Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
  • A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
  • Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
  • Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Return this item for free

We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.

  • Go to your orders and start the return
  • Select your preferred free shipping option
  • Drop off and leave!

black leaf

This item has been tested to certify it can ship safely in its original box or bag to avoid unnecessary packaging. Since 2015, we have reduced the weight of outbound packaging per shipment by 41% on average, that’s over 2 million tons of packaging material.

2 Year Backpack Protection Plan

Asurion complete protect: one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases on amazon.

travel bags 35l

Image Unavailable

Vancropak 35L Traveling Backpack, Flight Approved Carry on Backpack Travel Bag for Men & Women, Water Resistant Lightweight Luggage Suitcase Backpack Weekender Business Daypack Overnight Bag, Blue

  • To view this video download Flash Player

Vancropak 35L Traveling Backpack, Flight Approved Carry on Backpack Travel Bag for Men & Women, Water Resistant Lightweight Luggage Suitcase Backpack Weekender Business Daypack Overnight Bag, Blue

A-black

Purchase options and add-ons

  • Expandable & Large Capacity: This large travel backpack with an expandable design gives you a greater capacity of up to 35 L. Unzipping to get larger storage space, you can easily fit 3-5 days travel gears. The carry on backpack meets the maximum size allowed by IATA flights, can be fitted overhead and under-seat, is good for a weekend trip, business trip. The TSA 180 degree zipper closure helps you go through the security check quickly
  • Sturdy & Lightweight: Men's Travel Backpack is made of lightweight water-resistant polyester and anti-scratch material, which can provide protection on drizzle days. Zippers are easy to close and open. if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will give you a satisfactory solution within 24 hours. Regular sizes are 18*12*7 inches; after extended sizes are 18*12*9 inches
  • Convenient Design: This carry on travel backpack is designed with hideaway padded shoulder straps which can be hidden away in the zippered back panel when not using. Two padded handles on the topmost and the side are designed to lift the backpack from multiple angles, provide you more flexible carrying experience such as carrying like a suitcase or a backpack. A luggage strap on the back is designed to fit on the luggage's handle, for easier carry on international travel
  • Easy to Organize: The luggage backpack's main compartment with separate mesh pocket and roomy space to store different travel gears, internal compression elastic straps can well secure items. The front compartment with various pockets can be used to store notebooks, pens, earphones, and other small items, for quick pick out. An anti-theft back pocket is suitable for valuables. The travel backpack is large enough for vacation, weekend getaway, overnight trip
  • Reduce Pressure Feature: The duffle backpack equipped with adjustable chest straps, 4 exterior side compression buckles, air-mesh ventilated back panel, can effectively relieve the pressure on the shoulder and neck, also reduced stress on the zippers. Thickened sponge handles and shoulder straps provide you with more comfort when you are carrying and gripping the bag. Great valentine's gifts for him or her, gifts for dad

Frequently bought together

Vancropak 35L Traveling Backpack, Flight Approved Carry on Backpack Travel Bag for Men & Women, Water Resistant Lightweight L

Featured items you may like

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack Fits Up to 17-Inch Laptops, Black

Product information

Warranty & support, product description.

1214BLU-AI

Good Gifts for Travel

Are you planning a nice trip? It's also a special gifts for your parents, traveler, friends,men and women.

121403BLU

Videos for this product

Video Widget Card

Click to play video

Video Widget Video Title Section

The best carry on airplane bag?

Reviews by Mike

travel bags 35l

Great travel backpack

Cami Williams

travel bags 35l

Flight Approved Water Resistant Luggage Suitcase Traveler Gift

Looking for specific info, customer reviews.

  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 80% 12% 4% 1% 2% 80%
  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 80% 12% 4% 1% 2% 12%
  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 80% 12% 4% 1% 2% 4%
  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 80% 12% 4% 1% 2% 1%
  • 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 80% 12% 4% 1% 2% 2%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the backpack for its travelability, roominess, and build quality. They mention it's easy to tote, has plenty of pockets, and is reliable. Some appreciate the size and design.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the backpack for its roomy design. They mention it has plenty of space for a week's worth of clothes, plenty of pockets, and a few hiding spots. Customers also like the structure of the main pocket with the zippered flap. They appreciate the easy access of the front pockets and the structured inside.

"...The simple design with its external pockets kept things organized and easy to access...." Read more

"...It’s big without seeming bulky; it is just as spacious as a carryon but fits just enough under an airplane seat to pass as a personal item; the..." Read more

"...In general, I like the structure of the main pocket with the zippered flap it was easy to store smaller clothing items and keep bulkier stuff in the..." Read more

"...We used it last year for 2 months in Scotland and it was perfect. Large capacity , sturdy, good quality, and versatile with carry straps and handles...." Read more

Customers like the travelability of the backpack. They mention it's easy to tote, has plenty of space for a three-day travel, and handles travel well. Some say it'll be good enough for many trips.

" This pack was perfect . I used it for a 2 week backpack journey through Europe and it held up amazingly...." Read more

"...It’s fairly lightweight . The zippers function well. The straps are adjustable. Bag is very versatile. Love it!" Read more

"...The practical usability for carrying is quite good . The padding on the pack and straps were comfortable and I never felt like the straps dug in...." Read more

"...These bags can be used as your carry-on ...." Read more

Customers like the build quality of the backpack. They mention it's well-made, reliable, and versatile. Customers also say the handles on the top and side are still sturdy. They appreciate the good size and protection.

"...I used it for a 2 week backpack journey through Europe and it held up amazingly ...." Read more

"...The zipper hasn’t stuck, it hasn’t ripped , and the handles on the top and side are still sturdy...." Read more

"This bag feels well made and is a great size for travel...." Read more

"...Large capacity, sturdy , good quality, and versatile with carry straps and handles. The 2nd one is for my wife. Great value!" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the size of the backpack. They mention it fits easily into the overhead space on the plane and under the seat. Customers also like the hidden pocket to prevent theft and the pocket for the straps.

"...It’s also the perfect size for carry on luggage on any plane train or automobile so that was nice knowing i could bring it anywhere...." Read more

"...bulky; it is just as spacious as a carryon but fits just enough under an airplane seat to pass as a personal item; the whole back is padded along..." Read more

"This bag feels well made and is a great size for travel ...." Read more

"...They were easy to carry, easily fit in the various airlines ' overhead space, and had about the right amount of storage for a 3 week trip with access..." Read more

Customers like the design of the backpack. They mention it's well-designed, stylish, and has a decent number of pockets. Some say it'll be good for a one-day personal bag or for work.

"...under the seat bag for an upcoming trip and the overall functional design fits my needs perfectly . It’s fairly lightweight...." Read more

"...The main compartment area worked great for clothing and proved to have enough structure to allow me to pack a painting in one bag with just some..." Read more

"... Good bag . Only thing that would make it better would be a padded hip belt. It doesn’t have a hip belt at all, only a chest clip." Read more

Customers like the comfort of the backpack. They mention the straps are comfortable, the padding on the pack and straps feel comfortable, and they never feel like the strap dug in. Customers also say the backpack is soft, lightweight, and has the capacity to hold items.

"... Shoulder straps were comfortable enough so that when walking miles between towns it was still not painful on my shoulders...." Read more

"...The padding on the pack and straps were comfortable and I never felt like the straps dug in...." Read more

"...Was comfortable to wear , and was made with durable materials. The zippers are high quality. Which is where you'll often see issues with bags/cases...." Read more

"...like there was a little bit of padding in the body so it was comfortable on my back ...." Read more

Customers appreciate the value for money of the backpack. They mention it's well worth the price and can fit a week's worth of clothes.

"...I think it really is worth the money and I would recommend it to anyone." Read more

"...The 2nd one is for my wife. Great value !" Read more

"This backpack was not very expensive . I recently took it on a trip to the Pacific NW...." Read more

"...Worked for Ryanair carryon restrictions as well. Seriously an excellent value and would 100% recommend...." Read more

Customers like the padded straps of the backpack. They mention the shoulder straps and back are vented, which should be comfortable in hot climates. Customers also appreciate the two straps on each side that allow them to cinch the bag. They say the straps are adjustable and secure.

"...enough under an airplane seat to pass as a personal item; the whole back is padded along with the straps, so it doesn’t really dig in to the..." Read more

"...It’s fairly lightweight. The zippers function well. The straps are adjustable . Bag is very versatile. Love it!" Read more

"...Large capacity, sturdy, good quality, and versatile with carry straps and handles . The 2nd one is for my wife. Great value!" Read more

"...This is because the shoulder straps are stitched inside the laptop zippered area forcing this compartment to be open at all times...." Read more

Reviews with images

Customer Image

Pretty good product! It did its job admirably!

Customer Image

  • Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

travel bags 35l

Top reviews from other countries

Customer image

  • Amazon Newsletter
  • About Amazon
  • Accessibility
  • Sustainability
  • Press Center
  • Investor Relations
  • Amazon Devices
  • Amazon Science
  • Sell on Amazon
  • Sell apps on Amazon
  • Supply to Amazon
  • Protect & Build Your Brand
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Become a Delivery Driver
  • Start a Package Delivery Business
  • Advertise Your Products
  • Self-Publish with Us
  • Become an Amazon Hub Partner
  • › See More Ways to Make Money
  • Amazon Visa
  • Amazon Store Card
  • Amazon Secured Card
  • Amazon Business Card
  • Shop with Points
  • Credit Card Marketplace
  • Reload Your Balance
  • Amazon Currency Converter
  • Your Account
  • Your Orders
  • Shipping Rates & Policies
  • Amazon Prime
  • Returns & Replacements
  • Manage Your Content and Devices
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • Registry & Gift List
  • Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Notice
  • Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
  • Your Ads Privacy Choices

Barabash is a rural locality, the administrative center of the Barabashsky Rural Settlement, part of the Khasansky District in Primorsky Krai in Russia.

travel bags 35l

More information and contact

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barabash_(rural_locality)

Coordinates 43°11'23.614" N 131°29'46.01" E

Sygic Travel - A Travel Guide in Your Pocket

Get it on Google Play

More interesting places

  • Privacy Policy
  • STOCK 360° TRAVEL VIDEOS

IMAGES

  1. 36" Polyester Rolling Wheeled Duffel Bag Travel Duffel Bag on Wheel (Brrgundy)

    travel bags 35l

  2. Gimay Weekend Travel Bag Women Overnight Duffle Canvas Tote Bags … (Grey)

    travel bags 35l

  3. American Tourister X Bag Travel 1 25 inch/64 cm Travel Duffel Bag Rust

    travel bags 35l

  4. Allpa 35L Travel Pack

    travel bags 35l

  5. Evoc CP 35L Camera Backpack

    travel bags 35l

  6. 35L Sports Travel Backpack Camping Hiking Unisex Rucksack Shoulder Laptop Bag Pack

    travel bags 35l

VIDEO

  1. Honest Review BANGE Travel 35L Carry on Backpack

  2. Adventure Awaits: Moss Green 35L & 45L Wolfpak

  3. iFootage Beava 35 Camera Bag Review

  4. Evergoods CTB 35 vs GORUCK GR2

  5. The affordable travel bag you need👀💼#travel #travelbag #fashion #mensfashion #womensfashion

  6. Dominance |35 L Laptop bag| High quality and Practical

COMMENTS

  1. The 6 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for 2024

    Best small carry-on bag for most situations: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack. Best large bag for most situations: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L. Best mobile office: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L ...

  2. Amazon.com: 35l Travel Backpack

    Taygeer Carry On Backpack, 35l Travel Backpack for Women Airline Approved, Cute Underseat Personal Item Travel Bag With Shoe Compartment, Casual Daypack Gifts for Friend Hiking Outdoor Weekend,Blue ... TSA Personal Item Travel Bag for Airplanes, Waterproof Carry on Bag Flight Approved 35L Daypack with 2 Packing Cubes, Fits 15.6" Laptop, Black ...

  3. Amazon.com: 35 Liter Travel Backpack

    LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack for Women,35L Carry On Backpack for Airplanes,15.6 Inch Laptop Personal Item Travel Bag,TSA Approved Carry On Luggage,Waterproof Weekender Business Hiking Bag. Options: 3 sizes. 30. 200+ bought in past month. $3936. Save 10% with coupon. FREE delivery Sat, Jul 27.

  4. Amazon.com: 35 Liter Backpack Travel

    Amazon.com: 35 liter backpack travel. Skip to main content.us. Delivering to Lebanon 66952 Update location All. Select the department you ...

  5. The 11 Best Carry-on Travel Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

    The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack earned our top pick as the best carry-on backpack with its perfect performance in all categories of our testing. We loved its high capacity and thought the ...

  6. Allpa 35L Travel Pack

    Our newly redesigned Allpa 35L reflects our quest for pack perfection. While all the customer-favorite features of our bestselling Allpas remain, we've made a few game-changing updates. New features include better weight distribution and air mesh shoulder straps for an ultra-comfortable carry, an exterior stretch water bottle pocket, and a luggage pass-through strap that easily slides over ...

  7. This Cotopaxi Travel Backpack Is Writer-approved

    For such a functional bag, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is also very aesthetically ... the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack starts at $200 and has an impressive 4.7-star average rating from ...

  8. The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

    The Allpa also comes in 35L, 42L, ... Travel luggage takes a beating, so durability is a top concern. Luckily, gear manufacturers realize this and are making increasingly burly yet portable packs.

  9. 35L Travel Backpack

    Designed in a solid hue, it features a sleeve at the back for slipping over the telescoping handle of your luggage bag for effortless maneuverability. Open Story™: Every journey inspires a new chapter. Dimensions (Overall): 19.25 Inches (H) x 13 Inches (W) x 8.25 Inches (D) Weight: 2.6 Pounds. Suggested Age: 18 Years and Up.

  10. This Is the Only Carry-On Bag I Use for Travel. Here's Why

    While it offers 35L of internal storage, the bag doesn't feel too big or cumbersome, and it doesn't sag awkwardly when not filled to the brim. Sean Tirman. The Allpa 35L Pack, by contrast, is still within those size guidelines but is much easier to squeeze into tight spots because of its non-rigid construction.

  11. YETI Crossroads 35 L Travel Backpack

    The Crossroads® 35L Backpack is a high-capacity vault for your clothes, snacks, and travel gear. This is the one-bagger you'll depend on through long workdays that demand a lot of gear, and weekend trips where you'd prefer to skip baggage claim. A clamshell opening combines the 180° fold-open packing convenience of a suitcase with the ...

  12. The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

    To help you make the right choice, we tested 32 carry-on backpacks in our New York testing lab and in the real world. We tested for capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. Our Top Picks. Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack at Amazon $200. Jump to Review.

  13. Standard Luggage Co. 35L Travel Backpack for Air Travel

    Maelstrom Travel Backpack for Women Men,35L Laptop Backpack Fits 17-Inch Laptop,Waterproof Carry On Backpack for Airplanes with Detachable Crossbody Bag&Shoe Compartment,Black, Large 512 $48.48 $ 48 . 48

  14. Best Travel Backpack: How To Pick In 2024

    8.0/10: EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) (Best for carry comfort) 7.6/10: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L (Best built-in packing cubes) 7.5/10: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack (Best for showing a little personality) See all reviews: Travel Backpacks. How to Select The Best Backpack for One Bag Travel

  15. Bange Travel Backpack 35L Review: A Budget Nomad Bag

    Quick Verdict on Bange Travel Backpack 35L. The 35L Bange Travel Backpack is worth a buy if you're looking for a reliable, comfortable and stylish backpack but on a budget. The key selling point is its spaciousness. It can fit in your laptop, clothes, books and other items. The adjustable padded straps provide maximum comfort and the ...

  16. CIVIC Travel Bag 35L

    CIVIC Travel Bag 35L Your ONE bag for ALL your adventure and travel. Exceptional fit, intuitive and expansive 3D pocket layout. Best in class breathability and durability mono mesh back panel construction. - ... CIVIC Travel Bag 35L. $349.00. Color. Qty. Sold Out.

  17. EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) Review

    EVERGOODS Civic Travel Bag 35L (CTB35) | Carrying comfort lands somewhere between the middle of the CPL28 V2 and CTB40. Comfort-wise, the CTB35 is not as taut as the smaller CPL28 V2. We feel that the CPL28 V2 is easier to wield and is a much better expression of a minimal travel bag that you can also use for everyday carry. The CTB35 ...

  18. Adventure Duffle, Medium, 35L

    Our high quality bags & travel gear is designed to go the distance. Skip to main content. Fall Sale: UP TO 50% OFF Prices as Shown. Ends 9/24. Shop Now . FREE SHIPPING with $75 Purchase - or - FREE with the L.L.Bean Mastercard Details . Customer Service. 800-441-5713; ... Medium, 35L 0.0 ...

  19. Average temperature and precipitation by months and years: Barabash

    Weather chronicle: Barabash (Primorsky krai, Russia) (air temperature, precipitation by months and years).

  20. Vancropak 35L Traveling Backpack, Flight Approved Carry on Backpack

    FIUAIE Large Carry On Travel Backpack: 35L Women Personal Item Bag for Airlines Fits 15.6 inch Laptop Waterproof Casual Daypack for Weekender Hiking Anti-theft TSA Airline Approved Luggage Backpack 4.3 out of 5 stars 81

  21. Primorsky Krai

    Primorsky Krai (Russian: Приморский край, lit. 'coastal territory'), informally known as Primorye (Приморье, [prʲɪˈmorʲjɪ]), is a federal subject (a krai) of Russia, part of the Far Eastern Federal District in the Russian Far East.The city of Vladivostok on the southern coast of the krai is its administrative center, and the second largest city in the Russian Far ...

  22. Barabash (rural locality)

    Barabash was founded in 1884, named after Yakov Barabash, who was then chairman of a commission on the delineation of the Russo-Chinese border.In 1937, Barabashky District was created with its center in the village, but on 7 May 1947 was replaced by Khasansky District when the district center moved to Khasan. [1]From 1955 until 2012, [5] Barabash was the location of the headquarters of the ...

  23. Barabash in Primorsky Krai, Russia

    Barabash is a rural locality, the administrative center of the Barabashsky Rural Settlement, part of the Khasansky District in Primorsky Krai in Russia.