Best Carry-On Backpacks I’d Recommend for Travelling Light (2026)

As well as being globally carry-on ready, it’s also got a phenomenal design, great organisation, and it has HUGE amounts of space for its size. Tortuga might be the company that best knows how to create space within their bags so you can pack the compartments to your heart’s content AND it’s nice and light. Want to know more? Read our comprehensive review of the Tortuga Travel Pack then! Check On Tortuga

Step 1 – Pick your size (by trip length)

• 26-35L: Weekends / minimal packers
• 35-45L: One-bag sweet spot
• 45L+: Risky unless compressible
  

Step 2 – Choose your carry style

• Backpack-only
• Backpack/duffel hybrid
• Rolling hybrid

Step 3 – Decide your non-negotiables

• Comfort (harness/hip belt)
• Laptop protection
• Organization style (simple vs pocket-heavy)
• Access style (clamshell vs rolltop)
• Weather resistance + zippers
• Weight (empty bag weight matters)

Step 4 – Quick checklist (use before buying)

• Max laptop size
• Do you need an external bottle pocket?
• Do you hate clamshell? (some people do)
• Will you walk long distances with it?

Nomatic Travel Bag 40L

• Price (USD): $329.99
• Best for: Digital Nomads
• Carry-on fit: Low / Medium Risk
• Capacity: 40L
• Weight (kg) : 1.55
• Dimensions (cm) : 35.56 x 53.34 x 22.86
• Opening style: Clamshell
• Laptop: 16 inch
• Standout feature: Sleek design and high quality materials

Nomatic (Gomatic in Europe) Travel Bag (not to be confused with the Nomatic Travel Pack) is 40L of backpack-engineering-perfection. This bag is carry on compliant with the large majority of airlines, and you’ll be doing it in style and with optimal efficiency.  This is a bag designed for modern, tech-savvy travellers – NOT for hikers/campers. As long as you know how to pack for flying, then this bag has all the space you’ll need.

The Nomatic Travel Bag comes with 20 unique features including a shoe compartment, water bottle container, a secure valuables pocket and a ton of other features like padded shoulder straps and hip belt that made it an easy pick for the best carry on travel backpack. We have tested this pack extensively and several members of of team swear by it. The Nomatic looks and feels great and wins extra points for how softly it sits on our backs.

Both myself and several other TBB teamsters have successfully taken this into the air-craft cabin on countless airlines. We love how sturdy the Nomatic feels no matter whether it is packed to the brim or half empty. It kept its shape due to the quality of the external material without adding too much extra weight.

Tortuga Travel Pack Lite

• Price (USD): $300.00
• Best for: Weekend Breakers
• Carry-on fit: Low / Medium Risk
• Capacity: 40L
• Weight (kg): 1.6
• Dimensions (cm): 55 x 35 x 20
• Opening style: (Clamshell)
• Laptop: 16 inch

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite is designed for travellers who want a streamlined, carry-on-sized pack without the bulk and complexity of heavy travel backpacks. Tortuga built its reputation around “one-bag travel,” and the Lite version strips things down to the essentials while keeping the core design philosophy intact. The bag opens fully clamshell-style like a suitcase, which makes packing far easier than traditional top-loading backpacks – especially when using packing cubes or tech pouches. 

Comfort is also a key part of the design. Unlike many urban travel packs, the Tortuga Lite includes a supportive harness system with padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt to help distribute weight properly during long walks through airports or across cities. The laptop sleeve sits close to your back for better weight balance, and the bag uses durable 630D recycled CORDURA nylon with those ever reliable YKK zippers, materials commonly found in premium travel backpacks. 

In real-world travel, the Lite stands out for its simplicity and practicality. At 40 litres, this one (like many on the list) sits right at the upper edge of what most airlines allow as a carry-on, giving you enough room for week-long minimalist trips.

Aer Travel Pack 3 Backpack

• Price (USD): $333.00
• Best for: Assured carry-on
• Carry-on fit: Low Risk
• Capacity: 35L
• Weight (kg): 1.68
• Dimensions (cm): 55 x 34 x 22
• Opening style: Clamshell
• Laptop: 16 Inch

Pack this bag full for your flight and then carry around just your necessities once you’re at your destination.  It transitions easily from daypack to carry on without screaming, “Backpacker carrying my entire life in my backpack” as you walk by, so great for one bag travel. If you enjoy well-made travel backpacks, you’ll love this one.

This one offers 35L of storage and the corresponding sizing means that you will have very little chance of being forced to pay or check it (unless you fly Ryanair…). That also means you lose one 8th of storage space though.

I took this bag on a recent trip to France and it performed great. One of the stand-out features for me was how strong the zips felt. These chunky zippers were still smooth and more importantly whilst travelling with my laptop, lockable!

Peak Design Travel Pack

• Price (USD): $340.00
• Best for: Medium duration trips
• Carry-on fit: High risk
• Capacity: 45L
• Weight (kg): 2.05
• Dimensions (cm): 56 × 33 × 24
• Opening style: Clamshell

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is one of the most thoughtfully engineered carry-on backpacks on the market. At its core, it’s designed for one-bag travel, with a clever expansion system that lets the bag shift between 30L (compressed), 35L (standard carry-on size), and a full 45L when expanded.

What really sets the bag apart is its design philosophy. Peak Design built the pack around accessibility and organization, so you can reach your gear from almost any angle. The bag offers rear, side, and front access panels, meaning you can pack it like a suitcase but still grab items quickly on the go. Inside you’ll find structured compartments, padded sleeves for laptops and tablets, and compatibility with Peak Design’s modular packing and camera cubes, making it equally suited to digital nomads, photographers, or travellers carrying some tech.

I absolutely love this pack but do note that it’s one of the roomier – therefore bigger – ones so it may not always be carry-on compliant and I can hard guarantee that Ryanair will fine you/throw your in a dungeon unless you buy there ‘Ryanair Premium – Oxygen Included’ extras package.

Pakt – The Travel Backpack

• Price (USD): $200.00
• Best for: Strict packers
• Carry-on fit: Low
• Capacity: 35L(45L version exits)
• Weight (kg): 1.89
• Dimensions (cm): 55 x 32 x 21
• Opening style: Panel
• Laptop: 14 Inch

The Pakt Travel Backpack 35 is designed as a hybrid between a suitcase and a backpack – ideal for travellers who want the organisation of luggage but the mobility of a pack. Its signature feature is the bi-fold clamshell design. Instead of one large bucket-style compartment, the bag opens into two large zippered sections, almost like a piece of carry-on luggage. This makes packing far more organized than traditional backpacks – you can keep clothes on one side and tech or accessories on the other without needing a stack of packing cubes

This makes packing extremely intuitive – clothes can go on one side, tech or accessories on the other, and everything stays visible without digging around the bottom of the bag. It’s a particularly appealing system for travellers who like structure and organisation rather than the single-bucket packing style of many hiking-inspired packs.

That said, the (unique & unconventional) access and organisation systems is not for everybody – personally I prefer a more classic clamshell Ala the Tortuga.

Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

• Price (USD): $250.00
• Best for: Organised packers
• Carry-on fit: Low / Medium Risk
• Capacity: 30 – 40L
• Weight (kg): 1.5
• Dimensions (cm): 50-51 cm x 30 cm x 19-23 cm
• Opening style: Rolltop / Panel
• Laptop: 15 Inch

Tropicfeels flagship product, the Shell, is a small to medium backpack-sized with big ambitions. First up, it is a 3-1 extendable backpack that starts out as a 22-litre pack, then rolls up to 30 litres before the addition of a detachable pouch turns it into a 40-litre titan – how cool is that?!

Aside from being a 3-in-1 adjustable backpack, which you can adapt to use as a day pack, overnight pack and carry-on pack, the Shell also has another novel feature; its detachable hanging packing cube which acts as a portable, pre-loaded travel wardrobe. Packing and unpacking your backpack has never been this easy. When I first tested this backpack is blew my mind. Not only does it feel good to carry, but the organisational functionality made my packing and unpacking so much easier.

While you’re on the road, the compartment system keeps all of your belongings organised and neatly put away, so you can easily access everything without leaving a mess afterwards.

This by far one of the most unique packs I ever tried. While not everybody will want to use the packing-cane wardrobe all of the time, the pack has rightful found itself a dedicated fanbase. The packs materials and build quality are also excellent and backpack feels like it was built to last a few year

Osprey Farpoint/Farview (40 liter)

• Price (USD): $189
• Best for: Budget backpackers
• Carry-on fit: Low / Medium Risk
• Capacity: 40L
• Weight (kg): 1.36
• Dimensions (cm): 53.34 x 35.56 x 22.86
• Opening style: Clamshell
• Laptop: 15 Inch

Being 40 liters, the Osprey Farpoint (Farview in the female version) 40 is the perfect size for a carry on, as you’ll be able to take this on 99% of flights. This bag is very well designed, has amazing organization, while still being super minimalistic. It can be used as for traveling, camping, hiking, hitching, and even for your work. This bag is really the best of all worlds, as even digital nomads and tech-savvy travellers use it as their number one backpack.

Like the AER Travel Pack 3 Bag, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is also both a backpack, and a duffel bag, which enables you to use the bag in different ways depending on your situation.

The Osprey Farpoint is a popular bag amongst all of our team – we bloody love it. One of the stand-out features everyone seems to mention is just how much you can fit inside this for its size. The clamshell opening combined with internal and external compression straps are a gamechanger.

Be sure to read our full Osprey Farpoint 40 review.

Stubble & Co Travel Pack

• Price (USD): $300.00
• Best for: Those who want more
• Carry-on fit: High risk
• Capacity: 40L
• Weight (kg): 1.49
• Dimensions (cm): 53.34 x 35.56 x 22.86
• Opening style: Clamshell
• Laptop: 16 Inch

The Travel Bag from Stubble & Co is a mod on their previous Adventure bag which no longer exists.

Not only does this one follow the trend of providing a clamshell opening, it goes one step further by instead opening up into two mesh-covered areas. Not only that but each side is divided up into several different-sized zippered compartments. I am such a massive fan of this and it helps me keep all my gear super organised and fits my packing cubes in perfectly.

In terms of capacity, when combined with the superior organisational features, it offers the perfect size for both long backpacking trips, weekend breaks and short holidays. The size also means the bag is compliant for carry-on travel which is such a time and money saver on the road, not to mention lowering the possibility of your gear getting lost!

The material on is tough, durable and weather resistant whilst being completely soft-sided with no rigid elements – it can handle all that backpacking can throw its way.

Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

• Price (USD): $160
• Best for: Hikers
• Carry-on fit: Low Risk
• Capacity: 36L
• Weight (kg): 1.54
• Dimensions (cm): 68 x 37.26 x 27
• Opening style: Panel
• Laptop: N/A

Osprey make quality backpacks (we’ve featured 3 of them), and the Osprey Stratos 36 is a sterling example of that and it rates as one of the best ultralight backpacks on the market – honestly, you will not believe how light this backpack feels!!!

The Osprey Stratos is a hiking bag first, and a travel bag second. While it may look a bit out of place in an airport, the true backpackers out there will be well used to this style of backpack.

And also, at 33 or 36 litres (depending on the size you buy) you can be 100% assured that this bag is ALWAYS going to be with you on the plane. On that point, this bag comes in two sizes. The S/M is 33 litres and the M/L is 36 litres. While we adore lightweight travel here, 33 litres is small and is not recommended to travel for long periods of time.

The 36 litres could definitely double as a hiking bag and a travel bag – you just need to be prepared to go super minimal. If you do then you’ll have one of the coolest hiking backpacks on the market!

Salkan – The Carry On

• Price (USD): $335
• Best for: Modern day old skoolers
• Carry-on fit: Low Risk
• Capacity: 35L
• Weight (kg): 1.8
• Dimensions (cm): 55 x 31 x 22
• Opening style: Panel
• Laptop: 16 Inch

The Salkan Carry-On 35L is a backpack built for travellers who want the simplicity of a carry-on with the comfort of a proper backpacking pack. Designed by long-term travellers, it blends a clean travel-pack layout with a hiking-style harness system, meaning it carries much more comfortably than many boxy travel backpacks. The bag opens wide for easy packing but still keeps a streamlined, minimal silhouette that works well in airports, trains, and long overland travel days.

The Salkan pack uses durable outdoor materials and a supportive carry system with padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, and removable hip belt. This makes a noticeable difference when the bag is fully loaded, especially if you’re navigating long airport walks or hauling it across cobbled streets and bus stations. The bag also includes thoughtful travel details like multiple zip pockets, external attachment points, and space for modular packing cubes or camera inserts.

At 35L, it’s large enough for minimalist one-bag trips but still compact enough to fit most overhead compartments without drama. The bag isn’t ultralight, but the trade-off is durability and comfort – it’s built from tough recycled polyester fabrics and designed to handle years of travel abuse. For travellers who want a rugged, adventure-ready carry-on that still works seamlessly for flights, and hikes then this piece of worth considering. It also rocks the classic backpack design like no others – 1920’s Boy Scouts used similar looking gear.

Matador Globe Rider 35

• Price (USD): $299.90
• Best for:
• Carry-on fit: Low Risk
• Capacity: 35L
• Weight (kg): 1.56
• Dimensions (cm): 51 x 31 x 22
• Opening style: Clamshell / Panel
• Laptop: 16 Inch

The Matador GlobeRider 35 is a travel backpack designed for travellers who want the organization of a suitcase with the comfort and durability of a proper trekking pack. Unlike many travel packs that feel boxy and rigid, the GlobeRider borrows heavily from outdoor backpack design. It features a structured harness system, breathable back panel, load lifters, and a removable hip belt – this one it carries comfortably even when fully loaded and sat on my hips like a cushion.

Where the GlobeRider really shines though is access and organisation. The main compartment opens fully clamshell-style for suitcase-style packing, but it also includes a top-loading entry, giving you two different ways to get to your gear depending on the situation. Around the pack you’ll find thoughtful travel features like an external admin panel, a dual-access laptop sleeve with a false bottom, a large stash pocket, and even a hidden “smuggler’s pocket” behind the back panel for valuables/contrabands.

In real-world travel, the GlobeRider hits a particularly nice balance between structure, durability, and carry-on practicality. At 35 litres the Globe Rider is sized specifically to meet most airline carry-on limits while still offering enough capacity for minimalist one-bag trips of a week or more. The downsides? Well $300 + is a lot of buck to throw for a sub-40L pack.

Osprey Sojourn Porter

• Price (USD): $180
• Best for: Adventurous techies
• Carry-on fit: High Risk
• Capacity: 46L
• Weight (kg): 1.56
• Dimensions (cm): 80 x 35.5 x 22.8
• Opening style: Clamshell
• Laptop: 16 Inch

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 is the largest backpack for carry-on on this list – and while it still can be carry on compliant… you’re rolling the dice a wee bit with this one (smaller more compliant models are available but I find them too small and too compliant the wee little bootlickers…).

But for some people though this might be the perfect bag to roll the dice with! Aside from being a great hiking/camping/travelling backpack, the Osprey Porter 46 is hands down the best old-school backpacking backpack that handles a laptop. Because of the side panels, the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 is one of the sturdiest and strongest bags on the market – which has obvious benefits if you are travelling with a laptop, it’s one of the best nomad backpacks for this reason.

Aside from that you are obviously still getting the perks of buying Osprey gear, including amazing customer support, and that lifetime guarantee.

I have had this pack for about 6 years now. I still love its style and how sturdy it is. The organisational capacity is basic but practical and you can pack all you need for a week or so. It is a bit heavier than some other packs but there are side carry handles for when your back needs a rest.

Check out our full review of the Osprey Sojourn Porter! 

The best present of all… is CONVENIENCE!

Now, you could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card! REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Buy on REI!

Choosing the best carry-on backpack ultimately comes down to how you travel. Some travellers want maximum organisation and structure, others prioritise comfort and durability, and some simply want the biggest bag they can take onto a plane without risking gate-check drama.

Well we focused on backpacks that actually work in the real world. That means airline-friendly sizing, comfortable harness systems, durable materials, and thoughtful organisation that makes living out of the bag easier.

If you’re looking for the simplest, most practical carry-on pack, the Tortuga Lite remains one of the best all-round choices. For travellers who want a dependable pack that just works, it’s hard to go wrong here.

The Osprey Farpoint/Farview is another classic for a reason. It’s comfortable, well-ventilated, and carries more like a trekking pack than most travel backpacks.

Finally, if you’re someone who loves structure and suitcase-style organisation, the Pakt Travel Backpack  is a unique offering – provided you’re happy to accept its slightly heavier weight and more rigid packing layout.

What are your thoughts? Have we forgotten any of the best carry-on packs? Let us know in the comments below 🙂