10 Best Carry On Backpacks 2026 in the United States

The MATEIN Mens Backpack is a strong choice for travelers looking for a versatile carry-on bag. Its expandable design offers generous packing space, meeting airline size limits while letting you fit extra items when needed. Weighing just 13.7 ounces, it’s very lightweight, easing the burden when moving through airports or on day trips. Comfort is well addressed with padded, adjustable shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and a sternum strap to help distribute weight more evenly, which is great for longer wear. The backpack converts neatly between a traditional carry-on style and a briefcase look by hiding the shoulder straps, adding flexibility for different travel situations. Organizationally, it includes a front pocket for small essentials like phones and earphones, a large main compartment with compression straps to keep items secure, and multiple grab handles for easy handling.

Durability is impressive due to its water-resistant polyester fabric, sturdy zippers, and solid stitching, which should hold up well under various travel conditions. A luggage strap also lets you attach it securely to a suitcase handle, simplifying transit. On the downside, while the backpack is large, its expandable feature might add extra bulk that could be tricky in very tight overhead bins. Also, it’s designed as a unisex bag but the styling and color options may not suit everyone’s taste. This backpack is well suited for frequent travelers, weekend adventurers, or anyone wanting a practical, lightweight carry-on with smart features and good durability.

The MATEIN 45L Travel Backpack is a solid choice for travelers looking for a large, versatile carry-on bag. With its expandable design, it comfortably meets airline carry-on size rules while offering extra space when you need it. Weighing just over 2 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry without feeling too bulky. Comfort is addressed through adjustable shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and a sternum strap that helps spread the weight evenly across your chest.

The backpack’s convertible style, allowing you to hide the shoulder straps and carry it like a briefcase, adds flexibility for different travel situations. Organization-wise, it includes compartments for essentials like phones and headphones, plus internal compression straps to keep your items secure and neat. It also features four external compression straps that help stabilize the load and protect the zippers. Durability is a strong point thanks to water-resistant polyester, sturdy zippers, and solid stitching, ensuring it can handle various travel conditions.

The relatively large size might be a bit much if you prefer a more compact backpack. Also, while it has many useful features for travelers, those seeking specialized compartments for tech gear or hiking might find it basic. This backpack is well suited for weekend and business travelers who want a reliable, roomy, and comfortable carry-on option with good durability and organization.

The Thule Landmark Backpack 40L is designed as a carry-on-sized travel backpack with a well-balanced 40-liter capacity, making it suitable for short trips or adventure travel. It weighs about 1.44 kilograms (roughly 3.2 pounds), which is relatively light for its size and capacity, helping reduce the load on your back during travel. The backpack offers good organization with six pockets and five compartments, including dedicated padded spaces for a 15" laptop and a 12.9" tablet, which is convenient for keeping electronics safe and accessible.

Its standout security features include the hidden CashStash compartment to protect money and passports, and LoopLocks that secure zipper pulls to deter theft, which is a plus for travelers concerned about pickpockets. The outer material is polyester, noted as lightweight but not water resistant, so it may not perform well in heavy rain without an extra cover. Comfort-wise, it uses basic straps, which may be sufficient for moderate carrying but might not offer the enhanced padding or ergonomic support found in more hiking-focused backpacks.

Durability should be reliable given the brand reputation and polyester build, but the lack of water resistance could be a limitation depending on your travel conditions. This backpack suits travelers looking for a sturdy, organized, and secure carry-on backpack with enough space for essentials, especially those who prioritize theft protection. For travelers expecting frequent wet weather or requiring extra padded comfort for long hiking days, other options might be more appropriate.