The Best Carry-On Backpacks for Owning the Overhead Bin

Like any good travel companion, there are loads of zippers, pouches, and pockets, so you don’t have to make like your dad and wear cargo pants through the TSA.

Best Comfortable Carry-On Backpack: Alo Stow Backpack

Small but mighty, the Alo Stow Backpack has a matte neoprene shell which (aside from being water-resistant) makes the pack soft and malleable while always keeping its shape—even when I’m cramming it in between seats. I like that its chunky, jam-free zippers allow me to grab it and open compartments from any angle, too. While other backpack straps have a way of twisting and feeling like daggers cutting into my shoulders, Alo figured out the delicate balance of having lightweight straps that can support up to 75 pounds of weight against my back while staying firmly in place. The roomy main compartment, two exterior zipper pockets, water bottle pouch, interior pocket, and laptop sleeve that can fit my entire packing list just sweeten the deal.

Best Carry-On Backpack for Travel: CalPak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

The torture of a long-haul flight is usually followed up by what feels like equally long Uber wait times—which can make even the lightest of backpacks start to feel heavy. Thankfully, the CalPak Terra 26L’s best feature is that it easily converts from backpack to duffel in under five seconds, making it a pleasure to stand in line with. (Its adjustable shoulder straps are also detachable for even more versatility.) But perhaps its most impressive feature is the compression straps with buckles that keep anything important or fragile from shifting around inside. Made from recycled ripstop polyester, it also sports a 17” laptop sleeve and comes with a bonus sling bag.

Best Water-Resistant Carry-On Backpack: Rains Rolltop Rucksack

I’ve been a fan of Rains since I first acquired their waterproof (read: basically floodproof) backpack, which I still use to this day. I’m equally infatuated with their Rolltop Rucksack: Minimalist, refined, durable, and with black-hole-levels of storage, this bag’s sensibly sized dimensions allow for easy storage under an airline seat or in the overhead bin. The rolled top secures with a lobster clasp to make sure I can tightly squeeze in all of my chargers and gear or let things breathe a little if I’m simply packing a hoodie or two. I also thoroughly enjoy the side pockets which ensure I’m able to slip in everything from my earbuds to a pack of gum with ease. Plus, there’s a two-year warranty should anything happen to your pack.

Best Everyday Carry-On Backpack: Lululemon Cruiser Backpack 23L

As a frequent traveler, storage is a huge priority for me, and when I found this high-quality backpack from Lululemon in a retro-fun style, I immediately had to have it. The Lululemon Cruiser has a pocket for everything and then some, from the external hard shell case that protects my favorite sunnies to the quick-access side and front pockets where I stash toiletries and travel-sized packets of Morning Kick (the Chuck Norris-approved digestion aid I swear by to combat fatigue, traveler’s tummy and jet lag on trips). Despite being so slim, this bag had a solid amount of padding meant for laptop protection and a strap to slip it right onto your rolling bag. I also love that the poly-nylon fabric is water-repellent and made to keep everything safe even when I inevitably spill my inflight drink.

What to Look For in a Carry-On Backpack

First of all, you need to be able to, well, carry on your carry-on bag—which means it’s got to be small enough to squeeze by airline restrictions (you’re generally safe with anything 40L or smaller). A true goldilocks carry-on luggage pick features multiple pockets and compartments, is comfortable enough to lug through an airport, and looks good enough to make us feel stylish even on the most brutal of travel days. Bonus points for extras including packing cubes, hip belts, water bottle storage, laptop sleeves, water resistance, and easy-access compartments. Most importantly, make sure to pick the carry-on backpack that works best for you—i.e., don’t just snag the first pack you find on Amazon without making sure it addresses your specific travel needs.

How We Tested

GQ has been testing and reviewing men’s backpacks for years, and we’re currently conducting in-depth testing on the top carry-on travel packs. We’ll continue to update our selections in this guide as we pack, carry on, and rack up air miles with these bags. When evaluating the best travel backpacks and carry-on backpacks, we first consider durability. Does the bag have durable fabric, internal frames, or waterproofing? Next, we consider how much travel gear can be stored inside. Access is also important, and we check to see how easily we can reach our items from the various pockets and compartments. When we go hands-on, we load up the backpacks with gear and other personal items to see how comfortable they are during long walks. We hate back sweat as much as any traveler, and we’re looking for bags with generous and comfy padding in all the right places. Finally, we check to see how much wear and tear the bag sustains. Whenever possible, we used the bags as carry-ons during air travel to see how travel-friendly (and “carry-on size”) they really are. Since this is GQ, there’s one final test: the fit test. We want to see which bags earn unsolicited compliments and look best on our backs. Call us vain if you like, but we believe looking your best is a sign of self-respect and its own reward.