10 Best Carry On Backpacks 2025 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 TUMI Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack shines as an everyday travel backpack designed to meet the needs of commuters and travelers alike. Its dimensions of 16.0 x 14.0 x 7.3 inches provide a generous capacity of 265.98 cubic meters, offering ample space for your travel essentials. The backpack also features a zip expansion, making it highly adaptable to various packing needs. Weighing in at 2.8 pounds, it strikes a balance between sturdiness and portability, although it might be on the heavier side for some users when fully packed.

Comfort is well addressed with its padded mesh back panel and adjustable shoulder straps, ensuring a comfortable carry even during extended use. The inclusion of a padded laptop compartment that fits up to a 15” PC or 16” MacBook makes it a tech-friendly option, offering good protection for your devices. Durability is another strong point; as a TUMI product, it is expected to last, backed by a generous warranty (five years for most of its products).

The backpack is constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use. Organizational features are plentiful, with numerous zip pockets for easy access to smaller items. However, the hefty price tag typically associated with TUMI products might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. This backpack is highly suitable for professionals or frequent travelers who value durability, comfort, and organizational efficiency.

The TUMI Alpha Bravo Nomadic Backpack is a premium carry-on backpack designed with durability and convenience in mind. It's large enough to fit a 15-inch laptop and comes with a variety of multifunctional pockets, making it ideal for tech-savvy travelers who need to stay organized. The padded compartment ensures that your laptop remains protected, while the TUMI Tracer helps in case of loss. Its dimensions (18.8 x 15.0 x 9.0 inches) make it spacious, yet it remains lightweight at 3.6 pounds, which is manageable for most adult users.

The backpack also boasts a padded mesh back panel and adjustable shoulder straps for added comfort during travel. Additionally, the bottom zip expansion provides extra storage space when needed. Durability is a strong suit of this backpack, thanks to its robust construction and quality materials. Another handy feature is its compatibility with TUMI+ accessories, making it easily customizable.

However, the capacity mentioned as 0.1 liters seems to be an error, as the actual size is quite substantial. Some users might find the price a bit steep, but the five-year warranty offers peace of mind. For those looking for a reliable, stylish, and comfortable carry-on backpack, the TUMI Alpha Bravo Nomadic Backpack is a compelling option.