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Our top pick: LOVEVOOK 40L Personal-Item Backpack (Budget-airline carry-on)
Travel backpacks vary widely in size, so the right pick depends on how strictly your airline enforces bag limits.
This list runs from under-seat personal-item packs to larger expandable and 50L designs.
On this page
- Our Top Picks
- LOVEVOOK 40L Personal-Item Backpack
- LOVEVOOK 40L Multi-Compartment Pack
- MATEIN Slim Under-Seat Laptop Backpack
- SHRRADOO 50L Extra-Large Laptop Backpack
- Taygeer Women's Lightweight Carry-On Pack
- Taygeer Men's Lightweight Laptop Carry-On
- MATEIN Expandable Weekend Carry-On
- Volher Slim Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
- tomtoc 40L Recycled-Fabric Carry-On
- Swissdigital 31L USB Laptop Backpack
- Start with airline size limits
- Think about how you pass security
- Match organization to your trip style
- Be realistic about capacity
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Category verdict
| LOVEVOOK 40L Personal-Item Backpack |
| Budget-airline carry-on | 18x14x8 inches, budget-airline sized | Three packing cubes plus a wet pocket | Separate laptop compartment, 180-degree opening | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| LOVEVOOK 40L Multi-Compartment Pack |
| Organized 3-5 day trips | Four main compartments, three packing cubes | Side straps compress a full pack | Dedicated electronics compartment on back | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| MATEIN Slim Under-Seat Laptop Backpack |
| Slim under-seat commuter | Under-seat size of 18x12x7.8 inches | Hidden anti-theft back pocket | Separate compartment for 15.6-inch laptop | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| SHRRADOO 50L Extra-Large Laptop Backpack |
| Maximum-capacity 50L | Stated 50L capacity | Twenty independent pockets | Password lock device included | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Taygeer Women's Lightweight Carry-On Pack |
| Handbag-to-backpack carry | Includes a shoe bag and wet pocket | Stated weight of 1.74 lb | Carried as a handbag or backpack | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Taygeer Men's Lightweight Laptop Carry-On |
| Light laptop carry-on | Includes a shoe bag and wet pocket | Stated weight of 1.74 lb | Carried as a handbag or backpack | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| MATEIN Expandable Weekend Carry-On |
| Expandable weekender | Unzips to a stated 45L | Hideaway shoulder straps | Sternum strap, four compression straps | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Volher Slim Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack |
| Slim anti-theft commuter | Laptop compartment holds up to 15.6 inches | Hidden anti-theft pocket on back | Mesh side pockets for bottle or umbrella | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| tomtoc 40L Recycled-Fabric Carry-On |
| Recycled-fabric 40L pack | Tech compartment fits 17-inch laptop | Recycled fabric with YKK zippers | Chest buckle and luggage pass-through strap | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Swissdigital 31L USB Laptop Backpack |
| Built-in USB-C charging | Internal power bank pocket, USB-C cable | Integrated RFID protection pocket | Bag volume stated as 31L | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
LOVEVOOK 40L Personal-Item Backpack
The listing names Spirit, Frontier and JetBlue alongside its 18x14x8 inch dimensions.
A cushioned laptop compartment and 180-degree opening are listed for security checks.
Its listed 18x14x8 inch size caps how much it can carry compared with the larger packs here.
- Size:18x14x8 inches
- Capacity:Titled as 40L
- Laptop:Cushioned compartment; titled for 17-inch laptop
- Opening:180-degree design for security checks
- Packing cubes:Three, including two storage bags and a shoe bag
- Wet pocket:Built-in wet compartment
- Luggage strap:Back strap slips over a suitcase handle
- Zippers:No-slip metal zippers
- Warranty:One-year warranty
LOVEVOOK 40L Multi-Compartment Pack
The listing says it holds clothing for 3-5 days plus a 17.3-inch laptop and a 12.9-inch iPad.
A box-style structure opens 180 degrees, with the electronics compartment positioned for quick removal at security.
Listed at 18x14x8 inches, so its capacity is bounded by personal-item dimensions.
- Size:18x14x8 inches
- Capacity:Titled as 40L
- Laptop:Listed for a 17.3-inch laptop and 12.9-inch iPad
- Compartments:Four main compartments
- Packing cubes:Three supplied
- Wet area:Separate dry and wet compartment
- Compression:Side straps compress the pack
- Luggage strap:Back strap attaches to a suitcase
- Electronics:Back compartment for quick security removal
MATEIN Slim Under-Seat Laptop Backpack
The front compartment adds pen pockets and a key fob hook for small items.
A luggage strap slides over a suitcase upright handle tube.
Its listed footprint is slimmer than the 18x14x8 inch LOVEVOOK pack.
- Size:18x12x7.8 inches
- Laptop:Holds 15.6-inch and smaller laptops
- Main space:Spacious packing compartment
- Front pockets:Pen pockets and key fob hook
- Security pocket:Hidden anti-theft pocket on back
- Luggage strap:Slides over suitcase handle tube
- Back panel:Padded, ventilated multi-layer cushioning
- Fabric:Water-resistant polyester, metal zippers
- Top handle:Foam-padded
SHRRADOO 50L Extra-Large Laptop Backpack
The padded laptop compartment accommodates sizes from 13 inches up to 17 inches.
Three main compartments and side elastic net pockets handle bottles and umbrellas.
At 19.5 x 15 x 11 inches it is larger than the personal-item packs, so airline limits come first.
- Dimensions:19.5x15x11 inches
- Capacity:50L
- Laptop:Padded compartment for 13 to 17-inch laptops
- Pockets:Twenty independent pockets
- Main compartments:Three spacious compartments
- Side pockets:Elastic net pockets for bottles or umbrellas
- Security:Password lock device
- Opening:Unfolds 90-180 degrees for airplane travel
- Back panel:U-shaped 3D ventilation design
Taygeer Women's Lightweight Carry-On Pack
The listing states 16.8x11x7 inches with three main compartments and nine inner and side pockets.
A 180-degree zipper closure is listed for security checks.
The listing names a 15.6-inch laptop as the stated fit.
- Dimensions:16.8x11x7 inches
- Weight:0.79 kg (1.74 lb)
- Pockets:Three main compartments, nine inner and side pockets
- Laptop:Holds a 15.6-inch laptop and 12.9-inch iPad
- Shoe bag:Bonus shoe bag and wet pocket
- Bottle pocket:Fits a Stanley 30 oz cup
- Security scan:180-degree zipper closure
- Airlines:Names Easy Jet, Spirit, Jet Blue, Frontier, United
- Carry options:Two padded handles and a luggage strap
Taygeer Men's Lightweight Laptop Carry-On
The listing states 16.8x11x7 inches with three main compartments and nine inner and side pockets.
A 180-degree zipper closure is listed for security checks.
The listing names a 15.6-inch laptop as the stated fit.
- Dimensions:16.8x11x7 inches
- Weight:0.79 kg (1.74 lb)
- Pockets:Three main compartments, nine inner and side pockets
- Laptop:Holds a 15.6-inch laptop and 12.9-inch iPad
- Shoe bag:Bonus shoe bag and wet pocket
- Security scan:180-degree zipper closure
- Airlines:Names Easy Jet, Spirit, Jet Blue, Frontier, United
- Carry options:Two padded handles and a luggage strap
- Use cases:Weekend, business, school and travel use
MATEIN Expandable Weekend Carry-On
Hideaway straps let it shift between backpack and duffle-style carrying.
The main compartment has internal compression straps and an adjustable sternum strap.
Listed at 19x13x8 inches and 45L expanded, so check airline limits before using the expanded size.
- Dimensions:19x13x8 inches
- Capacity:Expands to 45L
- Weight:1 kg (2.2 lb)
- Hideaway straps:Store in zippered back panel
- Sternum strap:Adjustable up or down
- Compression:Four external straps plus internal elastic straps
- Handles:Two padded grab handles, top and side
- Zippers:Lockable zipper heads
- Fabric:Water-resistant lightweight polyester
Volher Slim Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
A luggage strap slides over a suitcase upright handle tube.
The listing describes a slim USB charging design in polyester with metal zippers.
No airline size is stated in the listing details, so check dimensions before flying.
- Laptop:Fits 15.6-inch and smaller laptops
- Main space:Holds iPad, charger, binders, clothes
- Side pockets:Mesh, for bottle and compact umbrella
- Security pocket:Hidden anti-theft pocket on back
- Luggage strap:Slides over suitcase handle tube
- Back panel:Ventilated multi-panel padding
- Shoulder straps:Breathable and adjustable
- Material:Water-resistant polyester, metal zippers
- Service:One-year after-sales promise
tomtoc 40L Recycled-Fabric Carry-On
The main compartment unzips like a suitcase and also has a quick-access front pocket.
The laptop compartment opens 90 to 180 degrees for security scanning.
At a listed 20.47 x 12.99 x 9 inches it is bigger than the personal-item packs, so airline limits need checking.
- Dimensions:20.47 x 12.99 x 9 inches
- Capacity:Usable 38-40L
- Laptop:Up to 17-inch laptop and 13-inch iPad
- Security scan:Laptop compartment opens 90-180 degrees
- Fabric:100% post-consumer recycled PET
- Zippers:YKK zippers
- Main opening:Unzips like a suitcase
- Chest buckle:Adjustable chest buckle
- Luggage strap:Back luggage pass-through strap
Swissdigital 31L USB Laptop Backpack
You place your own power bank in the internal pocket and connect it to the built-in cable.
A luggage strap lets it attach to a suitcase.
The listing states 31L, so it suits lighter loads than the 40L and 50L packs.
- Capacity:31L
- Power bank pocket:Dedicated internal pocket
- Charging port:External port for charging a phone
- Compatibility:Most USB-C output power banks
- RFID pocket:Integrated RFID protection compartment
- Quick access:One front and two side pockets
- Luggage strap:Attaches to suitcases
- Back panel:3D ventilation system
- Patents:Lists four US patent numbers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best backpack for travel on a plane?
For budget-airline use, the LOVEVOOK 40L is listed at 18x14x8 inches and names Spirit, Frontier and JetBlue.
The MATEIN slim pack is listed at a Frontier-size 18x12x7.8 inches for under-seat use.
What is the best backpack for traveling?
It depends on the trip, since the tomtoc suits a 17-inch laptop and recycled-fabric preference while the MATEIN expandable suits weekend packing flexibility.
What is the number one travel backpack?
No single pack wins every need, but the LOVEVOOK 40L combines personal-item size, cubes and a laptop compartment.
Does TSA allow backpacks as carry-on?
Some listings here describe laptop compartments that open for security scanning.
Airline and security rules are set by the carrier and the airport, so confirm them directly before you travel.
Category verdict
The LOVEVOOK 40L suits budget-airline travelers wanting cubes and a laptop compartment.
The tomtoc suits recycled-fabric buyers who need a 17-inch laptop compartment, while the SHRRADOO suits capacity-first buyers who accept a larger size.