Unearth The Voyage
Finding the perfect carry-on backpack can feel like an impossible mission. After testing 18 different bags on real trips, we discovered that only half truly delivered on comfort, organization, and ease of use. Whether you need serious storage or sleek simplicity, these top performers transformed our travel experience from stressful to surprisingly smooth.
1. Peak Design Travel Backpack
GQ crowned this the best overall pick for good reason. The 45-liter capacity gives you plenty of room for a week’s worth of clothes, but when you need less space, it compresses down to 35 liters with built-in straps.
Organization is where this bag truly shines. Multiple compartments and easy-access panels mean you can grab what you need without dumping everything out at airport security.
Packing and unpacking become way less frustrating thanks to the thoughtful layout. Every pocket serves a purpose, keeping your gear sorted and accessible throughout your journey.
2. JanSport Venture Pack
Your laptop deserves better protection than being tossed around in a regular compartment. JanSport designed this bag with a laptop sleeve that sits against your back, creating a more secure and balanced carry.
The main compartment opens completely flat, almost like a suitcase. This clamshell design makes packing so much easier because you can see everything at once instead of digging through a dark hole.
Sized perfectly for carry-on requirements, this pack fits overhead bins without any awkward shoving. It strikes a nice balance between spacious storage and manageable size for navigating crowded terminals.
3. Aer Travel Pack 3
Minimalist design does not mean sacrificing function. Aer proves this with a lightweight build that still handles serious travel demands without looking bulky or complicated.
GQ highlights the exterior zip pockets as game-changers for keeping essentials within reach. Your passport, boarding pass, and phone stay accessible without opening the main compartment every five minutes.
Clean lines and thoughtful construction make this backpack look professional enough for business trips. Yet it holds everything you need for adventure travel, blending style with practical features that actually matter when you are rushing through an airport.
4. Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L
Some days you want a backpack, other times a duffel feels right. Why choose when you can have both in one bag?
Topo Designs created a true hybrid that converts between backpack, shoulder bag, and duffel modes. The straps tuck away neatly when not needed, so you are not fighting with loose fabric no matter which style you pick.
GQ notes the fully opening main compartment as a major convenience factor. Accessing your belongings becomes simple and quick, whether you are packing in a hotel room or searching for something at your seat. The 40-liter size hits that sweet spot for weekend getaways and longer trips alike.
5. YETI Ranchero 27L Backpack
Ever buried something at the bottom of your bag only to need it immediately? YETI solved that problem with a clever Y-shaped opening that provides much better access than traditional top-loading designs.
The dual buckles do double duty as compression straps and extra storage points. Tighten them down when your bag is light, or clip additional gear to them when you need more carrying capacity.
Built with YETI’s trademark durability, this 27-liter pack handles rough treatment without showing wear. It is sized smaller than some competitors, making it ideal for those who prefer traveling light or need a reliable day-trip companion.
6. Alo Stow Backpack
Comfort matters more than you think when carrying a loaded backpack through endless airport terminals. Alo focused on creating straps that actually stay comfortable even when your bag weighs twenty pounds.
The matte neoprene shell gives this pack a unique look and feel. Chunky zippers glide smoothly and feel substantial, not flimsy like cheaper bags that break after a few trips.
GQ selected this as their comfort pick because it delivers on its promise. Your shoulders and back will thank you after a long travel day, and the sleek athletic design transitions nicely from airplane to gym to city exploration without looking out of place.
7. CALPAK Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack
Quick-change versatility defines this hybrid design. Converting from backpack to duffel takes just seconds, letting you adapt to whatever carrying style feels best in the moment.
The 17-inch laptop sleeve accommodates larger computers that many bags cannot fit. Compression straps keep everything snug and prevent your belongings from shifting around during travel.
CALPAK designed this bag for people who refuse to compromise between professional appearance and practical function. The 26-liter capacity works perfectly for business trips or weekend getaways, and GQ praised how effortlessly it switches between carrying modes. Your hands stay free when you need backpack mode, or grab the handles for duffel style when navigating tight spaces.
8. Rains Rolltop Rucksack Large
Water-resistant fabric protects your belongings from unexpected rain or spills. The rolltop closure adjusts to accommodate different load sizes while keeping everything secure and dry.
GQ describes this bag as minimalist yet durable, which perfectly captures its Scandinavian design philosophy. Clean lines and simple construction hide serious functionality underneath the sleek exterior.
Sized to fit under airplane seats or in overhead bins without hassle, this rucksack makes boarding stress-free. Side pockets provide quick access to water bottles or small items you need frequently. The streamlined profile looks equally appropriate on city streets or hiking trails, proving that practical gear can also be stylish and versatile.
9. lululemon Cruiser Backpack 23L
A pocket for everything means never digging around blindly for your sunglasses or phone again. Lululemon designed this 23-liter pack with organization as the top priority.
The exterior structured pocket keeps sunglasses safe from crushing. Quick-access pockets let you grab essentials without stopping to unzip the main compartment, which saves precious time when you are rushing.
Water-repellent fabric handles light rain and spills without soaking through to your belongings. GQ selected this as their everyday pick because it transitions seamlessly from travel to daily use. Whether you are commuting, hitting the gym, or catching a flight, this backpack adapts to your lifestyle without feeling too specialized or bulky.
