Best Carry-On Backpacks 2025: The Ultimate Travel Companions

Backpacks 2025! – Who can get through life without a carry-on backpack? When it comes to stress-free travel, having the best carry-on backpack can make all the difference. Whether you’re breezing through airport security, navigating crowded streets, or hopping between cities, the right travel backpack should be compact, spacious, and comfortable.

I’ve tested countless backpacks over the years—some became my go-to travel companions, while others failed me mid-journey. From zippers breaking to straps digging in, and even so-called “carry-on-sized” bags mysteriously not fitting in overhead bins, I’ve seen it all. If you’ve ever struggled with a bad backpack, you know the frustration.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best carry-on backpacks of 2025. Whether you need the best overall carry-on backpack, a budget-friendly option, or a versatile pack for digital nomads, I’ve got you covered. These top-rated travel backpacks were chosen for their durability, organization, comfort, and travel-friendliness, so you can find the perfect backpack for your next trip.

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Best Carry-On Backpacks (20L – 40L)

A great carry-on backpack is one of the most important travel investments you can make. I’ve been through enough airport security lines, last-minute gate changes, and packed flights to know that the wrong backpack can make everything way harder than it needs to be.

The best carry-on packs are small enough to fit in overhead bins, light enough to carry all day, and organized enough to keep everything accessible without digging around like a maniac at the check-in counter. Whether you’re a minimalist traveler going carry-on only, a weekend adventurer, or someone who just wants a solid personal item bag, these are the best options in 2025.

1. Nomatic Travel Pack (Best Overall for Digital Nomads)

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I’ll be honest—finding a travel backpack that balances style, function, and durability is not easy. But the Nomatic Travel Pack does exactly that. It’s a slick, expandable backpack that goes from 20L to 30L, which makes it perfect for short trips, work travel, or carrying camera gear and tech. It also comes in three great colors—black, navy, and olive green—so you can match your style. Another clever design feature I love is the magnetic water bottle holders, which keep your bottle secure and accessible without interfering with the sleek look.

Why I Love It:

• Expandable Capacity – Need more space? Just unzip the expansion, and you go from 20L to 30L instantly.
• Ultra-Organized – It has dedicated compartments for a laptop, tablet, cables, and clothes, so you don’t end up with a jumbled mess.
• Durable & Water-Resistant – The high-quality waterproof material means you don’t have to panic if you get caught in the rain.
• RFID-Safe Pockets – Keeps passports, credit cards, and IDs protected from electronic theft.

What’s Not So Great?

• Premium price – It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for quality.
• Minimal external pockets – Not ideal if you like having quick-access storage outside the bag.

If you’re a digital nomad or frequent traveler, this is hands-down one of the best carry-on backpacks in 2025.

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2. Osprey Farpoint 40 / Fairview 40 (Best for Comfort and Durability)

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The Osprey Farpoint 40 (for men) and Fairview 40 (for women) are some of the most comfortable travel backpacks available. If you’re carrying your backpack for hours—whether it’s in an airport, on a train, or walking through a city—comfort matters a lot.

Why I Love It:

• Amazing Comfort – The ventilated back panel, padded shoulder straps, and hip belt distribute weight evenly. Even when packed full, it feels lighter than it should.
• Meets Carry-On Size Restrictions – At 40L, it maximizes airline carry-on limits while still being compact.
• Lockable Zippers & Strong Build – Theft-resistant zippers and Osprey’s legendary durability make this a great long-term investment.

Farpoint (Mens) 40 Links & Photographs

What’s Not So Great?

• No external water bottle pockets – A weird oversight, but not a dealbreaker.
• Not as sleek as other options – More of a “travel backpack” look rather than an urban, business-style pack.

If you need a comfortable, durable, and versatile backpack, the Farpoint/Fairview 40 is a top pick for 2025.

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3. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L (Best for One-Bag Travelers)

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If you prefer traveling with just one carry-on backpack, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is hands-down one of the best backpacks of 2025. It expands from a compact 35L to a spacious 45L, giving you versatility for weekend trips or multi-week adventures without checking luggage.

Why I Love It:

• Expandable Capacity – Easily adjust between 35L and 45L, fitting everything you need without the hassle of extra luggage.

• Superior Organization – Dedicated compartments for laptops, electronics, clothes, and accessories mean no more digging around for your stuff.

• Highly Durable & Weatherproof – Built with rugged, weather-resistant recycled nylon, ideal for tough travel conditions or unpredictable weather.

• Comfortable Carry – Padded shoulder straps, ergonomic hip belt, and ventilated back panel make it comfortable even when fully loaded.

What’s Not So Great?

• Premium Price – Not the cheapest backpack, but worth it for quality and versatility.

• Minimal External Pockets – Limited quick-access pockets on the outside, which might slow down grabbing essentials quickly.

Overall, if you’re looking for one of the best carry-on backpacks in 2025 to streamline your travel experience and avoid baggage fees, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a fantastic choice.

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4. Thule Aion Travel Backpack 40L (Best for Organized Travelers)

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If you want a carry-on backpack that maximizes organization, the Thule Aion Travel Backpack 40L is an excellent pick. Designed for one-bag travelers, digital nomads, and weekend adventurers, this backpack blends smart storage, durability, and comfort into one sleek design.

Why I Love It:

• Expandable & Spacious – 40L carry-on size with an expandable main compartment for extra storage.

• Removable Compression Packing Cube – Keeps clothes compact and wrinkle-free.

• Weather-Resistant Build – Made with waxed P600 polyester canvas, making it durable and water-resistant.

• Padded Laptop Sleeve – Fits up to 16” laptops, keeping your tech protected while traveling.

What’s Not So Great?

• No Hip Belt – While comfortable, carrying heavy loads may put more strain on shoulders.

• Slightly Premium Price – Costs more than budget travel backpacks but offers better organization and durability.

If you’re looking for a carry-on backpack that’s built to handle travel and work seamlessly, the Thule Aion Travel Backpack 40L is a fantastic choice.

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5. Samsonite Tectonic Lifestyle Crossfire (Best Budget Option)

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Not everyone wants to drop $200+ on a backpack, and that’s totally fine. The Samsonite Tectonic Lifestyle Crossfire is one of the best budget-friendly carry-on backpacks you can get. It’s reliable, comfortable, and offers just enough organization without overcomplicating things. If you need a solid, no-fuss carry-on bag that won’t break the bank, this is a great choice.

Why I Love It:

• Affordable & Reliable – A solid, no-frills backpack that does the job.
• Padded Laptop Sleeve – Keeps tech gear safe.
• Comfortable Straps – Feels better than most budget packs in this price range.

What’s Not So Great?

• Not as premium as other options – But for the price, it’s a great value.
• Fewer security features – No RFID pockets or lockable zippers.

If you want a good carry-on backpack that won’t break the bank, this is a great budget pick for 2025.

The Best Backpacks 2025: Comparison for Best Carry-On Backpacks 2025

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Final Thoughts on Carry-On Backpacks

A great carry-on backpack is one of the best investments you can make for stress-free travel. Whether you need something expandable and sleek like the Nomatic Travel Pack, ultra-comfortable like the Osprey Farpoint 40, built for one-bag travel like the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, highly organized like the Thule Aion Travel Backpack 40L, or budget-friendly like the Samsonite Tectonic Lifestyle Crossfire, there’s a perfect option for every traveler.

What’s your go-to carry-on backpack? Let me know in the comments, and check out the links above to find the best deals on these top-rated travel backpacks for 2025!

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