As an Amazon Associate, RateLab earns from qualifying purchases.

RateLab Clothing, Shoes & Accessories Backpacks

Best Backpacks

Updated

We reviewed travel and laptop backpacks across TSA compliance, laptop protection, organizational layout, water resistance, carry-on compatibility, and value.

Carry-on compliance dimensions vary by airline. Most US carriers allow personal items up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches. International carriers often have more restrictive personal item limits. A backpack described as carry-on approved may exceed the personal item limit on certain airlines and require gate-checking. If you fly internationally or on budget carriers with strict policies, verify dimensions against the specific airlines you use most frequently.

Anti-theft design adds meaningful protection in dense urban environments. Cut-proof straps, hidden zippers on the main compartment, and RFID-blocking pockets protect against pickpockets and card skimmers in crowded transit environments. For travel in cities where bag theft is known to occur, these features are worth prioritizing.

Quick picks

Use this table for the fastest answer, or jump into the full review cards below.

Pick Best for Verdict Review
Most ProvenTaygeer Travel Backpack 40L Weekend travelers who need carry-on-compliant bags with shoe separation, Nurses and healthcare workers who need organized multi-compartment bags Buy Read review
Best for Laptop Protectiontomtoc Travel Backpack 40L Business travelers and tech workers who carry expensive laptops, Buyers who want PFAS-free materials in their bag Buy Read review
Durability PickCarhartt 25L Classic Backpack Tradespeople and outdoor workers who carry a laptop and need real durability, Buyers who want Carhartt's brand quality in an everyday bag Consider Read review
Also ConsiderSwissdigital Travel Backpack Commuters who want to charge their phone from a power bank without opening the bag, International travelers who want built-in RFID protection for cards and passports Consider Read review
Not RecommendedSWICKY Travel Backpack 40L No clear buyer segment where this outperforms the proven alternatives Skip Read review

Taygeer Travel Backpack 40L with Shoe Pouch and Carry-On Approval

Most Proven

Taygeer Travel Backpack 40L with Shoe Pouch and Carry-On Approval

The Taygeer Travel Backpack 40L has the largest buyer base of any travel backpack in this review, with strong feedback. TSA-approved carry-on size fits 17.3-inch laptops with a dedicated shoe pouch that keeps footwear separate from clothes and electronics. Nurse bag design with multiple organizational pockets. Water resistant and suitable for travel, business, and commuting.

Buy
TL;DR

Strong feedback from the largest buyer base in this review

Pros

  • The largest buyer base -- the most proven travel backpack in this review
  • Shoe pouch keeps footwear separate from other items
  • TSA approved carry-on size
  • Fits 17.3-inch laptops
  • Multiple organizational compartments

Cons

  • Value-focused materials -- not premium fabric or hardware
  • 40L is large -- may feel oversized for daily commuting
  • Shoe pouch adds bulk when not needed
Verdict: Buy Full Review Check current price

tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Friendly Carry-On Luggage

Best for Laptop Protection

tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Friendly Carry-On Luggage

The tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L is designed for travelers who carry laptops and prioritize protection over pure packing capacity. Strong buyer feedback. TSA-friendly lay-flat laptop compartment, fits 17.3-inch laptops, water-resistant exterior with PFAS-free construction, and durable lightweight build. Built for tech workers and business travelers who need their laptop to arrive undamaged.

Buy
TL;DR

Strong buyer feedback, with a design aimed at business and tech travelers

Pros

  • Lay-flat laptop compartment speeds TSA screening
  • PFAS-free water-resistant construction
  • 17.3-inch laptop sleeve with dedicated padding
  • Lightweight build for carry-on use

Cons

  • No dedicated shoe compartment
  • Lighter organizational structure than the Taygeer
  • tomtoc brand is less known than major luggage brands
Verdict: Buy Full Review Check current price

Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack

Durability Pick

Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack

The Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack brings workwear durability to everyday laptop carry. Strong buyer feedback. Water-resistant construction, dedicated 16-inch laptop sleeve, multiple compartments, and the Carhartt brand reputation for longevity in rough conditions. Right for buyers who need a bag that holds up to daily construction, trade work, or outdoor environments.

Consider
TL;DR

Carhartt durability -- workwear brand known for outlasting budget alternatives

Pros

  • Carhartt workwear durability -- built to outlast budget alternatives
  • Water-resistant construction for outdoor use
  • 16-inch laptop sleeve
  • Brand warranty and replacement support

Cons

  • 25L is smaller -- not ideal for travel with more than 2-3 days of clothing
  • No TSA lay-flat compartment
  • Higher price than no-name budget backpacks of similar size
Verdict: Consider Full Review Check current price

Swissdigital Design Travel Backpack, TSA Friendly with USB Charging

Also Consider

Swissdigital Design Travel Backpack, TSA Friendly with USB Charging

The Swissdigital Design Travel Backpack adds a built-in USB charging port and RFID-blocking pocket to a TSA-friendly 15.6-inch laptop bag. Strong buyer feedback. The USB port connects to your own power bank and lets you charge your phone through the bag without opening it. RFID protection guards credit cards and passports. For daily commuters who charge on the go.

Consider
TL;DR

Built-in USB pass-through port for charging from a power bank inside the bag

Pros

  • Built-in USB charging port for on-the-go phone charging
  • RFID-blocking pocket for security
  • TSA-friendly design
  • Multiple organized pockets

Cons

  • Requires your own power bank -- USB port is a pass-through, not a built-in battery
  • Fits 15.6-inch laptops only -- smaller than competitors
  • Swissdigital is a lesser-known brand
Verdict: Consider Full Review Check current price

SWICKY Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Approved Carry On

Not Recommended

SWICKY Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Approved Carry On

The SWICKY Travel Backpack 40L is a TSA-approved carry-on with a quick-access phone pocket and water-resistant design. Solid feedback, but from very few buyers. With the Taygeer 40L available with a far larger buyer base and stronger feedback in the same category, that little buyer history from an unknown brand is not a justified purchase for a travel bag you're depending on.

Skip
TL;DR

Very little buyer history -- insufficient sample for a travel bag purchase

Pros

  • Quick-access phone pocket
  • TSA approved 40L
  • Water resistant

Cons

  • Very little buyer history -- far below the alternatives
  • Weakest buyer feedback in this category review
  • SWICKY brand has no established reputation
Verdict: Skip Full Review Check current price

All Backpacks reviews

The grid is generated from product data and is ready to paginate once the subcategory passes 20 products.

Style / Backpacks Buy

Taygeer Travel Backpack 40L with Shoe Pouch and Carry-On Approval

The Taygeer Travel Backpack 40L has the largest buyer base of any travel backpack in this review, with strong feedback. TSA-approved carry-on size fits 17.3-inch laptops with a dedicated shoe pouch that keeps footwear separate from clothes and electronics. Nurse bag design with multiple organizational pockets. Water resistant and suitable for travel, business, and commuting.

Read review →
Style / Backpacks Buy

tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Friendly Carry-On Luggage

The tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L is designed for travelers who carry laptops and prioritize protection over pure packing capacity. Strong buyer feedback. TSA-friendly lay-flat laptop compartment, fits 17.3-inch laptops, water-resistant exterior with PFAS-free construction, and durable lightweight build. Built for tech workers and business travelers who need their laptop to arrive undamaged.

Read review →
Style / Backpacks Consider

Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack

The Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack brings workwear durability to everyday laptop carry. Strong buyer feedback. Water-resistant construction, dedicated 16-inch laptop sleeve, multiple compartments, and the Carhartt brand reputation for longevity in rough conditions. Right for buyers who need a bag that holds up to daily construction, trade work, or outdoor environments.

Read review →
Style / Backpacks Consider

Swissdigital Design Travel Backpack, TSA Friendly with USB Charging

The Swissdigital Design Travel Backpack adds a built-in USB charging port and RFID-blocking pocket to a TSA-friendly 15.6-inch laptop bag. Strong buyer feedback. The USB port connects to your own power bank and lets you charge your phone through the bag without opening it. RFID protection guards credit cards and passports. For daily commuters who charge on the go.

Read review →
Style / Backpacks Skip

SWICKY Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Approved Carry On

The SWICKY Travel Backpack 40L is a TSA-approved carry-on with a quick-access phone pocket and water-resistant design. Solid feedback, but from very few buyers. With the Taygeer 40L available with a far larger buyer base and stronger feedback in the same category, that little buyer history from an unknown brand is not a justified purchase for a travel bag you're depending on.

Read review →

Related Categories

Keep comparing nearby buying guides before you choose.

Clothing, Shoes & Accessories

Compression Socks

Compression socks ranked by mmHg rating, fabric quality, fit, durability, and comfort for work, sport, and travel.

View rankings →
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories

Running Shoes

Running shoes ranked by cushioning, fit, durability, support, and value across road, trail, and everyday running.

View rankings →
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories

Men's Shoe Insoles

Men's shoe insoles ranked by arch support, cushioning, work comfort, plantar fasciitis fit, and buyer confidence.

View rankings →
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories

Women's Leggings

Women's leggings ranked by fabric quality, compression, waistband stability, squat-proof opacity, and durability.

View rankings →