When traveling by plane it’s vital to keep all essentials easily accessible in your carry-on bag, ideally one that fits under the seat in front of you. I’ve spent a lot of time researching to find the best carry-on backpack, and I think I finally did — but I also want to make sure you end up with the right one for your travel style, so I’m including my top pick, a runner-up, and a third option for the corporate traveler.
Quick Comparison: The 3 Best Carry-On Backpacks
| Everlane ReNew Transit | Calpak Luka Laptop | Monos Metro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $118 | $138 | $215 |
| Dimensions | 17.5″ H x 12″ L x 7.25″ D | 16″ H x 12″ L x 7″ D | 16.5″ H x 11.2″ L x 6″ D |
| Capacity | 27L | 22L | 14L |
| Laptop Size | Up to 15″ | Up to 15″ | Up to 15″ |
| Material | 100% Recycled Polyester | Polyester | Nylon or Vegan Leather |
| Pros | Ample space, water bottle holder, luggage strap | Great organization, water bottle holder, luggage strap | Elevated look, comes with an attachable pouch, luggage strap |
| Cons | Not much internal organization in main compartment | Looks more like a school backpack; material may not be for everyone | Smallest capacity, no water bottle holder |
| Best For | Casual travel, multi-purpose use (day bag, overnight bag) | Heavier-duty travel, overnight trips with more to organize | Professional/corporate travel |
What to Look for in a Carry-On Backpack
Before diving into each bag, here’s what I think genuinely matters when shopping for a travel backpack — based on a lot of trial, error, and airport frustration.
Luggage strap. This is absolutely non-negotiable. My last travel backpack didn’t have one and without fail, on every single trip, I’d be juggling a rolling carry-on and a heavy backpack on one shoulder through the airport. It’s exhausting and completely avoidable. A luggage strap that slides over the handle of your rolling bag is a must — you’ll thank yourself every time.
Water bottle holder. Another essential for me. I always bring a reusable water bottle on every trip, and water bottle holders can be deceptively tricky — a lot of them are too narrow or too shallow to actually hold a real reusable bottle. I searched specifically for this feature and made sure each bag on this list (almost) delivers.
A small, accessible front pocket. You want a spot for your wallet, passport, and anything you need to grab quickly — like at TSA or the boarding gate. Ideally it’s not so loose that someone could easily dip in, but reachable enough that you’re not digging through your whole bag in line.
Do These Bags Meet Airline Personal Item Size Limits?
Short answer: yes — all three backpacks meet personal item size limits for major airlines including Delta, United, and Southwest, with a little room to spare. Just be mindful not to overstuff them past the underseat height dimension. A packed-to-the-brim bag that can’t compress is what gets you in trouble, not the bag itself.
My Top Carry-On Pick: Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack
Price: $118 | Dimensions: 17.5″ H x 12″ L x 7.25″ D | Capacity: 27L | Material: 100% Recycled Polyester | Fits laptops up to: 15″
This Everlane backpack is my current go-to and it checks all the boxes.
For starters, it’s a great price point compared to other bags I considered — and bonus, it was on sale when I purchased. At 27L it’s genuinely roomy, which is hard to find in a backpack that still qualifies as a personal item. It doesn’t have much in the way of internal organization in the main compartment, just a small zipper pocket and divider for slim items (which is the one con I’d flag) – but the two front zipper pockets do a solid job of corralling smaller items like your wallet, chapstick, keys, and earbuds.
The luggage strap slides right over a rolling bag handle and honestly makes airport travel so much easier. It also has a dedicated laptop sleeve in the back that protects your computer and keeps it accessible — perfect for TSA since you can pull it out without unpacking everything else. It fits any laptop up to 15″.
The water bottle holder is a good size — it actually fits a real reusable bottle, not just a tiny plastic one. More on that below.
The backpack itself is stylish, not just functional. It comes in a handful of neutral colors and has that casual-but-elevated look I love. I got the Kalamata green and am genuinely obsessed — it’s the perfect olive green and goes with basically everything. It’s also a great overnight bag. It fits a pair of sneakers, sandals, a few outfits, toiletries, and chargers without a problem.
Best for: Casual travelers, weekend trips, anyone who wants a versatile bag that works as a day pack, overnight bag, or carry-on.
One con to know: The main compartment doesn’t have internal organizer pockets, so if you like everything to have its place, you may want to use a packing cube or two inside.
Runner-Up: Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack
Price: $138 | Dimensions: 16″ H x 12″ L x 7″ D | Capacity: 22L | Material: Polyester | Fits laptops up to: 15″
I love the look of this one — Calpak has such a great color selection and this bag is no exception. It’s slightly smaller than the Everlane at 22L, but what it trades in overall space it makes up for in organization. The interior compartments are more structured, which is a genuine win if you tend to overpack or just like knowing exactly where everything is.
The one thing I’ll mention honestly: the design reads a little more “school backpack” than the other two, and the polyester material may not appeal to everyone. I’d also wait to purchase this one when it’s on sale so you’re not paying the full $138.
Best for: Travelers who like everything organized and in its place, overnight trips with more to pack, anyone who values compartments over raw capacity.
One con to know: The overall aesthetic skews more casual/functional than elevated.
The Elevated Option: Monos Metro Backpack
Price: $215 | Dimensions: 16.5″ H x 11.2″ L x 6″ D | Capacity: 14L | Material: Nylon or Vegan Leather | Fits laptops up to: 15″
This is the one I’d choose if I were heading on a work trip or somewhere I wanted to look polished. The Monos Metro is hands-down the most chic of the three — and it comes in nylon or vegan leather, which automatically elevates the whole look. The detachable pouch is a standout feature — it’s not something you see on most bags and it’s really convenient for keeping cosmetics or catch-all items accessible without digging through the main compartment.
The trade-offs are real, though. At 14L it’s the smallest of the three — noticeably so. And there’s no water bottle holder, which for me is a sticking point. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind tucking a bottle inside your bag or carrying it separately, this won’t bother you. But if staying hydrated is a priority (it should be!), keep that in mind.
Monos makes quality products that are built to last, so the $215 price tag is more of an investment piece.
Best for: Corporate travel, anyone who prioritizes aesthetics and is willing to pack lighter.
One con to know: Smallest capacity of the three and no water bottle holder — not ideal for longer trips or heavy packers.
My Airplane Essentials
Here’s everything I pack in my carry-on backpack, along with why each item earns its spot.
- Wallet — Obviously. Keep it in that front zip pocket so it’s easily accessible and secure.
- Passport/Visa — If your destination requires one, this goes in that same front pocket. Don’t bury it in your main compartment.
- Phone charger — I always bring a plug + USB option since you genuinely never know what will be easily accessible, whether that’s an airport outlet, a hotel room, or rental car. A plug-in charger with a USB port means you’re covered no matter what.
- Headphones — Noise cancelling is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a crying baby, a chatty neighbor, or just engine noise, the ability to tune everything out is genuinely one of the best things about flying.
- Laptop and charger — Unless I’m intentionally going off-grid, this is coming with me. The charger lives in the front pocket; the laptop goes in the dedicated sleeve.
- Reusable water bottle — I always fly with an empty reusable bottle and fill it up after security. It’s the easiest way to stay hydrated and save money — airport water bottles are expensive, and dehydration on a plane is a real thing.
- Snacks — My go-to lineup: Cheez-Its, granola bars, trail mix, watermelon Sour Patch, and peanut butter M&Ms. No notes.
- A good book — Honestly, there are trips where I don’t read a single page and it just lives in my bag the whole time. I bring it anyway. It’s nice to have the option when you want it.
- Jacket — Planes are always freezing. Always. I don’t know why they set the temperature to tundra, but here we are. Bring a jacket every time.
- Neck pillow — I’ve tried a lot of neck pillows and this is genuinely the only one I’ll use. Foam pillows are too stiff and make me feel weirdly claustrophobic. This one is the right amount of support without the bulk. I also highly recommend getting the washable cover — it makes it so easy to wash between trips.
- Hand sanitizing wipes — For tray tables, armrests, and anything else you’re touching that hundreds of people touched before you. Non-negotiable.
- Tissues — Planes dry everything out and the air pressure changes can wreak havoc on sinuses. Always have them.
- Headache reliever — Whatever that looks like for you. Headaches happen. Pressure changes happen. Don’t be caught without it.
- Emergen-C — I take one before and after every flight. Recycled air and close quarters are basically a petri dish — Emergen-C is my preemptive defense.
- Chapstick — See above re: the airplane drying everything out. Your lips will thank you.
Why a Backpack?
I’ll save you the trouble: I’ve only included backpacks in this roundup because traveling with a one-shoulder bag is genuinely not fun. It gets heavy fast and you’ll feel it before your trip even begins. Sure, you can roll it on top of a suitcase most of the time — but the moment you’re navigating stairs, cobblestones, or a busy terminal, you’ll regret it. Two shoulder straps distribute weight evenly, and a luggage strap means you don’t have to carry it at all when you have a rolling bag. It’s just a smarter way to travel.