Finding the best backpack for traveling depends entirely on how you travel. Some people need a bag that acts like a suitcase, while others prioritize protecting a delicate laptop or keeping tech cables tidy. You should decide based on your own habits: do you pack for a week or a weekend, and do you need to move through security checkpoints quickly? The best backpack for traveling isn’t a one-size-fits-all product, but rather a choice between the high-capacity organization of the tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L and the specialized hardware protection found in the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart.
1. tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L
Best for: Travelers who want suitcase-style packing in a backpack frame.
This bag is built for those who value organization and efficiency during long trips. It features a large main compartment that opens like a suitcase, which helps you pack and unpack items without digging through the bottom of the bag. The tech compartment fits up to a 17-inch laptop, providing a secure spot for your electronics.
The bag is made from recycled PET plastic bottles, a feature for those who prefer sustainable materials. It includes a luggage pass-through strap for convenience in the airport. This model isn’t for someone who carries only a few small items, as its size is designed for those who need to maximize their carry-on allowance.
Good if:
- You want a suitcase-style opening.
- You need space for a 17-inch laptop.
- You prefer sustainable, recycled fabrics.
Skip it if:
- You want a slim bag for daily office use.
- You prefer many small external pockets over one large space.
2. SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack
Best for: Frequent flyers who carry sensitive tech and need security.
This bag focuses on protecting your devices while moving through airport security. The ScanSmart design allows you to keep your laptop inside the bag during screening, which saves time. It includes a dedicated TabletSafe pocket and an RFID-protected organizer to keep your sensitive personal data secure.
The bag provides 31L of space, making it a compact choice for shorter business trips. It features airflow padding on the back and contoured shoulder straps for comfort. It isn’t for the traveler who needs to pack multiple changes of clothes for a week-long journey, as the capacity is focused on gear rather than garments.
Good if:
- You need to protect a 17-inch laptop.
- You want to move through security quickly.
- You need RFID-protected storage for documents.
Skip it if:
- You need space for several outfits.
- You prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
3. KROSER TSA Friendly Travel Laptop Backpack 17.3 inch XL Computer
Best for: Students or professionals carrying very large laptops and accessories.
This bag is sized for a 17.3-inch laptop and features a durable, water-repellent ballistic fabric. It includes a built-in USB port for charging your phone on the go, though you must provide your own power bank. A hard-shell zone on the top protects fragile items like sunglasses or smartphones from being crushed.
The organization is split across multiple compartments, making it easy to separate A4 files from clothes or power banks. It includes a luggage strap for attaching to a trolley handle. This bag isn’t for someone looking for a lightweight, slim profile, as the focus is on heavy-duty, XL storage capacity.
Good if:
- You carry a 17.3-inch laptop.
- You want a built-in USB charging port.
- You need a protective hard-shell pocket.
Skip it if:
- You want the lightest possible bag.
- You need a bag that fits under tight airplane seats.
4. LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack
Best for: Travelers who want built-in organization tools included.
This backpack comes with three extra packing cubes, including a shoe bag and two storage bags. It features a wet compartment for toiletries or damp clothes, keeping the rest of your items dry. The 40L capacity is designed to hold 3-7 days of travel essentials.
The bag fits the carry-on requirements for many airlines, making it a practical personal item. It includes a suitcase-style opening and a padded electronics compartment. It isn’t for the minimalist who dislikes extra accessories or wants a completely plain interior without built-in wet pockets.
Good if:
- You want included packing cubes.
- You need a dedicated wet pocket.
- You’re packing for a week-long trip.
Skip it if:
- You prefer to use your own packing organizers.
- You don’t need a wet/dry separation.
5. Tolaccea Travel Backpack 40-50L
Best for: Travelers who need a bag that changes capacity and carrying style.
This bag is versatile, expanding from 40L to 50L to accommodate different trip lengths. It includes a suspended laptop compartment that helps protect your device from impacts. You can carry it as a backpack, a briefcase, or a shoulder bag, which offers flexibility for various travel environments.
The design includes a side-access zipper for the laptop, letting you grab your computer without opening the main compartment. It isn’t for those who want a simple, single-use backpack, as the extra straps and conversion features might feel unnecessary for daily commuting.
Good if:
- You need an expandable capacity.
- You want multiple ways to carry the bag.
- You need quick side-access to your laptop.
Skip it if:
- You want a straightforward, non-convertible backpack.
- You don’t need a 50L maximum capacity.
6. Carry On 50L Backpack
Best for: Travelers who need maximum capacity and a dedicated shoe spot.
This 50L bag is designed for trips lasting up to a week, offering enough room for outfits and shoes. The bottom shoe compartment keeps dirty items separate from your clean clothes. It features high-density foam padding to help with back fatigue when the bag is fully loaded.
The laptop section lays flat for TSA screening, and the bag can convert from a backpack to a suitcase style. It isn’t for the traveler who packs light, as the 50L frame is quite large and may be bulky if not fully packed.
Good if:
- You need a separate shoe compartment.
- You’re going on a 3-7 day trip.
- You want a large, 50L capacity.
Skip it if:
- You’re a very light packer.
- You need a compact bag for daily use.
7. Swissdigital Design Travel Laptop Backpack
Best for: Tech-focused users who need integrated charging and security.
This model features a built-in USB-C interface and a dedicated power bank pocket. It includes an RFID-protected compartment to help keep your personal data safe from scanners. The 3D ventilation system on the back aims to keep you cool during long periods of wear.
The bag has a 31L volume and multiple quick-access pockets for items like phones or passports. It isn’t for the traveler who needs a large, expandable bag for long vacations, as this is geared more toward short trips and tech-heavy daily use.
Good if:
- You want integrated USB-C charging.
- You need RFID protection for your data.
- You prioritize airflow and back comfort.
Skip it if:
- You need more than 31L of space.
- You aren’t interested in built-in tech features.
8. MATEIN Carry On Backpack
Best for: Travelers who want a balance of expansion and compression.
This backpack is expandable to 45L and includes internal compression straps to keep your clothes in place. It also has four external compression straps that help tighten the bag’s profile and reduce stress on the zippers. The shoulder straps can be hidden away, allowing the bag to look like a briefcase.
The padded back panel and sternum strap help distribute weight, making it easier to carry when heavy. It isn’t for the traveler who prefers a fixed-shape bag, as the compression and expansion features require some adjustment to use effectively.
Good if:
- You want external and internal compression straps.
- You need a convertible backpack-to-briefcase design.
- You want a large, expandable 45L capacity.
Skip it if:
- You prefer a simple, non-adjustable bag.
- You don’t need to compress your load.
9. Volher Laptop Backpack
Best for: Business travelers who want a slim, professional profile.
This bag is designed for a 15.6-inch laptop and offers a slim, anti-theft design. It includes a hidden pocket on the back to keep your valuables safe. The airflow back design features thick padding to provide support during daily commutes or business trips.
It’s made from water-resistant fabric and includes metal zippers for durability. This bag isn’t for the traveler who needs a large, bulky rucksack for trekking or long-term travel, as its strength lies in its slim, office-ready appearance.
Good if:
- You want a slim, professional look.
- You need anti-theft features.
- You’re commuting with a 15.6-inch laptop.
Skip it if:
- You need a high-capacity bag for long trips.
- You want a bag with many external straps.
10. coowoz Travel Backpack
Best for: Hybrid use between gym and travel.
This 25L bag is designed for short trips, fitting 1-2 days of clothing. It features a wet bag for towels or toiletries and a separate shoe compartment, making it useful for those who combine travel with gym visits. The bag can convert between a backpack, gym bag, and shoulder bag.
It’s made from waterproof polyester and includes a dedicated laptop compartment for a 15.6-inch device. It isn’t for the traveler who needs a large, 40L+ bag for international or week-long journeys, as the 25L capacity is limited.
Good if:
- You want a hybrid gym and travel bag.
- You need a wet/dry separation.
- You want a compact bag for short trips.
Skip it if:
- You need more than 25L of storage.
- You’re traveling for more than two days.
Where These Overlap
Most of these backpacks share a common set of features: a luggage strap, a dedicated laptop compartment, and water-resistant materials. The tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack, and MATEIN Carry On Backpack all aim to provide a suitcase-like experience. If your choice is between these, look closely at the included accessories like packing cubes or the specific way the shoulder straps store away. The SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart and Swissdigital Design SD803-12 are much closer in size and target the tech-savvy professional who wants a compact, secure bag rather than a large duffel-style rucksack.
Still Not Sure?
How often will I really use it?
If you travel every week for work, you want a bag that’s fast to pack and easy to carry, like the Volher Laptop Backpack. If you only travel a few times a year for vacations, you likely want more room and better organization, such as the tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L.
What do I already own that this has to work with?
Check the size of your current laptop. If you have a massive laptop, the KROSER TSA Friendly Backpack is designed to accommodate your oversized machine. If you already use your own packing cubes, you don’t need a bag that includes them, like the LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack.
What am I most likely to regret choosing?
The most common mistake is choosing a bag that’s too small for your packing style. If you tend to overpack, a 25L bag like the coowoz Travel Backpack will leave you frustrated. If you need more space, choose an expandable model like the Carry On 50L Backpack to avoid needing a second bag.
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When choosing your bag, remember that airlines have specific rules for carry-on items. You can check the TSA carry-on baggage guidelines to ensure your backpack meets the necessary dimensions for your specific flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the bag need from me week to week?
Most of these bags require little maintenance beyond keeping the zippers clear of debris. If you have a bag with a USB port, you must ensure your power bank is removed before storing the bag in a checked-luggage situation, as some airlines have specific rules regarding lithium batteries in the cargo hold.
What has to be replaced or renewed?
These bags don’t have parts that require regular replacement. The most important thing is to monitor the zippers and straps for wear if you carry heavy loads frequently. If you use a built-in USB port, ensure your cables remain in good condition to maintain a reliable connection to your devices.
What happens when the bag is outgrown or used up?
If you find your travel habits change and you need more space, you can often repurpose a smaller laptop bag for daily office use. The listing doesn’t mention warranty information for most products; check the specific manufacturer’s documentation for details.
Would a more capable bag have suited me better?
A more capable bag usually means more compartments and larger capacity, which adds weight and bulk. If you find yourself struggling with organization, a bag with built-in cubes or wet pockets is better. However, if you find the bag too heavy, a slimmer, professional model is often the better choice for your comfort.
Conclusion
Before you click buy, take a moment to weigh your gear on a kitchen scale. It’s easy to underestimate how heavy your bag will get once it’s fully loaded. Once you’ve checked the weight, you’ll be ready to pick the perfect companion for your next big adventure. You won’t regret it.