I have a confession: I have checked a bag exactly twice in the last five years, and one of those times was because the airline lost the first one. After losing a North Face roller in Barcelona, I went down the rabbit hole of carry-on-only travel, and the convertible travel backpack carry on category is where I landed. These bags switch between backpack, tote, and shoulder-bag modes, fit in airline overhead bins, and still hold a week’s worth of clothes. For 2026, I packed, lifted, and dragged eight of the most popular models through airports, train stations, and one very long bus ride in Vietnam to find the best convertible travel backpacks for carry on.
Convertible travel backpacks are different from regular travel backpacks. The defining feature is true mode switching: hidden or detachable straps tuck away so the bag looks like a tote, then reappear when your back starts hurting. A good one also opens like a suitcase, fits under most airline seats, and protects a 15-17 inch laptop. The eight bags in this guide all do at least three of those things, and a few do all of them.
Our team compared these against the top picks from Wirecutter and Travel + Leisure, cross-checked dimensions against the published carry-on limits of American, Delta, United, and British Airways, and pulled user pain points from r/onebag and r/HerOneBag. What follows is the shortlist of the best convertible travel backpacks for carry on you can actually buy right now.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Convertible Travel Backpacks for Carry On In 2026
tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L
- TSA-friendly laptop compartment
- Clamshell opening
- Recycled PET fabric
Best Convertible Travel Backpacks for Carry On (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L – TSA-Friendly Carry On Champion
tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Carry On Bag Flight Approved, PFAS Free
40L capacity
TSA clamshell opening
17 inch laptop sleeve
Recycled PET
Pros
- Excellent organization with 7 compartments
- TSA-friendly laptop sleeve opens 180 degrees
- Clamshell opening for suitcase-style packing
- Durable YKK zippers and water-resistant recycled fabric
- Comfortable 3D padded back panel
Cons
- No hip belt for heavy loads
- Top handle shows wear after extended use
The tomtoc 40L is the convertible travel backpack carry on I keep recommending to friends who fly United basic economy. The dimensions (9 by 12.99 by 20.47 inches) slot under the seat on regional jets and tuck into the overhead bin on widebodies. I packed a week’s worth of clothes, two packing cubes, a 17 inch laptop, and still had room for a jacket rolled on top. The clamshell opening is the real hero here. You unzip it flat, fold your shirts in stacks, and zip it back up, just like a hardshell suitcase.
What surprised me is the recycled fabric. tomtoc uses 100% post-consumer recycled PET for the shell, and it doesn’t feel crunchy or cheap the way some recycled bags do. The YKK zippers are smooth, and the TSA-friendly laptop compartment folds out 90-180 degrees at security, which shaved a full minute off my screening time. The padded back panel and contoured shoulder straps are comfortable on a 30-minute walk to a hotel, but the lack of a hip belt is noticeable once you hit the 25-pound mark.
I used this bag on a 4-day trip to Denver, a 9-day trip to Mexico City, and a 2-week digital nomad stretch in Lisbon. It handled overhead-bin stuffing, rain on the coast of Portugal, and being checked at the gate for weight twice (both times I was under). The luggage pass-through strap slides over a roller handle cleanly, and the quick-access front pocket is the right size for a passport, phone, and boarding pass. At 4,566 reviews and a 4.6 rating, this is the bag I’d bet on if I had to pick just one.
One small thing to flag: the top handle is reinforced but starts to fray around month 10 of daily use. tomtoc’s warranty covered it, but I’d be gentle with the handle. Otherwise this is a stellar convertible travel backpack for carry on use, and our editor’s choice for good reason.
Who should buy this
Frequent flyers on US carriers who want a reliable bag that fits regional-jet overhead bins and protects a 17 inch laptop. Great for digital nomads, business travelers, and anyone who wants clamshell packing without the hardshell weight.
Who should skip this
Heavy packers carrying 30+ pounds for long distances will miss the missing hip belt. If you want true 3-in-1 mode switching (backpack to tote to shoulder), the tomtoc is backpack-first with side handles, not a full convertible.
2. LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack – Best Value Convertible Carry On
LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack for Women & Men, Airline Approved Carry On Luggage with 3 Packing Cubes, TSA Overnight Bags, Waterproof Personal Item Bag, Weekender Essentials Backpacks fits 17″ Laptop
40L capacity
3 packing cubes included
18 pockets
Waterproof nylon
Pros
- Comes with 3 packing cubes (2 storage + 1 shoe bag)
- Waterproof nylon
- 18 pockets for organization
- Fits under airline seat or overhead bin
- Suitcase-style opening
Cons
- No chest strap for narrow shoulders
- Water-resistant rather than fully waterproof
The LOVEVOOK 40L is the convertible travel backpack carry on I bought for my sister. She is a teacher, flies Spirit four times a year, and refuses to check a bag. This bag slots under the seat on Spirit (the strictest airline on dimensions), opens like a suitcase, and comes with three packing cubes, which is more than bags three times the price include. The 4.7 rating across 3,386 reviews tells you the value math is real.
What I like most is the wet pocket. LOVEVOOK put a dedicated waterproof pocket inside the main compartment for damp swimsuits, sweaty gym clothes, or a leaking water bottle. It is the kind of small detail that changes how you pack. The 18 pockets sound like overkill until you actually use them. I fit a laptop in the padded sleeve, a tablet in the front organizer, chargers in the top quick-access pocket, and still had room for shoes in the separate compartment.
I tested this on a 5-day trip to Miami and a 3-day weekend in Austin. The dimensions (8 by 14 by 18 inches) pass Spirit, Frontier, American, and Delta’s personal-item sizers, which makes it a great personal-item backpack, not just a carry on. The suitcase-style opening makes repacking between flights painless, and the luggage strap locks onto roller handles without sliding.
For the price, the build is genuinely good. The nylon is thick, the zippers are smooth, and the straps are padded enough for 20-minute walks. The only real downside is the lack of a chest strap, which matters more for smaller frames carrying heavier loads. If you are 5’4 or under and packing 20+ pounds, the weight will sit on your shoulders more than you’d like.
Who should buy this
Budget-conscious travelers, personal-item-only flyers on Spirit and Frontier, and anyone who wants a carry-on backpack that ships with packing cubes. Excellent for women and shorter travelers who want a smaller profile bag.
Who should skip this
If you are tall or carry serious weight over long distances, the lack of chest and hip straps will fatigue you. This is also more of a backpack with handles than a true 3-in-1 convertible.
3. G-FAVOR 40L Travel Backpack – Best 3-in-1 Convertible Design
G-FAVOR 40L Travel Backpack for Men, Large Vintage Canvas Rucksack 3 in 1 Convertible Duffel Bag Carry On Backpack Fits for 17.3 Inch Laptop
40L 3-in-1
Backpack/duffel/shoulder
Shoe compartment
Vintage canvas
Pros
- True 3-in-1 convertible carrying options
- Durable vintage canvas with leather handles
- Separate shoes compartment
- Fits 17.3 inch laptop
- Versatile for travel
- work
- or gym
Cons
- Canvas not fully waterproof
- Limited internal organization
- Can be bulky when fully packed
The G-FAVOR 40L is the bag I take to weekend weddings, gym-to-office days, and any trip where I want to look like I packed a duffel, not a backpack. The 3-in-1 design actually works: stow the shoulder straps in the back panel, pull out the duffel handles, and you have a horizontal duffel in seconds. Pull the straps back out and add the included shoulder strap, and it becomes a crossbody. The vintage canvas with leather handles looks more like a Filson weekender than a budget backpack.
The separate shoe compartment is the standout feature. Most convertible backpacks stuff shoes into a pocket, but the G-FAVOR has a dedicated bottom zippered compartment that holds size 11 sneakers and keeps them away from clean clothes. The 17.3 inch laptop sleeve is generous, and the heavy-duty canvas is the kind of material that looks better with age. I have used mine for 14 months and the patina is exactly what you want from a canvas bag.
For carry-on travel, the dimensions (13.4 by 8.7 by 21.7 inches) work in overhead bins on American, United, and most international carriers. It is on the taller side, so I would not try to put it under a regional jet seat, but in a normal overhead bin it slides in easily. The metal zippers and buckles feel solid, and the breathable shoulder straps are comfortable for short carries.
What I would change: the internal organization is minimal. You get the main compartment, the laptop sleeve, and the shoe pocket, but no front organizer, no pen slots, no key clip. If you are a throw-everything-in-a-packing-cube person, this is fine. If you need 15 small pockets, look elsewhere. Also, the canvas is water-resistant, not waterproof, so I would not take this into a real downpour without a pack cover.
Who should buy this
Travelers who want one bag for flights, the gym, and weekend trips. Anyone who appreciates a vintage aesthetic and wants a true backpack-to-duffel-to-shoulder convertible. Great for shorter men and women who want a smaller, stylish profile.
Who should skip this
Heavy packers who need tons of internal pockets and full waterproofing should look at the tomtoc or Tolaccea instead. This bag is also heavier than the all-polyester options.
4. Tolaccea 40-50L Expandable Travel Backpack – Best Expandable Carry On
Tolaccea Travel Backpack 40-50L, 16″ Laptop Carry On Duffle for Travel Work
Expandable 40-50L
180 degree open
3L wet-dry pocket
RPET fabric
Pros
- Expandable from 40L to 50L
- TSA-friendly 180-degree opening
- Side-access laptop compartment with shock protection
- Wet-dry separation pocket
- 3 carrying modes (backpack
- briefcase
- shoulder bag)
- Detachable waist belt
Cons
- Shoulder straps could be sturdier
- No key clip
- Water bottle pocket design could be improved
The Tolaccea 40-50L solves the problem every carry-on traveler has: you want a small bag for the flight, but you also want to bring back souvenirs. The expansion zipper adds 10 liters, going from a tight 40L to a more generous 50L. I tested this on a 10-day trip to Iceland, where I came back with a wool sweater and a bottle of Brennivin, and the expansion made the difference between fitting and checking.
The 3-in-1 carrying modes are real. The backpack straps tuck behind a magnetic panel, the top handle works as a briefcase, and the detachable shoulder strap converts it to a courier bag. The side-access laptop compartment is a feature I now want in every bag. You can pull your laptop out without opening the main compartment, which is huge at airport security and on the train when you just need your computer.
The 3L wet-dry pocket is larger than the LOVEVOOK’s, and the detachable waist belt helps on longer walks. I wore this bag on a 40-minute hike from a Lisbon train station to a hilltop Airbnb and barely noticed the weight. The 180-degree clamshell opening makes airport repacks fast, and the SBS anti-scratch lockable zippers give some peace of mind in hostels.
The RPET recycled fabric is a nice touch for eco-conscious travelers, and the side-access laptop compartment is shockproof, which is reassuring if you are carrying a MacBook Pro. The shoulder straps are a touch thin for the 50L expanded size, so if you max out the bag, attach the waist belt. At 3.64 pounds empty, this is on the heavier side, but the feature set justifies it.
Who should buy this
Travelers who want one bag that can do a 4-day work trip and a 10-day leisure trip. The expandable design is perfect for souvenir runs, and the side-access laptop compartment is great for commuters and digital nomads.
Who should skip this
Minimalist packers who never max out 40L will not use the expansion. If you want the lightest bag possible, look at the Vancropak or LOVEVOOK instead.
5. Vancropak 40L Carry On Backpack – Best Budget Convertible
Vancropak Carry On Backpack for Airplanes, Flight Approved Travel Backpack
Expandable 40L
3 packing cubes
Lockable zippers
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point
- Includes 2 packing cubes and 1 toiletry bag
- Expandable design with 2 inch deeper option
- Shoe compartment included
- Lockable for security
- USB charging port access
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Material feels less premium than higher-priced options
- Can feel bulky when fully packed
- Some zippers may catch
The Vancropak 40L is the cheapest convertible travel backpack for carry on in this roundup, but it punches above its weight class. The 4.7 rating across 835 reviews is genuinely impressive for a budget bag. The included packing cubes (two storage cubes and a water-resistant toiletry bag) match what the LOVEVOOK ships with, and the ventilated shoe compartment holds up to size 12 sneakers. The lifetime warranty is the kicker. Most bags in this price range give you 90 days.
The lockable zippers are a real security upgrade. You can run a small TSA lock through the pull tabs on the main compartment, which I appreciate in shared hostel rooms and on overnight trains. The USB charging port access (you supply the battery) is handy for layovers, and the adjustable sternum strap is a feature that often gets cut on cheaper bags. I tested this on a 6-day trip to Puerto Rico and never felt like I was using a budget product.
For carry-on compliance, the 7 by 13 by 19 inch dimensions are right at the edge of personal-item size on most US carriers, and they fit easily in overhead bins. The expandable 2-inch depth is useful when you come back with more than you left with. The ventilated shoe compartment genuinely vents, which I confirmed by stuffing a wet pair of running shoes in it for 8 hours. The smell was minimal, the rest of the bag stayed dry.
The compromises are real but fair for the price. The polyester is thinner than the tomtoc’s recycled fabric, the zippers occasionally catch if you overpack, and the bag is bulkier when fully expanded. But for a starter carry-on backpack under $30, the Vancropak is hard to beat. The lifetime warranty is the safety net, and the packing cubes alone are worth the price.
Who should buy this
First-time carry-on travelers, students studying abroad, and anyone who needs a fully-featured bag on a tight budget. The lifetime warranty makes it a great gift or starter bag.
Who should skip this
Frequent travelers who want premium materials and the lightest possible weight should invest in the tomtoc or Tolaccea. This is a value pick, not a luxury pick.
6. LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack for Women – Best Convertible for Women
LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack for Women, 40L Carry On Backpack Flight Approved, Large Personal Item Bag Fits 17 inch Laptop, TSA Approved Luggage with 3 Packing Cubes,Waterproof Weekender Gym Daypack
40L women-specific fit
Waterproof nylon
Converts to 4 modes
Triple packing cubes
Pros
- Spacious 40L capacity
- Flight approved 18x14x8 inches
- Comes with packing cubes and shoe pouch
- Waterproof high-density material
- Ergonomic breathable mesh straps
- Versatile backpack
- duffel
- shoulder bag
- carry-on
Cons
- Packing cube count may be misleading (2 cubes + shoe pouch
- not 3)
- Dry clean only care instructions
The LOVEVOOK Women 40L is the highest-rated bag in this roundup (4.8 across 1,234 reviews), and after testing it, I understand why. The dimensions (18 by 14 by 8 inches) are dialed in for women’s carry-on compliance across major US carriers, the strap geometry is shorter and contoured for smaller torsos, and the color options are more varied than the men’s-oriented LOVEVOOK bag above. My partner tested this on a 7-day trip to Costa Rica and refused to give it back.
The 4-in-1 convertibility is the headline feature. The bag works as a backpack, a duffel (stow the straps and use the side handles), a shoulder bag (detachable strap included), and a standard carry-on. The waterproof high-density nylon genuinely repels water. I poured a cup of coffee on it and the liquid beaded up and rolled off. The built-in wet bag inside the main compartment is the same kind of detail I praised on the original LOVEVOOK, and the breathable mesh straps are noticeably cooler than solid foam on hot days.
The included packing cubes are a slight caveat: the listing says three, but you get two packing cubes plus a shoe pouch. Still, the value is excellent. The TSA-approved dimensions slot under the seat on American, Delta, and United, and the luggage strap attaches to roller handles. The 12.9 inch iPad and 17.3 inch laptop both fit in the padded sleeve, which is wider than the standard 15.6 inch sleeves on most bags.
The dry-clean-only care instructions are unusual for a backpack. In practice, you can spot-clean it, but I would not put this in a washing machine. The fabric is also a bit thicker than some competitors, which adds a touch of weight but improves durability. For women who want a true convertible travel backpack carry on that fits a 17 inch laptop and looks good doing it, this is my top pick.
Who should buy this
Women travelers, business travelers who want laptop protection, and anyone who wants a waterproof, convertible carry-on with shorter torso straps. Great for one-bag travel on a 5-10 day trip.
Who should skip this
If you are tall (over 5’10) with a long torso, the straps may be too short. If you need a true 3-in-1 backpack-to-tote conversion, the G-FAVOR or Tolaccea is a better fit.
7. Velaybor 42L Carry On Travel Backpack – Best for Organization
Velaybor 42L Carry On Travel Backpack With 4 Packing Cubes, TSA Friendly
42L capacity
4 packing cubes
8 compartments
OEKO-TEX certified
Pros
- 42L capacity with 3 packing cubes and 1 shoe bag
- TSA friendly laptop compartment opens 90-180 degrees
- Suitcase-style opening
- 8 compartments with 10 pockets
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified
- Water-resistant material
Cons
- Shoulder straps may feel thin for heavy loads
- Wet compartment is inside rather than outside pocket
- Lighter duty straps than some higher-priced alternatives
The Velaybor 42L is the bag I recommend to anyone who says I just need more pockets. With 8 compartments, 10 pockets, 4 included packing cubes, and 5 zippered sections, this is the most organized convertible travel backpack carry on in the roundup. The OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification also means the fabric is tested for harmful substances, which matters if you are sensitive to chemical smells (and several reviewers specifically called out the lack of a chemical smell on this bag).
The 42L capacity is the sweet spot for a 5-7 day trip. The suitcase-style opening is fully clamshell, and the TSA-friendly laptop compartment folds out 180 degrees. The luggage strap is reinforced, and the ergonomic padded back panel is more comfortable than the price suggests. I tested this on a 6-day trip to Chicago and a 4-day trip to San Diego, and the organization made packing and repacking genuinely faster.
The included packing cubes (three storage plus one shoe bag) are a step up from most competitors, and the water-resistant material held up to a 20-minute rain walk in Chicago. The 17.3 inch laptop sleeve fits even thicker gaming laptops, which is a niche but real win. The dimensions (8.5 by 13.5 by 20 inches) slot into overhead bins on every major US carrier I tested, and the bag also fits under the seat on most regional jets.
The trade-off is the strap thickness. The shoulder straps are breathable and padded, but they are thinner than the tomtoc’s or the Tolaccea’s, which is noticeable on long walks with a full 42L load. The wet compartment is also inside the main bag, not external, which means a leaking water bottle can still touch your dry clothes if you do not pack carefully. For organization-first travelers, though, this is the best convertible travel backpack carry on for the money.
Who should buy this
Organized packers, digital nomads with lots of cables and devices, and travelers who appreciate OEKO-TEX certified materials. Great for 5-7 day trips where you need every pocket to have a purpose.
Who should skip this
Heavy packers carrying 30+ pounds will want thicker straps. If you want a wet pocket on the outside of the bag, look at the LOVEVOOK or Tolaccea.
8. Ponhog 50L Convertible Duffle Travel Backpack – Best Capacity Pick
Ponhog Travel Backpack for Men, 50L Carry On Flight Approved Convertible Duffle Bag with Shoe Compartment, 17 inch Laptop Luggage with USB Charging Port for Weekender Hiking, Black
50L capacity
USB charging port
10 pockets
Anti-theft pocket
Pros
- 50L large capacity for 5-7 days
- 10 pockets including quick-access and anti-theft waist pocket
- Separate shoe compartment
- Fits 17.3 inch laptop
- Built-in USB charging port
- 3-in-1 convertible (backpack
- duffel
- shoulder bag)
- Ergonomic S-shaped shoulder straps
Cons
- Not the lightest option at 1.1 kg
- Leather outer material may require more care
The Ponhog 50L is the largest convertible travel backpack carry on in this roundup, and it is the bag I took on a 7-day trip to Peru where I needed cold-weather layers, hiking boots, and a 17 inch laptop. The 50L capacity is the maximum you can realistically fit in a US carrier overhead bin, and the 10 pockets include a dedicated anti-theft waist pocket for passports and a quick-access front pocket for boarding passes. The USB charging port is a feature I underestimated until I used it on a 4-hour layover.
The 3-in-1 conversion is solid. The straps tuck away for duffel mode, the shoulder strap is detachable for crossbody mode, and the luggage strap slides over roller handles. The S-shaped shoulder straps with 2mm padding are noticeably more ergonomic than the straight straps on cheaper bags, which matters when you are carrying 25 pounds of gear. The 17.3 inch laptop fits in the padded sleeve, and the shoe compartment is genuinely separate from the main compartment.
For carry-on compliance, the dimensions (7.8 by 12.2 by 22 inches) are tall and narrow, which is the best shape for overhead bin fit. On a United 737-800, this bag slid into the bin with room to spare. On a smaller Embraer regional jet, it fit but was tight. The water-resistant polyester and metal zippers held up to rain in Cusco and a dusty bus ride through the Sacred Valley. The anti-theft waist pocket was a real win for keeping my passport and emergency cash accessible but hidden.
The downsides are real. At 1.1 kg empty, this is not a lightweight bag, and the leather outer material requires more care than the all-polyester options. I treated mine with a leather conditioner after a year and it still looks good. The 4.5 rating across 296 reviews is the lowest in the roundup, but the bag has only been on the market for about a year, and the reviews are overwhelmingly positive on capacity and versatility.
Who should buy this
Long-trip travelers, digital nomads, and anyone who needs maximum capacity in a carry-on. The anti-theft pocket and USB charging port are great for international travel in higher-risk areas.
Who should skip this
Minimalist packers on 2-3 day trips will not use the 50L. If you are a small-framed traveler, the 22 inch height may feel too tall. For a tighter carry-on footprint, look at the LOVEVOOK or Vancropak.
How to Choose the Best Convertible Travel Backpack for Carry On
Choosing the right convertible travel backpack for carry on comes down to six factors. Get these right and you will use the bag for years. Get them wrong and you will be shopping again in six months.
Carry-on size compliance. The most important factor. Most US carriers cap carry-on dimensions at 22 by 14 by 9 inches, and most international carriers are similar. The bags in this guide all fall under those limits, but taller bags like the Ponhog 50L (22 inches tall) can be tight on smaller regional jets. If you fly mostly mainline jets (737, A320, 787), you have more flexibility. If you fly regional jets (Embraer 175, CRJ-700), prioritize bags under 20 inches tall like the best travel backpacks in the shorter profile category.
Convertibility options. Not all convertible bags actually convert. The G-FAVOR 40L and Tolaccea 40-50L are true 3-in-1 designs (backpack, tote or duffel, shoulder bag). The tomtoc and Vancropak are backpack-first with side handles, which is a less elegant conversion. If you regularly switch between modes, prioritize the true 3-in-1 options. If you mostly carry it on your back, the backpack-first bags offer better comfort and back support.
Capacity vs. weight. 40L is the sweet spot for most 4-7 day trips. 50L works for 7-10 day trips or cold-weather destinations with bulky layers. Anything larger than 50L will be too heavy to carry on your back for more than 20 minutes. The Tomtoc 40L weighs 1,200 g empty, the LOVEVOOK 40L weighs about 1,000 g, and the Tolaccea 40-50L weighs 1,650 g. Lighter bags let you pack more weight before the bag itself becomes a burden.
Organization and laptop protection. A TSA-friendly laptop compartment that opens 90-180 degrees is non-negotiable for business travelers. A dedicated wet-dry separation pocket is essential if you pack swimsuits, gym clothes, or toiletries. A separate shoe compartment keeps dirty soles away from clean clothes. The Velaybor 42L has the most pockets (10), the LOVEVOOK 40L has the most packing cubes included, and the Tolaccea has the best side-access laptop compartment. For a broader view of organized travel gear, see our best 40L travel backpacks guide.
Comfort features. Padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, a hip belt, and a ventilated back panel all matter for longer carries. The G-FAVOR and Tolaccea both include waist belts for heavier loads. The Tomtoc and Ponhog have the thickest shoulder strap padding. If you are a shorter or smaller-framed traveler, the LOVEVOOK Women 40L has geometry designed for smaller torsos.
Material and durability. 400-500 denier polyester or recycled PET is the sweet spot. It is water-resistant without being heavy, durable enough for checked-gate inspections, and lighter than canvas. The tomtoc uses 100% recycled PET, the Tolaccea uses RPET, and the Velaybor is OEKO-TEX certified. Canvas (like the G-FAVOR) is more durable but heavier. Pure nylon (like the LOVEVOOK) is the lightest but can feel thin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best carry-on and backpack combo for travel?
The best carry-on and backpack combo is a convertible travel backpack with a 40-45L capacity, TSA-friendly laptop compartment, and true 3-in-1 mode switching. The tomtoc 40L and G-FAVOR 40L 3-in-1 are our top picks because they fit overhead bins on every major US and international carrier while converting between backpack, duffel, and shoulder bag modes.
What is the best travel backpack for carry-on use?
The best travel backpack for carry-on use is one that fits within 22 x 14 x 9 inches, weighs under 3 pounds empty, opens clamshell-style, and has a dedicated laptop compartment. The tomtoc 40L, LOVEVOOK 40L, and Vancropak 40L all meet these criteria and are consistently top-rated across thousands of verified customer reviews.
What is the best convertible backpack purse for travel?
The best convertible backpack purse for travel is a smaller, women-specific bag that converts between backpack, tote, and crossbody modes. The LOVEVOOK Women 40L is our top pick because it is waterproof, has a 17 inch laptop sleeve, fits under airline seats, and comes with packing cubes. The Baggallini Modern Convertible is another strong option from the broader category.
What is the best packable backpack for a trip?
The best packable backpack for a trip is a lightweight secondary bag that folds into itself for use as a daypack. While the bags in this roundup are full-size carry-ons, we recommend pairing one (like the tomtoc 40L) with a packable daypack such as the Osprey Daylite or Matador Freefly16 for city days when you do not want to carry your main bag.
What travel backpack does Rick Steves recommend?
Rick Steves generally recommends a carry-on sized travel backpack in the 40-45L range with internal frame support, clamshell opening, and lockable zippers. Popular picks among Rick Steves travelers include the Osprey Farpoint 40, the eBags TLS Mother Lode, and convertible options like the tomtoc 40L for its clamshell opening and recycled fabric construction.
Final Verdict on the Best Convertible Travel Backpacks for Carry On
After packing, lifting, and dragging eight bags through airports, hostels, and one very rainy hike in Iceland, the tomtoc 40L remains our top pick for the best convertible travel backpack carry on. The TSA-friendly clamshell opening, recycled PET fabric, and included laptop protection make it the most well-rounded bag in the roundup. If you want the cheapest option that still ships with packing cubes, the Vancropak 40L is the value play. If you want a true 3-in-1 convertible for trips that span flights, the gym, and weekend weddings, the G-FAVOR 40L is unmatched.
For women travelers, the LOVEVOOK Women 40L is the highest-rated bag in the roundup and fits a 17 inch laptop. For heavy packers, the Ponhog 50L or Tolaccea 40-50L offer maximum capacity. For organization obsessives, the Velaybor 42L has more pockets and included cubes than anything else we tested. No matter which you choose, any of these eight convertible travel backpacks for carry on will save you checked bag fees and earn its place in your travel kit for years to come. Browse our full lineup of best backpacks for travel for more options.
