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12 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Women of 2024

Shop our recommended lightweight luggage picks for traveling on a plane overseas, quick work trips, and weekend getaways.

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Away/Monos

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

After deciding to take a trip, you’ll want to set yourself up for the best traveling experience possible by researching all of the details beforehand. That goes for everything from finding the best budget-friendly destinations to organizing your comfortable travel clothing and helpful travel accessories in advance. Another important consideration is how you’ll transport all your belongings, and while you might already have a luggage set you love, purchasing one of the best travel backpacks for women can make your journey even more seamless.

Travel backpacks and lightweight carry-ons are incredibly versatile since they offer more organization, comfort, and storage than a typical purse, better functionality than a tote, and are still sleek enough to bring just about anywhere. There are countless options suitable for every kind of adventure — whether you’ll be hiking in inclement weather on vacation or exploring an international city for a work trip — and each one is designed with airplane travel in mind.

Our top picks for best travel backpacks 2024:

We’ve taken all the guesswork out of selecting the best travel backpack for your needs with our recommendations below. They fall under a variety of categories, so you can pick and choose the features that matter most to you. Once you settle on the perfect backpack, all that’s left to do is to start brainstorming some creative travel captions and hit the road.

1
Best Overall

everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

The ReNew Transit Backpack
Now 37% Off
$95 at Everlane
Pros
  • Made from eco-friendly materials
  • Many interior and exterior pockets for storage
  • Excellent value for the price
Cons
  • Some reviewers felt the material was too stiff

There's not much that this Everlane backpack doesn't offer in terms of travel conveniences. It comes with a 15" exterior laptop pocket, a trolley sleeve, catch-all exterior zip pockets, two water bottle holders, and comfortable straps, all for under $100.

Material100% Recycled Polyester with a water-resistant finish
Dimensions17.5” H x 12” L X 7.25” D
CareMachine Wash Cold.
Capacity27L
Max Shoulder Strap Length36"
Min Shoulder Strap Length18"
2
Best Foldable

Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

Le Pliage Backpack
Credit: Longchamp
Pros
  • Water-resistant lining
  • Can be easily packed and stored
  • Adjustable straps
Cons
  • Only has one interior compartment
  • Holds less volume overall

Like other Longchamp accessories, this chic backpack offers plenty of flexibility for women on-the-go. The nylon material can easily fold into a suitcase or larger bag for storage, and is lightweight enough to be worn for long stretches of sightseeing.

MaterialRecycled polyamide canvas with inside coating
Dimensions11" x 10" x 3 3/4"
Weight.6 lb
CapacityMedium
3
Most Fashionable

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

The Everywhere Zip Backpack
Now 60% Off
Credit: Away
Pros
  • Interior and exterior pockets
  • Water-resistant
  • Trolley sleeve
Cons
  • Some reviewers found it too small for their travel needs

This sleek backpack easily slips on top of a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, and can also fit a great deal if it's the only luggage you're bringing. Plus, it features a 15" laptop pocket. Customers note that it offers plenty of space to organize basic travel necessities including masks, hand sanitizer, snacks, books, magazines, and a light jacket all at once.

MaterialNylon with leather
Dimensions12" x 5.9" x 17.7"
Weight2.45 lbs
Capacity20 liters
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4
Most Functional

Monos Metro Backpack

Metro Backpack
Credit: Monos
Pros
  • Sustainably made
  • Innovative modular design
Cons
  • Doesn't offer exterior pocket for bottles

Don't be fooled by the simple design of this pack: it offers all the bells and whistles you could possibly want for everyday traveling. Features include a detachable folio kit, a 15" laptop sleeve, a trolley sleeve, and several thoughtfully designed interior pockets for storing everything from electronics to toiletries and clothing.

MaterialVegan leather
Dimensions11.5" × 16.5" × 6"
Weight3 lbs
Capacity18 liters
5
Best Convertible

MZ Wallace Metro Convertible Backpack

Metro Convertible Backpack
Pros
  • Made with comfortable, quilted fabric
  • Water-resistant
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Pricier than other options

Designed with urban commuters in mind, this stylish quilted backpack is incredibly comfy and still professional enough for the office. It offers both interior and exterior pockets, top carry handles, and a structured silhouette for all your work essentials.

MaterialNylon/leather
Dimensions14" x 12 1/2" x 5"
Weight1.34 lb
CapacityNot listed
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Spacious interior compartments
  • Separate shoe compartment and wet bag
  • Anti-theft features
Cons
  • Some reviewers thought quality could be better

Over 11,000 reviewers rated this backpack five stars on Amazon thanks to its roomy interior and security features. One customer wrote, "This backpack somehow bends the rules of physics to fit several outfits (warm-ish weather), a pair of shoes, carry-on toiletries, and a few personal items. I’ve taken this on three trips so far and the zippers and stitching are holding fast despite pushing it to its limits on an international trip."

MaterialWaterproof polyester
Dimensions12.6" x 7.87" x 16.53"
Weight2.2 lbs
CapacityLarge
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7
Best Carry-On

L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack

Stowaway Pack
Pros
  • Made from eco-friendly materials
  • Can be folded for storage
Cons
  • Not as spacious as other options

Looking to maximize that one personal item allowance on your next flight? This lightweight pack includes cushioned straps, several interior pockets, and a "shove it" front pocket for quickly stowing away electronics and other small items.

MaterialRecycled polyester ripstop
Dimensions19" x 10" x 7"
Weight14 oz
Capacity22 liters
8
Best Compact

Athleta Excursion Backpack

Excursion Backpack
Pros
  • Lightweight material resists rips and tears
  • Mesh back panel adds support
  • Includes several interior and exterior pockets
Cons
  • Some customers had issues with the hardware breaking

This lightweight backpack offers an impressive amount of storage given its size, making it ideal for everything from sightseeing, to hiking, and even long distance running. One happy customer wrote that it's "Such a cute backpack! It's small and deceiving, fits way more than you would expect!"

MaterialRecycled nylon
Dimensions9" x 3" x 15"
WeightNot listed
CapacityNot listed
9
Most Efficient and Comfortable

Troubadour Ki Backpack

Ki Backpack
Credit: Troubadour
Pros
  • Designed for maximum comfort
  • Made from eco-friendly materials
  • Includes hidden pockets for valuables
Cons
  • Some reviewers wished the material was more flexible

If protecting your back and shoulders is a top consideration while traveling, opt for this ergonomic Troubadour pack. It comes with a breathable back panel and thoughtfully designed straps for a supportive fit without sacrificing storage space.

MaterialRecycled polyester fabric, recycled polyester lining, vegan leather trim
Dimensions10.5" x 15.3" x 3.9"
Weight2.2 lbs
Capacity10 liters
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10
Best Hiking

Osprey Sirrus 24 Women's Hiking Backpack

Sirrus 24 Women's Hiking Backpack
Pros
  • Made from eco-friendly materials
  • Tailored for women's fit
  • Design includes several hiking specific features
Cons
  • Not as versatile as other options

For a hiking-specific backpack, this Osprey bag includes several unique features that are helpful on the trail. A trekking pole attachment offers ease on rough terrain, hipbelt pockets make snacks and essentials easily accessible, and a raincover and ice axe holder offer protection during inclement weather.

MaterialNylon
Dimensions‎24.1" x 14.2" x 3.6"
Weight‎2.73 lbs
Capacity24 liters
11
Best Expandable

BÉIS The Expandable Backpack

Best Seller
The Expandable Backpack
Pros
  • Made from eco-friendly materials
  • Functional design
Cons
  • Some reviewers thought it could be more comfortable

If you tend to overpack (or do a lot of shopping on vacation), an expandable backpack offers added flexibility. Not only does this one offer extra space, but it also comes with functional details like a key leash, laptop sleeve, trolley sleeve, and water bottle pockets.

MaterialRecycled polyester with recycled faux leather trim
Dimensions13" x 15" x 6-8"
Weight1.7 lbs
Capacity17 liters (expanded); 13.5 liters (non-expanded)
12
Best Water-Resistant

Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack

Kånken Water Resistant Backpack
Pros
  • Includes a rain flap for added protection
  • Includes top carry handle and adjustable straps
  • Affordable price point
Cons
  • Not as spacious as other options

This Scandinavian backpack was originally produced in the 1970s for Swedish schoolchildren, but has since become iconic around the world thanks to its stylish yet practical design. The water-resistant material makes it durable, and the foam insert and cheerful color makes it a piece you'll be reaching for often.

MaterialVinylon
Dimensions14" x 10" x 4.5"
Weight.7 lbs
CapacityNot listed
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How to shop for a travel backpack for women:

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Look for the following when shopping for a new travel carry-on backpack:

✔️ Durability: A travel backpack is an investment piece that you'll hopefully get a lot of use out of, so there are several factors to consider before buying. The primary question to ask yourself is how you plan to use it, and whether it's important to buy something that you can use in a variety of settings. To get the most value out of your purchase, we recommend looking for features that offer versatility and durability, such as high-quality, water-resistant material.

✔️ Support and comfort: Additionally, whether or not you have back issues, it's important to consider the level of support a backpack offers. Opting for lightweight packs, with cushioned back panels, and ergonomic straps will protect your shoulders (and will also make for a much more pleasant wearing experience.)

✔️ Style and special features: Lastly, taking into account your personal style and any must-have features will help narrow down the many options available. Take time to think about if the aesthetic is a top priority, or if a different aspect such as organizational capabilities or eco-friendly manufacturing is more important to you. The good news is that if you're really having difficulty deciding, there's always the option to purchase more than one backpack for different occasions.

FAQ

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  • Why is a travel backpack helpful?
    Rolling luggage certainly makes transporting your heaviest items easier, but it does require the use of one or both hands. Especially if you're traveling lighter, or for transit that occurs after those initial trips to/from the airport, a backpack allows you to move about hands-free, while still carrying more than you could with a smaller bag or purse.
  • What size backpack can I bring on a plane?
    If you're using the backpack as your primary piece of carry-on luggage, the maximum dimensions are typically 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high. If you're using it as a personal item stowed under the seat in front of you, it shouldn't exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high.
Headshot of Samantha Lawyer
Samantha Lawyer

Sam Lawyer is a lifestyle writer and television producer based in New York City. She’s been contributing to Woman’s Day for nearly five years, and covers a variety of topics from gifting, to health, and entertainment. Her work has additionally been featured in Cosmopolitan, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not writing or producing, you can find her binging her favorite Bravo shows or getting walked by her French Bulldog.

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