12 Best Carry-on Backpacks From Amazon Under $50

As a travel writer who has experienced her fair share of crowded airports and quick hotel stays, I pride myself on packing efficiently. Developing this skillset came with a lot of trial and error, and resulted in a few broken luggage zippers along the way. Now, I’m able to fit a trip’s worth of clothes in just a backpack. If you’re visualizing a run-of-the-mill backpack with just enough room for a few books and a laptop, think again; instead, I reach for backpacks that have compartments, space and style that rival some of the best traditional carry-ons with wheels. 

For example, one of my go-to travel backpacks is the Terra Calpak Laptop Backpack. It’s a water-resistant, multi-opening powerhouse with a padded compartment for my laptop, plus tons of pockets to stick all the random items I manage to forget at the last minute. While it’s one of my favorite carry-on backpacks, the $175 price tag can be a bit steep. Luckily, Amazon has plenty of budget-friendly options that are just as impressive. Ready to mix it up with something new beyond your traditional carry-on? I’ve handpicked 12 carry-on backpacks suited for the job — all under $50, no less.

Bagsmart Compression Travel Backpack

When it comes to creating efficient packing solutions, Bagsmart is one of my favorite brands. From packing cubes to toiletry organizers, they always deliver on organization. That’s why I’m a huge fan of this compression travel backpack: Loaded with packing cubes and a separate shoe bag, this expandable design allows you to store up to a week’s worth of clothing in it. Plus, there’s a built-in elastic band inside that compresses clothing, freeing up even more space for your belongings. 

Rinlist Carry-on Backpack

Built with a sturdy nylon material that can hold up against the wear and tear of frequent travel, this backpack from Rinlist is a great option for a durable carry-on. It features multiple compartments and pockets, including a zippered accessories pocket and a separate laptop space, and even comes with two clear storage bags for your toiletries and small clothing items. Padded shoulder straps keep you comfortable during long travel days, while the top grip handle and trolley sleeve make maneuvering it in the airport a breeze.

Hanples Travel Backpack

I recently stumbled on Tumi’s Voyageur collection, full of practical bags like this sleek, multi-functional Raina backpack. For a similarly stylish yet budget-friendly option, I love this Hanples travel backpack (and the ample storage space doesn’t hurt, either). There’s a thick cushion inside to protect your laptop, as well as 35 liters of space to easily store up to five days’ worth of clothing. It also comes with a wet and dry bag to separate items, and even has a built-in USB port for easy access to your phone charge. 

Matein Carry-on Backpack

This large travel backpack from Matein, on sale for $23, features a front zippered compartment for smaller items like your phone, plus a large interior pocket inside equipped with compression elastic straps to ensure your items stay in place. The spacious design includes an expandable feature that can hold packing cubes, a camera bag, a makeup bag and more. The storage options don’t stop here, though; hideaway padded shoulder straps can store additional items like chargers and travel-sized beauty products. 

Taygeer Travel Backpack

I always appreciate a carry-on backpack that can do  more than just store clothing. This $18 option from Taygeer, available in 12 colors, has a built-in USB charging port for keeping your electronics charged on-the-go. A handy wet bag separates dry and wet items inside, while the inner compression straps keep all your essentials in a stable position. This carry-on backpack has earned nearly 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with one happy shopper reporting that it’s “worth the money” and fits easily underneath airline seats. 

Herschel Supply Co. Classic XL Backpack

I’ve been a long time fan of travel bag company Herschel Supply Co. for its wide range of colorful and multi-functional backpacks. This extra-large option from the brand is crafted from recycled materials and features durable zippered closures, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and a functional side pocket built to store a water bottle. As a proud owner of one myself, I like to take this backpack on weekend vineyard trips to Santa Barbara, as it is functional without being too bulky. 

Lovevook 40L Travel Backpack

If you’re looking for optimal organization, this option from Lovevook fits the bill, with  4 compartments and multiple pockets to easily contain up to a week’s worth of items. Take advantage of perks like 3 extra packing cubes and a wet compartment, all housed in a tear-resistant, water-resistant, and abrasion-resistant material for long lasting support. I first realized the importance of a versatile travel bag with Peak Design’s popular Travel Backpack. The multi-functional gem has been a lifesaver on many of my trips, with large expandable side pockets that can fit your passport, water bottles and even camera equipment. The interior contains two mesh compartments where I can store their reliable Ultralight Packing Cubes and Tech Pouch to keep all of my chargers organized. 

Coofay Travel Backpack 

Back pain and discomfort, especially after a long day of travel, is often inevitable. That’s why I always look for products that go the extra mile when it comes to support, like this Coofay backpack, on sale for $28. This bag features thick and soft multi-panel ventilated padding along the back panel, as well as adjustable shoulder and chest straps. It can easily be slipped onto the trolley of a suitcase as well, and the hidden anti-theft zipper pocket on the back helps to prevent your valuables from being stolen.

Vancropak Carry on Backpack

Expandable and easy to fit underneath an airline seat or in the overhead bin, this carry-on backpack from Vancropak offers plenty of room to store your favorite clothing items and shoes, thanks to the removable packing cubes it comes with. Lightweight and durable, two padded handles on the top and the side make it easy to lift it from multiple angles, allowing you to carry it like a suitcase or backpack. 

Dwqoo Travel Backpack

No one wants a broken zipper or fabric tear in the middle of a trip. The waterproof, durable polyester fabric of this Dwqoo carry-on backpack can hold up to wear-and-tear, while the padded shoulder straps deliver lasting support. It comes with a padded compartment for your laptop and tablet, a separate wet bag for dirty clothes, a mesh pocket for storage, and internal compression elastic straps for securing items. Too, the front compartment has RFID-blocking credit card slots to ward off potential thieves.

Shrradoo 50L Travel Laptop Backpack

This Shrradoo laptop backpack, on sale for $28 when you use the on-site coupon, has a whopping 20 pockets for any last-minute storage needs you might have. A U-shaped, three-dimensional ventilation design on the back and wide mesh shoulder straps provide breathability and relieve shoulder pressure. The hanging ropes on both sides of the shoulder straps can be used to hang small items like sunglasses or water bottles, while the clipping chest straps can be used as a trolley strap. 

Yorepek Travel Backpack

This spacious water-resistant backpack from Yorepek makes it easy to breeze through security lines, thanks to its TSA-approved locks. Built with multiple separate compartments, this bag makes it easy to quickly access your clothing items and valuables once it’s time to get ready. It features three main compartments and a separate laptop area, and has an external USB port that allows you to charge your phone and other electronic devices without tracking down a wall outlet. Nearly 40,000 Amazon shoppers — yes, you read that correctly — have given it a five-star rating for its capacity, style, and durability. 

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