Did you know only about 15% of carry-on backpacks really excel at combining space, durability, and airline compatibility? I’ve personally tested dozens, and the one that consistently stood out is the tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Friendly Flight Approved. It’s surprisingly spacious yet streamlined, fitting comfortably in overhead bins and under seats. The main compartment opens fully like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking effortless, especially during quick security checks.
What impressed me most is its thoughtful organization—separate tech compartments for up to a 17” laptop and iPad, multiple access points, and a durable, eco-friendly recycled fabric. Lightweight but durable, with padded straps and a back panel, it’s comfy for long walks or hurried airport runs. While others like MATEIN and LOVEVOOK offer large capacities, they don’t have the same level of TSA-friendly design or sustainable materials. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the tomtoc, because it offers the perfect blend of space, security, and eco-conscious build—making it truly a top-tier choice for any traveler.
Top Recommendation: tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Friendly Flight Approved
Why We Recommend It: It stands out due to its large 40L capacity with organized compartments, easy TSA-friendly 90°-180° laptop access, and eco-friendly recycled fabric construction. Its smart design, durability, and comfort surpass competitors like MATEIN’s expandable model or LOVEVOOK’s premium options, offering a superior balance of space, security, and environmental responsibility.
Best carry on backpack: Our Top 5 Picks
- Taygeer Travel Backpack for Women, Carry On Backpack USB – Best for Women Travelers
- tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Friendly Flight Approved – Best Carry On Backpack for Air Travel
- MATEIN Carry on Backpack, Extra Large Travel Backpack – Best for Travel with Extra Storage
- LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack & Men, Airline Approved Carry – Best Carry On Backpack for Men
- LOVEVOOK 40L Large Travel Backpack Men, 17 Inch Carry on – Best for European Travel
Taygeer Travel Backpack for Women, Carry On Backpack USB
- ✓ Smart USB charging port
- ✓ Spacious and well-organized
- ✓ Lightweight and comfortable
- ✕ Does not include powerbank
- ✕ No dedicated shoe compartment
| Dimensions | 16.8 x 11 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 0.79 kg (1.74 lbs) |
| Laptop Compartment Size | Fits up to 15.6-inch laptops |
| Material | Water-resistant polyester fabric |
| USB Charging Port | Built-in external USB port with internal charging cable (power bank not included) |
| Carry-On Compatibility | Meets airline carry-on requirements, suitable for overhead and under-seat storage |
You’re rushing through the airport, juggling your coffee and trying to find your gate when you realize your backpack is just a bit too bulky to fit under the seat. That’s when you notice the sleek Taygeer Travel Backpack for Women, sitting neatly on your luggage, ready to help.
Its smart design immediately catches your eye with a water-resistant pink exterior that’s both cute and practical.
The first thing you’ll love is the built-in USB port. It’s so handy when your phone’s running low and you’re on the move.
You can easily connect your power bank inside and charge your device outside without fumbling around. The zipper is smooth, and the 180-degree opening makes security checks quick and painless.
As you open it up, you’ll find multiple compartments that keep everything organized. There’s a dedicated laptop pocket that fits your 15.6-inch device and an iPad slot, plus plenty of space for clothes, books, and even a water bottle.
The water bottle pocket fits your 30 oz Stanley cup perfectly, which is a lifesaver during long travel days.
The padded straps and handles make switching from backpack to handbag seamless. The luggage strap is a nice touch, letting you slide it onto your suitcase handle when you’re tired of carrying.
It’s lightweight at just under a pound but feels sturdy enough for everyday use.
Overall, this backpack is a versatile travel companion. It’s perfect for flying, daily commuting, or even quick weekend trips.
The stylish pink color and smart features make it stand out from typical carry-ons, and it feels like a thoughtful gift for any woman on the go.
tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Friendly Flight Approved
- ✓ Spacious and well-organized
- ✓ TSA friendly design
- ✓ Comfortable to carry
- ✕ Slightly heavy when empty
- ✕ Limited color options
| Capacity | 38-40 liters (adjustable based on packing) |
| Laptop Compartment Size | Fits laptops up to 17 inches |
| Material | Recycled PET plastic bottles (post-consumer recycled fabric) |
| Dimensions | 20.47 x 12.99 x 9 inches (52 x 33 x 23 cm) |
| Carry-On Compatibility | Meets most international airline carry-on size requirements |
| Security Feature | Laptop compartment opens 90°-180° for TSA security screening |
You’re standing in the airport terminal, rolling this tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L off the belt with your laptop securely nestled in its dedicated tech compartment. The first thing you notice is how smooth the YKK zippers glide open, revealing a surprisingly spacious main compartment that feels just right for a weekend getaway.
The backpack’s dimensions, 20.47 x 12.99 x 9 inches, make it a breeze to fit in the overhead bin, and the quick-access front pocket keeps your travel documents within arm’s reach. As you unzip the main section, you see how easy it is to pack or unpack, thanks to the suitcase-style opening.
The interior is thoughtfully organized, with separate pockets for your electronics, chargers, and other essentials.
The laptop compartment opens flat for TSA security checks, saving you from awkwardly removing your device. You also appreciate the side and top pockets, perfect for glasses or snacks.
The padded back panel and contoured straps make carrying comfortable, even after a long day of navigating airports or city streets.
What really stands out is its durability and eco-friendliness. The recycled PET fabric feels sturdy, and the zippers seem built to last.
The luggage pass-through strap is a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you’re hauling multiple bags. Overall, this backpack feels like a well-designed travel partner, balancing convenience, organization, and sustainability.
MATEIN Carry on Backpack, Extra Large Travel Backpack
- ✓ Large expandable capacity
- ✓ Convertible and versatile
- ✓ Lightweight and durable
- ✕ No dedicated laptop compartment
- ✕ Zippers could be smoother
| Capacity | 45 liters maximum expandable volume |
| Dimensions | 19 x 13 x 8 inches (48 x 33 x 20 cm) |
| Material | Water-resistant lightweight polyester |
| Weight | Approximately 1 kg (2.2 lbs) |
| Carrying Features | Padded shoulder straps with sternum strap, padded grab handles, luggage strap on back |
| Security | Lockable zipper heads |
As I slid the MATEIN Carry on Backpack onto my shoulders and felt how lightweight it was, I immediately noticed how smooth the padded straps and ventilated back panel felt against my skin. I unzipped the main compartment to discover a surprisingly spacious 45L capacity, perfect for stuffing in a weekend’s worth of clothes, a camera, and even my toiletries without feeling cramped.
The expandable feature is a game-changer—just one quick unzip, and suddenly I’ve gained extra space for those last-minute souvenirs or bulky items. It fits perfectly in the overhead bin, which is a relief when I’m rushing through airports.
The zippers and stitching look sturdy, promising durability for frequent travel.
Switching from backpack to briefcase mode is effortless thanks to the hideaway shoulder straps. I love how I can carry it as a tote when navigating busy terminals or attach it to my rolling suitcase with the back luggage strap.
The external compression straps kept everything tight and secure, even when I packed it full.
The front compartment is handy for quick-access items like my phone or earbuds. Plus, the internal elastic straps kept my clothes from shifting around.
The sternum strap and adjustable shoulder straps made carrying heavy loads surprisingly comfortable, reducing strain on my shoulders.
Made of water-resistant polyester, the backpack handled a light rain without a hitch. Overall, it’s versatile, durable, and designed with travel ease in mind—definitely a solid option for your next trip.
LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack & Men, Airline Approved Carry
- ✓ Spacious and well-organized
- ✓ Airline-approved size
- ✓ Durable and water-resistant
- ✕ Tight compartments when full
- ✕ Slightly heavier than minimalist bags
| Dimensions | 18 × 14 × 8 inches (45.7 × 35.6 × 20.3 cm) |
| Capacity | 40 liters |
| Material | Tear-resistant, water-resistant, and abrasion-resistant fabric |
| Compartments and Pockets | 4 main compartments, multiple internal and external pockets, including wet pocket and packing cubes |
| Weight | Estimated 1.2 – 1.5 kg (2.6 – 3.3 lbs) based on typical travel backpacks |
| Additional Features | Luggage strap, padded electronics compartment, side water bottle and umbrella pockets |
Imagine grabbing your backpack and noticing how surprisingly sleek and lightweight it feels, despite being packed to the brim. That was my first surprise with the LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack — it’s deceptively spacious but doesn’t add extra bulk.
The moment I opened it up, I was impressed by how organized everything could be. With four compartments and multiple pockets, it’s easy to separate your clothes, gadgets, and toiletries.
The included packing cubes are a game-changer, especially the shoe bag and wet pocket, which kept my sneakers and damp towels separate from my clean clothes.
The size is perfect for a 3-7 day trip — fitting snugly under airplane seats or in overhead compartments. I tested it on several airlines, and it was approved across the board, including Spirit and JetBlue.
The fabric feels tough, water-resistant, and handles wear and tear well, making me confident it will last through many trips.
Comfort is a big plus here. The padded straps and back panel made long walks through airports much easier.
The side water bottle pockets and dedicated electronics compartment added extra convenience, preventing those annoying rummaging moments. Plus, the luggage strap on the back makes it easy to slide onto your suitcase handle for smooth travel.
Overall, this backpack combines practicality with style. It’s a solid choice whether you’re a frequent flyer or just want a reliable carry-on.
The only minor drawback is that the multiple compartments can feel a little tight when fully packed, but that’s a small trade-off for the organization it offers.
LOVEVOOK 40L Large Travel Backpack Men, 17 Inch Carry on
- ✓ Large 40L capacity
- ✓ Well-organized compartments
- ✓ Meets airline size standards
- ✕ Back padding could improve
- ✕ Slightly heavy when fully packed
| Capacity | 40 liters, suitable for 3-5 day trips |
| Dimensions | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45.7 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm) |
| Laptop Compartment | Fits up to 17.3-inch laptops |
| Material | Waterproof and strengthened polyester |
| Weight | Approximate weight not specified, inferred as lightweight for travel backpacks |
| Features | Expandable design with 180° box structure, multiple compartments including wet/dry separation, luggage strap, and packing cubes |
The first time I packed this LOVEVOOK 40L backpack, I was surprised to find how effortlessly it managed to swallow everything I needed for a 4-day trip. I expected a lot of bulk, but the sleek, box-like structure kept things surprisingly compact yet spacious.
The expandable feature really came in handy when I needed extra room, and the ability to open it 180° made packing and accessing my items a breeze.
The multiple compartments and included packing cubes kept my clothes, shoes, and toiletries perfectly organized. I loved the dedicated wet and dry sections—no more wet towels mixing with clean clothes.
The quick-access pocket for electronics made security checks smooth, and the luggage strap meant I could attach it to my suitcase without fuss.
The build quality felt sturdy; the waterproof polyester and reinforced zippers gave me confidence in its durability. Carrying it was comfortable thanks to padded straps, and the side handles made lifting it into overhead compartments easy.
The size checked all airline personal item boxes, fitting neatly under the seat or in the overhead bin.
Overall, this backpack combines smart design with practical features, making it ideal for weekend trips or short getaways. I do wish it had a bit more padding on the back, but the overall comfort and organization make up for it.
It’s a versatile, reliable choice when you want to pack light but still bring everything you need.