Top 12 Affordable Carry-On Backpacks on Amazon for Under $50

As a travel journalist who has encountered her fair share of bustling airports and rapid hotel stays, I take pride in my ability to pack smartly. This skill set developed through substantial experimentation, resulting in some broken luggage zippers along the journey. Presently, I manage to fit enough clothing for an entire trip into just a backpack. If you’re picturing a typical backpack with merely sufficient space for a couple of books and a laptop, reconsider; instead, I opt for backpacks that offer compartments, capacity, and flair that compete with some of the finest traditional wheeled carry-ons.

For instance, one of my preferred travel backpacks is the Terra Calpak Laptop Backpack. It’s a water-resistant, multipurpose powerhouse featuring a padded compartment for my laptop, alongside numerous pockets to hold all the assorted items I tend to overlook until the last minute. While it stands as one of my treasured carry-on backpacks, the $175 price may be slightly high. Fortunately, Amazon boasts a variety of economical alternatives that are equally impressive. Eager to try something fresh beyond your conventional carry-on? I’ve curated a list of 12 carry-on backpacks perfect for the task — all priced under $50, to boot.

Bagsmart Compression Travel Backpack

In terms of devising effective packing strategies, Bagsmart ranks among my favored brands. From packing cubes to toiletry organizers, they consistently excel at organization. This is why I am particularly fond of this compression travel backpack: Equipped with packing cubes and a separate shoe bag, this expandable design permits you to carry up to a week’s worth of apparel. Moreover, there’s an integrated elastic band inside that compresses clothing, creating even more room for your belongings.

Rinlist Carry-on Backpack

Crafted from a robust nylon material that withstands the rigors of frequent travel, this backpack from Rinlist represents an excellent choice for a resilient carry-on. It includes multiple compartments and pockets, including a zippered accessories compartment and a dedicated laptop section, and even provides two transparent storage bags for your toiletries and small garments. Padded shoulder straps ensure comfort during lengthy travel days, while the top grip handle and trolley sleeve facilitate easy navigation in the airport.

Hanples Travel Backpack

I recently discovered Tumi’s Voyageur collection, brimming with functional bags like this stylish, multifunctional Raina backpack. For a similarly chic but affordable alternative, I adore this Hanples travel backpack (which comes with plenty of storage space, too). It has a thick interior padding to protect your laptop, as well as 35 liters of capacity allowing you to easily pack up to five days’ worth of clothing. Additionally, it includes a wet and dry bag for separating your items and even features a built-in USB port for convenient access to your phone charger.

Matein Carry-on Backpack

This spacious travel backpack from Matein, available for $23, comes with a front zippered section for smaller belongings such as your phone, along with a roomy inner pocket designed with compression elastic straps to keep your items secure. The roomy configuration features an expandable aspect that can accommodate packing cubes, a camera bag, a cosmetics pouch, and more. The storage possibilities do not end here; concealed padded shoulder straps are capable of holding extra items such as chargers and travel-sized beauty essentials. 

Taygeer Travel Backpack

I consistently value a carry-on backpack that serves more than just the purpose of holding clothes. This $18 choice from Taygeer, available in 12 shades, incorporates a built-in USB charging port to keep your gadgets powered while on the move. A convenient wet bag distinguishes wet from dry items within, while the inner compression straps secure all your necessities in a stable position. This carry-on backpack has received nearly 10,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, with one satisfied customer expressing that it’s “worth the expense” and fits conveniently under airline seats. 

Herschel Supply Co. Classic XL Backpack

I have been a long-time admirer of travel bag brand Herschel Supply Co. for its extensive variety of vibrant and versatile backpacks. This oversized option from the brand is made from recycled materials and features sturdy zippered closures, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and a practical side pocket designed to hold a water bottle. As a proud owner of one, I enjoy taking this backpack on weekend trips to vineyards in Santa Barbara, as it proves functional without being overly cumbersome. 

Lovevook 40L Travel Backpack

If you seek peak organization, this choice from Lovevook meets the criteria, boasting 4 compartments and numerous pockets to conveniently hold up to a week’s worth of belongings. Benefit from features such as 3 extra packing cubes and a wet compartment, all constructed with tear-resistant, water-repellent, and abrasion-resistant materials for enduring usability. I first acknowledged the significance of a flexible travel bag with Peak Design’s renowned Travel Backpack. This multi-functional marvel has been invaluable on various trips, equipped with large expandable side pockets that can accommodate your passport, water bottles, and even camera equipment. The interior houses two mesh compartments where I can store their reliable Ultralight Packing Cubes and Tech Pouch to keep all my chargers neat and organized. 

Coofay Travel Backpack 

Back pain and discomfort, particularly after an extended day of traveling, are often unavoidable. That’s the reason I consistently search for items that offer exceptional support, such as this Coofay backpack, currently priced at $28. This bag showcases thick and soft multi-panel ventilated padding along the back panel, along with adjustable shoulder and chest straps. It can be conveniently attached to the trolley of a suitcase as well, and the concealed anti-theft zipper pocket on the back helps to safeguard your valuables from theft.

Vancropak Carry on Backpack

Expandable and convenient for stowing beneath an airline seat or in the overhead compartment, this carry-on backpack from Vancropak provides ample space to organize your preferred garments and shoes, thanks to its detachable packing cubes. Lightweight yet sturdy, it features two cushioned handles on the top and the side, making it simple to lift from various angles, allowing you to transport it like a suitcase or backpack. 

Dwqoo Travel Backpack

No traveler desires a malfunctioning zipper or fabric rupture during a journey. The waterproof, resilient polyester material of this Dwqoo carry-on backpack withstands wear-and-tear, while the padded shoulder straps offer enduring support. It includes a cushioned section for your laptop and tablet, a distinct wet bag for soiled garments, a mesh pocket for additional storage, and internal compression elastic straps for securing belongings. Additionally, the front section contains RFID-blocking slots for credit cards, to protect against potential pickpockets.

Shrradoo 50L Travel Laptop Backpack

This Shrradoo laptop backpack, currently priced at $28 with the on-site coupon, boasts an impressive 20 pockets for any spontaneous storage requirements you may encounter. Featuring a U-shaped, three-dimensional ventilation structure on the back and broad mesh shoulder straps, it allows for breathability and alleviates shoulder tension. The hanging cords on both sides of the shoulder straps can accommodate small items like sunglasses or water bottles, while the clipping chest straps can double as a trolley strap. 

Yorepek Travel Backpack

This roomy water-resistant backpack from Yorepek allows you to swiftly navigate through security checkpoints, thanks to its TSA-compliant locks. Equipped with several independent compartments, this bag facilitates quick access to your clothing and valuables when it’s time to prepare. It offers three primary compartments and a dedicated laptop section, as well as an external USB port enabling you to charge your smartphone and other electronic devices without the need to locate a wall socket. Nearly 40,000 Amazon customers — indeed, you read that right — have awarded it a five-star rating for its capacity, aesthetics, and sturdiness. 

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