Best travel backpacks that fit right in the cabin

When you don’t need to bring any luggage for a quick trip or getaway, a backpack is a great option. It keeps your hands free but lets you lug around a change of clothes, your devices and all your toiletries. Did we mention it also helps out in putting an outfit together?

After countless trips and the search for the best backpack to fit anyone’s style—including the ultra-efficient vacuum seal backpack—we’ve put together a list of some of the best bags in the market.

Pacsafe Vibe 40 anti-theft 40L carry-on backpack

This backpack comes in black and grey camo, and also makes sure you aren’t a victim of nasty thieves at the airport (or anywhere). With reinforced straps, steel mesh under the fabric and a good 40L of space, you won’t need to check in any baggage for that quick weekend trip.

photo from Pacsafe website

CabinZero Vintage 44L

If you like something lighter and trackable, then this is the backpack for you. With a built-in tracker from Okaban, you’ll be able to track your bag if it gets lost (or left behind). Weighing only 960g, you won’t have to worry about getting tired from lugging around your stuff from one end of the airport to another.

Herschel Rucksack

This ubiquitous bag is everywhere for a reason–it’s stylish and it works. Made of canvas with leather accents, the size of the bag lets you bring a change of clothes and even a pair of trainers to change into something more stylish. There are tons of designs to choose from, so this is the biggest no-brainer choice of the bunch.

Gouache Knapsack

If you want the look of canvas but with water resistance and a tougher exterior, Gouache’s Knapsack is the item you want. While you may have to order this all the way from the Philippines, the bag is sturdy, stylish, has multiple pockets and is made from the toughest coated canvas out there. This means it can withstand spills, sitting on wet ground and is extra tough with thick leather handles.

Minaal Backpack

Successfully funded on Kickstarter, this backpack is one of the lightest on our list. Weighing only a little over 3 lbs., this backpack has padding and straps in all the right places for one of the most comfortable carrying experiences ever. They’ve begun offering preorders on a newer version but you can get the original one online.

Oliberté Krabu Backpack

For travelers who don’t mind the extra weight (because they probably eat weights for breakfast), then a leather backpack like this one from Krabu is a good option. Any leather backpack will actually do (you can even find leatherworkers who can custom-make for you) but what’s important is it’s stylish, fits in the cabin and has thick leather outer and pockets. What’s even better, is that real leather never flakes and tears very rarely.

Patagonia Refugio Pack 28L

Patagonia is a brand founded by a rock climber that makes sure the materials they use are sustainable for the environment. Their Refugio backpack has all the right pockets and compartments for your laptop, toiletries and a change of clothes but also comes with a water resistant bottom for added protection.

Photo from Patagonia website

CabinZero Classic 36L

Another great backpack from CabinZero with the same trackable technology care of Okaban, this backpack is their classic design that allows for more space. With top and side handles for any carry type that comes to mind, this is one of the most versatile packs on this list.

Anello Limited Edition Polyester Backpack

While other designs from this bag brand could look a little immature, their limited edition polyester edition looks sleek and great for the most casual of trips. You still can’t compare the ease of their top zipper compartment and how the bag’s design can be great for a short trip if you know how to style your outfit around it.

There are a ton of other great backpacks out there that aren’t on this list, these are the ones that could whet any traveler’s appetite for the best travel bag this year. And who’s to say you can’t have all the bags?

Header image from Shutterstock