The best carry-on bag for travel depends on how you pack and how you want to carry it. A backpack can keep your hands free, while a duffel offers a wide opening and simple access to your gear. The options below range from compact personal-item backpacks to roomy bags designed for overhead-bin travel. Before flying, check your airline’s current size rules and confirm that your packed bag fits them.
Quick Comparison
| Carry-On Bag | Type | Size or Capacity | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATEIN Expandable Carry-On Backpack | Convertible backpack | 19 × 13 × 8 in; expands to 45L | Hideaway shoulder straps and luggage sleeve |
| LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack | Travel backpack | 18 × 14 × 8 in; 40L | Three packing cubes and a wet compartment |
| EZUOLA 25L Personal-Item Backpack | Compact travel backpack | 16.9 × 11.4 × 7.5 in; 25L | Separate laptop pocket and shoe bag |
| Laktru 45L Carry-On Duffle | Travel duffel | 22 × 14 × 9 in; 45L | Dedicated shoe compartment |
| CANWAY 40L Foldable Duffle | Convertible duffel | 22 × 14 × 9 in; 40L | Foldable design and vented shoe compartment |
Our Picks: Best Carry On Bags For Travel reviews
1. MATEIN Expandable Backpack: A Flexible Pick for Weekend Trips
The MATEIN is an expandable travel backpack that can also be carried in a briefcase-style setup. It measures 19 × 13 × 8 inches in its standard form and expands to offer up to 45 liters of storage. That gives you room to adjust your packing space for different trips, though you’ll want to check the bag’s expanded dimensions against your airline’s rules before flying.
Its shoulder straps tuck into a zippered back panel, and grab handles on the top and side provide other ways to lift or carry it. A rear luggage strap lets you secure it to a compatible suitcase handle. Inside, compression straps help hold clothing in place, while external compression straps can help keep the load compact.
This is a practical choice if you want backpack carrying comfort but don’t want to be locked into that style. The tradeoff is that its generous capacity can tempt you to overpack. At about 2.2 pounds, the bag itself is relatively light according to the supplied specifications, but a full 45-liter load can still feel heavy on your back.
Pros:
- Expandable storage for trips with different packing needs
- Hideaway shoulder straps and multiple grab handles
- Luggage strap for stacking it on a suitcase
- Internal and external compression features
Cons:
- Expansion may make it too large for some airline limits
- A heavily packed bag may be tiring to carry over long distances
Verdict: Choose the MATEIN if you want a roomy, convertible backpack for weekend travel and value flexible carrying options.
2. LOVEVOOK 40L Backpack: Organized Packing with Included Cubes
The LOVEVOOK is an 18 × 14 × 8-inch travel backpack with a stated 40-liter capacity. Its suitcase-style opening gives you a broad view of the main compartment, which can be easier to pack than a traditional top-loading backpack. Four compartments and additional pockets help separate travel items.
It comes with two storage bags and a shoe bag, plus a built-in wet compartment for items such as damp clothing or toiletries. A padded electronics compartment, side pockets for a bottle or umbrella, and a rear luggage strap add useful travel details. The company describes its fabric as tear-resistant, water-resistant, and abrasion-resistant.
The included organizers make this a strong option for travelers who like to sort clothes and accessories before packing. Its listed dimensions are compact for a 40-liter bag, but the actual fit under a seat or in an overhead bin depends on the airline, aircraft, and how full the bag is. The backpack format also means you’ll be carrying the weight on your shoulders rather than rolling it.
Pros:
- Includes two storage bags and a separate shoe bag
- Built-in wet compartment and padded electronics section
- Suitcase-style opening for easier access to packed items
- Rear luggage strap and side pockets
Cons:
- Does not have wheels for rolling through the airport
- Fit under a seat will depend on the airline and how much you pack
Verdict: The LOVEVOOK is a good match if you want a well-organized backpack and appreciate having packing cubes included.
3. EZUOLA 25L Backpack: A Compact Personal-Item Option
At 16.9 × 11.4 × 7.5 inches, the EZUOLA is the smallest bag in this roundup by listed dimensions. Its 25-liter capacity is designed for travelers who want a compact bag that may fit beneath the seat, subject to airline rules and the space available on your flight. It can also be placed in an overhead bin.
The main compartment opens from the side like a suitcase and includes straps to secure your belongings. A separate padded pocket is sized for a laptop up to 15.6 inches, while the front organizer pocket keeps smaller items accessible. The supplied description also lists a waterproof-lined wet pocket, a shoe bag, a luggage sleeve, a hidden back pocket, and an external USB charging port. The port provides access for a power bank, which is not included.
This backpack is suited to light packers, short trips, or travelers who want to keep a personal item close at hand. Its smaller capacity is the main tradeoff: it may not replace a larger carry-on for multi-day travel, especially if you pack bulky clothing or extra shoes. The added pockets help with organization, but they also make it important to think through what you truly need to bring.
Pros:
- Compact listed dimensions and 25-liter capacity
- Separate padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 15.6 inches
- Includes a shoe bag and a wet compartment
- Hidden back pocket and luggage sleeve
Cons:
- Less packing space than the larger backpacks and duffels here
- USB port requires a separate power bank
Verdict: Pick the EZUOLA if compact size and a dedicated laptop compartment matter more to you than maximum packing capacity.
4. Laktru 45L Duffle: Roomy Storage with a Shoe Compartment
The Laktru is a 45-liter duffel measuring 22 × 14 × 9 inches. Its wide opening gives you a straightforward way to load clothing, toiletries, and other travel essentials. The main compartment is paired with a front pocket for items such as a passport or tickets and an interior zip pocket for smaller belongings.
A dedicated side compartment keeps shoes separate from the main packing area, which can be handy for gym gear or a change of footwear. The duffel has grab handles at both ends, a detachable adjustable shoulder strap, and a rear luggage sleeve for use with a compatible suitcase. Its fabric is described as lightweight, water-resistant, and abrasion-resistant.
This bag is a simple choice for travelers who prefer a duffel over a backpack and want space for a short trip. The stated dimensions match the listed carry-on limits for several airlines in the product description, but policies can differ and bags may be checked at the gate. A full 45-liter duffel can also be bulky to carry, so it may be less comfortable than a backpack for long walks through terminals.
Pros:
- Roomy 45-liter main compartment with a wide opening
- Separate side compartment for shoes
- Detachable shoulder strap and end grab handles
- Rear luggage sleeve for stacking on a suitcase
Cons:
- No backpack straps for hands-free carrying
- Its full-size dimensions may not suit every airline or flight
Verdict: Choose the Laktru if you want a straightforward, high-capacity duffel with a separate place for shoes.
5. CANWAY 40L Foldable Duffle: A Versatile Bag for Travel and the Gym
The CANWAY is a 40-liter duffel with listed dimensions of 22 × 14 × 9 inches. It is designed to fold for storage, making it useful as an extra bag that you can pack for the return trip. It has two carrying setups: adjustable padded shoulder straps that tuck away when not in use, and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap.
Inside and out, multiple pockets help keep smaller items such as a charger or passport apart from clothing. A vented shoe compartment separates footwear from the main section, which also makes the bag useful for gym trips. The product description lists water-resistant polyester, reinforced stitching, a trolley sleeve, and grab handles.
Compared with the Laktru, the CANWAY has a slightly smaller stated capacity but offers a foldable design and tuck-away backpack straps. Those features make it more adaptable, although its listed dimensions are still full-size carry-on measurements rather than a guarantee of acceptance on every flight. If you plan to use the shoulder straps, pay attention to the total packed weight and how the bag sits on your back.
Pros:
- Foldable design for storage or use as an extra travel bag
- Tuck-away backpack straps plus a removable shoulder strap
- Vented shoe compartment and multiple pockets
- Trolley sleeve for placing it over a suitcase handle
Cons:
- Listed carry-on dimensions may exceed some airlines’ limits
- Does not have wheels for rolling when fully packed
Verdict: The CANWAY is a flexible choice if you want one bag for travel, workouts, and occasional extra packing space.
How to Choose the Best Carry-On Bag for Travel
Check Your Airline’s Size Rules
Carry-on limits are not the same for every airline, and personal-item limits may be smaller than overhead-bin limits. Compare the bag’s outside dimensions with the rules for your specific flight. Remember that expansion, full pockets, and overstuffing can change how a bag fits in a measuring frame or under a seat. If you expect to use a personal-item allowance, a compact option such as the 25-liter EZUOLA may be a better starting point than a 40- or 45-liter bag.
Choose the Right Capacity for Your Trip
Capacity is only a guide; the amount you can pack depends on clothing size, weather, shoes, and how you fold or organize your items. The 25-liter EZUOLA is intended for more compact packing, while the 40- and 45-liter options offer more room for a short trip or extra gear. Consider what you usually bring rather than choosing the largest number by default. More space can be helpful, but a large bag can also be heavier and harder to carry when full.
Pick a Carrying Style You’ll Use
Backpacks are useful when you want your hands free, especially while walking between gates or using stairs. Duffels offer a wide opening and a simple main compartment, but they place weight on one shoulder or in your hand unless they have backpack straps. Convertible styles, such as the MATEIN and CANWAY, give you more than one way to carry the bag. Check whether the straps are padded and whether the bag has a luggage sleeve if you often travel with a wheeled suitcase.
Look for Organization That Fits Your Routine
Consider which items need quick access and which should stay separate. A dedicated laptop pocket can make it easier to remove electronics, while packing cubes help sort clothing. A wet compartment or separate shoe pocket can keep damp items and footwear away from clean clothes. Extra pockets are useful when they solve a real packing problem, but too many compartments can make it harder to find things if you do not have a consistent system.
Think About Materials and Weather Protection
Some bags in this group are described as water-resistant, but that does not mean they are waterproof or suitable for prolonged exposure to heavy rain. A water-resistant fabric may help with light spills or brief wet conditions; protect electronics and important documents separately when needed. Look for details that match your use, such as reinforced stitching, sturdy zippers, or a vented shoe compartment. The product descriptions do not establish that any of these bags are fully waterproof.
Account for Weight and Packed Comfort
A bag that feels easy to carry when empty can become uncomfortable once packed. Adjustable, padded straps and a padded back panel can help with backpack-style carrying, but they do not remove the effort of lifting a heavy load. For duffels, consider how long you will carry the bag by hand or on one shoulder. If you expect long walks through airports, a lighter load and a secure luggage sleeve may matter more than maximum capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size carry-on bag should I choose?
Start with the carry-on or personal-item limits for your airline and flight. The bags in this guide range from 16.9 × 11.4 × 7.5 inches to 22 × 14 × 9 inches, but those measurements do not guarantee acceptance on every airline. Check the policy before you travel, including any limits for personal items.
Can a travel backpack count as a personal item?
It may, if its dimensions meet the airline’s personal-item rules and it fits in the required storage space. The EZUOLA is the smallest option listed here, but always check the rules for your specific carrier and avoid overpacking it.
Are these bags suitable for overhead bins?
The product descriptions position these bags for carry-on travel, and several list dimensions intended for overhead-bin use. Actual acceptance depends on airline rules, aircraft space, and how full the bag is. Confirm the size limits for your itinerary before you leave.
Which bag is best for keeping shoes separate?
The Laktru has a dedicated side shoe compartment, while the CANWAY has a vented shoe compartment. The LOVEVOOK and EZUOLA also include a separate shoe bag, which lets you pack footwear apart from your clothes.
Do any of these bags include a laptop compartment?
The LOVEVOOK lists a padded electronics compartment, and the EZUOLA lists a separate padded pocket sized for a laptop up to 15.6 inches. Check the product details for the exact fit if you have a larger device or a protective case.
Does the EZUOLA’s USB port charge a phone by itself?
No. The supplied product description says the port provides access for charging and does not include a power bank or cable. You need a compatible power bank and cable to use it.
Which carry-on is best for a short trip?
For a compact load, consider the EZUOLA. If you want more space, the MATEIN, LOVEVOOK, Laktru, or CANWAY offer larger stated capacities. Your best fit depends on what you pack and whether you prefer a backpack or duffel.
Final Recommendation
For a flexible backpack with expandable capacity, the MATEIN is a strong choice. The LOVEVOOK stands out for organization and included packing accessories, while the compact EZUOLA is the better fit for lighter packing and laptop carry. If you prefer a duffel, choose the Laktru for its larger stated capacity or the CANWAY for its foldable design and multiple carry options. Whichever bag you choose, verify its packed dimensions against your airline’s rules before your trip.