10 Best Carry On Backpacks 2025 in the United States

The TUMI Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack shines as an everyday travel backpack designed to meet the needs of commuters and travelers alike. Its dimensions of 16.0 x 14.0 x 7.3 inches provide a generous capacity of 265.98 cubic meters, offering ample space for your travel essentials. The backpack also features a zip expansion, making it highly adaptable to various packing needs. Weighing in at 2.8 pounds, it strikes a balance between sturdiness and portability, although it might be on the heavier side for some users when fully packed.

Comfort is well addressed with its padded mesh back panel and adjustable shoulder straps, ensuring a comfortable carry even during extended use. The inclusion of a padded laptop compartment that fits up to a 15” PC or 16” MacBook makes it a tech-friendly option, offering good protection for your devices. Durability is another strong point; as a TUMI product, it is expected to last, backed by a generous warranty (five years for most of its products).

The backpack is constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use. Organizational features are plentiful, with numerous zip pockets for easy access to smaller items. However, the hefty price tag typically associated with TUMI products might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. This backpack is highly suitable for professionals or frequent travelers who value durability, comfort, and organizational efficiency.

The TUMI Alpha Brief Pack is a stylish and versatile laptop backpack designed for business travelers and daily commuters. It boasts a dedicated padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, a tablet pocket, and multiple other pockets that enhance its organizational capacity. With a total capacity of 15 liters, it provides ample space for essentials, though it might be limiting for those needing more storage for longer trips.

Weighing 3.5 pounds, it is relatively lightweight considering its durable ballistic nylon construction, which ensures it can withstand daily use and travel rigors efficiently. The adjustable and padded straps add a high level of comfort, making it suitable for extended wear without causing strain. Additionally, the fabric sleeve to secure it over carry-on luggage handles is a thoughtful feature for frequent flyers, simplifying airport navigation.

On the downside, its compact size may not accommodate bulkier items, and at a higher price point, it may be considered an investment piece. The sleek black leather adds a touch of sophistication, but might show wear over time. This backpack is ideal for business professionals and frequent travelers who prioritize organization, durability, and a premium look in their carry-on luggage.

The TUMI Alpha Bravo Expedition Flap Backpack is a large carry-on backpack designed for savvy travelers. Measuring 21.0 x 12.5 x 7.5 inches, it has a generous capacity of 32.53 liters, which is ample for a variety of travel needs including fitting a laptop up to 17 inches. The backpack is relatively lightweight at 6.4 ounces, making it easy to carry without adding much extra weight to your load.

Comfort is a strong point for this backpack, with padded mesh back panels and adjustable shoulder and sternum straps ensuring a snug fit during travel. Additionally, the waist strap helps distribute weight more evenly, which is a plus for long journeys or heavy loads. Durability is another highlight, as TUMI products are known for their robust construction, and the backpack comes with a warranty that covers major issues for five years.

Organizational features are well thought-out, with multiple pockets for tech gadgets and essentials, making it easier to keep everything in order. However, the backpack may be on the pricier side due to its premium build and brand reputation, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Also, while the design is functional, it might not appeal to everyone’s taste aesthetically. This backpack is best suited for frequent travelers who prioritize comfort, durability, and organization in their carry-on.