If you are looking to get into the realm of traveling light, then let’s face it, a wheeled backpack for travel is the way to go. These bags are the perfect mix of convenience and function to help ensure that you have exactly what you need for your trip.
A carry-on backpack with wheels allows you to carry the bag when needed, but the wheels are there to give you a break from carrying as well. The dual functionality of these bags allows you to have the best of both worlds (and give your back a break once in a while).
It is no secret that Marty and I love to travel with only a backpack. We have been doing this for years and have even researched the best travel backpack for Europe and given you our recommendations.
I must admit though, the older we get, the harder it becomes to lug that backpack around for hours on end while transitioning between cities. That is exactly what prompted us to write this post and research the best wheeled backpack for travel.
Why Choose a Wheeled Backpack for Travel?
Let’s face it, there are advantages and disadvantages to both the backpack and the wheeled luggage bag.
That is where a wheeled backpack for travel comes in, it is like combining the best of both worlds!
There will be times when you need to carry your backpack, well, like a backpack. Trust us on this one. The was extremely useful when we were hoofing it to our hotel in Venice while crossing numerous bridges and maneuvering on cobblestone streets.
And then, of course, there are times that a bag with wheels is ever so useful as well. I mean, as we mentioned above, you get tired of lugging around a backpack through the airport. Not only that, but I hate walking into a nice hotel with a backpack on my back. LOL!
This is where the wheeled backpack comes in. It is useful in both situations!
Now, let’s get right to it and take a look at some of the best carry on backpacks with wheels.
Best Carry On Backpack With Wheels
Jansport Driver 8 Wheeled Travel Bag
The Jansport Driver 8 Wheeled Travel Bag is a popular choice for sure!
Why you might ask? Well, probably because Jansport is one of the most trusted names in backpacks!
That could be because they have such a great guarantee on their products. If you break your backpack they will replace or repair it for you!
Like most wheeled backpacks for travel, this bag easily converts from a wheeled bag to a backpack. All you have to do is get out the tuck-away shoulder straps.
This bag features a 15-inch padded laptop sleeve, side water bottle holders, and a front pocket for extra storage. Add to that the variety of fun colors and you can easily see why the Jansport Driver 8 is such a popular choice.
Samsonite Spinner Backpack
If you prefer a four-wheeled rolling bag, then you might want to consider the Samsonite Spinner Backpack.
Samsonite has been a trusted name in the travel luggage industry so it just makes sense that they would offer up a great wheeled backpack for travel as well.
The bag is made from 100 percent polyester making it durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
It has a large capacity interior, large padded compartment that can accommodate up to a 17″ laptop. In addition, it has zippered water bottle holders and two front pockets to store small items as well.
We also love that this backpack has a quick change back panel that allows you easy access to the backpack shoulder straps. In addition, the 4 wheels make it easy not to navigate when you are using the rolling features.
High Sierra XBT
The High Sierra XBT is a versatile bag that is also lightweight, weighing in at only 4 pounds.
The wheeled backpack for travel has everything that you need, and a large storage capacity. This bag will hold up to a 17-inch laptop, and protects it using a tech-weave Duralite fabric that is covered in a water-resistant coating to keep your valuables extra safe.
The telescoping handle tucks away nicely but has a soft grip for when it is in use. The extra storage compartments include side and front zip accessory pockets to make organizing your belongings a breeze.
When you are using it as a backpack, the High Sierra XBT has ergonomically designed should straps evenly distribute the weight to ensure your comfort.
Consumers love the storage capacity of the bag and rave that it is the best part!
Matein Rolling Backpack for Travel
The Matein rolling backpack has a large capacity and several compartments for storage, including a padded laptop compartment that will hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop.
We especially love the U-Zip main compartment that gives you separate space for storing your laptop, clothes, and other essentials. Not only that, but the front pocket has multiple small pockets for organizing your smaller items as well.
The Matein has a heavy-duty water-resistant fabric that is durable and looks great.
The backpack straps are easily stored under a Velcro panel when not being used. When you are using a backpack, there is a fold-away cover that covers the wheels to prevent them from getting your clothes dirty while you are carrying it.
In addition, the retractable handle easily stores away under a zippered cover to help prevent it from telescoping unnecessarily.
Ambor
The Ambor Wheeled Backpack is one of the more economical choices in our post today. Don’t let that stop you from checking it out though, as it is still a great option for a wheeled backpack for travel.
The main compartment opens up wide to allow you maximum storage in this area. It also houses a padded laptop sleeve that will keep up to a 15-inch laptop or tablet nice and safe. Not only that, but the rip-resistant fabric is also water-resistant. They have even reinforced the edges of this backpack to help prevent wear and tear in these areas.
Numerous zippered pockets allow you to easily organize all of your belongings.
This bag hides the shoulder straps behind the back pocket, allowing for an easy transition between backpack and rolling bag. In addition, the telescoping handle allows you to easily roll the bag when desired.
Yorepek
The Yorepek wheeled backpack is another economical choice.
Like the other backpacks in this post, the Yorepek has a large interior compartment, and several other compartments to ensure you can easily organize your belongings. It also has a laptop compartment that can hold laptops less than 17 inches.
We love that this bag has a breathable back area and shoulder straps that can easily be tucked away when not in use. In addition, the water-resistant material helps to ensure all of your items stay nice and dry.
There is also a kickplate and corner guards to help protect against wear and tear. The telescoping handle stores away in a zippered compartment when not in use.
This bag also has an external USB charging port with a built-in charging cable. All you have to do is attach it to a power pack (not included).
AOKing 20/22″
The AOKing 20/22″ wheeled backpack for travel is a great investment.
This bag boasts a large capacity that will easily hold all of your travel essentials. The fully-padded computer sleeve area will hold up to a 17-inch laptop or tablet, keeping it nice and safe during your travels.
In addition, the nylon water-resistant and tear-resistant fabric ensures that you can use this bag even on rainy days.
The four wheels on this bag ensure easy maneuverability and a 360-degree turn with ease. The wheels are rubber, giving it a quiet ride and shock absorption.
Like the other bags, both the telescoping handle and the backpack straps can be easily stored when not in use.
Final Thoughts on Wheeled Backpack for Travel
Hopefully, we have given you some great choices for choosing your own wheeled backpack for travel. We love the ease and convenience of traveling with only a backpack, but understand that sometimes it is better to have a roller bag.
That is what makes these backpacks so great. They are truly the best of both worlds!
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About the Author
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. While she is a professional educator by day, her passion for travel has her jet-setting all over the world during her free time.
Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blog, That Texas Couple. Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.
