The Best Travel Carry On Backpacks for Women + Reviews by Travelers

I used to travel with totes because I thought they looked cuter and a lot more sophisticated. But with the amount of gear I carry– laptop, camera, travel pillow, passport wallet, kikay kit– that’s too much weight to carry on one shoulder.

So I decided to switch to backpacks and guess what–

I love it!

I realized backpacks are great for travel because they’re much more roomier, have all the pockets you need, keep you hands free and relieve the pain that you would otherwise have on one shoulder.

And I found some great backpacks for you that aren’t only spacious, they’re good looking too!

Here are the best travel carry on backpacks for women. Let’s get to it!

*I hope you love the products I recommend! I research far and wide to share highly-rated products I know you’d love.  Just so you know, I may collect a share of sales from links on this page. Prices are as accurate as the date indicated on this post and reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

1. KROSER LAPTOP BACKPACK is perfect for those who want a convenient, comfortable, no-fuss companion.

Helpful Review: “My very expensive designer messenger bag just wasn’t getting the job done for me as I trekked through airport after airport for work related travel– not to mention the back pain from a messenger bag. I realized a backpack would be more comfortable for my back, but I also wanted to look professional. Enter Kroser Laptop Bag. This bag is super functional, holds SO much and is 1000x more comfortable than a messenger bag! It’s quite chic for a $30 back back. I’m very happy and love this bag – it holds everything!” -Lauren

Get in on Amazon for $33.99.

2. EVERLANE MODERN SNAP BACKPACK makes the perfect minimalist companion with 2 side slip pockets for easy access to a water bottle, BOARDING PASS OR SUNGLASSES.

Helpful Review: “Roomy but not too large; sophisticated but simple and clean; great quality at a reasonable price; feminine but no frills; this backpack is just what I was looking for – hands-free storage for my laptop and other items that comes in a good looking, modern, and simple design. I browsed the net for quite a while, and this was easily the best out there for me. Love it!” -Vikster

Get it on Everlane for $68.

3. TIBES SMALL DAYPACK is perfect if you’ve got a smaller frame (like me, hi) and only plan on carrying smaller items.

Helpful Review: “Bought this to use at Disney World and it is seriously one of the best things I have purchased on Amazon. The size is perfect and it looks really high end for how little it cost! It is a good size with a few internal pockets on the walls and one external pocket on the back. I could easily fit my phone, keys, wallet sunscreen (travel size) and a light jacket. I am overall thrilled with it and have found myself using it a bunch at home as well.” -Katherine Griswold

Get it on Amazon for $25.99.

4. PACSAFE CITYSAFE CX ANTI-THEFT BACKPACK comes with RFID blocking material, zipper locks, with exomesh material to guard your bag from getting slashed.

Helpful Review: “The locking mechanism on the main compartment is very well thought out: No one is getting in here without you feeling/knowing about. It is a backpack type of purse: It is bigger than a backpack purse but smaller than a traditional size backpack. Other comments said the padding was not sufficient for the laptop; I disagree – I think it is fine. There is A LOT of room in here after I get in my essential purse items. I will be using this as a purse since I like to carry all my “stuff” with me. This would be a great bag/purse for the office, commute, airplane, trip, mommy bag, etc. Looks very professional and attractive.” -Amazon Customer

Get it on Amazon for $129.95.

5. ESTARER WOMEN PU LEATHER BACKPACK is a lightweight bag that you’ll get so many compliments on. Not only that, it’s budget-friendly too.

This backpack is vegan-friendly!

Helpful Review: “Loved it ever since my eyes laid upon it and when I received it I was more than satisfied. I’ve gotten many compliments on its sleek shape and classy design. There’s soooo much room to store things. It fits my 13in MacBook Pro, charger, a large makeup bag, wallet and phone holder (one piece), a deck of uno cards in original packaging, 2 small books and one medium sized journal, keys and a 20oz water bottle. Yes, this was a tight fit, but it I could still find things easily. To my surprise, even with that added weight this bag wasn’t very heavy; it’s super lightweight. If you’re looking to travel it’s perfect. There are so many compartments and it can fit a lot… as if my list wasn’t enough for you haha. ” -Amazon Customer

Get it on Amazon for $35.

6. FJALLRAVEN KANKEN BACKPACK is a cult-favorite that’s durable, easy to wipe clean, and even comes with a sitting pad for impromptu sitting during adventure trips.

Helpful Review: “Perfect backpack for traveling! Very versatile. Can be used as a day pack or carry on. I recently used this on a 5 day trip to Canada and it could have definitely fit more inside (with Amazon basics packing cubes). Love the color. Straps can be uncomfortable with a light t-shirt on and heavy load, but nothing horrible. Incredibly surprised by this backpack. Worth the investment.” -Daniel

Get it on Amazon for $79.95.

7. PINCNEL BACKPACK PURSE is a sleek option if you’re not sure whether you want to get a travel backpack or purse. Why not have both?

Helpful Review: “Great for traveling. Well made for the price, so practical, nice, roomy compartments, and looks sharp. Two side compartments are hidden (I kept my passports and train tickets in them!). A museum in Vienna did not allow backpacks, so I slung it over my shoulder with the other strap so that it turned into a ‘purse’ and they let me pass through! Lightweight, durable. It was a last-minute decision to get this because I own so many other backpacks, but this one is perfect for traveling. Holds a lot – even carried my DSLR camera with lens in it, along with my wallet, cosmetic bag, and extra water bottle. No complaints found with this cool bag.” -King C.

Get it on Amazon for $34.99.

8. KNOMO LUGGAGE BEAUCHAMP BUSINESS BACKPACK is perfect for those looking for a sleek and slim look no matter what you put inside.

This backpack is weather-resistant too!

Helpful Review: “I have been looking for a backpack to wear when I travel or go into the City. The Knomo is perfect! Many pockets and compartments, easy to get to things and looks elegant so wearing it does not feel like Im a Traveler. It does not have pocket on side for water bottle as again that makes it too bulky but there is plenty of space for my iPad, water bottle, books and a jacket inside. The straps are adjustable, padded and comfortable. I highly recommend this backpack for the urban, suburban or traveler. It is beautiful.” -Judi W.

Get in on Amazon for $179.

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