Best Travel Backpack For One Bag Travel In 2024, Tested

We're here to help you find the best carry-on travel backpack for you!
A great travel backpack for one bag travel (or 1.5 bag travel) can make your adventures easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're gallavanting across the streets of Europe or off the beaten path, you can remain agile and ready for anything.
And after many months of testing, these are the best backpacks for travel, in our opinion. Whether you like GORUCK, Aer, Bellroy, EVERGOODS or TOM BIHN, there’s a best travel backpack for you.
Featured gear:
Taylor's Packing List:
Hyperlite Mountain Gear DCF Pod 13L fave.co/49a0Dxs
Hyperlite Mountain Gear DCF Drawstring Stuff Sack 9L fave.co/3vljHem
Arc’teryx Ralle Lightweight Jacket fave.co/3PvPRup (updated version)
Arc’teryx Cerium Hybrid Hoody fave.co/494lemW
Bellroy Toiletry Kit Plus bellroy.com/products/toiletry...
Bellroy x Carryology Tech Kit bellroy.com/products/tech-kit...
SUAVS The Barton Shoe fave.co/43uSLp7
Randolph Engineering Travel Sunglasses Case fave.co/49dJ7bW
Apple iPad Pro 12.9" fave.co/3vwP45E
Matador x Carryology EDX Messenger www.carryology.com/projects/c...
Leica Q3 Camera fave.co/3vlEVZx
Sony RX100 VII Camera fave.co/49XPrFs
Bellroy x Carryology Pencil Case bellroy.com/products/pencil-c...
Gitzo Mini Traveler Tripod fave.co/43u6I6P
Chapters and Travel Backpacks:
0:00 What I Pack (1.5 Bag Travel)
7:51 Able Carry Max Backpack - 30L fave.co/3H1mRaL
13:13 EVERGOODS CTB35 - 35L fave.co/3TvMxkn
18:31 YETI Crossroads Backpack - 35L fave.co/3TtWZIV
23:54 Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro - 40L www.tortugabackpacks.com/prod...
30:27 GORUCK GR2 - 34L fave.co/3Dg1nkW
35:15 Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus - 38L bellroy.com/products/transit-...
40:12 Tom Bihn Techonaut - 30L shrsl.com/4gq0q
46:39 Heimplanet Transit Line Travel Pack - 34L fave.co/43scWE5
51:55 Aer Travel Pack 3 - 35L shrsl.com/4gq16
57:55 Mystery Ranch Mission Rover - 30L fave.co/3Ps9JPm
1:03:30 Osprey Sojourn Porter - 46L fave.co/3x7DBdu
1:08:44 Peak Design Travel Backpack - 45L fave.co/498q9TT
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Hey folks, this channel is reader-supported, so If you find something that sparks your interest and click through and purchase via our affiliate links, sometimes we’ll get a little kickback from the brands or retailers. It helps us to make more content and build this channel.
Although, we’ll just point out, some brands don’t have affiliate options, and that's cool with us too. If the carry is awesome, we recommend it!
A heads up: Bellroy and Carryology share the same founders. You can read about our origin story here: bit.ly/447C8P3

[@CarryologyTV]

Which of the 12 packs is your personal favorite? 🎒

[@brochg]

I don't have a larger carry backpack yet, but the Bellroy and the Aer are both checking all of the boxes for me.

[@sixerstar22]

Can't go wrong with GR2. Always in my stable.

[@joegonzales9053]

I have traveled with a 34L GR2 for over a decade. The current iterations I use are my old 1000D GR2 for all work travel, and a Heritage 34L GR2 in Navy for all personal travel. I have tried the AER travel pack 3, Osprey Farpoint 40, as well as packs from 5.11, Kelty and Matador. I always go back to the GR2. My wife uses the Peak Designs travel pack, and it works great for her. The only other bag I haven't tried that I would like to is the Evergoods CTB 35. It looks like it would work really well for as much travel as I do. I have over 90k miles traveled from Dec 2023 to now, between work and personal. I always 1.5 Bag travel!

[@mishalw210]

​@@joegonzales9053 GR2 doesn't have bottle pockets(

[@Crepes1626]

Good content but you have a black table top and wearing a black t shirt while most bags are Black. Really difficult to see the bags / detail in the video.

[@rogernummerdor]

Got to agree. The black shirt, dark table, and the black bags behind you made seeing the details of the bags rather difficult.

[@CarryologyTV]

Maybe I can adjust the lighting a bit, I'll have a try. As far as black clothing... I'll definitely try out another color shirt once they make a color darker than black 😂⬛

[@tob357]

Dude, this video is mesmerizing… I have watched it three times in a row. Love your style, the bags, your delivery is so easy to watch. Thanks for all you do in this space. Learning tons… planning for retirement travels. Peace.

[@taylorwelden6796]

Thank you so much for your nice words, seriously appreciated :)

[@CarryQuandaries]

Love this comprehensive list and real world packing walkthrough! happy travels, Taylor! 🧡✈️

[@CarryologyTV]

Thanks much! Happy travels 😎🤘

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you for taking the time to show me the variety of backpacks

[@brochg]

Fantastic video! Thank you for providing all of the great information!

[@CarryologyTV]

Thank you for the nice comment, appreciate you and glad to hear you dig the video

[@jemhor]

Nice video on the One Bag Travel! Had the Aer Travel Pack 2 and works wonders for me all these time.

[@CarryologyTV]

Aer makes such beautiful and functional yet minimal packs, dig their stuff.

[@Whopickedthisname]

Love this video. I had a fun time counting how many of your favorites I own!

[@CarryologyTV]

Thanks much! How many did you count total?

[@julionagashima5385]

Thank you for informing the prices. Really important Great video!

[@dadebond]

great review!

[@plumairalbannach8492]

Great review and totally agree with the sizing being optimal for one bag travel. I have a few of the packs you reviewed and some you didn't but struggle to leave the Pakt v2 35l at home, for me its hard to fault.

[@dylanpowell1434]

Was just carrying my Matador Carryology Messenger today. Great bag. Also, love my Bellroy Transit Plus! Anything longer than a few days, it’s the bag I reach for.

[@CarryologyTV]

That's one bad ass travel combo right there. While I might be biased, that MxC EDX is an all time favorite. Bellroy Transit Plus too, of course.

[@mumenrider677]

@@CarryologyTVAny plans for a rerun of that MxC collab?

[@daviddessus8323]

Great video ! Here I am using the Attitude Supply ATD 1 as my main travel bag nearly since his launch in 2018. I had several different versions. I’m using the V2 ( maybe it’s the V3) for 3 years now. I’ve used it in the Saoudian desert, beaches and mountains of Morocco or some French Alps Glaciers. I’ve also used it to travel by train, planes or buses. This thing adapts to anything. My small EDC carry is the Trakke Bairn. Those two pairing for travel are awesome choices.

[@CarryologyTV]

Sounds like I may need to get my hands on an ATD 1 and put some miles on it. Thanks for the tip!

[@gamerjc3877]

Dude you have great taste in bags. High end but I've used a few and agree with you thoughts especially on Tortuga. Super comfortable.

[@TortugaBackpacks]

Thanks for including us, Taylor!

[@CarryologyTV]

Thank YOU for making one bad ass travel backpack... well deserved spot on this list!

[@ibassnote]

Of course, I really want to know which one is THE BEST. But there is so much information here. Very appreciated.

[@Mike_219]

Great video! I have the able max carry and love it depending how long I'm traveling. If i'm doing full fledged family travel, I'll probably have to upgrade to my Aer TP2

[@CarryologyTV]

That Max is such a dreamy pack. Can't wait to see what the next thing those folks come up with!

[@CeeMKE]

Great video, thanks for putting in the effort to create this. I love how you carry your bags, up high and tight, secure to your back. That’s how I carry my bags also. I HATE seeing people who wear their bags low, almost bumping on their ass. It’s annoying to see. This is a great list. Did you do, or are planning to do, a similar list for bags that are mostly EDC/light travel?

[@CarryologyTV]

Hey, thanks for the kind words. Appreciate it! Yes, we've done two on EDC. Are these helpful? 1) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYmWh6Critx3oZI 2) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKbGkqyDebKkj9k

[@Whopickedthisname]

I had never seen this mystery ranch bag before and.. WOW! I need it

[@henricopit]

A weak point, especially for a travel backpack, is that is does not have quick access pockets.

[@CarryologyTV]

Right?! It's kind of the forgotten pack from Mystery Ranch. Overlooked too often in my humble opinion.

[@Qjemuse]

interesting how some of these bigger litre packs like the osprey and bellroy, actually look worse when fully packed. while smaller litre packs like ablecarry and aer look better with the same load.

[@DCuerpoJr]

I've used the Peak Design Travel Backpack for the past five years and it's become my favorite one-bag travel choice. It's also my everyday go bag as a first responder because I can carry an entire medical kit utilizing the camera cubes as organization. My only complaint is the buckle snaps to compress the bag eventually broke due to daily usage, but Peak Design shipped me a brand new replacement bag free of charge.

[@CarryologyTV]

Hellll yes, great to hear one of our favorite brands taking care of folks. Killer products and rad folks over at PD.

[@ZitoVino]

I just watched a feature film of backpacks. And yet the word 'concise' still fits. Thank you for reviewing as a real-world tester. Moving the same components from bag to bag was what made this the best. I use an Outbreaker 45L but I would really like to pare down and save some weight. Out of all of these, the ones most intriguing to me are the Peak, the Aer, and again, the Tortuga.

[@TortugaBackpacks]

Lighter weight travel backpack launching on 4/17 :)

[@ZitoVino]

@@TortugaBackpacks Cool. Looking forward to what you all came up with. I've done a few backpacking trips with the Outbreaker and it's been great. I have even lended it to friends for some of their backpacking trips. Still looks brand new. And my favorite feature is the flat part that's meant for laptops. I actually use that to pack a travel dress jacket and pants without having to fold them so much. But it is such a beast. There are three things I would love to see. Stowaway straps, simpler main area/not so many zipped compartments, and better stitching on the load lifters. I see the stitches on them when it is fully loaded and I worry how long they will last. Here's hoping! I heard that you all at Tortuga really keep tabs on mentions and social media but I have to say I still appreciate the response!

[@CarryologyTV]

All three of those are amazing options... for me it would honestly be hard to choose just one!

[@ZitoVino]

@@CarryologyTV that makes me laugh because my wife and I would love to travel enough to be able to try out 12 bags! You've got a cool job, man. And I don't know how many years you've been doing it, but it's cool that you still have a real passion for it.

[@CarryologyTV]

@@ZitoVino Thanks so much bro! Man, it's wild... the longer I do this (nearly 15 years with Carryology)... the more I love it. Happy travels my man 🤘

[@Loonie1029]

Great video! What are your top 3 bags out of the 12? Which one do you use the most? Thanks Taylor!

[@CarryologyTV]

Thank you much! Oh man... top 3 would be REALLY tough. I guess my *most used* on this list (not necessarily favorites, just how it works out); Bellroy, GORUCK, and EVERGOODS (not in any order).

[@felipemoitta]

Awesome video, really loved it! There are so many amazing backpacks out there that no list can be complete. If I were to add 2 backpacks, it would be the Minaal V3 Carry-on and Pakt 45l. Keep up the good work, cheers!!

[@CarryologyTV]

Ohhhh, great suggestions here. They are now officially both on my list!

[@narnialad1]

Great video, do you think there will be a similar collaboration or a similar product available to the Carryolgy/ Matador messenger in the near future?thanks

[@CarryologyTV]

Hey there, we might be working on something, but it's some ways off. You can try our FB now though, there's always some collaborations selling for a fair price: facebook.com/groups/carryologyclassifieds

[@DeeEllEff]

Interesting that 28L-38L is specified as optimal, but 3 of the 12 bags are 40L or larger. Also, having/using load lifters is highly praised, yet the majority of the 12 bags don’t have them. My own choice for traveling on business is Gregory’s Juxt 34, which I find ideal because it includes a clip-in insert (in lieu of a 3L reservoir for long hikes) that holds all of my tech: I must test on an Apple MacBook Air w/MacOS, a Microsoft Surface Pro 8 running Windows 10 or 11, an ASUS ChromeBook running Chrome OS, and an Amazon Kindle Scribe running KindleOS.

[@CarryologyTV]

That looks like a great choice!

[@williamknox974]

Missed both the Kaiden and Griffin collabs. Please do something again with EVERGOODS or GoRuck!

[@CarryologyTV]

Stay tuned... both are coming this year 😉

[@williamknox974]

@@CarryologyTV please bring back the 18L bullet DC!!

[@Misterion25]

Great vid, I'm GR2 40L 500d for travel kind of guy. Probably could make a 34 work, just too cheap to get another $400 bag. I had a Timbuk2 Wingman a few years ago that was a lot like that MR Rover - it was 40L though.

[@CarryologyTV]

Hey, at 40L, you're still wayyyy ahead of the curve where most people are bringing 27 checked bags, lol!

[@shyuewoon4153]

great vid. l also love metador messenger bag. what camera case for Leica Q3?

[@CarryologyTV]

Thanks much! I use a little OP/TECH rangefinder neoprene camera cover that fits perrrrrfectly.

[@shyuewoon4153]

Thanks! 🙏

[@houserhythm]

Love both my PD 45L and Aer 35L. Also have a CTB26 that I use for weekend trips. You didn't mention that in the PD those inside mesh pockets on the divider can be accesses from either compartment, or the whole divider removed to get one enormous main compartment. Not quite sure about all the bags, but all those pockets and zippers in the PD also make it (one of) the heaviest bag on the list.

[@CarryologyTV]

Definitely not a lightweight option at all! While that middle wall feature is definitely cool, I kinda like having the separate compartments for my style of packing.

[@JohnClark-fm6mu]

It’s interesting how few of the features he actually uses for their intended purpose, particularly admin panels. Nowhere does he talk about how much space these pockets steal from the main compartment or overall volume or how useful they are if the bag is packed out. And finally, he might ding some of these bags for how heavy they are because of this over engineering. That Peak Design pack is 4.5 pounds.

[@CarryologyTV]

Yep, definitely a bummer that those features do add weight. But I have to remember, many other folks utilize those features and love them. While I might not love them, I still want to share my top picks so other folks can potentially find their dream pack.

[@gtdmouse]

good video. little disappointed that Minaal didn't make the list though.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

How you you see the Able Carry Max compares with the 28L Bellroy Transit?

[@SilatShooter]

Solid video with great picks. I have the Able Carry Max and Tortuga Travel, both are outstanding. Find the Able Carry, the better choice for carry-on when I use the overhead for wheeled luggage and the Tortuga if I'm doing one bag travel. Tried the Aer Travel Pack 3, found it too warm on my back.

[@Qjemuse]

does able carry max feel better than the aer tp3 with the same load?

[@SilatShooter]

@@Qjemuse yes, the straps are much and doesn’t feel warm against my back . I much prefer it.

[@Qjemuse]

@@SilatShooter currently shopping for a pack to use in south east asia. guess i'll stay away from aer then

[@SilatShooter]

@@QjemuseIf you can try them or at least put each on your back that would be ideal. The square-ish shape of the AER makes it ideal for packing cubes, but I didn't find it comfortable at all to carry and very warm on my back. I really found the Tortuga's harness much better and the better one bag travel. The Able Carry Max is really nice and extremely well built. I use it when I have rolling luggage. More of compliment to wheeled luggage. Comfort is paramount in a travel backpack. Trekking through airports, standing in lines, on buses, trains etc and in warmer climates it becomes more evident how good or bad a pack is.

[@NaturallyJazzy19]

Which size tortugq do you have? Any experience with the 30L?

[@jaesuken]

That matador carryology 1.5 bag travel messenger isn't available anymore. Anyone knows a good alternative?

[@ahpbarreto]

what is the case for your Leica Q3? Looks nice and simple.

[@CarryologyTV]

Heya- that's just a simple OPTECH "Rangefinder" neoprene pouch. Super minimal but still very protective. Highly recommended :)

[@joegonzales9053]

What pouches are you using to protect your cameras? I assume they are padded? Thank you!

[@CarryologyTV]

I can totally recommend the Matador Camera Base Layer - www.matadorequipment.com/products/camera-base-layer-2

[@jasecola]

Are those Matador messengers still available? When I follow the link in the description and then I click on the link for the messenger bag it shows that the page isn't available. I'm always looking for a good packable messenger bag to bring on my "one" bag travel trips and there just don't seem to be many great options out there. Everyone just does packable backpacks but I much prefer a messenger for walking around a city.

[@CarryologyTV]

They sold out almost instantly! But if you join the Carryology Classified facebook group, you can certainly find one for sale from a rad member of our community... they'll hook you up!

[@jasecola]

@@CarryologyTV Great to know! I'll definitely get joined up - although it sounds like a dangerous place to be for someone who already has a problem buying too many backpacks ;)

[@MNP208]

Which one is the "budget buy"?

[@1azyb0t]

So. Much. Orange. Also on the backpacks. 😂🎒

[@CarryologyTV]

Hahahha, truuuuuue! 😂🟧🟧🟧

[@nor83rto]

Unfortunately, the Arc’teryx Ralle Lightweight Jacket (260g) is not available anymore, and the updated link goes to the Ralle Insulated Jacket (560g). It's more than 2 times the weight, but also the volume, and can barely be used as a "quick access rain jacket". What would you recommend instead?

[@CarryologyTV]

Try the Rab Downpour Light - rab.equipment/eu/mens-downpour-light-waterproof-jacket?queryID=f0cfb85b7176a108889bd0c1193f1881&objectID=61080&indexName=rab_live_eu_products

[@sng2225]

I'd add weight of the bag. Must be 2lb or under. Most airlines I travel on allow maximum 7kg./15lb for carry on. I can pack into 28L but it doesn't leave any space. I would love to get to 20L one day.

[@CarryologyTV]

Totally will add weighs into the next one, thanks for the suggestion!

[@lorieliot2142]

O k maybe i'm missing the obvious. The clutch bag you mention. I can't even find it. Tried every spelling. Great video. Great reviews, but maybe just slow down three seconds and give three more words about the bag so I can find it.

[@mat8650]

Dude, how much L is the hyperlite pod for the clothing? when seeing this, all the backpacks are seriously overkill IMO. And, no ULA dragonfly mentioned? This week there was even a great article in the NYP. For OBT the ULTRA Dragonfly is ideal. It is light, water resistant, can fit lots of stuff, and the size really adapts well with what you put in. (Large/small)

[@CarryologyTV]

I've got a ULA on the way to me as of 2 days ago. Can't wait to try it out! Oh and the pod is 13L :)

[@mat8650]

@@CarryologyTV oh 13 L, the pod looked smaller! The dragonfly is great solid minimalist backpack and really nice for short travel! Although it is a bit hyped, i really enjoy it and is my current #1 backpack) you will not be disappointed!

[@todaysgrailtomorrowsbeater]

Talk about the weight, considering most airlines allow 7-8kg on board…

[@CarryologyTV]

Luckily, out of the 100 flights I took last year, I've never once had my bag weighed! Will include weights in the future for sure, thanks much!

[@whtvr1520]

Hi! Why is there no bag from boundary supply on your list?

[@CarryologyTV]

Great bags, but they didn't make the cut this time round. :)

[@triadpicker]

I went to go buy a Matador x Carryology EDX Messenger and I dont see it on sale anymore... will they ever be available again?

[@CarryologyTV]

No current plans. But hey, you never know. There's been so much love for the EDX series we might just have to start working on a 2.0 ;) In the meantime, check out our FB group (facebook.com/groups/carryologyclassifieds). That's the best place to score a EDX Messenger secondhand.

[@DaemonViews]

I forgot you are probably doing the lounges in the airport. Nowadays I'm doing as well and unlikely carry a water bottle now as well. Before I did to avoid paying insane amounts for water in the airport. "I don't check my bag" budget airlines, hold my beer xd Unless you want to be one of those standing in the line. There is always a chance they check your bag. Unless flying business...

[@CarryologyTV]

Mannnn I wish I was flying business. As far as hydration goes, I usually just use the water fountains for a quick drink, lifting my moustache so it doesn't touch the water bowl lolol.

[@miloshoffmann774]

Oh man! Back in Prague? 🍻?

[@CarryologyTV]

Hopefully again soon! Love Praha!

[@TheJoopJansen]

No Cotopaxi Alloa?

[@siginst226]

So in the GR sphere, 34L GR2 or 35L GR3?

[@CarryologyTV]

I personally prefer the layout of the 34L GR2. Which one do you dig more?

[@forget3817]

Would like to hear about carry-on travel backpacks that do NOT have a separate laptop compartment because 1) few people carry a laptop on vacation and 2) separate laptop compartments, especially well-padded ones, take away a good chunk of volume that could otherwise be used for clothing.

[@tonyg3091]

Patagonia Black Hole MLC has most of these beat quite handily. For less money.

[@MrEbeet]

No Pakt 2.0?

[@farahmedic]

Mars mission rucks should be Mystery Ranch bags! 😿 No more comfortable harness than on the ASAP or 3DAP

[@Seannkelleyy]

I have a Porter 46 and would recommend it to anyone look for a larger bag that still is comfortable and durable

[@CarryologyTV]

LOVE Porter!!

[@forget3817]

Carry-on baggage needs to meet BOTH size and weight limits. Please add weight to future reviews or recommendations of bags for travel. Too many baggage review channels leave out weight completely.

[@RubenBondarev]

A collab with Evergoods CTB35 would be awesome! 😍

[@CarryologyTV]

We did this! We took the CTB35 and shrunk it down to 26L. Have a look at the Phoenix v2 (CTB26). But a 35L option would be reallllly damn cool too!

[@laura_and_shanman]

Wow! Great job!! Any specific ones better for a woman?

[@CarryologyTV]

Thanks much! While most of these would work great for a man or a woman, Osprey does make some women specific harnesses which would be a great option to check out!

[@laura_and_shanman]

@@CarryologyTV thanks!

[@CeleneSellsSunshine]

I suggest the Able Carry Max! I’m 5’2” and it fits my frame nicely without looking humongous on my back.

[@Ivan-up7ny]

What's not on Carryology's "Best Travel Backpacks For One Travel Bag in 2024" list: - Pakt V2 Travel Backpack - Tomtoc Navigator-T66 Travel 40L

[@Eli_B3000]

I appreciate the video but you need to move the camera back and have a larger table so you can lay things down and open them up more visibly, it looks like you're all cramped up in the space and it's all dark. You can see this on almost any other bag channel. If you don't have the room, at least cover the table with a lighter color and wear a lighter shirt.

[@CarryologyTV]

Sadly I don't own any lighter colored shirts (and I never will), BUT... love your suggestion about a brighter tabletop.... will definitely look into some options to brighten things up a bit ☀

[@Eli_B3000]

@@CarryologyTV I hear that! Black is a great color. Cheers!

[@chuiwyjustin]

Taylor actually sounds quite different from how I imagined 😂

[@APHOTOGRAPHYS93]

[@CarryologyTV]

Hahahha, like most people, I hate hearing my own voice! 😂

[@aramyth]

Was the Bellroy is his favorite but doesn't use half of the features on it... Lol

[@exergyone7164]

If Tortuga didn't insist with their left-handed use side handle it would be my first choice. I own the extinct Outbreaker Laptop 27L, perfect in every sense, exept I was never able to use the side handle to set the pack down given the odd placement on the wrong side, and ended up sending this amazing bag to the collection warehouse. I also prefer the vertical clamshell opening style, but unlike the side handle not placed on the correct side, not a deal-breaker.

[@CarryologyTV]

I feel you there. When a bag just doesn't check all the boxes, sometimes they end up out of rotation. But hey, that's why we're here, to all find the best bag that works best for you and your needs 🤘

[@AllenMarkel]

Your clothes pack is 1 pair a pants, 1 Tee 7 pair socks & underwear Then what you’re wearing?

[@svelasco85]

Gotta add the Matador SEG 28 and Matador Travel Pack 45L to the list!

[@CarryologyTV]

LOVE Matador and their products... now I need to try the Travel Pack 45L! I had the SEG and I think the design is absolutely brilliant.

[@vaaljeef7778]

*Cabin Max exists*

[@tealion]

Hated the peak design. It was so fidely and frustrating. Way too much going on. Straps weren’t great either and sternum strap was just a fidely clip you couldn’t do one handed.

[@APHOTOGRAPHYS93]

BEST TRAVELBACKPACK IS MONEY🤣

[@CarryologyTV]

hahahah that sure does help - if I had $$$ I'd develop my own line of accessories that weighed NOTHING!

[@GeorgeGraves]

cant hrar beard muffles voice