Best 40-Liter Backpacks for Travel
The following 40L travel backpacks are designed for airline carry-on use, comfort on long days, and versatile packing. Each option balances durability, organization, and portability for American travelers. Below you’ll find five well-rounded picks with key features to help you choose.
| Product | Brand | Capacity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATEIN Carry on Backpack | MATEIN | 40–45L expandable | Overhead-friendly carry-on with hideaway straps |
| tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L | tomtoc | 40L | TSA-friendly, 17.3″ laptop compatibility |
| LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack | LOVEVOOK | 40L | Includes 3 packing cubes and wet pocket |
| Osprey Farpoint 40L | Osprey | 40L | Stowaway harness and practical pockets |
| Thule Aion Travel Backpack 40L | Thule | 40L | Removable rolltop bag and compact design |
MATEIN Carry-On 40L Expandable Backpack
The MATEIN carry-on backpack offers expandable capacity from 40L up to 45L, enabling flexible packing for longer trips. It fits overhead bins as a standard carry-on and includes a hidden shoulder strap system that tucks away into a back panel, transforming the bag from a backpack into a briefcase-like carry. Its lightweight build (about 2.2 lb) and ventilated back panel enhance comfort during travel. A luggage strap on the back enables easy mounting on luggage during airport transfers. It is designed with several grab handles for versatile handling and is suitable for both men and women.
tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L
The tomtoc Navigator-T66 Liteway 40L backpack emphasizes TSA-friendly access with a 90°–180° laptop compartment opening for quick screening. Its clamshell main compartment supports suitcase-like packing, while a dedicated tech compartment accommodates a 17.3″ laptop and a 13″ tablet. Weight is light, and the bag is designed for international carry-on compliance. It includes multiple handles for easy grabbing from overhead bins or security trays, and smart organization keeps items neatly arranged for efficient packing on longer trips.
LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack
This 40L LoveVOOK backpack is designed for versatile travel, offering airline-friendly dimensions and a four-compartment layout with multiple pockets for organization. It includes three packing cubes and a built-in wet pocket, which helps keep moisture separate from drier belongings. The bag supports 3–7 days of travel needs and includes a USB port for charging devices on the go. It’s suitable for both men and women and works well as a carry-on backpack or under-seat personal item for many airlines.
Osprey Farpoint 40L
The Osprey Farpoint 40L emphasizes travel-ready durability with lightweight fabrics and a stowaway harness and hip belt for flexible packing and carry. It features a quick-access 16″ laptop pocket and a practical exterior pocket for toiletries and small items. The design aims to balance comfort, support, and accessibility, suitable for city hopping and longer urban explorations while remaining within typical carry-on size limits.
Thule Aion Travel Backpack 40L
Thule’s Aion 40L integrates a removable TPU rolltop bag for odor and moisture control and offers compatibility with the Aion Sling Bag as a hip belt accessory. The top pocket keeps small items secure and nearby, making it easy to grab essentials during travel. This design prioritizes modularity and organization, suitable for travelers who want a streamlined, adaptable carry-on that can scale with packing needs.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations help compare 40L travel backpacks beyond ad hoc features:
- Carry-on compliance: Look for bag dimensions that fit most airlines’ overhead bins and under-seat spaces. Consider expandability if you occasionally need extra space.
- Comfort and support: Prioritize padded, breathable back panels, ergonomic shoulder straps, and a padded hip belt or stabilizing straps for heavier loads on long days of travel.
- Organization: Pockets, sleeves, and compartments, including dedicated tech sleeves for laptops and tablets, help keep items accessible and secure during security checks and transit.
- Durability and water resistance: Durable fabrics and reinforced seams withstand daily wear. Water resistance protects contents during rain or accidental spills.
- Weight and portability: Lighter backpacks reduce fatigue, but balance with enough structure and padding for protection of gear during travel.
- Accessory compatibility: USB passthrough ports, luggage straps, and compatibility with packing cubes can streamline packing and charging needs.
- Versatility: Some models include removable or stowaway straps, rolltop features, or modular add-ons, offering flexibility for varying trips and activities.
- Quality of components: Zippers, stitching, and hardware should be sturdy enough to withstand frequent use and handling in transit.