Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but carrying a heavy backpack on your shoulders can quickly become a burden. Fortunately, wheeled backpacks offer a convenient and versatile solution for travelers.
In this article, we will explore the best wheeled backpacks for travel, highlighting their advantages, key features to consider, and our top recommendations.
Related: How to Pack a Backpack for Air Travel?
EDITOR’S CHOICE
High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Backpack
PREMIUM PICK
Samsonite Wheeled Backpack
BUDGET PICK
Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack
Advantages of Best Wheeled Backpacks for Travel
Convenience and Mobility
One of the main advantages of wheeled backpacks is their convenience and mobility. Unlike traditional backpacks, wheeled backpacks come with built-in wheels and a retractable handle, allowing you to effortlessly roll them instead of carrying them on your back. This feature is particularly beneficial when navigating through crowded airports, train stations, or city streets.
Versatility
Wheeled backpacks offer a unique combination of versatility. They can be used as both wheeled luggage and traditional backpacks, giving you the flexibility to switch between the two based on your travel needs. When the terrain becomes uneven or when you need to climb stairs, you can simply convert the wheeled backpack into a regular backpack and carry it on your back.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Another important aspect of wheeled backpacks is their ergonomic design, which promotes comfort during travel. High-quality wheeled backpacks feature padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel, ensuring a comfortable fit even when carrying the backpack on your back. The retractable handle allows you to adjust it to a height that suits your body, minimizing strain on your arms and shoulders.
Storage Capacity
Wheeled backpacks offer ample storage capacity, making them ideal for longer trips or travelers who need to carry a significant amount of belongings. These backpacks typically come with multiple compartments, pockets, and organizers to help you keep your items well-organized. Some models even offer expandable compartments, allowing you to adjust the capacity based on your needs.
Related: Best Lightweight Travel Backpack
Features to Consider When Choosing a Wheeled Backpack
When selecting the best wheeled backpacks for travel needs, there are several key features to consider:
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the wheeled backpack are crucial factors to take into account. You want to choose a backpack that meets the size restrictions of airlines and fits comfortably in overhead compartments or under seats. Additionally, consider the weight of the backpack itself, as a lighter backpack will be easier to maneuver.
Durability
Travel can be tough on luggage, so it’s important to choose a wheeled backpack that is built to last. Look for backpacks made from durable materials such as nylon or polyester. Reinforced stitching, sturdy zippers, and robust wheel housing contribute to the overall durability of the backpack.
Wheel Quality
The quality of the wheels is essential for smooth and effortless rolling. Opt for wheeled backpacks with large, sturdy wheels that can handle different types of terrain. Wheels with sealed bearings provide better stability and longevity. Must check if the wheels are replaceable in case they get damaged during your travels.
Handle Design
The handle design plays a significant role in the ease of use and comfort of a wheeled backpack. Look for handles that are adjustable and have a comfortable grip. Telescopic handles that lock into different positions allow you to find the ideal height for pushing or pulling the backpack.
Internal Organization
Consider the internal organization of the wheeled backpack to ensure that it meets your specific needs. Look for compartments and pockets that will help you separate and access your belongings easily. Features like laptop sleeves, toiletry compartments, and quick-access pockets can add convenience to your travel experience.
7 Best Wheeled Backpacks for Travel
After thorough research and analysis, we have curated a list of the 7 Best wheeled backpacks for travel:
Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack
The Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack is a versatile and convenient travel companion that combines the benefits of a backpack and a rolling suitcase. With dimensions of 12″x8″x20″ (including wheels), it offers ample storage space while remaining compact and easy to carry.
The backpack features double wheels, providing smooth and effortless rolling on various surfaces. The front pocket comes with an organizer, allowing you to keep your essentials neatly arranged.
The backpack includes side mesh pockets for convenient storage of water bottles or other small items. For added comfort during extended use, the backpack is equipped with padded shoulder straps.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: The backpack measures 12″x8″x20″ (including wheels), offering sufficient space for your belongings while remaining compact.
- Double Wheels: The double wheels ensure smooth and effortless rolling, allowing for easy transportation.
- Front Pocket with Organizer: The front pocket comes with an organizer, helping you keep your essentials neatly arranged and easily accessible.
- Side Mesh Pockets: The backpack features side mesh pockets, providing convenient storage options for water bottles or other small items.
- Padded Shoulder Straps: The padded shoulder straps enhance comfort during extended use, ensuring a comfortable carrying experience.
High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack
The High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack is a versatile and functional travel companion designed to meet the needs of modern travelers. Its large, multi-compartment design offers ample storage space to organize your belongings efficiently.
The backpack features a fully-padded Cushion Zone computer sleeve that can accommodate most 15” laptops, providing secure protection for your device. The deluxe media pocket includes a headphone port, allowing you to enjoy music on the go.
With smooth-rolling, corner-mounted wheels, and a hideaway telescoping handle, this backpack provides effortless mobility. The Vapel mesh padded shoulder straps can be conveniently stored behind a zippered, primary padded back panel.
Additional features include a side beverage pocket, a triangle clip for attaching extra gear, corner guards, and a kick plate for enhanced durability. The backpack also features a Vapel mesh padded grab handle and a reflective strip for added safety.
Key Features:
- The backpack offers a spacious interior with multiple compartments to organize your belongings efficiently.
- The dedicated computer sleeve provides full padding and can fit most 15” laptops, ensuring secure protection.
- The media pocket includes a headphone port, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music while on the move.
- The backpack is equipped with durable wheels that provide smooth rolling and easy maneuverability.
- The telescoping handle can be conveniently hidden when not in use, maintaining the sleek design of the backpack.
- The padded shoulder straps are made of breathable Vapel mesh material and can be stored behind the back panel.
- The backpack features a dedicated pocket for carrying a beverage, providing easy access.
- The triangle clip allows you to attach additional gear or accessories to the backpack.
- The backpack is designed with corner guards and a kick plate to protect it from abrasion and enhance durability.
- The padded grab handle offers a comfortable grip and easy lifting.
- The backpack includes a reflective strip, increasing visibility and safety in low-light conditions.
MATEIN 17-inch Wheeled Laptop Backpack
The MATEIN 17-inch Wheeled Laptop Backpack is a versatile and durable travel companion designed for professionals on the go. It features a separate laptop pocket that can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches, as well as smaller laptops such as 15.6-inch, 14-inch, and 13-inch MacBooks.
The backpack boasts a spacious 36L main compartment that can hold clothing for trips, a second zippered file compartment for organizing files, and an organizer compartment with multiple pockets for easy item organization. Additionally, it includes mesh water bottle pockets and a convenient magic tape pocket at the back for carrying a small towel.
The backpack is designed with a water-resistant bottom panel, corner guards, and a kick plate to protect it from abrasion. It is equipped with corner-mounted wheels for easy carrying, adjustable padded shoulder straps with sturdy metal hooks, a durable aluminum telescoping handle, and strong rubber wheels. The backpack also features lockable metal zippers, allowing you to secure your belongings with your own lock.
Key Features:
- Built-in separate laptop pocket that can hold laptops up to 17 inches, as well as smaller laptops.
- Large 36L main compartment with ample room for clothing during trips.
- Second zippered file compartment for organizing files and an organizer compartment with multiple pockets.
- Mesh water bottle pockets are located at the sides for convenient hydration.
- A back pocket with a magic tape closure for carrying a small towel.
- Made of durable polyester fabric with a water-resistant bottom panel, corner guards, and a kick plate.
- Breathable and adjustable straps that can be tucked away into a zipper pocket when using the backpack with wheels.
- Designed with lockable metal zippers for added security and protection of valuables.
- Durable aluminum telescoping handle and strong rubber wheels for smooth and reliable mobility.
Samsonite Wheeled Backpack
The Samsonite Wheeled Backpack is a durable and versatile travel companion. Crafted from Rip-Stop fabric, this backpack is resistant to tears and pulls, ensuring long-lasting use. With in-line skate wheels, an ice-pick pull handle, and contoured straps with extra padding, it offers a comfortable and convenient carrying experience.
The backpack features organizational pockets to keep small technology devices and accessories neatly organized. It also includes a dedicated laptop compartment that can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches, making it ideal for business travelers and students. Additionally, the backpack offers a music headphone entry, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes on the go.
Key Features:
- Rip-Stop fabric for tear and pull resistance.
- In-line skate wheels for easy maneuverability.
- Ice-pick pull handle for smooth transportation.
- Contoured straps with extra padding for enhanced comfort.
- Organizational pockets for small devices and accessories.
- The laptop compartment fits up to 17″ laptops.
- Music headphone entry for on-the-go entertainment.
Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack
The Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack offers the perfect combination of convenience and versatility. This large backpack is equipped with wheels, providing the ease of a rolling suitcase while maintaining the functionality of a backpack.
The spacious main compartment features a double zipper closure, ensuring secure storage for your belongings. Additionally, it includes a double-zippered front pocket with a built-in organizer, keyring, and extra mesh pocket, allowing for easy organization of smaller items.
With six additional front pockets and three side pockets, this backpack offers maximum storage capacity for all your essentials.
Key Features:
- Large backpack with wheels for easy transport.
- Spacious main compartment with double zipper closure.
- Double-zippered front pocket with built-in organizer, keyring, and mesh pocket.
- Six additional front pockets for added storage.
- Three side pockets for quick access to items.
AMBOR Wheeled Backpack
The AMBOR wheeled Backpack is a versatile and convenient travel companion. With a large capacity of 39L, it offers ample space for your personal travel necessities. The quick-access compartments are designed to keep your items organized, including a soft padded computer sleeve that fits laptops up to 17 inches, a file/iPad compartment, and side pockets for drinks.
This backpack can easily switch between being a backpack and a rolling backpack, providing freedom and flexibility. It features two reliable inline-style rubber wheels and a durable adjustable handle for smooth and effortless movement. The backpack is made of durable, water-resistant polyester fabric, ensuring the safety of your belongings even in wet conditions.
Key Features:
- Large 39L capacity with well-designed compartments
- Switches between backpack and rolling backpack
- Reliable inline-style rubber wheels and adjustable handle
- Suitable for travel and business purposes
- Durable polyester anti-tear fabric with water-resistant coating
MATEIN Rolling Backpack with 4 Wheels
The MATEIN Rolling Backpack with 4 Wheels is a multifunctional travel companion designed for international business travel and college life. This versatile backpack offers plenty of pockets and compartments to keep your belongings organized. The main compartment features a padded sleeve for a 17-inch laptop, as well as space for clothing and travel accessories.
Other compartments include a slim compartment for magazines and college supplies, a quick-access small pocket for passports, and a front organizer pocket with a key fob hook. The backpack also has two side mesh pockets for water bottles.
With its 4-wheel spinners, the backpack allows for smooth 360-degree movement, making it suitable for various occasions such as airplane travel, business trips, and college. It can also be transformed into a normal travel backpack when needed.
The backpack is designed with comfort in mind, featuring padded and adjustable shoulder straps and a premium aluminum double-telescoping handle. It is made of durable tear and dirt-resistant polyester fabric, ensuring the safety of your belongings. The lockable zippers add an extra layer of security.
Key Features:
- Multifunctional design is suitable for travel and college life.
- Multiple compartments and pockets for organization.
- 4-wheel spinners for smooth movement.
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps and telescoping handle.
- Durable tear and dirt-resistant polyester fabric.
- Lockable zippers for enhanced security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wheeled backpacks offer a practical and efficient solution for travelers who want to combine the convenience of wheeled luggage with the versatility of a backpack. They provide ease of mobility, versatility, ergonomic comfort, and ample storage capacity.
When choosing a wheeled backpack, consider factors such as size, weight, durability, wheel quality, handle design, and internal organization. By selecting the right wheeled backpack, you can enhance your travel experience and make your journey more enjoyable.
Also Read: Best Backpack Purses for Travel
FAQs
Are wheeled backpacks suitable for all types of travel?
Wheeled backpacks are suitable for various types of travel, including air travel, train journeys, and urban exploration. However, they may not be suitable for rugged outdoor adventures.
Can wheel backpacks be carried as traditional backpacks?
Yes, wheeled backpacks can be converted into traditional backpacks by retracting the handle and using the shoulder straps.
How do I choose the right size wheeled backpack?
Consider the size restrictions of airlines and the duration of your trips. Opt for a size that allows you to pack all your essentials without exceeding weight limits.
Are wheeled backpacks allowed as carry-on luggage?
Most wheeled backpacks are designed to comply with carry-on luggage regulations. However, it’s always recommended to check the specific requirements of your airline.
Are wheeled backpacks durable enough for frequent travel?
Yes, high-quality wheeled backpacks are designed to withstand the rigors of frequent travel. Look for backpacks made from durable materials with reinforced construction.
