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Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
The Best Carry-On Backpacks To Travel With This Year, Based On Testing
While they can also be used in addition to other luggage, carry-on backpacks are designed to replace your suitcase should you find yourself in a situation where you can only bring one bag. The best carry-on backpacks comply with airline luggage size restrictions and offer space and organization for multiple days' worth of items. After testing over a dozen backpacks, we selected the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L as our top overall pick, thanks to its thoughtful design that keeps tech and other valuable products protected in transit. For organization, the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L also scored high marks, thanks to its numerous pockets and spacious interior. The best carry-on backpacks are designed to replace your suitcase, keeping your belongings organized ... More on both short and long trips. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER Our winners were chosen based on their materials, dimensions, weight, volume and interior organization. (Your backpack's interior volume and organization is especially important if this is the only bag you're traveling with.) For other key insights and recommendations, we also spoke with Lexie Alford, a travel content creator who has visited all 196 countries—many with a carry-on backpack. Below, the best carry-on backpacks to travel with in 2025. Best Carry-On Backpack Overall: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Best Value Carry-On Backpack: Coofay Travel Backpack Best Carry-On Backpack For Organization: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L Peak Design Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Volume: 45 liters | Material: Nylon and polyester | Laptop compartment: 16 inches Best for: A comfortable waistband for carrying heavy weights Protection for cameras, tablets and other valuable items Lengthier trips (more than 7 days) Skip if: You want an external laptop pocket Peak Design's travel backpack is comfortable, sleek, and holds plenty of gear, whether you're heading on a hiking expedition or exploring a new city with a camera in tow. It meets international carry-on size requirements and its expandable design provides up to 45 liters of space, which is more than enough room for a week-long trip. 'The main storage compartment is spacious and easy to access, and I was easily able to pack it with clothes, snacks and souvenirs,' says our tester. The interior also features an internal padded laptop sleeve and can be divided into two compartments with a mesh sleeve for better organization. For photographers or content creators, this bag also stands out for its ability to safely and securely store valuable tech items. 'I used some of the brand's camera cubes to efficiently store lenses, bodies and accessories,' says our tester. 'It all packed very neatly inside, and it was comfortable to carry around thanks to the solid padding on the straps and back panel.' Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Volume: 35 liters | Material: 100% recycled 840-denier TPU-coated nylon | Laptop compartment: 15 inches Best for: Interior design is similar to a suitcase A durable, weatherproof nylon exterior Mid-trip lengths (about 5 to 7 days) Skip if: You're seeking a more minimalist design The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack doesn't feature the same expansion as our top overall pick, the Peak Design Travel Backpack, but with enough space to hold up to 35 liters of items, it's an ideal size for mid-length trips of up to one week. It's also built with an impressive weatherproof nylon exterior that our tester found incredibly durable. 'I used this backpack on a week-long trip to Ecuador, and I felt confident that my belongings were protected (yes, even my laptop) when it was tossed into a small boat in the Amazon rainforest or carried to a remote cabin in the woods,' she says. This bag is ideally sized for international airline cabins, and when it unzips, it lays flat like an actual suitcase, making it easy to find your belongings. There are also multiple mesh pockets (three in total: one large and two medium-sized compartments) to keep your items organized and easily accessible, as well as a separate laptop compartment and an external pocket for frequently used items. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.9 x 7.9 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Volume: 25 liters | Material: Recycled nylon | Laptop compartment: 15 inches Best for: Affordable price Separate shoe compartment and wet pocket Short to mid-trip lengths (about 3 to 5 days) Skip if: You're heading on a longer trip The Coofay Travel Backpack comes highly recommended by travel content creator Lexie Alford, who has traveled with it on her frequent trips that have spanned all 196 countries. 'It has so many different pockets,' she says. Aside from a laptop compartment, a shoe pocket with ventilation holes and several smaller mesh pockets on the interior, another benefit of this bag is its USB charging port, which allows you to charge your phone on the go (take note that the bag does not come with a charging port or cable). At under $30, it's an affordable pick for travelers who want a solid backpack that doesn't break the bank. 'It has incredible capabilities for a fraction of the cost,' says Alford. With a 25 liter capacity, it's slightly smaller than others on our list, but it's a great size if you're headed on a three or four-day trip or plan to take smaller, domestic flights with limited overhead space. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 22 x 12.8 x 11 inches | Volume: 45 liters | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Material: Ripstop nylon with PU waterproofing | Laptop compartment: 16 inches Best for: Weatherproof and durable exterior is ideal for outdoor-oriented trips Clamshell design Lengthier trips (more than 7 days) Skip if: You're heading on a more city-oriented trip For outdoor-oriented trips, we recommend the Matador GlobeRider 45 Travel Backpack, which offers 45 liters of space, a helpful harness system, and secondary shoulder straps to help balance and distribute the weight. It features a clamshell design with an internal shock cord to keep everything secure, as well as an external padded laptop compartment. An exterior pocket with smaller pouches provides an organized space for stashing cords and chargers that often get lost in larger bags. What makes this bag stand out is its extremely weatherproof exterior, designed with PU waterproofing; thanks to its ripstop nylon material, it's also incredibly durable. 'I'm a chronic over-packer, but I managed to fit everything I needed for multiple activities and weather conditions all in this bag," says our tester. Read our in-depth review of this backpack here. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Volume: 40 liters | Material: Recycled nylon | Laptop compartment: 15 inches Best for: Organizational pockets; no packing cubes required Rectangular shape that maximizes available space Lengthier trips (more than 7 days) Skip if: You're easily overwhelmed by pockets Interior organization is one of the top features to prioritize in a carry-on backpack, and the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag offers it in spades. This backpack stands out for its impressive array of mesh pockets, including expandable side pockets perfect for a water bottle and umbrella. 'It was massive; it felt like the space kept going and going and you could put more and more in it,' says our tester, who used this bag on a recent week-long getaway to Washington. Despite its capacity, the padded back panel and shoulder straps ensure you remain comfortable when on the move. Load-lifter straps and a sternum strap help balance the weight, making it more manageable. Plus, there are multiple grab handles on the sides and top. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on luggage , including the best luggage , best carry-on luggage and best lightweight luggage . Katherine Louie , the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics. , the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics. The travel section is overseen by Vetted's senior travel editor, Astrid Taran , an eight-year industry veteran who has visited over 40 countries. Some of her recent work includes the best carry-on luggage and the best luggage . , an eight-year industry veteran who has visited over 40 countries. Some of her recent work includes the and the . Louie also gathered key insights and guidance from Lexie Alford , a travel content creator who has visited all 196 countries and broke the Guinness World Record as the youngest person to travel to every country at the age of 21. We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best carry-on backpacks. Our travel editorial team evaluated more than a dozen different bags for this review. Our winners were evaluated based on their materials, dimensions, weight, volume, interior organization and durability. We researched all the brands featured on this list to ensure each has a strong reputation and positive reviews, focusing on models with an average rating of at least four stars and a negligible number of concerning reviews, if any. Forbes Vetted editors and staffers tested our top five selections for several months. They provided detailed feedback on the luggage, scoring each piece on a scale of 1 to 5. We narrowed our final selections by focusing on the luggage that scored higher than 3. The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team. When traveling with a carry-on backpack, it's essential to find one that can withstand frequent handling, accommodate all your essentials and still meet airline size requirements. Remember that an ideal carry-on backpack can serve as a replacement for your suitcase if you find yourself on a budget airline or other situation in which you can only travel with one bag. Dimensions The most important consideration when selecting a carry-on backpack is its dimensions, as it should meet the airline's size requirements to avoid unnecessary baggage fees. Your bag should fit comfortably in the overhead bin and should not exceed 2 x 14 x 9 inches. However, be sure to check the size requirements of the airline you're flying before you begin packing. The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L has an expandable design, which is helpful if you plan to pick up souvenirs on your journey, and the Coofay Travel Backpack is slightly smaller than the other options on this list if you're looking for something to bring on a smaller aircraft. Materials Carry-on backpacks are available in a range of materials, but the most common are rip-stop nylon, polyester or a blend of the two. Both nylon and polyester are incredibly lightweight and durable, and can withstand rough handling. It's also a good idea to look for a bag that has a waterproof or water-resistant coating, especially if you plan on using your backpack for outdoor activities like hiking. Interior Organization The best carry-on backpacks have thoughtful organization that makes it easy to find your belongings. Look for an option with multiple interior compartments, which can prevent smaller items from getting lost. A padded laptop sleeve is also a valuable feature, and an exterior pocket allows you to stash items you reach for frequently, such as a passport or wallet. The Matador GlobeRider 45 Travel Backpack has multiple interior and exterior pockets to keep you ... More organized. HANNAH SINGLETON FOR FORBES What Is The Best Size Backpack For A Carry-On? Carry-on bags should be able to fit in the overhead bin and cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Always check the size requirements for the airline you're flying with ahead of your flight, as each airline has its own specific guidelines. Which Brand Of Backpack Is Best For Traveling? All the brands we highlight in this guide make excellent backpacks for traveling. However, after carefully evaluating more than ten different options, our top overall recommendation is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L. It's made from a durable blend of nylon and polyester, and has enough space for longer trips thanks to its expandable design. What Is The Best Carry-On Backpack For Flying? The best carry-on backpack for flying is the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L, which features numerous organizational pockets (no packing cubes required) and a lightweight exterior that won't add extra bulk. Plus, the padded back panel and shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry through the airport and beyond. More Luggage Stories To Shop:
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nomad Leather Mag Wallet Review: Quality Meets Apple Find My
Even when Apple made a leather MagSafe wallet, I wasn't a fan. Thankfully, Nomad has a new minimalist wallet with an Apple Find My Bluetooth tracker built in. After a week with the Nomad Leather Mag Wallet, I can tell you it's not leaving my iPhone anytime soon. The Nomad Leather Mag Wallet is available for $80 in Rustic Brown and Black. While it can be used with any Android phone with a Qi2 or MagSafe case, the built-in Bluetooth tracker only supports Apple's Find My. For that reason, the wallet is primarily marketed to iPhone owners. Before this review, my go-to MagSafe wallet was the Peak Design Mobile Wallet. I kept the Nomad Tracking Card inside to ensure AirTag-like tracking of my ID and credit cards. Unfortunately, keeping the tracker in my wallet limited the number of cards I could carry. The Nomad Leather Mag Wallet fixes this by incorporating the Bluetooth tracker into the device. Looking around the Horween leather-wrapped accessory, I was immediately reminded of Apple's Wallet with MagSafe. It's slim, securely connects to the back of my iPhone using MagSafe, and looks premium overall. But there are a good number of differences between the first-party and third-party wallets. The Nomad Leather Mag Wallet can hold four standard credit cards compared to Apple's three. In my experience, if you have any metal cards, those take up extra space and make sliding cards in and out more difficult. Ultimately, I only carried around my ID, one plastic credit card, and one metal credit card to ensure everything slid in and out smoothly. Additionally, there are cutouts that make it easy to get your cards in and out. At the bottom, a slot allows you to slide the entire stack out of the wallet. I found this to be the best way to access the credit card at the back of the pile. You'll also need to push everything up to dig out any cards in the middle. A divot around front is the perfect shape to use your thumb and slide the first card out of the wallet. I kept my most-used credit card here as it was super easy to access. But most importantly, Nomad's Leather Mag Wallet works as a Bluetooth tracker even when disconnected from your iPhone. Apple's wallet only shared the location where the accessory was removed from your phone. With a built-in battery, the Nomad Leather Mag Wallet continues to share its location whenever it comes within range of compatible devices, like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Unfortunately, the Nomad wallet doesn't have a UWB radio like an AirTag, so you won't be able to precisely locate it. Instead, in the Find My app, you can get directions to its last detected address, and if the wallet is nearby, you can play a high-pitch alarm. While I would love for Apple's UWB tech to make it to third-party accessories, the options available make the wallet easy to find. The biggest annoyance with Apple's AirTags is that the coin batteries only last about a year. After that, you'll have to run to the store and pick up replacements. Thankfully, you won't have to worry about swapping batteries into your wallet. When fully charged, the Nomad Leather Mag Wallet has an advertised five months of battery life. When it's low, all you have to do is stick the wallet on a Qi wireless charger—it also magnetically attaches to MagSafe and Qi2 chargers. Once aligned correctly, the wallet emits a short beep. Something to note is that there is no LED light to indicate the wallet's remaining battery life. Instead, you'll have to rely on the Find My app to notify you when the battery is due to be charged. I've really enjoyed my time with the Nomad Leather Mag Wallet, and knowing the leather will patina over time to match the wear of my Traditional Leather Case makes it even better. The biggest downside is that Nomad isn't selling a wallet with support for Android's Find Hub. However, with most companies refusing to add proper Qi2 to their flagship smartphones, this isn't all that surprising. Once Team Green no longer requires the purchase of Qi2-ready cases for magnetic accessories, maybe we'll see Nomad release another wallet. I don't see the $80 cost as being too much given that the wallet is made of premium leather, but it is more expensive than Apple's and other third-party alternatives on Amazon. If you choose to invest in the accessory, I believe it should hold up for years.
Engadget
17-06-2025
- Business
- Engadget
Peak Design's new tripods take aim at the professional set
Peak Design is building on the success of its innovative Travel Tripod. The photography accessory maker is launching a new Pro Tripod on Kickstarter. The latest model comes in three flavors: Pro Lite, Pro and Pro Tall. As you might expect, their prices dwarf that of the (already expensive) Travel Tripod. The Pro Tripod is scaled up for greater stiffness and maximum height. It has stronger legs, an all-CNC-machined hub and a flanged center column. This results in double the weight capacity of the Travel Tripod, which supports 20 lbs. The new Pro Tripod and Pro Tall Tripod each support 40 lbs. Meanwhile, the Pro Lite Tripod handles a bit less at 35 lbs. When packed, the Pro models take up more space than the Travel model, but they'll still easily fit in a backpack. The Pro and Pro Lite Tripods measure just under 20 inches. The Pro Tall Tripod folds down to 22.9 inches. The Pro and Pro Tall models weigh just over 4 lbs, while the Pro Lite weighs 3.7 lbs. Peak Design is also selling new accessories for those with the most demanding needs. The tilt mod will be essential for those who need the smoothest video. It converts the Pro line's standard ball head into a fluid pan-and-tilt one. The Pro Leveling Base enables quick leveling on uneven terrain. And the Pro Spike Feet will help the tripod grip slippery or loose ground. If you thought the Travel Tripod was expensive, well, brace yourself. The Pro Lite Tripod is estimated to cost $800. The Pro Tripod is expected to cost $900. And the Pro Tall Tripod will retail for approximately $1,000. They're "estimated" prices since the products are only now arriving on Kickstarter. But, as is often the case with crowdfunding, pledging early will get you a discount. If you're aghast at the pricing, well, that's entirely understandable. But consider that Peak Design is truly targeting professionals here. It isn't uncommon to see tripods from brands like RRS and Gitzo crack the $1,000 barrier. Engadget plans to review the Pro Tripod to see how it stands up (sorry) to pro-level needs. The Pro Lite Tripod is expected to ship in October. Meanwhile, the company is aiming for February 2026 for the Pro and Pro Tall models. You can learn more in the video below and on the Kickstarter page.
The Verge
17-06-2025
- The Verge
Peak Design Pro Tripod review: a leg up over the original
Whenever Peak Design releases a new product, whether it's a backpack, a camera strap, or even a wallet, I'm always looking forward to seeing what kind of genius engineering tweaks the San Francisco-based company came up with. And while there are some clever tricks here, the newly released line of video tripods is more about applying lessons the team learned from its first tripod release over six years ago. The legs are sturdier, there's an improved center column, a redesigned ball head, and many other improvements worth going through. First, the basics: there are three variants to choose from: the Pro Lite, Pro, and Pro Tall, all of which share the same core features but differ in max height and weight. The whole lineup of tripods is available on Kickstarter, but they won't be cheap — the Pro Lite, Pro, and Pro Tall cost $799, $899, and $999, respectively. Discounts for backing them on Kickstarter range from 23 percent off the Pro Lite to 27 percent off the Pro and Pro Tall. I had a chance to test all of them over a few weeks. The Pro Lite is the lightest model and weighs 3.7 lbs. You'll notice the added heft compared to the 2.81 pounds of the carbon fiber Travel Tripod — Peak Design's first and only tripod until now. A lot of that extra weight is justified and comes from the ball head. We'll talk about that soon. The Pro Lite is four inches taller than the original Travel Tripod with a sturdier and longer center column. That extra height is just enough for me to record my to-camera sections at eye level. (For reference, I'm 6 '1 or 187cm.) Then there's the Pro and Pro Tall. These tripods are heavier, taller and have a larger weight load than the Pro Lite. I mostly kept using the Pro and Pro Tall tripods indoors and have added things like sliders and my heavier cinema cameras rig. Each tripod is made from carbon fiber; there aren't aluminum options, and each is light enough to bring anywhere with me. Even the Pro Tall, at 4.5 lbs, gave my back a nice break compared to my usual video tripod — a decade-old 5.5 lb Manfrotto 055 with a 3.7 lb fluid video head. But, out of the three, I found myself using the Pro Lite the most, since I try to keep my gear as light as possible during hikes or long photo ball head featured on all three tripods has a new quick-release system that feels much more secure than the one found on the Travel Tripod. The camera easily snaps onto the Arca-Swiss compatible plate, and there's a separate locking mechanism flush against the side of the ball head. This lock, which the Travel Tripod didn't have, made me more confident I wouldn't accidentally release it and drop the camera by bumping into a tightening knob. I've been using Peak Design's first tripod since it launched in 2020. The ball head has deteriorated over time. It still works, but the lock often gets stuck and is hard to release once tightened. This new lock addresses that issue. I don't know how this new ball head will perform in a few years, but I expect it to be better. A dedicated lock toggle which wasn't present in the Travel Tripod means you won't have to overtighten the previous tightening system. Durability is one of the most important aspects of a tripod, and when you pay a premium price for one, you hope it lasts for years. That Manfrotto that I mentioned earlier, I've been using it for nearly a decade. One of my favorite new features is that it's much easier to switch to vertical filming. It can easily flip onto its side by unlocking the ball head. The Travel Tripod has that ability, but with limited maneuverability. The new head can move freely in any direction. I love it! The ball head panning was smooth, but there aren't friction adjustments. It's either unlocked or not, but it was able to handle my mirrorless Fujifilm XH2s and even my heavier cameras like the Canon C70 well. However, you'll need a separate $149 (MSRP) attachment if you want to add tilting capabilities. I assume most readers looked at the scorecard and saw that I added 'tilt module' under both the 'good' and 'bad' sections. Allow me to explain. On one hand, it's annoying to pay extra for this accessory and I wish it came with the tripod. On the other hand, I like that you don't have to pay the added cost if you don't plan to use it. One possible workaround is to use an L-bracket on your camera, flip the ball head for vertical filming and your built-in pan axis now becomes a tilt one. The tilt module snaps onto the ball head with its Swiss-Arca base, just like a camera would. The extendable handle magnetically attaches to the back of the tilt mod. It's super clever. But the tilt accessory wasn't ideal for everything. As with pan, there's no way to adjust the friction. That made it harder to keep my tilts smooth and steady with heavier gear, such as my Fujifilm XH2s with a 5o-140mm lens. There is also another option — you could use an different fluid video head, but you'll need to get a separate $129 (MSRP) Pro Leveling Base attachment. It replaces the included ball head and has a much shorter center column. You can still quickly and easily level it on uneven surfaces. Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge There are lots of smaller improvements. They have better leg locks, sturdier concave center columns, a hidden hex tool (you don't need to attach one to the side, it's in the center column), and an easier way to disassemble and clean parts. Even the carrying bag is roomier; it's not a very tight-fitting sock like before. But are they worth the price? It depends on how you use your video tripods. Over the last few years, with better camera and lens stabilization, my need for video tripods has slowly diminished. During my review period, I ended up using the Pro Lite tripod more often as a photo tripod than a video and it slowly replaced my original Travel Tripod. While the other two in the lineup stayed in my studio for video work. But each of the new tripods addresses every pain point of the original Travel Tripod.
The Verge
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Peak Design's new portable pro tripods can support up to 40 pounds of camera gear
Peak Design has announced three new tripods with features and functionality that cater to professional photographers and videographers. The company's first tripod was a travel model that folded to be as slim as a soda can to prioritize portability. Its new pro tripods, available in three versions, are slightly thicker when collapsed, but they can also support twice as much weight and stand a bit taller. The company is once again launching the new tripods through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign today. The new pro versions range in price from $799.95 to $999.95 — a big jump from the starting price of its original Travel Tripod at $349.95. However, the earliest backers can preorder them with discounts up to 27 percent off. The three new models include the standard Pro Tripod and two variants. The Pro Lite Tripod is lighter and packs down smaller, thanks to its legs and center column being scaled down. The Pro Tall Tripod features elongated legs so it stands taller, but it also maximizes stability since the center column may not need to be extended as high. Ranging in weight from 3.7 to 4.5 pounds, the new pro models are only slightly heavier than Peak Design's aluminum Travel Tripod, which weighs 3.44 pounds. But they all stand much taller, up to 77.7 inches for the Pro Tall Tripod, and can support up to 40 pounds of camera equipment, although the smaller Pro Lite Tripod maxes out at 35 pounds. Despite their thicker and sturdier legs made of carbon fiber, you can still squeeze the new pro tripods into a backpack's side pocket because the largest model measures just 3.66 inches in diameter when folded down. (Peak Design's Travel Tripod was 3.25 inches, for comparison.) But they may stick out a bit more since they're 4 to 7 inches taller. Peak Design is carrying forward some of the more unique features of its Travel Tripod, including a smartphone mount and a hex multitool that both fold down so they can be stowed inside the tripod's center column. They'll also have better Arca-compatible quick-lock grips that hold a camera more securely while making it easier to attach and remove. And you can get an optional $149.95 Tilt Mod accessory that converts the pro tripods' easily adjustable ball head into a fluid pan and tilt head for smoother camera movements.
