Traveling can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a hassle if you don't have the right gear. We all know the feeling of being weighed down by our luggage when we travel, especially when it comes to lugging around a heavy backpack. One of the best pieces of gear you'll need is a wheeled backpack.
Wheeled backpacks or rolling backpacks are bags that have wheels and retractable handles making it easy to roll them around instead of having to carry them on your back. This allows you to easily navigate through airports, train stations, and crowded streets, while also providing the convenience of being able to carry all of your belongings on your back.
Wheeled Backpacks for Travel
Wheeled backpacks are great for people who tend to carry heavy gear or pack lots of stuff. Some of us are often guilty of this. These backpacks reduce the amount of strain on the back and shoulders, which can be particularly beneficial for people who suffer from chronic pain or have pre-existing injuries.
The best part about a wheeled backpack is that it will make your trip more enjoyable. You'll be able to move around easily and enjoy your surroundings without having to worry about lugging around a heavy backpack.
Finding a good wheeled backpack is essential for any traveler. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this article, we'll provide an honest review of 5 of the best wheeled backpack for travel on the market today.
We'll share with you everything you need to know about each product and help you find the best backpack with wheels for your next adventure.
How do we choose the Best Wheeled Backpack for Travel
Lugging your luggage around the airport can be a real pain. It's hard to find a good backpack that also has wheels, and even harder to find one that is comfortable to wear.
When choosing the best backpack with wheels, we considered a variety of factors to ensure that our recommendations would meet the needs of a wide range of travelers.
We looked at the overall design and construction of the bags, taking into account things like durability, water resistance, and the number and size of pockets and compartments, as well as the weight, size, and organization of the interior.
We looked for bags that had sturdy wheels and a handle that extended and retracted smoothly and the overall balance of the bag when it was being pulled.
Finally, we considered the overall value of the bags by evaluating the price, warranty, and durability.
We read thousands of wheeled backpack specifications and reviews on Amazon. We paid attention to the user reviews and feedback. We have selected the best wheeled backpacks that offered the best combination of features and performance at a reasonable price.
Overall, we wanted to recommend the best backpacks with wheels that are not only functional but also stylish, comfortable, and reliable for travelers. That's trusted outdoor gear!
Disclosure: Trusted Outdoor Gear highlights products we hope you might find interesting and useful. If you buy them, we get a small share of the sale revenue from our partners at no additional cost to you. This compensation never drives our decision as to whether a product is featured or recommended, our research does.
EVERKI Atlas Wheeled Laptop Backpack
Best Protected Wheeled Backpack for Travel
Looking for the perfect combination of convenience and protection in a bag for traveling? The EVERKI Atlas Wheeled Laptop Backpack is a great option that you can consider.
This spacious and well-organized bag has enough pockets to comfortably organize all of your essentials, making it ideal for work or vacation. It has an innovative laptop pocket to fit up to 17.3 inches laptop and a felt-lined pocket for tablets.
Quick access pocket and slot provide that extra convenience together with an RFID-blocking pocket for added security.
Whether you are going to a meeting, to an outdoor event, or perhaps that overnight travel, this backpack with its makes it easy for you to carry around with its sturdy wheels and padded straps.
Here's What You Need To Know:
The bag has a storage capacity of 30L, with the bag's external dimensions at 21.3 x 15.7 x 8.1 inches. Great as a carry-on bag.
The fully padded laptop sleeve fits 13" - 17.3" devices snugly and is easily adjustable. Your laptop is secured and safe from damage. This pocket itself is removable to allow for more packing space.
A dedicated felt-lined pocket to store your tablet or iPad allows you to easily retrieve your tablet without unzipping the whole bag.
An RFID-blocking pocket to store your credit cards, passport, and other sensitive cards with smart chips. You can feel secure and relaxed knowing that your identity and banking information is safe and you are in control.
Quick access slot for magazine/newspaper with special top quick access pocket for handphones for that extra convenience.
There are multifunctional side pockets with a water bottle loop for your water bottle and perhaps a bottle of hand sanitizer.
Easy to convert from wheeled backpack to backpack by unzipping the back flap and pulling out the hidden extra wide padded backpack straps.
A well thought weight distributing chest strap helps to balance the load of the backpack between the back and front so that the straps will not dig into your shoulders, especially when the backpack is loaded fully. It helps to ensure that the straps will not slip down, especially for those with slightly rounded shoulders.
Large, sturdy, inset wheels for smooth and quiet maneuvering, especially in a crowded place or even in rugged terrain. When rolling is not possible and converted to a backpack, the back flap covers the wheel and protects your clothes from being soiled.
Whether you are looking for a bag to carry your laptop or other items on the go, the EVERKI Atlas wheeled laptop backpack is a great choice. With its innovative storage compartment and quick access features, together with RFID-blocking capability, it offers you plenty of comfort, convenience, and safety to make your travel easier and stress-free. Indeed this is our choice for the best wheeled backpack for travel.
JanSport Unisex Driver 8
Best Wheeled Backpack For Rugged Travel
Introducing the JanSport Unisex Driver 8 – the perfect solution for those days when you need to bring a little bit of everything along. It has that perfect look for both women and men.
From gears to clothes and supplies, this rugged wheeled backpack has plenty of room for all your stuff. The multiple compartments ensure that everything is kept safely in place, with ample room for whatever you need! This is an adventure-ready bag that packs a punch when it comes to space and versatility.
Say goodbye to days of lugging around heavy bags! With its padded shoulder straps, adjustable handle, and wheels, the JanSport Unisex Driver 8 allows you to move through your day in total comfort.
With its classic design, it’s sure to suit just about any style preference. The rugged exterior is sure to stand up to lots of use without sacrificing comfort.
It’s time to enjoy the perfect combination of practicality and style that only the JanSport Unisex Driver 8 offers. This friendly wheeled backpack will make any journey joyous.
Here's What You Need To Know :
The Driver 8 is designed to accommodate all your traveling needs whether you're just heading off for the weekend or going on an extended trip and is unbelievably easy to maneuver.
It has a capacity of 36L (2175 cu in) with dimensions of 21 x 14 x 10 inches.
Made of 600-denier polyester and 420-denier Velocity nylon materials, it is very durable, rugged, and water-resistant.
It has a fully padded back panel with a smooth two-stage retractable handle together with 80-millimeter inline skate wheels for that stable controlled motion, making it a joy to handle in a crowded airport or train station.
The padded grab handle is particularly useful when you need to navigate through tight spaces or when rolling is not practical. It also allows for easy lifting of the backpack to overhead storage compartments on buses, trains, or airplanes.
It has two large main compartments, along with a protective padded sleeve for laptops up to 15 inches.
A front stash pocket that is perfect for holding small items like travel gear or snacks. With side water bottle pockets that keep you hydrated during long days on the move.
You can switch this wheeled backpack from roller to backpack in seconds, with its built-in padded shoulder straps that easily tuck away when not in use.
And it includes a limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Imagine that!
Best Wheeled Backpack For Travel with Huge Laptop
High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Backpack
High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Backpack
Best Wheeled Backpack for Travel with Huge Laptop
This well-designed and modern wheeled backpack is perfect for travel, work, and even school, with its padded laptop compartment that can fit most 17-inch laptops and other gadgets. The pocket on the side even has a headphone port so you can rock out while you’re on the go.
When the day calls for hauling a large load, reach for the High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Backpack! This carry-all allows you to cruise through the airport, busy city streets, and school hallways with ease.
Unzip it to reveal a large interior. With plenty of room for gear and supplies, the large size ensures there’s room for all your must-haves.
Whether you’re taking an overnight trip, a trip outdoors, or need a reliable bag for everyday errands, trust the High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled Backpack to make your travel fun & reliable.
Here's What You Need To Know :
The High Sierra Powerglide wheeled backpack is the perfect travel companion for anyone looking to transport a large amount of gear. From skis and snowboards to musical instruments, this bag can accommodate just about anything, including a 17-inch laptop.
The fully-padded Cushionzone laptop compartment and multi-pocket organizer will protect your gear against damage and help organize your gear as you go.
Powerglide's external multiple pockets allow quick access to must-have items convenient and easy, giving travelers ease of use. Plus, this durable product will make sure that everything stays safe and secure during the entire journey.
It has a capacity of 38.5L (2,350 cu in) with dimensions of 21 x 14 x 9 inches.
The S-shaped padded backpack straps are stored behind the zippered back panel when not in use.
The corner-mounted durable wheels are designed to give you control and stability while on the move. Together with the telescoping handle, you will be gliding around with ease.
The telescoping handle stores neatly under the zippered cover, keeping it secured and out of view.
Packing could not be any simpler - no matter how much gear you're bringing along. So if lots of things are required for your getaway, especially if you have a huge laptop to lug along - go with the High Sierra Powerglide wheeled backpack for that ultimate travel.
Targus Compact Rolling Backpack
Best Lightweight Wheeled Backpack For Travel
Sleek, lightweight, practical, and comfortable to use, the Targus Compact Rolling Backpack is designed with convenience in mind.
Its spacious main compartment opens wide, allowing enough space to store everything from your clothes to your paperwork and it can even hold devices up to 16 inches with easy access on the go.
This wheeled backpack is designed with a simple and clean aesthetic that looks stylish. This backpack has been constructed using tough materials that can handle wear and tear and is water-resistant.
Its telescoping handle easily adjusts to your desired height and conveniently stows away when not in use, while foam-padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry when needed.
This convertible backpack/rolling suitcase design makes it ideal for you to explore new cities or just to cope with everyday town life. It is one of the best rolling backpacks for travel.
Here's What You Need To Know :
Measure 13.8"L x 9"W x 19"H and weigh in at just 4 lbs is a lightweight backpack. It is 20% lighter than other rolling backpacks available
This wheeled backpack boasts multiple compartments, ensuring plenty of space for your everyday items. Its features a removable laptop protective sleeve that holds laptops up to 16 inches, and a soft-lined interior pocket for your tablet.
Elastic straps act like internal compression straps that securely hold your clothes (or bulkier items or files) in place for that needed change of clothes.
2 side mesh pockets on each side of the bag, one of which is zippered for that secure storage of small items.
With the folding wheel covers all tucked away, you can just as easily carry them on your back comfortably.
With its Soft-touch smooth movement retractable handle, you can easily maneuver around even in crowded airports and train stations.
Whether you're out traveling, going for that outdoor trip, or just commuting to work every day, this sleek rolling backpack is probably the best lightweight backpack for travel. This versatile bag is just the bag for taking all your belongings with you.
ZOMFELT Wheeled Backpack
Best large Wheeled Backpack for travel
This large wheeled backpack is made from a durable water-resistant and tear-resistant material with a spacious 45-Liter capacity that’s large enough to comfortably carry all your clothing, a laptop or tablet, books, and even special travel accessories and gear.
It comes with three different sizes of handy multi-functional storage bags to better organize your stuff and clothing.
The padded laptop compartment with thick foam padding protects the laptop up to 17.3 inches, keeping it free from damage. TSA-friendly features make going through airport security quick and fuss-free.
Hidden shoulder strap, durable rubber wheel, and Aluminum alloy rod combined to provide you with a smooth-moving rolling backpack and a backpack that you can easily wheel around airports or crowded streets.
With durable material, reinforced edges, and a steel frame, this backpack is sturdy, durable, and rugged. Yet it has a business look and feels.
Here's What You Need To Know :
This rolling backpack has a capacity of 45 liters with external dimensions of 21.3 X 14.2 x 9.1 inches.
The large spacious main compartment has plenty of room for clothes and toiletries for a 3-5 day trip
The padded laptop sleeve compartment is designed to fit an extra-large 17.3-inch laptop with thick foam padding designed to keep your device protected.
A zippered compartment is perfect for organizing bulky items such as files while a quick-access pocket is great for important items like wallets, phones, and passports.
There are also side pockets that can store small water bottles as well as umbrellas – this way you'll never be caught unprepared by bad weather!
It features an aluminum alloy rod extendable up to 19.3 inches, durable wheels, and concealable shoulder straps to easily switch between a laptop and a wheeled backpack. Just unzip the back panel and put on the shoulder straps for easy carrying.
Once switched to the backpack, the handle is hidden and the wheels are covered to avoid soiling your clothes.
The bag incorporates a TSA-friendly feature that allows you to go through airport security easily and quickly without having to remove your laptop from the backpack. This is accomplished by laying the laptop flat without ever leaving its protective case. This saves time and energy navigating through airports, besides keeping the laptop safe inside your backpack.
Made of high-quality, durable, and waterproof polyester that is both wear-resistant and water-resistant. It features reinforced edges, a steel frame, and a thick bottom panel that ensures it can easily handle plenty of weight.
This rolling backpack is a multifunctional and stylish accessory for the savvy traveler. A great choice for both business trips or weekends away, the convenience of this rolling backpack provides great peace of mind knowing your items will remain safe and secure without putting strain on your shoulders or back. Despite its huge volume, it is quite a comfortable wheeled backpack.
Key Pros & Cons of Wheeled Backpacks
Pros :
Generally, you will be able to use the wheels very often and on most terrains.
It is less strenuous and you can walk/travel further without all the discomfort of lugging a heavy backpack around. Think of having wheeled luggage with you.
With its dual functions, you can always use the backpack mode when the terrain is not suitable for rolling.
If you are suffering from physical limitations such as back or shoulder injury, a backpack with wheels can be a blessing, allowing you to travel and enjoy comfort. Unless, of course, you have a porter or assistant traveling with you.
Cons:
Wheeled backpacks are typically heavier and bulkier as it has handle and wheels as part of the structure, similar to wheeled luggage.
Due to its structure, it can be less comfortable when carrying on your shoulders.
It cost more than a traditional backpack or duffel bag.
May not be as chic as their traditional cousins or wheeled duffel bags.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheeled Backpacks
With so many options available in the market for Wheeled Backpacks, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your travel needs.
This FAQ aims to help you quickly find the information you are looking for, helping you make an informed decision and find the best wheeled backpack for your travel.
Are wheeled backpacks worth it?
If you suffer from back pain or shoulder discomfort or other physical health issues that prevent you from carrying heavy loads, a wheeled backpack might be worth it for you.
You can roll it along terrain where possible providing relief from having to carry the load. And switch to traditional backpack mode for more difficult surfaces.
What are the disadvantages of wheeled backpacks?
Wheeled backpacks can be difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces such as gravel, sand, or stairs. The wheels and handle add extra weight to the backpack, which can make carrying the backpack in the event it cannot be rolled along such as on the uneven surface.
The maximum height of the handle does not allow you to adjust them to your height. In some cases, it may cause some discomfort as it can be either too low or too high to be comfortable.
Wheeled backpacks are generally more expensive than traditional backpacks or wheeled duffel bags.
Do you need a wheeled backpack for travel?
Whether or not you need a wheeled backpack for travel depends on your travel style and needs.
If you have a lot of heavy items to carry, travel backpacks with wheels can make it easier to move your luggage around.
If you are traveling for longer trips, a wheeled backpack can help reduce the strain on your back and shoulders. It is especially useful if you have physical health limitations.
If you are traveling to a location with rough or uneven surfaces such as the desert or scaling a mountain, a wheeled backpack may not be ideal as it can be difficult to maneuver.
Do backpacks cause slouching?
Yes, carrying a heavy backpack can lead to slouching. These heavy loads place stress on the spine and shoulders of children, causing muscle strain and fatigue. This can result in poor posture and cause strain on your back and shoulders.
Pro Tip
It is important to choose a backpack with proper weight distribution and adjust the straps to fit comfortably on the back to avoid slouching.
If you have to frequently carry heavy loads, it is advisable to use backpacks with wheels to avoid straining your back and shoulders. These rolling backpacks will help prevent any injuries to your back or shoulders from frequent carrying.
How do you get good posture with a heavy backpack?
Here are some tips if you have to carry a heavy backpack.
Always wear both shoulder straps. It is better to have padded backpack straps.
The pain from using unpadded straps may cause you to slouch further.
Adjust the shoulder straps so that the backpack is high on the back and the shoulder straps are comfortable on the shoulders.
The backpack should not sway from side to side during walking.
Pro Tip
These can be alleviated through the use of a backpack with wheels or even a rolling duffel bag.
Is a 35L backpack big?
A 35-liter backpack is considered a medium-sized backpack and it is considered a good size for those who need a compact and easy-to-carry backpack, including a rolling travel backpack.
It is typically suitable for a day trip or even for a weekend getaway.
The physical size of such a backpack can vary depending on the brand and model. So be sure to check its physical dimensions.
Just for Information
For perspective - a large full-sized backpack can range from 50-80 liters, and a small minimalist backpack can be 20 liters or less.
Is a 45L backpack too big for a carry-on bag?
It depends on the airline and the size restrictions for a carry-on bag. Typically, the maximum size allowed for carry-on luggage is around 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles.
A 45L backpack may be larger than the size restrictions for carry-on luggage, especially a carry-on wheeled backpack, or best case the maximum size for carry-on. But it depends on the dimensions of the backpack.
Pro Tip
To be safe, anything under 40L will be allowed as a carry-on backpack by most airlines.
It is always best to check with the airline before your trip to ensure that your luggage meets their size and weight restrictions for a carry-on bag and checked baggage.
Is a 50L backpack big enough for Travelling?
A 50L backpack can be suitable for traveling, but it depends on the length of your trip and how much you need to carry.
If you are traveling the country for up to two weeks and you are an efficient packer, a 50L backpack can accommodate most of your stuff and travel gear. Outfit changes may be limited to a few only.
Keep in mind that a 50L backpack fully loaded can be heavy, and if you have to carry it for a significant amount of time, it can be rather tiring, especially if it is not equipped with a padded hip belt. Unless most of the area you are planning to visit allows the backpack to be wheeled around. Just don't plan to use it as a carry-on bag.
How do you pack a wheeled backpack for travel?
A wheeled travel backpack allows you the luxury of packing more of your stuff. Just like any travel backpack or even any best-wheeled duffel bag, the discipline in packing will translate to efficient storage using all the features including all its external pockets and internal compression straps for robust securing.
The Ultimate Packing Tips - For Wheeled Backpacks!
Start with heavier items at the bottom and work your way up to lighter items.
Pack shoes and other bulky items in a separate shoe bag to save space.
Roll clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.
Use compression bags or packing cubes to organize items and maximize space.
Fill in empty spaces with smaller items, like socks and underwear.
Store liquids in leak-proof containers and keep them in a separate, easy-to-access pouch such as the many external pockets.
Place delicate items, like electronics, on top or in a separate, padded compartment.
Place your laptop or tablet in the padded laptop pocket.
Zip up and secure all compartments including all lockable zippers before rolling the backpack on its wheels.
Summary - Best Wheeled Backpack for Travel
After going through our top five best wheeled backpacks , we hope that this article helped you to find the perfect backpack that meets all of your needs. Be sure to take into consideration what type of traveler you are, how much you plan on carrying, and how often you will be using it before making your final decision.
If you are a business traveler, be sure to choose those with padded compartments for your laptop & tablet, zippered pockets inside, lockable zippers, and others that will make your business travel a pleasure.
Now go forth and travel with ease and confidence, knowing that you have the perfect wheeled backpack by your side.
Tap the green button on your choice of the backpack to check on the price.
Happy travels.
As the global health crisis ebbs away, and with improved safety protocols in place, people are increasingly looking to explore the world beyond their own doorstep once more. With so much of the planet open for travel again, now is the perfect time to make the most of this opportunity and start exploring.
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