9 Best Backpacks With Wheels for Travel (2023 Results) (2024)

How often have you traveled on uneven ground with wheeled luggage and wished you had a backpack? And how many times have you wished you had a rolling suitcase while carrying a backpack?

Well, now you can have both.

Our team and I tested 23 different backpacks with wheels for several months on different trips to make your life easier. Out of 23, we picked 9 items we believe did pretty well during testing.

Today, I will be sharing my detailed guide to the best-wheeled backpacks, to help you find the best travel backpack with wheels that is right for you and your trips.

Best Backpacks with Wheels

There is a wide variety of backpacks with wheels that you could find online nowadays. So today, I will be sharing my guide, to help you find the best travel backpack with wheels that is right for you and your trips.

Targus TSB700EU Rolling Laptop Backpack

For short one or two day business trips, I had been looking for a compact travel bag with wheels that could double up as a backpack. The Targus rolling laptop bag perfectly fits the bill. This backpack is not only suitable for use as a trolley but can also be comfortably worn on the shoulders.

One of my favorite features is the long and smooth telescopic handle, which is essential for me as I often have to pull it out multiple times a day. The handle feels safe and secure to hold, adding to the overall convenience.

It’s impressively lightweight, making it a breeze to carry. Its height is also ideal for lifting, whether it’s loading it into the car or maneuvering up a staircase. I appreciate the smooth running zippers and the abundance of practical compartments, which have made organizing my belongings effortless.

The bag maintains a great balance, never falling when stationary, thanks to its well-thought-out construction. The drag system is exceptionally comfortable, allowing me to effortlessly move the bag even when it’s loaded with heavy items. I was pleasantly surprised by the material used, as it strikes the perfect balance between durability and softness.

It’s a very versatile bag, and because of the many external and internal compartments including the large front compartment for books and folders, nothing gets left behind.

This is one of the best-wheeled backpacks around, for sure, and a perfect gift for males or females.

Pros of Targus Compact Wheeled Backpack

• Lots of internal compartments for easier organization
• Made of durable material yet very lightweight for the category
• It has elastic straps for clothing and a padded laptop pocket (made for a 15.6”)
• Soft-lined stash pocket and full workstation
• Comfortable to carry and silent when running
• Cover over wheels & shoulder straps in backpack mode

Cons of Targus Compact Wheeled Backpack

• Smaller than other options: capacity for only 27L
• Zippers and handles can be a little flimsy

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YH&GS Rolling Backpack

With a weight of 3.3 KG (7.28 lb), and a capacity of 50L, it features more than enough storage for your electronics. Also, the rain cover is made of a waterproof coating of 1680D polyester, which protects your back from being dirty.

YH&GS Wheeled Backpack is specifically designed to carry a lot of electronics and I personally used it as a bag when traveling in Europe and shooting events.

I personally have a comfortable wheeled backpack where I keep all my electronics, and there are many and another bag for clothing.

As someone who has used the product extensively, I can attest to the versatility and functionality of the designated padded laptop compartment with a Velcro sleeve.

I was able to securely store a variety of items, including my 17-inch laptop, tablet, phone, camera and lens, reusable water bottle, portable printer, cables, pens, sunglasses, passport, and even clothing.

You can choose from:

• maximum laptop size of 20″ – 21.6″ x 14.1″ x 10.2″ (55*36*26cm)
• maximum laptop size of 18″ – 13.39″ x 9.12″ x 18.50″ (34*23*47cm)

Pros of YH&GS Rolling Backpack

• Relatively large internal space and a big capacity of 50L
• The wheel has grooves for easy stair climbing, or traveling over rough terrain which prevents the wheel from slipping.
• Approved for carry-on flying by TSA.
• Side water bottle pocket

Cons of YH&GS Rolling Backpack

• It has backpack padded straps for ultimate carry comfort but doesn’t provide the most stable support when using them in backpack mode.

With so many features, good storage, and compartmentalization, YH&GS Wheeled Backpack is probably the best-wheeled backpack for travel with electronics.

Find out what is the difference between check-in bags and carry-on bags.

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Jansport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack

With books getting heavier and heavier, it’s gotten harder and harder for students to lug them around. For years it’s become common for students to carry their backpacks from class to class, but sometimes they are still too heavy.

Jansport has long been very popular among students and the Jansport Driver 8 will take that weight off their backs. It is considered one of the best backpacks with wheels for students. This is why it makes this list of the best-wheeled backpacks.

The Jansport Driver 8 has an impressive design and durability like other Jansport products. Especially the in-line wheels, which are great to navigate through crowded halls.

What sets it apart from other travel packs with rolling wheels is the colors that it is available in.

Most wheeled backpacks for traveling only come in a few colors, black, maybe brown, or dark blue. The Jansport Driver 8 has eight different colors and designs.

The Jansport Driver 8 isn’t just for school though. It is tough enough to use as a travel pack and is small enough to fit on most flights as a carry-on.

It also has a nice laptop sleeve that can fit up to a fifteen-inch laptop.

Pros of Jansport Driver 8

• Jansport’s lifetime warranty, which will see the wheeled backpack fixed or replaced. From personal experience, Jansport is more likely to replace it than repair it, often with its newest model. You can also make multiple claims on the same purchase.
• This pack is small enough to be used as a carry-on or a backpack, making it easy to navigate both crowded halls and airports.

Cons of Jansport Driver 8

• The wheels can be noisy, especially when going over slightly uneven terrain. The nice thing is that it can easily change the wheels out with just a Phillips head screwdriver. While this allows for quieter travel, it is a small extra cost to get quieter wheels.
• There is no middle position for the telescoping handle, it is either closed or fully extended. I know I often use the middle position when navigating tight public venues as it keeps my bag a little closer to me.

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Matein Waterproof College Wheeled Travel Backpack

When you’re off to tropical or 4-seasoned countries, having your clothes and gadgets soaked up is the last thing you need, especially after long-hour flights.

This is especially true when you have to roll it on wheels and have puddled grounds splash all over your bag’s fabric. It’s a pass for me. Until I finally found a great solution to this.

The Matein Waterproof College Wheeled Travel Backpack is an absolute game-changer made from waterproof fabric and a bottom panel to keep your belongings safe and dry, as they should be. This has to be the best waterproof backpack with wheels.

This is one of the best rolling backpacks I have seen because it has multiple compartments to store your electronics and clothes separately to ease your way through security checks.

Its dimensions stand at 33 by 23 by 50 cm at only 2.17 kilograms in weight. It also stores up to 45L in storage.

During our trial of this product, I was particularly impressed with the lockable metal swivel hooks that can be adjusted to keep the straps protected when rolling the bag on wheels.

This feature adds an extra layer of convenience and security to the bag, making it a standout choice for frequent travelers.

I could also lock the zippered pockets up easily to combat sneaky thieves lying around in the airport.

Pros of Matein Waterproof College Wheeled Travel Backpack

• Has a 45-liter storage space in its spacious main compartment to hold most of your belongings.
• Has organizer compartments to help quickly find things.
• Has an adjustable 22-inch hideaway telescoping handle
• Made of durable materials such as polyester fabric, sturdy metal hooks, and aluminum throughout the bag’s overall design.

Cons of Matein Waterproof College Wheeled Travel Backpack

• Doesn’t have a lot of padding for laptops.
• May need to clean the wheels when you turn it to carry mode as they do touch your back.
• With the aluminum handle, it may not be suited to put in the washer for cleaning purposes.

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SKYMOVE 18 inches Wheeled Backpack

When traveling around with a heap of stuff on my back, the last thing I need is a heavy backpack that will do me no good, especially when I’m up against a long-hour flight ahead of me.

Imagine having to get to the airport, getting through the extensive airport security checks and scans, and walking to reach your boarding gate with a heavy bag on your shoulders. A big no-no if you ask me.

Having a wheeled backpack that you can carry, roll on wheels, and is lightweight, is the ideal go-to option as a traveling companion.

The Skymove 18″ Wheeled Backpack is a lightweight backpack with wheels essential for any fellow traveler out there!

After conducting extensive tests, we concluded that the backpack has a 35L capacity, measures 18 x 12 x 8 inches, and weighs just 5.5lbs.

This makes it at least 10% lighter than most wheeled backpacks on the market, making it our top pick for the best lightweight backpack.

Its sleek yet classic design with 1200D washing printing oxford fabric keeps it ahead of the style game.

I like how convenient the overall design is, as you can easily hide away and protect the straps from dirt with a simple zip when you go on wheels mode.

Its smooth aluminum rod can be used in wet seasons as it is strong and durable against rusting.

A great touch was the cotton handle top; this small detail proved to be a lifesaver that kept my belongings dry and safe from occasional water drips.

Pros of Skymove 18 inches Wheeled Backpack

• Compact 18 inches in size helps stow a handful of belongings
• Lightweight in nature
• A timeless design that makes the perfect travel backpack on wheels.
• Ideal for short day trips.

Cons of Skymove 18 inches Wheeled Backpack

• Does not come with an organizer
• Belt clasps are a little tricky to open
• It can only fit small laptops.

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Yorepek Large Roller Backpack 17 Inch

Probably not the best rolling wheeled backpack for business trips but it’s definitely making this list.

Based on our findings, while the backpack may appear small on the outside, it actually offers a surprising number of compartments when opened.

The spacious main compartment is particularly noteworthy, as it can easily accommodate larger items like clothing or books.

Then there’s a laptop pocket which is a must for every person whether a student or a business person. It also has a front organizing compartment to carry all the small accessories you have.

A quick-access pocket at the front makes sure you have your important documents like a ticket, a notebook, etc., always at a hands distance. The most interesting part about this bag is the external USB port which lets you charge your electronic devices.

Specifications

• Padded Shoulder straps
• Includes dedicated laptop compartment
• Detachable rollers
• USB charging port
• Made of water-resistant fabric
• Great for international trips

Pros of Yorepek Roller Backpack

• It is comfortable to carry
• The bag is inexpensive.
• It can carry laptops of a maximum size, of 17 inches

Cons of Yorepek Roller Backpack

• Because of its small capacity, it can only be used for short trips.

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Everki Atlas Wheeled Laptop Backpack

Most of my traveling is done to visit faraway places and experience fresh adventures. There are times, however, when I need to travel for business.

The Everki Atlas Wheeled Laptop Backpack is designed to give you the benefits of other Wheeled luggage while also being the perfect tool for the traveling professional.

They designed the Everki Atlas for organization, with space for a tablet and a laptop.

In my experience with the product, the Everki Atlas boasts a laptop sleeve with a one-of-a-kind design that allows it to be adjusted to fit laptops ranging from 13” to 17.3”. This feature ensures that your laptop stays secure and snug during your travels.

Everki Atlas also boasts a sleeve that blocks RFID waves in case you are traveling with any sensitive materials.

Pros of Everki Atlas

• The adjustable padded laptop sleeve can also be removed, making more room for other items to be packed
• Well-padded and extra wide shoulder straps
• The sleek design and ability to hide the shoulder straps mean you can wheel it right into your meeting, looking professional and prepared.

Cons of Everki Atlas

• The Wheels are a little small, making it a struggle on uneven ground
• The zippers are also a little small, so when the bag is full it can be hard to get a good grip on them to zip them shut.

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High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack

As the name suggests, the High Sierra Freewheel backpack is great for storing laptops. In fact, the maximum size laptop that this wheeled backpack can store is up to 15-inches, which is pretty decent for everything else it offers.

Also, this backpack is incredibly weather resistant. Regardless of where you’re traveling to, whether you’re carrying electronic devices or any items that you otherwise don’t want to get damaged by the elements, everything inside the bag remains untouched.

Anytime I wear a backpack with wheels and a handle, I’m always going to be curious about how it feels around my shoulders and back. This product feels exactly like a good old-fashioned backpack.

The first thing I noticed about this is that the air mesh padding in the compression straps allows you to easily and comfortably throw it over your shoulders.

The High Sierra wheeled backpack is an affordable traveling tool that holds up really well in just about any part of the world.

Regardless of whether you’re rolling the wheels over uneven terrain or carrying the pack over your back with the shoulder straps, this bag is sure to make traveling a lot easier for you.

Pros of High Sierra

• The Organizer compartment comes with a zippered mesh, pen, and media pockets, allowing you to keep smaller objects safe without things constantly moving around.
• The smooth rolling corner mounted wheels make traveling across difficult surfaces and curbs effortless.
• Versatile & affordable
• The zippered pockets inside keep things organized.

Cons of High Sierra

• There is a lack of storage space for multimedia devices of a size larger than 15-inches.
• Not ideal for heavy-duty traveling

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AOKING 20/22″ Backpack

The very first thing I noticed about the AOKING water-resistant backpack is that it comes at a whopping size of 20-22 inches. That’s a lot of storage space, which makes it handy for all sorts of items, including books, files, laptops, and much more.

Also, this backpack is designed with tear-resistant polyester fabric, making it highly durable against sharp objects and general wear and tear.

Something that I really like about this durable backpack is that its padded compartments are designed with shockproof pads.

This means that even if your bag is getting knocked around in transit or is being wheeled across rough surfaces, your delicate objects will be safe at all times.

At its maximum, these shockproof pads account for up to 17 inches worth of laptop space, making it decently spacious.

Finally, this durable backpack proves to be quite easy to pull due to its aluminum alloy telescope handle, which extends and retracts seamlessly.

This wheeled backpack is also made with a 360-degree rubber wheel style, making it easy to pivot around corners and roll around without making a lot of unnecessary noise. These features make it one of the best travel backpacks with wheels.

Pros of AOKING

• Despite being a lightweight style bag, the AOKING backpack is made with durability in mind, so it’s not uncommon to get years worth of utility out of a bag like this with casual traveling.
• A 20-22 inch size makes storage hassle free, allowing you to fit items of all types inside without compacting or squeezing anything else.
• The 360-degree smooth wheels provide great mobility, especially in crowded spaces where you need to make tighter movements with your luggage.
• Cons of AOKING
• The rubber wheels are very small, which makes curbs and other raised or uneven surfaces a bit difficult to travel across.
• Small wheel size and uneven weight distribution may sometimes cause the bag to tip over on itself when being rolled.

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Now you may have noticed that I didn’t have a “Best overall” choice for wheeled backpacks. The primary reason for this is that your needs are likely different from my needs.

This article’s primary goal is to introduce you to a tool you can use when traveling. The secondary goal is to show you some of the best options out there and what they can be used for.

Trust me when I tell you that using a wheeled backpack will change the way you travel. Whether it’s a long international trip, traveling for business, or going to visit family.

There really is a wheeled travel pack for everyone. Man, Woman, Professional, or Student, you can find the perfect pack for you.

I hope that my list could identify the perfect pack for you and that the next time you are traveling you’re able to take that weight off and get to your next adventure safely.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Backpack with Wheels

Size

You will want to make sure that you can easily fit everything you need into the backpack without overstuffing it, including your laptop and other electronics.

You should choose an option that is large enough for what you anticipate carrying with you.

However, you also want to consider how easily the bag would fit in places like an overhead compartment or under the airplane seat, on a bus, in a locker, etc.

Weight

Once you add your items to a backpack, their weight will increase significantly. Rolling the pack prevents you from straining your back by carrying it around. However, you do want to consider the weight of the empty pack and how heavy it will be when it is full.

This way you can easily lift it and put it into overhead compartments and vehicle trunks or carry it briefly if the terrain doesn’t allow it to roll.

Durability & Materials

A good wheeled backpack is an investment, so look for one that has positive reviews about durability.

You want to purchase one with durable wheels that will not get stuck and a pull-out handle that easily slides up and down and will not break. As far as material, consider a waterproof backpack and one that can be cleaned easily.

Features

Certain features add to the comfort and functionality of your backpack. If you are taller, you want to make sure that you choose one that has long handles, so you don’t have to bend over. Some backpacks even have adjustable handle options.

If you’re using your backpack as a carry-on when traveling, lockable zippers are necessary to secure your belongings. A built-in USB port could also be a handy bonus for business travel and a padded hip belt is a nice feature to keep the backpack from moving while you walk.

Finally, wheeled backpacks with external compression straps and or internal compression straps really help keep your items in place and organized while the bag is moving.

Compartments

Your wheeled backpack should, at a minimum, have a padded laptop compartment that fits your laptop and protects it against damage.

You may also want multiple compartments, such as a smaller section to hold pens and pencils or a water bottle pouch.

You may even find a use for a padded compartment that holds wired headphones and allows them to be easily accessible without opening the backpack.

Price

Like other bags, wheeled backpacks come in a variety of prices, from moderate to extremely high. You want to choose the best option within your price range and there are many good selections to fit everyone’s needs and budget.

Reading reviews before purchase should give you a good idea of the quality you are getting for the price.

Comfort

Look for padded shoulder straps on the backpack, as they will help prevent back pain if you need to carry your pack instead of rolling it.

In addition, choose a handle length that works for your height. If you are on the taller end, you do not want to bend over to roll your backpack as that could cause back and leg strain.

Style

Some styles look more like luggage and others like traditional backpacks. Think about when you will use the backpack most and choose the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

A traditional-looking or more rugged style would be appropriate for school use or adventure traveling.

If you are primarily traveling for business, you may instead opt for a sleeker option that more closely resembles luggage or a briefcase.

Accessibility

The primary thing to consider is that your backpack has enough room so you can easily access things you’ll need along the way without unpacking the items you don’t need. Make sure the laptop pocket is easily accessible on its own.

The same holds true for the compartments where you put your phone, water bottle, or passport.

Maneuverability

Look at reviews to ensure that the ratings on maneuverability are high. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to pull a backpack while the wheels are getting stuck or navigating an airport with one that doesn’t turn corners very well.

Since the goal is to make your life easier, make sure your backpack consistently gets high marks in this area.

Warranty & Return Policy

A high quality backpack from a reputable company should have a good warranty and return policy.

At a minimum, you should look for one that will repair or replace your backpack within the first year of use if the wheels or handle become stuck or break or if something else is defective. Look for companies that stand by their product.

How Do You Put Wheels on a Carry-on Bag?

Putting wheels on your carry-on bag is pretty easy. You’ll need the following materials: wheels, metal plates, a market, nuts and bolts, a grommet kit, and of course the carry-on back you wish to alter.

Step1: Place the casters on the metal plates and mark the holes.

Step 2: Drill your holes.

Step 3: Match your drilled holes up with where you want the metal plate and wheels placed on the bottom of your bag. Mark the bottom of the bag.

Step 4: Grommet the bag in the places you have marked.

Step 5: Match up the grommets, metal plate, and wheels and bolt them together.

Step 6: Enjoy your new convenient carry-on

Tip: Make sure your bag will not be too large with the added height of the wheels.

Our Top Pick

All in all, our team has decided that the best travel backpack on this list is the Everki Atlas Wheeled Laptop Backpack.

Not only does this backpack hold a significant amount of positive reviews but it also comes at a reasonable price tag in relation to the features it offers, such as the RFID blocking pockets and removable dedicated laptop compartment.

As I mentioned previously, the Everki Atlas brand backpack displays a stunning amount of versatility in regard to its storage space and design.

While it may not possess the biggest level of storage, the Everki Atlas provides way too much functionality for the average traveler to pass up.

It essentially serves as an all-purpose bookbag with extra guarantees.

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Last update on 2024-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API