Wheeled Backpacks can be the best way to travel both light and efficiently.
However, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the product that is right for you.
In this article, we break down everything from choosing the right one for your body type to overall durability to help you find the wheeled backpack that best meets your specific needs.
Our top pick: Osprey Sojourn 60L Wheeled Backpack
Pros: Anti-Gravity Suspension System, multiple handles and exterior pockets, High Road™ chassis, several outer attachment points, stowaway padded shoulder and hip straps
Cons: Fairly expensive
The Osprey Sojourn is our top pick because it has been designed with both function and comfort in mind.
Having a wheeled backpack makes maneuvering or standing in line a lot more comfortable. However, the Sojourn goes beyond the smooth floors of airports with its High Road™ chassis. The specially designed chassis and additional base clearance allow it to be wheeled over even rugged terrain.
This pack has a curved base on the back for additional comfort when carrying it as a backpack. Also, the well-padded shoulder and hip straps allow this backpack to be carried comfortably for long periods.
Plus, the load lifter straps help to balance the larger pack for greater comfort, this is especially important for those with petite body styles.
Additionally, when considering different body styles the Osprey Sojourn features a torso length adjustment option to ensure the most comfort while carrying your pack.
According to Becky, a Backcountry Edge Gear Specialist, the adjustable torso feature is rare to find on convertible travel luggage.
Best Value: Kathmandu Hybrid 50L Trolley
Pros: Padded shoulder and hip straps, multiple exterior handles, internal compression straps to hold gear in place
Cons: No sternum strap
The 50L Hybrid Trolley prides itself on being lightweight yet durable for even the most adventurous traveller.
This pack is spacious enough to live comfortably out of for months and can stow everything you need from boots to jackets, especially when using packing cubes.
Many travellers praise the Kathmandu Hybrid for being watertight even on the rainiest of days.
Additionally, because of its durability, travellers can feel comfortable bringing this bag on all of their travels.
For those who enjoy the benefit of a daypack, this pack has attachment points to add this accessory easily.
Best Wheeled daypack: High Sierra Wheeled Laptop Backpack
Pros: Padded laptop sleeve, padded bottom for protection, affordable
Cons: Telescopic handle could be longer
If you’re looking for a dependable laptop backpack that is hardy and durable, this could be a good option.
This wheeled backpack will hold most 17-inch laptops and has a fully padded computer sleeve for extra protection.
The organiser compartment keeps your most important items secure and easily accessible. The multi-compartment design also includes a padded bottom panel to protect your contents from damage.
This backpack features a zippered media pocket so that you can store your phone and other small electronics, and also features a headphone port.
Largest Volume: Macpac 80L Wheeled Duffel Bag
Pros: Several carry options, large volume, durable nylon construction, reasonably priced
Cons: Less suited to extended use as a backpack
This Macpac duffel is a lightweight, durable duffel bag that’s perfect for short trips or big adventures. It has a variety of carrying options, making it very versatile.
The detachable shoulder straps allow you to carry it as a backpack if needed, or simply use the webbing carry handles.
It has a large 80L main compartment and includes lockable zips and an external side zip pocket. Compression straps allow you to keep your gear tidy and compact while you’re on the move.
BlackWolfDual Shuttle 80
Pros: Large, 75L capacity, comfortable foam waist harness, all-terrain wheels, attachable daypack
Cons: Looks less premium than other options
The Dual Shuttle 80 is a fusion adventure trolley pack that’s designed to take you on an adventure. It’s got a capacity of 75L, so you can fit everything you need for your journey.
The EVA comfort foam harness adds support and comfort while the pack is on your back and means you can easily move the weight around as needed.
Meanwhile, the extendable handle makes it easy to maneuver around an airport or city streets when you’re using it like a suitcase.
The super tough all-terrain wheels will ensure that your journey is smooth and easy, even if it means some not-so-smooth surfaces. The lockable zips will keep your things safe from thieves, and the soft foam handles make it easy to lift off luggage carousels.
Included with this set is an additional 15L daypack that zips onto the main pack. It has plenty of room for all of your essentials.
Impressively, this pack weighs just 4kg, the same as the 60L Osprey Sojourn.
Caribee Voyager 75L Wheeled Travel Bag
Pros: Great for business travel, lockable zips, two front pockets, aluminium trolley system, reasonably priced, multiple grab handles
Cons: No external attachment points, no sternum or hip straps
The Caribee Voyager 75 is one of the sleekest-looking travel bags on the market. This wheeled backpack would be equally at home in a five-star hotel or tucked away in a tent.
This wheeled pack is not only spacious, but it also has multiple exterior pockets making it easy to access convenience items. There are twin internal zippered storage pockets to make organizing your bag more comfortable.
The Voyager 75 has stowaway shoulder straps, and the low-profile compression straps help to keep your gear tightly secured.
Wheeled Backpack Buyer’s Guide
Buying a wheeled backpack is an investment. Multiple elements need to be taken into account when picking out the optimal pack for your travels.
Below is a list of things to take into consideration when buying a wheeled backpack
Fit And Size
Choosing the right backpack for your body style will make ensure the maximum amount of comfort and reduce the chance of future back issues.
The design and support of your pack are likely to be the most critical elements in deciding on the right travel luggage.
Features
One of the greatest things about a wheeled backpack is the variety of features available.
Some of the options on wheeled backpacks are detachable daypacks, compartment size and placement, and shoulder and hip straps.
How you plan to use your backpack will determine which features will be most important.
Travel Type
How you plan to use the bag is also a significant consideration when picking the right travel bag. If you are traveling for business or off seeing the world will make a big difference in finding the ideal wheeled backpack for you.
Padding
Padding is a major factor in ensuring you can carry your bag comfortably. For those not looking to use the backpack feature often, padding won’t be as essential. However, for adventurers taking a lot of gear having well padded straps is vital.
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Verdict
When searching for your perfect wheeled backpack, be sure to take into account your personal preferences along with the considerations discussed in our buyer’s guide above.
While any of the products on this list would be great options to transport your gear, our favourite is the Osprey Sojourn thanks to its proven reliability and range of travel-friendly features.
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