How to Choose a Rolling Backpack?

30 Sep.,2024

 

How to Choose a Rolling Backpack?

When researching which backpack with wheels to buy, you should consider the following categories:

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1. Materials
First of all, you want the material of the backpack to be strong and durable. The wheeled backpack can be used as a carry on backpack and wheels can be used as a suitcase.

In both cases, you need the material to have water resistance and a certain degree of frictional resistance. And it must be breathable.

The zipper track and handle should be sturdy and have a retractable suitcase-style handle. Obviously, a strong wheel frame and good support are needed to prevent the bag from tipping over when it is standing upright.

2. Durability
Your travel is continuous, so the backpack you choose must also be a sustainable product, not a one-time product.

This is when durability emerges, and it has a ripple effect on the materials used and the structure of the bag. Avoid filling the bag and let it ventilate as much as possible to keep the backpack healthy. Try putting dirty shoes in a separate bag inside the suitcase, or stick them outside the suitcase.


3. Dimensions
The size of the backpack depends on your own needs. Everyone wants to know what the perfect size is. No backpack size is better than another. The important thing is that your backpack should be in proportion to your body.

The IATA dimensions for carry-on luggage are 22 inches x 18 inches x 10 inches. When comparing the backpack size to this standard size, keep in mind that if you pack your backpack full, you may exceed the size specified below, and most airlines actually have stricter restrictions.

Under normal circumstances, the size of the roller bag will be a little larger than the size of an ordinary backpack. If you are considering carrying a roller bag with you, please pay attention to the specific size.

4. Comfort
Unless you are lost or you choose to hike with a larger backpack, it is unlikely that you will spend more than an hour or two with your backpack. However, some brands of backpacks will pay more attention to the comfort of the backpack, especially the back area. Better brands will provide adjustable backrest structures to adapt to different heights.


As mentioned above, breathability and padding are always the basic characteristics of a good backpack. You can consider the positive signs of adjustable hip and chest straps, too. The last factor to consider is the comfort of the hip wheels when carried as a backpack.

5. Easy to pack
In the past, backpacks were usually opened from the top, and you had to reach into the backpack to find anything. Fortunately, most backpacks can now be unzipped like books, which makes packing and unpacking easier.

6. Detachable function
When buying a rolling back pack, you can check whether the roller backpack has a pull rod removal function. The detachable function can remove the rollers so that when used as a backpack, there are no rollers on the back.

The 12 Best Rolling Backpacks, Duffels, and Weekenders

Can&#;t decide between these two options? There are convertible luggage choices that give you the best of both worlds, and we&#;ve searched high and low to find the best wheeled options around, including backpacks, duffels, and weekenders. Some picks were chosen according to extensive industry research and others came from products the Travel + Leisure team has tested in our lab and out in the real world. The top picks and performers for capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value are all highlighted below.

No matter where your adventures bring you, it likely only takes one trek across an airport to convince you that a wheeled bag is better than anything you have to carry by hand. There are also times when a backpack or duffel slung over your shoulder makes more sense &#; such as on an African safari or other wilderness expedition where cement sidewalks are few and far between.

Best Overall

Solo Rolling Duffel

PHOTO: Solo

$142

$80 at Amazon

$80 at Target

$129 at Walmart

Why We Love It

  • It's comfortable to use as a duffel carry-on or a roller bag, and it has a side pocket for shoes.

What to Consider

  • Though there are many exterior pockets, we'd add more pockets inside.

This rolling duffel is the perfect combination of style and substance, offering all the features we want in a rolling duffel bag without sacrificing style. It's very spacious with a large shoe sleeve side pocket (so you can keep your dirty shoes separate from the rest of your belongings) and several small internal and external pockets. We tested this bag in our T+L lab, and we were able to fit everything on our packing list with room to spare. We also loved all of the pockets on the outside for storing necessities like your and wallet (though we'd add more interior pockets if we could). The bag had other elements we liked as well, including smooth zippers and an easy-to-use handle.

This bag weighs just around 6 pounds when empty, so it's not the lightest option for a carry-on, but we still found it very easy to maneuver when packed full, and the wheels rolled smoothly over various surfaces. It was comfortable to carry as a duffel bag as well if you choose not to roll it. The bag is also extremely durable &#; it showed no signs of wear and tear during our tests, which included dropping it from a table and hitting it with a baseball bat.

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 12 x 12 inches | 6.04 pounds | Polyester

Most Durable

Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel

PHOTO: Thule

$400 at Amazon

View on Thule.com

Why We Love It

  • Subjected to no fewer than 50 quality tests during production, this duffel is made to last from bluesign-approved materials.

What to Consider

  • With a largely unstructured main compartment, it may not suit packers who prioritize organization.

From a brand whose name is synonymous with long-lasting durability comes the Thule Chasm 32-inch Wheeled Duffel: a large, checked-sized option perfect for those with lots to pack. It&#;s made from durable, weather-resistant tauplin fabric with a hardside back panel to help it withstand rough handling. Use the sturdy top and side grab handles to haul it in and out of your trunk, and the oversized wheels and telescoping handle to take the weight off when traveling from one location to the next. 

We tested this option in our lab, and loved the spacious main compartment with a wide opening for easy access, as well as zippered mesh compartments on the underside of the lid that provide a way to separate smaller items, toiletries, or dirty laundry. We liked the organization and pockets inside the bag but would prefer more pockets on the outside as well. The duffel is largely unstructured, which some may find frustrating on a large bag like this. Nevertheless, it&#;s great for bulky loads, and there&#;s a zippered pocket on the exterior for stashing quick-access essentials.

The Details: Checked bag | 32 x 17 x 15 inches | 10.2 pounds | 110 liters | TPE laminate, 50-percent recycled polycarbonate backshell | Water resistant    

Best Splurge

Tumi Large Split 2-Wheeled Duffel

PHOTO: Amazon

$1,095 at Amazon

$1,095 at Nordstrom

View on Tumi.com

Why We Love It

  • With clamshell-style dual packing spaces, expansion options, and intuitive compartments, this duffel is a dream for the organized traveler. 

What to Consider

  • Although the duffel survived our durability tests without a scratch, we did find that the fabric attracted dust easily.

At roughly 2.5 times the price of our overall winner, the Tumi Alpha 3 Large Split 2-wheeled Duffel is certainly an investment. However, we feel that the quality and functionality of the bag represent great value for money, and we would know because we tested this in our T+L lab. It&#;s made from ultradurable FXT ballistic nylon with stylish cowhide leather accents. The duffel splits clamshell-style into two large compartments that you can keep separate by a zippered divider curtain or combine them to create one oversized packing space. 

We loved that there&#;s a zippered entry on top of the duffel and that the interior can be made even more spacious with a push-button expansion feature. We were able to fit a week's worth of gear with plenty of space left over and felt that the clever interior and exterior compartments made packing joyful. One of the exterior pockets is even lined with water-resistant fabric for separating damp laundry. Finally, the duffel has top and side carry handles and a telescoping handle with two smooth-rolling recessed wheels. 

The Details: Checked bag | 30 x 16 x 14 inches | 11 pounds | 98 liters | FXT ballistic nylon

Best Budget

Travelers Club Upright Rolling Duffel Bag

PHOTO: Amazon

$46 at Amazon

$61

$46 at Walmart

$120 at Macy's

Why We Love It

  • This duffel offers plenty of packing space, abundant pockets, and an impressive level of durability given its lower price tag.

What to Consider

  • We felt the handle could extend more smoothly and wished that it had more than one height setting. 

The Travelers Club Xpedition 30-inch Rolling Duffel Bag costs roughly a tenth of the price of our overall winner yet fulfills the same role as a large-capacity gear hauler. It&#;s made from 600-denier polyester, which we found to be surprisingly durable (although we wouldn&#;t expect it to hold up to years of constant use). And, while we wish the telescopic handle extended further and more smoothly, it is easily strong enough to lift the loaded bag up onto the sidewalk. The bag rolls well across cement, with a little more effort required for carpet and tight turns. 

The bag doesn&#;t look particularly large from the outside, but we were able to fit enough clothing and accessories for a 10- to 14-day winter trip with space left over. The main compartment is unstructured while multiple exterior pockets in varying sizes satisfy even the most organized packer. The duffel comes in an impressive range of colors from charcoal gray to hot pink. 

The Details: 30 x 13 x 12 inches | 6.6 pounds | 77 liters | Polyester

Best Backpack With Wheels

Osprey Farpoint Wheeled 65L Pack

PHOTO: Amazon

$320 at Amazon

Why We Love It

  • With a stowable harness and heavy-duty wheels, you can transition seamlessly from city to backcountry.

What to Consider

  • The price is significant for an average-sized backpack. 

The Osprey Farpoint Wheeled Travel Pack offers the last word in flexibility for adventurous travelers. Use the oversized wheels and telescoping handle to navigate effortlessly through the airport and the Airspeed Harness with its breathable mesh back panel, padded shoulder straps, and weight-distributing hipbelt to carry the bag whenever the going gets tough. The harness is fully stowable for protection when checking the bag in, while its frame offers lightweight structure and support. 

Packing and unpacking is easy thanks to the large front panel opening. Stash smaller items in the zippered top pocket or the internal mesh sleeves, then use the interior and exterior compression straps to keep everything securely in place. The backpack even offers attachment points for a compatible daypack or larger items such as a sleeping bag or camping air mattress. You can feel good about your purchase from a sustainability perspective, too, since it&#;s made from recycled materials with a durable weather repellent (DWR) coating.  

The Details: Checked bag | 27 x 17 x 13 inches | 6.2 pounds | 65 liters | DWR-coated recycled fabrics | Water resistant

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Shengtailuo Case &Bag.

Best Organization

Ektronik Rolling Weekend Duffel Bag

PHOTO: Amazon

$70

$48 at Amazon

Why We Love It

  • This weekender ticks all the boxes with great organization options, an attractive aesthetic, and a very reasonable price tag.

What to Consider

  • Designed to fit under an airplane seat, it&#;s not meant for trips longer than a couple of days.

If you&#;re looking for a new weekender and love having a designated place for all of your belongings, you&#;ll appreciate the smart design of the Etronik Rolling Weekend Duffel Bag. Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, it fits under most airplane seats yet offers ample space for a weekend away. The main compartment is roomy, with multiple slip pockets for securing your wallet, , and electric cables. For many, the highlight is the integrated wet compartment for keeping damp clothes and toiletries separate. 

The weekender comes with a matching cosmetics bag and features two exterior slip pockets perfect for your water bottle and umbrella. Best of all, the entire bottom section of the bag unzips to reveal a separate shoe compartment big enough for two standard-size pairs of shoes. (It&#;s also vented to prevent odor.) Carrying options include comfortable top handles and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. Alternatively, use the antiskid wheels and telescoping handle to roll through the airport in style. Colors range from khaki to soft pink. 

The Details: Carry-on | 21 x 13 x 9 inches | 4 pounds | Nylon | Water resistant

Best Waterproof

Rains Texel Check-in Bag

PHOTO: Rains

View on Rains.com

Why We Love It

  • The duffel&#;s smooth, polyurethane-coated fabric is both fully waterproof and fashionable.

What to Consider

  • If you&#;re looking for a bag that&#;s easy to spot at the luggage carousel, you&#;re out of luck: this one only comes in black.

Those who frequent destinations with plenty of precipitation (whether that&#;s ski resort snow or tropical rain) would do well to invest in a fully waterproof duffel. The Texel Check-in Bag from Rains is a great option. It&#;s made from the brand&#;s signature PU material which not only keeps out the wet but scores points for its on-trend aesthetic. A half-silhouette hardside shell gives the duffel an added layer of durability and helps it to stand upright unsupported, while exterior compression straps adjust its size to suit your load.  

Unzip the clamshell opening to divide the suitcase in half for easy packing. One side features elastic cross-straps to keep everything in place, while the two are kept separate by mesh divider panels. If you have items that you want to keep within easy reach, stash them in the zippered exterior pocket. Despite its large size, the duffel is kept maneuverable by its smooth-rolling wheels, telescopic handle, and sturdy top and side grab handles. 

The Details: Checked bag | 25 x 14 x 11 inches | 8.6 pounds | 62 liters | Polyurethane-coated polyester | Waterproof

Best Carry-on

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible Carry-on

PHOTO: Amazon

View on Eaglecreek.com

Why We Love It

  • With multiple carrying options and a daypack that can be attached to the main duffel or used separately, this bag takes versatility to the next level.

What to Consider

  • It&#;s expensive, even if you consider that you&#;re effectively getting two bags in one.

Is it a duffel? Is it a backpack? No, it&#;s the Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible Carry-on, which fulfills both descriptions equally well depending on your needs. On even terrain, save your shoulders by using the wheels and adjustable handle to pull the duffel along behind you. But when the terrain gets rough or you need your hands free, deploy the zip-away backpack straps and wear the bag instead. It also boasts heavy-duty top and side grab handles for maximum maneuverability. 

You can even have a duffel and a backpack at the same time. The front of the bag unzips to become a separate daypack, leaving you with a smaller duffel that easily adheres to airline carry-on restrictions. Meanwhile, the daypack serves as your personal item or underseat bag. Other highlights include an internal zippered mesh pocket and compression panels within the main compartment, a zippered exterior pocket, and a protective laptop sleeve. The bag ticks sustainability boxes, too, being made from durable, fully recycled Cordura Eco ripstop. 

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches | 6 pounds | 37 liters (main), 19 liters (daypack) | Recycled Cordura Eco ripstop | Water resistant

Best Underseater

Travelers Club Rolling Backpack

PHOTO: Amazon

$50 at Amazon

$50

$32 at Walmart

$130

$65 at Macy's

Why We Love It

  • Compact yet beautifully organized, this backpack offers versatile maneuverability when a standard backpack won&#;t do.

What to Consider

  • If overstuffed, the bag may not fit under your airline seat.

While underseat dimensions differ slightly from one plane to the next, the Travelers Club 18-inch Rolling Backpack typically fits unless it is packed to the brim. Its softside construction allows for some wiggle room in posted dimensions, although the base is made from molded plastic for added durability, water resistance, and stability. The fact that the backpack holds its shape even when empty is a bonus, making it that much easier to pack. It&#;s also small enough to wear comfortably with adjustable, padded shoulder straps. 

It comes with in-line skate wheels and a push-button handle for those that prefer to roll their luggage. To streamline the backpack when rolling it or sliding it under the seat, simply tuck the straps into their integrated stash pocket. The main compartment is unstructured to maximize packing space, but two zippered front pockets offer a padded laptop sleeve and an organizer panel for your pens and credit cards respectively. Colors range from camo to purple tie-dye. 

The Details: Carry-on/personal item | 18.5 x 13 x 9 inches | 5.2 pounds | 36 liters | Water resistant

Best for Kids

J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack

PHOTO: Amazon

$75

$53 at Amazon

$65

$45 at Target

$45 at Walmart

Why We Love It

  • The fact that this backpack can be rolled to take the weight off little shoulders is a major plus, as is the water-resistant fabric and functional pocket design.

What to Consider

  • The backpack may be too heavy for toddlers and preschoolers to carry when fully loaded.

The J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack is ideal for school-age kids, although the fact that it can be rolled makes it suitable for smaller children, too. This is one of our tested options, and we found the S-shaped shoulder straps easy to adjust and liked that they tuck into a convenient pocket when not in use. The air mesh cushioned back panel helps to ensure a comfy carry, but when the backpack gets heavy, the telescoping handle and soft, noiseless rubber wheels come to the rescue. 

Our preschooler was able to move well with the backpack on, and could wheel it without tripping even when running. The main compartment is spacious with plenty of room for books, extra layers, and a packed lunch. We appreciated that even when it was fully stuffed, we could still fit a water bottle into the mesh side pockets. The backpack also features a front zippered pocket with an integrated organizer panel. Fun patterns include bags decorated with martians, pandas, and smiling eggplants. 

The Details: Carry-on/personal item | 18 x 13 x 9 inches | 4.5 pounds | 34.5 liters | Water resistant

Most Stylish

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

PHOTO: Calpak

$112 at Nordstrom

View on Calpaktravel.com

Why We Love It

  • A sleek silhouette and a wide range of colors and patterns makes this stylish duffel stand out from the crowd.

What to Consider

  • Unlike the majority of luggage pieces on this list, the Calpak Stevyn does not explicitly claim to be water resistant.

The Calpak Stevyn Rolling Duffel suits the fashion-forward traveler, offering a rainbow of colorways that go far beyond the utilitarian black preferred by many luggage brands. Whether you like the idea of a subtle daisy pattern or statement-making cheetah, there&#;s an option to match your personal style. The duffel is as practical as it is pretty, too, with a spacious main compartment and several convenient pockets (though the bag is not water resistant like many others on this list). On the outside, there&#;s a zippered pocket perfect for your wallet, passport, and travel documents. 

When we tested this bag, we thought it was the perfect size for a weekend away, and we loved that the bottom section unzips to reveal a separate shoe compartment &#; handy for keeping clothes clean and heels or sneakers unscuffed. The bag is structured so things don't poke out, and it also stands up on its own, which is nice for packing. The dual top-carry handles and a side grab handle make it easy to haul the duffel into the overhead compartment on a plane, though we wish the straps were longer. Finally, a luggage sleeve allows for seamless integration with your checked bag. 

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 12 x 11 inches | 5.8 pounds | 47.5 liters | Polyester

Best for Commuters

Everki Atlas Wheeled Backpack

PHOTO: Amazon

$275 at Amazon

View on Walmart.ca

View on Everki.com

Why We Love It

  • This backpack offers a dedicated space for everything from your tablet to your keys, with a laptop sleeve that you can adjust for a custom fit. 

What to Consider

  • While some may like the contrasting orange wheels and interior lining, others may find them a little bit garish for a professional setting.

If you travel frequently for work, functionality is top priority when choosing a laptop backpack. The Everki Atlas Wheeled Laptop Backpack offers just that, with smooth, silent wheels and a reliable pull handle. And when you can&#;t roll it? Use the padded, extra-wide backpack and chest straps to distribute weight evenly for a comfortable carry. An ingenious flap stows the harness system when it&#;s not in use and covers the wheels when it is so there&#;s no chance of dirt being transferred to your clothes. 

The laptop sleeve is fully adjustable, providing a custom fit for 13- to 17.3-inch laptops. When you&#;re able to leave your computer at home, you can even remove the sleeve to maximize packing space in the main compartment. Other clever features include a dedicated tablet sleeve lined with soft felt, a pocket lined with RFID-blocking material for safeguarding your valuables, and designated spaces for everything from your keys to your water bottle. Use the integrated sleeve to connect the backpack to your suitcase. 

The Details: Carry-on/personal item | 21 x 16 x 8 inches | 6.7 pounds | 30 liters

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Wheel Backpack.