Travel Backpacks 

Finding the Best Travel Backpack for Your Next Trip

There is something undeniably exciting about preparing for a trip. Whether you are planning a long-awaited family vacation, a quick weekend getaway, or a business trip across the country, the anticipation of new experiences is a joy all its own. But before you can explore new destinations, you have to pack. For many of us, deciding what to bring—and more importantly, how to carry it—can feel like a puzzle.

In recent years, a massive shift has taken place in the way people travel. More and more travelers are skipping the luggage carousel and choosing to travel with just a carry-on. While rolling suitcases have been the traditional go-to for decades, a new favorite has emerged: the travel backpack. A thoughtfully designed carry-on travel backpack offers incredible versatility, keeps your hands free, and makes navigating busy airports an absolute breeze.

How to Measure a Travel Backpack for Airline Carry-On Size

One of the most common questions travelers have is how to measure a backpack for airline carry on. While it sounds great to have a large backpack for travel, you still need to ensure it will fit within the size requirements provided by airlines.

Step 1: Fully Pack the Bag Before Measuring
Never measure an empty backpack. Because they are made of soft-sided materials like nylon or canvas, empty backpacks lie flat and will give you a false sense of their true size. To get an accurate measurement, you must pack the bag exactly as you would for your trip. Fill the main compartment with your clothes, place your laptop in the laptop sleeve, and put your toiletries in the quick-access pockets. If you plan to carry a water bottle in the side pocket, place it there now. Only a fully packed bag will reveal its true dimensions.

Step 2: Measure the Height Correctly
To measure the height (or length) of the backpack, lay the fully packed bag flat on the floor with the harness system (the shoulder straps and back panel) facing up. Use a tape measure to measure from the absolute bottom of the bag to the highest point at the top.

Crucial tip: You must include any top handles, protruding straps, or rigid frame sheets in this measurement. If the bag has a thick top carry handle that sticks up an extra inch, that inch counts toward your airline allowance.

Step 3: Check the Width
Next, measure the width of the bag from side to side across the widest point. Often, the widest point is near the bottom or middle of the main compartment.

Crucial tip: If your bag features a side water bottle pocket and you plan to keep a bottle in it during boarding, you must measure the width with the bottle inside. A bulky reusable water bottle can easily add two to three inches to the overall width of the bag, which could push it over the airline's size limit.

Step 4: Determine the Depth
To measure the depth (how far the bag sticks out from your back), stand the packed backpack upright. Measure from the very front of the bag to the back panel that rests against your body.

Because travel backpacks can easily bulge when overpacked, the depth is the most common dimension to exceed airline limits. If you find your bag is too deep, this is where compression straps become your best friend. Cinch down any exterior straps to flatten the bag and measure again.

Luggage is more than just a place to put your clothes; it is the tool that helps you transition smoothly from your everyday life to your next great adventure. By packing smart, choosing quality, and embracing the hands-free freedom of a great travel pack, you are setting the stage for a smoother, easier, and more joyful journey. Find your favorite style, pack your cubes, and get ready to explore—the world is waiting.