Find the best travel backpack with wheels
– Pros and Cons of a wheeled backpack
After ten years of traveling the world, I am not the typical budget backpacker anymore; I still love the independence and freedom a backpack gives me. However, I often got frustrated with carrying it and putting it on and off, especially at airports.
So last year, I switched from a regular backpack for women with 50 Liters volume to a travel backpack with wheels.
Spoiler alert: I am super happy with my choice and the increased comfort I have while still maintaining flexibility and freedom.
A travel backpack with wheels is right for you if:
– Love being independent and flexible while traveling
– Need a bag with superior protection, generous storage space, and an effortless carrying experience.
– Want to keep weight of your back
– Don’t plan on carrying the backpack on hikes
+ Need a more sophisticated-looking option to a regular backpack
A travel backpack with wheels is not right for you if:
– You want to carry it on longer hikes
Here is my personal review of the current travel backpacks with wheels on the market.
Pros and Cons of travel backpacks with wheels
I can’t imagine traveling without a wheeled backpack! They are perfect for independent travelers like me, offering a heavenly solution for those who want comfort and flexibility. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for hikers.
Advantages of a wheeled backpack
Comfort and Flexibility
As someone who loves the flexibility and independence of a backpack but hates the hassle of carrying and sweating, I find wheeled backpacks to be perfect.
This ideal balance makes my travels so much easier and more enjoyable.
Quick Transformation
They transform from wheeled luggage to a backpack in seconds, so it’s super easy to switch based on what I need at the moment.
Always the right look
My wheeled backpack is the perfect blend of practicality and style. It allows me to roll into upscale accommodations with a sophisticated look, and when I’m truly backpacking, it fits right in and lets me handle everything effortlessly.
Disadvantages
Added Weight
Wheels and handles naturally make a wheeled backpack heavier than its non-wheeled competitors.
However, to me, the added weight is a small price to pay for the convenience of not having to carry my luggage all the time.
The ease of rolling my bag far outweighs the slight increase in weight.
Less comfortable to carry
While wheeled backpacks may not be as comfortable to carry on your back due to the easily storable straps, this isn’t a major issue for me.
Since I wheel my luggage most of the time, the convenience of rolling it far outweighs the need for carrying it on my back. It’s a small trade-off for the added ease and flexibility.
Less comfortable to wheel
Compared to a regular suitcase, the wheels on a wheeled backpack might not run as smoothly and are harder to maneuver.
But while you may not be doing pirouettes, you also won’t break a sweat carrying it.
Carry on backpacks with wheels
I decided to try a carry-on back with wheels after realizing that my office and electronics make my carry-on pretty heavy. I started to dread carrying it around on longer layovers. Before we go into more detail, here is a comprehensive overview.
Osprey Farpoint Wheeled 36L
Volume: 36 L
Weight:5.3 lb
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: Black, Navy, Petrol
Front opening: Yes
Dimensions:21.3″ H × 15.4″ W × 12.2″ D
Price: $300
Quick verdict: It’s the ideal if you are planning on carrying it a lot. It offers a true backpack-like experience with the added convenience of wheels. The well-padded shoulder and hip straps make it super comfortable, even on longer trips.
Best for: Travelers who want to carry it for a longer time and are love the sporty look!
Why It Stands Out:
The Osprey Farpoint 36 has become my go-to backpack for true backpacking trips with lots of carrying. It is the most comfortable when having to carry a lot.
Spacious Front-Panel Opening & Compression: A large panel opening and internal straps make packing, organizing, and unpacking effortless.
Eco-Friendly Materials: Constructed from recycled high-tenacity nylon and bluesign®-approved fabrics, so you can travel responsibly.
Daypack Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Osprey’s Farpoint/Fairview Travel Daypack and Daylite™, letting you grab just what you need for day trips.
Comfortable to Wear: Padded hip belt and shoulder straps make backpack mode feel almost weightless, even when fully packed.
Easy to Roll: Smooth-rolling wheels and a retractable handle let you glide through airports without strain.
Pros and Cons of the Osprey Farpoint
What I liked
Feels more like a backpack than a suitcase, even when wheeled
Exceptionally comfortable to carry, thanks to cushioned hip straps
Smart compartments provide quick access to passports, laptops, and essentials
Rolls easily on smooth and uneven surfaces
What I disliked
- Color choices are limited compared to other travel bags
- Casual aesthetic may not suit formal or business-focused trips
Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible
Volume: 36 L
Weight: 6.4 lb
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: Black, Navy, Petrol
Front opening: Yes
Dimensions: 13.8″ W × 21.7″ H × 8.3″ D
Price: $300
Quick verdict: The Eagle Creek Expanse 35L quickly became my favorite budget-friendly carry-on backpack with wheels—it’s light, rolls effortlessly over rough ground, and feels surprisingly comfortable even without hip straps.
Best for: Budget concious travelers looking more for a suitcase.
Why It Stands Out:
If you want carry-on freedom—gliding through the airport, packing like a suitcase, and switching to backpack mode in a heartbeat—this bag nails it without draining your wallet.
Easy to Carry: At just 2.9 kg (about 6.4 lb), it’s one of the lightest wheeled carry-ons I’ve used. Holding it on my back between gates never feels like a workout.
Suitcase-Style Packing: The front panel opens wide, so I can lay everything out flat—zip it closed, and nothing shifts during the flight. No more digging through a deep backpack to find socks.
Smooth-Rolling Wheels: Small but sturdy, these wheels handle cobblestones, airport tiles, and bumpy sidewalks with zero complaints. I barely notice the terrain as I glide along.
Instant Backpack Mode: When the escalator’s down or there’s a sudden stairway, I just snap on the straps and sling it over my shoulders in seconds—no fumbling, no hassle.
Great Value: At $179, you’re getting a solid, well-built bag without paying for bells and whistles you don’t need. It looks clean and simple in Black or Blue, and it holds up trip after trip.
Pros and Cons of the Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible
What I liked
- Affordable Price: You get smart features and durability without breaking the bank.
- Lightweight: Feels barely there, even fully packed.
- Front-Opening Design: Packing is quick, unpacking is a breeze, and everything stays exactly where you put it.
- Tough Wheels: Handles rough surfaces like a champ—no more dragging a stuck wheel on cobbles.
What I disliked
No Hip Straps: It’s comfy for short carries, but on longer hauls I notice the missing support.
Limited Colors: If you like standing out, Black or Blue might feel a bit plain.
Everki Atlas
Volume: 30 L
Weight: 6.4 lbs.
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: Black
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 21.3 x 15.7 x 8.1 inches
Price: $ 169
Quick verdict: This wheeled backpack is super comfortable to wheel and carry! I personaly need more volume for longer trips. It’s great to cover the wheels to keep clean.
Best for: The Everki Atlas rolling backpack suits digital nomads and business travelers best.
Why It Stands Out:
The Everki Atlas has quickly become my go-to for airport hustles and business trips. Its large, covered wheels glide over terminals and city streets effortlessly—then tuck away behind a cover to keep your back clean when you switch to carrying it like a backpack.
Large, Covered Wheels: Rolling this bag feels almost effortless, whether I’m racing to catch a flight or navigating uneven sidewalks. When it’s time to carry it on my back, the wheels tuck neatly under a cover, so I don’t end up with a dirty, scuffed back.
Quiet, Smooth Roll: I love how whisper-quiet the wheels are—no racket clacking down hotel hallways or distracting colleagues in a quiet workspace.
Clever Compartments: Every time I’m at security or digging for a charger, I appreciate the thoughtfully placed pockets. My laptop, cables, passport, and pens each have a spot, so I’m never rummaging around.
RFID Protection: The built-in RFID-blocking pocket gives me peace of mind that my laptop and credit cards are safe from data thieves.
Pros and Cons of the Everki Atlas
What I liked
- RFID-blocking pocket keeps electronics and cards secure
Sleek, professional design fits in anywhere from office lobbies to airport lounges
Limited lifetime warranty means peace of mind
Effortless rolling and comfortable carry when converted to backpack mode
What I disliked
Limited color choices—if you want something flashy, you’re out of luck
Smaller volume than some other travel backpacks, so you might need to pack strategically
Tropic Feel Rollerbag 40 L
Volume: 40-52 L
Weight: About 6.4 lb
Color Options: Black, Navy, Grey, Mint, Beige
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 21.7″ × 14.2″ × 8.7″ (height × width × depth)
Price: $299
My verdict:A versatile hybrid that seamlessly converts from suitcase to backpack, expands from 40 L to 52 L, and features a one-of-a-kind modular wardrobe system—perfect for travelers who unpack and repack on the go.
Best for: Travelers who prefer a suitcase look, love ornagization or have oto pack and unpack often.
Why It Stands Out:
The Tropicfeel Lift Rollerbag 40L is the newest addition to my luggage collection, and so far, I absolutely love it.
Expandable (40 L → 52 L): Gain extra space for last-minute finds.
Smart Compartments: Dedicated RFID pocket, phone sleeve, and mesh dividers keep essentials secure and accessible.
Roller ↔ Backpack Conversion: Hidden straps deploy in seconds for quick mode switching.
Modular Wardrobe System: Includes a hanging toiletry bag and sealed laundry pouch so unpacking is effortless.
Sleek & Durable: Cool colors,sturdy wheels, and reinforced corners suit both leisure and business trips.
Smart Design: Its well-thought-out compartments make organizing and navigating airports easy, keeping all my essentials secure and quickly accessible.
Very easy to convert: Converting it from a roller bag to a backpack is done in just seconds!
Pros and Cons of the Tropicfeel Rollerbag
What I liked
- Wardrobe sytem for quick packing and unpacking
- Expandable capacity for souvenirs or extra gear
Intuitive organizers for passports, cards, and gadgets
Fast roller-to-backpack conversion saves time
Modular toiletry and laundry bags streamline packing
Stylish enough for business trave
What I disliked
Less ergonomic than a full-size backpack on long carries
Feels heavy when even when empty
Premium price point
Travel Backpacks with wheels 50-70 L
I switched from a regular 55 l backpack to a backpack with wheels last year after realizing that I really dreaded maneuvering especially at airports. And let me tell you: having wheels has increased my comfort so much!
Osprey Sojourn 65 L
Volume: 65 L
Weight: 6.9 lb
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: Black, Mint
Front opening: Yes
Dimensions:13.78H x 17.32W x 27.95D inches
Price: $395
Quick verdict: It effortlessly combines the convenience of a wheeled suitcase with the ease of a real backpack. With lots of storage, tough wheels, and a comfy harness system for when you need to carry it on your back.
Best for: Someone who needs a very versatile luggage.
Why It Stands Out:
I love how it stitches from backpack to wheels in less than 30 seconds. It’s easy to put on my back and fairly comfortable to carry.
Quick Transformation: In under 20 seconds, I switch from rolling on its rugged 90 mm wheels to shouldering it as a backpack—no fumbling.
Effortless Rolling: The HighRoad chassis and oversized wheels handle cobblestones, dirt roads, and airport tiles with zero fuss, so I’m not fighting my bag on uneven terrain.
Comfortable Haul: When I need to carry it far, the AirScape™ backpanel and harness distribute weight perfectly. Even fully packed, I barely feel the load on my shoulders and hips.
Ample Storage: With 65 L of space, I can pack gear for extended trips or include bulky items like a sleeping bag. Front opening and external compression straps keep everything accessible and snug.
Durable & Protective: Reinforced panels, zippered covers, and compression straps shield my gear from rough airport handling or a quick downpour.
Pros and Cons of the Osprey Sojourn 65 L
What I liked
- Rolls Smoothly: Easier than any roller I’ve used, even fully loaded.
- Instant Carry: Hip straps and harness pop out in seconds, making backpack mode a breeze.
- Superior Comfort: AirScape™ backpanel keeps my back cool, and padded hip belts carry weight where it belongs.
- Spacious & Organized: Multiple compartments, including a front panel opening, let me pack for long adventures without chaos.
- Adventure-Ready: It’s the perfect hybrid—more durable than a standard suitcase, more capable than a simple travel backpack
What I disliked
Not Carry-On Friendly: You’ll need to check it, which means waiting at baggage claim.
Limited Colors: Only available in Black or Petrol, so if you want flashy, look elsewhere.
Higher Price Point: At $395, it’s an investment—though for travelers who roll and trek, it pays for itself.
Deuter Aviant Pro Movo
Volume: 65 L
Weight: 7.3 lb
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: varies
Front opening: Yes
Dimensions: 29.1″ × 13.8″ × 13.0″
Price: $235
The Deuter Aviant Pro Movo is the best budget option and super leightweight. It is the only bag which van be carried as duffle, too!
Best for: Travelers who really don’t plan on carrying it over 20 minutes.
Why It Stands Out:
Carry-As-Duffle Design: Whenever I hop off a shuttle or need to haul my bag up a few steps, I simply grab one of the sturdy handles—either on top or on the side—and carry it like a duffle. It feels natural, and the lack of bulky backpack straps means nothing’s digging into my shoulders.
Super-Light Construction (7.3 lb): I can’t stress enough how refreshing it is to have a 60 L wheeled bag that doesn’t weigh a ton when empty. Even with gear packed inside, rolling it never feels like a chore.
Big Front-Opening Panel: I can unzip the entire front and lay my clothes flat—no more rifling through layers to find that one T-shirt. Plus, the top and front zip pockets are perfect for stashing my passport, wallet, and headphones for quick access.
Reinforced Protection: The bottom plastic feet mean I don’t worry about dragging it over rough pavement. And the two-way zipper adds an extra layer of security, so I never wake up to surprise spills or missing items.
Compression & Organization: Inside, the simple polyester lining keeps everything tidy. I tighten the compression straps around my clothes to minimize wrinkles, and the two internal zip pockets hold chargers, socks, and other small bits so they don’t float around.
Pros and Cons of the Deuter Aviant Pro Movo
What I liked
Light as a Feather: At just 7.3 lb, it’s one of the lightest wheeled travel bags I’ve owned.
Duffle-Style Convenience: Handles on all sides let me swing it over my shoulder when rolling isn’t practical.
Spacious Front Access: The clamshell opening means I can see everything at once—no more frantic digging.
Durable Build: Reinforced feet and solid zippers mean it’s withstood being tossed around baggage claims without a scratch.
Budget-Friendly: At $235, I didn’t feel like I was sacrificing quality for price.
What I disliked
Shipping times: It can take a while to ship
Osprey Farpoint
Volume: 65 L
Weight: 6.2 lb
Carry-on: No
Color Options: black
Front opening: Yes
Dimensions:13.4″ H × 16.1″ W × 27.6″ D
Price: $235
Quick Verdict: Gilla has been traveling with the Osprey Farpoint Wheeled 65 (≈ 3,967 cu in) and loves how it balances a true backpack feel with rolling convenience. At just 6.2 lb empty, it’s surprisingly light for its size, and the front-panel access means she rarely has to dig around to find what she needs.
Best For: Adventure travelers who need a rugged, spacious bag for longer trips—where you’ll roll it through airports but still carry it comfortably uphill or across uneven terrain.
Why It Stands Out:
Lightweight Backpacking Harness: The harness system on the Farpoint feels almost 2 lb lighter than Osprey’s larger Sojourn, so when I switch to backpack mode, I barely notice the difference—even fully loaded.
Spacious Front-Opening: Being able to unzip the entire front panel makes packing and unpacking so much more intuitive. I can lay out my clothes flat, tighten the internal compression straps, and close up without worrying about wrinkles or lost items.
Sustainable Materials: I love that Osprey builds this wheeled collection from recycled high-tenacity nylon (bluesign® approved). It’s nice knowing the bag is tough on the outside but gentle on the planet.
Modular Expandability: When I don’t need the full 65 L, I can detach the matching Farpoint™/Fairview™ Travel Daypack or Daylite™ and just bring what’s essential. It’s perfect for day hikes or quick errands once I’ve checked into a hostel.
Smooth Rolling: Even with all my gear, the wheels glide over airport floors and cobblestones—no wrestling or weird sideways drags.
Pros and Cons of the Osprey Farpoint
What I liked
Feels Lighter on Your Back: The streamlined backpack harness makes shoulder mode more comfortable than most wheeled travel bags.
Easy Front Access: No more rummaging—my clothes, electronics, and toiletries stay organized behind that big clamshell door.
Eco-Friendly Build: Recycled, bluesign®-approved nylon means I’m traveling with less environmental guilt.
Rolls Smoothly: Oversized wheels and robust chassis handle uneven sidewalks, airport tiles, and cobblestones without complaint.
Modular Flexibility: Detachable daypack options let me downsize instantly for short hikes or quick errands.
What I disliked
- Less Plush to Wheel or Carry Than Larger Models: It isn’t as cushy as the Sojourn when rolling long distances, and the harness, while light, isn’t as cushioned.
- Limited Color Choices: Only available in Black or Navy—if you want something bolder, you won’t find it here.
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler
Volume: 90 L
Weight: 4.3 lb
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: different variations
Front opening: Yes
Dimensions: 30.25 x 13.5 x 15 in
Price: $229
Quick verdict: Do not recommend –I was thrilled by how feather-light the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler felt and loved its vibrant color choices—but once I reached my destination, issues with stability and durability made me regret packing it.
Why I would not recommend
Durability Concerns: Despite the tough-looking exterior, I noticed small holes in the bottom within days of use. That chipped away at my trust—and left my belongings exposed.
Won’t Stand Upright: In my hostel room, every time I leaned it against a wall or desk, it slumped to the floor. No matter how I packed it, it refused to stand—annoying when I just wanted to grab something quick.
Short-Distance Carry Only: It’s not even comfy to shoulder for a few minutes, but try carrying it longer and the lack of hip straps starts to pinch.
Pros and Cons of the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler
What I liked
Ultra-Lightweight: Feels like nothing when you’re rolling it through the airport.
Versatile Carry Modes: Instantly switches between rolling, backpack, and duffle.
Water-Resistant Fabric: Keeps gear dry during unexpected showers.
Eye-Catching Colors: Makes spotting your bag a breeze at baggage claim.
Clamshell Packing: Full front access means no more frantic searching.
What I disliked
- Durability Issues: Tiny holes appeared after my first trip, so I worried about long-term use.
- Won’t Stand Upright: Constantly flops over—annoying when you just need to grab something.
- Extremly uncomfortable to carry: No hip straps, thin and unergonomic shoulder straps make carrying it painful!
