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.
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.
Find the best travel backpack with wheels
– Pros and Cons of a wheeled backpack
Pros and Cons of travel backpacks with wheels
Advantages of traveling with a wheeled backpack
The weight is off your shoulders
The main advantage of having is wheeled backpack is by far the ability to move it without putting it on your back.
Comfort at the airport
I find wheeled backpacks to be the best companion when moving around airports and bus stations. Say goodbye to putting up and down the backpack for short periods and hello to comfortable lines!
Backpacks with wheels combine the best of both worlds
By still having straps to carry and maneuver the backpack yourself, wheeled backpacks give you the comfort and ease of a suitcase and the flexibility of a backpack!
Disadvantages of a backpack with wheels
The wheels don’t run as smoothly
Compared to a regular suitcase, the wheels don’t run as smoothly and are not as easy to maneuver.
Straps are less comfortable
Obviously, the straps are made to be stored away easily; therefore, most wheeled backpacks are just not as comfortable to carry or put on your back.
Backpacks with wheels are heavier
The integration of the wheels makes your backpack a lot heavier. While the regular 65L backpack weighs around 1kg, a wheeled backpack easily weighs around 2,45 kg.
Wheeled backpacks are the ideal indepandant travelers who want to be a bit more comfortable while still being flexible. However, backpacks with wheels are not the go-to choice if you plan on hiking with the 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 bag pretty heavy. I started to dread carrying it around on longer layovers.
My choice:
TROPICFEEL LIFT ROLLERBAG
Volume: 40-52 L
Weight: 2,9 kg
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: Black, Navy, Grey, Mint, Beige
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 55,2cm x 36cm x x 22cm
Price: $299
Tropicfeel Lift Rollerbag 40 L benefits:
The Tropicfeel Lift Rollerbag 40L is the newest addition to my luggage collection, and so far, I absolutely love it. With its expandable capacity from 40L to 52L, this bag can carry everything I need and even more. I have now used it twice on carry-on luggage-only trips and it worked great! It makes airports and organizations easy-breezy with its well-thought-out compartments. This versatile carry-on can handle the road no matter how challenging the journey.
Plus, converting it from a roller bag to a backpack is done in just seconds! Also, its durable and sustainable design helps me save space.
With the modular wardrobe system, roll-up toiletry bag, and sealed laundry bag, I can pack smarter and unpack much quicker and easier.
Even though it feels much more like a suitcase than anything I am used to, it has been a lifesaver on my travels. I’m sure it’ll be the same for you!
Tropicfeel Lift Rollerbag Review
+ Very smart design to stay organized
+ modular system to expand the rollerbag
+ Expandible from 40 L to 52 L
+ super easy to convert from roller to backpack
+ stylish design & color choices
+also suitable for business travel
– can’t be carried like a duffle
Volume: 36 L
Weight: 2,4 kg
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: Black, Navy, Petrol
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 54H 39W 31D in cm
Price: $300
Osprey Farpoint 36 benefits
Osprey’s Farepoint backpack with wheels is the ideal travel companion if you are looking for a more backpack feeling. It’s ideal For you if you depend on mobility and packing convenience.
The sleek, lightweight backpacking suspension system features durable wheels to keep up with your active lifestyle, so you can go anywhere without worrying about dragging a bulky bag behind you.
The spacious front panel opening and internal compression capabilities make packing and unpacking a breeze. Also, the Farpoint Wheeled 36 is made from recycled high-tenacity nylon with bluesign® approved fabrics, so you can enjoy your journey knowing that your bag isn’t adversely affecting the environment.
Plus, it’s compatible with the Farpoint™/Fairview™Travel Daypack and the Daylite™, allowing you to quickly take only what you need.
Osprey Farpoint 36 review
+ more backpack than suitcase
+ super comfortable to wear due to hip straps
+ Smart compartments allow for easy organization and easy access to important stuff like passports and laptop
+easy and comfortable to roll
– limited color options
Volume: 35 L
Weight: 2,9 kg
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: Black, Blue
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 35 x 55 x 21 cm 22cm
Price: $ 179
Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible benefits
Design-wise I would place the Eagle Creek expanse convertible between Osprey Farpoint and Tropicfeel’s backpack with wheels. Even though it doesn’t have hip straps, it is comfortable to carry. The wheels have a good size to allow wheeling on uneven terrain as well.
If you are looking for a budget carry-on backpack with wheels that feels more like a suitcase Eagle Creek’s expanse is for you!
Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible review
+ most economic option
+sleek design and nice color options
+ easy rolling even though the wheels are small
– not as comfortable to carry as the Osprey Farepoint
SAMSONITE ECODIVER
Volume: 51 L
Weight: 2,8 kg
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: Black, Blue, Yellow, Green
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 25 cm
Price: $ 229
Samsonite Ecodiver Benefits
Samsonite Ecodiver is a travel backpack with wheels that almost feels like a regular suitcase. However, when needed, it is easily converted into a backpack. I didn’t find it super comfortable to carry as the above options and rather made for short periods of carrying it.
Its Recyclex™ textiles have been coated with a water-repellent finish.
I love that the exterior fabric and zippers are crafted from post-consumer recycled PET, while the black trim is made from 100% recycled industrial waste Nylon as part of our Recyclex™ Material Technology Initiative.
The coating and backing are created with virgin materials for extra durability. With Ecodiver, you can travel sustainably – and in style.
Samsonite Ecodiver review:
+ suitcase-like look and packing experience
+ made from recycled materials
+ lifelong warranty
+ water-resistant fabric
+ color choices
– less comfortable to carry and put on
– looks very chunky on a female’s back
Volume: 36 L
Weight: 2,5 kg
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: Black, Yellow, Green, Brown
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 36 x 55 x 25 cm
Price: $ 180
Deuter Aviant Pro Movo Benefits
I loved that it can easily and comfortably be carried as a duffle, which comes in handy when you have a big backpack on your back. Handles on both sides and at the top, make picking up the Deuter Aviant Pro Movo effortlessly.
It is also the most lightweight option, and I liked the color choices the most.
With two convenient zip pockets – one on the top and one in front – it’s easy to store your valuables comfortably and securely while you’re on the go.
Its reinforced plastic feet provide superior protection, while the two-way zipper ensures that all of your belongings stay safely and securely in place.
Inside, you’ll find an elegant polyester lining, compression straps for optimized packing and two zip pockets for superior organization. The Deuter Aviant Pro Movo 36 is a great companion for anyone traveling with only carry-on luggage.
Deuter Aviant Pro Movo review
– does not have the option to be worn as a backpack
+ super durable
+ easy wheeling
Travel Backpacks with wheels 50-70L
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!
My choice:
OSPREY SOJOURN 60 L/ 25″
Osprey Soujourn Features
The Sojourn 60 is the perfect companion for modern traveler (aka me!). Its HighRoad chassis and 90 mm oversized wheels provide an effortless rolling experience, while its AirScape™ backpanel and harness expand your carrying capacity. And with StraightJacket compression straps, you can be sure everything will stay secure no matter where your journey takes you. Plus, included TSID luggage registration makes sure you’ll always be reunited with your bag in a pinch.
I have been using the Osprey Sojourn 60 L for a year now and absolutly love the new comfort of traveling!
Osprey Sojourn review:
+ very easy to roll (easier than the Farepoint)
+ quick conversion from roller to backpack
+outside protection and compression elements
+ hip straps allow for very comfortable carrying
+ the perfect combo between backpack and suitcase
Volume: 60 L
Weight: 2,8 kg
Carry-on: No
Color Options: Black
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 70H 41W 34H
Price: $ 290
The Osprey Farepoint wheeled
The Farpoint Wheeled 65 features durable wheels and lightweight backpacking suspension and is designed to keep up with all of your adventures. With the spacious front-panel opening and internal compression capabilities, packing and unpacking is easy.
Plus, the entire wheeled collection is constructed from recycled high-tenacity nylon, which is bluesign® approved – so you can enjoy your travels knowing that your bag isn’t having an adverse effect on the environment.
The Farpoint Wheeled 65 is also compatible with the Farpoint™/Fairview™ Travel Daypack and Daylite™, making taking only what you need even easier.
Osprey Farepoint wheeled review
+ super comfortable to carry
+ smooth rolling
+ Easily convertible from roller to backpack
+ Hip straps for comfortable carrying
+ Modular expandable
Pro tip: Travel backpacks with wheels are always a bit more difficult to put on your back. Make sure to pack your best and distribute weight evenly
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