10 Best Travel Backpacks with Wheels in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

(Last Updated On: February 2, 2023)

If carry on travel backpacks aren’t your thing. Then you’ve come to the right place. Travel backpacks with wheels are very handy. They give you the freedom to carry them up on your back or roll them on your wheels. This dual feature makes it a viable option to choose from whenever you are traveling somewhere.

However, some still prefer normal backpacks because they have good space and can be carried wherever you go as they are on your back. But there may be moments where your back complains, and you’ll be thankful that you have wheels on your backpack. Rolling duffel bags are also another great alternative if you want to switch from wheels to hand-carry.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 12 hrs of research

High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack

High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack – Best Value

Why is it better?

  • Wheels are sturdy. They can roll over most anything
  • Has an open pouch that you can quickly shove the shoulder straps into so they don’t drag on the ground
  • A lot of useful compartments
  • It takes just seconds and you are ready to go from backpack to rollers and back again

Hypath 2-in-1 Convertible Travel Bag

Hypath 2-in-1 Convertible Travel Bag – Premium Pick

Why is it better?

  • Luggage versatility from wheels to backpack
  • Backpack feature on the rear of the large bag was excellent for navigating staircases and cobblestones where using wheels would have been a nuisance
  • The 2 bags stacked easily for rolling through airports
  • Soft sides expand well for bulkier items

Best Travel Backpacks with Wheels – Overview

Wheeled backpacks are seen by backpackers and business people as the alternative to one of the age-old travel issues – the challenge to find a luggage system that can fulfill their changing needs on the road every day. Often, using a wheeled suitcase is simply not possible, while at other times, nothing could be easier than shrugging the bag off your shoulders and rolling it behind you. Here we present to you our chosen 10 best travel backpacks with wheels and our buying guide just for you.

Travel Backpacks with Wheels Reviews

1. High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack – Best Value

High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack

Head back to school or get off to work in a well-organized and in affordable style with the High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack. This deluxe pack features a large front-load main compartment with a cushion-area lined laptop sleeve that fits most 17″ computers. The front-facing zippered compartment has a media pocket organizer, a zip pocket to keep valuables safe and secure, a key fob, and multiple open pockets to keep your cell phone, electronic gadgets, and school or office supplies clean and handy.

The easily accessible zippered attachment compartment has a port for your headphones and an open side pocket carries a bottle of water or other equipment. Big corner-mounted wheels and a flush-mounted single-tube telescopic handle ensure steady rolling and contoured, mesh-adjustable padded shoulder straps and a rugged back panel easily turn the High Sierra Freewheel into a backpack.

Key Features:

  • 600D Polyester Ripstop
  • Organizer compartment with multiple pockets
  • Single-tube telescoping handle 
  • Fully-padded, dedicated laptop compartment

Specifications:

  • Brand: High Sierra
  • Capacity: 34.4L
  • Dimensions: 20.5″ H x 13.5″ W x 8″ D
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs
Pros
  • Wheels are sturdy. They can roll over most anything
  • Has an open pouch that you can quickly shove the shoulder straps into so they don’t drag on the ground
  • A lot of useful compartments
  • It takes just seconds and you are ready to go from backpack to rollers and back again
Cons
  • It only has a 1 side pocket instead of 2

2. Targus Compact Rolling Wheeled Backpack

Targus Compact Rolling Wheeled Backpack

The Targus Compact Rolling Wheeled Backpack in sleek black goes anywhere you go. Use it as a carry on or a bag for getting around campus – this backpack is functional in every way. Fully equipped with quiet roller wheels and a retractable handle, you’ll be rolling your materials easily and comfortably. Integrated into the main compartment is a soft-lined interior pocket specifically for your media tablet, protecting it from bumps and scratches. The roller backpack has a large compartment for storing books, documents, and folders. In a separate section, there is a full workstation where you can store all your accessories, key fobs and pens.

For additional storage, there are 2 side mesh pockets – one is zippered for secure storage. Not only is there separate space for your books and tablets, but there are two elastic straps that can hold a change of clothes. Pick up and go when rolling becomes inconvenient – the roller features two shoulder straps for carrying ease that can be tucked away when not in use. The fold-away covers acts as wheel covers when used as a backpack. Lightweight and sleek, the Compact Rolling Backpack is 20% lighter than equivalent bags on the market. 

Key Features:

  • Quiet roller wheels and retractable handle for easy transportation
  • Padded laptop sleeve and a dedicated sleeve for media tablet/iPad storage
  • Durable polyester exterior with a soft-touch neoprene carrying top handle
  • Elastic straps for clothes

Specifications:

  • Brand: Targus
  • Capacity: 29L
  • Dimensions: 19″ H x 13.8″ W x 9″ D
  • Weight: 4.26 lbs
Pros
  • Roomy! Multiple pockets make it EASY to organize and find everything when you need it
  • Separate padded pouch for a laptop
  • The telescoping handle is reliable, doesn’t stick. and is sturdy
  • This backpack has a very firm bottom, so that even when heavily loaded with stuff, no part of this backpack touches/drags on the ground
Cons
  • Front heavy! If you don’t have the back weighted down, it will topple forward

3. Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack

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Perfect for carrying a heavy load of textbooks, quick change of clothes, or all your sporting needs. The Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack is perfect for school or just about any daily adventure. The bag has padded shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap for extra carrying comfort. The Deluxe Wheeled Backpack comes with a myriad of pockets and organizational options to keep all your items tidy.

Quality ladder lock buckles provide protection from strap and bag slippage. It also has an internal pocket organizer for pens, pencils, markers, and other small items. The attached wheel cover/shoulder strap cover is secured by a hook-and-loop system that securely holds the cover in place.

Key Features:

  • Made with 600 Denier polyester
  • Sturdy telescoping handle with a double-wheeled base
  • Padded straps for easy conversion to a backpack
  • Large main compartment with easy glide zippers
  • Five front pockets and three side pockets for maximum storage

Specifications:

  • Brand: Everest
  • Capacity: 27.9L
  • Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 13.5″ W x 7″ D
  • Weight: 5.29 lbs
Pros
  • It has a lot of compartments to put so many things
  • The mesh pocket on the side that is deep enough to put your water bottle
  • It rolls smoothly and quietly, and there are a total of 4 wheels
  • You can unzip the thing completely and flop the whole panel over and have complete access to the main compartment contents
Cons
  • If you want a bag for light duty use, this backpack should be OK. But for heavy use travelers spend a little more money

4. Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack With Wheels

Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack With Wheels

The Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack With Wheels has a roomy main compartment that is able to store packing cubes sets and toiletry case. This backpack can open like a suitcase which is convenient to find your belongings. It has a front zip compartment for storing your travel essentials from your passport to power bank. It also has a detachable laptop sleeve.

This carry backpack is well constructed with a back compartment to store back straps when used as a wheeled luggage. There is a sternum strap and a waist strap to secure the bag and also make it comfortable for you. Additional features include 4 compression straps that are carefully placed to provide maximum compression. Lastly, smooth-rolling wheels are corner mounted for stability.

Key Features:

  • Roomy main compartment
  • Exterior compression straps
  • Sternum and waist strap
  • Smooth-rolling wheels

Specifications:

  • Brand: Hynes Eagle
  • Capacity: 42L
  • Dimensions: 21.3″ H x 13.8″ W x 9″ D
  • Weight: 4.6 lbs
Pros
  • Budget airline compliant
  • Sturdy handle, wheels, and fabric
  • Awesome straps on the backpack to keep everything tight and in place
  • Easy to convert from backpack to roller
Cons
  • Doesn’t have a lower strap to better brace the weight on your lower back

5. JanSport Driver 8 Core Series Wheeled Backpack

JanSport Driver 8 Core Series Wheeled Backpack

For a life on-the-move, the JanSport Driver 8 Core Series Wheeled Backpack converts from backpack to roller with tuck-away shoulder straps. This wheeled laptop backpack two main compartments and a padded laptop compartment that fits notebooks with up to a 15.1-inch screen, side water bottle pocket, and front organizer pocket.

This backpack features large, side-mounted 80mm (3.15-inch) action wheels with traction and stability control and a single-pole retractable handle. Other storage features include a large front drawbridge compartment with an organizer, a front zippered stash pocket, and a side water bottle pocket.

Key Features:

  • Front stash pocket and utility pocket with organizer
  • Fully padded back panel
  • Retractable two-stage handle
  • Skid rails for added protection
  • Tuck-away shoulder straps for converting to backpack

Specifications:

  • Brand: JanSport
  • Capacity: 34L
  • Dimensions: 19.5″ H x 13″ W x 8″ D
  • Weight: 4.18 lbs
Pros
  • Does not fall over even when full
  • The handle seems strong and is long enough
  • It has a water bottle pocket outside
  • Padded laptop sleeve up to 15″
Cons
  • It is a little heavy when empty. It may be due to the extra shoulder straps that are included and the shell of the pack

6. Hypath 2-in-1 Convertible Travel Bag – Premium Pick

Hypath 2-in-1 Convertible Travel Bag

Carry-On the maximum amount of luggage, in the most versatile way, while avoiding bag fees and baggage claim lines. The Hypath 2-in-1 Convertible Travel Bag is a 2 in 1 luggage solution with the ability to be used in 8 different ways. It offers maximum versatility by allowing users to utilize the bag as a rolling wheeled carry on, backpack, duffle luggage, or multiple combinations within. The larger tote bag with wheels can be rolled, carried as a duffel, or converted into a large backpack by unzipping the panel on the back.

The smaller removable backpack will fit perfectly under an airplane passenger seat and is ideal for additional packing space, carrying a laptop, tablet, or toiletries, as well as a travel day pack. This bag is designed for the traveler who wants to be able to carry the maximum amount of luggage, with the maximum amount of ease and versatility, all while avoiding paying extra for bag fees. You may also be interested in some of the best waterproof backpacks for travel from our list, so check them out.

Key Features:

  • Detachable daypack perfect for day trips
  • Built-In USB Charging Port on Smaller Backpack
  • Built-In Water Proof Cover for Smaller Backpack.
  • Additional Storage Pockets Inside Larger Wheeled Carry-On

Specifications:

  • Brand: Hypath
  • Capacity: 65L
  • Dimensions: 22″ H x 16″ W x 14″ D
  • Weight: 7.65 lbs
Pros
  • Luggage versatility from wheels to backpack
  • Backpack feature on the rear of the large bag was excellent for navigating staircases and cobblestones where using wheels would have been a nuisance
  • The 2 bags stacked easily for rolling through airports
  • Soft sides expand well for bulkier items
Cons
  • The telescoping handle that pops out from the larger bag leaves an opening where small loose items can fall out, so everything should be in bags or packing cubes

7. Olympia Cascade 20″ Outdoor Upright Carry-on W/Hideaway Backpack Straps

Olympia Cascade 20 inch Outdoor Upright Carry-on W/Hideaway Backpack Straps

The Olympia Cascade 20″ Outdoor Upright Carry-on W/Hideaway Backpack Straps is constructed with jacquard polyester and includes a high-quality push-button locking handle system with dual supported inline skate wheels for the most adventurous traveler. Built-in backpack straps offer an easy mode of carrying when off-trail. Perfect for your weekend adventure or your personal airline carry-on.

It has multi-front zippered pockets for your small items. Exterior compression straps to secure pack and a zippered side water bottle pocket. The comfortable grip handles make it easy to carry. Additional features include an interior zip mesh pocket and dual buckle tie-belt.

Key Features:

  • Constructed of Jacquard polyester
  • High-quality push-button locking handle system
  • Expandable for additional packing capacity
  • Hideaway padded shoulder straps stored behind padded back panel 
  • Multi-front zippered pockets

Specifications:

  • Brand: Olympia
  • Dimensions: 20″ H x 15″ W x 8.5″ D
  • Weight: 5.6 lbs
Pros
  • The wheels roll well and the handle extends smoothly and locks into place firmly
  • Fit within carry-on dimensions
  • The outside zipper pocket makes it easy to remove items for airport security
  • It can stand upright
Cons
  • The side pocket doesn’t fit a water bottle

8. High Sierra Rev Wheeled Backpack

High Sierra Rev Wheeled Backpack

The High Sierra Rev Wheeled Backpack provides versatility and convenience for daily travel with flexible carrying choices such as a roller bag or backpack. This pack is made of rugged ballistic nylon fabric and features a wide design with a hideaway telescopic handle, sleek rolling corner-mounted wheels and hideaway backpack straps that make it easy to wear for hands-free travel.

This backpack features a multi-compartment configuration that includes a completely packed laptop pocket, a deluxe media pocket with a headphone port, and a single tablet pocket. The organizer at the front features pen covers, a key button, and pockets to carry all your little accessories.

Key Features:

  • Large, multi-compartment design
  • Fully-padded computer sleeve fits most 17″ laptops 
  • Deluxe media pocket, with headphone port
  • Smooth-rolling, corner-mounted wheels
  • Hideaway telescoping handle

Specifications:

  • Brand: High Sierra
  • Capacity: 48L
  • Dimensions: 21.6″ H x 15″ W x 5.7″ D
  • Weight: 6 lbs
Pros
  • Plenty of space for packing clothes
  • It rolls smoothly
  • It’s incredibly easy to switch between backpack/carry/roll modes
  • Has 6 zipper compartments (two side pockets that zip close; front smallest pocket; second small for pens, notebook, etc; third for laptop & chargers etc; main for clothes with space compressing straps, etc.)
Cons
  • The side pocket doesn’t fit a water bottle

9. J World New York Sundance Rolling Backpack

J World New York Sundance Rolling Backpack

The J World New York Sundance Rolling Backpack is ideal for the busy commuter or school student on the go with flexible carrying choices as a roller bag or backpack. This pack is made of Duraceltex and polyester fabric and sports an elegant design with a single pull handle, noiseless wheels and cushioned shoulder straps with air mesh that can be hidden from view.

Printed in a range of trendy designs and prints, this rolling backpack features a spacious central compartment with a lined laptop sleeve, side mesh pockets to carry water bottles, and a compact front organizer with a pen holder, a key fob, and a mesh pocket to hold your cell phone or other small items.

Key Features:

  • Ergonomic S-shaped adjustable shoulder straps
  • T-shaped telescoping handle
  • Fully padded laptop sleeve
  • Unique bottom mold provides protection from unexpected shocks and wear and tear.

Specifications:

  • Brand: J World New York
  • Capacity: 38L
  • Dimensions: 20″ H x 13″ W x 9″ D
  • Weight: 5 lbs
Pros
  • Handle glides smoothly
  • A lot of colors to choose from
  • Handy enclosure at back to hide straps if rolling bag
  • Nice and sturdy build
Cons
  • Must be turned towards a chair or wall in order to stand

10. Matein Travel Backpack with Wheels

Matein Travel Backpack with Wheels

The Matein Travel Backpack with Wheels is practical, convenient, spacious, and providing organizational functionality to ease your daily burden. It has one fully-padded laptop pocket, one large main compartment, and two front zipper front mid-size pockets that can hold any laptop less than 15.6 inches and with excellent protection your other daily essentials.

Easy transformation, depending on your needs while on the go, between rolling on the ground and carrying your back. Its long-lasting and weatherproof exterior is capable of preventing water from entering a drizzle, but not downpour. Sturdy enough to override the frequent use of different trips and occasions. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best travel backpacks for business.

Key Features:

  • Fully-padded laptop compartment
  • Dual Mesh zippered side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas
  • Zippered accessory loft pocket hide telescoping handle
  • Elasticized Belt fixes clothes or school books on main compartment
  • Lockable Double Zippers with keyhole

Specifications:

  • Brand: Matein
  • Capacity: 36L
  • Dimensions: 19.68″ H x 13″ W x 9.05″ D
  • Weight: 4.8 lbs
Pros
  • Perfect size and decent wheels
  • The fabric looks like will last a few years
  • Telescopic handle is sturdy and has great size
  • Many pouches and pockets that are well placed for convenience
Cons
  • There is some foam padding around the handle that does not add any extra features to the bag but takes packing space

Buying Guide

Size

The size of your backpack is a very common issue. Don’t buy the largest bag or the smallest bag available just because it’s cheaper. The number of days you travel plays a major role in determining your backpack’s size. A bag with a capacity of 35 to 50L will usually last for 3-4 days, while a bag with a capacity of 50 to 70L will last for a week without you having to visit the laundromat. If you’re visiting a place with cold weather, you’ll need insulated jackets and at least 70 to 100L.

Materials

Look out for rolling backpacks made from Cordura or nylon. The materials that make up the bag usually indicate the durability of the bag. You have to look at weaves that are strong. It can be more helpful to have a lightweight and sturdy bag that protects edges as damages occur most at the edges. Make sure the internal parts are made of solid aluminum as it is stronger than plastic or stamped steel. Consider having a backpack with large-sized polyurethane wheels as they can survive rough use. Search for mesh-ventilated shoulder harness and hip belts to keep you cooler in warmer weather conditions.

Comfort

Suspension systems and good padding for backpacks are important, even though you have a rolling backpack, there will be times when you need to strap it on your back. Adjustable padded and wide belts can aid in the prevention of back pain. What you can do is to fill your bag full and try to make sure it suits you well and is comfortable. Features such as compression straps make the bag tighter and bring the load closer to the center of gravity.

Weight

It’s almost always easier to carry a lighter bag. However, sturdy and light bags are usually much more difficult to find. It, together with longevity and robustness, is an important consideration. The heavier a bag, the harder it is to carry it on your shoulders.

Pockets

Bags that have easy access pockets or hidden pockets will help in the organization and make it easier to access your stuff.

Style

Most of our options for the best rolling travel backpacks, while not winning any fashion prizes, look relatively professional and elegant. If you need something with a little more quirkiness, the right choice may not be a wheeled backpack.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best travel backpacks with wheels as well as our guide on features to look for in a travel backpack with wheels. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.