It’s no secret that the majority of backpacks are top-loading. This means they create a sort of a bucket within the main compartment, where you’re expected to stack stuff on top of each other vertically. Did you put a scarf beneath your backpack? Well too bad, before you can reach it, you’ll have to remove everything on top. The other backpack design, front-loading is to provide a complete clamshell opening to the main compartment rather than conventional top-loading entry. Such clamshell backpacks have a central front-loading pocket with a sliding zipper covering 3 of the 4 sides. Like a travel backpack that opens up like a suitcase, a clamshell backpack opens vertically.
The most crucial thing to note is that you are going to move your backpack from place to place many days a week, so make sure it is stable and is of paramount importance to protect your back, shoulders, and waist. You ‘re probably going to find yourself unpacking and repacking your backpack at least once a day while living in hostels, so you’re going to want to make sure it’s quick and simple. Clamshell backpacks usually provide more protection than top-loading. They are also typically often crafted from a much tougher material than their top-loading counterparts.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 12 hrs of research
Hynes Eagle 38L Flight Approved Weekender Carry on Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- The convertible aspect really is nice
- It opens like regular luggage, no digging through an opening at the top and turning your careful packing into a lump heap
- The pockets are great for organization
- The side clips are great for minimizing your backpack
Timbuk2 Blink Pack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Lots of space
- Very deep central compartment and specialized laptop area in the back
- The water bottle pocket at the front easily fits a 40 oz hydroflask
- Top haul loop is very sturdy and thick
Best Clamshell Backpacks – Overview
One of the main aspects to remember when you buy a backpack is front loading (clamshell design) vs top loading. Since that defines how you move stuff inside and outside the backpack, it will have a major effect on how comfortable you carry the bag over time. They ‘re all designed differently and may affect how well the backpack fits with the specific scenario and type of travel. Front-loading also referred to as clamshell, implies that the central compartment opens up close to the way suitcases do, and you have a wide room for dealing with. Top loading involves opening up the backpack at the top, usually allowing you a smaller gap.
Clamshell Backpacks Reviews
1. Eagle Creek Global Companion Travel Backpack
The Eagle Creek Global Companion Travel Backpack will take you from the mountains of Kilimanjaro to the scenic streets of Copenhagen in a rugged fashion and secure design. Constructed from 450D Geo Ripstop. Zip closure with self-repairing lockable zippers featuring easy-grip zipper pulls is designed to keep working for you trip after trip.
Lockable top zippers can be double secured with a small padlock looped through the Central Lock Point. Top, bottom, and side haul handle enable easy pickup from any angle. Shoulder straps, back panel, and hip belt are designed ergonomically for maximum comfort with padding and moisture-wicking to reduce sweat on the body. Sternum strap features a safety whistle. Traditional suitcase style butterfly opening reveals two zippered peek-through mesh packing compartments including one with an additional mesh pocket for organization. Make sure you also check our selection of the best travel backpacks.
Key Features:
- Dual interior compartments
- Padded shoulder straps
- Hip belt
- Bi-Tech fabric base
Specifications:
- Brand: Eagle Creek
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 13.75″ W x 8″ D
- Weight: 3.56 lbs
- The pockets on the front are very helpful for chargers and other small items
- The bag stretches plenty so even when it seems like the zipper won’t close it can be squashed down
- It opens like a butterfly with each side separate from the other for easier organization of clothes
- Rain cover is included in the backpack
- There is not much air flow to your back, so you usually end up at your destination a bit sweaty
2. Hynes Eagle 38L Flight Approved Weekender Carry on Backpack – Best Value
The Hynes Eagle 38L Flight Approved Weekender Carry on Backpack is designed to fit the allowed maximum size of most IATA flights, fit in the overhead compartment as well as the under-seat storage in flight. Hide-away contoured backpack straps are well padded with air mesh, you can carry it comfortably like a backpack or also can easily convert it into a carry on duffel bag. Exterior compression straps are carefully placed to provide maximum compression and reduced stress on the zippers.
The zippered front pocket is perfect for boarding passes and will not “walk open” no matter how long your journey. Features interior slot pockets for travel essentials, from passport to tablet. Inner tie-down straps in the main compartment are generous in length and adjust from “high” to “low” cinch positions, keeping belongings from shifting.
Key Features:
- 4 compression straps
- Front organizer pockets
- Hide away shoulder straps
- Multiple carrying options
Specifications:
- Brand: Hynes Eagle
- Capacity: 38L
- Dimensions: 19.7″ H x 13″ W x 7.9″ D
- Weight: 1.76 lbs
- The convertible aspect really is nice
- It opens like regular luggage, no digging through an opening at the top and turning your careful packing into a lump heap
- The pockets are great for organization
- The side clips are great for minimizing your backpack
- No water bottle pocket
3. AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack
Ultra-flexible, lightweight, and durable, the AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack makes a great choice for savvy travelers. Made of durable polyester, the travel pack functions as an unstructured suitcase that can be quickly converted into a backpack. This carry-on travel backpack offers a roomy and well-organized main compartment that’s secured shut with double zippers and four external compression straps. Unzipped, the inside flap offers a full-width zippered mesh compartment—great for larger items or keeping contents separate from the main compartment.
The travel backpack comes with padded shoulder straps for comfortable carrying. For secure placement, the travel bag offers an adjustable sternum strap and a waist belt, both of which can be removed if preferred. The backpack shoulder straps disconnect easily and store out of the way in a zippered back pocket, allowing the bag to be checked or carried like a suitcase. The travel pack also comes with a removable shoulder strap for more carrying options. You may also be interested in some of the best travel backpacks for carry on from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- Main compartment with zippered mesh space
- Front pocket and front-top pocket for easy access
- Padded shoulder straps
- Well-placed exterior handles
Specifications:
- Brand: AmazonBasics
- Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 15.75″ W x 8.25″ D
- Weight: 3.64 lbs
- Comfortable shoulder straps and back cushioning
- Comes with shoulder strap, waist strap, sternum strap, backpack straps, and two handles
- Includes internal padded laptop storage compartment
- Includes zippered expandable storage
- No side pouch for water bottle
4. Timbuk2 Blink Pack – Premium Pick
An extremely functional Weekender, the Timbuk2 Blink Pack is a big bag trapped in a little bag’s body. Thoughtful design details make it carry more than expected. The sleek shape means you’ll fit in anywhere you go. Super cushy backpack straps have hidden suspension for support, and air mesh back panel keeps your shirts crisp, and a large clamshell opening eliminates un/packing stress so you can really getaway.
Side compression straps allow for cinching the bag smaller when lightly loaded, and serve as a strap to cinch a jacket or sweater when you need just a bit more space inside. They make great sports to clip accessories as well. Rear zippered pocket with suspended padding for a 15″ computer as well as additional zippered slip pockets for accessories you may need.
Key Features:
- A clamshell opening Weekender pack
- Internal organizer for pens, phones, and other small stuff
- Padded laptop compartment fits 15-inch laptop
- Grab handle for easy lifting
- Water-resistant 420D ripstop
Specifications:
- Brand: Timbuk2
- Capacity: 24L
- Dimensions: 20.9″ H x 11″ W x 3.9″ D
- Weight: 1.54 lbs
- Lots of space
- Very deep central compartment and specialized laptop area in the back
- The water bottle pocket at the front easily fits a 40 oz hydroflask
- Top haul loop is very sturdy and thick
- Chest strap is thin
5. WUAYUR Clamshell Backpack
The WUAYUR Clamshell Backpack is made of high-quality water-resistant polyester fabric which means water-resistant and you can wipe the dirty stains easily with a wet cloth. It can protect your belongings perfectly on rainy days. The excellent sewing workmanship makes the backpack more durable and strong to use. Padded soft top handle and luggage belt for easy carrying.
With a double-sided zipper, you can choose to close your laptop backpack in any directions, offering you a more convenient using experience. Ergonomic S-shaped padded shoulder strap and fully 3D ventilation padded back make your shoulder stress released and protect your back and shoulder effectively even when fully loaded.
Key Features:
- High-density water-resistant cloth
- Many pockets
- Built-in USB port
- Padded laptop compartment
- Ergonomic padded shoulder straps
Specifications:
- Brand: WUAYUR
- Capacity: 23-40L
- Dimensions: 18.9″ H x 11.2″ W x 10″ D
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Numerous compartments – helps you get organized
- Laptop compartment is separate from the rest
- Comfortable on the back
- Expandable – you can choose to collapse or expand it as needed
- No pocket for water bottle
6. Mark Ryden 40L Carry-on Travel Clamshell Backpack
The Mark Ryden 40L Carry-on Travel Clamshell Backpack is not only a travel backpack with maximum size allowed on an IATA flight but also a great choice for a weekender trip, providing taking planes, trains and buses. The padded straps work well to reduce bulk. With multiple layers, sturdy meshes, special compartments, keep all your stuff organized. This bag is also enough to be used as a work and gym backpack.
After extending, roomy main compartment big enough like roller luggage can hold up to 3-4 days clothing. Velvet laptop and table sleeves can protect your electronic products, up to a 17.3-inch laptop. Front pockets could hide away your stuff, multiple interior slip pockets and one mesh pocket for your travel essentials. USB charging port allows you to free your hand when charging your electronic device for your convenience.
Key Features:
- USB port
- Multi-panel airflow design
- Adjustable waist straps
- Luggage strap
Specifications:
- Brand: Mark Ryden
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 19.7″ H x 12.2″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- The bag has clean modern design lines
- A lot of pockets
- Expandable
- Waterproof effect
- The zippers sometimes get caught
7. KOPACK Travel Clamshell Backpack
KOPACK Travel Clamshell Backpack is made with high-density oxford + PU coated oxford Water Resistant & Anti Scratch fabric, with silky lining. Comes with ergonomic S-shape design padded shoulder straps and fully 3D ventilation padded back, with high elastic and breathable sponge and fabric, protect your back and shoulder effectively even when fully loaded.
Durable and soft handle with double stitching, comfortable, and easy to carry by hand. The top pocket is designed for a sunglass box and other items, convenient for storing your frequently use things and keep the shape. Back hidden Anti-thief pocket wholly hidden in an integrated foam padded back panel, safety to keep valuable items.
Key Features:
- 3d ventilated padded back
- Built-in USB port
- Padded laptop compartment
- Quick-access top pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: Kopack
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 19.7″ H x 12.2″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- The side zipper pouch has an accordion lining
- Lots of compartments
- Comfortable and easy to carry
- Material feels good
- Not much organizing stuff for pens
8. Extreme Pak 22-Inch Carry-On Clamshell Backpack
Extreme Pak 22-Inch Carry-On Clamshell Backpack is a multi-use travel bag whose practical utility and stylish design store belongings efficiently whether exploring the world or running down educational dreams. This unique travel backpack has 2 luggage handles for easy lifting and it unzips from the front just like a typical suitcase.
It is spacious and made with a tightly-woven 1,200 Denier 100% polyester black water-resistant fabric, contoured adjustable shoulder straps, and a belt strap for increased back support. Featuring the elongated rucksack-type style of knapsack utilized by campers and hikers, this lightweight carryall piece of affordable luggage weighs 2.2 pounds and lets you tackle all of life’s challenges head-on.
Key Features:
- 2 luggage handles
- 1,200 Denier 100% polyester fabric
- Contoured adjustable shoulder straps
- Elongated rucksack-type style of knapsack
Specifications:
- Brand: Extremepak
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- It is very well made, sturdy, the zippers are large
- Its compact for the size as its well thought out
- The belt strap is made so that you can tuck the shoulder straps under it
- The shoulder straps are nicely made
- The material of the inner dividers feels cheap and flimsy
9. Rangeland Clamshell Backpack
This Rangeland Clamshell Backpack is durable yet lightweight, made of 100% Polyester for a heat-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, and dust-resistant luggage backpack. Designed with padded adjustable shoulder straps with high permeability to decrease the amount of sweat and allow you to carry your clamshell bag for extended periods of time.
Its back trolley straps allow you to attach it to your luggage when on vacation, as well as 4 compression straps that close tight to keep your daypack compact and sleek. The main compartment of this bag includes 1 velcro pocket, 2 pen pockets, 2 slip pockets, and more. Also, the main compartment has X-shaped garment restraints as well as a zippered padded compartment that can hold a laptop
Key Features:
- Multiple exterior compression buckle straps
- Multiple interior slip pockets
- Back trolley straps
- X-shaped garment restraints
Specifications:
- Brand: Rangeland
- Capacity: 17L
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 12″ W x 5.25″ D
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- The handle is comfortable
- Flattens well for packing into a larger backpack or suitcase for travel
- It’s very lightweight and simple
- Compression straps on the sides to squish it down to size if you need that
- The material and zippers seem just “ok” quality
10. Cateep Travel Laptop Backpack
This Cateep Travel Laptop Backpack is more than a backpack that is designed to fit the maximum size allowed on an IATA flight. Adjustable waist straps and breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge passing help relieve the stress from your shoulder. It’s a thoughtfully designed pack suitable for commuting to work or for travel.
The three front pockets could help you hide-away your stuff, such as a water bottle, keys, and your phone, etc. The front compartment has multiple interior slip pockets and one mesh pocket for your travel essentials. A roomy main compartment with two zippered mesh space, which is similar to the suitcase so that you could organize your things well. Within the extra room created by the zip-out expansion, you can pack with extra items if you need them. Our guide to the best tech backpacks offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- It has extra zipper compresses pack
- Strap at the back
- Hide-away backpack straps
- Durable polyester
Specifications:
- Brand: Cateep
- Capacity: 35L
- Dimensions: 13.86″ H x 10.55″ W x 5.35″ D
- Weight: 2.69 lbs
- Tons of pockets and space
- It’s easy to carry in a variety of ways
- It’s comfortable as a backpack even when fully loaded
- There is a cord in one of the compartments thst you plug your own battery pack/power management device into
- Little reflective tag which says “fashion”
Buying Guide
Materials
Tough materials such as canvas, ripstop nylon, or high-end synthetics are the hallmarks of a premium backpack. Be sure that it’s constructed of water-resistant and fast-dry fabrics for those unavoidable rain slogs. Go for an aluminum frame because of its lightweight, robust properties. Since these are the first pieces to give way, look for double or triple stitching along the strap seams as well.
Brands
Well looked after and luxurious brands continue to make great backpacks as one would expect. Nonetheless, stop using a brand name to buy a bag on its own. To ensure you choose the best possible backpack for you, it’s important to take in all the related characteristics. Nevertheless resist the urge to buy suspiciously inexpensive, no-name brands. It can appear the same but lower stitching, fabrics, and style can cause it to fall apart easily. As a consequence, you’ll have to fork cash over even sooner than expected on a substitution.
Comfort
Apart from the shoulders, flexible straps for the hip and chest would go a fair way in your ultimate comfort. Be sure they’re lined enough, then put on the set and see if it suits the body. A breathable mesh behind the back performs well in hot conditions, can help reduce sweat buildup as well.
Pockets
Keep an eye out for any pockets you think may be required. External compartments are great for quick access to passports or mobile phones, while outer cords are needed to tie on bulky camper gear. A dedicated laptop sleeve could prevent a sticky travel insurance claim if you travel with a laptop. A water bottle pocket holder is also a great addition if you plan on bringing a water bottle.
Size
Carry-on backpacks are gaining traction as more airlines continue charging passengers for checked baggage. In fact, you’ll have to wait for the carousel luggage to avoid the risk that the airline will lose all of your gear. The downside is you are going to be severely spatially restricted. You’ll get 40 liters at maximum, which is enough for a few clothes and a limited amount of gadgets. Although it differs from carrier to carrier, most airlines require measurements of about 22 x 14 x 9′′.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best clamshell backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a clamshell backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.