Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
This product is exactly what it says in the titled. A backpack with wheels. This is incredibly helpful for those that carry a lot of weight in their backpack.
Since it allows you to carry a lot of stuff with you, you can kiss goodbye to expensive check-in bags. As well as, you will find it more practical since you don’t have to carry around numerous heavy bags. All of the models mentioned have a large capacity which means that you can take with you whatever you have in mind.
A wheeled backpack combines the convenience of a suitcase and the advantage of the backpack. This is why this product is a must for all people that live life on the go. Our team of experts has chosen the best models that are worthy of your time and money.
We strongly don’t believe that you have to go broke in order to take advantage of such products.
Features To Consider When Purchasing Your Wheeled Backpack For Travel
Material – When it comes to this product, the material is very important. The reason for this is because you want it to be strong and resistant so you can carry all of your things securely without fearing that it will tear apart any minute. In addition to this, you want to ensure that it’s waterproof so your belongings will be safe from water damages. As well as, the material should dry fast in order to prevent any strange smells from forming.
Pockets – If you’re someone who likes adventures or travels frequently, you want to ensure that the wheeled backpack has numerous pockets so you can fit diverse things inside. For example, you want a separate compartment for your dirty clothes, toiletries, and liquids. In addition to this, a compartment where you can fit your laptop or devices would be a bonus well worth.
Weight – Since your added stuff will add a lot of weight to the bag, you want the original weight to be as minimal as possible. The lower the weight is, the more comfortable you will feel to carry it when it’s empty. It’s also worthy to mention is that if you want to take it on an airplane in the overhead section, the original weight has to be as low as possible.
So with these features in mind, we have put together our favorite best-wheeled backpack for travel. Whether you are jetting off to weird Tokyo or a sophisticated weekend in Copenhagen, these bags will put your mind at ease so you can focus on what matter most: enjoying yourself!
Trust us, there is nothing worse than you bag breaking mid-holiday and having to scramble to find a solution…
J World New York Sundance Rolling Backpack
The reason why this is one of the best-wheeled backpacks for travel is due to the fact that you can carry it as a normal backpack and you can also use it with wheels. It has ergonomic adjustable shoulder straps and air mesh cushioned back panels which means that it will provide you with comfort for a long period of time.
As well as, the T-shaped telescoping handle has been made from high-density PU coated materials and aluminum pipes which means that you can have a reliable grip.
You will be thoroughly pleased to know that it has a padded laptop sleeve which means that it will keep your expensive device safe in whatever situation you find yourself in. You can rely on it to keep you safe as it has a reflective tape which will keep you visible in complete darkness.
The front pocket organizer will allow you to store small items and belongings so you can have easy access to them. It weighs 5 lbs and it’s made from 100% polyester which means that it’s tear resistant and waterproof.
Plus the name – New York, New York. It calls you …
Pros | Cons |
Designed with a convenient zipper closure | The stitches quality could be improved |
Suitable for traveling and school use | Limited warranty period |
Lightweight and easy to carry | Customer service team could be better |
It’s available in numerous styles | |
The laptop pocket is padded |
Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack
In case you’re after a large wheeled backpack for traveling, this is a popular choice. The reason why we’re highlighting this is because it measures 13.5” x 7” x 18.5” which means that you will have spacious compartments that you can use for numerous belongings.
You will like the fact that they are created with a double zipper closure so you can have an easy access to your things. The six additional front pockets and three side pockets will allow you to store small items with ease.
It also has an external snap waist buckle which means that even if the wheeled backpack will appear bulky, you can adjust it to a smaller size so you can keep all of your gear into a tight space. The telescoping handle will allow you to have a tight grip of the bag so you never lose it.
It also has a double-wheeled base which means that you can carry it on different terrains and surfaces. Similarly, to the other high-quality models, you can carry it on your back if you wish.
Surprisingly considering the name, this backpack is terrible for climbing in the Himalayas but perfect for enjoying the luxury of old-world vibes of Tallinn.
Pros | Cons |
The wheels roll silently | It cannot fit under an airplane seat |
The material is thick and waterproof | It doesn’t have a laptop sleeve |
The zippers don’t get stuck | It can develop a strange smell |
You can wear it as a backpack | |
You can buckle it to make it a smaller size |
JanSport Driver 8 Core Series
If you’re into traveling and you’re looking for one of the best-wheeled backpacks, this is another option that you should consider. The reason why we’re suggesting this is because it has been engineered with padded shoulder straps so you can carry it like a backpack for as long as you wish.
In addition to this, it also has large side mounted wheels which offer superior traction and stability so you can move it easily regardless of the surface. Due to the fact that it’s one of the best, it also designed with a laptop sleeve that can carry a laptop that measures up to 15”.
It has a capacity of up to 34L and it weighs 4 pounds. In addition to this, it has been created from 600D poly and 420D velocity which means that it’s impossible to tear even if you use it extensively. It also has a padded back which will offer you a proper airflow which means that you will never have to experience sweaty hands or back.
What stands out about this product is that it has a quick grab handle which means that you can easily grab it wherever you are.
We actually saw plenty of fake Jansport bags in the markets of Hanoi and Hoi An, but trust us – you are going to what to buy the original from a trusted source if you want the quality we all have come to know from this brand…
Pros | Cons |
It has a large capacity | It’s water resistant not waterproof |
It doesn’t tip over under a lot of weight | It has 2 wheels |
You will be covered by a lifetime warranty | It can develop a strange smell |
It can fit large laptops and tablets | |
Suitable to carry water bottles |
Samsonite Wheeled Backpack
In case you’re after a durable model, you should consider this model. It has been engineered from Rip Stop fabric which means that it’s resistant against tears and pulls even if it happens extensively.
In addition to this, it has contoured straps which means that it will provide excellent padding for superior comfort for a long period of time. It also has in-line skate wheels and ice-pick pull handle which means that you can easily grab and grip it wherever you are.
You will enjoy the fact that it can fit large 17” laptops and a music headphone entry which means that you can use it for entertainment purposes. Furthermore, the handle can also lock in an upright position so you can find it convenient to use it.
You can use it under an airline seat as even though you can carry a lot of stuff with you, the exterior won’t be bulky. You will like the fact that it won’t tip over even if it weighs excessively. As well as, the straps are wide which means that you will find it comfortable to wear it on your back.
I picked up mine years ago in the airport in Hong Kong (after my aforementioned bag disaster) but paid through the nose for the privilege. Best to get it online where you can compare prices. Samsonite is one of the best-regarded travel bag brands – but that doesn’t mean you can’t pick them up on special …
Pros | Cons |
It can fit a wide variety of laptops | It weighs 5 lbs |
It can fit under an airline seat | The material of the handle could be improved |
Designed with numerous pockets and compartments | Some customers have found it too large to carry it as a backpack |
It doesn’t tip over | |
Designed with a music headphone entry |
High Sierra AT3 Carry-On
This choice is one of the most obvious due to the fact that it has been constructed with three bags in one. Therefore, you can use it such as a wheeled backpack for traveling, as a backpack and even as a daypack. In addition to this, it has a large main compartment and you can easily access your stuff due to the fact that it has a book-style opening.
As well as, it also has clothing straps which means that you can keep your clothes from mixing with your devices. It also has hidden padded backpack straps which you can easily store behind the zippered back panel.
What stands out about this product is the fact that it has a removable front daypack that has been created with water bottle pockets, CD/MP3 player, and a headphone port which you can use in case you’re seeking entertainment.
You will find it comfortable to wear this as a backpack due to the fact that it has padded S-shaped shoulder straps so you can wear it for a long period of time. It also has an integrated cell phone pocket which means that you can keep your device safe.
Pros | Cons |
It’s designed with 3-in-1 | It weighs 9.5 lbs |
Designed with a book-style opening | The zipper quality could be improved |
Created from Duralite Tech-Weave | It doesn’t have a lot of side pockets |
It has an ergonomic Sure-Grip handle | |
The shoulder straps are padded |
Tilami Rolling Backpack Armor
If you care about your style, you should consider this as one of the best-wheeled backpacks for travel. It has been created from 30 lbs bearing with a strong aluminum alloy rod which means that it doesn’t require thorough maintenance.
In fact, it has been created with an armor bottom protection system which means that you can take it with you on bumpy and rocky terrains. Additionally, it also has the multi-compartment design which will allow you to take a lot of belongings.
What’s so special about this product is the fact that you can personalize the design of the shoulder straps according to your style. The shoulder straps are padded which means that it will provide you with comfort for as long as you wear it.
What we thoroughly like about this product is the fact that you can use it on major US airlines. Therefore, you can keep the wheeled backpack with you at all times. It has been created from polyester material which means that it’s waterproof and it dries fast.
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight and easy to carry | Limited warranty period |
Available in different styles | The stitches quality could be improved |
The wheels don’t make noises when wheeled | The straps are of mediocre quality |
You can personalize the straps | |
The zippers will not get stuck |
Kipling Alcatraz Wheeled Backpack
This model has been created from crinkled nylon which means that it’s very resistant against wear and tear. In case you have to travel with valuables, this is one of the best choices you can make due to the fact that it can carry 15” laptops and devices.
Due to the fact that it’s of high-quality, you will enjoy the fact that you can carry it as a backpack or as a wheeled backpack. What stands out about this product is the fact that the material doesn’t stain. Therefore, you will find it very easy to clean it.
Due to the fact that it’s lightweight, numerous customers have mentioned the fact that it’s very easy to carry even by children. Whilst it isn’t fully waterproof, you will find that it’s water resistant.
Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your devices damaging from excess water if you are planning to be around water: say in rainy Bergen or the monsoon season in Taipei. Been there, done that, don’t make my mistakes…
Pros | Cons |
It can fit books and laptops | The product isn’t quality checked before being sent to the customers |
Lightweight and easy to carry | Customer service could be improved |
The material is easy to clean | The straps are of mediocre quality |
Numerous styles available | |
Suitable for teenagers and adults |