The best rolling backpacks offer both the effortless mobility of a wheeled bag and the convenient storage of a traditional backpack. We spent hours researching options from a variety of brands to find the very best rolling backpacks on the market today. Thanks to its versatility, durability and style, we named the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller our top overall pick. We also included high-quality selections from trusted brands like Yeti, Wandrd, Tumi and more.
The best rolling backpacks strike the perfect balance between the effortless mobility of wheels and … [+] the convenient storage of book bags.
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To narrow down our picks, we prioritized rolling backpacks that provided smooth rolling wheels and ease of movement as well as rugged durability and extensive storage. We also tapped into insights from our personal experiences using rolling backpacks on trips and commutes, and enlisted the help of Forbes Vetted senior travel editor Astrid Taran to make our final selections. Below, the best rolling backpacks to travel with in 2024.
Topo Designs
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller
Dimensions: 13.5 x 21 x 9 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Material: Recycled nylon, recycled plastic | Carry-On or Checked: Carry-On
Pros:
Sturdy and durable wheels
Grab handles on both sides
Stylish with wide variety of colors
Cons:
Can be unstable when heavy items are packed inside the inner sleeve
The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller lets you pack everything you need in one spacious backpack. It comes in a TSA-friendly carry-on size and has three options for handling it: A telescopic handle, straps on the sides and classic backpack straps, so you can switch depending on your preference.
It has plenty of storage with front zipper pockets, internal zipper pockets, an accessory pocket with a key clip and two larger internal compartments. It’s made of a combination of recycled nylons and a hard recycled plastic shell, so it’s strong enough for even the most remote adventures. If you find yourself frantically rushing from flight to flight, then you’ll also appreciate this bag’s extra strong, crush-proof wheels and heavy-duty YKK zippers that hold everything together.
Amazon
Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack
Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 20 inches | Weight: 3.35 pounds | Material: Polyester | Carry-On or Checked: Carry-On
Pros:
Affordable
Comfortable shoulder straps
Available in a wide variety of patterns
Cons:
Compared to our other selections, its handles are not the most durable
When affordability is a top factor, it’s hard to beat Rockland’s Double Handle Rolling Backpack. While it may not offer every gizmo or gadget, this is a solid and dependable bag that is more than capable for commutes and travel. Two front pockets can hold your smaller belongings (one has a built-in organizer), its main compartment is fairly spacious and two mesh side pockets can easily store water bottles.
Setting it apart from many other rolling backpacks, this bag comes with double wheels (four total) and is available in a wide range of fun patterns, including camo and polka dots. Its padded shoulder straps are a particular standout, allowing you to comfortably switch between carrying positions.
YETI
Yeti Crossroads 35L Wheeled Luggage
Dimensions: 15.2 x 9.6 x 22 inches | Weight: 7.7 pounds | Material: Nylon | Carry-On or Checked: Carry-On
Pros:
Packing cube included
Three-year warranty
Waterproof
Cons:
Yeti has earned a reputation for durability, whether it’s coolers, tumblers or luggage. This wheeled bag from its Crossroads collection takes the form of a carry on and is built with a number of resilient features that will provide peace of mind, no matter how rough and tumble your trip is. Its outer shell is made of proprietary nylon and the bag itself is water and abrasion resistant—great for being out in the wilderness.
The bag also has a dedicated laptop sleeve, internal divider panels, mesh pockets and a small packing cube for some added organization. Depending on how much you pack, this bag also includes modular compression straps that you can use inside or outside to strap everything down. Perhaps most crucial, the wheels themselves are sturdy enough to handle bumps, cobblestones and more.
Dimensions: 19.6 x 13 x 9 inches | Weight: 4.8 pounds | Material: Polyester | Carry-On or Checked: Carry-On
Pros:
Available in multiple heights
Hideaway handle
Smooth rolling wheels
Cons:
May not be suitable for underseat storage
For travelers who often find themselves in wet weather, we recommend the Matein Wheeled Rolling Backpack. It’s made with durable water-resistant fabrics and solid-bottom panel guards to protect your belongings from the rain and abrasion. Its tall aluminum handle can be easily adjusted to your height, while its wheels roll smoothly and quietly on any surface. It has multiple compartments for organized storage, and its shoulder straps can be tucked away in a zippered pocket so they don’t get in the way when the backpack is rolling.
It comes in two sizes to accommodate 17- and 18-inch laptops, and it’s available in four colors, including a striking shade of purple. Best yet, if you spot any flaws, Matein offers repair, replacement and partial or full refunds in case of material or craftsmanship defects for as long as you own the backpack.
WANDRD
Wandrd Transit Carry-On Roller
Dimensions: 21.5 x 13 x 9 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Material: Leather | Carry-On or Checked: Carry-On
Pros:
Luxurious design
Rugged wheels
Weather-resistant construction
Cons:
One of the heavier bags on our list
The Wandrd Transit Carry-On is one of the best-looking backpacks on our list. It prioritizes organization and accessibility for your essentials while still having a sleek and minimalist look that is versatile enough for both work and travel. Ideal for frequent flyers or weekend travelers, it easily meets carry-on luggage size regulations. It’s constructed with durable, weather-resistant materials, can withstand intense adventures and offers crush-proof wheels that are designed to roll on gravel or cobblestone roads with ease.
Inside, you’ll find compression straps with magnetic buckles to maximize space, as well as multiple organization pockets to keep everything tidy during your getaway. It’s built with a hardshell back panel that provides structure, and there’s a dedicated compartment to hold large laptops.
Kipling
Kipling New Zea 15-inch Laptop Rolling Backpack
Dimensions: 13.75 x 19.75 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 5.2 pounds | Material: Nylon, recycled polyester | Carry-On or Checked: Carry-On
Pros:
Four 360-spinning wheels
Water bottle compartments
Retractable handle
Cons:
Laptop sleeve is not ideal for large laptops
For travelers who want to keep their bag within reach at all times during their flight, tucking it under the seat in front of you is the best option. The Kipling New Zea 15-inch Laptop Rolling Backpack is a spacious-yet-compact choice for this purpose. It features four 360-spinning wheels that roll smoothly and comes with padded straps for easy and comfortable portability. Its bottom is reinforced with a sturdy lining to keep your bag clean and scratch-free.
The bag is made made from nylon and recycled polyester, and provides a laptop sleeve large enough to hold a 15-inch laptop. It also provides ample storage for your belongings through multiple pockets both inside and out.
Dimensions: 22 x 12.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Material: Recycled fabric, polyester | Carry-On or Checked: Carry-On
Pros:
Multiple zippered pockets
Waterproof coating
Easy to organize
Cons:
Can be slightly unbalanced if overpacked
The Samsonite Detour Convertible Wheeled Hybrid Backpack is an excellent companion for work trips, thanks to its sleek design and high-quality, water-resistant materials. Its hideaway aluminum handle can be comfortably pulled with one hand, while the wheels provide great traction and smooth rolling. Additionally, it features various external grab handles and padded shoulder straps with an adjustable torso band.
This rolling backpack comes with multiple deep and accessible zippered pockets to keep your items secure. The padded laptop compartment can accommodate laptops up to 15.6 inches. It also includes a key leash, an Apple AirTag holder and mesh pockets to easily locate your essentials as you head to the boardroom.
TUMI
Tumi International 2 Wheeled Duffel Backpack Carry-On
Dimensions: 21.8 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds | Material: Ballistic nylon | Carry-On or Checked: Carry-On
Pros:
Duffel-style opening
Can be monogrammed
Integrated TSA lock
Cons:
If you’re looking to invest in a long-lasting, high-quality rolling backpack without concern for price, the Tumi International 2 Wheeled Duffel Backpack Carry-On is our top recommendation. This hybrid rolling backpack has a discreet handle and a duffel-style opening for easy packing. It also offers a practical snap-closing wheel cover to keep your clothes clean when using it as a backpack.
Easy to carry in all its forms, its integrated TSA lock is definitely a plus if you ever have to check it when the plane’s overhead compartments are full. Best of all, this is a bag that looks good in any situation: It features a patch that can be monogrammed for extra personalization and is available in black and a steel-like shade.
Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 9 inches | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Material: Polyester | Carry-On or Checked: Carry-On
Pros:
Safety reflectors
Ample capacity
Affordable
Cons:
Handle and wheels may not be long-lasting
Luggage can get pretty heavy when traveling, so a rolling backpack is an ideal choice, especially for children. The J World New York Sunrise Kids Rolling Backpack offers ample storage with high-quality features. It’s equipped with a rubber base for superior protection and has multiple pockets inside and out for holding both large and small items, including pen and card slots. The rubber wheels roll quietly on various surfaces, and the exterior is made of a water-resistant fabric.
Since your little one may be more concerned about appearance than functionality, this backpack is available in an impressive 42 different styles.
Dimensions: 21.7 x 14 x 8.6 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Material: Ballistic polyester | Carry-On or Checked: Carry-On
Pros:
Easy-to-access compartments
Abrasion-resistant
Hybrid design
Cons:
Accessories are sold separately
Tropicfeel is a brand known for its innovative travel gear, and its Tropicfeel Lift 40L Rollerbag is a great example of its commitment to truly functional products. This rolling backpack is built with premium materials and comes with thoughtful features for travelers who value organization. It includes an easy-to-access compartment that holds laptops up to 16 inches, while the front is expandable up to 12 liters for extra storage.
The backpack is designed with foldable straps that can be conveniently tucked away into the back panel for maximum comfort. The wheels are engineered to provide silent riding, ensuring a quiet travel experience. In addition, the backpack features side compartments that are water-resistant and odor-proof, perfect for storing wet towels or dirty clothing separately from clean items.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has written and published dozens of luggage and travel product stories, based on rigorous research and firsthand testing.
The Forbes Vetted travel team has extensive experience covering not only the best rolling backpacks, but other essential luggage pieces, like the best weekender bags, travel totes, carry-on backpacks and more.
This story was written by Forbes Vetted contributor Joe Niehaus, a frequent traveler who has has extensive experience testing travel gear and writing comprehensive travel gear guides.
How We Chose The Best Rolling Backpacks
To find the best rolling backpacks, we combed through dozens of renowned brands and niche labels, looked through customer testimonials, and relied on our team’s extensive travel experience.
We took into account dedicated reviews, customer experiences and personal insights to make these selections.
We looked at several important features, including style, organization, materials, dimensions, weight and capacity to help Forbes readers find the best options for their situation.
The products displayed on this list are the result of hours of in-depth research, and real-world testing of many of the brands listed, by our writer and Vettted team.
What To Look for in a Rolling Backpack
When you’re in the market for a rolling backpack, consider these main factors: materials, hardware and organization. Each aspect will help you find what will serve your specific use case best.
Materials
Rolling backpacks are usually constructed from tough, lightweight materials like polyester or nylon. However, when choosing a new rolling backpack, make sure to verify if these fabrics have been treated with waterproof or abrasion-resistant coatings to suit your needs. Also, keep in mind that heavier materials such as leather can significantly increase the weight of your rolling backpack, making it more cumbersome to carry or pull during extended walks at the airport or train station.
Hardware
When shopping for a new rolling backpack, ensure that the wheels and handles are made of durable, lightweight materials. They should be comfortable and able to withstand frequent commuting and uneven roads. Look for rugged wheels that provide good traction and smooth rolling on various surfaces, and make sure that the handles meet your needs in terms of grip and length.
Organization
Many backpacks come with internal and external compartments to organize your essentials. However, as frequent travelers, we’ve found that these can sometimes be too shallow or awkwardly placed, making them impractical and hard to access. For better organization, the ideal rolling backpack should have multiple deep zippered pockets to hold your belongings and keep them easily accessible.
