Trying to find the best wheeled backpacks for travel? Let’s talk about the things to consider when buying a backpack with wheels, as well as the pros and cons of a wheeled backpack.
If you’re after a quick answer here – here’s my favorite pick (this one isn’t a carry-on size though).
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best rolling backpack and how to pick one that suits your travel needs.
How To Choose The Best Backpack With Wheels?
Finding the perfect backpack with wheels can be a fun task when it comes to planning your upcoming trip. Although, with so many options to pick from – it won’t be a quick decision.
To make it easier for you, I’ve put a list together of the things you should keep in mind when buying a backpack with wheels.
Backpack Size
People tend to go with a big – enormous – backpack when they go on a long trip. I’ve been there and done the same myself on my first few trips abroad.
Of course, I quickly realized that having a bigger bag means I’ll fill it up. That also means the backpack will be super heavy – not convenient – and I might have to pay extra money to bring it along with me in low-cost airlines.
I’ve been traveling with a piece of carry-on luggage only for the past 3 years. My previous backpack was a small 33 litres. My current backpack is a 37 litres.
Comfort
Ideally, you want your backpack to be as comfy as possible. It has to fit right especially if you’re going to walk with your backpack.
If you’re planning to go on long treks during your trip, you need to make sure your backpack won’t destroy your beautiful back.
If some backpacks are unisex, some others are fitting better for women or for men. As we are made differently, it totally makes sense.
Material and durability
It’s always convenient to have a bag that comes with waterproof protection. If your backpack doesn’t come with one, you can always buy a waterproof cover.
You want to buy a backpack that will last you for years and a material which won’t require you any washing, etc.
Price
The price is also a factor when it comes to buying your luggage. I personally paid anything between $100 and $300 for a backpack.
All my previous backpacks lasted for years. The only reason why I changed them over the years was that my needs changed in terms of size and comfort.
Pros And Cons Of Having A Backpack With Wheels
Having a wheeled backpack comes with pros and cons.
Let’s take a look at them.
Advantages Of Having A Backpack with Wheels
As you can see, the pros and cons are even, which makes it even more difficult.
Although, here’s how I came to the conclusion that a backpack with wheels was better for me:
- Convenience is the most important factor for me. I’m getting older and I like how swappable the wheeled backpack is. At the airport, I can easily use the wheels and if I’m walking in the street, I can then, put the straps on and walk with a backpack. If I get tired, then, I can simply put it back on the ground.
- As I don’t like packing, unpacking, the wheeled backpack is also better for me. I truly hated these moments when I was “fishing” in my backpack to try to find my clean underwear. Now I can simply unzip the backpack and find everything I need easily. No more backpack fishing, yay!
- It might not be as comfortable and I might be losing space, but it turns out I use the wheels more than I expected anyway. As I don’t mind minimizing my possessions, it was an easy pick for me.
Best Backpack With Wheels
Now, let’s take a look at the best options when it comes to choosing a backpack with wheels.
My Pick: Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On
This one is my top pick but is also the current backpack I travel with. It’s a great choice when it comes to long-term travel.
Eagle Creek is a great brand when it comes to luggage, especially for adventurers. This one can’t be bought on Amazon and let’s be honest, it’s not the cheapest.
This bag can be carried like a backpack or wheeled for your convenience. The size of the bag (37L) makes it one of the best wheeled backpack for long-term travelers. As you can combine it with the day pack part too, it gives you a total of 55L.
Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On Features:
- Dimensions: 25 x 40 x 15 in
- Capacity: 55L
- 100% made of recycled materials
- Lockable exterior zippers
Carry On Backpack With Wheels: High Sierra Ultimate Access 2.0
Three backpacks for the price of one! This excellent rolling travel backpack is a carry-on size that is perfect for any minimalist packer or busy traveler on the go.
Simply carry as a backpack or wheel the bag along for one of the best rolling backpacks on the market.
Once you arrive at your destination, you can unzip the front of the backpack and turn it into a day bag!
High Sierra Ultimate Access 2.0 Features:
- Dimensions: Main Bag: 22 x 13.5 x 9 in, Daypack: 16.5 x 12 x 5.75 in
- Capacity: 51 L
- Zip-off Day Pack
- Carry-on friendly
- Oversize, Skate-style wheels
Travel Backpack with Wheels: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Rolling Duffel
An excellent long-term travel backpack choice is the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler. A trusted company in the travel gear sector, Eagle Creek knows what’s best when it comes to carrying around your gear (or in this case, rolling it along the ground).
This bag can be carried like a duffel, an over-the-shoulder backpack, or wheeled for your convenience. The size of the bag (120 L) makes it one of the best wheeled backpacks for long-term travelers.
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Features:
- Dimensions: 32 x 13.5 x 15.75 in
- Capacity: 120L
- Water-repellent
- Lockable exterior zippers
Best Backpack for Long-term Travel: Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Luggage
Lightweight, easy to carry and coming from a trusted brand — what more do you want in a long-term travel backpack?
The Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Luggage offers back-suspension technology that allows it to be carried comfortably on your back.
But when you’re wanting to give your back some rest, simply pop up the extended handle to smoothly roll your luggage across all surfaces.
Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Luggage Features:
- Dimensions: 28in x 14in x 14in
- Capacity: 80L (they also offer other smaller models)
- Lightweight, high-rolling wheels
- Straightjacket compression straps to secure load
Best Travel Backpack Carry-on Size: Olympia Cascade 20″
With a selection of two fun colors, this carry-on-friendly rolling backpack is perfect for any weekend adventure getaway.
The shoulder straps hide away nicely if you decide to wheel the bag to your destination or push down the handle to reveal an easy-to-carry backpack!
The compact size makes it an excellent option for those who travel light and love moving quickly through the airport lines!
Olympia Cascade Features:
- Dimensions: 8.5in x 15in x 20in
- Carry-on friendly
- Expandable for additional packing capacity
Packing Hacks
Here are a few things you might find helpful while packing:
Final Thoughts On The Best Rolling Backpacks For Travel
We hope this guide helped you find a suitable backpack with wheels for your travel adventures.
As you can see, there are a few things to consider when buying a backpack.
Need help with your travel gear? Read one of the following blog posts:
