Best Backpacks With Wheels For Travel

As travelers, we tend to obsess over our bags – and for good reason. The bag you are carrying will make all the difference in your journey. It will determine how much you can pack, how dry your clothes stay, and how comfortable you are carrying it.

A lot of people prefer traditional, strap-only backpacks. Others like a hybrid with both straps and wheels. For me, the bag I choose depends on what kind of trip I am taking.

This post is all about using a backpack with wheels for serious travel. I’m going to run you through all the benefits and drawbacks of a wheeled bag, talk about how to choose the best one, then review some of the best backpacks with wheels for travel available on the market right now.

A wheeled backpack isn’t for everyone, but if you are considering it, I hope this post will help inform you on all the ins and outs before you make your purchase.

What to Consider in a Backpack with Wheels for Travel

Before I get into the specifics of wheeled backpacks, let’s talk about the basics. These bags may not be the best for every traveler, but there are definitely some huge benefits to using one that you should be aware of.

Here is everything (briefly) you need to know about travel backpacks with wheels before you decide to buy one.

What are they?

That might sound like a silly question, but I should mention that a travel backpack with wheels is more than just, well – a backpack with wheels.

A wheeled backpack is meant to give you the best of both a suitcase and a backpack all in one. They should have a tough enough interior skeleton to stay upright while you roll them, but still be flexible enough to comfortably carry on your back when rolling isn’t an option.

The exact design of a wheeled backpack depends on the producer, but most have convertible straps that can be tucked away so they don’t get in the way of the wheels, plenty of versatile storage space, and durable material that won’t break down through all-season traveling.

Why should you buy one?

There are a ton of benefits that come with using a wheeled travel backpack over a suitcase or ordinary backpack.

For me, easily the biggest benefit of a wheeled backpack is being able to set it down and roll it as you are moving through the airport. We all know how annoying customs lines can be – and having to stand in line for an hour or more with a huge heavy backpack on your shoulder is basically the worst.

At the same time, though, once you leave the airport, you can pick the wheeled backpack up and carry it on your shoulders. If you have ever tried to roll a suitcase over a dirt road or a cobbled street, you know how awkward they can get. A lightweight backpack with wheels gives you a lot more mobility.

Appearances matter too, especially on a trip with multiple diverse destinations. What I really love about wheeled travel backpacks is that they combine the rugged look of a backpack with the more sophisticated look of a suitcase, so you never feel out of place with your luggage, whether you are staying in a high-class resort or a backpackers’ hostel.

Why shouldn’t you buy one?

Here’s the thing: a travel backpack with wheels combines the comfort of a suitcase with the mobility of a backpack – but it doesn’t have the full benefits of either.

I wouldn’t recommend a wheeled backpack to more serious travelers and backpackers. They are a lot heavier than standard backpacking packs, and not as easy to carry. On a trip where you are going to be doing a lot of walking on rugged terrain, a wheeled bag will be too bulky and awkward.

On the other side of that, if you are a more formal traveler who tends to stay in one hotel or resort whenever you travel, you will be better off with a suitcase than a wheeled backpack. Suitcases allow for more packing space, and you won’t need the mobility of the backpack if you won’t be moving around a lot.

Important Features

If you decide that a travel backpack with wheels is right for you, here are some of the most important features you’ll want to look out for.

1. Material

Like any travel backpack, the material of the best backpacks on wheels for travel will be thick, durable and resistant to scrapes and tears while you are traveling.

Waterproof material is also a huge plus – especially when you are rolling the backpack, there is a good chance of it getting wet on the road. Nylon is a good, standard material that a lot of travel bags are made of that is both weatherproof and super durable.

2. Size

The size of your ideal backpack all depends on your needs. Like all travel backpacks, size is measured in liters – a 40 – 80 liter back is pretty standard for long term travel.

If you have been traveling for a while, you are probably already familiar with how to find the right size bag. But remember that the wheels and tough frame of a wheeled backpack adds some size – if you are looking for a carry on backpack with wheels, you might want to consider a smaller size than you would normally buy, to meet the dimension requirements of most airlines.

This is a good time to mention that you will sometimes see the terms “backpack” and “rucksack” used interchangeably to describe different sizes of bags – this is just a matter of British vs. American English. Something advertised as the “Best Rucksack with Wheels for Travel” will be a bigger backpack on wheels, for long-term traveling.

3. Colors and Appearance

I won’t go too much into this, because the appearance of your bag is obviously a matter of personal preference. I will say, though, that your wheeled travel backpack is likely to spend more time close to the ground than an ordinary travel backpack. It might get dusty or splashed with mud.

Dark colors are usually a good choice, to keep dirt and stains from standing out too much. My favorite backpacks come in dark colors with a distinctive highlight, like a bright logo or neon stripe, that makes them easier to pick out on a conveyor belt.

4. Comfort

Last but certainly not least, you want your wheeled backpack to be as comfortable to carry as possible. Remember, wheeled backpacks are heavier than normal travel bags, so additional comfort elements go a long way.

Breathable, padded material and a well-designed back structure are going to make a huge difference when you are carrying your bag. The top brands like Osprey and High Sierra will make bags that can adjust for your comfort and curve along the lower back, so that nothing is digging in or uncomfortable.

The 15 Best Wheeled Backpacks for Travel

I’ve run you through what you need to look for – now let’s take a look at some of the best backpacks with wheels for travelling available in 2019.

No two backpacks are exactly the same. There are pros and cons to every one of these models, but some of them will suit your needs better than others.

#1 Lowe Alpine AT Wheelie 60 Travel Pack

This is a great wheeled backpack for a more serious traveler. It has durable, water resistant TPU coated fabric, locking zippers, and is comfortable to use as a backpack as it has a stashable harness to carry over dirt or cobblestone roads.

This particular bag is a 60 liter model, but Lowe Alpine makes a 90 and 120 liter model too. It is a little more expensive but it will last you a long time as your main travel backpack.

#2 Osprey Packs Meridian Wheeled Luggage

Osprey is a very popular name in travel backpacks. The Meridian is one of their more recent models. It comes with padded straps and lumbar support so it is as comfortable as a backpack as it is convenient as a suitcase.

In my opinion, the Osprey Meridian is the best backpack with wheels for European travel.

#3 Kipling Luggage Alcatraz Wheeled Backpack

This is a smaller, more stylish option for a shorter trip, or as your carry on bag in addition to bigger luggage. Kipling isn’t as well-known of a travel brand, but they make high quality bags with good, durable material that are comfortable to carry.

I wouldn’t recommend this as your main travel backpack, but it is great for laptops and other heavy, delicate things you may need to pack with you. It also comes in tons of different colors, so you can make it personal and distinctive.

#4 Samsonite Wheeled Backpack MVS Spinner

Samsonite is one of my favorite brands for a good mix of affordability and reliability.

This backpack is compact and has enough storage space for a longer trip. It is also pretty comfortable to carry – the telescoping handle tucks away easily and doesn’t add too much weight.

It has a laptop pocket, and converts easily. I still wouldn’t recommend this backpack to more serious, long-term travelers, but it’s perfect for a week-long excursion.

#5 Eagle Creek Switchback International

Another top-quality Eagle Creek bag, the Switchback International doubles as a daypack. Unload some of your luggage at the hostel or hotel, then take this pack out adventuring the next day.

One downside with this one is that it is a little smaller than some others, but for a shorter trip, it’s an awesome option.

#6 JanSport Driver 8 Core Series Wheeled Backpack

JanSport isn’t well known for their travel backpacks, but this one changes the game. This is a comfortable, smaller wheeled backpack with plenty of packing space for a shorter trip. It’s one of the more affordable bags on this list.

My favorite thing about the JanSport bag is that it comes in so many different colors and prints. This is a great bag for a kid or teenager to travel with.

#7 Osprey Ozone Convertible 22

A slightly smaller Osprey backpack, but perfect for traveling in Europe and staying in hostels. It has waist straps and a comfortable back structure to walk around with. The telescoping handle tucks away neatly when you are using it as a backpack.

I would definitely recommend this Osprey bag for lighter travel, or as a secondary daypack alongside your bigger luggage. That said, it’s not great for carrying a laptop – there won’t be any room left for your other gear.

#8 Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Luggage

If you haven’t guessed yet, I am a huge fan of Osprey backpacks. If you set aside the high price, they are tough not to love.

The Sojourn is one of Osprey’s most popular wheeled bags. As a backpack it is so compact and lightweight that you barely even notice it doubles as a suitcase.

This is the 80-liter model – big enough for a long trip. This is another great option for European travel – it’s as comfortable on the road as it is in the airport.

#9 ECBC Pegasus Convertible Wheeled Backpack

I’m not normally one to choose style over performance, but the ECBC Pegasus gives you the best of both.

ECBC is another one of the top brand names out there, alongside Osprey, Eagle Creek and High Sierra. This bag is sleek, comfortable, and perfect for traveling with your backpack.

I don’t recommend the Pegasus for backpack-style travel. This is the kind of bag you are going to want to leave in your hotel room – but it does make time spent in the airport or train station way easier.

#10 High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack

High Sierra makes tons of backpacks, and a few different models of wheeled backpacks. I included this one on my list because it is versatile and super durable.

This is a great carry on backpack to stow a laptop in, and it can double as a daypack while you are travelling.

It’s not quite comfortable enough to work as a backpacking pack – I would not recommend this bag as your main luggage, but it is perfect as a durable carry on bag.

#11 Victorinox 2-in-1 Sport Wheeled Backpack

Here’s another brand you might not have heard of, but should definitely be aware of. Victorinox makes great travel backpacks that always have a sleek, professional look.

This one has plenty of pockets and packing space and it converts smoothly from suitcase to backpack – unlike a lot of other convertibles of its size, it doesn’t look stiff or bulky when you carry it on your back.

This is a good carry on bag for a laptop, and it could work as your main luggage for a shorter trip.

#12 Eagle Creek Load Warrior 22

Another one of my favorites for a long, rugged trip, such as exploring Southeast Asia. The Load Warrior is Eagle Creek’s most popular wheeled travel backpack, for good reason. It is nice and compact, but still has plenty of internal space for whatever you need to pack. It’s comfortable to use as a backpack and has a tough exoskeleton that will protect it against wear and tear.

My favorite thing about this bag is the design. It has a distinctive spot of color on the handle, so you can easily spot it in a crowd or on a conveyor belt.

#13 Eagle Creek National Geographic Adventure Convertible Carry-on

This last Eagle Creek wheeled backpack is perfect for short, intense trips. It’s compact and easy to carry, but designed to easily fit plenty of gear. The center zipper not only gives it a unique look, but lets you access your clothes more easily when everything is tightly packed in.

It has locking zippers and compression straps, making it secure enough to comfortably travel anywhere with. I would definitely recommend this bag for adventurous travel – just keep in mind that it isn’t ideal for a laptop.

#14 Hypath 2-in-1 Convertible Travel Bag

The last backpack on my list is a great, high-quality wheeled backpack for someone who wants the design and durability of an Osprey or Eagle Creek bag without the high price. This bag has a lot of pockets for easy storage and it’s comfortable to carry as a backpack.

The best part? This is a 2-for-one deal. It comes with a detachable daypack that stacks easily onto the outside of the main pack when you are rolling or carrying it. That way, you have twice the storage space and a little more versatility.

#15 AOKING 20/22 Inch Water Resistant Wheeled Backpack

This AOKING bag is another smaller, affordable wheeled backpack for lighter travel. It works great as a carry on, or as your main luggage for a shorter weekend trip. The material is water resistant, so it is safe for a laptop or other electronics.

This bag is lighter and comfortable to carry, so it’s a good choice for kids on the go.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – 15 of the best travel backpacks with wheels, all available for purchase right now.

Now that you have seen some of the best wheeled backpacks out there, you can think about which might be best for you. My only advise is to consider what kind of traveling you are going to be doing before you make your purchase.

If you are the kind of person who travels a little rougher, moves around a lot and spends time trekking around, you should look for a wheeled backpack that is comfortable to carry and has a compact design.

On the other hand, if you tend to stay in one spot while you are traveling and bring bigger items like laptops with you, you might want to look for a more stylish and roomy wheeled travel backpack that has a cushioned laptop pocket and plenty of storage space.

Whatever style you choose, make sure you prioritize durable, water-resistant material. Secure zippers and compression straps are also a plus.

The best backpack with wheels for travel will be the one that fits your travel style and can go wherever you go.

Happy trails!