After seven years of global travel, the winner is clear.
For those short on time, I'll get straight to the point. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpack without a doubt is made by SwissGear. There are many different models, but our favorite after seven years of heavy use (including nonstop travel the past two years) is the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart
There are lots of technical specifications included in the above link which validate this backpack is certifiably amazing; however, I'd like to share this laywoman's terms of why the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart is the Best Carry-on Backpack:
Comfort: air-mesh padding on the backside of the backpack AND the straps make carrying heavy loads really comfortable and breathable (yay for not soaking your back with sweat!). The ergonomic design of placing heavier items (like laptops) near your back is one of those subtle yet critical design benefits SwissGear is known for.
Quality / Durable: on any given trip, I probably carry at least 40 pounds (18 kg). Laptops, hard drives, notebooks, clothes, toiletries. You name it. This SwissGear 1900 Scansmart backpack is truly my mobile office - and sometimes my office and suitcase all-in-one! The workmanship of this backpack is unlike any I've experienced. The stitching and seams are the most reinforced and heavy-duty I've ever tried - and I've tried a LOTS over the years.
Functionality: there is so. much. space!!! The key here is the cleverly placed pockets and compartments strategically located to be the most functional. This includes side straps for holding water bottles, a little stuffed owl named "Hootie", padded pockets for sunglasses or delicate electronics, front straps to hold a folded jacket or running shoes, a dedicated media pocket with USB charging capabilities, and the list goes on. You'll find, like I have, the innovation is staggering. For as long as I've had this backpack, I continue to find new or different ways to use it depending on what I'm carrying.
Stylish: SwissGear is known for its sleek, stylish designs, and this backpack is no exception. Of course, we tend to buy EVERYTHING in black; however, if colors are your "thing", there are 10 different color options to choose from. Full transparency: I'm looking closely at purchasing the white/black combo in the near future. I just LOVE it!!
Price: considering the value you get from this backpack, the price point of under $100 is (frankly( staggering. Doing some rough math, after traveling with this backpack for seven years (and at least 40 different trips), the backpack has cost roughly $14 a year. Incredible!! And I can't see my SwissGear 1900 Scansmart backpack being retired anytime soon (however, I have been eyeing the white / black version, oh and the grey 😎).
If you've seen any of our YouTube travel channel videos, you'll see this backpack in so many of the episodes!!
There are many other cool specifications - like RFID-protected organizer compartment with a removable key/fob clip and multiple divider pockets. Feel free to read the nitty gritty details on the Amazon product page (if you are into that sort of thing).
Bottom line: I wouldn't think twice about recommending the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart backpack and look forward to using this little beast of a backpack for many more years.
Any questions? Drop them below and we will happily respond.
Thanks for reading and have a terrific day. Now...GO CREATE AN ADVENTURE!! #peace
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