I love my REI Trail 40 Backpack. I’ve used it as my “personal item” on countless flights for nearly a decade. But, as a cost-conscious traveler, I always worry I will get caught for flying with an oversized personal item.
Almost every airline will let you bring a “personal item” aboard for free, so long as it can fit under your seat. Each airlines has specific measurements for a personal item. It’s especially important to mind these measurements on budget airlines such as Spirit and Frontier, which don’t offer carry-on bags for free. Purchasing a carry-on or checked bag on these airlines can drastically increase your flight cost, sometimes doubling the original price.
So you could imagine the dismay I feel whenever my broke ass is forced to fork over an unexpected $100 just to check in what was supposed to be a personal item. With that in mind, I set out to find the best personal item backpack for my future travels and end the gamble once and for all.
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At a glance:
Best overall:
Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30L
Best on a budget:
Bagsmart Blast Travel Backpack
Best for professionals:
Aer City Pack Pro 2
Best if you’re outdoorsy
REI Co-Op Trail 25 Pack
Backpacks that didn’t make the cut: scroll past our top picks to see the full list
Questions and answers: scroll past our top picks to learn more
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Why you should trust me
For years, I’ve traveled with a single backpack as a personal item to avoid carry-on fees, checked-bag fees and inconvenient foot travel. Anyone who has seen me at a gaming convention like Pax has also noticed the comically large backpack I take everywhere because it was the only one I could bring on the plane. Even as a kid, I carried everything in whatever backpack I was using for school.
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How I tested personal item-sized backpacks
All the bags I tested were packed and worn for an actual flight as if they were going to be used for a three- to four-day vacation. I packed at least one large compression cube (the best compression cubes we’ve tested) of clothing, my 14in Asus ROG Zephyrus laptop, one notebook with a pencil case, and pouches for my toiletries, makeup, and charging accessories. However, because of varying temperatures between my destinations, exactly which clothes I brought varied between each flight. I mostly traveled between Florida and Philadelphia to visit my partner, but I also visited other locations such as Los Angeles.
I wore each backpack to the airport and checked how it fit underneath the chair in front of me before takeoff. After the flight, I also checked if the backpack fit into the personal item-sized bin in front of the airline gate. (That way, even if it didn’t fit, I’d already be at my destination.) I tested 12 backpacks specifically for this article over the past few months, but included a few others based on my past experience using them.
Nearly all of these backpacks were given to the Filter US for testing by the companies themselves and will be returned or donated when testing has concluded, but I personally bought the Bagsmart Blast Travel Backpack and Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Bag out of my own curiosity even though I wasn’t able to obtain a testing sample.
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The best personal item backpacks in 2026
<em>Best overall:</em>Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30L
The Bellroy Lite Travel Pack was the most comfortable bag for my small frame and felt surprisingly spacious. Even when packed tightly, it kept its shape without oddly bulging outward and easily squished into a personal-size item bin even though it’s taller than 19 in. I’d use my own money to buy it in a heartbeat.
Why we love it
The Bellroy Lite Travel Pack is a prime example of a compact travel backpack that balances functionality with minimalism. I appreciated the thoughtfulness put into the design, including the multiple internal pockets that fit together without bloating the bag (unlike many bags that stack pockets on top of each other like a grade-school backpack), and the discrete laptop pocket that kept the outside looking smooth and uniform. It’s also one of the lightest bags I tested.
It’s a shame that … Bellroy decided to design the chest strap with a hook and elastic bands rather than just a belt like every other bag on this list. The hook often comes undone, which is frustrating, but the back panel fits so well that I’m able to do without it. It also has no side pockets, which may be an issue for some travelers.
Capacity: 30 liters
Measurements: 19.7 × 14.2 × 4.7in
Weight: 2.1lbs
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<em>Best on a moderate budget:</em>Bagsmart Blast Travel Backpack
The Bagsmart Blast Travel Backpack is hard to beat for its value. Many of the most praised travel backpacks cost $100 to $250. Meanwhile, the Bagsmart Blast Extendable 38L Backpack retails for $75 and is almost always on sale and available at a discount for select groups like students. It comes in a variety of colors, from basics like beige and navy to bold pink and turquoise, and includes convenient organization features like a laptop section and shoe compartment.
Why we love it
The Bagsmart Blast Travel Backpack is affordable without feeling flimsy, on par with mainstream retailers like JanSport with more of a focus on travel utility. It offers plenty of storage options for budget-conscious buyers without being complete trash like many $20 backpacks you’d find on Amazon.
It’s a shame that … it’s easy to overstuff. If you use the expandable feature, it will definitely become too thick for most airlines if you pack it to its full capacity. Also, it has more of a “plastic bag” feel on the inside than the pricier bags on this list.
Capacity: 28 liters, 38 liters (expanded)
Measurements: 12.2 x 16.5 x 8.1in (10in expanded)
Weight: 2lbs
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<em>Best for professionals:</em>Aer City Pack Pro 2
Aer takes the crown for craftsmanship. Aer City Pack Pro 2 boasts a sturdy exterior that holds its form well and flawless stitching that doesn’t look rushed. It doesn’t have the clamshell design that many other travel bags have, but it still offers plenty of space for organization thanks to its front pockets. I especially appreciated small business-friendly details, like the padded pocket for my laptop and easy-access pocket at the top for business cards and keys. Its minimalist vibe works well for both work and travel, and it doesn’t have any loud branding plastered across the front.
Why we love it
Before I even wore the Aer City Pack Pro 2, I was impressed by its construction. The nylon feels smooth to touch yet durable. Many bags have a collapsible form that flattens when nothing is inside of them. Meanwhile, the City Pack Pro stays firm, even when empty – like backpack-shaped luggage. It’s one of the heavier bags on this list, but still feels comfortable to wear.
It’s a shame that … it doesn’t come in more colors or patterns. Keeping it simple is probably the point, but cuter alternatives would be nice for such a durable and well-crafted product.
Capacity: 24 liters
Measurements: 18 x 12.5 x 7in
Weight: 2.9lbs
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<em>Best if you’re outdoorsy:</em>REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack
Like my beloved REI Trail 40 pack, the Trail 25 has a flexible body without much organization inside. These bags are meant for backpacking first and travelling second, so it makes sense that they would forgo the clamshell design and compartments that others have. It’s actually a strength in that sense; the lack of compartments allows the body to stretch to fit many forms without breaking or looking like a mess.
Why we love it
As the owner of the smaller version of my longtime travel backpack, I had to test this one. The REI Trail 25 has many of the same beneficial qualities that the Trail 40 has, but fits much less stuff and has a more casual hip belt. The belt on the Trail 40 was thick enough to have its own pockets, but this has a simple nylon seatbelt-style strap.
It’s a shame that … the Trail 25 doesn’t have as large a hip belt as the Trail 40. That makes sense, since it’s supposed to hold less stuff and be easier to carry, but I missed how the thicker hip belt took the weight off my lower back.
Capacity: 25 liters
Measurements: 18 x 13 x 8in
Weight: 1.8lbs
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Other backpacks we like
<em>A well-made clamshell pack:</em> Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC Backpack 22L
Looking back, maybe I should’ve gotten the larger 28L version. The Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC Backpack 22L firmly fits within the 18 x 14 x 8inmeasurement guidelines, but it’s slightly smaller than some of the other options on this list. I enjoyed the clamshell design, hidden pocket, military loops for added utility, foldable straps and interior organizer.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the organizer inside is awkwardly designed. It’s attached by a strap sewn into the side and looks like something is supposed to fit behind it, but it isn’t a real pocket. Its side pocket also can’t fit a water bottle and the compartment for the tablet/laptop was too small to fit my 14-inch laptop.
Capacity: 22 liters
Measurements: 18 x 12 x 7.5in
Weight: 1lb 15oz
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<em>A fantastic ‘everything’ backpack:</em>Herschel Little America Backpack 30L
The Herschel Little America Backpack is a popular choice in my family for an “everything” backpack for school, work and travel. I used it a couple of times before getting my Trail 40, and it holds up well for people who want a backpack that can do multiple jobs. The capacity and durability are also great for this price level.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it lacks the organizational features that the more advanced travel backpacks on this list have, such as interior organizers and foldable straps. If you stuff it too tall it becomes difficult to fit into a personal item bin and you won’t be able to close it with the magnetic clasps that connect to the bottom of the bag.
Capacity: 30 liters
Measurements: 19 x 11.25 x 7in
Weight: 2.35 lbs
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<em>Great for style and color options:</em>Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack
I first discovered the Calpak Terra 26L on Instagram, where it lived in my wishlist for the longest time. It offers many of the same features that the best bags on this list have like a laptop compartment, plenty of pockets, a convertible option and a trolley sleeve. Admittedly, it lacks the ergonomics, organization and toughness of these other packs, but it’s so, so pretty.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it feels like much of its steep price comes from the brand and aesthetic. Also, almost any kind of discount seems to make it a “final sale item”, according to the brand’s promotions, which means you need to buy full price to be able to return.
Capacity: 26 liters
Measurements: 18 x 12 x 7.5in
Weight: 2.9lbs
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<em>A bag that kinda doubles as backpack:</em>Fjallraven Kanken Weekender Duffel
I was impressed with how much this combo duffel and pack could fit, considering many of the other options on this list matched its specs. It’s split into two large sections that can be used for whatever you want, plus a pocket at the back for a laptop and notebooks, and a small front pocket for accessories. You can fold the backpack straps out of the way when you’re not using them. However, as I wore it, I began to feel it should have stuck to being a weekender bag rather than marketed as a convertible backpack.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it lacks the same reinforced shoulder straps that Kankan school bags have, making me question its long-term durability.
Capacity: 30 liters
Measurements: 17.3 x 11.8 x 7.9in
Weight: 1lb 76.9oz
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What other backpacks did we test?
CabinZero Military Backpack 28L ($128): CabinZero has three versions of its signature backpack, and I tested the military style because of its padded straps. It’s made from a sturdy fabric that doesn’t stretch much, staying firmly within underseat guidelines whether you want it to or not. There’s a “tough” vibe to its design, with military-style loops for hooking items with carabiners. It lacks a dedicated laptop compartment (only available in the CabinZero Tech Backpack), though it does have a non-padded pocket where one could fit. The side pocket can also only hold a 12oz thermos.
Fjallraven Skule 20 ($85): I asked Fjallraven to send me the Kanken Weekender because it delivered on the vision of a travel backpack much better and had much larger capacity. It’s still a competent backpack for weekend trips or everyday use for work and school.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 30 Pack ($109): REI offered to send me both the Trail 25 and the Ruckpack 30. It was a well-built bag, but of the two I preferred the Trail 25 for its hip belt and wider frame. The Ruckpack is tall and narrow, which isn’t ideal for my style of packing.
JanSport Big Student Backpack ($60): I bought a strawberry print JanSport backpack a while ago because it allegedly fits up to 30L and is cute and nostalgic. I didn’t like the organization and it quickly became too thick when I filled up all the sections and pockets.
Taygeer Travel Backpack ($40): I wanted to try a super cheap backpack to see how it measured up to the premium brands. The Taygeer backpack is actually so popular that I’ve seen three people ahead of me in line wear it while boarding my flight, but it’s nowhere near the level of quality as everything on this list. Great value for the $20 I bought while on sale, though.
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What to know about personal item backpacks
What do numbers like ‘20L’ mean?
Numbers such as 20L refer to backpack capacity in liters, an estimate of how much a backpack can hold. The key word is “estimate”, though. A 25L backpack could fit more than a 30L one depending on how items fit together and how accurately manufacturers label the capacity. For example, I found that the CabinZero Military Backpack 28L fit about as much as the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC Backpack 22L when packed with my compression cubes and pouches.
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Do the right measurements guarantee a backpack will fit the personal item requirements on my flight?
No, for more than one reason. Each airline has different measurements for what it considers a personal item. Also, measurements may not be completely accurate depending on the material of the bag, how tightly you pack it and other factors that have nothing to do with the manufacturer-advertised measurements. Even my Trail 40 could easily fit into a personal-size item bin or under a budget airline seat if it were under packed. A frustrating flight attendant can also derail plans.
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What measurements should I aim for when looking for a personal item backpack?
Like I said, personal item measurements differ between airlines, but the ones I focused on for this article were within the range of 18 x 14 x 8in. Even though airlines like United have smaller specifications, I never had an issue taking my personal backpacks with me onto their flights.
Take these personal item measurements for example:
American Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8in
Frontier Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8in
Spirit Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8in
United Airlines: 17 x 10 x 9in
JetBlue: 17 x 13 x 8in
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What should I look for if I want an especially comfortable backpack?
If you’re concerned about comfort, look for bags with:
Chest straps and hip belts: These help distribute the weight of your bag across your body instead of just putting pressure on your shoulders.
Padded straps: Padded straps won’t dig into your shoulders as much.
Well-padded or foam back panel: Emphasis on well-padded. Look for a back panel that feels cushioned like the back of a chair or molds to your back like memory foam.
Low weight (typically less than 2 lbs): The less a bag weighs, the lighter it’ll feel on your back. There’s a tradeoff between lightness and sturdiness, so be careful.
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Do you have any packing tips?
Yes! Get compression cubes (the best packing and compression cubes we’ve tested) to maximize space or at least packing cubes to organize your clothes. Before I got packing cubes, I used to roll my clothes like eggrolls to tightly pack them (not a good option if your clothes need to be wrinkle free). Also, use pouches and small bags for things like toiletries and charging cables so the inside of your bag is more organized and items are easy to find.
You may feel inclined to overstuff your backpack. That’s fine, but it could stretch the bag past the manufacturer measurements and it may not fit into the personal-size item bin at the airport as a result. If you must stuff your bag, I recommend packing it vertically rather than horizontally because too wide a width is more common than too tall a bag in my experience.
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Jess Reyes mostly writes about games, tech and trends. She loves cute things but prioritizes practicality in her recommendations, searching for the best of the best at the lowest price. You can find her work in IGN, GameSpot, PC Gamer, Digital Trends and more
