Jun. 16, 2025
Apparel
– Is it right for you
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Shengtailuo Case &Bag.
– Pros and Cons of a wheeled backpack
– Carry-on backpacks with wheels
– Check in backpacks with wheels (50-70L)
After ten years of traveling the world, I am not the typical budget backpacker anymore; I still love the independence and freedom a backpack gives me. However, I often got frustrated with carrying it and putting it on and off, especially at airports.
So last year, I switched from a regular backpack for women with 50 Liters volume to a travel backpack with wheels.
Spoiler alert: I am super happy with my choice and the increased comfort I have while still maintaining flexibility and freedom.
– Love being independent and flexible while traveling
– Need a bag with superior protection, generous storage space, and an effortless carrying experience.
– Want to keep weight of your back
– Don’t plan on carrying the backpack on hikes
+ Need a more sophisticated-looking option to a regular backpack
– You want to carry it on longer hikes
Here is my personal review of the current travel backpacks with wheels on the market.
I can’t imagine traveling without a wheeled backpack! They are perfect for independent travelers like me, offering a heavenly solution for those who want comfort and flexibility. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for hikers.
As someone who loves the flexibility and independence of a backpack but hates the hassle of carrying and sweating, I find wheeled backpacks to be perfect.
This ideal balance makes my travels so much easier and more enjoyable.
They transform from wheeled luggage to a backpack in seconds, so it’s super easy to switch based on what I need at the moment.
My wheeled backpack is the perfect blend of practicality and style. It allows me to roll into upscale accommodations with a sophisticated look, and when I’m truly backpacking, it fits right in and lets me handle everything effortlessly.
Wheels and handles naturally make a wheeled backpack heavier than its non-wheeled competitors.
However, to me, the added weight is a small price to pay for the convenience of not having to carry my luggage all the time.
The ease of rolling my bag far outweighs the slight increase in weight.
While wheeled backpacks may not be as comfortable to carry on your back due to the easily storable straps, this isn’t a major issue for me.
Since I wheel my luggage most of the time, the convenience of rolling it far outweighs the need for carrying it on my back. It’s a small trade-off for the added ease and flexibility.
Compared to a regular suitcase, the wheels on a wheeled backpack might not run as smoothly and are harder to maneuver.
But while you may not be doing pirouettes, you also won’t break a sweat carrying it.
I decided to try a carry-on back with wheels after realizing that my office and electronics make my carry-on pretty heavy. I started to dread carrying it around on longer layovers. Before we go into more detail, here is a comprehensive overview.
My favoriteVolume: 36 LWeight:5.3 lbCarry-on:Yes
Color Options: Black, Navy, PetrolFront opening: YesDimensions:21.3″ H × 15.4″ W × 12.2″ DPrice: $300
Quick verdict: It’s the ideal if you are planning on carrying it a lot. It offers a true backpack-like experience with the added convenience of wheels. The well-padded shoulder and hip straps make it super comfortable, even on longer trips.
Best for: Travelers who want to carry it for a longer time and are love the sporty look!
The Osprey Farpoint 36 has become my go-to backpack for true backpacking trips with lots of carrying. It is the most comfortable when having to carry a lot.
Spacious Front-Panel Opening & Compression: A large panel opening and internal straps make packing, organizing, and unpacking effortless.
Eco-Friendly Materials: Constructed from recycled high-tenacity nylon and bluesign®-approved fabrics, so you can travel responsibly.
Daypack Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Osprey’s Farpoint/Fairview Travel Daypack and Daylite™, letting you grab just what you need for day trips.
Comfortable to Wear: Padded hip belt and shoulder straps make backpack mode feel almost weightless, even when fully packed.
Easy to Roll: Smooth-rolling wheels and a retractable handle let you glide through airports without strain.
Feels more like a backpack than a suitcase, even when wheeled
Exceptionally comfortable to carry, thanks to cushioned hip straps
Smart compartments provide quick access to passports, laptops, and essentials
Rolls easily on smooth and uneven surfaces
Volume: 36 LWeight: 6.4 lbCarry-on:Yes
Color Options: Black, Navy, PetrolFront opening: YesDimensions: 13.8″ W × 21.7″ H × 8.3″ DPrice: $300
Quick verdict: The Eagle Creek Expanse 35L quickly became my favorite budget-friendly carry-on backpack with wheels—it’s light, rolls effortlessly over rough ground, and feels surprisingly comfortable even without hip straps.
Best for: Budget concious travelers looking more for a suitcase.
If you want carry-on freedom—gliding through the airport, packing like a suitcase, and switching to backpack mode in a heartbeat—this bag nails it without draining your wallet.
Easy to Carry: At just 2.9 kg (about 6.4 lb), it’s one of the lightest wheeled carry-ons I’ve used. Holding it on my back between gates never feels like a workout.
Suitcase-Style Packing: The front panel opens wide, so I can lay everything out flat—zip it closed, and nothing shifts during the flight. No more digging through a deep backpack to find socks.
Smooth-Rolling Wheels: Small but sturdy, these wheels handle cobblestones, airport tiles, and bumpy sidewalks with zero complaints. I barely notice the terrain as I glide along.
Instant Backpack Mode: When the escalator’s down or there’s a sudden stairway, I just snap on the straps and sling it over my shoulders in seconds—no fumbling, no hassle.
Great Value: At $179, you’re getting a solid, well-built bag without paying for bells and whistles you don’t need. It looks clean and simple in Black or Blue, and it holds up trip after trip.
No Hip Straps: It’s comfy for short carries, but on longer hauls I notice the missing support.
Limited Colors: If you like standing out, Black or Blue might feel a bit plain.
Volume: 30 L
Weight: 6.4 lbs.
Carry-on: Yes
Color Options: Black
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 21.3 x 15.7 x 8.1 inches
Price: $ 169
Quick verdict: This wheeled backpack is super comfortable to wheel and carry! I personaly need more volume for longer trips. It’s great to cover the wheels to keep clean.
Best for: The Everki Atlas rolling backpack suits digital nomads and business travelers best.
The Everki Atlas has quickly become my go-to for airport hustles and business trips. Its large, covered wheels glide over terminals and city streets effortlessly—then tuck away behind a cover to keep your back clean when you switch to carrying it like a backpack.
Large, Covered Wheels: Rolling this bag feels almost effortless, whether I’m racing to catch a flight or navigating uneven sidewalks. When it’s time to carry it on my back, the wheels tuck neatly under a cover, so I don’t end up with a dirty, scuffed back.
Quiet, Smooth Roll: I love how whisper-quiet the wheels are—no racket clacking down hotel hallways or distracting colleagues in a quiet workspace.
Clever Compartments: Every time I’m at security or digging for a charger, I appreciate the thoughtfully placed pockets. My laptop, cables, passport, and pens each have a spot, so I’m never rummaging around.
RFID Protection: The built-in RFID-blocking pocket gives me peace of mind that my laptop and credit cards are safe from data thieves.
Sleek, professional design fits in anywhere from office lobbies to airport lounges
Limited lifetime warranty means peace of mind
Effortless rolling and comfortable carry when converted to backpack mode
Volume: 40-52 L
Weight: About 6.4 lb
Color Options: Black, Navy, Grey, Mint, Beige
Front-opening: Yes
Dimensions: 21.7″ × 14.2″ × 8.7″ (height × width × depth)
Price: $299
My verdict:A versatile hybrid that seamlessly converts from suitcase to backpack, expands from 40 L to 52 L, and features a one-of-a-kind modular wardrobe system—perfect for travelers who unpack and repack on the go.
Best for: Travelers who prefer a suitcase look, love ornagization or have oto pack and unpack often.
Intuitive organizers for passports, cards, and gadgets
Fast roller-to-backpack conversion saves time
Modular toiletry and laundry bags streamline packing
Stylish enough for business trave
Less ergonomic than a full-size backpack on long carries
Feels heavy when even when empty
Premium price point
I switched from a regular 55 l backpack to a backpack with wheels last year after realizing that I really dreaded maneuvering especially at airports. And let me tell you: having wheels has increased my comfort so much!
My favoriteVolume: 65 LWeight: 6.9 lbCarry-on:Yes
Color Options: Black, MintFront opening: YesDimensions:13.78H x 17.32W x 27.95D inchesPrice: $395
Quick verdict: It effortlessly combines the convenience of a wheeled suitcase with the ease of a real backpack. With lots of storage, tough wheels, and a comfy harness system for when you need to carry it on your back.
Best for: Someone who needs a very versatile luggage.
I love how it stitches from backpack to wheels in less than 30 seconds. It’s easy to put on my back and fairly comfortable to carry.
Quick Transformation: In under 20 seconds, I switch from rolling on its rugged 90 mm wheels to shouldering it as a backpack—no fumbling.
Effortless Rolling: The HighRoad chassis and oversized wheels handle cobblestones, dirt roads, and airport tiles with zero fuss, so I’m not fighting my bag on uneven terrain.
Comfortable Haul: When I need to carry it far, the AirScape™ backpanel and harness distribute weight perfectly. Even fully packed, I barely feel the load on my shoulders and hips.
Ample Storage: With 65 L of space, I can pack gear for extended trips or include bulky items like a sleeping bag. Front opening and external compression straps keep everything accessible and snug.
Durable & Protective: Reinforced panels, zippered covers, and compression straps shield my gear from rough airport handling or a quick downpour.
Not Carry-On Friendly: You’ll need to check it, which means waiting at baggage claim.
Limited Colors: Only available in Black or Petrol, so if you want flashy, look elsewhere.
Higher Price Point: At $395, it’s an investment—though for travelers who roll and trek, it pays for itself.
Volume: 65 LWeight: 7.3 lbCarry-on:Yes
Color Options: variesFront opening: YesDimensions: 29.1″ × 13.8″ × 13.0″Price: $235
The Deuter Aviant Pro Movo is the best budget option and super leightweight. It is the only bag which van be carried as duffle, too!
Best for: Travelers who really don’t plan on carrying it over 20 minutes.
Carry-As-Duffle Design: Whenever I hop off a shuttle or need to haul my bag up a few steps, I simply grab one of the sturdy handles—either on top or on the side—and carry it like a duffle. It feels natural, and the lack of bulky backpack straps means nothing’s digging into my shoulders.
Super-Light Construction (7.3 lb): I can’t stress enough how refreshing it is to have a 60 L wheeled bag that doesn’t weigh a ton when empty. Even with gear packed inside, rolling it never feels like a chore.
Big Front-Opening Panel: I can unzip the entire front and lay my clothes flat—no more rifling through layers to find that one T-shirt. Plus, the top and front zip pockets are perfect for stashing my passport, wallet, and headphones for quick access.
Reinforced Protection: The bottom plastic feet mean I don’t worry about dragging it over rough pavement. And the two-way zipper adds an extra layer of security, so I never wake up to surprise spills or missing items.
Compression & Organization: Inside, the simple polyester lining keeps everything tidy. I tighten the compression straps around my clothes to minimize wrinkles, and the two internal zip pockets hold chargers, socks, and other small bits so they don’t float around.
Light as a Feather: At just 7.3 lb, it’s one of the lightest wheeled travel bags I’ve owned.
Duffle-Style Convenience: Handles on all sides let me swing it over my shoulder when rolling isn’t practical.
Spacious Front Access: The clamshell opening means I can see everything at once—no more frantic digging.
Durable Build: Reinforced feet and solid zippers mean it’s withstood being tossed around baggage claims without a scratch.
Budget-Friendly: At $235, I didn’t feel like I was sacrificing quality for price.
Shipping times: It can take a while to ship
Volume: 65 LWeight: 6.2 lbCarry-on: NoColor Options: blackFront opening: YesDimensions:13.4″ H × 16.1″ W × 27.6″ DPrice: $235
Quick Verdict: Gilla has been traveling with the Osprey Farpoint Wheeled 65 (≈ 3,967 cu in) and loves how it balances a true backpack feel with rolling convenience. At just 6.2 lb empty, it’s surprisingly light for its size, and the front-panel access means she rarely has to dig around to find what she needs.
Best For: Adventure travelers who need a rugged, spacious bag for longer trips—where you’ll roll it through airports but still carry it comfortably uphill or across uneven terrain.
Lightweight Backpacking Harness: The harness system on the Farpoint feels almost 2 lb lighter than Osprey’s larger Sojourn, so when I switch to backpack mode, I barely notice the difference—even fully loaded.
Spacious Front-Opening: Being able to unzip the entire front panel makes packing and unpacking so much more intuitive. I can lay out my clothes flat, tighten the internal compression straps, and close up without worrying about wrinkles or lost items.
Sustainable Materials: I love that Osprey builds this wheeled collection from recycled high-tenacity nylon (bluesign® approved). It’s nice knowing the bag is tough on the outside but gentle on the planet.
Modular Expandability: When I don’t need the full 65 L, I can detach the matching Farpoint™/Fairview™ Travel Daypack or Daylite™ and just bring what’s essential. It’s perfect for day hikes or quick errands once I’ve checked into a hostel.
Smooth Rolling: Even with all my gear, the wheels glide over airport floors and cobblestones—no wrestling or weird sideways drags.
Feels Lighter on Your Back: The streamlined backpack harness makes shoulder mode more comfortable than most wheeled travel bags.
Easy Front Access: No more rummaging—my clothes, electronics, and toiletries stay organized behind that big clamshell door.
Eco-Friendly Build: Recycled, bluesign®-approved nylon means I’m traveling with less environmental guilt.
Rolls Smoothly: Oversized wheels and robust chassis handle uneven sidewalks, airport tiles, and cobblestones without complaint.
Modular Flexibility: Detachable daypack options let me downsize instantly for short hikes or quick errands.
Volume: 90 LWeight: 4.3 lbCarry-on:Yes
Color Options: different variationsFront opening: YesDimensions: 30.25 x 13.5 x 15 in Price: $229
Quick verdict: Do not recommend –I was thrilled by how feather-light the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler felt and loved its vibrant color choices—but once I reached my destination, issues with stability and durability made me regret packing it.
Durability Concerns: Despite the tough-looking exterior, I noticed small holes in the bottom within days of use. That chipped away at my trust—and left my belongings exposed.
Won’t Stand Upright: In my hostel room, every time I leaned it against a wall or desk, it slumped to the floor. No matter how I packed it, it refused to stand—annoying when I just wanted to grab something quick.
Short-Distance Carry Only: It’s not even comfy to shoulder for a few minutes, but try carrying it longer and the lack of hip straps starts to pinch.
Ultra-Lightweight: Feels like nothing when you’re rolling it through the airport.
Versatile Carry Modes: Instantly switches between rolling, backpack, and duffle.
Water-Resistant Fabric: Keeps gear dry during unexpected showers.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Wheel Backpack. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Eye-Catching Colors: Makes spotting your bag a breeze at baggage claim.
Clamshell Packing: Full front access means no more frantic searching.
In this modern world, a backpack is one of the common things that can be seen almost everywhere. Gone are the days when a backpack was only used for carrying school books or going on a hike.
Nowadays, people use backpacks for various purposes such as traveling, working, and even diaper bags. However, with so many different types of backpacks available in the market, it can be quite confusing to choose which is the right one for you.
In all of my years of full-time and long-term travel (since ), my backpack/suitcase/whatever has assumed the functionality of my “house” (and then some) – keeping all my possessions safe while enduring the hard knocks of travel.
I’ve lived out of a bag for about 18 years.
Or rather, a few bags.
And I’ve determined (and demonstrated by example) that wheeled backpacks are the best for travel.
It is essential to have a backpack that is both comfortable to carry and has enough space to store all your belongings while traveling. When you travel, it becomes your “house” while on the road! This is all the more reason for travelers to invest in a good quality backpack. In this article I’ll show you what to look for and how to find the perfect wheeled backpack for you.
While this post was originally published in , it is constantly updated with relevant information and links. It was overhauled in , and continues to be updated for accuracy of links etc.
It is a no-brainer that a wheeled backpack is a backpack with wheels! It has all the features of a regular backpack but with the added convenience of wheels and a handle.
There are two main types of wheeled backpacks: rolling backpacks and wheeled duffel bags.
Rolling backpacks are designed to be carried on your back like a regular backpack but with added wheels and a handle. They are great for those who want to travel light and do not want to carry their backpack on their back all the time.
Wheeled duffle bags, on the other hand, are designed to be pulled like a suitcase. They are perfect for those who are looking for more storage space as they usually have a larger capacity than rolling backpacks.
Ready to meet the top 4 picks for the best-wheeled backpacks? Here they are!
These wheeled backpacks are our top pick for the best-wheeled backpack. Osprey in general makes amazing gear from durable fabric with great travel-friendly features.
The Fairview line of packs is designed specifically for women so they’re ergonomically easier to carry on your back. They both come in checked luggage size (65L), and carry-on size (36L) – though I would argue that 36L may be a wee bit small if you’re traveling long-term. Osprey has larger options.
The comfortable backpack harness and hip belt stow away when you want to use the wheels and retractable handle for easy maneuverability. And there are straps on the front of the pack to which you can attach the Osprey Daylite or Fairview/Farpoint daypacks so you can wheel or carry your whole travel entourage easily and keep your hands free.
Check out the Fairview 65L Wheeled Travel Pack
and the Fairview 36L Carry-On version.
In truth this ties for the #1 spot because the Farpoint has exactly the same features as the Fairview – except it’s designed for men.
Check out the Farpoint 65L Wheeled Travel Pack
and the Farpoint 36L Carry-On version.
This wheeled duffel bag from Eagle Creek is our top pick for the best rolling duffel bag. There are tons of rolling duffel bags, but very few also have backpack straps; this one does. It is made from durable fabric and features a large main compartment with internal compression straps to keep your belongings in place. It also has a handle and rolling wheels for easy maneuverability.
Now here’s the thing. At 90L this thing is larger than I would normally recommend for long-term travel, because it will be heavy. But if you spend a lot of time in colder climates, or you have hobbies that require gear, this will be ideal for hauling everything around.
You won’t want to carry it on your back for too long however, because there’s no waist belt and anything this big is bound to be too heavy to carry comfortably with just the backpack straps. That said, when the terrain is just too inappropriate to wheel your luggage, you’ll be thankful for the straps.
Luckily they are super sturdy oversized treaded wheels. I have some ancient Eagle Creek rolling luggage with similar wheels and I’ve rolled it countless miles on gravel, cobblestones, and other non-wheel-friendly terrain. They’re still like new.
This wheeled bag has some great organizational features too, like mesh divers and easy-access zippered pockets. Overall, this is a great rolling duffel bag for those who need to carry a ton of stuff and are looking for durability, comfort, and versatility.
Get your Eagle Creek cargo hauler here.
For something a bit smaller, check out the Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Pack 80L.
This rolling laptop backpack from Everki is our top pick for the best rolling laptop backpack. It is made from durable fabric and features a spacious main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 17-inch laptop. It also has a front organizational pocket and a quick-access top zippered pocket.
At 30L, you could use this as your only luggage for shorter carry-on only trips if you are a super light packer. Or, you could use this as your carry-on/daypack on longer trips with checked luggage. It has a trolley strap so you can attach it to your larger rolling luggage, and after you’ve checked it, you can use the wheels to breeze around the airport in style. The rolling wheels and retractable handle also makes this a nice thing to have at your destination, for example if you’re going to and from a coworking space.
Overall, this is a great rolling laptop backpack for those who are looking for durability, comfort, and convenience.
Check out Everki’s rolling laptop backpack here.
Update: Do you like the idea of carry-on sized wheeled backpacks but the Everki is too small? I’ve used the Osprey Daylite Carryon Wheeled Duffel (40L) on trips as long as 3 months. The backpack straps aren’t designed for heavy loads but can get you through the bits where you can’t roll it. They also detach if you need more packing space.
My own journey to wheeled backpacks: I started with a backpack…
…as many budget travelers do. Something about the “backpacker” moniker that means you have to travel with a backpack. (Spoiler alert: you don’t). Actually, I started my full-time travels with my second backpack, thinking I was smart for ditching the first one. (This turned out to be a smart move, but sadly not smart enough).
My First Backpack – Lowe Alpine
My first (pre-full-time traveling) backpack was a Lowe Alpine 60-80L trekking backpack.
It was a pretty simple, bare bones deal, that I took to South Africa for a month.
There, I realized three impracticalities of this bag:
So I ditched the backpack…
…and bought another bag. (I still had a few lessons to learn why backpacks suck).
I applied the above lessons by getting a day pack that had a zipper for side-access (as well as top and bottom), some extra pockets, side pockets and a padded hip belt. As for traipsing into swishy hotels with a backpack, I didn’t think my full-time travels would allow much luxury, so I conceded to the “practicality” of a backpack.
My new pack of choice was the high quality Gregory Deva.
Although this backpack was great for proper mountaineering and trips into the wilderness, it sucked for short trip travel. Or rather, it sucked for me – and I realized that I hate large backpacks in general. Here’s why:
How I discovered wheeled backpacks
Living and volunteering in a hostel in Kona, Hawaii was a great way to suss out gear and destinations through recommendations from the steady stream of travelers. I saw so many bags come through that place, and then one day, accompanied by a beacon of light and angel-song, I saw this:
It was love at first sight.
The news got even better when I discovered it was very inexpensive at under $200, and solved so many of my problems!
The High Sierra Overpass (unfortunately, long ago discontinued) rolling backpack with detachable daypack changed my life because:
Given how rarely I used the backpack straps, you might wonder why I bothered getting another wheeled backpack when this one bit the dust after three years of abuse. But I have to admit, straps are still a practical feature to have in a bag, to help you get through whatever craziness your travels might throw at you.
Since these olden days of my initial discovery, wheeled backpacks have become increasingly popular among travelers. A wheeled backpack is a great option for those who want to travel light and do not want to carry their backpack on their back all the time. It also makes it easier to maneuver through crowded areas and narrow spaces.
If I’m traveling with carry-on luggage ONLY, I prefer to maximize space and either use rolling luggage or a backpack, but not a wheeled backpack. If I have rolling carry-on luggage and need to carry it by hand (up some stairs for example), it’s light enough that I don’t need straps.
That said, I’ve been using the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Carryon 40L, which is excellent because the backpack straps don’t take away from valuable packing space the way other wheeled carry-on backpacks do. They also detach entirely if you’re going on a trip that requires more luggage space.
Check out this post to determine which type of luggage best suits your style of travel, and then this post to select the best carry-on or checked type of bag for you).
When traveling, a warranty policy is only as good as the nearest dealer, which is rarely around the corner. So when the zipper irreparably broke on my High Sierra bag while in northern Sweden, I had a week to buy another bag before immediately putting it through its paces on the Ultimate Train Challenge.
I ended up getting the Osprey Sojourn 60L. Here’s the scoop:
Are Wheeled Backpacks good? Let’s examine some advantages of wheeled backpacks
1. They are easier to carry
One of the main reasons why wheeled backpacks are becoming more popular is that they provide a much easier option to carry your backpacks. You no longer have to strain your back and shoulders all the time when carrying a wheeled backpack. All it is needed is to pull it along behind you. My compadres on the Ultimate Train Challenge were immediately enamoured with my wheeled backpack, whilst lugging their own backpacks around Europe and Asia. They both vowed to replace their packs with something similar to mine.
2. They are well organized
Wheeled backpacks are designed with compartments and pockets that allow you to organize your belongings in a better way than most regular backpacks.
3. They are more comfortable
Although a wheeled backpack is not usually as comfortable as a straight backpack without wheels, the comfort factor comes in when you can save your back and wheel it along. Look for wheeled backpacks with padded shoulder straps and backs and a hip belt to help distribute the weight.
4. They are great for traveling
Wheeled backpacks are perfect for travelers as they make it easier to move around with all your belongings. They are also great for those who are always on the go and do not have time to stop and rest. On top of that, they are easy to maneuver through crowds and narrow spaces. Also, with designs that give easy access to the contents, they’re a dream to travel and live out of.
5. They are easy to store
Because of how wheeled backpacks are designed, they are usually easy to store when not in use. Most rolling backpacks can be stored in a closet or under a bed.
6. They are durable
Durability might be the middle name of wheeled backpacks. Most wheeled backpacks are made from high-quality material that makes them more durable than regular backpacks. This means that they will last longer and will not tear easily. There are also anti-theft features that are incorporated in some wheeled backpacks, making them even more durable.
7. They are stylish
Worried about how you will look rolling around with a backpack? Don’t be! Wheeled backpacks come in different colors, designs, and styles. You can definitely find one that will suit your taste and personality.
8. They are perfect for all occasions
Whether you are going on a hike, a camping trip, or a vacation, wheeled backpacks are perfect for all occasions. Definitely the perfect companion for all your adventures.
But let us not only talk about the advantages of wheeled backpacks. Wheeled backpacks also have a few disadvantages that you should be aware of.
1. They are more expensive
The main disadvantage of wheeled backpacks is that they are usually more expensive than regular backpacks. The additional engineering that goes into a wheeled backpack will inherently make it more expensive.
2. They are heavier
Another disadvantage of wheeled backpacks is that they tend to be heavier than regular backpacks. This is because of the added features like the wheels and handle.
3. They are not good for hiking, climbing, or off-road adventures
If you are planning to go on a multi-day back-country hike, then a wheeled backpack is not the best option for you. But if you are just planning to use it for your daily commute or for travel, then a wheeled backpack would be a great option.
So if you’re a traveler who enjoys trips to the wilderness, bring along a lightweight (ideally waterproof) summit pack. It is one of my favourite pieces of travel gear.
Check out this comparison of the Top Packable Daypacks for Travel so you can choose the best one for you.
4. They are not as spacious
Some of the packing space is taken up by the wheels and the frame. This is why I don’t recommend a carry-on sized wheeled backpack if you’re going with carry-on luggage only; you’ll lose too much valuable packing space to the straps.
Interested in buying one? Here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind when purchasing a wheeled backpack.
When buying a wheeled backpack, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration, such as the type of wheels, the size of the backpack, and the price. Let us take a look at each of these factors in detail.
1. Type of Wheels
The type of wheels on the backpack is one of the most important factors that you need to consider. There are two main types of wheels – plastic and rubber.
Plastic wheels are cheaper but are not as durable as rubber wheels. Rubber wheels, on the other hand, are more expensive but are definitely more durable and can handle different types of terrain.
If you are planning to use your backpack for travel, it is best to go for rubber wheels. But if you are only going to use it for your daily commute, plastic wheels would suffice.
2. Size of the Backpack
The size of the backpack is another important factor that you need to take into consideration. Make sure to choose a backpack that is big enough to fit all your things but not too big that it becomes difficult to carry.
3. Price
The price of the backpack is also an important factor that you need to consider. There are a lot of different types of wheeled backpacks available in the market, so make sure to choose one that fits your budget.
4. Check for Straps
Carrying your backpack would be much easier with additional support such as padded shoulder straps, as well as proper waist belts and chest straps. These would help distribute the weight of your backpack evenly, making it more comfortable for you to carry.
5. Handles
Most wheeled backpacks come with handles on the top and sides. These are extremely helpful when it comes to lifting your backpack into overhead storage compartments on buses or trains. Look for really sturdy handles that can take the weight of your backpack without breaking, and you need both top and side handles.
6. Water Resistant
Choose a wheeled backpack that is made of water-resistant material. This will help keep your things dry and safe in case you get caught in the rain or someone spills their drink on your backpack.
7. Zippers
Zippers are one of the most important parts of a wheeled backpack. They need to be strong and durable enough to withstand a lot of wear and tear. If a zipper goes, your luggage is useless. Look for zippers that are made of metal or reinforced plastic, as they are the most durable.
That said, try to limit the number of zippers accessing the main contents. I use a TSA lock on my bag (for general security on the ground, as well as when flying). Too many zippers means either a ridiculous number of locks, or compromised security.
8. Pockets and Compartments
Just like regular backpacks, wheeled backpacks also come with different compartments and pockets. These are extremely helpful in organizing your things and keeping them easily accessible.
Some wheeled backpacks even have a separate compartment for your laptop, which is great if you are a student or working professional.
9. Accessibility
Another aspect to consider when choosing a good rolling bag is its accessibility. Does it have an easy-to-reach front pocket? Is the main compartment easily accessible? You don’t want to be fumbling around with a backpack that’s difficult to open. Smart bag design means that you can quickly grab what you need without having to take the whole backpack off and can definitely go a long way.
UPDATE: Although I still stand by everything in this post, you may want to see how – and why – I’m now a roll-aboard girl only, and what criteria you need to decide what is the best wheeled backpack for adults.
The Best Luggage for Long-Term Travel: Backpacks vs Rolling Luggage
…and even more recently:
Checked vs. Carry-On Luggage (and Why Checked is Best) – with a comprehensive overview of and recommendations for different types of checked and carry-on luggage.
And if you’d prefer to do the carry on backpack thing, here are the Best Carry On Backpacks for One Bag Travel.
The Ultimate Packing List for Full-Time Travel
Pro Packing Hacks – Best Travel Accessories for Maximizing Space and Organizing Your Stuff
My Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Best Wrinkle-Free Travel Clothes for Women
My Search for the Perfect Travel Sandal
All of my annual Travel Gear Review Posts
Anatomie Travel Clothing Made me Throw Out My Jeans
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Backpacks Wholesale.
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