There are some trips when flying can seem more complicated than it needs to be. Carry-on bags can help save money and valuable time that you could be spending at your destination.

Maybe you’re taking a weekend trip, a short vacations, or you may be a backpacker who wants to avoid baggage checking fees. Yes, we love budget airlines and they need to make money too—just not yours! Here are some great carry-on size backpack options that don’t compromise space, function, nor comfort, so you can dash off the airplane and head straight to your dreamy final destination.

1. REI Co-Op Ruckpack 40L – $159

TGT ❤️’s RUCKPACK. I traveled full-time for 2 years with the 60L Ruckpack and it is my favorite bag to this day. With a full-zip main compartment, access your belongings and pack it back up with ease. The multipurpose side straps secure hiking sticks (when used with the pole loops towards the bottom), provide extra security for objects in the side pockets, and compress your main compartment. They can also function as a stopper if you want to access the main compartment like a quick backpack. Zip up the back panel to conceal your straps when stowing. For a smaller option, read about the smaller 30L option here.

The Ruckpack comes in two frame sizes to accommodate standard women and men torso lengths. Each bag also comes in two size ranges (XS-XL & 2XL-4XL) for various waist/hip sizes.

2. Osprey Transporter 44L

The Osprey Transporter 44L is a clamshell style backpack that divides the main compartment into 1/3 and 2/3 packing spaces. The ventilated foam shoulder straps easily unclip at the bottom and pack into the zipper compartment at the top, making stowing the bag clean and easy. When the straps are stowed, the bag also converts into a duffel by using the included duffel strap. The front pocket is great for organizing small, everyday use items. The bag is TSA compliant as a carry-on bag for domestic US flights and international flights. It also features a pass through sleeve for sliding over suitcases handles and padded side handles.

3. Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40L

The Osprey Farpoint and Fairview bags are a backpacker’s go to. They are a size down from the previously mentioned Transporter, but may be the option for you depending on your travel needs. Different from the Transporter, the Farpoint/Fairview bags are a full-zip style opening, allowing you access to an undivided main compartment.

The front exterior pockets are great for water bottles, umbrellas, and tripods, but what makes the Farpoint/Fairview special are the side panel and straps. Fasten the side straps to compress your main compartment, or to secure items such as jackets, blankets, sleeping bags, or bulkier items such as shoes to the front of the pack.

The Farpoint and Fairview are both excellent choices for backpacking trips of either 3-6 months, depending on the climate you are packing for. Depending on your packing style, the dimensions may not meet all carry-on size requirements. Be sure to check with your airline.

Farpoint:

Fairview:

4. Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L Pack – $239

The Patagonia Black Hole MLC Pack is another classic duffel-to-backpack option that we love here at TGT. The main compartment has a deep mesh interior to fit all your packing cubes and shoes, and the secondary compartment is great for notebooks, cords, and of course, your laptop. Just like its smaller sibling (the 30L MLC here), the OG Black Hole has loops, handles, and straps galore. MLC stands for “maximum legal carry”, meaning this bag meats most airlines carry-on travel requirements. The padded shoulder straps and hip belt all tuck in to fit your carry needs.

The backpack is made from recycled materials and TPU laminate, making it ware and weather-resistant.

5. Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack 40L – $249

Are you looking for a backpack that can double as a duffel, and has a roll top like a water bag? The Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack is. your. bag! This incredibly versatile backpack opens as a clamshell to the deep main compartment with plenty of packing space and compression straps. The opposite/top side is separated by the waterproof divider with mesh pockets. When closed, this top compartment can store dirty or wet items separately from the main compartment, and be accessed through the roll top opening. Roll down the opening, clasp shut, and move on to the next destination without fear of unwanted items getting mixed in your bag.

6. Eastpak Travelpack Tarp 42L – $120

The Eastpak Travelpack Tarp is a great budget friendly option for those who curious if a clamshell style backpack is right for them. Featuring a sizeable main compartment and divider with a laptop sleeve, the Travelpack will definitely meet your needs for functional grab-and-go backpacks. The straps are also packable for duffel carry, and the outer shell features a pocket for your passport, everyday items, as well as a pocket for your waterbottle.

7. Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45L – $249

The Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45L is another duffle-to-backpack option that reaches the maximum luggage limit for carry-on travel. This upgraded backpack opens clamshell style, providing two equal size compartments. The front pocket holds a 15″ laptop, cords, batteries, and other everyday gadgets. The bottom front of the pack also includes a separate compartment that can be used for shoes, towels, wet clothes, toiletries, or anything else you can think of. The straps tuck away for easy carry and transport, with a pass through sleeve for suitcase handles for hassle free navigation at the airport.

8. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Duffel

The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Duffel is another crowd favorite. With it’s brightly colored shell and interior, Cotopaxi is loved as a fun, functional carry option. Don’t let its smooth, compact appearance foll you—with a 42 liter capacity, this bag will definitely meet your travel requirements. The interior dividers feature pockets for even more organization. The front pocket and water bottle pockets are also a nice touch to give your trip the efficiency it deserves. The corner straps for reinforce stability but build and doubles as loops for hanging gadgets or accessories.

While all Cotopaxi products are made from recycled materials, the Del Dia line features bags made from scrap material that would otherwise be tossed in a landfill. Rather than picking a colorway, take a look at the Del Dia options and choose a truly one-of-a-kind bag.

9. Peak Design 40L Travel Backpack – $299

The Peak Design 40L Travel Backpack has a sleek design and a built quality that makes this a favorite amongst packers who favor versatility. This full-zip style backpack features high quality materials and build quality with multiple exterior straps and loops, and side pockets for easy access to the main compartments from both sides. Also suitable for commuters, this backpack can be used at it’s neutral 35L capacity or expanded to it’s full 40L capacity. The front pocket features organizers for small gadgets and is spacious enough for extra clothes you want to store for easy access.

For photographers and others looking for a bag that can double as a tech carry-all, you can purchase a Peak Design Camera Cube to use in the main compartment for secure organization of your items.

See anything you like?? You can’t go wrong with any of these versatile options. Choose the one that fits your needs and be the first one out of the airport!

Remember: these bags meet most travel restrictions for carry-on luggage. Restrictions can vary depending on country of origin, destination, and carrier. Check for airline carry-on regulations here and here.