8 Best Carryon Hiking Bags to Buy in 2025

This 50L powerhouse is a game-changer for travelers who refuse to choose between spacious storage and airline compliance. With its ergonomic S-shaped shoulder straps, thick back padding, and hidden shoe compartment, it tackles two of the biggest pain points in carry-on travel: comfort on long walks through terminals and keeping dirty gear isolated. The integrated USB charging port and dedicated power bank pocket make staying powered up seamless—no more fumbling with cords in your bag. Whether you’re hopping off a flight into a city adventure or hitting a trailhead after check-in, this backpack bridges the gap between urban mobility and outdoor readiness.

In real-world testing, the Ponhog shines during multi-day trips where versatility is key. At 12.2×7.87×22.04 inches, it slides effortlessly into overhead bins on major airlines like Delta, United, and JetBlue. The 10-pocket layout keeps essentials organized—laptop, toiletries, snacks, even shoes—all accessible without digging. On cobblestone streets or uneven airport floors, the padded straps reduce fatigue, though heavier loads (above 30 lbs) start to strain the lower back due to the lack of a hip belt. While the water-resistant polyester handles light rain well, it’s not fully waterproof—don’t count on it in a downpour. Still, for a bag that transitions from backpack to duffel via hidden straps, the engineering is impressively smooth.

Compared to the Loowoko 50L hiking pack, the Ponhog trades some outdoor ruggedness for urban polish and convertibility—making it ideal for travelers who prioritize style and flexibility over extreme trail performance. It’s less suited for serious backpackers but perfect for those doing 5–7 day trips with mixed use: business, city exploration, and light hiking. If you value organization, comfort, and transformational design, this bag outperforms many pricier options. It delivers more features and refinement than the Loowoko, despite a similar capacity, making it a standout in the best carryon hiking bags category.

Meet the ultralight secret weapon every traveler should have stuffed in their suitcase—the levayhill 16L foldable backpack. Weighing just 2.82 ounces, this skin-like nylon pack disappears into your pocket when not in use but springs into action as a reliable daypack for hikes, beach trips, or impromptu shopping sprees. Its water-repellent coating handles drizzle and splashes with ease, while the breathable mesh straps keep you cool during short treks. For anyone who’s ever needed an extra bag on the go but didn’t want the bulk, this is the ultimate space-saving solution.

During testing, the levayhill proved its worth on day hikes, city walks, and gym runs. Unfolded at 10.23×15.75×5.51 inches, it offers enough room for a water bottle, snacks, a light jacket, and a small tablet. The side pockets securely hold a 20oz bottle, and the elastic front ties are perfect for clipping a hat or bandana. While it can’t carry heavy loads or a full-frame laptop, it excels as a secondary pack—toss it in your larger bag and pull it out when needed. It struggles on prolonged hikes with heavy gear, and the zipper feels flimsy under stress, but for its intended use, it’s more than capable.

Against the WATERFLY sling bag, the levayhill offers more volume and shoulder support, making it better for moderate use, while the WATERFLY wins for minimalism and chest carry. This levayhill pack is ideal for budget-conscious adventurers, daily commuters, or travelers who want a no-fuss, packable second bag. It doesn’t replace a full hiking backpack, but as a supplemental carry-on companion, it delivers unmatched value and convenience—beating pricier models in portability and versatility.

The Rinlist travel backpack is a stealth performer in the world of business-ready carry-ons, blending sleek professionalism with outdoor-ready durability. Its airline-approved dimensions (18.5×12.8×8 inches) and underseat fit make it a TSA dream, while the wipeable polyester fabric shrugs off coffee spills and rain alike. What sets it apart is the side USB charging port and anti-theft back pocket, giving professionals a secure, connected experience from gate to meeting room. The thickened back panel and bartack stitching signal serious build quality, and the mesh water bottle pocket adds outdoor utility without compromising style.

In practice, this backpack thrives in business travel and short city hikes. It comfortably fits a 17.3-inch laptop, documents, and a change of clothes, with two included toiletry bags adding organizational flair. The side handle lets you quickly convert it to a briefcase-style carry, ideal for polished arrivals. On cobblestone streets or subway stairs, the adjustable straps stay comfortable for hours, though long hikes reveal its lack of ventilation compared to true hiking packs. The charging port works smoothly with power banks, but like most in this category, it doesn’t include one. It’s not built for rugged trails, but for urban adventurers and road warriors, it strikes a rare balance.

Against the Taygeer women’s backpack, the Rinlist offers a more neutral, professional aesthetic and better water resistance, while Taygeer wins in color options and feminine design. This Rinlist pack is perfect for business travelers, digital nomads, or students who want one bag for work, travel, and light exploration. It delivers more ruggedness and charging convenience than Taygeer, making it a smarter pick for those who value functionality and durability in a sleek, carry-on-compliant shell.

Tailored for women travelers who want style without sacrifice, the Taygeer 40L backpack blends feminine design with serious functionality. Its 180-degree zipper opening makes TSA checks a breeze, and the dedicated shoe pouch and laptop compartment keep essentials neatly separated. The padded handles and adjustable straps allow quick switching between backpack and handbag mode, perfect for transitioning from plane to pavement. With a USB charging port and 9 internal pockets, it’s built for organization—ideal for students, weekenders, or professionals who value both aesthetics and practicality.

In real use, the Taygeer shines in daily commutes, college campuses, and short trips. At 40L, it’s slightly smaller than 50L rivals but still fits a 17.3-inch laptop, tablet, shoes, and clothes for 3–4 days. The khaki-white colorway resists stains well, and the foldable design saves space when not in use. On long walks, the lack of a hip belt becomes noticeable with heavier loads, and the side pockets don’t fit large water bottles—a minor but recurring issue. Still, the dual padded handles make hand-carrying comfortable, and the luggage strap pass-through is a thoughtful touch for rolling suitcases.

Compared to the Rinlist, the Taygeer offers more color variety and feminine styling, but less rugged fabric and fewer premium touches like wipeable material. It’s better suited for women who prioritize fashion and ease of access over extreme durability. For college students, weekend travelers, or gift-givers, it’s a charming, functional choice that outperforms many in its class. It doesn’t match the Rinlist’s business polish, but it wins in versatility and aesthetic appeal, making it a top pick for style-conscious users.

The Large Travel Backpack in Beige stands out as the most organized of the bunch, built for travelers who hate digging through clutter. With dual laptop compartments (13” and 14”), a dedicated shoe pouch, and a separate wet bag, it’s designed for maximum separation and order. The waterproof polyester shell handles rain like a pro, and the padded, breathable straps keep you cool during long wear. At 16.93×11.8×7.9 inches, it’s airline-compliant, and the structured shape maintains its form even when fully packed—no sagging or bulging.

Real-world use confirms its superior organization: laptops, tablets, shoes, wet towels, and daily essentials all have designated homes. The structured silhouette gives it a professional edge, making it suitable for business or leisure. However, the lack of a USB port is a noticeable omission in this tech-savvy category, and the side mesh pocket is shallow, limiting bottle size. On extended hikes, the back panel lacks ventilation, leading to sweat buildup. Still, for organized travelers, digital nomads, or gift-givers, it’s a reliable, stylish performer that keeps everything in its place.

Compared to the Taygeer, it offers better waterproofing and dual laptop sleeves, but fewer color options and no handbag conversion. It’s ideal for women who prioritize structure, cleanliness, and separation over convertibility. While the Taygeer wins in versatility, this pack dominates in storage logic and build quality, making it the best choice for meticulous packers who want one bag for every scenario.

The WATERFLY sling bag is the minimalist’s answer to day hikes and urban exploration. At just 7×3.5×15 inches, it’s compact but thoughtfully packed with features: a hidden earphone port, adjustable shoulder strap (31–39.5”), and D-rings for left/right carry. The breathable back panel and strap keep you cool, while the side mesh pocket fits a standard water bottle. It’s perfect for carrying essentials—phone, keys, wallet, power bank, and a small tablet—without the bulk of a full backpack.

In real use, it excels on short hikes, city walks, and amusement park visits, where quick access and security matter. The front zipper compartment keeps valuables safe, and the sling design lets you rotate it to the front for theft protection. However, it’s not for heavy loads or laptops over 10 inches, and the main compartment is tight for bulkier items. Compared to the levayhill foldable pack, it offers better security and chest carry, but less volume.

It’s ideal for day hikers, urban explorers, or minimalists who want hands-free convenience. While the levayhill wins for expandability, the WATERFLY dominates in security and on-the-go access, making it the best pick for lightweight, high-mobility adventures.