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Everything You Need To Know About Choosing Cool Carry-on Backpacks for 2025

Man wearing yellow cool carry-on backpack next at station

Choosing the perfect cool carry-on backpack can potentially transform stressful journeys into smooth and enjoyable adventures. With a variety of options available, it’s important to find backpacks that balance style, comfort, and functionality. Understanding the key features and considerations for a cool carry-on backpack can help consumers to travel more efficiently. 

This guide will look at everything you need to know about selecting ideal carry-on backpacks for your store, so keep reading to find out more. 

Table of Contents
Global market value of backpacks
Which cool carry-on backpacks are the best?
Conclusion

Global market value of backpacks

Woman looking at lake wearing brown leather backpack

Backpacks have always been a popular accessory, whether for traveling or daily use. In recent years, the market has seen a shift in consumer buying habits. Today’s buyers are increasingly purchasing products that are sustainable and match their eco-friendly practices. The backpack industry has taken note and is now favoring the use of eco-friendly materials in both their products and packaging. 

At the start of 2024, the global market value of backpacks reached over USD 17.8 billion. Between 2024 and 2032, that number is projected to increase to at least USD 36.2 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.30%. This significant increase is down to several factors, but most prominent are the increase in travel and tourism as well as outdoor activities.

Which cool carry-on backpacks are the best?

Man holding brown leather backpack next to wall

When choosing a cool carry-on backpack, consumers will look at a number of features. These features may include the functionality, the appearance, the material, and the capacity of the main compartment and additional pockets. Not all backpacks are designed with the same functions in mind, so individuals will be looking for a cool carry-on backpack that aligns with their personal preferences and travel needs. Even kids’ backpacks for travel have their own unique features that make them more suitable than a suitcase.

According to Google Ads, “carry-on backpack” has an average monthly search volume of 40,500. Of this number, the most searches come in April and July with 49,500 searches per month, or 20% of the total annual searches. The remaining 80% of searches are fairly evenly distributed among the remaining months. 

Google Ads also reveals that when consumers are researching a cool carry-on backpack to purchase, the most sought after is the “convertible backpack” with 12,100 monthly searches. This is followed by “adventure backpack” with 5400 searches and “minimalist backpack” with 590 searches. Keep reading to learn more about the key features of each of these carry-on backpacks.

Convertible backpack

Man wearing yellow convertible backpack sitting with dog

Convertible backpacks are well known among travelers for their convenience and overall versatility. They can easily transition from a backpack to another type of bag such as a shoulder bag. Some of the most popular materials for convertible backpacks include durable, water-resistant fabrics like ballistic nylon, canvas, and polyester. These materials are often paired with durable zippers to ensure the items inside remain safe and dry. All of these materials ensure longevity and they can undergo a lot of wear and tear without the appearance of the backpacks changing.

Key features of this cool carry-on backpack include multiple carrying options with removable backpack straps, laptop compartments with padding, and a variety of interior pockets to keep essentials neatly arranged. The convertible backpack is also very practical and can easily adapt to specific needs, though they’re not ideal for hiking trips. 

The stylish designs of convertible backpacks, along with features like easy access pockets and comfortable handles and straps, make them a popular choice for all types of travelers. The ability to switch between a backpack and another style of bag allows users to maintain a professional look while enjoying the benefits of a backpack while on the go.

Adventure backpack

Man wearing green adventure backpack in the mountains

Adventure backpacks are built with durability and functionality in mind. They cater to travelers who are outdoor enthusiasts and who need a reliable cool carry-on backpack. These backpacks often come with hydration bladders as well as external gear attachment points. It’s also common to see compression straps built into these backpacks to help manage the load. 

Large capacities with multiple compartments, rugged construction using materials like ripstop nylon or heavy-duty polyester, a back panel, and reinforced stitching are also key features to look out for. Some consumers also prefer padded shoulder straps or hip belts to help increase their comfort and support the weight of the backpack throughout the duration of their trip. These features are especially important for long hikes or camping trips.

What makes these some of the best travel backpacks popular among consumers is their ability to handle a variety of environments while providing a good amount of storage. The combination of practical features like easy-access pockets and sturdy materials means that these backpacks are both stylish and functional.

Minimalist backpack

Woman wearing green travel bag with small pockets

Minimalist backpacks are ideal for travelers who want simplicity and efficiency. These backpacks generally have a few compartments inside, with just enough space for the essentials. This can include padded laptop sleeves and some pockets for easy access to smaller items. The emphasis of these backpacks is to reduce bulk while maintaining comfort. What this means is that these backpacks aren’t designed to hold a lot of weight, but they’re useful for storing essential items and are great for consumers who like to travel light. 

In terms of the key features of minimalist backpacks, these can include a streamlined design, compact size, and lightweight construction. Materials such as ballistic nylon, high-denier polyester, or lightweight leather that’s easy to maintain are the most sought after. Choosing a cool carry-on travel backpack in leather will bring the price up but leather is known for its longevity and is a good investment overall. Leather can also be dyed to create a unique look that consumers won’t find with other materials.

This type of cool carry-on backpack appeals to those who value a clutter-free and easy travel experience, or for those who go on short business trips. The minimalist style of the backpack ensures that all personal items have their place and that items won’t get lost in the depths of the bag. On top of this, their lightweight and comfortable design makes them perfect for carrying around places such as airports or through the city. They can be used for daily hikes as well, but for multi-day hikes or camping trips consumers should look towards the adventure backpack.  

For modern travelers who are looking for form and function in a backpack, the minimalist backpack is a great option. They generally sit at a lower price range than other cool carry-on backpack styles since they offer less features and capacity to consumers. However they can easily fit in overhead bins and are ideal for shorter trips and storing small items.

Conclusion

Choosing a cool carry-on backpack comes with many considerations. Not all styles of backpacks are built with the same purpose in mind, so it’s important that consumers have different options to look at. 

The convertible backpack, the adventure backpack, and the minimalist backpack are all fantastic options for carry-on luggage. All three backpacks are designed to cater to a certain type of traveler, with many unique features found throughout each of them. In the coming years, more consumers will be looking for backpacks made using sustainable practices as well, which is something to take into account. 

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