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Choosing a new form of travel luggage is a big investment. You need this travel gear to be reliable, comfortable and to keep your items dry and safe. With more models than iOS updates, it is daunting when it comes to choosing between a rucksack with wheels, backpacks with straps only and convertible hybrids cases. This review will discuss the pros of taking backpacks with wheels on your trip, the differences between the best rolling backpacks on the market and, as a wee backpack bonus, a look at the option of adding detachable wheels for backpacks.
Rucksacks with Wheels Guide
Choosing Between a Backpack, Rucksack or Suitcase
I’m a UK native so the term backpack tends to lean towards a day bag and rucksack is reserved for the big 40-80 litres you go backpacking around South America with.
My American friend advised me that rucksack is used to describe army-style bags and backpack refers to a UK rucksack.
For this review guide, the terms backpack and rucksack will refer to a bag that goes on your back which includes straps. The size of bag will determine what type of traveller is suited to the item.
A suitcase, naturally, comes with wheels, a retractable handle and is mostly used by holidaymakers who tend to stay in one or two locations during their vacation. Today, the lines between suitcases and rucksacks are becoming blurred! New designs have crafted a rucksack and suitcase fusion where bags unzip like suitcases and have wheels to make transitioning between transport and accommodation easier.
Should you Buy a Rucksack with Wheels?
For my second backpacking trip back in 2011, I bought a rolling backpack and it ended terribly!
I was doing a West to East Coast USA group camping trip and by the time we had reached New York I had lost straps, the retractable handle was hanging on for dear life and one of the wheels was a bit wobbly.
My issue? I cheaped out. I picked up a $50 rucksack with wheels at a budget luggage store after enviously checking out my friend’s wheeled backpack which she had spent a few hundred on for a trip to Australia. Moral of the story? You get what you pay for.
Reasons for
- The best-wheeled backpacks can be three bags in one! Many have the hybrid backpack and suitcase option plus a day bag.
- The best quality ones have adjustable and supportive backs, durable fabric which won’t tear off as the result of being thrown into the back of a bus multiple times and sturdy wheels that can cover a variety of terrains.
- A wheeled backpack avoids having to swing 15kg+ on over your shoulder every time you move between destinations.
- They look great – this suits travellers who are doing a mix of hostels and hotels; believe me, I was not comfortable being the only tourist at Avanta Resort in Florida with a dirty rucksack! When you are on the road for a while you will want some luxury in your life and when luxury hotels in Koh Samui are as little as $30 a night, why not?!
- Airports and backpacks are annoying. That inch by inch movement to get to the front of check-in involves dragging your backpack without wheels along the ground and then there is the spaghetti fight with the straps at the luggage drop.
- Rolling bags let you carry a day bag and wheel the bigger bag.
- When there is awkward terrain and there is a call for no wheels (like a lack of paved roads in some areas of Colombia), travellers can use the bag as a backpack.
- In cities, travellers can switch between rolling and backpack when there are crowds or cobbles.
Reasons against
- Wheeled rolling bags are heavier. For example, the most popular wheeled backpack creator, Osprey, has a rolling rucksack coming in at 2.16kg compared to their rucksack without wheels, 0.83kg. Naturally, you can’t take the wheel-less bag for a spin, you are responsible for carrying the full weight on your back.
How to Choose a Rolling Backpack
When researching which wheeled backpack luggage to purchase you should consider the following categories:
1. Materials
First up, you want the materials of the rucksack to be strong, durable and to function as a backpack when it’s on your back and a suitcase when it is being wheeled.
In both instances, you need the material to be water-resistant and somewhat wipe proof (you will just have to accept that airlines have no respect for your baggage regardless of how much you spent on it). It has to be breathable too.
The zip tracks and pulls should be sturdy as well as the telescopic/retractable suitcase-style handle. A strong wheel frame is obviously required and good stand to stop the bag falling over when upright.
The majority of the rucksacks discussed in this review are made from nylon which is a strong, durable material which wears well.
2. Durability
Hopefully, your travel wanderlust doesn’t end with one trip, so you want your rucksack of choice to last longer than your tan.
This is when durability comes in, which has a knock-on effect from the materials used and how the bag is structured too. Keep your bag in good health by avoiding packing full to the brim and letting it air when possible.
Try to keep dirty shoes in a separate bag inside the case or attached to the outside.
3. Size
The size of the bag really is up to you. If you are a light packer or shopping for a long weekend bag with wheels jump to the air travel section.
If you are taking a long-term travel trip, don’t miss the first section of the review which looks at rucksacks from 40l-80l.
Please be aware that the wheelhouse and structure create additional height to already large bags so an 80l wheeled bag feels bigger than an 80l bag without.
The IATA dimensions for carry-on bags are 22″ x 18″ x 10″/56 x 45 x 25 cm. When comparing the backpack sizes to this standard measurement remember that if you pack it full, it might go over the stated sizes below and that most airlines actually have tighter restrictions.
4. Comfort
Unless you are lost, or you choose to hike with one of the larger rucksacks, it is unlikely that you will be wearing a rucksack for more than an hour or two. However, high-end brands such as Osprey and Eagle Creek have put a lot of thought into the comfort of the design, especially around the back area.
The better brands will offer an adjustable back structure to cater for different heights.
The lower back section of the bigger bags should have a slight bend at the lower back too and flexible material should allow for movement.
As mentioned above, breathability and padding is always a positive indication of a good bag as well as adjustable hip and chest straps. A final factor to consider is the comfort of the wheels against your hip when wearing it as a rucksack.
5. Style
Aesthetics are very important to me. If I am investing in an expensive piece of kit I want it to look good as well as feel nice and fit my clothes and electronics.
Would I choose a different colour if it was on sale? Possibly! I prefer dark colours to avoid getting dirty too quickly (lesson learned after buying a light grey IT suitcase) although the brights are easier to find on the conveyor belt.
6. Ease of packing
In the olden days, rucksacks used to open from the top and you had to dive into Mary Poppins’s bag to find anything. It was useless.
Thankfully now most rucksacks unzip like a book opening which makes packing and unpacking much easier.
Do consider using some kind of dividing storage device like these packing cubes US / UK.
Best Wheeled Backpack Review
1. Osprey Sojourn 60
According to a trained travel rucksack fitter, Osprey is the ‘Apple’ of the backpack world. I was surprised that this was the comparison, expecting Mercedes to be used but we live in changed times! When you first put on an Osprey backpack you will feel the difference to other makes.
The Osprey Sojourn 60L/25 measures in at 25l x 14w x 14d inches x 64l x 36w x 35d cms and weighs 3.87kg/8.53lbs. The main material is 1680 Ballistic Nylon.
The Sojourn bag itself opens up like a suitcase (which is called a ‘book opening’ motion) with very sturdy zip track and pulls, unzipping around the bag to reveal the large (green) storage space.
The zips have space for a padlock, go for a TSA approved one, as they are thin enough for most lockers too.
There are zipped mesh compartment inside and along the inside of the bag and straps to compress your clothes or packing cubes.
There is no separate compartment for shoes on this Osprey so consider investing in an additional shoe bag for dirty hiking shoes.
There is a top outer pocket for easy to reach items such as toiletries and daisy chain loops for clipping said dirty boots (not suitable for airplane travel) or water bottles like the eco-cautious.
The dual straight-jacket like compression straps that clip over the front of the back ensure that the zippered away contents are secure.
I like how the telescopic handle at the top of the backpack has two tubes (remember my cheap version that broke? You won’t be surprised to hear it only had one tube). This handle has a few height points depending on the desired length of the handle.
The backpack has two straps, a hip strap and a chest strap for support – all of which are adjustable.
There is also a padded grab handle to the top of the bag for lifting while it is upright and one on the side for retrieving from airport conveyor belts or overheard/under bed storage.
The final grab handle can be found on the block that supports the wheels at the bottom of the bag (probably the least useful).
The Osprey Sojourn 60L has an adjustable back to accommodation different heights and backpack straps which are supported by a spring-like ‘anti-gravity’ back frame, kind of like a trampoline material.
This means it is not only soft and flexible on your poor back but also airy (the sweat struggle is real).
These breathable back straps also have load lifter straps for tightening and loosening depending on bag load.
The main straps unclip and fold away into the back of the bag which is then zippered away to give a smooth finish. This not only looks good but also prevents the straps for trailing on the ground getting dirty.
The wheel structure itself is robust (at the bottom of the bag and a frame built within the back) and the wheeling motion is smooth because the wheels are built high.
Most importantly, the wheels don’t get in the way when they are on your back which can be an issue if ergonomically not positioned well.
The wheels are on show when worn as a backpack.
A bonus is that there is an option to attach an Osprey day bag too, however, the Meridian and the Ozone (below) members of the Osprey family have a bag built in.
The Osprey Sojourn comes in a the larger size, Sojourn 80L/28 UK / US.
Osprey customers are like Canon customers – they commit to the brand after the first taste because they are a backpacking focused brand.
- Pros: Quality – can take a good bashing, ergonomics, aesthetics
- Cons: No detachable day bag
2. Osprey Meridian 75L
The Osprey Meridian 75L wheeled convertible pack differs to the Sojourn above in size and features.
It measures in at 71.1 x 33 x 35.6 cm and weighing 5kg making it bigger than its competitor by Kathmandu (below).
The main material is 1680D Ballistic Nylon, like the Sojourn.
The biggest feature difference is that the Meridian has a detachable day bag which can hold a 15” laptop. It has a breathable back, ideal for clammy climates.
The big Meridian pack has a small top pocket for easy to grab items such as waterproofs. The main section opens like a book and reveals a simple compartment.
There are compression straps to reduce the size of the items in the bag and a large mesh zipped section on the inside of the front of the bag. There are two mesh pockets to the inside of the large compartment too. Great for electronics.
Like the Sojourn, it has durable premium wheel structure, telescopic handle and grab handles.
- Pros: Large for long-term travel, compartments day bag
- Cons: Weight
3. Kathmandu Hybrid 70L Trolley
Best for Big Trips
The largest bag in the review and admittedly the size I used for our big 18-month travel trip around the Americas and Europe. I just don’t know how people manage to travel through multiple seasons with smaller luggage!
Kathmandu is a very well respected brand in the outdoor gear industry. The Kathmandu Hybrid 70L Trolley measures in at 79cm x 40cm x 34cm and weighs 3.42kg.
The main materials are Polyester and Nylon.
It has a telescopic handle for suitcase situations and durable wheels which we recently found out are absolutely essential. (I had to return our IT Case after one wheel burnt off in Italy).
The Trolley zips open up like a case and has one simple compartment so you can fit more in. There are compression straps to help create more space.
There’s a breathable fold-out backpack harness for backpack situations. This can be hidden by a zipped section when using the trolley bag as a case.
Compartments include an internal mesh pocket and front pocket. Simple yet effective.
There is functionality for the day bag but you have to purchase it separately.
- Pros: Large for big trips, attractive, simple
- Cons: Day bag is an additional purchase
4. JanSport 36L
This 36L JanSport backpack by the well-known Jansport comes in at 22 x 10 x 16 inches/53 x 35 25cms and weighs 3kg/5 pounds. The main material is 600 and 4020 Denier Polyester.
This attractive bag has foldaway shoulder straps which connect to the bottom of the bag. The two-stage telescopic handle makes wheeling comfortable and the padded grab handle sits at the top. There is a large mesh water bottle pocket the side too.
The Driver 8 has a double compartment bag. The back section has a padded sleeve which fits 15” laptops. The front section has a pocket for phones and keys which are also zipped away.
No frills, this is a backpack on wheels if that meets your travel needs.
- Pros: Light cabin hybrid bag
- Cons: Basic backpack with wheels
5. Cabin X One Hybrid
Best for Style and Weekend’s Away
Cabin X One is the new kid on the block.
The Kickstarter initiated by the Cabin Max team is one savvy looking hybrid case. Measuring in at 22 x 13 x 8 inches/55 x 35 x 20 cm.
On paper, this bag meets airline carry on rules however, I had to remove and leave the day bag at home for an EasyJet flight as the case itself was hitting their maximum when packed for a city break (most likely not an issue with other airlines).
It weighs 3.6kg/7.94lbs and the main material is 850D Nylon Shell.
The blue version has grey accents in the two grab handles (top and side) and the area where the day bag sits.
Like all of the above examples, the case unzips fully.
Inside the bag, there is a mesh compartment which is attached to a coat hanger, possibly useful for business travellers, which can be removed.
The front of the rucksack has a fleeced sleeve zippered section for electronics which is big enough for large laptops.
The retractable handle has one tube but does not move, very study. It only stops at two heights – flush with the bag or extended out to use as a suitcase. The Cabin X One has the neatest of hidden straps sections, there is no stuffing away with this baby.
The patent-pending design unzips from the bottom of the strap up and a piece of material at the bottom of the bag pulls out to cover the wheels – none of the other wheeled bags in this review has that function.
The day bag is a bit of a letdown for me because it is so close to fitting a MacBook Air 13” (out by less than an inch) which would have made the Cabin X One a perfect short-haul travel bag.
Nonetheless, if you care about the aesthetics of your carry-on luggage and can live without the day bag for some European flights, don’t bypass the Cabin X One carry-on.
- Pro: Stylish, sleek strap flush zips
- Cons: Day bag does not fit 13” MacBook Air
» » Read more: our Cabin X One honest review
6. Eagle Creek Switchback
The Eagle Creek Switchback is the only running convertible series by the respected Eagle Creek brand.
The Switchback carry-on bag measures in at 22 x 8 x 14 inches/55 x 20 x 36 cms and weighs 3.5kg/8lbs.
The main material is Polyester – the front of the bag material is water-resistant and wipeable.
The Switchback has bumper edges and a kickplate to the back, like its hardwearing big brother the Gear Warrior.
The main bag straps are hidden by a zippered compartment which velcros back once the straps are revealed.
The load lifting straps are attached already, the bottom of the straps clip on to the bag.
There is also a padded hip strap and a chest strap. There are two buckles on the shoulder straps which allows you to attach your day bag to when using the larger bag as a rucksack and for security.
There is a loop for small padlocks which can be locked at the central point at the bottom of the bag.
It also has ‘finger-friendly’ pulls. There are two zippered pockets on the main bag external. The water bottle slot to the side is also zippered away.
There are three grab handles, top, side and bottom.
The telescopic handle is dual tubed, can be used at three heights (flush, midway and fully extended) and zips away discreetly like the Cabin X One.
There is a simple section storage area inside the main section of the bag with a compression strap.
There is also one large zippered mesh pocket for toiletries or for storing dirty clothes.
The daypack has a stash pocket and two water bottle slots. Inside there is a padded slot for a 15” laptop, separate sections for smaller electronics like phones and a small area for other items.
There is a clear zippered section with a key fob loop too. This smaller bag simply zips onto the larger bag.
- Pros: Quality, daypack fits large laptops
- Cons: Expensive
7. Eagle Creek Expanse: Off-road strength
After burning through two IT suitcases, I did a call-out on my personal Facebook page Eagle Creek was mentioned repeatedly as a reliable, sturdy suitcase.
The Eagle Creek Carry-On UK is a convertible bag made from 100% Recycled Poly Neo Diamond, 1000D Helix™ Poly Twill, 210D Exo Skeleton.
It measures 13.75” x 21.75” x 7.75”/35 x 55 x 20 cms and holds 37L. It is lighter than the Osprey at 2kg/4.4lbs.
There is a front pocket which has a sleeve big enough for a tablet and a key fob for keys.
The case itself has lockable zippers with durable toggles which tie secure so you don’t need a padlock.
There is one large section for items and compression straps and one front panel pocket.
There is a top handle, side and bottom grab handles. The bag also has a retractable handle which pulls out at two lengths.
At the back of the Eagle Creek, straps can be pulled out from the discreet storage pocket and clipped on to the bottom of the case.
The wheel housing is extra-large and the wheels are treaded to help manoeuvre over dirt roads and cobbled stones.
- Pros: Study, functional, no fuss, lifetime guarantee.
- Cons: Lack packing sections may annoy some users.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffG
Detachable Wheels for Backpacks
Another option would be investing in a rolling attachment for backpacks.
In all honesty, I’ve never seen this on the road but there are options.
Take note of the weight of the bag and frame before booking carry-on luggage trips.
Neewer 2-in-1 (UK)
This Neewer 2-in-1 Camera Backpack Luggage Trolley Case UK is an attractive and popular 2-in-1. It is obviously predominantly for photographers but the internal compartment can be removed and use for other travel.
It measures 20.8 x 15.98 x 9.8 inches/55.9 x 40.6 x 24.9 cm and weighs 3.95kg/8.71lbs. The main material is Nylon with YKK Zipper.
The backpack comes in black, has padded straps and a grab handle at the top.
When the wheel frame is detached it can be stored by clipping to the side of the bag.
The internal casing (if you are a photographer) comes in an attractive array of colours and it comes with a rain cover.
The telescopic handle extends to 21.3 inches/54 centimetres.
Final thoughts
Deciding which of the above is the best wheeled backpack for travel is a tough choice to make. The answer really comes down to what capacity of bag your travel needs require, whether you like a day bag, what constitutes as aesthetically pleasing and your backpack budget. The final point I would like to reiterate – don’t cheap out on baggage, it should be an investment that lasts longer than that holiday henna tattoo.
Good and concise. Glad this was the first website I looked at for rucksacks on wheels as I call them. Looking for an 18 birthday present for my neice . Anthony O’Sullivan
Cool gift! I’m sure she’d appreciate it, Anthony. Please see response to other comment.
It is exceptionally annoying on this and other websites regarding wheeled rucksacks and this may imply in general to other camping equpment that the measurements are put down early in each review but without defining which is height/length, which is width and which is depth a.This leaves me spending extra time scrolling back up to see e,g on one review at the end when it defines the first measuremnt as lenght/height, the second as width and the third as depth and then scrolling back to the review I am looking at that I am looking at that does not satate whcih measuremnt is height/length, width and depth and relating the measuremnt from the the review which does state such to the one that does.
On the Jansport Driver 8 Rolling Laptop Backpack the measeurments are 22 x 10 x 16 inch and 53 cm x 35cm x 25 cm. If you take the second measuremnt in inches and centimetres you will see that 10 inches is a shorter measurment that 35 centimetres and the nthird measurement 16 inches is a larger measurment than 25 centimetres. Please could you supply me witht he correct measuements as regards the bag with handle and wheels included.
I do not do much travelling myself but do walk everwhere on a diliy basis where I live in the UK which is Old Basford, Nottingham and used to reguarly go to Glastonburt Music Festival on behalf of Greenpeace. I am though looking at wheeled rucksacks as a present for my neices 18 birthday. If you could please define at he begining of each review which measurment is height/length, which is depth and which is width. You could put simply the first letter e.g ” h/l ” ,” d”, “l 2
You can check all measurements by clicking through the product to Amazon.
Hi
We are looking to get 60-80 litre backpacks with pull out double handle with wheels and ideally attachable day pack with adjustable back system
Internal compartments and waterproof as we are travelling round Australia and Asia
Rhanks
Can u advise what u think would suit us best
Osprey for sure!
Hi Gemma / Craig
This blog post on backpack/trolley luggage is really useful – I was wondering if you have used the cabin x one yourselves? From the reviews I’ve read it doesn’t seem to be that robust with a few people mentioning the handle breaking easily and zips too! Which is quite disappointing! I am looking for a bag to take on a 2 week trip to South America which fits cabin size requirements and this would have been perfect for me! 🙁 your thoughts?
Hey Deepa! I have used it but for long weekends only.
I’ve just bought the Eagle Creek Expanse UK / Eagle Creek Expanse USA, but without the straps. That link is for the convertible. I bought both but went with no straps because I could fit slightly more in it and settled on just pulling it for weekend away trips. You sound like a way better packer than me!
Like the Expanse so much I bought the 70 odd litres one with the straps yesterday for next trip as I need something bigger. Will update the post once I’ve used the case/bag in Paris. Eagle Creek will be better for South America. Your luggage gets thrown about transport and pulled over unpaved roads!
Where you off to?
Eagle Creek vs Osprey for South America?! Buses, planes, not too much walking I hope as with kids. Don’t mind about internal pockets too much – just want something sturdy that opens like a book. Thanks, getting a lot from your website!
CKC, I just bought the 78L Eagle Creek after using the carryon and it is sturdy but definitely feels like case on wheels when on the back. The Osprey feels more like a backpack with wheels. I suppose the question is – how often will you have it on your back? Can you buy both, pack them, get a feel and return one? It’s such a big chunk of money I know so you want to right kit for you. I did a callout to travel blogging friends and the majority use Eagle Creek, most backpackers use Osprey. I don’t think you can go wrong with either brand. Hope that helps?!
Brilliant, thanks!