Last updated on December 29th, 2023 at 03:32 pm
The Best Personal Item Backpack: 10 Cool Options for Every Budget in 2022
Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, a backpack is a convenient carry-on option. The best personal item backpack for travel is one that is versatile and can be used for a variety of activities. It should be roomy enough to accommodate all of your belongings, such as a change of clothes, toiletries, and electronics, but not too bulky that it becomes a nuisance to carry. Additionally, it is important that the backpack be well-made so that it can withstand the rigors of travel.
But with so many different models on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. To help make your decision easier, we’ve reviewed some of the best personal item backpacks that are not only travel-friendly but also versatile and functional.
Table of Contents
Quick Recommendations: The Best Personal Item Backpack
EVERKI Atlas Business Bag – Overall Best Personal Item Backpack
Mobile Edge Laptop Bag – Best Personal Item Backpack for Gamers
Carhartt Legacy Deluxe – Best Personal Item Work Backpack
OGIO Axle – Best Personal Item Backpack for Business Travelers
SwissGear Backpack – Best ScanSmart Personal Item Bag
Muzee Business Bag – Best Carry-On Backpack
G-FAVOR Travel Bag – Best Convertible Personal Item Backpack
KROSER Travel Bag – Best Carry-On Backpack With RFID Pockets
DAHONGPAO Laptop Bag – Best TSA-Friendly Personal Item Backpack
Matein Travel Bag – Best Budget-Friendly Personal Item Backpack
10 Best Personal Item Backpacks
Here are 10 of the best personal item backpacks on the market today. These backpacks range in size from small to large, and are perfect for carrying everything from laptops and tablets to clothing and toiletries. They also come in a variety of styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
EVERKI Atlas Business Bag (Overall Best Personal Item Backpack)
Size: 13.4 x 9.1 x 18.9 inches
Capacity: 32 liters
Key Features: Ample storage capacity; multiple pockets; checkpoint-friendly
The Atlas Business Bag from EVERKI is the perfect companion for any traveler. Made of durable material and featuring a checkpoint-friendly design, this backpack opens completely to provide easy access to all your belongings. The bag is not only functional but stylish as well, making it the ideal choice for the people on the go.
With a balance strap system that keeps the load evenly distributed, this backpack offers a large storage space for all of your travel essentials. A dedicated pocket for up to 17.3-inch laptops and an exclusive tablet sleeve make sure your devices are always safe and within easy reach.
The Atlas backpack also features a good number of pockets to store all of your belongings and provides fine ventilation to keep your back cool. The backpack also includes a luggage strap to easily attach it to your larger bag.
Mobile Edge Laptop Bag (Best Personal Item Backpack for Gamers)
Size: 18.5 x 16 x 9 inches
Capacity: Can fit up to a 18-inch laptop
Key Features: Three storage sections; laptop and tablet pouches; check point-friendly
Mobile Edge offers the best personal item backpack for when you’re on the go. The durable fabric is tough and able to withstand the wear and tear of your travels. Offering some handy features, the backpack also complies with airport security checkpoints, making it easy to take through security without removing your laptop.
The bag has three storage sections, a dedicated compartment for up to a 17-inch laptop, and a separate tablet sleeve. It also features practical side pockets for easy access to smaller items, like your phone or keys. The USB port and charging cable allow you to easily charge your devices on the go.
The Mobile Edge Laptop Bag comes with a comfortable shoulder strap system and back panel, making it easy to carry around. And best of all, it can be attached to most wheeled trolleys for easy transport.
Carhartt Legacy Deluxe (Best Personal Item Work Backpack)
Size: 15 x 17.5 x 12.5 inches
Capacity: Can fit up to a 17-inch laptop
Key Features: Spacious storage capacity; separate laptop section; air travel-friendly
The Carhartt Legacy Deluxe backpack is not only great for traveling but also best for everyday use. It is made of high-quality materials and features a water-repellent base to keep your belongings dry. With multiple compartments and organizational pockets, the backpack has plenty of space to store everything you need.
Featuring an air travel-friendly design, the bag comes with a dedicated room for up to a 17-inch laptop, as well as a separate organizational section for all of your essentials. There are also some practical pockets for your phone, sunglasses and other items.
The Carhartt Legacy Deluxe is just the right bag for carrying your laptop, school supplies, or other everyday items, as it comes with comfortable shoulder straps and provides good air circulation to keep your back cool and relaxed all day long. Plus, it’s available in two colors so you can choose the one that best suits your flair.
OGIO Axle (Best Personal Item Backpack for Business Traveler)
Size: 19.25 x 9.25 x 13 inches
Capacity: Can fit up to a 17-inch laptop
Key Features: Good storage space; multiple pockets; checkpoint-friendly
The OGIO Axle is another good option to consider as a carry-on backpack for your travel needs. The bag features a sturdy base panel that protects your laptop during transit and comes with a good storage capacity that lets you take all of your essentials with you. Moreover, its checkpoint-friendly design means you won’t have to remove your laptop from the bag when going through security.
The backpack has a separate compartment that accommodates most up to 17-inch laptops, ensuring that your device will be well-protected at all times. Additionally, the OGIO Axle comes with an exclusive tablet sleeve, as well as several other pockets for the ease of organization.
The OGIO Axle offers every feature for carrying your personal belongings with you on your travels. The luggage strap secures the backpack to your suitcase, so you don’t have to worry about losing anything. The carry handle makes it easy to grab and go.
SwissGear Backpack (Best ScanSmart Personal Item Bag)
Size: 18.5 x 12.5 x 8.75 inches
Capacity: 26 liters
Key Features: Sufficient storage space; multiple pockets; air travel-friendly
This backpack by SwissGear is one of the best versatile carry-on bags. It is made of good quality materials with a multifunctional design that offers plenty of storage capacity. Whether you need to take it to work, school or on vacation, this backpack will suit your needs. It is also a great choice for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and cycling.
The backpack features a ScanSmart section that will accommodate up to 16-inch laptops. There is also a separate tablet pouch for added convenience. Additionally, the pack comes with a number of practical pockets, perfect for organizing your belongings.
Moreover, this Swissgear backpack features compression straps to keep your belongings secure and ventilated back and shoulder straps for your comfort. The backpack can also be attached to a larger bag for easy transport.
Muzee Business Bag (Best Carry-On Backpack)
Size: 12.99 x 7.09 x 17.72 inches
Capacity: Can fit up to a 17-inch laptop
Key Features: Ample storage space; useful pockets; laptop compartment
The Muzee Business Bag is perfect for the modern professional who wants a stylish and functional backpack that can act as their personal item when flying. It is made of high-quality waterproof material and has a sturdy zipper that keeps your items safe and dry. With a good storage capacity, the Muzee Business Bag can accommodate everything you need for work or travel.
It has a separate section for up to a 17-inch laptop, as well as three pockets for other belongings. It also features an external USB port so you can easily charge your devices on the go. Likewise, the backpack comes with a soft carry handle and a luggage strap that makes it easy to transport and an emergency whistle that ensures that you’re always safe and sound.
The Muzee Business Bag also features an air cushion back panel and padded shoulder straps that provide comfort and support, while the adjustable buckle strap ensures a custom fit. The modish design and durable construction make this backpack ideal for everyday use.
G-FAVOR Travel Bag (Best Convertible Personal Item Backpack)
Size: 20.1 x 12.5 x 7.9 inches
Capacity: 40 liters
Key Features: Large storage space; several pockets; airline approved
The G-FAVOR Travel Bag is another great carry-on backpack on the market. It’s made of high-quality canvas and is airline approved, making it perfect for travel. The vintage pattern gives it a stylish look, while the multi-functional design makes it just right for any use.
This backpack has a large storage capacity that can accommodate all of your belongings and it can be carried as a backpack, cross-body bag, or duffel bag. It features a spacious main compartment and several handy pockets to keep all of your essentials with you while you’re on the go.
It is roomy enough to carry everything you might need during the day, including a laptop up to 17.3 inches in size. The backpack features a unique section designed specifically for shoes, so you don’t have to worry about your favorite pair of kicks getting dirty or damaged. Additionally, the leather handle makes it easy to grab and go when you need to make a quick move.
Moreover, the G-FAVOR Travel Bag comes with metal zippers and has adjustable shoulder straps. This backpack is available in four colors, black, blue, coffee and khaki.
KROSER Travel Bag (Best Carry-On Backpack With RFID Pockets)
Size: 19.3 x 13 x 7.9 inches
Capacity: Can fit up to a 17-inch laptop
Key Features: Multiple compartments and pockets; separate laptop and tablet sections
The KROSER Travel Bag is yet another good backpack for carrying your personal items when you’re travelling. It’s made of durable fabric and features multiple compartments for organizing your gear. The stylish and functional design makes this backpack viable for any occasion.
The bag features a zippered main storage section and a dedicated section for your laptop, which can accommodate laptops with up to 17-inch screens. There’s also an exclusive tablet compartment that will keep your device safe and secure. Plus, the backpack comes with several pockets that are perfect for holding small items like your phone, sunglasses, and keys.
Moreover, the bag offers a built-in USB port so you can charge your devices on the go, as well as a headphone slot so you can listen to music or watch movies without disturbing others. The bag also has RFID pockets to protect your personal information and a luggage strap to keep it securely attached to your suitcase.
Likewise, the backpack has air-flow back padding to ensure that your back stays cool and comfortable, and the adjustable shoulder straps ensure a perfect fit. The robust handle makes it easy to carry the bag when you are on the go.
DAHONGPAO Laptop Bag (Best TSA-Friendly Personal Item Backpack)
Size: 15 x 9 x 19 inches
Capacity: Can fit up to a 17.3-inch laptop
Key Features: Large storage space; multiple pockets; separate laptop sleeve
The DAHONGPAO Laptop Bag is the ideal backpack for your daily commute or travel. Made of quality and durable materials, this backpack is built to last. It features a practical design with different compartments and pockets for your belongings. The TSA-friendly layer makes it easy to go through security checkpoints without having to remove your laptop.
The backpack comes with a zippered pocket that can hold up to a 17.3-inch laptop and there’s also an elastic compartment for books and files. You’ll love the one medium size pocket and secret pocket, both of which are great for holding smaller items.
Additionally, the bag comes with a built-in USB port and headphone slot so you can easily charge and listen to music on the go. The luggage strap also lets you easily attach your backpack to your luggage for hands-free travel.
Likewise, this DAHONGPAO laptop bag has strong zippers and offers a three-dimensional ventilation system. It is available in four colors so that you can find the one that suits you best.
Matein Travel Bag (Best Budget-Friendly Personal Item Backpack)
Size: 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches
Capacity: Can fit up to a 15.6-inch laptop
Key Features: Plenty of storage space; several pockets; travel-friendly
If you are searching for a budget-friendly personal item backpack that is perfect for international travel, the Matein Travel Bag is the best available option. This backpack is made of water-resistant polyester and has ample storage capacity to store all of your belongings. It also has a functional design and includes a number of features that make it the perfect travel companion.
The backpack features a separate compartment for up to a 15.6-inch laptop as well as a large packing compartment for clothes and other items. There are also multiple pockets on the front section, ideal for organizing your small belongings. The pack also has an anti-theft pocket, ensuring the safety of your things.
Moreover, the Matein Travel Bag comes with a built-in USB port so you can charge your devices while you’re on the move, a luggage strap that lets you easily attach it to your larger suitcase, and a padded top handle that makes it easy to carry.
More importantly, the backpack offers a ventilated back padding and adjustable shoulder straps to ensure your comfort. The metal zippers of this bag provide durability and security, while the variety of colors allows you to choose the perfect bag for your style.
Comparison Table
| The Best Personal Item Backpack | SIZE | CAPACITY | KEY FEATURES |
| EVERKI Atlas Business Bag | 13.4 x 9.1 x 18.9 inches | 32 liters | Ample storage capacity; multiple pockets; checkpoint-friendly |
| Mobile Edge Laptop Bag | 18.5 x 16 x 9 inches | Can fit up to a 17-inch laptop | Three storage sections; laptop and tablet pouches; check point-friendly |
| Carhartt Legacy Deluxe | 15 x 17.5 x 12.5 inches | Can fit up to a 17-inch laptop | Spacious storage capacity; separate laptop section; air travel-friendly |
| OGIO Axle | 19.25 x 9.25 x 13 inches | Can fit up to a 17-inch laptop | Good storage space; multiple pockets; checkpoint-friendly |
| SwissGear Backpack | 18.5 x 12.5 x 8.75 inches | 26 liters | Sufficient storage space; multiple pockets; air travel-friendly |
| Muzee Business Bag | 12.99 x 7.87 x 17.72 inches | Can fit up to a 17-inch laptop | Ample storage space; useful pockets; laptop compartment |
| G-FAVOR Travel Bag | 21.7 x 13.4 x 8.7 inches | 40 liters | Large storage space; several pockets; airline approved |
| KROSER Travel Bag | 18.5 x 13.5 x 9.1 inches | Can fit up to a 17.3-inch laptop | Multiple compartments and pockets; separate laptop and tablet sections |
| DAHONGPAO Laptop Bag | 15 x 9 x 19 inches | Can fit up to a 17.3-inch laptop | Large storage space; multiple pockets; separate laptop sleeve |
| Matein Travel Bag | 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches | Can fit up to a 15.6-inch laptop | Plenty of storage space; several pockets; travel-friendly |
Also Read: Backpacks that Open Like a Suitcase
Conclusion
This blog post looked at some of the best personal item backpacks on the market. We compared and contrasted the features of each bag to help you decide which one is right for you.
According to our research, the EVERKI Atlas Business Bag is the best option for most people. It’s durable, organized, and features a checkpoint-friendly design, making it the perfect choice for carrying your personal belongings.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Personal Item Backpack
As someone who travels frequently, we can attest to the importance of having a good personal item backpack. A good backpack is essential for a successful trip. We have gone through our fair share of backpacks over the years, and have learned what features are essential for us. Here are 10 features that we think make the best personal item backpack:
Capacity
If you are planning to carry a lot of items, make sure the backpack you choose has enough room to store all of your belongings.
Comfort
The last thing you want is a backpack that is uncomfortable to wear. Make sure the straps are adjustable and the backpack is lightweight.
Style
Backpacks come in all different shapes and sizes, so it is important to find one that matches your taste and personality.
Dedicated Compartments
The backpack should have a padded section for your laptop or tablet.
A Padded Back
This helps to cushion your back and keep you comfortable when carrying the backpack around for long periods of time.
A Strap that Goes Across the Chest
This helps to distribute the weight of the backpack evenly and prevents it from bouncing around when you are walking.
A Durable Material
The backpack should be made from a durable material, so that it can withstand being thrown around or taken on rugged trips.
Price
Personal item backpacks can vary in price, so it is important to find one that is within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get away with a backpack as a personal item?
Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board, but what exactly counts as a personal item can be confusing. While some airlines are very strict about what can be classified as a personal item, others are more lenient. So can you bring a backpack as a personal item?
Some airlines, such as American and Delta, explicitly state that a personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. This means that a backpack would not be allowed. Other airlines, such as Southwest and JetBlue, have more relaxed rules and allow passengers to bring items such as a backpack or a purse as a personal item.
What size backpack is considered a personal item?
The size of a personal item allowed on an airplane may vary depending on the airline. However, most airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them. This personal item can be a purse, a small backpack, or a laptop bag.
Can a 40l backpack be a personal item?
A 40L backpack can be a personal item. However, it is important to note that the backpack must meet the size requirements for a personal item, which vary by airline. For example, some airlines may require that the backpack is no larger than 45 linear inches, while others may have a more lenient size requirement. If you are unsure of the size requirements for your airline, it is best to check with the airline directly to avoid any issues at the airport.
How strict are airlines about personal item size?
While airlines have different requirements for carry-on and checked luggage, they are generally quite strict about the size of personal items. Most airlines allow each passenger to bring one personal item on board, such as a purse, a laptop bag, or a small backpack. These articles should fix beneath the seat ahead of you or in the compartment above your head.
The maximum dimensions for personal items are typically 45 inches (length + width + height) or 36 inches (length + width). This means that your personal item must be able to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. If it is too large to fit in either of these places, you will likely have to check it at the gate.
