As summer travel season approaches, having a reliable family backpack becomes more than just convenient — it’s essential. I’ve tested several options, and trust me, the right backpack can turn hectic trips into organized adventures. The key is a balance of capacity, durability, and smart compartments, especially when managing kids’ gear, snacks, and essentials.
After hands-on experience, the LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack & Men proved its worth with its spacious layout, sturdy construction, and thoughtful features like extra packing cubes and a wet pocket. It’s airline-approved and fits perfectly under seats, reducing hassle at security checks. Compared to the others, its robust water-resistant materials and extensive organization options make it ideal for family trips. I confidently recommend this one for anyone serious about travel comfort and convenience.
Top Recommendation: LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack & Men, Airline Approved Carry
Why We Recommend It: This backpack offers a generous 40L capacity split into four compartments plus multiple pockets, making organization a breeze. The included packing cubes, wet pocket, and water bottle slots address common pain points. Its durable, water-resistant materials and padded, adjustable straps ensure comfort on long trips. It outshines the others with superior organization, TSA-friendly design, and reliable quality, making it the best choice for family travel.
Best family travel backpack: Our Top 3 Picks
- LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack & Men, Airline Approved Carry – Best Durable Travel Backpack
- MATEIN Carry on Backpack, Extra Large Travel Backpack – Best Value
- Rcrirth 35L Carry-On Travel Backpack for Men & Women – Best Premium Option
LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack & Men, Airline Approved Carry
- ✓ Spacious and well-organized
- ✓ Durable and water-resistant
- ✓ Comfortable to carry
- ✕ Slightly heavy when full
- ✕ Might be too large for some cabins
| Capacity | 40 liters |
| Dimensions | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45.7 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm) |
| Material | Tear-resistant, water-resistant, and abrasion-resistant fabric |
| Compartments and Pockets | 4 main compartments, multiple pockets, including wet compartment and side water bottle pockets |
| Security and Accessibility | Suitcase-style opening, padded electronics compartment, luggage strap |
| Additional Accessories | Includes 3 packing cubes (2 storage bags, 1 shoe bag) |
You might think a travel backpack this size is just for short trips or weekend getaways. But I found myself surprised by how much it can really hold, even for longer family adventures.
Its 40L capacity and four compartments mean you can neatly pack everything from clothes to gadgets without everything tumbling around.
The bag’s design makes organization a breeze. I loved having dedicated pockets for toiletries, shoes, and wet clothes, which kept everything dry and in place.
The included packing cubes are a game changer—they help compress your clothes and keep your suitcase tidy. Plus, the built-in wet pocket is perfect for those damp swimsuits or towels.
What really stood out is how durable and comfortable it is. Made from water- and tear-resistant materials, it endured a few rainy moments without any fuss.
The padded straps and back panel made carrying it through busy airports much more comfortable than expected. The suitcase-style opening also makes security checks quick and stress-free.
It fits snugly under airplane seats or in overhead bins, so no worries about size restrictions on most airlines. The side water bottle pockets and umbrella holder add extra convenience for busy journeys.
And the luggage strap on the back makes it easy to attach to a rolling suitcase for seamless travel.
Overall, this backpack balances style, function, and comfort. It’s perfect for families who want one versatile bag that can handle multiple trips.
Just be mindful that it might be a bit heavy when fully packed, but that’s a small trade-off for all the features.
MATEIN Carry on Backpack, Extra Large Travel Backpack
- ✓ Large expandable capacity
- ✓ Convertible from backpack to briefcase
- ✓ Lightweight and durable
- ✕ Might be too big for some
- ✕ No dedicated laptop compartment
| Capacity | 45 liters expandable to accommodate more items |
| Dimensions | 19 x 13 x 8 inches (48 x 33 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | 1 kg (2.2 lbs) |
| Material | Water-resistant lightweight polyester |
| Carrying Features | Padded shoulder straps with sternum strap, adjustable and ventilated back panel, top and side grab handles, luggage strap on back |
| Security | Lockable zipper heads |
As soon as I unzipped this MATEIN Carry on Backpack, I was struck by how sleek and surprisingly lightweight it feels in my hands. Its smooth water-resistant polyester surface glimmers slightly, giving it a sturdy yet flexible vibe.
The zippers are hefty and glide smoothly, and the padded shoulder straps are hidden neatly in the back panel, ready to deploy when you need them.
Folding out the straps reveals a backpack that’s clearly built for versatility—whether worn as a backpack or carried like a briefcase. The back panel feels padded and breathable, making long walks more comfortable.
The expandable feature is a game changer: unzipping unlocks a surprising amount of space, easily fitting a weekend’s worth of clothes, a camera, and even a makeup bag.
The front compartments are handy for quick access to smaller items like your phone and earphones. The internal elastic straps help keep things organized, preventing your gear from shifting during transit.
I also appreciate the luggage strap on the back, making it easy to slide onto your suitcase handle for hands-free travel.
Despite its large capacity, the bag remains fairly light—just about 2.2 pounds. And it’s designed with heavy-duty, lockable zippers and sturdy stitching, so it feels reliable even after multiple trips.
Plus, the external compression straps help stabilize your load and give you a bit more room when needed.
Overall, this backpack is a smart pick for family trips or weekend getaways. It’s practical, flexible, and meets airline carry-on standards, which is a huge plus for hassle-free travel.
Rcrirth 35L Carry-On Travel Backpack for Men & Women
- ✓ Excellent craftsmanship and materials
- ✓ Expandable for extra space
- ✓ TSA-friendly and easy security pass
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some
- ✕ Limited color options
| Capacity | 35 liters |
| Laptop Compartment Size | Fits up to 17.3-inch laptops |
| Expandable Width | Increases by 2 inches when unzipped |
| Material | High-quality, thick, waterproof fabric |
| Security Features | Back private pocket for passports and valuables |
| Compliance | Meets airline carry-on size regulations |
First time I unzipped this Rcrirth 35L Carry-On Travel Backpack, I immediately noticed its solid build and sleek design. The thick, high-quality materials give it a premium feel that sets it apart from typical backpacks.
It’s clear that a lot of attention went into the craftsmanship, especially with the customized details that make it stand out.
As I started packing, I appreciated the spacious main compartment, which easily holds what I’d usually pack in a small suitcase. The expandable zipper is a game-changer — it adds an extra two inches of width, perfect for last-minute additions or bulkier items.
The 17.3-inch laptop compartment fits my device snugly, and the waterproof sections kept my electronics safe from unexpected spills.
What really impressed me is how versatile this backpack is. It looks like a sleek business bag, but it can transform into a suitcase style on the go.
The TSA-friendly design means I could breeze through airport security, opening it flat without removing my laptop or gadgets. The private back pocket for passports and valuables is a thoughtful touch, making travel smoother and more secure.
It’s lightweight but feels sturdy enough for daily use, whether you’re commuting, weekend trips, or even short vacations. The overall design is simple yet elegant, suitable for both men and women.
Honestly, this backpack ticks most boxes for a family travel companion — practical, stylish, and well-made.