Best Backpacks That Open Like a Suitcase

Timbuk2 Wander Pack

The clamshell design of the Timbuk2 Wander Pack gives you an option for easy packing and access to your gear. It’s a high-volume backpack that converts into a duffel. The Wander Pack has a capacity of 40 liters, yet it’s lightweight at 3.7 lbs. The dimensions are 15 W x 22.8 L x 7.48 D.

Stowable straps tuck into a designated pocket, and the bag unzips all the way around. Carry it with the sturdy top handle. And when worn as a backpack, the straps are extra-cushy and have a hidden suspension feature for a more comfortable carry. The ventilated air mesh back panel keeps your back cool.

The bag unzips all the way around making it easier to get to the contents as well as quicker for any unexpected look-see request from security. For internal organization, a padded laptop compartment holds up to a 17-inc screen laptop. Other inside pockets hold smaller items like your phone, pens, and other accessories. A zippered pocket on the bottoms is roomy enough for shoes or toiletries.

The Wander Pack makes efficient use of space with well-designed features. It’s easy to live out of this backpack for at least a week.

Osprey Packs Farpoint 40

The Osprey Pack Farpoint 40 has a large zippered panel that gives easy suitcase-style access to the main compartment. It has a stowaway back panel, harness, and hip belt to give it a slim profile for traveling and meets carry-on requirements for most airlines. Fit them in a dedicated zippered pocket. With dimensions of 22 H x 14 W x 9 D inches, it holds up to 40 liters of gear.

Two internal compression straps keep your belongings secure, and dual front compression straps provide stability when wearing a backpack. Padded shoulder straps offer multiple carrying options. It features an internal frame suspension system that helps balance the load from the harness to the hip belt.

The main compartment has lockable sides. A laptop sleeve holds up to a 17-inch laptop in a lockable compartment. Exterior storage includes a front zippered panel slash pocket with sturdy, heat-embossed zippers and two front mesh pockets. Attachment points let you carry more gear.

Use the Osprey Pack Farpoint for a weekend getaway or for a trek in the wilderness. Osprey offers a lifetime guarantee to repair any damage or defect.

Standard 35L Travel Backpack

The Travel Backpack by Standard is a 3-in-1 carry-on with hideaway straps that can be used as a backpack, shoulder bag, or suitcase with an all-around zipper. It meets airline standards for carry-on and cabin luggage restrictions. With dimensions of 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches, the Standard has a capacity of 35 liters, and an expandable zipper adds an extra 10 liters.

The Standard is made of rugged 1680 water-resistant Denier fabric and features strong YKK lockable zippers. Ergonomically designed shoulder straps and a removable, adjustable hip belt, and a ventilated back panel make it comfortable to carry as a backpack. An included rollaboard strap lets you integrate the bag with your other rolling luggage.

Interior compression straps secure contents and maximize space. Mesh pockets help you organize contents, and a wrinkle-free pocket keeps clothing looking fresh. Additional pockets hold electronics including a 17-inch laptop pocket that’s detachable for easier TSA check-in.

Exterior storage includes a collapsable water bottle pocket and two front pockets, one for smaller items like your phone and one for documents. Other added features include a built-in safety whistle and a rain cover.

Overall, the Standard travel backpack meets many travel needs and the company offers a day pack and packing cubes you can order for even more.

ArcEnCiel Tactical Army Backpack

The ArcEnCiel Army Backpack has a tactical military design that makes it suitable for hiking and mountain sports, camping, and hunting. For traveling, stowaway straps convert it to a duffel or suitcase with a full perimeter zipper. No more digging from the top for your gear.

Add the shoulder strap, and it becomes a shoulder or crossbody bag. When not in use, the shoulder strap hides away in a dedicated storage layer.

Made of durable 1000D no-rip nylon, the bag’s dimensions are 25.6 x 13.8 x 9.8 and it holds 60 liters. A military-style MOLLE expansion system lets you add pockets, a water bottle pouch, and accessory kits.

For comfort, the back is thickly padded, and breathable sandwich fabric eases pressure on your back. A double-thick hand strap is comfortable and durable. A chest sliding adjustable system makes it more comfortable when worn as a backpack.

For internal organization, the main compartment has three sections separated by two dividers. Lots of pockets hold accessories. External storage includes two pockets on each side, one of which will fit a 10-inch screen tablet. A rain cover is included.

Overall, the ArcEnCiel is great for hiking, camping, and backpacking, or use it as a travel carry-on for lots of packing space.

Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack

The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack has the comfort and style of a traditional backpack with the storage and accessibility of a suitcase. Carry-on compliant with dimensions of 19 x 12 x 9 inches, the travel pack is made of a tough blend of TPU-coated polyester and 1600D ballistic nylon paneling.

A padded, low-profile harness with contoured shoulder straps makes it comfortable as a backpack even when fully loaded. The air mesh back panel keeps your back cool, and an adjustable chest strap and nylon hip belt give stability.

Stow the shoulder straps away in a slotted back panel designed to prevent snagging on conveyor belts and carry the travel pack by four reinforced grab handles. Unzip the wraparound YKK security zipper to a well-organized main compartment with two halves secured by mesh dividers.

This helps all your gear stays tightly packed and secure. Keep your passport and other small necessities handy in the top compartment.

The right side of the bag has a roomy zippered mesh compartment, and a second sub-divided compartment is on the left. A padded pocket holds a 10-inch device, and a padded laptop sleeve accommodates a 15-inch screen laptop. Carabiner lash loops allow you to attach hiking gear. A rain cover is included.

The Cotopaxi Allpa is a quality backpack and the suitcase-style main compartment makes it suitable as a travel pack.

See our full review here

Matein Carry-On Backpack

The Matein Carry-On Backpack expands to hold 40 liters easily. It holds loads of gear from clothing to packing cubes and meets the requirements as a carry-on for airlines to include Spirit and Jet Blue. Fit it in the overhead compartment or under the seat. The Matein is made of lightweight, durable nylon and has lockable zipper heads. Sturdy zippers and stitching make it highly durable.

Disconnect the shoulder straps, store them in the dedicated zippered back panel, and use them like a briefcase of a duffel with a minimalist look. An included luggage strap attaches to your other luggage and an upright handle makes carrying the travel pack easy.

As a backpack, the shoulder straps are adjustable and the air mesh back panel provides ventilation. A sternum strap is adjustable for distributing weight from the shoulders. Grab handles on the top and side make it easy to remove the bag from the overhead compartment.

Unzip the large main pocket to display your gear suitcase style. An organizer compartment holds your phone, wallet, and other small items. Internal compression straps work together with four external compression straps to hold contents secure. Store your passport and other documents in the front organizer pocket.

The Matein is roomy enough to hold clothing and essentials for one week yet is sized as a carry-on.

Hynes Eagle Compression Travel Pack

The 44-liter Hynes Eagle Backpack has a main compartment that unzips clamshell-style for the convenience of a suitcase and fits the maximum size as a carry-on for an IATA flight.

The inner mesh compartment and pockets hold clothing and travel accessories for at least a week, and the bag compresses to 38 liters for lighter traveling. The exterior is soft, waterproof crinkle nylon for high durability.

As a backpack, the Hynes Eagle features an adjustable sternum and removable waist strap, and contoured backpack straps for comfort. The shoulder strap buckle has been upgraded for more durability. A back trolley panel lets you stack the bag over wheeled luggage. Remove the backpack straps and carry them by top and side carry padded handles.

The main “suitcase” compartment has two zip pockets for smaller accessories. A larger zip compartment will hold a toiletries case or packing cubes. Two easy-to-access front zip pockets are on the front, and one middle pocket contains multiple slip pockets for more organization. Four exterior compression straps reduce stress as well as hold contents tightly packed.

Overall, the Hynes Eagle is a top choice when you need a roomy carry-on, but it isn’t the best for hiking,

Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack

The Tortuga Outbreaker is a carry-on backpack that gives you the flexibility and ease of packing of a suitcase. Once you’re at your destination, the carrying system is removable. With dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, the Outbreaker has a capacity of 45 liters and is available in a 35-liter size.

The outer shell is made of VX21 waterproof sailcloth and has water-resistant lockable YKK zippers to keep your gear safe from the elements.

The Outbreaker is extremely comfortable to carry for frames of any size. You’ll get a perfect fit with the height-adjustable suspension system. Duraflex buckles make the adjustment easier. A padded, removable hip belt shifts 80 percent of the weight of your load from your shoulders. The back panels are padded with soft, breathable Ariaprene foam.

The main compartment opens clamshell-style for ease in packing. Zippered pockets on both sides of the main compartment are handy for organizing and storing smaller items. The lid of the main compartment has two mesh pockets for more organization and is great for documents or other flat items.

The front compartment also opens clamshell-style and has multiple small pockets and slots for items like your phone, charging cords, pens and pencils, credit cards, and other similar items. A slide-in pocket holds a small notebook. The back of the bag has a TSA-compliant padded laptop sleeve that holds up to a 17-inch screen laptop and a 9.7-inch tablet.

Overall, the Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is comfortable to carry and offers a high level of organization for extended traveling.

Peak Design Travel Pack

The versatile 45-liter travel pack by Peak Design was created around the idea that no two trips are alike. Although dural zippers give expandability to 45 liters, it collapses to a 35-liter day pack and meets the requirements of a carry-on bag. The main compartment opens suitcase-style for ease in packing and access to your gear.

The Pack Design’s outer shell is made of 100 percent recycled 400D nylon canvas for durability and weather-proofing. The interior is PU-coated nylon for water resistance. Front and back zippers are lockable and weatherproof. The bag sits upright and retains its sleek shape whether packed or empty.

The hip and shoulder straps have magnetic latches to hold them in place during check-in. Tuck the carrying straps away and use the 360-degree grab handles. A dedicated magnetic external pouch holds the removable straps.

For internal organization, the main compartment is divided by a zippered mesh sleeve. Use as two separate compartments or merge them into one. Organize and store items in softly-lined zippered stash pockets along the top and sides. The main back zipper gives you quick access to your laptop and tablet.

The laptop carry dimensions are 16 x 11 x 1 inches and the tablet carry dimensions are 9.5 x 7.5 x .06 inches. Dual side zippers give additional convenient access to your camera and other items. Side pockets can hold tripods or water bottles.

The Peak Design carry-on gives you lots of versatility, storage, and organization. The backpack has received three awards for Best in Show by outdoor retailers. You can order a variety of packing cubes and accessories for even more packing and versatility. It’s available in black or sage and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Aer Travel Pack 2

Go from backpack to day pack with the Aer Travel Pack 2. The clamshell-style opening lets you live out of it like a suitcase once you reach your destination. It’s made of 1680D patented Cordura ballistic nylon and has durable YKK zippers. The zippers on the main and front compartments are lockable. The Aer holds 33 liters and is lightweight at 3.7 lbs.

Side compression straps give stability and comfort. There are attachment points for a hip belt that is available for purchase separately. An internal frame gives the bag support and structure. The back panel is padded mesh for breathability and extra comfort. A luggage passthrough allows you to attach the backpack to your other luggage.

The main compartment of the Aer Travel Pack 2 lays flat for ease in packing. Store shoes, dirty laundry, or toilets in a generously-sized shoe compartment. An organization panel has multiple mesh or zippered pockets for storing smaller items and documents. The suspended laptop pocket is easy to access and holds up to a 15.6-inch screen laptop. An expandable water bottle is on the side.

The Aer Travel Pack 2 is good for short trips or longer travels with some planning. Use it as a day pack or backpack. At home, the day pack is good for carrying to the gym.