Best Backpacks With Trolley Sleeve: Affordable to Luxury Options
Backpacks are awesome for air travel, whether you want one as a personal item or as a proper carry-on. It helps a lot when a backpack has a trolley sleeve, so you can easily mount it on top of your other luggage and move around the airport with full use of your other hand.
At A Glance: Best Backpacks With Trolley Sleeve
- Best Anti-Theft Backpack With Trolley Sleeve
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Backpack with Trolley SleeveJump To Review - Best Personal Item Size Backpack
Travelpro Maxlite Laptop Backpack with Trolley SleeveJump To Review - Best Backpack For Business Travel
Samsonite Classic Leather Slim BackpackJump To Review - Best Large Carry-On Backpack
Briggs & Riley Large Cargo BackpackJump To Review
This detailed guide to the best backpack with a trolley sleeve includes ten awesome options, ranging from affordable to luxury options. Regardless of what type and size of backpack you’re looking for, there’s bound to be at least a couple of suitable options for you right here!
Top Product Overview
 | Best Anti-Theft Backpack With Trolley Sleeve
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 | Best Personal Item Size Backpack
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 | Best Backpack For Business Travel
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 | Best Large Carry-On Backpack
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Top Products
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Backpack with Trolley Sleeve
Pacsafe is a brand popular for anti-theft bags and backpacks and their Citysafe CX backpack is one of their all-time best-selling models. It’s a top-loading backpack with multiple anti-theft features, and it’s small enough to pass as a personal item on most international flights.
The Citysafe backpack is made from nylon and recycled polyester, plus it features a special coating for improved water resistance. It’s also got the eXomesh slash guard and the Carrysafe slash guard strap, which are pretty much just reinforcements to the material that make the backpack impossible to cut into.
Other safety features of this backpack include RFID-safe pockets, a Roobar Style locking system, and TurnNLock security hooks. What this means in practice is that you can unlock the shoulder strap and lock it to a pole, so that no one could snatch away your bag while you’re not paying attention. The main compartment also has lockable zippers, so that thieves can’t open it easily.
The Citysafe bag also features a padded laptop sleeve, several internal pockets, external pockets, padded shoulder straps, and a convenient trolley sleeve.
Pros
- Multiple anti-theft features
- Small enough to be a personal item
- Padded and adjustable shoulder straps
- Water-resistant exterior
Cons
- Pricey
- Small capacity
Product Information
- Dimensions: 15.4” x 10.6” x 6.3”
- Weight: 1.55 lbs
- Capacity: 17 liters
Travelpro Maxlite Laptop Backpack with Trolley Sleeve
Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 collection features some of the best softside luggage money can buy and the Laptop Backpack is no exception. It’s made from durable polyester with a DuraGuard coating for improved water and stain resistance.
The size of this backpack is ideal for a personal item on airplanes. It’s even small enough that Ryanair would accept it as a free item, so it’s great for most flights. There’s a convenient luggage sleeve in the back that lets you secure the backpack to the wheel handle of your suitcase.
The pack has a dedicated laptop compartment in the back and a front-loading main compartment. There’s also a smaller zippered compartment in the front, as well as open pockets with magnetic closure for any smaller items you might want to keep secure.
Additionally, the Travelpro Maxlite backpack features internal pockets for the organization of your cords and other small items. Overall, if you like traveling with a bag that lets you organize all your belongings and keep everything easily accessible, this is an awesome backpack for you.
Pros
- Water-resistant coating
- Personal item size
- Multiple internal and external pockets
- Dedicated laptop compartment
Cons
- The zippers are not lockable
- The shoulder straps are not ventilated
Product Information
- Dimensions: 15” x 9.8” x 5.5”
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Capacity: 19 liters
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
The Matein backpack is a good option if you want a pack that can work as a proper carry-on. It’s an 18” backpack so it’s too big to pass as a personal item, but it’s small enough to replace a carry-on suitcase. Pair this with a large checked suitcase, and you can comfortably pack for trips of two weeks or longer.
The total capacity of this backpack is 30 liters, which is plenty for short trips. If you’re smart about packing, you can easily use this bag for trips that are 3-5 days long. It’s got a dedicated laptop pocket in the back, for easy access at the security screening point.
The main compartment is front loading and there’s an additional front compartment with an organizer. The backpack also has two zippered pockets on the front panel and two open mesh pockets on the sides.
Additionally, there’s a hidden zippered pocket in the back, which is great for items you want to keep extra safe. The back panel is padded and ventilated just like the backpack straps, but it’s important to note that there’s no hip belt or sternum strap. There is a USB port for charging and a convenient luggage strap in the back.
Pros
- USB port
- The padded laptop sleeve fits 15.6” devices
- Organizer in the front compartment
- Open and zippered external pockets
Cons
- Too big to be a personal item
- No sternum strap or hip belt
Product Information
- Dimensions: 12” x 18” x 7.8”
- Weight: 1.56 lbs
- Capacity: 30 liters
Baggallini Women's Soho Backpack
The Baggallini Soho backpack is an excellent option if you want a stylish travel backpack. It’s got a top-loading main compartment, water-resistant coating on the exterior, and convenient grab handles at the top that let you carry the bag like a tote.
The backpack straps on this bag are adjustable, but they’re not the most comfortable option out of the bunch. But that’s not a big deal because it’s a small pack, and it’s unlikely that it will get so heavy you’ll find it uncomfortable to wear. It’s also a very lightweight backpack and small enough to pass as a personal item on most flights.
The main compartment features a padded laptop sleeve, small open pockets for organization, and two open water bottle pockets on the sides. The front panel also features a zippered pocket and an open pocket, for any items you might want to keep handy at the airport.
The backpack doesn’t have any other compartments though, which is a downside for me. It makes the backpack great instead of a purse for your essentials, but it’s not a bag you could use as your only luggage for short flights.
Pros
- Padded laptop pocket inside
- Side water bottle pockets
- Top grab handles
- Wide luggage strap in the back
Cons
- Very small capacity
- Just one packing compartment
Product Information
- Dimensions: 15” x 11” x 6”
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Capacity: Not specified
Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Campus Backpack
If you like variety and options, you’re going to love the Vera Bradley backpack. It’s available in no less than 36 different options, which include solid colors and beautiful prints. The pack is great for people who like colorful bags, and I honestly had a tough time choosing just one option for the picture here.
The pack is made from recycled cotton and it’s machine washable, which is pretty great. However, cotton doesn’t have the best water resistance, so the backpack might not be the perfect option for use in wet weather.
It looks like a basic backpack at first glance, but once you take notice of all the different features, it’s obvious the bag is anything but basic. There’s a convenient trolley sleeve in the back, a zippered pocket hidden in the back panel, thick padding in the back panel and shoulder straps, and a separate padded pocket for a 15-inch laptop.
The main compartment is front loading and it’s got two convenient open pockets inside. There’s also a small zippered compartment in the front, as well as an extra zippered pocket on the front panel. You also get two open pockets on the sides.
Pros
- Lots of color variety
- Multiple internal and external pockets
- Recycled cotton construction
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Too big to be a personal item
- No ventilation in the back panel
Product Information
- Dimensions: 12." x 16.75" x 7.5"
- Weight: 1.65 lbs
- Capacity: 25 liters
TUMI - Voyageur Just In Case Backpack
Tumi is a luxury luggage brand known for the premium quality of its products. If you want a high-end backpack that comes with an elaborate warranty, the Voyajegour Just In Case is certainly an option worth considering. Also, the backpack is surprisingly well-priced, especially considering how expensive Tumi luggage tends to be.
On the other hand, it’s important to note that this is a small, packable backpack that folds down into one of its pockets. It’s an awesome bag to have because you can just throw it in your purse, and then take it out and use it if you’re in a pinch.
The bag is also a solid option for travel because of the convenient travel strap in the back. It’s extremely lightweight and portable, plus because it doesn’t feature too much padding throughout, you can fit a lot of items inside.
It has a large front-loading main compartment and an extra zippered pocket in the front, but that’s it. If you’re looking for a bag that will allow you to keep all your belongings organized, this isn’t it. But if you want one of those travel backpacks that take up no space in your other luggage, it’s certainly one of the best options to consider.
Pros
- Very lightweight and portable
- Luggage sleeve in the back
- Stows into the front pocket
Cons
- Single main compartment
- No padding
Product Information
- Dimensions: 15.5" x 12.3" x 4.5"
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- Capacity: 34 liters
Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack
The Samsonite Classic leather slim backpack is a really good option if you want a stylish and luxurious-looking backpack. It’s an absolutely gorgeous laptop bag with padded and ventilated back panel and shoulder straps. Also, it can fit two laptops, so it’s a solid option for work trips.
The only downside of this construction is that the bag is heavier than nylon and polyester backpacks. It weighs 2.5 lbs, which is a bit heavy for a backpack but nothing outrageous. This Samsonite bag has a total of three separate compartments, as well as an additional zippered pocket on the front panel.
The back compartment is padded and designed for laptops, the main compartment is spacious and features a large open sleeve, and the frontmost compartment has a convenient organizer panel with lots of pockets for small items. The zippered pocket on the front panel is more spacious than it looks, and it’s great for items you want to keep easily accessible.
There’s also the trolley sleeve in the back, which allows you to secure this to the wheel handle of a suitcase. Overall, the Samsonite backpack is one of my favorite options, not just because it looks so sleek and smart, but also because it’s extremely functional, well-made, and reasonably priced.
Pros
- Beautiful leather construction
- Three packing compartments
- Organizer panel in the front compartment
- Trolley sleeve in the back
- Ventilated back panel, padded straps
Cons
- No hip belt or sternum strap
- No side pockets
Product Information
- Dimensions: 5.51 x 10.63 x 16.14
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Capacity: 21.2 liters
Briggs & Riley Large Cargo Backpack
The Briggs & Riley Large Cargo backpack is an excellent option if you want a carry-on bag. It’s 19” tall so it won’t work as a personal item, but it’s the perfect size to be an international carry-on. Also, it’s got a capacity of 33 liters, which should be enough for trips of 3-5 days.
The backpack is made from 1600D ballistic nylon and it’s coated for water and stain resistance. It’s got three large packing compartments, including a dedicated computer compartment in the back, a large main packing compartment, and a smaller front compartment with an organizer panel.
There are also zippered pockets on the sides, as well as two small zippered pockets on the front panel. The back panel is padded and ventilated, and there’s even padding and ventilation on the trolley sleeve.
Additionally, the Cargo backpack features RFID-safe pockets in the organizer, as well as self-repairing YKK zippers. Overall, it’s truly one of the best carry-on backpacks money can buy, but it’s quite pricey. Briggs & Riley is a high-end brand and their products are not cheap, but they justify the high prices with excellent build quality and performance.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Three packing compartments
- RFID safe pockets
- Excellent organizational features
- Padded and ventilated back panel
Cons
- No hip belt or sternum strap
- Pricey
Product Information
- Dimensions: 19” x 15” x 8”
- Weight: 3.2 lbs
- Capacity: 33 liters
Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Laptop Backpack
Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea backpack is another interesting option for carry-on luggage. It’s not my favorite option out of the bunch because of the size; it’s too big to be a personal item but too small to properly replace a suitcase because it’s got a capacity of less than 30 liters. But if you’re traveling with checked luggage and you don’t need a maximum-size carry-on, it’s certainly an option to consider.
The backpack has a dedicated laptop compartment, a large packing compartment, and an extra front compartment with an organizer panel. There are also multiple interior and exterior pockets for easy organization, as well as a convenient luggage strap in the back.
The shoulder straps and the back panel are padded for carrying comfort, but there’s no breathable mesh on them. It’s not the most comfortable backpack to wear in hot weather, especially since there are no sternum or hip belt straps to help secure the load.
But it is a stylish, affordable laptop bag, and a seriously good option if you just want a pack that can hold your in-flight essentials. The laptop pocket comfortably fits 15.6” devices, and the organizer in the front will allow you to keep all of your must-haves handy in transit.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Organizer in the front compartment
- Padded shoulder straps
Cons
- No ventilation on the back panel
- Awkward size
Product Information
- Dimensions: 7.5” x 11” x 16”
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Capacity: 28.7 liters
KROSER Laptop Backpack
The Kroser laptop backpack is a good option if you’re on a tight budget and you’re looking for affordable options. This is the most affordable backpack with a trolley sleeve I could find, and it’s a really good option for the money.
The pack has multiple packing compartments, including a padded compartment for computers in the back. There’s also padding in the shoulder straps so that the bag is comfortable to wear even when it’s filled to capacity. The back panel doesn’t feature any breathable mesh, but it does have a convenient luggage strap.
The main packing compartment is spacious and front loading, plus there are water bottle pockets on its sides. There’s also a smaller front compartment with an organizer panel, plus two small zippered pockets on the front of the bag.
On top of all that, the Kroser backpack includes a USB port for charging on the go and a water-repellant exterior. It usually retails for less than $30, so it’s a really good bag for that price point.
Pros
- Very affordable
- USB port
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Organizer in the front compartment
- Water-resistant construction
Cons
- Not the most durable option
- No breathable mesh on the back panel
Product Information
- Dimensions: 17” x 12.3" x 7.6"
- Weight: 1.23 lbs
- Capacity: Not specified
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of using a backpack with a trolley sleeve?
The biggest advantage of using a backpack with a trolley sleeve is that you can mount it on top of your suitcase and give your shoulders a break while you’re at the airport.
Is there a difference between a luggage sleeve and a trolley sleeve?
There’s no difference between a luggage sleeve and a trolley sleeve in practice. The only difference is that “luggage sleeve” is the American English term, whereas “trolley sleeve” is a British English phrase.
Do all types of suitcases fit on the trolley sleeve of a backpack?
No, not all types of suitcases will fit on the trolley sleeve of a backpack. The sleeves are compatible only with suitcases that have a regular wheel handle. If you have luggage with a wide wheel handle, you won’t be able to mount a backpack with a trolley sleeve on top of it.
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