Looking for the best carry on backpack that actually works for work and travel? Knack Packs are designed to be the best travel backpack for professionals who move fast and pack smart. Each carry on backpack features a patented, expandable main compartment that transforms from sleek laptop backpack to full travel mode in seconds. Inside, you’ll find a protected laptop compartment for your tech and organized space for all your essential travel gear.

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Knack’s Carry-on Backpack Collection

Knack’s Carry On Backpack Collection is designed for travelers who want the best carry-on backpack for work and travel in one streamlined design. Each carry-on backpack features a patented, expandable main compartment for clothes and essential travel gear, plus a protected laptop compartment that transforms it into a polished laptop backpack when you are in work mode. A dedicated water bottle pocket keeps your water bottle within reach, while a trolley sleeve, tuck-away straps, and smart organization make airport movement effortless. Available in multiple sizes, this versatile travel backpack is built to deliver the performance of the best travel backpack without sacrificing style or function.

Carry-on Backpack Features

  • Expand Your Horizons

    Separate, patented, expandable suitcase compartment with easy-access lid makes packing for travel easy by giving you up to 50% more carrying capacity. Depending on Knack Pack size, this compartment holds up to 4 changes of clothes.

  • Stay Organized

    Keep all your gear secure and easy to find with next-level organization, including a fleece-lined tablet pocket, see-through mesh accessory pockets and a hidden side-zip water bottle pocket.

  • Be Compatible

    To make your travels easier, our integrated trolley sleeve lets you slip your Knack over the handle of almost all sizes of wheeled luggage.

About Knack

Knack sprang from the simple observation that too many people were carrying too many bags at the same time. This aha moment spurred our passion to live a One Bag Life. So we pulled together a dedicated group of frequent travelers and bag enthusiasts––from Tumi, Coach, North Face, Samsonite, and eBags––to create the one bag that’s clever enough to replace two.

Carry-on Backpacks FAQs

Can a 45L backpack be a carry-on?

Most U.S. airlines use a bag’s dimensions in inches to determine its carry-on eligibility. Rather than the bag’s total volume, try measuring your travel bag for the actual its height, width and depth when full. The most common maximum carry-on size in the U.S. is 22" x 14" x 9". It’s always good to double check your airlines carry-on specs.

Do expanded Knack Packs fit under airplane seats?

Expanded Small and Medium Knack Packs fit underneath most U.S. seats, while expanded Large Knack Packs fit in overhead bins. International flights tend to have smaller carry-on baggage sizes, so double check with your airline. When packed smartly with a packing cube or multiple packing cubes, you can maximize space while staying compliant. Always be sure to check with your airlines regulations.

Are all Knack Packs carry-on friendly?

Yes. Knack Packs are designed to meet standard U.S. carry-on requirements, making them a reliable travel bag for domestic flights. However, it’s best for domestic and international flights to always confirm your airline’s specific size rules to ensure your best travel backpack fits within their guidelines.

Do Knack Packs make good carry-ons?

Knack Packs are built to function as both a sleek laptop backpack and a high-performance carry-on. With an expandable main compartment, protected laptop compartment, trolley sleeve, and organized storage for travel essentials, they are designed to be the best backpack for professionals who want one smart, versatile best travel backpack for work and trips alike.

Testimonials

I have the Series 2 in grey, and I'm in the middle of my third, 1- to 2-night trip with it as the sole bag. I love the clean, contemporary design and material quality; plenty of well-organized room for everything I need –– including two laptops (one 15", one 13") in the sleeve. Even when travelling with a suitcase, this bag is and will be my carry-on / underseat bag of choice.

Ken M.

From working as a traveling MA, to taking weekend trips across the country, to traveling overseas, to now medical school, this backpack has consistently been amazing. I have so many positive things to say, but to just pick a few, the expandable compartment is so useful when I need it and so easy to forget when I don't, the exterior and interior have held up far better than any backpack I've ever owned, and the layout of all the pockets is so well designed...

J.C.

I love this bag. The organizational capabilities of this bag are phenomenal, it has high quality materials, it fits under the plane seat even when completely filled, and has more space than I could have ever thought it would. I started to buy the large, but I'm happy I bought the medium because it was perfect for my trip.

Waqiah N.

I was looking for a travel backpack that could be well organized and not embarrassing to use for work when I reached my destination. For years I have been traveling with an additional nicer-looking tote to use while at meetings, but this takes up space in my luggage and I wanted to consolidate these functions. This backpack does the trick! Very well organized, light, and not ugly/utilitarian looking while at meetings.

Nadine C.

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