When it comes to travel comfort, backpacks for short flights are a traveler’s best companions. Functional, practical, and stylish, they have just the right pockets to keep your flight essentials organized and easily accessible. With plenty of space, they carry your travel gear effortlessly, while padded shoulder straps allow you to breeze through the airport and beyond in total comfort. 

In this article, you’ll find our tips on how to choose the best carry-on backpack to take on your next flight for extra comfort. Plus, our recommendations will make the search easier.

How to Choose the Best Carry-on Backpack

Whether you’re heading to a refreshing weekend city break or preparing for a domestic flight, you need a reliable backpack that’s spacious enough to bring everything you need, but small enough so it is compliant with most airlines. 

There are a few factors to consider before choosing a carry-on travel backpack for a short flight. 

Size

A carry-on travel backpack should fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you in case the overhead compartments are overloaded. The most popular size for carry-on luggage is 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches) but it might differ from one company to another. Before your trip, make sure your carry-on-sized backpack complies with the dimensions approved by the airline you’re flying with.

Your backpack should also be large enough to carry your travel essentials for your short trip and make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Weight

To avoid extra airline luggage fees, weight is another essential factor you should consider when choosing the best carry-on backpack for short flights. Usually, cabin luggage can’t weigh more than 10 kg, but each airline has its own restrictions regarding the maximum weight allowed. Choose a backpack that’s lightweight and pack light to enjoy more freedom when traveling. 

Organization

When looking for the best backpack for short flights, make sure you choose one with multiple pockets. Having everything organized will save you a lot of time during your trip and at the security check. 

A good carry-on travel backpack should have smart compartments for everything. It should also have fast-access pockets for your documents – boarding pass, ID, and passport for those moments when you’re at the boarding gate and you don’t want to desperately rummage through your bag. Hidden pockets are also a must-have to protect your valuables. 

Comfort

When choosing the best carry-on backpack, comfort is a key element to improve the quality of your adventures. We are all different and our travel needs might differ, too. But every traveler needs a comfortable backpack. 

A good carry-on bag should feel good on your shoulders and back – this means it should be equipped with adjustable shoulder straps (preferably padded) and an ergonomic design that can fit different body types. You shouldn’t wear a bigger backpack if you’re petite. On the other hand, if you wear a smaller backpack, the weight won’t be distributed correctly. When it comes to your comfort, the best backpack is the one that is proportional to your body type. Check our blog post for more information about how to choose the best carry-on backpack for your silhouette. 

Durability

Your travel backpack should accompany you on all your adventures and resist all your movements through the years. This means you should pay attention to the materials used for its construction, as well as its zippers. Choose a backpack that can survive any scenario, one crafted from durable, water-resistant materials that will protect your belongings even in a downpour.

Style

Nowadays, style and functionality go hand in hand when it comes to travel bags. Travelers have become more conscious about their style and finding a backpack that makes you feel and look good will improve your comfort and confidence when on the go.

Our Top Picks Best for Comfort – Backpacks for Short Flights

Wondering what carry-on backpack, you should buy for short flights to fit all your travel needs and yet ensure maximum comfort? Here are our suggestions. 

Nordace Eclat

This backpack has a structured design that makes packing and unpacking a breeze. It has a 90˚ opening that offers great flexibility and easy access, plus a plethora of organizational pockets. Its 18 L capacity is perfect for short trips and weekend getaways. The padded laptop compartment offers a safe storage solution for your device. It has an integrated USB charging port so you can easily charge your phone before getting to the airport. 

Nordace Eliz

The Nordace Eliz is one of the best carry-on backpacks you can get for short flights. Its sophisticated design elevates any travel outfit, but its organized interior is what makes this backpack special and a preferred options for digital nomads and urban explorers. 

Lightweight, crafted from water-resistant material, is offers plenty of space smartly divided to keep your travel gear safe. The exterior pockets are perfect to keep your travel essentials at hand, while the hidden pocket on the back panel is the secret spot to store your valuables. The adjustable shoulder straps ensure all-day comfort in transit or when wandering the streets of a new city.

Nordace Siena

With Nordace Siena, nothing is left behind – there is a pocket for absolutely everything, from your passport to sunglasses. If a backpack that carries everything that you need and a little bit more is what you’re looking for, Nordace Siena is the one. 

It provides superior organization thanks to its spacious main compartment and smart pockets. But, if you want to pack more clothes and spare some space for souvenirs, you can combine the backpack with compression packing cubes. It is equipped with a water bottle pockets, laptop compartment, and USB charging port. 

Nordace Siena is our most popular backpack among travelers around the world. It will surely improve your way to travel, too. 

We know it can be challenging to find the best backpack for travel, but with the right information you’ll make the right choice. Remember that, when picking your carry-on backpack, comfort is king.