Image: MomJunction Design Team
Nobody likes to struggle with back pain, but sometimes it’s just inevitable, and this is why you need the best rolling backpack. You have to carry a laptop to the office, clothes, and essentials while traveling, which only puts a lot of pressure on your back. However, life and back pain can be eased when you have a rolling backpack. After all, carrying a huge amount of weight will only bring a severe strain on your back. So, we bring you a list of time-tested, travel-friendly bags or rolling backpacks that will lift the burden off your shoulders. Go ahead and pick one from the best-selling options to meet your requirements.
Top Picks
13 Best Rolling Backpacks To Carry Luggage With Ease In 2024
1. Best Water-Resistant:J World New York Sundance Roller Backpack
Image: Jworld New York Go to school or travel the world with the J World New York Sundance Roller Backpack. This 20-inch backpack boasts an ergonomic design, so you can carry or pull it with ease. Its back and shoulder straps are cushioned with soft air pads to give you the utmost comfort. Stack books, a hoodie, and lunch boxes in its wide and compatible storage compartments and carry your laptop with you in its padded laptop holder case. The front compartment of this wheely backpack has an organizer to hold your pens, phone, wallet, and other small items. Tested by many reviewers, its T-shaped handle can be adjusted according to your height and makes it easy for you to grab and move quickly. Pull the backpack over stony roads, and the base mold keeps the fabric protected. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get a better idea about the ergonomic rolling backpack and its features.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Crafted from high-quality material
- External compartments to hold water bottles
- Wide variety of color options
- The base mold is blunt for better comfort.
Cons
- Some may not like the polyester fabric.
"This bag has been the perfect find for my college and professional needs, as it is spacious enough to accommodate my books and photography gear. While its zippers may require careful handling to prevent snags, its overall build is durable, and the wheels move smoothly."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 7,432 positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Height-Adjustable:Matein Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack
Image: Matein Travel the world in style as the Matein Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack has your back. The trusted bag is designed with smooth and excellent skate wheels that move without a glitch on any surface. Each of the compartments has mesh pockets that can hold a 15.6-inch laptop, clothes, books, and files. The biggest compartment comes with compression straps to securely hold your clothes. The front compartment has organizers to hold small objects like keys, pouches, pens, and your phone. The wheeled luggage backpack comes with a height-adjustable aluminum telescopic handle and a durable padded grab handle.
Pros
- Anti-theft lockable zippers
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Water-resistant base and body
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Dirt and dust visible on the coal-black color bag make it look dirty.
"Commuting to my office has gotten easy since I got this backpack. I was especially delighted to discover that it has different pockets for my laptop and iPad. Plus, the option to convert it from a wearable backpack to a rolling piece is a bonus."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,699 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
3. Best For Travel:Targus Compact Rolling Backpack
Image: Targus If you are mainly looking to buy rolling backpacks for travel, Targus’ Compact Rolling Backpack can be a good option. The backpack with wheels comes designed with a 16-inch padded laptop pocket and a spacious clothes-holding compartment with elastic compression straps. You can pull down the foldable cover over the smoothly gliding wheels when you carry the backpack and tuck away the shoulder straps when you drag it on the ground to keep your bag and clothes clean. The soft-touch retractable telescopic handle of this regular travel backpack makes traveling with your luggage easier, making it a favorite among several reviewers.
Pros
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Two mesh pockets to hold water bottles
- Zip-down workstation
- Suitable for business trips
- Easy to stack in planes and trains
Cons
- The bag is not water-resistant.
"The highlight of this bag is that I can tuck its wheels and shoulder straps into it when they are not being used. Despite that, it's spacious enough to carry all my clothes and easily fits under the airplane seat."
Do rememberJ World New York Sundance Roller Backpack Best Water-Resistant | Matein Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack Best Height-Adjustable | Targus Compact Rolling Backpack Best For Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.6 pounds | 4.8 pounds | 4 pounds |
| Dimensions | 9 x 13 x 20 inches | 13 x 9 x 19.6 inches | 9 x 13.8 x 19 inches |
| Color | - | Black | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 7,432 | 2,699 | 1,981 |
| Price | $59.95 | $95.99 | $79.95 |
4. Best For School:Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack
If your little girl demands a handy kids’ trolley backpack for school, check out the Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack. This bag is made of polyester fabric and has pretty floral prints all over, making it one of the best girls’ rolling backpacks for school and travel. As per reviews, this wheely backpack has a large compartment that can hold school items, like large books, and a small organizer compartment for erasers, pens, pencil cases, and other small objects. The rectangular pulling handle gives your kids a good grip while pulling the trolley while the padded shoulder straps make it easy for them to carry the bag on their backs.
Pros
- No-rust metal telescopic handle
- Two mesh pockets for water bottle
- Easy skate wheels
- Compact
- Crafted from high-quality materials
Cons
- Some may find the side mesh pockets flimsy
"Whether going to school or on short vacations, I always reach for this bag as its different-sized pockets allow easy organization. Its bright pink hue also makes recognizing it on the carousel easy. However, I’d recommend packing it evenly to prevent tipping."
5. Best For Soundless Movement:Tilami Rolling School Backpack
Image: Tilami If your kids carry heavy loads on their backs every day, it could lead to permanently droopy shoulders but the Tilami Rolling School Backpack can reduce both pain and strain. The time-tested kids’ rolling backpack has three zipper compartments for better weight distribution and is designed with S-shaped air-padded shoulder straps for better comfort. There are separate mesh pockets in the side to hold the water sippers. This wheeled luggage bag comes with a telescopic handle and smooth wheels that offer seamless, smooth, and soundless movement. The foldable wheel cover of this kids’ large rolling backpack keeps dirt off your little ones’ clothes
Pros
- Adjustable handle
- Wide variety of pattern options
- Polypropylene bottom guards
- Laptop holder included
Cons
- The bag comes with only a one-year warranty.
"The Tilami backpack blends style and practicality with its extendable handle and vibrant colors. Besides, the option to switch it from backpack to rolling mode is a boon when I am walking through different terrains."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,917 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
6. Best With Compression Straps:Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack
Image: Everest The Everest backpack has a large capacity of 27.7 liters and measures 13.5 x 7 x 18.5 inches. With a spacious main compartment, six additional front pockets, and three side pockets, the backpack offers ample space to organize your belongings. Its key feature is the built-in organizer on the front to hold your essentials, making it an easily accessible space. Furthermore, the backpack has a trolley handle and sturdy wheels for convenient portability. Made from high-quality 600D polyester, the large-capacity backpack with wheels offers quality assurance and can be your travel companion for years.
Pros
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Mesh pockets to hold water bottle
- Compression straps keep things in place
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Seams may begin to fray upon frequent use
Quick tip7. Best For Electronic Devices:Oiwas Laptop Rolling Backpack
Image: Oiwas Your work might need you to carry a laptop along, and the OIWAS Laptop Rolling Backpack is one of the best laptop roller bags you can pick. The bag has a laptop and a tablet holder pocket designed to keep your electronics safe. Spread the back panel on the wheels while carrying this backpack, or tuck the shoulder straps into the panel when you glide it. The straps are very comfortable and come with a shoulder harness for better grip when you wear the wheeled backpack. You can have quick access to any of your files and documents in its spacious compartments.
Pros
- Dual zip locks
- Hideaway handle
- Water-resistant material
- Smooth and durable wheels
Cons
- The bag may tilt when very heavy
"Adjustable straps, hidden pockets, and weatherproof—this backpack features everything I was looking for. Its rubber wheels have also made rolling it over different terrains effortless. While its handle would benefit from some upgrades, that’s a minor issue in front of its pros."
8. Best With Noiseless Wheels:High Sierra Wheeled Backpack
Image: High Sierra The best-selling High Sierra backpack has a capacity of 34.5 liters and measures 20.87 x 8 x 13.5 inches. With a fully padded laptop sleeve that fits most 15-inch laptops, it is a great choice if you prefer safe storage for your electronics. It also has a media pocket with a headphone port, and its padded shoulder straps and durable grab handle offer superior comfort. The backpack features corner-mounted wheels with corner guards and a kick plate to protect it from wear and tear when being rolled on the ground.
Pros
- Smooth, noiseless rolling wheels
- Reflective strip for safety
- Hideaway telescoping handle
- Ideal option for business travel
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- May be a bit smaller than expected
"My teenager has been using this backpack for school as it's comfortable to carry and has ample pockets for storing her essentials. Its handle, however, could have been sturdier. Nonetheless, its wheels have made it a reliable find for carrying heavy loads."
9. Best With Hideaway Shoulder Straps:JanSport Rolling Backpack
Image: Jansport With a padded laptop pocket that fits most 15-inch devices, the JanSport backpack is an ideal option for school and office use. The smooth and durable wheels offer convenient portability and take the load off your shoulders. It features a front organizer pocket that is ideal for storing your essentials in an easily accessible manner. Made with 100% recycled 600D polyester, the rolling backpack with a laptop compartment is designed to be durable and long-lasting. With a capacity of 36 liters and 21 x 14 x 10-inch dimensions, the wheely backpack can fit all your belongings as you take it to work.
Pros
- Mesh water bottle pocket
- Hideaway shoulder straps
- Telescopic handle
- Durable material
- Available in multiple colors and patterns
Cons
- Zipper panel may be a bit flimsy
"I’ve taken this rolling backpack on numerous international trips and found it quite versatile. It easily transitions from a roller to a backpack to keep the essentials close. It is also quite spacious for storing my tech gear."
Point to consider10. Best Crash-Resistant Base: HollyHome Backpack With Rollers
If ultimate comfort is the only demand, HollyHome Backpack With Rollers might be one of the best rolling backpacks for kids and adults. This lightweight backpack, featuring quality craftsmanship, comes with unidirectional wheels for faster towing and broad shoulder straps for a comfortable carrying experience. With this unique back design and a folding to cover the wheels, you can carry heavy gear in this stylish rolling backpack and still not complain of back pain. The telescopic handle is light and glides effortlessly into a size adjustable for your height. Carry books, a 15-inch laptop, clothes, lunch box, water bottle, and small objects in its spacious compartments.
Pros
- Crash-resistant base
- Waterproof rolling backpack
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for business travel
- Zippers come with a lock
Cons
- Not for users taller than six feet
"It is a pretty good bag! It easily stores my lunchbox, laptop, water bottle, and other work essentials. It's also a solid option for travel, fitting nicely under plane seats."
11. Best Durable Wheels: Weishengda Wheeled Backpack
No storage space is enough for women and the Weishengda Wheeled Backpack is designed to meet this need. It has spacious compartments that give you quick access to the things you store. Designed with super comfortable shoulder straps, your back does not ache when you wear this bag all day long. Tuck the shoulder straps into the pockets when you tow the backpack to keep it free of dust. The backpack with wheels has a stylish blue galaxy pattern and a crash-resistant base to protect your belongings well.
Pros
- Durable wheels
- Travel-friendly
- Lightweight
- Breathable back mesh
Cons
- Some may find it too bulky
"Captivated by this bag’s vibrant colors, my child insists on taking it to school. It is also durable and large enough to hold his school supplies. The only issue is the narrow water bottle holder, but features like the adjustable handle and smooth wheels have made it comfortable."
12. Best Attached Lock: Kroser Laptop Roller Backpack
Image: Kroser Travel anywhere and take your belongings without straining your back and hands. The tried-and-tested Kroser Laptop Roller Backpack is exceptionally travel-friendly and comfortable when you carry it because of its broad shoulder straps. Its key feature is the two-stop adjustable pulling handle, which syncs with the height of kids and adults respectively. Stack laptops, clothes, food, and other needed objects in the spacious compartments of the wheeled backpack and buckle the compression straps to keep it looking compact. Lock the zippers with the attached lock and keep your belongings safe in the organizer compartments.
Pros
- Waterproof fabric
- Retractable handle
- Silent and smooth wheels
- Sturdy handle
- Suitable for business travel
Cons
- Some may not like the zipper quality
"Having used this bag for multiple trips, I can vouch for its durability. I was new to the wheeling mechanism, so it took some getting used to, but it made it a breeze to move the bag in crowds. Also, the RFID pockets and included lock offer peace of mind."
13. Best Lightweight: Skymove Wheeled Travel Pack
Girls and women get attracted to floral prints, and the Skymove Wheeled Travel Pack is rightly made for them. The wheely backpack features thoughtful details like the lightweight, multiple storages, and an easy-to-carry or tow feature, planned by keeping women and girls in mind. The compartments can hold laptops, clothes, books, and even keys, clutches, and makeover kits. You can pull the carry-on rolling backpack soundlessly and smoothly on any surface.
Pros
- Protective base
- Padded wheel cover
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Comes in two color and pattern options
Cons
- The shoulder straps can get dirty as there is no tucking sleeve for it.
"The lively floral print is the first thing that appealed to me. Moreover, it also rolls easily, which is a boon as I have to take public transport. It would benefit from additional padding, but it serves the purpose well and is going strong despite being used regularly."
How To Choose The Right Roller Backpacks?
Read on to know what you need to look for when buying the backpacks.
- Design: Look for a bag that can accommodate all that you need to carry. Do you plan to carry only a laptop? Or are you looking for a bag that holds your clothes and books? With these requirements, choose a bag with a single compartment or multiple compartments that can be accessed quickly.
- Style: While the girls and ladies like pink or purple-colored flowery patterns, the boys like bold blues and black bags. Along with this, consider the laptop pocket to protect your laptop, foldable wheel covering, and shoulder strap holders to keep your bag free of dust.
- Comfort: Always look for a laptop bag that is ergonomic, easy to use, well-ventilated, and has sufficiently padded back panels, hip belts, and shoulder straps
- Safety: Combination locks, password locks, and other anti-theft features would always be an advantage. Along with this, do consider reflective features if the bag needs to be used at night or spotted in the dark.
- Durability: Look into the make of the backpack. Is the material water-resistant, scratch-proof, and designed to prevent tears? Can it be washed and dried? If your usage includes train or airline travel, can it withstand the expected throwing around?
- Size: Some laptop bags are made only for smaller laptops and tablets, whereas a few can accommodate 17-inch laptops. Pick a bag that is best suited in size for your laptop.
Angela Foster, a style coach and fashion influencer, says, “Although these bags have wheels and can be pulled, there will be times when you need to carry them like a conventional backpack. Be sure to check the weight of the empty bag. A half pound doesn’t sound like a lot until the pack is full and you need to lift and carry the bag on your shoulders.”
How To Clean A Roller Backpack?
- Step 1: Soak the backpack in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Use a good fabric detergent that lathers well.
- Step 3: Scrub gently with a fabric cleansing scrub.
- Step 4: If there are stains, use baking soda to clean them.
- Step 5: Rinse the soap thoroughly with water.
- Step 6: Dry the backpack thoroughly.
- Step 7: Make sure the towing rod and the wheels are free of moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are rolling backpacks any good?
If you have a lot of things to carry, such as a laptop, chargers, and books, using a rolling backpack can prevent shoulder and back pain caused by carrying heavy luggage to a great extent.
2. Should I use rolling backpacks while traveling?
If it’s a short trip, a rolling backpack that accommodates a couple of clothes could be alternatively used for traveling instead of a bulky trolley bag.
3. Is a rolling backpack machine washable?
Unlike traditional backpacks made of fabric, rolling backpacks come with telescoping handles and wheel contraptions attached to them, so it may not be advisable to wash them in the machine. They can be wipe-cleaned or hand-washed instead. Do read the care instructions in the product details provided by the manufacturer.
4. How should I pack a rolling backpack?
Most rolling backpacks come with many compartments, zippered pockets, and mesh pouches, both inside and outside the bags. This makes it convenient for you to plan your luggage placements in a thoroughly organized manner. They also have separate cushioned sleeves for laptops, a designated section for clothes, and a quick access pocket for things you need quite often.
5. How do I attach a backpack to a rolling suitcase?
Opt for a backpack with an easily attachable and detachable trolley system. Wrap or hide the tassels of the shoulder straps. Slide the telescoping handle through the designated slit on the bag. Then, lock the velcro at the base of the bag and the trolley system and secure the bottom buttons present at the edges. Finally, secure the top buttons near the rod area and hide the shoulder straps in the gap created.
6. Do college students use rolling backpacks?
Keeping the luggage load in mind, rolling backpacks are ideal for high-school students, college students, and research scholars as well.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirah, the author of this article, is an experienced writer and reviewer of travel accessories. He has compiled this list of the best rolling backpacks based on user reviews, product features, and durability evaluation. He has mentioned the products’ features, such as anti-theft zippers and water resistance, for the buyer to choose a quality backpack based on their requirements. Wedetso has also included a buying guide to help you make an informed buying decision.
There are so many potentially stressful aspects of traveling, but the one you have complete control over is how convenient the trip is. You can do so by investing in the best rolling backpacks that take all the pressure off your shoulders and help you easily get around a train station or airport. These best-selling options are also highly suitable for school and college kids who must carry various heavy books and laptops daily. Before picking, however, make sure you consider the design, style, comfort, and durability of the bag, so it can last you for years while ensuring a hassle-free traveling experience.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using Rolling Backpacks
Rolling backpacks feature wheels and a handle, allowing users to roll them instead of carrying them on their backs. They come in vibrant colors and patterns, making these functional bags stylish for everyday usage. Check out the following infographic to learn why you should invest in a rolling backpack.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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