Wheeled backpacks are universally loved no matter where you go for one simple reason: they are super convenient. Having the option to either lug your backpack on your back or drag it along with by its wheels offers a huge amount of flexibility across a range of different environments.
From the airport to hilly terrains to the sidewalk, having a backpack that can be carried in multiple ways will be a blessing – especially if you plan on moving around frequently!
That being said, there are all sorts of wheeled backpacks in the market. Some look more professional than others, some weigh less, some come in different colors, and some are more expensive.
There isn’t one perfect option that’ll fit everyone’s personal preferences but regardless, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best options out there right now.
Check out our little list and guide below and make a purchase that’ll make your life so much easier!
Best Rolling Backpack
Samsonite Wheeled Backpack with Organizational Pockets
Samsonite is a staple mainstay on any backpack list for good reason. With a brand name like that, quality and durability are absolutely a given. It goes without saying that their wheeled backpack is no exception to this general rule.
With a very balanced composition and created out of the most durable Rip Stop fabric, you’ll find that this 5-pound backpack fulfils anyone’s definition of a quality product.
Coming in either black/charcoal or black-Bordeaux, the backpack features a quality inline skate wheel system that’ll ensure the smoothest of handling along with padded, contoured backstraps that’ll both minimize strain while promoting comfort.
You’ll even be able to store a whole host of accessories and devices along its various small organizational pockets along with a laptop in its dedicated compartment.
Comfort, functionality and style are the pillars of this wheeled backpack.
Olympia Melody 19″ Rolling Backpack
Sitting around a similar price range as the Samsonite, the Olympia Melody offers an equally fantastic experience to anybody willing to give it a try.
With a sturdy, telescopic mono handle and its recessed wheels, this backpack will glide as though it’s skating on ice across any even surface (like at the airport or around college). And once you’re done rolling, slinging it on your back will be equally seamless thanks to its padded shoulder straps.
It may be slightly heavier than the average backpack, sitting at 5.5 pounds, but it more than compensates for this through its ripstop polyester build along with multiple pockets and an internal organizer.
It isn’t too big as well so if you plan on storing the Olympia in your cupboard or even choose to stuff it inside your locker, you shouldn’t need to expect any issues coming up.
Matein Waterproof College Wheeled Travel Backpack
Built to withstand the inevitable water-related accident, the Matein rolling backpack features a water-resistant bottom panel along with a polyester fabric composition that should be able to resist even the roughest of treatment (though we’re not saying you should treat your backpack roughly!).
Coming in either 17 or 15.6-inches, this stylish product will easily be able to fit a laptop along with various bulky books and other documents within its 45-liter capacity. Its straps also can be easily tucked away when not in use which only minimizes the annoying drag when rolling.
It also looks fantastic as a product and for the professionals among you, you shouldn’t need to worry about this backpack not giving a positive image.
Likewise, we do think that the Matein also doubles as a great college or high school backpack.
VBG VBIGER Rolling Backpack for Girls
Loud and functional are two words that best describes the VBG VBIGER. This dazzling backpack will if anything, ensure all eyes will be on you – if that’s the general look you’re going for at least!
Ideal for younger audiences, this durable bag is made out of high quality and thanks to its waterproofing, you’ll securely be able to store your electronics and books from rain and shine.
Better yet, if you tend to lug around all sorts of amenities from extra sets of clothes to umbrellas, books, folders and electronics, this backpack will be more than able to accommodate for your needs through its numerous pockets.
To boot, this bag isn’t small at all. In fact, you’ll find it to be more than adequate for both school and travel abroad.
J World New York Sunrise Rolling Backpack
Another option perfect for younger, school-going users is the J World that comes in a range of funky-sounding color combinations like Disco, Galaxy, Dandelion and Doodle.
Made out of the best polyester in the market and sewn with great fabric lining, this 18 x 13 x 9-inch rolling backpack will be able to store anyone’s daily amenities.
Rolling it is a breeze too thanks to its T-shaped, telescopic handle and should you choose to use your shoulders, the air mesh cushion pads will ensure your joints aren’t too stressed.
It also comes fitted with reflective tape, so you’ll be easily identifiable at night by any passing vehicles – a crucial point of safety ever so important for adolescents.
Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack
Perhaps sitting as the most affordable option on our list is the Everest Deluxe Wheeled Backpack – though don’t be mistaken, it may be cheap, but it’ll certainly be more than enough for the average person!
With a product dimension of 13.5 x 7 x 18.-inches, this spacious backpack provides all the storage and portability of any more expensive product. With a varied assortment of colors, personalization and customizability is easily within reach as well.
Equally generous are its additional pockets – nine in total not counting the main compartment which will easily store all sorts of things. With a weight of just over 5-pounds and a carrying capacity of 28 liters, this bag will do great either as an everyday bag or even a travel bag.
Further, with its high-grade canvas that can withstand the harshest of climates, this rolling backpack will last for the years to come if you maintain it adequately.
Aoking Rolling Travel Backpack
Another fine entry on our list that may just be one of the more unique products we’ve seen is Aoking’s Rolling Travel Backpack.
Sure, on the surface it looks like just about any bag out there – it’s efficient, is comfortable, has a visible reflector and is considerably large given its dimensions of 21.26 x 9.84 x 14.17-inches.
However, look slightly deeper and you’ll be surprised to see how versatile this backpack is – you can carry it in four different yet unique ways.
This includes either slinging it over your shoulders just like any backpack, rolling it like a suitcase, using its haul handle for lengthy trips or even using the top of the bag as a carry on for airport-related travel.
It goes without saying that when it comes to the Aoking, mobility and adaptability is absolutely the name of the game and it sure does deliver.
Kenneth Cole Reaction 17″ Polyester Dual Compartment 4-Wheel Laptop Backpack
Though edging towards the slightly pricier side of the rolling backpack market, Kenneth Cole’s appealing Reaction Backpack is absolutely worth every single penny paid.
With 4 in-built wheels, not only will your rolling experience be fluid and seamless, but you’ll be able to rotate this backpack with 360-degree movements without a hitch!
We can’t stress enough how helpful this is especially when moving around frequently. Beyond the wheels, this backpack comes with everything else you might expect – from padded pockets, a fantastic polyester body, breathable air-mesh shoulder straps to highly organized compartments.
This great backpack will be ideal for any situation be it for college, work, or travel.
HollyHOME 19 inches Wheeled Rolling Backpack
With a clean, minimalist finish, the HollyHOME backpack is great for anyone looking for a sizeable yet light backpack.
Checking in at just 4.8-pounds and with a whooping carrying capacity of 45 liters, making it suitable if you’re especially looking for a backpack that can carry some serious weight.
Of course, this is all secured deep within its 400D nylon fabric that’ll be able to resist adverse weather conditions and the occasional bump. And when it comes to cleaning the bag, you’ll have some of the easiest cleaning experiences ever thanks to its deliberate easy-to-wash design.
The aluminum telescoping rod also is pretty durable – being able to last over 10000 times of retracting and extending.
Even under this backpack, its high-density unidirectional wheels will ensure that even the heaviest of loads will remain easily transportable.
Samsonite Spinner Backpack
Capping off our list by returning to a Samsonite rolling backpack, their Spinner Backpack is one that should be on the lookout for any shopper out there.
Offering a fantastic blend between function, weight, and mobility, for its current price tag, you’ll definitely be getting a value-buy here.
With felt lined pockets that act as a protective coat for your valuables to its quick-change technology that allows seamless transitioning between roller and backpack mode and to its 100% polyester composition, you can travel in both style and confidence with the Samsonite.
So, whether you’re off to the office or to your next intercontinental flight, the grab and go functionality of this bag will be a blessing to just about anyone.
A Buying Guide to Rolling Backpacks
Size
Rolling backpacks come in all shapes and sizes from the tiny to the gargantuan. But to pick something that works for you, you have to first seriously consider your own situation and what you intend on doing.
If you’re just looking for something to transport some books to and from school, this point won’t really matter too much so long as you stick with our list.
However, if you intend to fly internationally or want to lug around documents for work (e.g. like bringing tomes of books to court), we suggest getting something larger for your needs.
Durability
Now while most guides will say that how durable your bag should be should depend entirely on what you intend on bringing, we suggest getting the most durable bag you can afford.
We honestly think that regardless of whether you’re transporting delicate electronics to rugged books, they deserve the best protection money can buy from either rain or bumps.
Furthermore, a more durable bag means it’ll probably have a longer shelf life compared to their counterparts so you could even consider it as a wise investment.
Laptop Holders
For the vast majority of us, we tend to travel with our precious laptop. This means that when it comes to rolling backpacks, it becomes imperative to have a dedicated compartment that both securely protects and stores our laptop.
Virtually every rolling backpack on our list will feature this but sizes will differ, hovering between either 15-inches to 17-inches. So, before you make a plunge, make sure you pick a bag appropriate for your device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should I get a rolling backpack instead of an ordinary backpack?
Rolling backpacks are heavier than ordinary backpacks but what you sacrifice in weight, you gain in flexibility. Carrying traditional backpacks for prolonged periods of time can be a nightmare for spinal health and your shoulders especially when travelling.
This is where rollers come in – with their ease of transportation, they’ll only make your life easier.
Should I get a rolling backpack with two or four wheels?
Two-wheeled backpacks are generally lighter and are marginally cheaper. And depending on which backpack you get, they might just roll smoother on rough surfaces.
On the flipside, four-wheeled backpacks may be steeper in price and heavier but when it comes to moving it on flat surfaces, you’ll find its movement to be absolutely effortless.
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