For this story, she spoke with a travel expert and considered dozens of rolling backpacks, carefully evaluating the size, material, compartments, and extra features of each item before making her selections.Īdditional reporting was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. She has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home goods, kids' products, and everyday essentials. Theresa Holland is an experienced commerce writer with a background in travel and lifestyle. However, some college students may avoid using them because they are bulky and take up more space when walking through busy hallways and up and down stairs. If you are carrying a lot of stuff, rolling backpacks are much better to use in order to prevent shoulder and back strain. Most college students use traditional backpacks, but it's not uncommon to see students and professors toting their books in a rolling backpack.

'Of course, a nice sleek design is imperative too-something classy yet functional.' 'For me, having multiple compartments for all of my electronics as well as being lightweight are the two most important features of a rolling backpack,' says Dandashy. This may include a designated laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, key fob, secret hidden compartment, file divider, tech pocket, cord port, zip-away straps, or weather-proof flaps for stormy weather. Rolling backpacks typically come with at least a few pockets, but if you need something specific, look out for extra features. You'll also find hard-shell options, which are typically made of polycarbonates (PC), a type of heavy-duty thermoplastic.

The durable fabric is often laminated or otherwise treated for water resistance. Like traditional backpacks, the outer material on most rolling backpacks is polyester or nylon. If you need the space, you can also find some larger duffle-style options, which will be more like 35 x 16 x 16 inches. Smaller designs are closer to 19 x 13 x 9 inches, give or take, and typically fit smaller laptops. Mid-size options are about 21 x 14 x 9 inches, which passes as carry-on luggage for air travel and is usually plenty big for most laptops. When shopping for a rolling backpack, the most important consideration is the overall size. What to Look for in a Rolling Backpack Size While this rolling pack is on the smaller side, it's suitable for kids and adults and comes in a range of colors. For those looking for something more budget-friendly, we recommend the Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack ( view at Amazon).

You'll appreciate its generously sized compartments, maneuverable design, and weather-resistant material. If you're looking for a high-quality rolling backpack that'll last you several years or more, your best bet is the L.L. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.The Black Hole line of bags is also available in a lightweight nylon in some sizes, but we think most people will prefer the extra durability and toughness of the original series. The Black Hole folds down into its own stuff sack, which turns into a storage pocket when you unfold the duffle. For all practical purposes, they’re identical except for their increasing size. The Black Hole is available in four sizes: 40 L, 55 L, 70 L, and 100 L we originally tested a now discontinued 120 L version. You can carry the Black Hole at your side using the two handles or over your shoulder using the strap, or wear it as a backpack with its two padded straps.

Over the years I’ve dragged, thrown, kicked, and carried these bags across most of the country and they’ve never failed. The exterior is made of polyester ripstop that’s laminated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which protects against abrasion, and has a water-resistant coating. Why it’s great: The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is a true jack-of-all-trades.

Rolling adventure backpack