When browsing options, you’ll want to consider the size, material, pockets, and compartments. To help with your search, we researched tons of options and picked the L.L. Bean Rolling Deluxe Book Pack as our favorite. Perfect for students. teachers, or office workers, this option offers tons of space, smooth wheels, and a weatherproof exterior. Here, the best rolling backpacks on the market. Slightly larger than most standard rolling backpacks, this pack has a 35-liter capacity, so it’s great for kids looking for a pack they can grow into and keep for years to come. The pull handle can be conveniently tucked into the unit or locked into place at two different heights. There are also well-padded shoulder straps in case it needs to be carried from time to time. The bag has two main compartments and an organizer for laptop storage, plus two mesh water bottle sleeves on the sides. Price at time of publish: $99 Size: 14 x 9.5 x 19 inches | Material: Nylon | Extra Features: Water resistant, 2 mesh water bottle pockets, built-in cord port | Number of Wheels: 2 This backpack-suitcase combo is made of durable polyester with a plastic stand and a metal telescoping handle. It comes in a handful of colors and patterns, including sophisticated neutrals, polka-dots, and leopard print. Price at time of publish: $80 Size: 13 x 10 x 17 inches | Material: Polyester, plastic | Extra Features: Side mesh water bottle holder, telescoping handle | Number of Wheels: 4 Made with durable polyester and a soft-touch neoprene carrying top-handle, it’s resistant to wear and tear and includes quiet roller wheels for a smooth commute. Its retractable handle is easy to use and the optional tuck-away shoulder straps convert it into a traditional backpack when needed. The best part? An optional extended compartment for when you need to pack a little heavier. Price at time of publish: $95 Size: 13.8 x 9 x 19 inches | Material: Polyester, neoprene | Extra Features: Laptop pocket, two side mesh pockets/water bottle holder | Number of Wheels: 2 This wheelable pack has a roomy main compartment, a built-in sleeve for laptops under 16 inches, a zippered file holder, and a separate multi-pocket compartment for organizing all your smaller items. Price at time of publish: $111 Size: 19.6 x 13 x 9 inches | Material: Polyester, aluminum handle | Extra Features: Waterproof, laptop pocket, 2 mesh water bottle pockets | Number of Wheels: 2 Air-mesh cushioned shoulder straps make it comfy to carry, while a push-button handle and smooth wheels allow kiddos to roll it around with ease. We also like that it has a mesh water bottle pocket, a key fob, and a pencil holder. Price at time of publish: $75 Size: 18 x 13 x 9 inches | Material: Polyester, metal handle | Extra Features: Airflow back panel, water resistant, reflecting tape, 2 mesh water bottle pockets | Number of Wheels: 2 This pick is spacious but still compact enough to pass as a carry-on for air travel. Also, it has a padded laptop sleeve, an electronics pocket, and zip-away shoulder straps for ultimate convenience and versatility. Price at time of publish: $240 in Black Size: 20.8 x 14.4 x 10.23 inches | Material: Polyester | Extra Features: Laptop pocket, padded straps, built-in air-flow channels | Number of Wheels: 2 The durable outer material is laminated for moisture resistance, and a thermoplastic frame helps it stand up straight without support. Ball-bearing wheels and a gripped telescope handle make this versatile luggage easy to tote around too. Price at time of publish: $181 Size: 14 x 16 x 35 inches | Material: Polyurethane, vinyl, nylon | Extra Features: Water resistant, non-slip strap | Number of Wheels: 2 The water-resistant polyester fabric proves durable and sturdy, while an adjustable handle and cushioned straps make this pick perfect for all types of students. There’s even an external USB charging port to keep all of your college student’s devices charged on the go. Price at time of publish: $100 Size: 13 x 9 x 19 inches | Material: Polyester fabric | Extra Features: Laptop sleeve, cushioned straps, water bottle holder | Number of Wheels: 2 Price at time of publish: $60 Size: 13 x 7 x 18.5 inches | Material: Not Listed | Extra Features: Six front pockets, three side pockets | Number of Wheels: 2 Unlike other picks, the Ambor backpack has a cover for your wheels for when wearing as a backpack. This way, dirt from the wheels won’t get on your back or clothes. The anti-tear fabric resists water as well, for a truly durable and long-lasting luggage option. Price at time of publish: $96 Size: 21 x 14 x 7 inches | Material: Polyester | Extra Features: Laptop sleeve, tablet compartment, water bottle holder | Number of Wheels: 2 Even better, this option comes with a matching lunch bag, so your elementary or middle schooler has everything they need for their day. They can choose their favorite print for a cohesive look for their school essentials. Price at time of publish: $85 Size: 16 x 12.5 x 6 inches | Material: Not Listed | Extra Features: Comes with lunch bag | Number of Wheels: 2 Once you arrive to your destination, add the straps back on for a comfortable bag to accompany you during your travels. The spacious interior fits all of your clothing or devices, while the materials prove to be long-lasting and durable for years to come. Price at time of publish: $140 Size: 21 x 14 x 10 inches | Material: Denierpolyester, Denier Nylon | Extra Features: Detachable straps, laptop sleeve | Number of Wheels: 2
Material
Like traditional backpacks, the outer material on most rolling backpacks is polyester or nylon. The durable fabric is often laminated or otherwise treated for water resistance. You’ll also find hard-shell options, which are typically made of polycarbonates (PC), a type of heavy-duty thermoplastic.
Extra Features
Rolling backpacks typically come with at least a few pockets, but if you need something specific, look out for extra features. 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. “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. “Of course, a nice sleek design is imperative too—something classy yet functional.”
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is an experienced commerce writer with a background in travel and lifestyle. She has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home goods, kids’ products, and everyday essentials. 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. For stuck-on residue or stains, use a mild solution of soap and water and a soft brush if needed. In any case, make sure to let your backpack air dry completely before packing it or storing it. If you’re using a rolling backpack for school, place your textbooks in the largest compartment and your laptop in the designated sleeve. Then pack your pens, folders, notecards, and anything else you need for class in the other pockets. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, crafts, and more.
