MATEIN Business Laptop Backpack

Yes, for the right buyer. The MATEIN Business Laptop Backpack ranks #3 in our Best Travel Backpacks Under $100 list. Its biggest strength: personal-item sized, so it rides free under the seat alongside checked or carry-on luggage. The main caveat: too small to serve as a standalone bag for more than 1 to 2 days of clothing.

Based on our research it suits budgets under $100. It's ranked #3 of 3 in our Best Travel Backpacks Under $100 list.

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: too small to serve as a standalone bag for more than 1 to 2 days of clothing; built more as a daily commuter or business bag than a dedicated travel pack; laptop compartment padding is adequate but not premium-grade.

15.6-inch laptop compartment, Water-resistant fabric, Anti-theft pocket, Luggage strap to slide over a suitcase handle and USB charging port pass-through.

Worth comparing: Amazon Basics Convertible Carry-On Backpack and High Sierra Fairlead Convertible Duffel. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

35 to 40 liters is the range most multi-country Europe backpackers settle on. It's large enough for several weeks of clothing rotated through hostel laundry, and small enough to still qualify as a carry-on or small personal item on the budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet) common for intra-Europe travel.

Yes, more strictly than most US carriers. Ryanair's free personal item allowance is roughly 40 x 20 x 25 centimeters, smaller than most travel backpacks even at 35L. Budget carriers routinely measure bags at the gate and charge a fee on the spot for oversized ones, so check the specific carrier's limit rather than assuming a 'carry-on sized' bag will pass for free.