Need a bag for all occasions? Then pick up a backpack with wheels. At first it might sound like a strange concept but, once you get one, you’ll be hooked.
These are the most versatile bags on the market, following you on every adventure, from city break to mountain hike – and even helping with your daily commute.
When you’re traversing difficult terrain or navigating multiple bags through an airport, these lifesavers can go on your back to leave you blissfully hands-free. When you’re moving through a city or carrying an especially heavy load, you can wheel them effortlessly along the pavement.
They are even more appealing if you have limited storage space at home – rather than buy and house multiple bags, you can have one that does it all.
When choosing our best backpacks with wheels, we were very particular about one thing: these bags – and it may sound obvious – should function perfectly well as backpacks and as roller luggage. Because what’s the point of purchasing a two-in-one if you’re having to compromise?
How we tested
From a backpack point of view, we wanted straps that could shoulder a reasonable amount of weight to balance the bag’s capacity, and be comfortable enough to wear at least through an airport. On the roller bag side of things, we were looking for smooth-wheeling functionality, a solid handle for easy manoeuvring, and a neat and easy way to tuck away backpack straps when not in use. We’ve only included the best backpacks with wheels here – the ones we felt proved to be good value for money. We sent all the others packing.
The best backpacks with wheels for 2022 are:
- Best overall – Samsonite roader laptop bag with wheels 55cm: £129, Samsonite.co.uk
- Best for functionality and style – Victorinox VX sport evo backpack on wheels: £170, Victorinox.com
- Best for maximising cabin allowance – Eastpak strapverz S: £145, Eastpak.com
- Best for day-to-day – Cath Kidston sweet pea frame wheeled backpack: £95, Cathkidston.com
- Best for large capacity – Osprey sojourn 60 travel pack: £275, Cotswoldoutdoor.com
- Best for outdoor adventures – Kathmandu hybrid 32l trolley: £185, Kathmandu.co.uk
- Best budget backpack with wheels – It Luggage 28l backpack with wheels: £40, Argos.co.uk
- Best for the office commute – Mountain Warehouse voyager 35l wheelie rucksack: £69.99, Mountainwarehouse.com