Ever felt like your backpack weighs a ton, digging into your shoulders and making you tired? Imagine gliding through your day, your gear effortlessly following behind you. That’s the magic of a rolling backpack! But with so many styles and features out there, finding the perfect one can feel like a treasure hunt with no map.
Choosing the wrong rolling backpack can lead to frustration. Maybe it’s too small, too bulky, or the wheels don’t roll smoothly. You want something that’s tough, easy to use, and looks good too. It’s a big decision when you rely on it for school, travel, or just getting around.
Don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great rolling backpack and guide you through the important things to consider. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to find a rolling backpack that makes your life easier and more comfortable.
Our Top 5 Rolling Backpacks Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
 |
JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack – Wheeled Travel Bag with 15-Inch Laptop Sleeve | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 |
MATEIN Rolling Backpack | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
 |
Travelers Club Rolling Backpack | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 |
High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Rolling Backpacks Detailed Reviews
1. Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack
Rating: 8.8/10
The Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack in Black is a fantastic option for anyone needing a versatile and easy-to-carry bag. Its smart design makes it perfect for school, travel, or even just a day out.
What We Like:
- This backpack offers a generous 12″x8″x20″ size, giving you plenty of room for your books, laptop, and other essentials.
- The double wheels make it super easy to roll through airports, school hallways, or busy streets. You won’t have to strain your shoulders!
- A handy front pocket comes with an organizer, so you can keep your pens, phone, and smaller items neatly in place. Finding what you need is a breeze.
- Side mesh pockets are great for water bottles or snacks, keeping them easily accessible.
- The padded shoulder straps are a lifesaver. If you decide to wear it, the padding makes it comfortable on your shoulders.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the double wheels are great, some users might prefer single, larger wheels for rougher terrain.
- The 17-inch size is good for many, but taller individuals might wish for a slightly larger capacity or height option.
Overall, this backpack is a solid choice for its convenience and thoughtful features. It’s a great way to lighten your load and stay organized.
2. JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack – Wheeled Travel Bag with 15-Inch Laptop Sleeve
Rating: 8.9/10
The JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack is your ultimate companion for school, work, or any adventure. It’s designed to keep you organized and on the move with ease. This bag is built for convenience and style, making it a great choice for students and professionals alike.
What We Like:
- It has a special padded sleeve to protect your 15-inch laptop.
- The bag has two smooth wheels and a telescoping handle, so you can roll it easily.
- You can tuck the shoulder straps away when you don’t need them.
- It looks stylish and comes in different cool patterns.
- The backpack is made with strong materials that last a long time.
- It has two big main sections, a pocket for a water bottle, and a front pocket for smaller items to keep you organized.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size might be a bit too big for some people’s daily needs.
- While durable, the wheels might not handle very rough terrain well.
This rolling backpack offers a fantastic blend of practicality and style for anyone who needs to carry their essentials. It’s a reliable choice that makes getting around much easier.
3. MATEIN Rolling Backpack
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the MATEIN Rolling Backpack, your new best friend for travel and everyday life. This backpack is designed to make carrying your essentials a breeze, whether you’re heading to college, a business trip, or a weekend getaway. It’s built tough and looks great, too!
What We Like:
- It has a special pocket for laptops up to 17 inches, fitting 15.6, 14, and 13-inch Macbooks too.
- The backpack has a huge 36 L main compartment, perfect for clothes.
- You’ll find a second zippered pocket for files and an organizer compartment with lots of pockets to keep things tidy.
- Side mesh pockets hold your water bottles, and a back pocket is great for a small towel.
- The bottom is water-resistant and has guards to prevent scratches.
- It has wheels that roll smoothly and metal swivel hooks to keep straps from dragging.
- Lockable zippers let you secure your belongings.
- It’s made from strong polyester with metal zippers and a durable bottom.
- The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, and the telescoping handle is made of aluminum.
- You can hide the backpack straps when you’re rolling it, making it super convenient.
- It’s perfect for stairs or moving.
- The backpack is comfortable and stylish for daily use and travel.
- It makes a great gift for almost any occasion!
What Could Be Improved:
- While the wheels are sturdy, some users might prefer more advanced suspension for very rough terrain.
- The 5.18-pound weight might be a bit much for some if it’s completely empty, though it’s reasonable for its size and features.
This MATEIN Rolling Backpack is a solid choice for anyone needing a versatile and durable bag. It offers great organization and makes traveling much easier.
4. Travelers Club Rolling Backpack
Rating: 8.8/10
The Travelers Club Rolling Backpack in Black, an 18-inch marvel, is your new best friend for all your adventures, big or small. This backpack combines smart design with practical features to make traveling a breeze. It’s built to handle your gear while keeping it safe and sound.
What We Like:
- It’s water-resistant, so your stuff stays dry from light rain.
- The adjustable padded shoulder straps make it super comfortable to wear.
- Smooth in-line skate wheels make it easy to roll through airports or busy streets.
- A molded bottom adds strength and keeps the backpack’s shape.
- Telescopic locking handles extend and lock, so you can pull it without strain.
What Could Be Improved:
- While water-resistant, it might not be ideal for heavy downpours.
- The 18-inch size might be a bit too small for very long trips.
Overall, this Travelers Club Rolling Backpack is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable and comfortable way to carry their essentials. It’s a smart investment for your travels.
5. High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack
Rating: 8.5/10
The High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack in Black is a fantastic option for students and travelers. It offers plenty of space and smart features to keep your gear organized and protected. Its design makes it easy to carry your laptop and essentials without straining your shoulders.
What We Like:
- This backpack has a large, multi-compartment design. It easily fits most 15” laptops in its padded computer sleeve.
- You get a deluxe media pocket with a headphone port for your music.
- It rolls smoothly on corner-mounted wheels. The handle telescopes to a comfortable height.
- The padded shoulder straps can be stored away in a zippered compartment. This makes it convenient to switch from rolling to carrying.
- A side beverage pocket holds your water bottle. You can also attach extra gear using the triangle clip.
- Corner guards and a kick plate protect the backpack from wear and tear.
- A padded grab handle makes it easy to pick up. A reflective strip adds extra safety in low light.
What Could Be Improved:
- While spacious, the dimensions (20.5 x 13.5 x 8-Inch) might be a bit large for some airline carry-on restrictions.
- The telescoping handle, while functional, could be a bit sturdier.
Overall, the High Sierra Freewheel Wheeled Laptop Backpack is a solid choice for anyone needing a versatile and organized bag. It balances convenience and protection effectively for daily use.
Rolling Backpacks: Your Ultimate Travel Companion Guide
Rolling backpacks are a fantastic way to carry your gear without straining your back. They combine the convenience of a backpack with the ease of a rolling suitcase. This guide will help you find the perfect rolling backpack for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a rolling backpack, keep these important features in mind:
- Wheels: Look for sturdy, smooth-rolling wheels. Two wheels are common, but some models have four spinner wheels that make them easier to maneuver. Larger wheels can handle rougher terrain like cobblestones or uneven sidewalks.
- Telescoping Handle: This is the handle that pulls up and down. It should be strong and adjustable to different heights. A comfortable grip is also important.
- Backpack Straps: Even though it rolls, you’ll want comfortable, padded backpack straps for times when you need to carry it. Make sure they are adjustable and can be tucked away neatly when not in use.
- Compartments and Pockets: Think about what you’ll be carrying. You’ll want enough space and organization for your books, laptop, water bottle, and other essentials. Multiple pockets help keep things tidy.
- Laptop Sleeve: If you plan to carry a laptop, a padded sleeve is a must to protect it from bumps.
- Durability: Check the zippers, stitching, and overall construction. A well-made rolling backpack will last longer.
- Weight: A lighter backpack is easier to manage, especially when it’s full.
Important Materials
The materials used in a rolling backpack affect its durability and how it feels.
- Nylon and Polyester: These are common fabrics. They are strong, water-resistant, and lightweight. Look for denier ratings (like 600D or 1000D) – a higher number usually means a tougher fabric.
- Canvas: Canvas can be durable but might be heavier and less water-resistant than synthetic fabrics.
- Plastic: The wheels and handle are usually made of strong plastic. High-quality plastic is less likely to crack or break.
- Metal: The telescoping handle is often made of aluminum or steel for strength.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a rolling backpack better or worse.
- Good Quality:
- Strong, reinforced stitching at stress points (like where straps attach).
- Smooth-gliding zippers that don’t snag.
- A sturdy, lockable telescoping handle.
- Well-padded shoulder straps and back panel.
- Reinforced base for stability.
- Poor Quality:
- Flimsy wheels that wobble or break easily.
- A wobbly or hard-to-operate telescoping handle.
- Cheap zippers that get stuck or break.
- Thin, unpadded straps.
- Weak seams that start to tear.
User Experience and Use Cases
Rolling backpacks are great for many people and situations.
- Students: They are perfect for carrying heavy textbooks and laptops to school or college. Your back will thank you!
- Travelers: They make navigating airports and train stations much easier. You can roll them through crowds instead of carrying everything on your shoulders.
- Commuters: If you walk or use public transport to get to work, a rolling backpack can be a comfortable way to carry your work essentials.
- Day Trips: For a short outing, they can hold snacks, a jacket, and other items you need for a day of exploring.
Using a rolling backpack is simple. When you need to carry it, just pull out the padded straps and put it on your back. When you want to roll it, tuck the straps away and extend the telescoping handle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can rolling backpacks be used as regular backpacks?
A: Yes, most rolling backpacks have comfortable, padded shoulder straps that can be used to carry them like a regular backpack. The straps can usually be tucked away when you are rolling the backpack.
Q: Are rolling backpacks good for school?
A: Yes, they are excellent for school. They help reduce the strain on a student’s back and shoulders from carrying heavy books and supplies.
Q: How do I clean a rolling backpack?
A: You can usually spot clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap. For deeper cleaning, check the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid machine washing unless specifically allowed.
Q: Are rolling backpacks allowed on airplanes?
A: Yes, most rolling backpacks are designed to fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment of an airplane, similar to carry-on luggage.
Q: What is the weight limit for a rolling backpack?
A: The weight limit varies by brand and model. It’s best to check the product description or contact the manufacturer. However, a common guideline is to aim for no more than 10-15% of your body weight.
Q: How durable are the wheels on rolling backpacks?
A: The durability of the wheels depends on the quality of the materials and construction. Look for sturdy, well-mounted wheels made from durable plastic or rubber. Larger wheels tend to be more robust.
Q: Can I carry a laptop in a rolling backpack?
A: Many rolling backpacks come with a padded laptop compartment, which is ideal for protecting your device. If yours doesn’t, consider using a separate laptop sleeve.
Q: Are rolling backpacks heavy on their own?
A: Empty rolling backpacks can be a bit heavier than regular backpacks due to the wheels and telescoping handle. However, this extra weight is usually manageable and worth it for the convenience of rolling.
Q: What should I do if the wheels get stuck or don’t roll smoothly?
A: First, check for any debris stuck in the wheels. If the problem persists, the wheels might be damaged or worn out. Some models allow for wheel replacement, but if not, you might need to consider a new backpack.
Q: Are there rolling backpacks with four wheels?
A: Yes, some rolling backpacks feature four spinner wheels, which offer greater stability and make them easier to maneuver in tight spaces. These are often more expensive but provide excellent mobility.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.