I’m a Professional Packer, and This Carry-on Backpack From an Oprah-loved Brand Fits as Much as My Suitcase

I haven’t always been someone who travels with a backpack. For years, I opted to bring a tote bag as my personal item; besides the obvious hands-free capabilities of a backpack, I didn’t see much of a difference between the two. I could always fit a decent amount in my leather Cuyana bag or MZ Wallace Metro Tote, and there was no real reason to change this part of my travel routine. But, as a travel writer and founder of the packing site, Just Packed, it’s important to me that I’m always testing out new ways to travel — and my allegiance to travel tote bags changed after discovering the Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack.

When I first inspected the bag, I was, admittedly, overwhelmed by the number of features. It’s adorned with buckles, straps, and zippers, and I wasn’t quite sure how (or if) I’d end up using them all. I also assumed all of these design elements would result in a relatively bulky bag. But I tried to reserve my final judgment until after I tested the backpack out myself. 

Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

The first time I put the backpack — which, is worth noting, is from the Oprah-loved brand Calpak — to use was during a weekend ski trip to Utah. Given the short timeline of the trip, I knew I wanted to pack light. With my Away Bigger Carry-on holding all of my ski clothes, I used the backpack for my toiletries, laptop (there’s a padded laptop sleeve), an extra pair of sneakers, and a book. I immediately noticed there was still plenty of room to spare — so I was eager to push the backpack’s limits even further.

Over the last few months of regular use, I’ve done a deeper dive into the backpack’s capabilities and overall performance, testing it everywhere from a road trip through the Scottish Highlands to Miami Beach. I’ve discovered four main areas that set it apart from other travel backpacks I’ve used: organization, capacity, functionality, and durability.

On the organization front, there are multiple zipper pockets, including four on the front of the backpack. I use these pockets to store extra power banks, sunglasses, and anything else I want within easy reach. The main compartment is also cavernous. If I roll and fold properly, I can fit just as many clothes as I do in my carry-on suitcase.

Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

I’m not the only one who’s experienced this phenomenon. “I travel for months at a time, so I use this bag as my everyday bag I bring with me. It can fit my next 2 to 3 days of outfits, my electronics, and my everyday toiletries,” says one reviewer. Another reiterated it’s “like bringing an extra suitcase.”

The backpack also pulls double-duty as a duffel, thanks to sturdy grab handles and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap; you can also open it flat like a clamshell (like you would a regular suitcase) and secure the contents with an interior compression strap. I prefer using it as a backpack — I’m a fan of the comfortable padded shoulder straps — but the versatility is appreciated. 

Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

The final thing that completely won me over was the surprising lack of bulkiness. No matter how much I pack inside (a laptop in the sleeve, clothes and toiletries in the main compartment, a water bottle in the side pocket), I never have any problem fitting it under the airplane seat. Sure, it’s a bit easier if I’m flying in an upgraded class, but I’ve also never faced any issues when I’m in a middle seat in economy. 

If you aren’t quite ready to spend $175 but still want something similar to the Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack, keep scrolling. Below, I rounded up several top-rated Amazon styles that have similar organizational features and capabilities. 

Shop More Carry-on Backpacks at Amazon:

Coowoz Large Travel Backpack

Rinlist Carry-on Backpack

Areyteco Carry-on Backpack

Getravel Travel Backpack

Taygeer Backpack

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