There are plenty of reasons that people like to travel light –saving time at the airport, avoiding checked luggage fees and easier transportation among them. When everything you need for your trip can fit into the overhead bin or be carried on your back for hours, it opens up a different kind of travel.

For leisure trips, especially those that take you somewhat off the beaten track, a carry-on sized backpack is ideal -- it provides maximum flexibility, while still letting you carry more than two t-shirts and a pair of socks.

These four recommended backpacks all have enough capacity for an extended trip, are lightweight yet durable, and don't skimp on any of the important features. While they're all marketed as carry-on luggage, always check the dimensions for your specific airline – budget carriers (especially in Europe) often have very strict requirements.

Tortuga Travel Backpack

With five external pockets, mesh compartments under the lid for smaller items and an open-flat design to make packing easier, the Tortuga Travel Backpack fits a surprising amount into its 44 liters.  

While at 3.65 pounds it's not the lightest backpack you'll find, it's durable and weatherproof, with padded shoulder and hip straps and high-quality zips and buckles. The pack includes a separate laptop compartment and, crucially, a strap cover to keep everything neat and tidy on the plane.

Other useful features include internal and external compression straps, lockable zips, and both side and top handles to make the bag easier to move around in confined spaces.

Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Price: $199

Osprey Farpoint 40

The most traditional backpack listed here, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is a stylish carry-on pack that doesn't sacrifice utility for looks. With a full-length opening, dedicated laptop compartment and plenty of pockets, it's capable of packing plenty of gear into its 40 liters without weighing you down – the bag itself tips the scales at a touch under three pounds.

The harness mechanism is relatively strong, with padded shoulder and hip straps that allow it to be carried comfortably for extended periods yet tuck away when not needed. The compression straps help keep everything cinched down within airline requirements, although they do block both the main zips and front mesh pockets when in use.

Dimensions: 21" x 13" x 9"

Price: $149

Lowe Alpine TT Carry-On 40

True to its name, the Lowe Alpine TT Carry-On 40 is a 40 liter backpack that is designed to fit into the overhead bin of most airlines. It provides both a top zippered pocket for quick access and a front full-length zip for easier packing, as well as an internal compartment and pockets to keep the small stuff from getting buried.

There are a surprising number of carrying options for a pack this size – a shoulder strap and top handle compliment the backpack straps, which can be unclipped and tucked away when not required.

Lockable zips and a front pocket complete the feature set, all in a well-made, reliable backpack that weighs well under three pounds.

Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 10"

Price: $110

Minaal

A lie-flat design, zip-away harness and floating electronics sleeve help make the Minaal equally useful on vacation and business trips – a rare find.

Weighing in at a touch over three pounds, it's a lightweight yet surprisingly robust piece of luggage. It includes both a rain cover and detachable hip belt, making it practical to carry in both inclement weather and with extra weight. Although only rated with a 35 liter capacity, the actual dimensions are little different from other carry-on bags, and the rectangular design allows you to maximize the available space while still being able to carry the bag easily.

It's not cheap, but a few minutes spent with the Minaal soon show where the money goes. Read our full review for more.

Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 8"

Price: $299