Front loading backpacks, aka clamshell backpacks, take a load out of packing and unpacking and have become my favorite way to travel.
I’ve long been a fan of the front loading backpack, a style of travel backpack that opens like a suitcase. They take the best of a regular piece of luggage, combined with the portability of a regular bookbag.
As a traveler who likes to destination hop and take public transport, it’s truly come in handy and saved me the hassle of carting around a bulky, wheely bag. Plus, I have a bit of anxiety and appreciate having my hands free to carry all essential documents and my phone – something my travel backpacks allow me to do!
So if you’re anything like me, here are some of my top recommendations for the best front loading backpacks, from carry-on size to full size.
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The Best Front Loading Backpacks + Clamshell Backpacks
What is a front loading backpack?
A front loading backpacking has a long zipper that goes all around the middle of the bag. When zipped open, the two sides lay flat on the ground, just like a suitcase. It’s essentially a soft suitcase built with straps for carrying on your back.
Front loading backpacks are also often called clamshell backpacks because how they open mimics a clam.
Pros and Cons of a Front Loading Backpack
Pros:
- They’re very convenient to carry around.
- They free up your hands when traveling so you can keep your phone and documents handy.
- Easier to access items inside than a top loading (traditional) backpack.
- Many of them are carry-on sizes.
- Provide the portability benefits of a backpack and packing convenience of a suitcase.
Cons:
- They can be tiring to carry on your back if you’re traveling long distances or packing heavy.
- They usually have a soft exterior and straps so they’re not always suitable as checked luggage.
- Space isn’t as well optimized as a top loading backpack.
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How to Choose a Front Loading Backpack
Before deciding which bag is right for you, there are a few things to consider.
Size
The size is one of the most important considerations and depends on what you plan to use the bag for. For example, backpack sizes are generally described via volume in liters.
25-35 liters is usually considered carry-on size and is ideal for a weekend trip or a tad longer if you’re a light packer.
35-50 liters is typically too big to be a carry-on, especially on budget airlines, but is excellent for longer trips between 1-2 weeks. And anything larger is best for long-term backpacking trips or getaways that require a lot of gear.
Comfort
Comfort is key! The straps, the back of the backpack, and how the bag carries weight all contribute to the bag’s comfort.
What I prioritize for comfort is:
- A mesh back with a slight curve to help prevent overheating (and back sweat).
- Padded straps that are adjustable in more than just the length.
- A waist strap to take a load off your back on long walks.
Durability
Don’t sleep on durability! The best travel bag is an investment, and it’s essential to choose a pack that’ll hold up on your travels.
The most durable bags are typically made of tough nylon or polymer that’s waterproof and dirt resistant. This material will also hold up well when checking a bag and ward off scuffs and rips.
Additional Specs
We can’t forget about the extras. These aren’t standard across the board but are nice additional details that may be important to you:
- Rain protector
- Organizational pockets
- Shoe compartment
- Laptop sleeve
- Security zippers
- Metal frame
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11 Best Front Loading Backpacks that Open Like a Suitcase
According to travel experts and consumer reviews, here are some of the best clamshell backpacks out there, as well as two of my own personal recommendations.
1. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Dimensions: 20”H x 12”W x 8”D (51H x 30W x 20D cm)
Size: 35L, 3.5lbs (1.6kg)
Stand-out feature: Organizational pockets
I recently purchased the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Pack as a bag to take on long weekend trips, and I love it. One of the things I like most about this bag is how the interior is structured. The bag opens flat like a suitcase, with an enclosed mesh compartment on the right side and divided mesh compartments on the left ideal for undies, tech, toiletries, carry-on approved razors, etc.
The bag’s exterior is constructed from durable TPU-coated 1000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon paneling. Also, it features a removable hip belt, security zippers, and an exterior pocket perfect for travel docs. The bag also came with a separate rain protector, which I appreciated!
Check out the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.
2. Osprey Porter 46
Dimensions: 21.5”H x 14”W x 9”D (55H x 36W x 23D cm)
Size: 46L, 3.263lbs (1.48kg)
Stand-out feature: One of the largest carry-on compatible travel bags
The Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack has long been a cult favorite amongst travelers thanks to its clamshell opening and sizing, making it ideal for short to medium-length trips. The 46L is one of the most popular sizes because it’s carry-on size for many airlines (not budget airlines, unfortunately), but it’s also available in 30L and 65L.
The bag is soft but has sturdy sides that stay upright when packing and features two side organizational pockets in the main compartment. Other features include stowaway shoulder straps when checking the bag, front straight jacket straps for bag compression, a laptop sleeve, and a safety whistle on the buckle.
The Osprey Porter 46 was my very first pack and served me well. I even took it on a 6 month backpacking trip around Asia and it helped me pack light and save on a heavy load while traveling from place to place.
Check out the Osprey Porter 46 .
3. TropicFeel Shell Backpack
Dimensions: 20’W x 12”L x 7.5”D (50.8 x 30.5 x 19.1 cm)
Size: 22L (40L when expanded)
Stand-out feature: Wardrobe packing system
The TropicFeel Shell Backpack is unique because it comes with an internal wardrobe organizer that you can pull out to pack or hang up during your trip. TropicFeel also claims that their system allows you to pack up to 20% more. This backpack can be expanded on the bottom to store a pair of shoes in the zip-away kangaroo pouch and toiletries via an attachable pocket on the front.
The bag also features a back laptop and tech sleeve, clamshell, and top open. It is made with recycled water-resistant materials. This bag isn’t the most attractive nor is it necessarily the best on this list, but it’s cool wardrobe feature is great for newbies or those who prioritize easy organization.
Check out the Shell Backpack on the TropicFEEL website.
4. Osprey Fairview 40 / Farpoint 40
Dimensions: 21.25”L x 13.77”W x 9.05”D (54L x 35W x 23D cm)
Size: 40L
Stand-out feature: Sized to fit your frame
The women’s Osprey Fairview 40 and the men’s Osprey Farpoint 40 fits most carry-on dimensions and features a durable exterior made from 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop.
The key features of the bag include the clamshell opening, interior compression straps, and a waist belt to keep heavy loads from hurting your back. Because it’s from Osprey, you know you can trust the quality and that it comes with the added benefit of a lifetime warranty should anything break and need to be fixed.
Check out Osprey Farpoint 40 (men’s) or the Osprey Fairview 40 (women’s).
5. NOMATIC 30L Travel Bag
Dimensions: 9″ H x 19″ W x 13″ D
Size: 30L
Stand-out feature: Shoe compartment
Getting its start via a Kickstarter campaign, the NOMATIC 30L Travel Bag comes from a company that prioritizes versatility. Made to fit enough for a 2-4 day trip, this bag can be used as a duffel or backpack. It has supportive waist straps, a water bottle pocket, and a roller bag sleeve for use with suitcases. It also has a ventilated shoe compartment and lots of tech organizational pockets.
NOMATIC also has a 40L Travel Bag, which measures 9″ H x 21″ W x 14″ D and is suitable for 4-7 days of travel. The 40L has all the same specs as the 30L but bigger, and it includes a laundry bag.
Check out the NOMATIC 30L Travel Bag or the 40L Travel Bag.
6. Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Dimensions: 56cm x 33cm x 24cm (22″ x 13″ x 9.5″)
Size: 35L (45L when expanded)
Stand-out feature: Size versatility
The Travel Backpack by Peak Design is super unique because you can adjust its size! When in ‘default’ mode, the bag can fit up to 35L. With the expansion zippers, the bag increases to hold up to 45L while maintaining its carry-on size.
Additional features include stowaway carrying straps, side pockets, and waterproof material. Many people like this bag because of its sleek design that works as a rugged travel pack or daily use.
Check out Peak Design’s Travel Backpack 45L.
7. Amazon Travel Backpack
Dimensions: 18.5”L x 12”W X 8.6”D (47L x 31W x 22D cm)
Size: 50L
Stand-out feature: Separate shoe pocket
This budget-friendly travel backpack on Amazon not only opens like a suitcase, but is sized perfectly to be a carry-on item for a weekend getaway or primary bag for budget airlines.
Key features of this unique bag including a trolley sleeve, anti-theft zippers, and many organizational pockets.
Check out this large travel backpack on Amazon.
8. Beis The Backpack
Dimensions: 19”H x 13”W x 5.5”D (48H x 33W x 14D cm)
Size: 22L, 1.8lbs (0.816 kg)
Stand-out feature: Stylish and functional
The Backpack by Beis is what they call a “Daytripper” front loading bag. This cute bag is excellent for shorter trips or as a carry-on bag to accompany your main luggage. It features a pass-through luggage strap on the back, compression straps in the main compartment, and organizational pockets both inside and out.
It also has two side pockets great for your water bottle. You can grab this bag in all black or beige. Consider The Weekender by Beis, another cult fave amongst women travelers for an even bigger travel bag.
Check out The Backpack from Beis.
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Close Seconds: More Suitcase Backpacks to Consider
In my quest to find the best clamshell backpack, these options also caught my attention. Here’s a quick breakdown of even more front loading backpack options.
- Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack features a square body shape, split zippered interior compartment with mesh separator, and has a water bottle and laptop pocket.
- Bellroy Transit Backpack is another cult favorite available in various sizes like 20L, 28L, 38L, boasts great organization, and is a stylish pick.
- tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L: A practical clamshell backpack with a quick access small pocket, front tech storage pocket, and spacious interior where you can pack your clothes like you would a suitcase.
There you have it! Some of the best backpacks that open like a suitcase, clamshell backpacks, front loading backpacks – whatever you want to call them.