10 Best Backpacks with Trolley Sleeve (Luggage Sleeve)
I was all set for my weekend getaway, my carry-on suitcase packed to the brim and my personal item backpack filled with travel essentials to keep close by during the flight. However, upon arriving at the airport, I realized I had overlooked something crucial: my backpack didn't have a trolley sleeve.
Instead of conveniently attaching my backpack to my suitcase while I waited at the airline terminal, I found myself forced to set it down on the floor. Standing in a crowded boarding line with a bulky backpack on my back, while wheeling my carry-on in front, was far from ideal.
It may seem like a silly oversight, but having a backpack with a trolley sleeve would have spared me these small inconveniences, starting my trip off on a better note.
This recent experience served as the inspiration for this buying guide. We have compiled a list of the best backpacks with a trolley sleeve to guarantee that your next trip is hassle-free and comfortable.
What is a Trolley Sleeve?
A trolley sleeve, also known as luggage sleeve or luggage strap, is a feature that can be found on the back panel of many travel backpacks. It allows you to attach the backpack to the handle of your rolling luggage, making it easier to carry everything at once. Imagine swiftly navigating through a busy airport, your backpack securely attached to your suitcase, leaving your hands free to hold a coffee or show your boarding pass. Trust us, this little feature is a lifesaver on travel days!
Note: Most backpack brands will use the terms trolley sleeve, luggage sleeve and luggage strap interchangeably. They all are describing the same feature!
Best Backpacks with Trolley Sleeve - Tested!
Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Backpack
The Pacsafe Go is the perfect anti-theft backpack for travelers seeking peace of mind on busy travel days. This travel bag truly shines in terms of functionality and security. Its trolley sleeve allows you to attach it to a wheeled suitcase for easy carry at the airport, while the padded laptop sleeve and quick-access side pockets ensure that your travel essentials are always within reach. Not only is the Pacsafe Go compact enough to fit under an airplane seat, but it also serves as a great daypack once you reach your destination.
What we love most about the Pacsafe Go are its built-in anti-theft features. These include lockable zippers, slash-proof fabric, and a hidden compartment against the back panel for securing valuables, all of which make for a safer experience in crowded places. Additionally, it offers a small pocket equipped with RFID-blocking technology, for storing sensitive items that are at risk of data theft like passports or credit cards. Add in a modest "bookbag" design and you have a functional backpack that maintains a low profile no matter where you roam. For a closer look at this backpack, check out our Pacsafe Go backpack review.
Pacsafe Go anti-theft backpack with trolley sleeve. Side pocket for a water bottle or accessories.
Key Features:
Available 25L and 15L sizes
Built-in lockable zippers
16-inch padded laptpo sleeve
Made of water repellent fabric
Timbuk2 Division Laptop Backpack
The Timbuk2 Division backpack is currently one of our favorite personal item backpacks for flights. This laptop backpack not only meets the personal item size criteria for most airlines, but it's also packed with great features that makes a travel powerhouse. Grabbing in-flight essentials is easy thanks to it's rear laptop compartment, side water bottle holder and smaller pockets for organization. The main compartment is also surprisingly roomy for an 18-liter pack. You can easily fit bulkier items like a toiletries kit, jacket or neck pillow. Naturally, every Timbuk2 Division backpack comes equipped with a trolley strap, allowing you to attach it to your check-in or carry-on luggage.
What Timbuk2 does really well is focus on comfort. The shoulder straps and back panel on the Division are made with a patterned foam cushioning that feels like ultra-soft bubble wrap on your back and shoulders (minus the annoying plastic sounds of course). There is even an included chest strap that can be adjusted or removed all together based on your comfort preferences. These little comfort details along with a sleek design makes the Timbuk2 Division easy to recommend to the occasional flyer and frequent business traveler alike.
Another great Timbuk2 option is the Authority backpack, which also includes a luggage strap. To explore the differences between these two packs, be sure to check out our Timbuk2 Authority vs Division backpack comparison.
The Timbuk2 Division laptop backpack with trolley sleeve attached to luggage.
Key Features:
Capacity: 18L
15-inch laptop compartment
Super comfortable padded straps and back panel
Side pocket for water bottle, quick access front panel pocket
Opsrey Daylite Plus
In the world of backpacks with luggage sleeves, the Osprey Daylite Plus backpack does things a little differently. Instead of having a separate luggage sleeve on the back panel it allows the top handle to work double duty as your luggage sleeve. It's a very clever design!
We chose to include Osprey Daylite Plus because it's as light as air, smoochy enough to fit under any airplane seat and even includes a chest strap and hip belt for additional comfort. You can use it as a travel backpack on flight days and as a hiking or sightseeing pack once you arrive at your destination. When it comes to travel, the Osprey Daylite Plus is an underrated pack.
Other great features include adjustable straps on the side allow you to compress the bag as needed and a quick stash pocket on the front panel that allows you to quickly put away stuff like a neck pillow or headphones during a flight. This pack also scores a slam dunk with pockets: stretchy water bottle pockets, a laptop pocket and a front panel organizer compartment for easy access to small items.
The Daylite comes in a variety of sizes, to learn the differences check out our Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus comparison.
Osprey Daylite Plus backpack with a trolley sleeve that doubles as a top handle. The stretchy side pockets can fit large water bottles.
Key Features:
Capacity: 20L
Made from water-resistant fabric
Small and lightweight daypack for travel and outdoor adventures
Breathable shoulder straps, chest strap and hip belt for comfort
tomtoc Navigator A-82 Travel Laptop Backpack 40L
The tomtoc Navigator A-82 is easily our favorite travel bag to recommend to those on a budget. Along with including a single trolley strap for quick attachment to luggage, the Navigator A-82 is filled with a range of features for easy traveling. Examples include small pockets for must-haves like a passport and water bottle, adjustable compression straps for size management and a laptop compartment so that you can keep your laptop, tablet and chargers all in one spot.
What's great about this backpack is that it has two ways to get to access your packing. There is a zipper in the front that lets you access your packing like a duffel bag. While a second pull-away zipper inside the laptop compartment allows you to quickly grab what you need. We found this second entry point perfect for pulling out items like liquid toiletries while going through airport security. The large capacity main compartment is perfect for pairing with packing cubes and we were impressed by the overall quality of such an affordable carry-on backpack.
For a closer look, check out our tomtoc Navigator A-82 review.
The luggage strap on the tomtoc Navigator backpack. The top pockets makes it easy to quickly grab essentials.
Key Features:
Capacity: 40L
TSA-friendly lay-flat tech compartment with padded sleeves for 17-inch laptop and tablet
Dual access to main packing compartment
Comfortable padded straps with adjustable chest strap
Exterior zippered pockets for easy access to small items
Knack Pack Series 1 Expandable Travel Backpack
Whether you are planning a quick weekend getaway or business trip, the Knack Pack Series 1 is the expandable and convertible backpack you've been looking for. What's great about the Knack Pack Series 1 is that the trolley sleeve is built into the padded back panel itself for a cleaner look.
Each Knack Pack is equipped with a secret travel compartment that expands when needed. This allows you to switch between a smaller personal item that can fit underneath an airplane seat or a larger carry-on backpack to stash in an overhead compartment. Here is a tip: tuck in the shoulder straps into the back panel when on the plane to get rid of dangling straps!
Other great features include an exterior padded laptop sleeve and a second padded pocket inside for a tablet. We are also big fans of the hidden water bottle pocket that keeps your water bottle safe from germs in crowded airports. Plus, it gives the bag a cleaner look.
Knack Bags offers their Knack Pack in Series 1 and Series 2 versions. We prefer using the Series 1 as a personal item on flights because of the roomier main compartment but the Series 2 has some major upgrades that are worth a closer look. To explore the differences between the two, check out our Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 backpack comparison.
The Knack Pack Series 1 travel backpack with luggage sleeve attached to a carry on suitcase. You can tuck away the backpack straps for a cleaner look.
Key Features:
Capacity: Available in Small, Medium and Large sizes
Expandable packing compartment for travel
Laptop sleeve and padded pocket for tablet
Includes removable chest strap (only the Large Knack Pack Series 2 includes a hip belt)
Tuck in the backpack straps to carry the bag like a brief
Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack
Finding a functional backpack that also offers a great aesthetic, such as the Everlane ReNew Transit, is a rare treat. This travel bag has everything you need for a comfortable trip. A trolley strap on the back panel makes pairing it with a rolling luggage a breeze while its spacious interior allows you to pack your travel essentials with extra room to spare for those last minute gift shop purchases.
This backpack is really all about fast access. A rear zipper gives you quick access to a 15-inch laptop while exterior pockets makes it easy to access in-flight essentials like a water bottle, headphones and small toiletries. Inside you'll find an additional water bottle holder and slip pockets for organization.
Despite the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack having a generous 27-liters of packing room, we found that is was still small enough to be considered a personal item backpack on most airlines. So whether you need a stylish backpack for your next vacation or a seasoned business traveler, the Everlane ReNew Transit can be your go-to for years to come.
For an in-depth look check out our Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack review.
The Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack with trolley sleeve attached to luggage. The side laptop sleeve gives you easy access to tech.
Key Features:
Capacity: 27L
15-inch laptop sleeve
Available in lots of great colors
Exterior zippered pockets for quick access to items
Perfect size for short trips or to use as a personal item travel bag
Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack
In our list of backpacks with a trolley sleeve, few come close to the quality and thoughtful design of the Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack.
Modern Dayfarer has set out the perfect pack for work, the gym and travel. This versatile laptop backpack is the perfect size for daily carry yet it boasts some impressive travel-friendly features. Along with a trolley strap for attaching the backpack to wheeled luggage, the Dayfarer V2 gives you cushioned grab handles for simple handling and a clamshell main compartment for easy packing. The bottom of the bag even features a separate shoe compartment that can also be used for dirty laundry on trips.
What we really like about this backpack is its clean minimalist design that doesn't skimp on storage. You may not be able to tell with just a glance, but there are lots of exterior pockets for organization. The discreet side pocket offer a spot for items like earbuds or a phone while a pocket on the front panel gives you quick access to more in-flight essentials. There is even a hidden pocket for valuables like a passport, cash or credit cards.
Key Features:
Capacity: 24L
16-inch laptop compartment
Highly water resistant construction
Separate shoe compartment
Ergonomic shoulder straps and breathable foam back panel
The Ridge Commuter Backpack
The Ridge Commuter is a small carry-on backpack that packs some big features. One of its more unique features is its dual-zipper design that allows you to open the main compartment like a regular top loading backpack or use a second zipper to open the bag like a clamshell backpack for easy packing. Inside the bag you are met with almost a dozen pockets for small items like a mobile power bank, pens and chargers. These pockets not only make The Ridge Commuter a great option for daily carry but for business trips where keeping your tech and essentials is important.
As a travel backpack, the Ridge Commuter really shines. You have a trolley strap for attaching to luggage, plenty of exterior pockets for easy access and even a secret pocket on the back panel. This secret pocket is large enough to fit a passport, wallet and phone and stays completely hidden when you wear the backpack.
Key Features:
Capacity: 20L
16-inch laptop compartment
Water-resistant construction with YKK Aquaguard zippers
Includes adjustable sternum strap
Lots of pockets for organization
Pacsafe EXP35 Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
From road trips to overseas flights, the Pacsafe EXP35 is one of those backpacks that you just want to take everywhere. This is thanks to it's built-in anti-theft features that blows other travel bags out of the water.
Each EXP35 is equipped with lockable zippers that self-lock. This means you don't have to worry about bringing your own TSA locks! Other awesome features include a large capacity 35-liter main compartment for packing, a separate shoe compartment and a separate laptop pocket for easy access to tech. All of these compartments lock for increased security while on the move. Inside you'll even find a special RFID-blocking pocket for a passport or a wallet for extra peace of mind.
The large size of the Pacsafe EXP35 puts it square in carry-on backpack territory. So keep in mind that it will have to go in the overhead bin on your next flight. But we found that it makes a bag to attach to check-in rolling luggage thank to it's built-in trolley strap. For an in-depth look at everything this travel bag has to offer, check out our Pacsafe EXP35 anti-theft backpack review.
Key Features:
Capacity: 35L
Built-in anti-theft features
Breathable back panel and chest strap for comfort
Bottom shoe compartment
Adjustable straps for compression
Sherpani Soleil Anti-Theft Backpack
The Sherpani Soleil backpack is a travel powerhouse thanks to its amazing pockets and anti-theft design. We have grown to love the Soleil for its compact size that neatly fits underneath airplane seats and clever anti-theft features for peace of mind while on the move.
What the Soleil backpack does best is allow you to wear it how you want to. Wear it as a backpack for hands-free carry at the airport, turn it into a crossbody bag when sightseeing or carry the Soleil like a chic tote bag on your way to your dinner reservations. The Sherpani Soleil gives you the options to look and feel your best.
The clever design of the trolley sleeve on the back panel not only allows for easy attachment to luggage but also serves as a convenient spot to tuck away the backpack shoulder straps. For a closer look at the details, check out our full Sherpani Soleil review.
Key Features:
Capacity: 16L
Available in lots of fun colors
Padded 15-inch laptop sleeve
Built-in anti-theft features for safe travels
Convertible design: backpack, tote bag, crossbody bag
Backpacks with Trolley Sleeves - FAQs
Can a backpack with a trolley sleeve be used for daily carry, or just for travel?
The short answer is that a backpack with a trolley sleeve can absolutly be used for daily carry! Backpacks with trolley sleeves are usually designed to be very versatile. Not only is a trolley sleeve a common feature in travel backpack, but they can also be found in daily laptop backpacks, smaller daybags or gym backpacks. For daily use, the trolley sleeve or luggage strap can remain unused. But when it comes to travel, the trolley sleeve becomes a vital feature, allowing for easy attachment to rolling luggage for hassle-free transportation through airports and train stations.
Think of a trolley sleeve as an extra feature on your backpack that is there when you need it but stays out of the way when you don't!
Can a backpack with a trolley sleeve fit all types of luggage handles?
Backpacks with a trolley sleeve are designed to have as much as a universal fit as possible. There might be some variations in fit depending on the specific designs of both the backpack and the luggage. The bags on this list have been tested by our team and are guaranteed to fit carry-on or check-in luggage with handles that measure 6 3/4" in width and under. Most wheeled luggage will have a trolley handle that is around that width but it's best to measure your own existing luggage trolley handle to double check compatibility.
What should I look for in a backpack with a trolley sleeve?
When looking for a backpack with a trolley sleeve, consider factors such as the size, material, and additional features that suit your needs. It's best to consider a backpack for its primary and secondary functions. Need a daily laptop backpack that you can occasionally use for travel? Features like comfortable shoulder straps, a padded laptop sleeve and organization for daily essentials will be the most important features. If you need a travel backpack then features like anti-theft zippers, large main compartments for packing and quick-access pockets to stuff like a passport will be your best bet.
Are there backpacks with removable trolley sleeves?
Most backpacks have a trolley strap or luggage sleeve built-into the back panel that is not removable. The good news is that a luggage sleeve should always be a stealth feature. This means that you shouldn't even notice that the trolley sleeve is there when you are not using it. With this in mind, having a backpack with a removable trolley sleeve has few benefits and as a result isn't a common addition to most backpack designs.
How does the trolley sleeve secure the backpack to the luggage? Is it safe?
A trolley sleeve is designed to securely slide over the handle of your rolling luggage, to attach the backpack to the suitcase so that you can carry both at once. This design allows for a stable and secure connection, reducing the risk of the backpack falling off while you are on the move. Is a backpack attached to luggage more secure than a backpack on the ground? Absolutely! Since the backpack must be slide over the luggage handle, it makes grab-and-go theft of the backpack a lot more difficult for the thief. We also find it much easier to keep an eye on all of our travel items when a backpack is attached to luggage than when both items are separated.
More Helpful Resources
If you're in search of a backpack with a trolley sleeve tailored to the specific size requirements of your preferred airline, you're in the right place. Below are some helpful guides that stick to specific airline regulations for carry-on backpacks and personal item bags.
18" x 14" x 8" Bags - Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant and American Airlines Personal Item Backpacks
9" x 10" x 17" Bags - United Airlines Personal Item Backpacks
17" x 13" x 8" Bags - JetBlue Airways Personal Item Backpacks
US Domestic Airlines Carry-On Policies - (CNN.com)
Carry-on luggage size guide for Domestic and International Airlines - (Kayak.com)
