This Spacious Organizational Travel Backpack Is the Best Carry-on I've Ever Owned

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

When I first discovered the travel bag brand Dagne Dover, it was love at first sight. I've become obsessed with the brand's thoughtful organizational systems, sleek and modern designs, and rugged construction methods. For years—even as many other bags tried and failed to replace it—the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall remained my absolute favorite carry-on bag, and had been my go-to for just about every trip.
Flash forward to last summer, when Dagne Dover released its first-ever luggage line, complete with rolling carry-ons and checked suitcases as well as accessories and other travel bags. I immediately stocked up on tons of pieces from the collection, including the Brooklyn Backpack: a flap-top travel backpack that's decked out with functional details. Since then, this Dagne Dover backpack has become my new go-to, knocking my previous favorite, the Landon, off of its esteemed perch after years of loyal service.
I've owned it for almost a year, and in that time, I've taken my Brooklyn backpack everywhere—from Tokyo to Kyoto, Dublin to London, and tons of cities in between. It's proven to be tough as nails, effortlessly holding up to overhead bins, chaotic train stations, and a wide range of weather conditions. Plus, the switch to a carry-on backpack has made travel days exponentially easier on my shoulders than a heavy tote or duffel. Even when sprinting through airports or navigating train platforms, this bag is tops at distributing weight evenly and comfortably.
What really sets this bag apart is the thoughtful organizational components. There are padded compartments for a laptop (well, two laptops, actually), plus enough pockets and sleeves to keep cords, snacks, and chargers exactly where I want them. There's an exterior pocket for easy access to smaller items while on the go. I especially like that the side pockets have bungee cord closures, to keep a reusable water bottle—or sunscreen spray, an umbrella, or anything else, really—secure and easily accessible.
This Brooklyn travel backpack opens up with a wide top that closes with a drawstring bungee cord and is covered with a flap top, which you then secure with two adjustable, substantial buckle straps. I always feel reassured that these buckles won't snap—the hardware is undeniably tough and sturdy. This bag is deceptively roomy, too. It's big enough to pack for an entire weekend, but not so bulky that it feels overwhelming or tough to wrangle, even when stuffed to the brim.
The four color options are another bonus: They're chic, elevated, suited for all styles, and they coordinate beautifully with the rest of the brand's luggage line. Speaking of the other brand's offerings, the trolley sleeve makes it a breeze to slide over the handle of my matching Dagne Dover roller bag.
At $300, the Dagne Dover Brooklyn Backpack is definitely a splurge—but it's built to last, with premium materials and a sturdy structure that holds up to real-world use, and reviewers seem to agree. 'This bag was worth saving up for,' wrote one five-star reviewer, adding that they intend to replace their other travel bags with Dagne Dover styles. Another shopper wrote, 'I was holding off on buying this for so long because of the price—I am OBSESSED and so happy I got it,' while a third reviewer wrote, 'I just know it's going to last forever.'
For a seriously rugged travel bag that also works overtime as a weekender, work bag, and personal item, it's absolutely worth the investment. My beloved Landon still lives in my closet, but these days, it's the Brooklyn that stays stocked with my toiletry set, so it's always ready for the next adventure.
Looking for more spacious travel backpacks to shop? Keep scrolling for more reliable backpacks below, starting at just $24 at Amazon.
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