This backpack can replace your suitcase
And it’s on sale right now
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The Recommendation

November 26, 2025

Our favorite carry-on travel backpack is currently on sale

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Día against a light green background.
Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter

“After more than seven years of testing,” writes our travel expert Kit Dillon, “I’ve found that this single backpack — plus a personal item — has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.”

For anyone dedicated to packing light, this durable bag (today’s gift of the day!) is easy to organize and spacious enough for trips lasting up to a full week. The clamshell design opens up like a hard-sided suitcase, unveiling a well-organized and easy-to-access space — and it’s comfortable to carry on your back or in your hands while on the move.

The gift of unencumbered travel→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

Speaking of gift of the day: We’re more than halfway through our annual countdown

Housewarming gifts featured together on a pink background, including yellow water jug, ice bucket, wreath, bread candle, and more.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Today marks the 17th straight day of handpicked gift recommendations from our experts. So far, you all seem to have particularly loved the personalized luggage tag and a golden hour sunset lamp. Stay tuned for more sparkly splurges, stocking stuffers, and exclusive deals.

See every gift of the day so far

More (on-sale!) gear for smooth travels

The Away The Everywhere Bag in black against a light tan backdrop.

All the best early Black Friday deals on travel essentials

If you’ve been dragging around the same banged-up carry-on or tugging on a snagged zipper, right now is one of the best times to upgrade→

The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K portable power bank.

Our favorite power bank

For peace of mind whenever wall outlets are out of reach→

Photo of the Monos Metro Duffel on a tan backdrop

A classic and luxurious shoulder bag

This is the best personal item for heavy packers — it holds more than any bag of its type we tested→

Four hard-shell luggages (left to right): The Monos Hybrid Carry-On, the Quince Small Carry-On, Away's The Carry-On, and Aer's Carry-On.

The best hard-sided luggage

After years of rolling suitcases through terminals, scraping them on subway turnstiles, and checking them on long-haul flights, we have some favorites→

One last thing: 52 great gifts for people who love to travel

An assortment of gifts for travelers shown together in front of a purple background.

Your favorite jet-setter might love something practical, like a very chic and compact jewelry travel case. Or perhaps they’d like something that celebrates their wanderlust, like a scratch-off world map or an archive-quality, vintage-inspired print of their dream destination.

Gifts for your favorite globe-trotter→

Handpicked hidden gems. Great deals on lovely things. Your biggest gifting conundrums, answered. A gift guide from Wirecutter.

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Handpicked hidden gems. Great deals on lovely things. Your biggest gifting conundrums, answered. A gift guide from Wirecutter.

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Bon voyage.

You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

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