After Extensive Testing, Knack Convertible Duffel Surprised Me as the Best Travel Backpack of 2026
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Your luggage can really make or break your travel day, especially when you're trying to carry fragile items (like a laptop or tablet), and don't want to bring two different bags. With the Knack Convertible Duffel, you don't have to. This spacious duffel actually protects you electronics and fits everything you need for a week-long getaway. It easily earned the title of Best Travel Backpack during my extensive travel luggage testing for the 2026 Men's Journal Travel Awards. Here's what made it stand out.
Why Knack Convertible Duffel Is the Best Convertible Travel Bag of 2026
A simple zip increases its capacity from 24 liters to 40 liters. Carry it as a backpack on your daily commute, for quick overnight trips, or as a duffel to store up to a week of clothes. The padded 15.6-inch laptop pocket is clutch, as is the fleece-lined tablet pocket and a range of integrated organization pockets.
It's ideal for globetrotters who want easy access to essentials at the drop of a hat. With a compression packing panel, a hidden water bottle zip pocket, and a trolley sleeve, this backpack truly has you covered in any travel situation. You’ll wonder why you didn't try convertible luggage sooner.
Why You Should Trust Me
To evaluate the pieces on this list, I tested as many carry-on bags, backpacks, and duffels as possible. I considered factors like bulkiness, maneuverability, durability, laptop padding, strap comfort, packing space, interior layout, and ease of opening. I also coordinated with brand representatives to learn more about the specs of each carry-on suitcase and pored over dozens of customer reviews to see what real-world users had to say about their experiences.