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A good travel backpack lets you skip checked luggage and the queue at baggage reclaim. The trick is matching the size to your airline’s rules.
We compared travel backpacks sold in the UK on cabin compliance, organisation, comfort and price.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Typical UK price |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Max Metz 20L | Best for Ryanair | £25–£35 |
| Osprey Farpoint 40 | Best carry-on | £150–£190 |
| CabinZero Classic 36L | Best value | £60–£80 |
| Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L | Best organisation | £220–£290 |
The 4 best picks
1. Cabin Max Metz 20L – Best for Ryanair
Fits the free under-seat allowance. Free under-seat size.
Why we like it:
- Fits under seat
- Cheap
- Light
Watch out for:
- Small
Key specs: Size: 40 × 20 × 25 cm.
Buy it if you fly Ryanair. Skip it if you need a big bag. Typical UK price: £25–£35.
👉 Check the price of the Cabin Max Metz 20L on Amazon.co.uk
2. Osprey Farpoint 40 – Best carry-on
Clamshell opening and comfortable harness. Clamshell travel pack.
Why we like it:
- Clamshell
- Comfortable
- Carry-on
Watch out for:
- Pricey
Key specs: Capacity: 40 L.
Buy it if you travel with carry-on only. Skip it if you need under-seat size. Typical UK price: £150–£190.
👉 Check the price of the Osprey Farpoint 40 on Amazon.co.uk
3. CabinZero Classic 36L – Best value
Cabin-size backpack at a fair price. Cabin-size backpack.
Why we like it:
- Cheap
- Cabin size
- Durable
Watch out for:
- Basic
Key specs: Capacity: 36 L.
Buy it if you want value. Skip it if you want a laptop sleeve. Typical UK price: £60–£80.
👉 Check the price of the CabinZero Classic 36L on Amazon.co.uk
4. Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L – Best organisation
Premium, expandable travel pack. Expandable premium travel pack.
Why we like it:
- Excellent organisation
- Expandable
- Durable
Watch out for:
- Expensive
Key specs: Capacity: 30 L (expandable).
Buy it if you want premium organisation. Skip it if you fly budget airlines with tiny limits. Typical UK price: £220–£290.
👉 Check the price of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L on Amazon.co.uk
How to choose the right one
Airline size limits
Ryanair’s free under-seat bag is 40 × 20 × 25 cm. easyJet and other airlines have their own limits – always check before you fly.
Clamshell opening
Bags that open like a suitcase make packing and finding things easier.
Packing a carry-on backpack
Roll clothes, use packing cubes and wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket. Keep liquids, chargers and documents in an easy-access pocket for security. A small foldable tote can carry duty-free or snacks without breaking cabin rules.
Comfort for city breaks
Padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap and a hip belt make a big difference when walking from the station to your hotel. Check the back length suits your height.
Budget airline tips
Measure your bag when full, not empty – soft bags bulge. Ryanair and easyJet staff do check sizes at the gate, and fees for oversize bags are expensive.
Security and theft
Choose a bag with hidden pockets for passports and phones, especially in busy European cities.
Travel insurance and valuables
Keep valuables, medication and chargers in your cabin bag rather than checked luggage, and check your travel insurance covers laptops and cameras.
Choosing the right capacity
A 20–25 litre bag suits one or two nights and fits most under-seat allowances. A 30–40 litre bag covers a long weekend or a week if you pack light, but usually counts as a paid cabin bag on budget airlines. Think about how you usually travel: if you mostly fly Ryanair or easyJet on the cheapest fares, a smaller under-seat bag saves money every trip. If you fly airlines with generous cabin allowances, a 40 litre pack with a clamshell opening gives the most flexibility.
Buying tips for UK shoppers
Liquids rules at UK airports are changing as new scanners roll out – check your departure airport before packing.
How we chose these products
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, and only included products that are widely available from UK retailers. Our picks are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not carried out. Read our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
Frequently asked questions
Can a backpack be my only hand luggage?
Often, yes.
What size is Ryanair’s free bag?
40 × 20 × 25 cm.
Are travel backpacks better than suitcases?
They suit city breaks and uneven streets.
Our verdict
Choose Cabin Max for Ryanair, Osprey Farpoint 40 for carry-on comfort or CabinZero for value.