Best Travel Backpacks: What to Look For
When it comes to travel, the right backpack can make all the difference. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning a weekend getaway, choosing the right bag is essential. The key is to find a backpack that not only fits your needs but also meets the size restrictions of budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet.
Top Picks for Travel Backpacks
Here are some of the best travel backpacks that have been tested and reviewed by experienced travel writers and editors. These bags have been tried and true on real trips and have met airline requirements.
Best Travel Backpack Overall: Kapten & Sons Helsinki Pro All Black
This backpack is a top choice for its comfort, functionality, and style. It’s spacious enough to hold everything you need for a short trip, and its unique design allows it to open up like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking easier. Despite being slightly larger than Ryanair’s limits, the roll-top feature makes it easy to compress for flights.
Best Cabin-Safe Travel Backpack: Stubble and Co The Roll Top 30L
Ideal for weekend getaways and longer commutes, this backpack is comfortable and well-structured. While its height exceeds Ryanair’s under-seat allowance, it fits within the cabin baggage dimensions. It’s perfect for carrying gym gear or other larger items, and its design makes it great for cycling or walking.
Best EasyJet Travel Backpack: Delta-Roam Roll-Top Rucksack 35L
This 35L backpack is a great option for city breaks or country trips. It’s waterproof, roomy, and has padded compartments for laptops and devices. Its mobility and ease of use make it a top choice for weekend adventures.
Best Ryanair Travel Backpack: Antler Discovery 28L Backpack
Designed with shrinking cabin space in mind, this backpack is perfect for a weekend trip. It has a main compartment that opens like a suitcase, allowing for easy organization. With multiple pockets and a hidden front pocket for passports and wallets, it’s ideal for short trips.
Best Waterproof Travel Backpack: Bloxx Backpack
Sturdy and versatile, the Bloxx backpack is great for long weekends or hikes. It has plenty of storage and a top compartment for safe storage of items. Its waterproof fabric and padding protect delicate items, making it a reliable choice for any adventure.
Best Travel Backpack for Short Trips: Kanken Everyday Outdoor
This backpack might look simple, but it’s incredibly spacious. It can fit all your essentials for an overnight stay or a short weekend trip. Its versatility and style make it a popular choice among travelers.
How We Test Backpacks
When testing travel and luggage, we take into account airline restrictions, train and plane travel, and more. Each backpack on this list has been tested on real trips and measured against airline size limits. We try to pack as much as possible to ensure they can accommodate your next short haul or budget flight without extra fees.
Tips for Packing for Budget Airlines
Planning is crucial when packing for budget airlines. Choose luggage designed for under-seat or cabin dimensions, use packing cubes to maximize space, and stick to versatile clothing. Bags with multiple compartments help keep essentials accessible, especially for short-haul trips where you don’t want to open your case mid-flight.
Additional Products to Consider
- Cabin Max Easyjet Underseat Cabin Backpack Bag Hybrid – £37 (45x36x20cm)
- Bordlite EasyJet Underseat Cabin Bag – £14.99 (45x36x20cm)
- Cabin Max 4-Piece Packing Cubes – £30
- ECOHUB Compression Suitcase Organisers – £19.54
- Roll-up Storage Bag Travel Compression Bag x6 – £5.79
- Vacuum Storage Bags with Electric Air Pump x9 – £14.44
Our Verdict
The backpack we would most recommend is the Kapten & Sons Helsinki Pro, due to its comfort, versatility on budget airlines, and the sheer amount of space it provides.
Why Trust Us?
Our team of travel writers and editors have been testing products and writing reviews for many years, covering a wide range of products. With a focus on travel equipment, such as suitcases, we provide expertise on what travellers need on their journeys. Our reviews are honest, impartial, and based on real-world testing. We take into consideration all budgets and lifestyles when reviewing products to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision.
