Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
For all the over-packers in the world, those who can’t bear to go without that extra pair of shoes and those who shove everything into a backpack to avoid forking out on hold or cabin luggage charges – we’ve got you.
As well as testing the best cabin suitcases, best Easyjet bags, Ryanair bags that beat restrictions and huge hold luggage suitcases, we’ve compiled our ultimate round up of the best backpacks for travelling.
These are the top picks from travel writers and editors. They’ve been collectively trying out several backpack styles and brands and between them have travelled for hundreds of hours.
They’ve taken into account the various luggage restrictions delineated by budget airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air. These bags officially fit!
Read on for more details on the travel backpacks that made the cut and the features to look out for. Or check out the quick list below if you’re needing a new bag asap – you’re sure to find one best suited to your travel and packing needs.
Best travel backpacks: At a glanceHow we test backpacks
When testing travel and luggage, we take airline restrictions, trains, planes and more into account. Every backpack on this list has been tested on a real holiday or flight and measured against airline travel restrictions – both the measly underseat allowances and standard cabin bag ones.
We try to pack as much as we can into each backpack to ensure they really can accommodate your next short haul or budget flight, without you getting stung by extra fees.
Our reviews highlight the airlines each backpack is suitable for and give you an indication of how much you can fit in, as well as how comfortable they are to use.
The best travel backpacks to buy right now
This Kapten & Sons backpack was our favourite of those reviewed, because of its comfort, compatibility with multiple airlines and ability to be opened up like a suitcase
Helsinki Pro All BlackWhat we love
ComfortThis backpack is super comfortable to wear on long journeys, with the weight evenly distributed around my shoulders.
CompatibilityYou can take this backpack on both Ryanair and Easyjet flights with the most limited baggage allowance.
PracticalityThe backpack has lots of different pockets to store everything from shoes to my laptop, and I like that you can unzip it like a suitcase, too.
By Genie Harrison
As someone who makes a lot of short trips with my work, having a comfortable, functional backpack is of the utmost importance. Luckily, this Kapten & Sons backpack delivers on all accounts: it’s spacious, comfortable and stylish, too.
One of my favourite things about the backpack is that it can open up like a suitcase, meaning it’s infinitely easier to pack, unpack and find things on the go.
I also like to use the front pocket for easy access to my passport and other important travel documentation.
While the dimensions of the backpack mean it’s technically bigger than the stated Ryanair limitations, the roll top functionality means it’s easy to compress down for the required size. I have taken this backpack on both Ryanair and Easyjet flights without any issues.
The Roll Top 30LWhat we love
ComfortThe backpack is comfortable to wear and supportive.
SizeAt 30L, the backpack fits a good deal inside, which is good for longer trips.
Hannah found the Stubble&Co backpack comfortable to wear, fitting a good deal inside
By Hannah Lloyd
Advertised as being ‘built for bigger commutes and weekend travel’, the Stubble & Co Roll Top 30L ticked a lot of boxes for me. It’s very comfortable to wear, supportive round my shoulders, and fits a good deal inside.
While its full height (40cm) exceeds the free Ryanair ‘small under seat’ bag restrictions, I took the backpack as my cabin baggage (55x40x20cm) on a recent long weekend in Seville and fit everything I needed for the trip into the bag.
I’ve also found it good for cycling or walking to work on days when I’m carrying gym kit or other larger items. I’m an all round happy customer!
The Delta-Roam is a great choice for any frequent Easyjet flyers
Roll-Top Rucksack – Admiral NavyWhat we love
StorageAdditional padded storage for laptops
WaterproofThe backpack is suitably waterproof
ComfortFits snugly around the shoulders and is comfortable to run in too
By Will Bennett
The 35L Navy Delta-Roam Roll-Top backpack is top grade for city and country.
As well as being waterproof, it is very roomy, and there’s extra padded storage for laptops and devices. It’s big but mobile – and you can run in it comfortably.
I generally use it for weekends away, as it can rival a small suitcase in terms of space and easily slots into luggage requirements.
The Delta-Roam is compatible with Easyjet baggage restrictions, too, making it a great choice for a weekend city break.
The Antler backpack proved a winner as carry-on luggage with both Wizz Air and Ryanair
Discovery 28L Backpack in Meadow PurpleWhat we love
SizeThe backpack fits lots in it, and has several different compartments, such as a hidden valuables pocket and a place to put a laptop.
Flight compatibilityCompatible with Ryanair and Wizz Air baggage restrictions.
By Abigail Zucker
Designed with ever shrinking cabin baggage dimensions in mind, this Antler backpack is perfect for a weekend getaway. The main compartment opens out like a suitcase into two halves, comfortably fitting a long weekend’s worth of clothes and even two pairs of shoes, which can be put in a separately closing section to keep everything clean.
There are several small inner pockets for organising items, such as socks and underwear, as well as a couple of hidden pockets for valuables.
The laptop sleeve is a nice touch and easily accessible, as is the hidden front pocket for keeping passports and wallets readily to hand.
Despite how much it can squeeze in, the straps are comfortable enough for jumping straight off the plane and carrying it around for a full day of activities.
Sliding it under the seat on my Ryanair flight, where it fit perfectly, I couldn’t help feel like I’d played the system.
5. Best waterproof travel backpack: Bloxx Backpack
With its top of the class waterproofing, the BLOXX bag is ideal for short trips hiking amid unpredictable British weather
BLOXX BACKPACKWhat we love
ComfortThis backpack is easy to wear for long stretches of time – even when filled to the brim.
WaterproofingThis backpack is very well waterproofed, meaning it’s great to take on long hikes free from fear of the unpredictability of the British weather.
By Alesia Fiddler
Sturdy, spacious and versatile, the Bloxx bag is perfect to take on a long weekend away or hike.
It has plenty of handy pockets, my favourite being the compartment at the top, that is great for tucking away items safely.
With waterproof fabric and extra padding to protect delicate items like laptops, it’s hard to fault this backpack.
I managed to fit a good selection of items inside it, and still had space for some more.
Erin found her Kanken backpack to be surprisingly roomy, despite its seemingly bijou size
Kanken Everyday Outdoor
By Erin Deborah Waks
I resisted buying a Kanken backpack for years, mainly because it seemed that everyone had one. It turns out, having finally gotten my hands on the nifty bag, I was wrong – and everyone else was right.
They might look unassuming, but they are so deceptively spacious. I managed to fit all my gym gear, toiletries, trainers, work stuff and lunch inside, and it wasn’t even a struggle.
In the age of extortionate baggage costs, I often want to travel with just a backpack – and this is perfect for overnight stays or a short weekend away.
Of course, they are super cute too and come in every colour under the sun.
Our verdict
The backpack we would most recommend is the Kapten & Sons Helsinki Pro, due to its comfort, versatility on budget airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air), 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.
What backpack is allowed on easyJet for free?
EasyJet passengers can bring one free underseat bag on board, which must fit under the seat in front of you. This includes small cabin suitcases, backpacks or compact holdalls that stay within the airline’s size limits.
Of the backpacks we have reviewed, all except the Stubble & Co will pass with Easyjet’s free baggage allowance – provided they’re not stuffed to the very top. But we’d always recommend checking the dimensions after you’ve packed, just in case you have any particularly bulky luggage.
How can I make packing for budget airlines easier?
Planning is everything – choose luggage designed specifically for underseat or cabin dimensions, use packing cubes to maximise 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.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
