The best airplane cabin backpacks in the UK 2023

There's nothing like being able to travel light and still pack as much as possible. This is entirely possible with a good airplane cabin backpack like the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel. Sturdy and practical, it offers multiple compartments and pockets to accommodate your belongings without weighing itself down.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel 1
8/10

Best value for money

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel

The best airplane cabin backpack in 2021

The Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks! Adjustable and customizable, it integrates several pockets and compartments while offering easy access to your stuff.

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Get this 1.44 kg backpack if you often travel with expensive equipment or fragile items. It's also a great choice if you want easy access to your stuff on the go and plenty of storage pockets. In particular, you can use this Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel bag to carry a computer up to 15.6 inches.

With a capacity of 40L, this backpack is in the right ballpark to stay compact enough when loaded. In addition, the 210D Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop nylon coating allows it to resist splashes and scratches while offering good resistance to tears. Finally, note the unisex design.

Cabin Max Metz 2
8/10

Best value for money

Cabin Max Metz

The best entry-level airplane cabin backpack

The Cabin Max Metz is functional. You can use it on a daily basis but also when traveling, especially when flying. More practical than a rigid luggage, it will not fail to impress you!

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This backpack is popular with travelers for its organization and 600D double-stitched polyester lining. The fabric of the Cabin Max Metz, as it is called, resists abuse while being waterproof and recyclable. Its dimensions of 20 x 40 x 55 cm are reminiscent of a hard-sided carry-on suitcase while offering more convenience to the traveler. Indeed, its compartments and pockets make it easy to find your things without turning it upside down.

Besides, the Cabin Max Metz has a large compartment for laptop. The capacity of the backpack reaches 44 L for an empty weight of only 0.7 kg. This multifunctional bag can be used as a cabin backpack, a hiking bag or a daily backpack.

Peak Design BTR-45-BK-1 3
7/10

Best high capacity

Peak Design BTR-45-BK-1

The best high-end airplane cabin backpack

Unisex, this 45 L backpack innovates by its modular storage and its versatility. Without real mistake, this model comes with many travel accessories such as the toiletry kit.

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This unisex travel backpack has a capacity of 45 L for measurements of 29 x 33 x 56 cm. If you are a fan of the brand, this new model is sure to please you. For those who are new to Peak Design, you should know that the manufacturer has outdone itself with its BTR-45-BK-1. Full of clever pockets, all combined with the packing cube, which gives a hyper versatile, comfortable and robust travel backpack.

The empty weight of 2.05 kg confirms this general impression of quality. The big plus is the modular storage, i.e. adaptable to your travels and trips. We appreciate the many accessories offered: toilet bag, shoe bag, storage bag, photo equipment space, clothing cube. Note that this bag also exists in red.

Pacsafe Venturesafe Exp55 4
8/10

Pacsafe Venturesafe Exp55

A large capacity airplane cabin backpack

Due to its size, this Pacsafe backpack can accommodate a 17-inch laptop. Comfortable and ergonomic, it is equipped with straps to compact your stuff. A smart backpack.

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Measuring 26 x 36 x 67 cm, the Pacsafe Venturesafe Exp55 comes with a 5-year warranty. Its capacity is quite exceptional for a cabin backpack, with no less than 55 L for a weight of only 1.1 kg when empty. You can easily slip in a 17" laptop, a big blanket or any other bulky stuff you don't want to send to the hold.

We appreciate the retractable, padded, cut-resistant and ventilated straps. They add to the comfort and overall feel of this backpack. There's even a hip belt, with a wide garter belt to help take the load off your shoulders if the bag is really loaded. Inside, you'll find a spacious main compartment, suitable for A4 documents and a smaller pocket.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best airplane cabin backpack

Any specific needs?

The best airplane cabin backpack in 2021

The best entry-level airplane cabin backpack

The best high-end airplane cabin backpack

A large capacity airplane cabin backpack

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best airplane cabin backpacks

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel 5
8/10
Cabin Max Metz 6
8/10
Peak Design BTR-45-BK-1 7
7/10
Pacsafe Venturesafe Exp55 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel
Cabin Max Metz
Peak Design BTR-45-BK-1
Pacsafe Venturesafe Exp55
The Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks! Adjustable and customizable, it integrates several pockets and compartments while offering easy access to your stuff.
The Cabin Max Metz is functional. You can use it on a daily basis but also when traveling, especially when flying. More practical than a rigid luggage, it will not fail to impress you!
Unisex, this 45 L backpack innovates by its modular storage and its versatility. Without real mistake, this model comes with many travel accessories such as the toiletry kit.
Due to its size, this Pacsafe backpack can accommodate a 17-inch laptop. Comfortable and ergonomic, it is equipped with straps to compact your stuff. A smart backpack.
Volume
40 L
44 W
45 L
55 L
Dimensions
23 x 35 x 53 cm
20 x 40 x 55 cm
29 x 33 x 56 cm
26 x 36 x 67 cm
Empty weight
1.44 kg
0.7 kg
2.05 kg
1.1 kg
Laptop pocket
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Lining
Nylon 210D
Polyester 600D
Nylon recyclable
Polyester

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Buying guide - airplane cabin backpack

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How to choose your airplane cabin backpack

For a successful investment and a pleasant trip, here are the parameters to consider when choosing a backpack for the plane cabin.

#1 - Front loading

A travel backpack should be front-loading as opposed to the top-loading style traditionally found on hiking and camping backpacks. This means you can open it up completely like a suitcase. This also makes it easier to access all of your stuff rather than having to dig through the entire bag to access your bottom stuff, as you would with a top-loading bag.

#2 - The weight

When purchasing your bag, consider the empty weight of your airplane cabin backpack as weight allowances can be quite expensive. Weight allowances vary by airline, so check this information before you fly. In all cases, you will need to be able to lift your bag into the overhead compartment without assistance. Therefore, no matter how heavy your bag is, make sure you can lift it over your head without a problem. Additional handles on the top and sides of the bag can make this easier.

#3 - Compartments and pockets

An airline cabin backpack should have multiple compartments and pockets to make organizing your stuff as easy as possible. If you plan to travel with your laptop, look for a pack with a padded pocket designed to hold a laptop. Make sure it's easily accessible so you can remove your laptop to get through airport security without too much effort. A pocket on the outside of the bag to keep items like your passport and boarding pass handy is also a plus.

Good to know

A 40L backpack is about right to accommodate the requirements of airlines, especially low-cost carriers like Easyjet or Ryanair. Traveling with only carry-on luggage reduces airline baggage fees and helps you get out of the airport faster.

#4 - The size

If

you want your backpack to serve as a carry-on, the size of the bag is a consideration. As a rule of thumb, dimensions of 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm for such a bag should work for most airlines. If you are close to the size limit, you can simply compress your bag to the required size since an airline cabin backpack offers such a possibility.

#5 - Safety, durability and comfort

For added security, look for zippers that can be locked with a padlock to secure each compartment. Next, make sure the stitching, fabric and zippers are strong and durable. A strong, tear-resistant nylon is a good compromise between weight and durability. If you plan to carry your backpack for extended periods of time, make sure it has adequate padding on the shoulder strap and lap belt. Feel free to try the pack by putting some weight on it to see if the load is comfortably distributed on your back, shoulders and hips. You should also be able to adjust the shoulder harness so that your shoulders are not bearing significant weight.

How to save more space in your airplane cabin backpack?

The best backpacks for the airplane cabin 9

  • Shoes should match any outfit. At most, take one pair of casual shoes, one pair of sandals, flip-flops and one pair of comfortable shoes like sneakers or running shoes.
  • Take only the clothes and accessories that you will use.
  • Get cosmetics in small travel size bottles. You can find them in specialty stores.
  • By using packing cubes, you will save space and be able to carry enough clothes and underwear for weeks.
  • You can also buy clothes and underwear made from special fabrics that are lighter, dry faster and have antibacterial properties to prevent them from smelling bad.

Airline cabin backpack or carry-on?

Aircraft cabin backpack

The biggest advantage of a backpack is that it leaves both your hands free. When you wear a backpack on your back, you can use both hands to carry other gear, use your phone, snack on a sandwich, drink water, etc. throughout your travels.

In addition, backpacks look cool and are more secure because your belongings are "attached" to your body. Some backpacks even have a sophisticated security system that prevents you from having your belongings stolen. However, most backpacks are more difficult to pack and unpack and your clothes will wrinkle more easily.

Rigid cabin luggage

The suitcases allow you to access your clothes and equipment more easily because they open like a book. Moreover, for more practicality, most of them have wheels to facilitate their transport. Besides that, the shape of the suitcase makes it easier to pack and unpack your stuff and keeps your clothes wrinkle-free.

However, you will only have one hand free with a suitcase and if your suitcase does not have wheels, you risk hurting your back by lugging it around.

Verdict

If you're going to carry a significant amount of accessories and clothing without worrying about wrinkles, opt for a backpack, which is more stylish and offers more freedom for your hands.

However, if you want to carry fragile or delicate items, choose a suitcase that offers more mechanical protection. However, you should know that a backpack can very well replace a suitcase thanks to its numerous spacious compartments, while the opposite is totally impossible.

Tips

Disinfection of aircraft cabin backpacks

Disinfect the bag inside and out. Whether your bag is hard or soft, use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol as a disinfectant. And wipe down the entire bag with either, then, fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and spray it liberally on hard-sided backpacks.

Best way to clean an airplane cabin backpack

For

a quick clean, wipe the outside of the bag with a damp microfiber cloth, being careful not to saturate the fabric. To remove stubborn stains, use a laundry pretreatment and a mild solution of dishwashing detergent and water or lightly blot the area with an upholstery shampoo, working from the middle of the stain toward the edges.

Deodorizing a backpack for an aircraft cabin

Sprinkle

the inside of the backpack with baking soda and seal it. Then vacuum it up the next day to catch any leftover baking soda. Finally, leave the bag open to air out when not in use.

Keep your backpack cool at all times

It'

s easy to keep your backpack and travel clothes feeling fresh. To do this, carry a small dry bag or extra packing cube to separate dirty clothes from the rest of your stuff. A cedar chip, lavender sachet, essential oils or a scented dryer sheet will keep your bag fresh for weeks.

FAQ

What is the best airplane cabin backpack?

The best airplane cabin backpack depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

What is the ideal weight of an airplane cabin backpack?

Just make sure that the weight of your child's backpack does not exceed 10 to 15% of the child's weight. For an adult, the weight of the bag should not exceed 10 to 20% of the wearer's weight either.

How often should the bag be cleaned?

To keep the fabric of your backpack looking its best, give it a thorough cleaning once a month. However, dry cleaning or dusting can be done at any time you deem necessary.

Is it possible to re-waterproof my backpack?

You can do this, but only on a bag that has a polyurethane coating on the inside to ensure waterproofing. This re-waterproofing operation is important because it guarantees the external and internal protection of the bag. Impregnation is done with an impregnating agent that can be found in specialized stores.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , info-aviation.com
  2. , allibert-trekking.com
  3. , avemundum.com
  4. , onedayonetravel.com
  5. , transavia.com
  6. , innover-en-franche-comte.fr
  7. , consumerreports.org
  8. , gapyeartravelstore.com
  9. , tocodesport.com
  10. , amazon.co.uk
  11. , ma-valise-voyage.fr
  12. , mon-bagage-cabine.com
  13. , lejustechoix.fr
  14. , decathlon.fr
  15. , avemundum.com
  16. , amazon.co.uk
  17. , airfrance.fr
  18. , skyscanner.fr
  19. , decathlon.fr
  20. , testeur-du-dimanche.fr
  21. , cdiscount.com
  22. , taillecabine.com
  23. , voyageforever.com
  24. , forum.cnewyork.net
  25. , auberdog.com
  26. , rayonrando.com
  27. , mesbagages.com
  28. , aircanada.com
  29. , flycorsair.com
  30. , valise-cabine.info
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel 10
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel
Cabin Max Metz 11
Cabin Max Metz
Peak Design BTR-45-BK-1 12
Peak Design BTR-45-BK-1
Pacsafe Venturesafe Exp55 13
Pacsafe Venturesafe Exp55

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