17 best travel backpacks 2023 UK; including cabin bag sizes
GOING away? Don't miss our pick of the best travel backpacks in the UK.
Whether you're off on a city break, beach retreat or a hiking adventure, having one of the best travel backpacks is an essential to take away with you and will provide a comfortable, practical packing option.
Backpacks are a great way to travel hands-free, with features like bottom-opening compartments, phone charging capabilities and weight-distributing straps making it super convenient and easy to access your stuff when you need to.
Plenty of backpacks are perfectly sized for use as your carry-on, or you might prefer something lightweight to pop into your suitcase and use when you arrive at your destination.
Whatever your budget and taste, we've rounded up the best travel backpacks in the UK below with a choice of unisex, men's and women's designs.
Best travel backpacks in the UK at a glance:
- Best carry-on size on a budget: SZLX Travel Backpack with USB Charging Port
- Best carry-on size for splashing out:
- Best value:
- Best space-saving backpack:
- Best two-in-one design:
SZLX Travel Backpack with USB Charging Port
Made from a durable polyester that's also waterproof, this backpack comes in an array of cute pastel shades, but black is a classic option if you want something versatile.
With a main pocket, two laptop compartments that will fit a 13” tablet and 14” laptop and several other handy pockets, it features a built-in charging port allowing you to easily connect a power bank.
There's even a separate shoe compartment with ventilation, while wet and dry clothes can be kept apart thanks to dividing sections.
As one review shows, it fits Ryanair's cabin bag sizer, so you'll be good to take it as your carry-on.
Material: Polyester Size: W-42cm L-31cm H-17cm
BanGe Travel Backpack Flight Approved Carry-On
"I absolutely love this bag! It’s ideal for overnight stays away from home. Carry handle as well as rucksack straps. Can’t fault this bag - very good value for money and a great purchase," writes one reviewer about this backpack by BanGe.
With thousands of positive reviews, shoppers praise it for its ample space, durable design and practical pockets.
If you're using it to work while you travel, the separate padded laptop compartment holds up to a 17" laptop, while if you're hiking - the adjustable chest buckle features an emergency whistle for SOS.
Plus, the expandable design means it can be widened by an extra 4.7 inches.
Material: Oxford Size: 17.5x11.8x5.5inch
Voyager Wheelie 50 + 20 Litre Rucksack
This clever two-in-one bag features a 50-litre wheelie suitcase that can be worn as a backpack – plus a detachable 20-litre daypack that's perfect for day trips.
Features like compression straps and the padded air mesh back make this a really functional choice for travelling.
One customer who 'needed a larger rucksack' was extremely pleased with their purchase as it's 'ideal' for larger journeys.
Another customer called it an 'amazing product' and that it's 'really good when children have a school trip'.
Material: N/A Size: 79 (H) x 38 (W) x 27 (D) cm.
READ MORE:
- Best backpacks for interrailing
- Best packing cubes for backpacking
- Best suitcases
- Best lightweight suitcases
- Cheap suitcases
Mountain Warehouse Carrion 80L Rucksack
Mountain Warehouse is always a great shout for backpacks in general, and this 80-litre design doesn't disappoint.
Shoppers say it's comfortable to wear and reasonably lightweight, with a narrower design compared to other rucksacks, which still manage to have plenty of space.
Features like the load balance adjusters allow you to distribute pressure evenly, while there's even a fold-out rain cover to keep the bag dry in bad weather.
Material: N/A Size: 84 (H) x 43 (W) x 36 (D) cm.
The Front Pocket Backpack
Carry your essentials in elegance with the Front Pocket Backpack.
Created from water-resistant Nylon, your belongings are safe from the British weather, and the spacious front pocket makes storage more organised, so there is no need to cram your electronics next to spill hazards.
The inside has a 15" laptop pocket so you can tuck away your Macbook on the office run thats secured with a magnetic locking zipper for added security should anyone get into your backpack while you're away.
Choose from black or coast to better compliment your style.
The backpack has gone down a treat as it has a perfect five-star rating on Away Travel, with customers praising it for its 'great pockets' and the 'nice waterproof material' that protects belongings from harsh winters.
Material: Nylon with leather Size: 30cm x 15cm x 39cm
Large black Gym Backpack
Backpacks aren't reserved for long afternoon hikes. If you're serious about your gym game or just getting into it, the Large Black Gym Backpack is a great option.
Crafted for the everyday athlete, it's made from ultra-durable materials to accompany its huge carrying capacity. If you bring lots of equipment for your workout, it's the perfect choice to fit your water bottle, mats and other gear inside.
If you're used to carrying multiple bags to the gym, it's finally time to swap them out. No need to worry about the bag breaking on you since it's tested to carry up to 30kg worth of items without tearing - as long as you can carry it around without wearing yourself out.
Material: rip-proof fabric, triple-stitched seams and water-resistant material Size: 48cm x 34cm x 29cm
Osprey Fairview 55 travel backpack with fully detachable daypack
Osprey's Farpoint/Fairview Series offers "a comfortable, gender-specific fit", so be sure to check out the of this bag too.
The 2-in-1 design boasts a detachable daypack for day trips, plus it's also hiking-friendly, with a stowaway harness and hip belt.
So if you're a globetrotter or just like to go on long walks, the breathable harness and front compression straps make carrying all your essentials a breeze.
Material: Polyester Size: H-55 W-35 D-23cm
Osprey Transporter Global Carry-On Bag
This unisex backpack by Osprey is airline carry-on friendly and has a capacity of 36 litres.
A zipped external pocket houses toiletries, the rear panel gives access to a padded compartment for 16-inch laptops, and it has a fully flat opening which will make packing easy while keeping your precious electronics away from any hazardous items you need to bring.
Material: Polyester Size: H-50xW-35xD-27 cm
Eurohike Nepal 65 Rucksack
Add a Go Outdoors membership for £5 when you purchase this bag, and you'll get it for the price above – a huge saving on the retail price of £60.
With a capacity of 65 litres, it's lightweight with plenty of storage pockets, plus it features a padded harness "that spreads the weight evenly across your back." Comfy.
The site states, 'many have been sold in the last 48 hours', so you'll need to act somewhat fast if you want to get your hands on a 'sturdy piece of equipment'.
Material: N/A Size: 72x28x22cm
Berghaus TwentyFourSeven Plus 30 Daysack
Designed to be versatile, the TwentyFourSeven+ Rucksack from Berghaus is suitable whether for hiking or commuting.
With a 30-litre capacity, it boasts a Vented Foam Flow system for ventilation and comfort, adjustable straps and handy features like a tablet sleeve, key clip, reflective detailing and a walking pole attachment.
No matter how many items you're bringing, its various compartments allow you to stay organised.
Material: N/A Size: N/A
Go Travel Xtra Light Foldaway Backpack
When you're travelling, and space is at a premium, this foldaway backpack will come in super handy.
"This backpack is a game changer for day trips as well as holidays," raves one reviewer, adding: "Takes up almost no room in a case or handbag. Is very lightweight. Holds so much. Very strong. Best backpack I've ever had."
At just £15, this backpack is an absolute bargain if you need something sleek and simple and seeing as it's got a 4.5-star rating, customers definitely agree.
Material: Polyester Size: 17x17.5x4cm
Forclaz Travel backpack 50L
Forclaz's travel backpack is suitable whether you're trekking or travelling: the 50-litre capacity means there's loads of room for your adventure essentials.
Its simple and functional design boasts comfy foam straps, multiple compartments, plus a 10-year guarantee on the P600-coated fabric which promises abrasion resistance.
With 4,000 reviews and an impeccable 4.58-star rating, and reviewers stating they 'cannot recommend more' praising it for its 'endless pockets and attachment points, ' you're certainly getting a backpack you can rely on for long trips.
Material: Polyester Size: 62 x 32 x 24 cm
Forclaz Women’s Travel Trekking Backpack Travel 900 50+6 L With Suitcase Opening
This two-in-one backpack by Forclaz has a 50-litre capacity in the main area of the bag, plus an additional 6-litre section that can be clipped on top (as in the picture).
With a back-support belt and shoulder straps that are designed for the female body shape, there's plenty of foam padding to make carrying it a breeze.
Suitcase-style opening means it's easy to access all your stuff – and of course, we can't not mention that it looks great too.
Material: Polyester Size: 65x32x30cm
Regatta Bedabase II 15L Adults' Unisex Travel Rucksack
If you're looking for a travel backpack on a budget, this unisex style by Regatta is a great find.
With a 15-litre capacity, it boasts a tough-wearing fabric and air mesh straps to keep you cool and comfortable on your travels, so your only struggle will be getting up those pesky hills.
If you're new to backpacking or going on a one-off trip, this is a great beginner's backpack.
Material: Polyester Size: N/A
Berghaus Unisex 24/7 30 Rucsac
Another bag is from Berghaus. This unisex design is available in black or blue and is packed with practical features.
Although sleek in appearance, it manages to fit in walking pole holders, two side pockets for bottles, an external bungee, plus a laptop sleeve – so you're covered wherever you're going.
If you sign up for the Berghaus newsletter, you can get 15% off of your purchase, saving you a few extra quid on your purchase.
Material: N/A Size: N/A
Nordace Henge – 45L Carry-on Backpack
Available in three shades, Nordace's Henge 45-litre backpack weighs just 1.56 kg (3.44 lb) and is designed to fit in the overhead bin when you're flying – although, make sure to check the size for carry-ons with your airline.
"One of the best backpacks I’ve ever owned. So well made, excellent design, versatile & lightweight," writes one impressed shopper.
Another who left a perfect five-star rating called it 'the best travel bag ever', praising it for being 'durable,lightweight' and its 'brilliant features'.
Material: Nylon and Vegan leather Size: 56x35x20cm
Trespass Albus 30L Backpack
Finishing on another bargain, this Trespass design has plenty of pockets, front bungee cords to hold jackets and other larger items, plus a handy splashproof exterior.
"It’s durable, light and also the right dimension for cabin luggage", notes one shopper.
With 1,000 reviews and an impeccable 4.7-star rating, it's no surprise that customers call it 'perfect' and rave about 'the amount of pockets' that provide secure storage for your important possessions.
Material: Polyester Size: H-45, W-30, D-12cm.
What is the best backpack for travel instead of luggage?
If you're flying, then firstly, it depends on whether you want a backpack that you can take onboard as a carry-on or if you're fine with it going in the hold.
The is a great option for taking as your carry-on, but if you need something bigger, the is great value.
It's also worth looking at functional features like pockets, padded straps and splashproof fabrics.
Some also prefer to be able to open their backpack like a suitcase, as it makes it easier to access belongings. is great for that, if so.
Is a 40L backpack big enough for travelling?
It all comes down to how minimal you are with your packing – but yes, it can be done!
40-litre backpacks are a great size, as they're comfortable to wear – plus, most will fit airline dimensions to be used as carry-on luggage.
You should easily be able to fit in some tops, shorts, underwear, a pair of shoes, toiletry essentials, plus a laptop. If in doubt, head over to YouTube and watch some for packing inspiration.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Where to buy the best travel backpacks in the UK
Travel backpacks can be found across many retailers and brands. For our roundup, we selected products from:
Get extra savings on your holiday bookings by visiting Sun Vouchers. At Sun Vouchers you'll find top discounts and voucher codes for TUI, Booking.com, easyJet Holidays and many more holiday providers.