How many liters should a hand luggage backpack have?

For weekend trips, 20-30 liters are enough. For week-long trips, 35-45 liters are ideal. The sweet spot is 40 liters – enough for 5-7 days, but still fits as hand luggage.

Backpack or trolley as hand luggage?

Backpack: Lighter (0.8-1.5kg vs. 2-3.5kg), hands free, flexible on uneven paths. Trolley: More comfortable on smooth floors, better protection, professional look.

Carry-on backpack – Cabin backpacks for air travel

Q: Which backpack fits as hand luggage?

All backpacks up to 55x40x20 cm fit in the overhead compartment as hand luggage. For Ryanair basic fare you need an underseater up to 40x30x20 cm. Popular cabin backpacks include the Osprey Farpoint 40 and the Samsonite Roader.

Carry-On Backpack – Flexible & Cabin-Compatible

A carry-on backpack offers maximum flexibility when traveling: no waiting at the baggage claim, free hands on the go, and often significantly lighter than a trolley. Our cabin backpacks come in cabin size (55x40x20) for the overhead compartment and as an underseater (40x30x20) for under the seat.

Why choose a carry-on backpack?

Ultralight – Cabin backpacks often weigh only 0.8–1.5 kg, significantly less than trolleys
Free hands – Ideal for transfers, public transport, and hikes after landing
Flexible – Adapts to the contents, no rigid shell
Multifunctional – As carry-on luggage on the plane, as a daypack on site
No checked luggage needed – Often sufficient for short trips up to 5 days

Top brands for cabin backpacks

Osprey – Farpoint/Fairview 40L, Daylite Carry-On – specialists in travel backpacks
Samsonite – Roader, Guardit, Ecodiver – business & leisure
The North Face – Base Camp Voyager, Borealis – outdoor-ready
Travelite – Basics, Kick Off – affordable and functional
Deuter – AViANT, Transit – ergonomic carrying systems

What to look for in a cabin backpack?

Check dimensions – Must fit within 55x40x20 cm (or 40x30x20 for underseater)
Laptop compartment – Separate, padded compartment for 13-15 inch laptops
Back ventilation – Important for longer walks after landing
Compression straps – Keep contents compact and the backpack in shape
Front opening – Suitcase-style opening instead of top-loader makes packing easier

Prefer traveling on wheels? Discover our carry-on suitcases. Or maybe a bag? Carry-on bags and flight shoulder bags are the lightest option. All products: carry-on overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which backpack fits as carry-on?

All backpacks up to 55x40x20 cm fit as carry-on in the overhead compartment. For airlines without free cabin luggage (e.g., Ryanair basic fare), you need an underseater up to 40x30x20 cm. Popular cabin backpacks include the Osprey Farpoint 40 and the Samsonite Roader.

How many liters should a carry-on backpack have?

For weekend trips, 20–30 liters are sufficient. For one-week trips, 35–45 liters are ideal. The sweet spot for most travelers is 40 liters – enough space for 5-7 days, but still fits as carry-on.

Backpack or trolley as carry-on luggage?

Backpack: Lighter (0.8–1.5 kg vs. 2–3.5 kg), hands-free, flexible on uneven terrain. Trolley: More comfortable on smooth floors, better protection, professional look. Tip: Many Osprey and Samsonite backpacks have a stowable hip belt and open like a suitcase.

Hand luggage backpack