The Best Underseat and Carry-On Bags for Budget Travel
Katy Maclure
Frequent travelers tend to be pros at efficient packing, and you just know that means they have opinions on the best carry-on bags available. When we asked the Jackās Flight Club Community for their ultimate cabin bag, the kind that still passes as a āpersonal itemā on budget airlines, the opinions came rolling in, and the camps became clear.
Personally, I love my Herschel backpack for work and play ā itās got good volume, inside pockets for water bottles, toothbrush, cables etc., and a delightfully furry, padded laptop sleeve. The inside lining is water-resistant, so itās super easy to clean when your moisturizer explodes. And then thereās the handy zip-closure front pocket for those little things you want easy access to.Ā
But, alas, my favorite red rucksack is nearing the end of its life. Like any good Millennial, Iāve checked Vinted for replacements. But when a second-hand bag in great condition costs nearly the same as a brand-new one in the style you actually want, it makes you think twice.
So, where does the Jackās Community recommend I invest my backpack budget? The loudest voices sing an avian chorus:
Osprey
āI've had an Osprey Farpoint 40 for the last few years, and so far it's passed every test with flying colours. It's had dozens of work trips, backpacking in Japan, hiking in Iceland, travelling around Europe visiting 28 countries in 28 days with 100s of buses, coaches and trains, numerous trips to the US & Canada and here's the thing: nothing has broken 
no broken zips, no frayed ends, no rips, nothing. And I have not been careful!
It also opens up fully laid down which is a great plus. If the 40 is a little big, Osprey have brought out a smaller Sojourn backpack in the same style, which I bought my gf and she loves. The Farpoint is probably a 4/5 on comfort when carrying but easily a 5/5 on endurance. I think there is a "trek" version they've recently brought out that is presumably more comfortable. I've also gotten away with it as cabin baggage on easyJet many times, even though it's technically too big (only been fined on 2 occasions out of maybe 25?). Hope this is useful for people!āĀ -Ā UninhibitedBackpacker38333
āI bought my Osprey 40 litre Fairview pack 3 years ago and have been using it nearly year round ever since. It opens flat so I can see everything inside, has enough compartments and easy access whilst on the move. I have travelled for several 3 month trips and it takes everything I need and more, and is comfortable for a nearly 60 year old like me to carry!Ā
There are no signs of wear and tear. 100% recommended.Ā
Good luck, it's a tricky and important decision!ā - Claire
Pros: Osprey bags are practical, supportive, and clearly have staying power. There are a few nice colorways to choose from, for those who like their functionality served with at least a little pizzazz.
Cons: Theyāre not the cheapest; Navigator Laurenās fave Fairview is currently clocking in at around Ā£115/$140/ā¬150. And while they do come in different colors, theyāre hardly serving up that enduring KĆ„nken style. Maybe more for the outdoorsy types than purely savvy travelers?
Next up, the zero frills, zero fuss crew:
Cabin Max
āThe cabin max bird and stars is amazing, Iāve used it for a few trips and I also use it at work!Ā
It easily fits clothes and toiletries in for a whole week for one person, with room to spare for a drink and snacks. Though I havenāt tried to fit a proper jacket in there yet as itās only been used for warmer trips.Ā
But it still looks brand new after being used almost every day since the start of May. It even has a clip on bit for you to pop glasses/goggles/sunglasses into, and the front zip up pocket has extra compartments and a tether that clips onto items for extra security. It has a little padded slot for a tablet or such and buckled straps in the main section to hold items in tight for you to fit in extra! I love it.ā - Danielle
āAnother Cabinmax fan here, especially the Metz 20L that fits the Ryanair bins. Sturdy and it fits a huge amount of stuff!ā - DauntlessHolidaymaker17406
Pros: Cabin Max cater to nearly every airlineās dimensional whims. Itās all in the name: youāll get the max cabin space possible (without paying extra). Plus, theyāre super affordable and come in a variety of jazzy colors and styles, some even a little more stylish than purely functional.
Cons: Not ideal for lugging around on your back all day ā the shoulder straps are all youāve got in the way of support, so donāt bring the kitchen sink. And yes, they are on the cheaper side, so pay close attention to design elements like laptop padding and secure closures.
And now weāve got a PSA from Navigator Fran, who, surprisingly, is not being sponsored for this rave review:
Cotopaxi
āSo I have a couple of Cotopaxis, but the ones that I use the most are the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L and the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. The thing that I love the most about them is that they open fully like a suitcase, but theyāre backpacks. Thatās the key thing for me because I hate having to put my hands inside a backpack without seeing what Iām touching. Everything gets messy, whereas if your backpack opens completely like a suitcase, it makes everything much more orderly.Ā
Another thing that I love is the material. The external material, especially the front, has a kind of waxy feel, but itās not actually wax, so you donāt need to treat it. Even though itās a soft backpack, it's made with sturdy materials, so even if it gets thrown around, it feels like the things inside wonāt get hit too hard.
I really love all the pockets inside and outside. Thatās important for me for storing things properly and for accessibility. The Allpa 28L I have is the new model, and it comes with a side pocket, which I absolutely love. I use it for my water bottle, flip-flops, thin sneakers ā whatever fits. That pocket only exists on the newer version Cotopaxi released last year. My 35L is the older model, so it doesnāt have it, and I really miss it. Iām honestly considering upgrading my 35L just for that pocket (lol Cotopaxi I love you pls send me one).
Another key thing is: the 35L one has back support, which is crucial for me. It has the adjustable chest buckle and the waist strap, while the 28L doesn't have the waist strap. Iāve walked endless kilometres with it, and itās essential that the weight sits on my hips and not fully on my back.
I also love the little loops on the outside where you can attach a lock or hang things. Anything with a carabiner can go there ā a portable speaker, flip-flops, whatever. I really love the colours too. Theyāre veeeeeeery fun and stylish.ā - Fran
āThe Cotopaxi Allpa is AMAZING. I will not have another bag, ever. The 35L one is still Euro airline friendly, and I've lived out of it for months.ā - Layla
Pros: Cotopaxi bags are clearly super reliable and practical. Plus, you gotta love their āDel DĆaā collection, made from a patchwork of leftover fabrics. That means you get a completely one-of-a-kind bag, which can come in pretty handy during the shuffle of international travel.
Cons: That price, though. Youāre looking at Ā£140-Ā£200 new on the Cotopaxi website. If you dig around online, youāll no doubt be able to find them a little cheaper, but theyāre still far from a budget-friendly option. More of a long-term investment, perhaps.Ā
Also, you might be joining a cult that itās really hard to leave if you buy one.
Now, not to be confused with the Max competition above, the Jackās Community is also fond ofā¦Ā
Cabin Zero
āHello! I love my cabin zero. The 28L one is small enough for under Ryanair seats, and you can get them in a variety of sizes. Happy bag shopping!ā - Daniella
āI absolutely adore my Cabin Zero military backpack. I used it for 6 months to travel through Asia next to my larger backpack, used it as hand luggage while making short trips. Very roomy, holds a bottle, can be locked and has a separate space for a laptop.ā - BoldHiker86402
Pros: Once again, weāve got bags designed to beat airline restrictions. Looking for a carry-on thatāll fit under the seat in front of you? Just filter by āUnderseatā. Theyāre functional, affordable, and they come in pretty much every color.
Cons:Ā What they offer in color, they kind of lack in actual style. Maximizing functional bag space is key here, and every model appears to be a cuboid bag designed to fit perfectly in a bag sizer.
Honorable mentions
āMy Decathlon Quechua NH500 is a dream. Survived my Lupine Racing trip!ā - DauntlessVacationer96089
āI swear by my Eastpak Travelpack. Two separate compartments, laptop sleeve, functions as a rucksack or carry bag. Full rectangular form so you can max out the space. Comes in a bunch of colourways, even a few waterproof.āĀ - WayfaringHopper65951
āI absolutely love my Solgaard. It's durable, eco-friendly, and comes with a warranty and collapsible closet.ā - Britny
āHerschel is hard to beat in terms of price & fun colours. My two suggestions are:Ā
- Bellroy travel bags. The water proofing is no joke!
- Incase travel bags. Unlimited pockets for everything, but zippers could be better.
- Bonus suggestion forĀ cute styles & functionality. The backpacks don't have padding, though.ā - Ramir
āCame across the shop āProperty ofā during a layover in Amsterdam. Such a fantastic blend of style and practicality. It was next for me after my Herschel. I used the Karl on my 6-week South America trip (hand luggage only: and included a suit). Also completed the 5 day Salkantay trek with it, so comfortable for all day. The back completely zips open; a detachable hip belt, looks unrealā¦ works for me.ā - TrailblazingTripper71477
āI am currently in Bali. Iāve travelled with this hybrid carry-on wheeled backpack since at least 2011. I first bought it in an outlet store, then when the telescoping handle failed after 8 years.Ā I purchased a replacement from Amazon in 2019. At that time, it was $73.
For me, it's well worth it. Soft like a backpack but constructed of rugged water-resistant nylon, it's backpack straps are hidden in the back zipper compartment, waiting for you to hit that rocky dirt road that doesn't take the wheels well. It has many compartments, including a good computer sleeve.ā - Nancie
If, like me, youāre in the market for a trusty new travel bag, hopefully the wise words of the Jackās Community have helped you. Whether youāre looking for an investment, or just something to get you through the next long weekend getaway, you have plenty of options here.
The winner? Personally, Iāve already got a larger rucksack with waist straps that's suitable for a week of Interrailing. What Iām really looking for is that handy under-seat bag fit for a weekend away, which may incidentally also look a little bit cool. Right now, Iām torn between a cheaper Cabin Max and sticking with my fave ā only time (or a really good offer) will tell.
Let us know below if we've missed anything. Or if you have a favorite full-sized, wheeled cabin bag that fits in the overhead bins, share your tips in the comments.