Choosing the right backpack for air travel is not random. Ryanair charges an extra fee if your backpack exceeds 40x20x25 cm, Wizz Air has a different limit (40x30x20 cm), and easyJet allows 45x36x20 cm in the overhead bin. These differences of a few centimetres can cost you 15-30 EUR on a trip. This review covers seven models for 2026 - from a 12 EUR Decathlon option to the 185 EUR Osprey Farpoint 40 - with verified dimensions, weight and airline compliance for each of the three budget airlines.
Before choosing a backpack, check which airline you are flying with. For organising the trip itself, travel planning apps are also useful for synchronising flights, accommodation and itinerary in one tool.
Carry-on luggage dimensions by airline (2026):
- Ryanair underseat bag (free): 40 x 20 x 25 cm
- Wizz Air underseat bag (free): 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- easyJet cabin bag (with purchased seat): 45 x 36 x 20 cm
Quick overview of backpacks for air travel
| Name | Dimensions (cm) | Capacity | Price (EUR) | Ryanair | Wizz Air | easyJet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Daylite Plus 20L | 46x24x22 | 20L | 48-65 | soft* | soft* | PASS |
| Cabin Max Metz 20L | 40x20x25 | 20L | 34-40 | PASS | PASS | PASS |
| Deuter Stepout 22 | 46x30x19 | 22L | 73-80 | soft* | soft* | PASS |
| Samsonite Guardit 2.0 S | 44x30x20 | 22.5L | 55-85 | NO | soft* | PASS |
| Thule Subterra 30L | 50x32x23 | 30L | 89-150 | NO | NO | soft* |
| Osprey Farpoint 40 | 55x35x23 | 40L | 150-185 | NO | NO | priority |
| Decathlon NH100 20L | 47x25x14 | 20L | 12-15 | soft* | soft* | PASS |
*soft = soft backpack that can be squeezed; passing depends on packing and gate staff
1. Osprey Daylite Plus 20L - the most versatile choice
Photo: Pack Hacker
Osprey Daylite Plus 20L is one of the best-selling backpacks for air travel in the EU market. Lifetime warranty (Osprey All Mighty Guarantee), AirScape ventilated back panel and 300D recycled PET material explain why - all for 48-65 EUR. According to Geizhals.eu, available from 48 EUR on the EU market in 2026.
Dimensions are 46x24x22 cm. The height of 46 cm technically exceeds Ryanair's free bag limit of 40 cm, but Osprey is a soft backpack you can squeeze. With easyJet overhead bin (45x36x20 cm) it passes without problems. Ideal for a weekend trip or a one-day business trip.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 litres |
| Dimensions | 46 x 24 x 22 cm |
| Weight | 0.54 kg |
| Price | 48-65 EUR (Bergfreunde.eu) |
| Material | 300D Recycled PET Packcloth |
| Laptop | Sleeve for 14" |
| Warranty | Lifetime (All Mighty Guarantee) |
| Airline | easyJet PASS; Ryanair/Wizz borderline |
Pros: Lifetime Osprey warranty; AirScape ventilated back panel; recycled PET material.
Cons: Height 46 cm borderline for Ryanair/Wizz free bag limit (40 cm); no luggage pass-through strap.
Our opinion: Osprey Daylite Plus is the backpack you buy once and use for ten years. The lifetime warranty means that literally. For easyJet travellers - perfect. For Ryanair - a little borderline, but a soft backpack with good packing passes.
Osprey Daylite Plus 20L at Bergfreunde.eu
2. Cabin Max Metz 20L rPET - the only true Ryanair backpack
Photo: Cabin Max
Among all the backpacks for air travel we analysed, the Cabin Max Metz 20L is the only one designed exactly to Ryanair dimensions 40x20x25 cm. No borderline cases, no squeezing - it fits under the seat without question. The material is 600D rPET (recycled polyester), suitcase-style full opening makes packing easier, and the price is 34-40 EUR at cabinmaxeu.com.
Capacity is 20L which is not a lot for a multi-day trip, but for a weekend (2 nights) with smart packing it is enough. Wizz Air free bag limit is 40x30x20 cm - Metz 20L (40x20x25) passes there too.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 litres |
| Dimensions | 40 x 20 x 25 cm (exact Ryanair dimensions) |
| Weight | 0.50 kg |
| Price | 34-40 EUR (cabinmaxeu.com) |
| Material | 600D rPET recycled polyester, PFC-free |
| Opening | Suitcase-style full opening |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Airline | Ryanair PASS; Wizz Air PASS; easyJet PASS |
Pros: The only mainstream backpack with exact Ryanair 40x20x25 cm dimensions; suitcase-style opening for easy packing; rPET recycled material.
Cons: 20L smaller capacity - not for trips longer than 3 nights; warranty only 3 years (less than Osprey lifetime).
Our opinion: If you fly Ryanair and do not want to pay a surcharge for luggage, Cabin Max Metz 20L is the only safe choice. The dimensions are exact - you do not have to gamble. For 34-40 EUR that is an excellent ratio of price to peace of mind.
Cabin Max Metz 20L rPET - cabinmaxeu.com
3. Deuter Stepout 22 - eco-friendly mid-range
Photo: Kampus Production, Pexels
Deuter Stepout 22 is among the top eco-conscious backpacks for air travel - for travellers to whom the material matters. 100% recycled PET (equivalent to 26 x 0.5L plastic bottles), Green Button certification and Deuter Airstripes ventilated back panel - for 73-80 EUR that is more than fair. Available at outdoorweb.eu for 73.54 EUR.
The side zip access to the laptop compartment is a practical detail: you do not have to open the whole backpack to take out the laptop at security. 22L capacity is enough for 2-3 days. Dimensions 46x30x19 cm pass easyJet overhead without problem; for Ryanair/Wizz it is borderline due to height.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 22 litres |
| Dimensions | 46 x 30 x 19 cm |
| Weight | 0.79 kg |
| Price | 73-80 EUR (Bergfreunde.eu, outdoorweb.eu) |
| Material | 100% recycled PET (26 x 0.5L bottles), Green Button |
| Laptop | Side zip access |
| Back panel | Deuter Airstripes ventilation |
| Airline | easyJet PASS; Ryanair/Wizz borderline |
Pros: 100% recycled PET material with Green Button certification; side zip laptop access; Deuter Airstripes ventilated back panel.
Cons: 0.79 kg heaviest in mid-range segment; height 46 cm borderline for Ryanair/Wizz free bag.
Our opinion: Deuter Stepout 22 is a backpack for travellers who watch their footprint. 26 recycled bottles in one backpack is a concrete fact, not a marketing story. Side zip for the laptop is a small detail that pays off at every flight with a security check.
Deuter Stepout 22 at Bergfreunde.eu
4. Samsonite Guardit 2.0 S - the business traveller
Photo: Expert World Travel
Samsonite Guardit 2.0 S is in the segment of backpacks for air travel targeting business travellers - 15.6" laptop compartment, tablet pocket, organiser with pen loops and smart sleeve that goes over a suitcase handle. Dimensions are 44x30x20 cm, capacity 22.5L. Available at Amazon.de for 55-85 EUR.
Samsonite does not pass Ryanair free bag limit (44x30x20 vs 40x20x25) - for easyJet overhead no problem. For business travellers who mostly fly with priority boarding or easyJet, that is not an issue. The brand is available in every EU airport shop - replacement or service is a more practical option than with niche brands.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 22.5 litres |
| Dimensions | 44 x 30 x 20 cm |
| Weight | 0.77 kg |
| Price | 55-85 EUR (Amazon.de) |
| Material | 100% Polyester |
| Laptop | 15.6" padded compartment |
| Smart sleeve | Yes - fits over suitcase handle |
| Airline | easyJet PASS; Ryanair/Wizz NO (without priority) |
Pros: 15.6" laptop compartment with organiser; smart sleeve for placing on suitcase; Samsonite brand available in every EU airport.
Cons: Does not pass Ryanair free bag limit (44x30 vs 40x20); material without eco certification.
Our opinion: Samsonite Guardit 2.0 S is a backpack for business travellers who fly easyJet or always have priority boarding. If you know you fly Ryanair without a surcharge - take Cabin Max Metz instead of this one.
Samsonite Guardit 2.0 S on Amazon.de
5. Thule Subterra 30L - premium laptop protection
Photo: Altitude Sports
Thule Subterra 30L is at the top of backpacks for air travel by capacity in the mid-premium segment - 30L for 3-4 days without a suitcase. SafeEdge laptop protection absorbs impacts from edges, 800D Nylon material is more resistant than standard polyester, and hidden shoulder straps convert it to a bag when needed. Price is 89-150 EUR, older models at Amazon.de from 89 EUR.
Dimensions 50x32x23 cm exceed easyJet limit of 45 cm by 5 cm - in practice it passes with a slightly more stressful gate check. For Ryanair and Wizz Air it requires a paid cabin bag add-on. Thule is available in all EU outdoor shops and Amazon.de with fast access.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30 litres |
| Dimensions | 50 x 32 x 23 cm |
| Weight | 1.16 kg |
| Price | 89-150 EUR (Amazon.de from 89 EUR) |
| Material | 800D Nylon |
| Laptop | 15" SafeEdge impact protection |
| Hidden shoulder straps | Yes - dual-use (backpack/bag) |
| Airline | easyJet borderline; Ryanair/Wizz NO |
Pros: SafeEdge laptop impact protection; 30L capacity for 3-4 days without a suitcase; hidden shoulder straps for dual-use as a bag.
Cons: 1.16 kg - heaviest mid-range backpack; 50 cm height exceeds easyJet overhead limit; more expensive than Osprey options.
Our opinion: Thule Subterra 30L is for travellers who carry a laptop with valuable data and accept no compromises in protection. 30L is the difference between "everything fits" and "I have to get creative with packing". For easyJet travellers with a priority seat - an excellent choice.
Thule Subterra 30L at Thule.com
6. Osprey Farpoint 40 - backpacker carry-on
Photo: Pack Hacker
Osprey Farpoint 40 is a backpack for air travel that backpackers have been recommending to each other for years - 40L that replaces a suitcase for one to two weeks of travel. Clamshell full opening (like a suitcase), hidden hip belt for weight distribution and lifetime warranty. At Bergfreunde.eu for ~180 EUR. Material is 210D Nylon with 420HD Nylon reinforced base.
Dimensions 55x35x23 cm do not pass Ryanair/Wizz free bag - requires a priority cabin bag add-on (15-30 EUR). With priority boarding, it fits in the overhead bin on most short EU flights. For multi-week travel across Europe without a suitcase, Farpoint 40 is the standard choice. For weekend trips it is too large - for that take Osprey Daylite Plus or Cabin Max.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 40 litres |
| Dimensions | 55 x 35 x 23 cm |
| Weight | 1.58 kg |
| Price | 150-185 EUR (Bergfreunde.eu ~180 EUR) |
| Material | 210D / 420HD Nylon (reinforced base) |
| Opening | Full clamshell (suitcase-style) |
| Hip belt | Hidden - removable |
| Warranty | Lifetime (All Mighty Guarantee) |
| Airline | Priority cabin bag (Ryanair/Wizz/easyJet) |
Pros: 40L replaces a suitcase for 5-14 days of travel; lifetime Osprey warranty; clamshell opening for easy packing.
Cons: 1.58 kg - heaviest on the list; 150-185 EUR premium price; requires priority boarding (15-30 EUR extras).
Our opinion: Farpoint 40 is a long-term investment for regular travellers. If you have 4+ trips per year and dislike waiting for luggage at baggage claim - it is worth it. For occasional travellers, the cheaper Osprey Daylite Plus is the smarter choice.
Osprey Farpoint 40 at Bergfreunde.eu
7. Decathlon Quechua NH100 20L - budget option
Photo: Great Minds Think Hike
Decathlon Quechua NH100 20L is at the bottom of the price range of backpacks for air travel - 12-15 EUR at Decathlon EU. Also the lightest - 0.47 kg. 10-year warranty is standard for Decathlon products. Material is standard polyester, organisation is minimal (two compartments).
Dimensions are 47x25x14 cm - height 47 cm slightly exceeds Ryanair/Wizz limit of 40 cm. Soft construction and flat profile (14 cm depth) means it squeezes easily under the seat in practice. For easyJet overhead, 47x25x14 cm passes without question. The backpack has no laptop protection - for documents and clothes it is perfectly adequate.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 litres |
| Dimensions | 47 x 25 x 14 cm |
| Weight | 0.47 kg |
| Price | 12-15 EUR (Decathlon EU) |
| Material | Polyester |
| Warranty | 10 years (Decathlon standard) |
| Organisation | 2 compartments, no laptop protection |
| Airline | easyJet PASS; Ryanair/Wizz borderline (soft) |
Pros: Cheapest on the list (12-15 EUR); lightest (0.47 kg); 10-year Decathlon warranty.
Cons: Height 47 cm borderline for Ryanair/Wizz free bag; no laptop protection; minimal compartment organisation.
Our opinion: Decathlon NH100 is perfect as a secondary backpack for day trips - buying it only for the plane and carrying it empty does not make sense. For easyJet travellers who do not carry a laptop and do not need organisation, 12 EUR is an unbeatable price.
Conclusion
Which of these backpacks for air travel is right for you depends on one thing: which airline you fly with and whether you will pay a surcharge. For Ryanair without paying - only Cabin Max Metz 20L (34-40 EUR) guarantees passing the 40x20x25 cm limit. For easyJet with a purchased seat - Osprey Daylite Plus (48-65 EUR) is the optimal choice. For backpackers who want to replace a suitcase - Osprey Farpoint 40 (150-185 EUR) is a long-term investment with a lifetime warranty.
| User profile | Recommendation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| easyJet traveller with laptop | Osprey Daylite Plus | 48-65 EUR |
| Ryanair traveller without surcharge | Cabin Max Metz 20L | 34-40 EUR |
| Eco-conscious traveller | Deuter Stepout 22 | 73-80 EUR |
| Business traveller with organisation | Samsonite Guardit 2.0 | 55-85 EUR |
| Digital nomad with more gear | Thule Subterra 30L | 89-150 EUR |
| Backpacker replacing suitcase | Osprey Farpoint 40 | 150-185 EUR |
| Budget traveller without laptop | Decathlon NH100 | 12-15 EUR |
Budget travellers flying easyJet who do not need laptop protection will find everything they need in the Decathlon NH100 for 12-15 EUR. Eco-conscious travellers who regularly fly weekends will find a compromise in the Deuter Stepout 22 (73-80 EUR) with 100% recycled PET material.
Price is not the only criterion. Weigh up how many litres you actually need and which airline you fly most often - every centimetre and gram has a cost on budget flights.
Frequently asked questions
Which backpack passes as carry-on on Ryanair?
Only backpacks with dimensions 40x20x25 cm or smaller pass for free as an underseat bag on Ryanair. Cabin Max Metz 20L (34-40 EUR) is the only mainstream backpack designed exactly to these dimensions. Other backpacks on this list require a priority boarding add-on (around 15-30 EUR) for Ryanair.
What are the carry-on dimensions for Ryanair and Wizz Air?
Ryanair: 40x20x25 cm (underseat, free with every ticket). Wizz Air: 40x30x20 cm (underseat, free with every ticket). easyJet: 45x36x20 cm (overhead cabin bag with purchased seat). Full-service airlines (Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa) generally allow 55x40x20 cm or similar.
How many litres fit in a backpack for the plane?
In a Ryanair free bag (40x20x25 cm) fits 18-22L. In a Wizz Air free bag (40x30x20 cm) fits 22-26L. In an easyJet overhead cabin bag (45x36x20 cm) fits 28-36L. Cabin Max Metz 20L is optimised for Ryanair format, Osprey Daylite Plus 20L for easyJet, and Osprey Farpoint 40 for overhead bin with priority boarding.
Is 40x20x25 cm the standard for carry-on luggage on all airlines?
No - 40x20x25 cm is the Ryanair underseat limit. Wizz Air uses 40x30x20 cm (slightly wider), and easyJet 45x36x20 cm (considerably larger). If you fly with multiple different airlines, Cabin Max Metz 20L (40x20x25) passes on all of them for free because it is smaller than every other limit.
Which is the lightest backpack for air travel?
Decathlon Quechua NH100 20L is the lightest of all backpacks for air travel on this list (0.47 kg, 12-15 EUR). Among mid-range options, Cabin Max Metz 20L (0.50 kg) and Osprey Daylite Plus 20L (0.54 kg) are the lightest. Osprey Farpoint 40 (1.58 kg) and Thule Subterra 30L (1.16 kg) are the heaviest due to larger capacity.
How we tested and selected
Seven backpacks for air travel were selected based on verified dimensions from EU retailers (Bergfreunde.eu, cabinmaxeu.com, Decathlon EU, Amazon.de), current prices for spring 2026 and airline compliance for Ryanair (40x20x25 cm), Wizz Air (40x30x20 cm) and easyJet (45x36x20 cm). We used Geizhals.eu price comparison to verify EU prices.
Selection criteria: confirmed dimensions from manufacturer or EU retailer, availability on EU market in 2026, price range from budget (12 EUR) to premium (185 EUR) and coverage of all three price tiers. We have not received sponsorship from the mentioned brands.
Sources and references
- Osprey Daylite Plus 20L - Bergfreunde.eu
- Osprey Daylite Plus 20L from 48 EUR - Geizhals EU
- Cabin Max Metz 20L rPET (40x20x25 cm) - cabinmaxeu.com
- Deuter Stepout 22 - Bergfreunde.eu
- Samsonite Guardit 2.0 S - Amazon.de
- Thule Subterra 30L - Thule official
- Osprey Farpoint 40 - Bergfreunde.eu
- Decathlon Quechua NH100 20L
- Ryanair - carry-on luggage rules
- Wizz Air - luggage information