These are the best carry-on backpacks – tried by the Good Housekeeping team

Cabin Max designs its rucksacks with airline size restrictions in mind, so you can find one to fit perfectly under your Easyjet or Wizz Air seat.

This one was recommended by our Consumer Affairs Director, Jo Finney. “It's amazingly roomy and has lots of compartments so it’s easy to find stuff and comfortable to carry,” she says. “It’s so good, I’ve now got several of them!”

"This under-seat suitcase from Antler is a game-changer. Its compact design fits snugly under a plane seat, making it the ideal carry-on for busy flights. Equipped with a TSA-approved lock, it keeps belongings secure even during security checks. Despite its size, it held enough for a week-long trip!

“The 360-degree spinner wheels and lightweight handle make navigating the airport easy. Its compartments and pockets maximise packing space without extra weight, meeting most European airline restrictions. Two layers of zips and numerous pockets offer additional security for valuables.

“Stylish and practical, it's the perfect companion for those impromptu weekend escapes."

Rebecca Johnson, GHI SEO Manager

"Since I started testing it, this has quickly become my favourite backpack – for commuting and travel. The rectangular shape fits easily under a plane seat and while it’s not too bulky, it still has room for everything I need, thanks to its many storage options. There's a cushioned laptop pocket, a waterproof zip-up compartment and more, so it’s easy to organise well. The main compartment opens a fair way, too.

"If I’m being picky, I'd like a water bottle pocket, and also an additional small pocket positioned near the top of the main compartment, so it’s easier to grab my keys. There is one on the back with a magnetic clasp – I just prefer zips.

"But, that’s where the unique selling point of this rucksack comes in: its detachable front compartment. Again, there are lots of dividers inside it to keep things neat, so on days when I’m carrying more small bits and pieces than usual (like a gym day or a holiday), I attach it and everything’s nicely within reach. It adds a bit of depth to the bag, but that’s a small compromise to make."

Hannah Mendelsohn, Homes Editor

If Easyjet is your budget airline of choice, this cabin backpack, recommended by GHI SEO Manager Rebecca Johnson, is a top pick.“It's the ideal size to go under a seat on the plane, which saves me luggage costs on flights,” she explains. “The compartments make it easy to pack, it has a laptop section and an anti-theft pocket for valuables.

“It's surprisingly roomy – I managed to fit a week's worth of clothes, toiletries and books with ease. The adjustable straps also make it comfy to wear when travelling. I love having my hands free to hold a much-needed coffee rather than dragging a suitcase around the airport.”

“I can’t recommend Stubble & Co’s newest Hybrid backpack enough. While it's not quite compact enough that you’d be able to stash it under a plane seat, it’s the ideal bag if you’re travelling for a long weekend and need lots of room to carry all your essentials. It has a full wrap-around zipper to open up the backpack and pack it like a suitcase, with a roomy 30 litres of space that easily beats most rivals at around this size and weight.

“The top pocket has plenty of space and is accessible both from the outside and inside for versatility, while it has a big dedicated laptop compartment for both a 16-inch laptop and a tablet. Add in the strong handles, comfortable padded straps and back panel, a luggage passthrough sleeve and water-resistant zips and I'm left struggling to think of anything missing from this capable backpack. It’s a little pricey and bulky, but definitely worth it for an all-in-one carry-on bag.”

Simon Cocks, Technology Ecommerce Editor

Backpacks aren't for everyone, and Away has established itself as a stylish luggage brand, so when our Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White, recommended this, we decided to include it anyway.

“My Away weekend bag is the best and it slots nicely onto my Away case,” Florence says. “I use it for long weekends and it has a handy slot for my laptop, which is crucial when I’m off on a press trip and need to make notes and get work done while on the plane.

“It fits under the seat if it’s not too overpacked (guilty), and goes really easily into the overhead compartment.”

This one is designed to fit perfectly under a Ryanair seat, and it has the most stringent luggage requirements of all the airlines, you should be able to take it with you, whoever you fly with.

“I tested out the Manhattan 20L Backpack in black and loved it,” says Georgie D’Arcy Coles, GH cookery assistant. “I managed to pack everything I needed for a four-day trip to Barcelona into it, including two pairs of shoes!

“It has lots of compartments (a great feature to keep everything organised), a sleek laptop storage area, a side pocket for a water bottle, a zip front pocket for important items, and even a USB charging socket with a cable. This means you can attach a power bank to it inside your bag and charge your phone from the outside. Genius!

“The only downside is that I only own one of these bags and my boyfriend keeps trying to steal it for himself!”

“This is a great multi-purpose backpack that works as well for travelling as it does for a hike in the country. It's incredibly sturdy with wide straps that don’t cut into your shoulders (if you’re an over packer like me!) and a cushioned breathable mesh back so you won’t get sweaty carrying it around.

“There are handy side pockets for things like a water bottle, glasses or phone, a 13-inch laptop section plus plenty of brightly coloured compartments inside for organising your stuff as well as an easy access top toggle so you can get things out quickly.

“The expandable roll-top design is helpful if you want to buy a few souvenirs on your travels and even the zips are water-repellent – much-needed if the weather lets you down!”

Emma Justice, Special Projects Director

“The distinctive rectangular shape of these popular backpacks makes them well-suited to airplane travel. The dimensions mean you should be able to fit it neatly underneath the seat of even the most stringent airlines.

“My partner has travelled with this backpack on many holidays, so I’ve witnessed its suitability first hand – it’s also a good one if you want to pop a bigger bag inside your suitcase for excursions and adventures, as it packs down flat.”

Hannah Mendelsohn

“This is actually my running backpack, but it would make a good pick if you often jet off on adventure holidays. I travelled with it when I was heading to the mountains, and it just about fitted underneath my plane seat.

“It has straps that go around your body for extra support and a few different pockets. Plus, the 18L capacity (or 20L if you opt for the slightly bigger size) means you should be able to squeeze a fair bit in there.”

Hannah Mendelsohn

“I love this stylishly designed backpack from Australian luggage brand July so much that I use it every day – not just for travelling. There’s a padded 16-inch compartment for your laptop, which hides it away next to your back, comfortable padded straps and a wide bucket style opening at the top.

“There’s more room inside than you think, given it looks so neat and compact, plus handy side pockets and an internal flap with a zip for valuables. The only downside for me was the colour I tried. As it's white it shows up dirt – but only because I haven’t stopped using it.” PSA: This one is also available in black if you're worried about getting it messy!

Emma Justice, Special Projects Director