Backpacks
Backpacks for travel, work, school and everyday use, from cabin-size rucksacks designed around airline hand luggage limits to large laptop backpacks, kids' school bags and PU and genuine leather daypacks. Most styles here use water-resistant Oxford fabric, nylon or polyester, and several have a dedicated laptop compartment.
AstroPack Kids’ Waterproof School Backpack – Space Adventure Edition
Men's Waterproof Business & Travel Backpack – Laptop & School Bag
Men's Waterproof Business & Travel Backpack – Laptop & School Rucksack
Before you buy
Backpacks buying guide
How to choose a backpack by capacity
Capacity in litres is the quickest way to compare bags. Where a product lists it, use it as a guide:
- Under 20 litres: mini and fashion backpacks, such as the ChicGuard Mini in PU leather, for a purse, phone, keys and a water bottle.
- 20 to 35 litres: everyday and cabin backpacks, such as the Urban Glide and the airline cabin backpack, with room for a laptop, books and a day's kit, or a weekend's clothes if you pack carefully.
- 36 to 55 litres: large business and travel rucksacks, such as the Bange laptop backpack, for longer trips or for carrying a lot every day.
Not every listing gives a capacity. Where it does not, check the dimensions and photos on the product page.
Laptop backpacks
Several bags have a laptop compartment or a padded laptop sleeve, including the Urban Glide, the Bange backpack and the airline cabin backpack. Sleeve sizes are not always listed, so measure your laptop, including any case, and compare it with the bag's inside dimensions before you buy. One large-capacity backpack also has an external USB port that connects to your own power bank for charging a phone on the move (power bank not included).
Cabin bags and airline under-seat allowances
Two backpacks are designed around common cabin bag sizes: one around 40 x 30 x 20cm, and one in two sizes designed around 40 x 20 x 25cm and 45 x 36 x 20cm. As a general rule:
- The free under-seat bag on many budget fares is smaller than a full cabin bag allowance.
- Allowances vary by airline, route and ticket type, and they change, so check your airline's current limits before you fly.
- A soft backpack is easier to fit into a sizer, but only if you do not overfill the front pockets.
For more ideas on fitting it all in, read our packing tips for stress-free travel.
School and leather backpacks
The AstroPack kids' school backpack is designed for children aged 7 to 13 and comes in small and big versions. For work and weekends, the women's backpacks come in PU leather or genuine sheepskin leather for a smarter look.
FAQs
Backpacks: common questions
What size backpack fits under a plane seat?
Under-seat limits differ by airline. Many budget fares allow a small bag only, so check your ticket and compare the bag's dimensions before you travel.
What size backpack do I need for a weekend away?
A 20 to 35 litre bag is enough for a weekend if you pack light.
Are these backpacks waterproof?
Many use water-resistant fabric that copes with rain and everyday wear. Check each product page for the material.
Travelling further? Browse suitcases and travel bags, or see camping and hiking gear.
Still have a question? See Help and delivery or contact us.