Despite the plethora of onboard entertainment, window-gazing and people-watching to engage in on any given flight, there are some things every traveller needs.
Tech for work like laptops, portable keyboards and headphones, and tech for play like e-readers, tablets and er… headphones. Notoriously dry air on board means dry skin and in turn, sub-100ml hydrating solutions to combat it. And of course, there are vital bits and pieces needed on any trip: passport, wallet, chargers, water bottles, ear plugs and an extra layer of warmth when you’re cruising at 35,000 feet.
Given all of this, a standard handbag just isn’t going to cut it. And while a cabin bag may be included in your fare, hauling it in and out of the overhead compartment and unzipping it in the aisle won’t make friends amongst your fellow passengers or cabin crew.
Adding a small backpack like a daypack to your suite of travel luggage means you can keep flight essentials to hand, adding up to an easier journey. A hands-free design allows you to wheel your bag or duty-free onto the plane without struggling down the gangway and can continue to earn its keep as a day bag once you arrive at your destination.
Look for designs with wide, padded shoulders to comfortably spread the weight across your back and try to seek out streamlined options to avoid bulk. Something made in an easy-to-fold material is a bonus, as you can stash it in bigger bags when you don’t need it.
If you’re flying with a budget carrier, be mindful of cabin luggage size restrictions - going over them can land you with a hefty fine.
We’ve rounded up the best options to buy below, opting for designs with additional storage - because can you ever have enough? - and are easy on the eye and stylish to boot.
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RAINS book daypack mini
Upgrade your handbag to this daypack and have plenty of space to store all your in-flight essentials, from hydrating skincare and vital tech to your beach read. The cute daypack is cut from the same waterproof PU fabric that the brand is known for, meaning your stuff will stay safe and dry in case of a downpour.
A slim front pocket in addition to the main compartment means organisation is easy. And you can wear it three ways: over the shoulder, cross-body, and around your waist like a giant bumbag.
Buy now £99.00, RAINS
Mismo Day Pack
If you're worried about looking like an overgrown schoolchild on a trip, it's time to rethink what you know about backpack design. Mismo does it through a luxury optic, complete with full-grain bridle leather trims secured with solid brass hardware. Its tote-slash-backpack can be worn in myriad ways, so whether you need hands-free or somewhere to stash your travel blanket with easy access, it will deliver.
Inside you'll find extra pockets to keep travel essentials like documents, tickets and passports.
Buy now £393.00, Mismo
Monos Metro Backpack
Make every trip feel like you're flying first with Monos' sleek backpack. Crafted from water-resistant nylon twill with vegan leather details, it's versatile enough to be used on the commute or longer trips overseas.
Inside the main compartment, you'll find mindfully designed pockets to organise smaller things. Meanwhile, a laptop sleeve on the back can accommodate devices with 15-inch screens which means you don't have to open the whole bag to get access. The reverse features a trolley sleeve so you can hang it on your cabin bag until it's time to board.
Buy now £205.00, Monos
M&S Rubberised Waterproof Stormwear Plus Backpack
Slimline and expandable, M&S has this travel-ready backpack at a snip of the price of competitors. The design is teeming with pockets with two external in addition to the main compartment which features a roll-top opening. This means you can roll it up or down in tune with your contents - good news if you've overdone souvenir shopping or want to chuck your handbag in at the departure gate.
The straps are wide and adjustable and the exterior features M&S's trademarked Stormwear Plus fabric which will keep your things protected, even in heavy rain showers.
Buy now £50.00, M&S
Stubble & Co. The Packable Backpack
- Best for: wet weather hiking
- Capacity: 20L
Folding in and out of a zipped pouch like a foldable tote, Stubble & Co. presents its folding backpack.
The 20L design features a main compartment, external pockets for water bottles, and a front zipped compartment for important things like a purse or keys.
The storage-heavy bag is made with weatherproof recycled materials with plenty of padding on the straps and back panel to make carrying it comfortable.
Buy now £45.00, Stubble & Co.
SZLX Large Travel Backpack
Best for: pockets and sections galore
Available in pleasing pastel hues as well as classic black and white, this compact backpack can hold an astounding amount thanks to all the compartments.
There are plenty of sections to keep your things organised; a roomy main area for clothes and underwear with sleeves and pockets to keep small tech and travel documents in place; a dedicated shoes compartment for an extra pair of trainers; space to keep a 14-inch laptop; and a slim front pocket to stow sub-100ml toiletries.
There are side pockets too, which can be used for reusable water bottles or an umbrella, and there’s a USB charger port so you can add your own cable and battery pack. Keep your most precious things in the slim anti-theft zipper pocket on the mesh panelled reverse.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
ROKA London Finchley A Small Sustainable Canvas Backpack
The ultimate sustainable rucksack, Roka’s roomy commuter bag is complete with roomy internal pockets, organisational sections and a padded sleeve for your laptop or tablet. It’s made with weather-resistant canvas with a matte nylon lining and has been crafted with the help of 12-15 recycled plastic bottles. It’s also offered in an array of eye-catching hues and varying sizes.
Buy now £64.95, Amazon
Jansport Student Backpack
Extra-large and supportive for all academic needs, the Jansport large student backpack features a handy 15-inch laptop compartment. It has two front zipped utility pockets, a mesh water bottle holder and padded features for supreme comfort. It’s also available in a wide selection of colours and patterns to suit your style.
Buy now £42.00, Amazon
Victorinox packable backpack
- Best for: the outdoorsy elite
- Capacity: undisclosed
With a long history of making practical gear in the name of preparedness, Victorinox is a go-to for the outdoorsy elite. The brand's packable backpack has been designed to pack into luggage for far-flung voyages - simply tuck it into your hold bag so it's ready to go on arrival.
Consisting of a large main storage compartment and a small zipped external pocket, the sleek nylon bag hangs comfortably off the shoulders on adjustable straps.
Buy now £45.00, Victorinox
Tropicfeel Shell Backpack
Though not technically a vacuum seal backpack, the Tropicfeel Shell is designed to be used in tandem with the brand’s very own compressible wardrobe system which makes packing and unpacking an absolute breeze. It allows individuals to pack up to 20 per cent more items and can be bought in tandem with a handy sealed laundry bag to keep your clean clothes fresh during long trips away.
Buy now £199.00, Tropicfeel
Frederic St James Women’s Full Grain Italian Leather Backpack
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to travel to Italy, you’ll have likely walked through countless markets specialising in full-grain Italian leather. Like us, you may just have regretted not purchasing anything. This is where Frederic St James comes in. This women’s convertible leather backpack is offered in a beautiful, deep cherry red hue with multiple padded compartments for all your travel needs.
Buy now £196.00, Frederic St James
