AS someone who always overpacks, flying with just hand luggage can be a struggle.
Although it’s never happened before, I always assume that something drastic is going to happen and that I need to pack 10 extra t-shirts and 20 pairs of socks, just for a three-day trip.
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So when I saw people on Tiktok talking about the “perfect” backpack that lets you bring everything you need for a holiday, while only using carry-on I was intrigued, if not a bit sceptical.
The simply named Large Travel Backpack can be found on Amazon from £31.99 – and promises all sorts of amazing features to ensure you can bring everything you might need for your trip. However, it’s worth noting that it’s actually the Medium version you’ll need to select in order to stay within hand luggage dimension requirements.
It has three main compartments, one large one for the bulk of your items, a smaller one at the back for laptops and tablets and a wet bag compartment at the front to store wet towels or clothing while travelling.
It has an external USB charging port that connects to your power bank, so you can still use your phone while it’s charging from your bag.
It also has a decent sized water bottle holder on the side to prevent any bottles from taking up too much room inside.
I used the bag on a recent four-day trip to Dublin, for which I ordinarily would have just paid the extra luggage fees and taken a small wheelie suitcase, but I wanted to put the bag to the test.
Firstly, I was surprised at how deep it was inside. Not only could I fit all the extra clothes that I probably didn’t need anyway, I had loads of room for my toiletries as well.
I helped the situation by adopting the rolling technique, which enabled me to pack more, but even so, there was room for another three or four days’ worth of clothing if I needed it.
The bag could easily be used to replace a small case for a week-long trip for most people and possibly a longer holiday for lighter packers.
I made use of each of the main compartments, taking my laptop to do a bit of work on, and putting my towel in the wet bag compartment for the journey home.
Having things in those pockets didn’t impact the space in the bigger, centre compartment as much as I expected it might, which I was pleasantly surprised about.
The front of the main compartment also has sleeves which not only keep documents safe, but makes them more convenient to access as well.
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I had my passport in there, as well as my book and a couple of other holiday essentials, like medicines and sunglasses and again, there was more than enough room for it all.
The only compartment I didn’t make use of was the spare shoe pocket on the bottom of the backpack, which I could see being handy for anyone who needs more than the single pair for their trip.
However, I could see that minimising the space in the central compartment, and it might be just as easy to put spare shoes in there with the rest of your clothes.
Overall though I was hugely impressed with the bag, which I can see saving me plenty of money on excess baggage fees in the future.
Which is very comforting to know, given how much stuff I like to take away with me, even on the shortest trips.
Knowing that its dimensions fit the carry-on sizes for all budget airlines, including Ryanair’s small personal bag (40x20x25cm), means you can pack safe in the knowledge you won’t be charged any extra.
It fit perfectly under the seat in front of me on my Ryanair flight, with room to put my feet either side.
However, there is a large bag option, which doesn’t fit within the dimensions. It’s a good idea to avoid that option as you could end up getting charged extra.
Meanwhile, this easyJet passenger left people in stitches as he was filmed trying to beat the hand luggage rules.
And here are all the rules around phones and chargers in carry-on luggage.
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