Which Type of Backpack Do You Need? A UK Travel and Everyday Guide

Which type of backpack do you need for a day out, a work trip or a weekend away? Start with what you will carry and how you will travel, rather than choosing the largest bag or one labelled “cabin”. Everyday bags, laptop backpacks and suitcase-style travel backpacks serve different needs, although some designs overlap.

The short answer: choose accessible storage for a day out, suitable device space for work, and a packing layout that suits clothing for an overnight trip. Compare dimensions, empty weight and compartments with your actual packing list.

Flying from the UK? Check your airline and booking or package baggage allowance before choosing luggage. Rules can change and vary by airline, fare and route. Measure the full packed bag, including bulging pockets, straps and handles, and weigh it where a limit applies. A “cabin” or “underseat” label does not guarantee acceptance.

Everyday and day-out backpacks

For sightseeing, a train journey or a day away from your accommodation, list what you need: a layer, water bottle, documents and small essentials. More space than you need may encourage unnecessary packing. Look at pocket placement, how the main section opens and the load you can comfortably carry.

If you want one bag for daily use and occasional overnight trips, the KONO BPK2551 in Burgundy is one to compare. It is listed with approximately 24 litres of capacity, 40 × 30 × 20cm external dimensions and clamshell access. It is a crossover option, not a suggestion that every day out needs a 24-litre backpack.

Laptop and work-trip backpacks

Start with your device's measurements and the sleeve's usable space. A stated screen size is a guide, but laptop bodies and protective cases vary. Consider separate storage for documents, chargers and cables, and whether a trolley sleeve would be useful alongside wheeled luggage.

The KONO BPK2565 in Beige and Brown is listed with a 15.6-inch laptop sleeve, clamshell opening, organisational pockets and a luggage strap. Its external dimensions are 40 × 30 × 20cm. It is an option for comparing work storage with short-trip packing, subject to checking your device and journey.

A cable pass-through is not a battery and does not charge a device by itself. Check what is included before buying.

Weekend travel backpacks

When packing clothes, compare opening style as well as capacity. Clamshell access lets you arrange belongings differently from a top-opening bag. Check dividers, clothing straps and the space remaining after adding shoes or a laptop.

Write your packing list first. Whether a bag holds enough for two nights depends on your clothes, activities and toiletries, not just its litre capacity. Packing organisers separate belongings but do not reduce their weight.

The KONO BPK2524 in Navy is listed with approximately 24 litres of capacity, 40 × 30 × 20cm external dimensions, a clamshell main compartment and rear laptop storage for devices up to 15.6 inches. We would consider it when comparing clothing access and organisation in a compact travel backpack.

Larger travel backpacks

More capacity may suit a larger packing list, but it also allows you to carry more weight. Think about stairs, walks between connections and the packed load you can manage.

The KONO BPK2524L 32L in Black is listed with 45 × 36 × 20cm external dimensions, a rear compartment for laptops up to 17.3 inches and a luggage strap. It is larger than the 40 × 30 × 20cm examples above. Do not assume the two sizes qualify for the same flight allowance.

An urban travel backpack is not automatically a specialist hiking pack. For outdoor activities, assess support, load requirements and weather protection rather than relying on the word “travel”.

Specialist uses: family, convertible and security-labelled bags

Parents may prioritise changing equipment and bottle storage; someone switching between work and sightseeing may prefer a convertible carry style. Check individual listings for included accessories and how each carrying mode works.

For security-labelled bags, identify the actual closure or concealed-access feature. A hidden pocket alone does not make a backpack theft-proof, and an organiser bag should not be presented as equivalent to a specialist security product.

Water-resistant fabric does not guarantee dry contents. Seams, zips and closures matter. Protect electronics and important documents separately and follow the maker's care instructions.

Backpack or wheeled suitcase?

A backpack leaves your hands free, but you carry its packed weight. Wheeled luggage may suit someone who prefers not to carry that load on their back, although steps and uneven surfaces affect convenience. Think through the whole route, from your UK departure point to your accommodation.

Choose around the journey

Start with your packing list, then compare device storage, opening style, external dimensions and manageable packed weight. For flights, check your booked allowance before choosing the bag. Read each current product listing for specifications, price and availability.

Browse our backpack selection to compare the available designs. Free UK delivery on orders over £50.

Travel Smarter with Neil's Luggage Store.