🎒 Top 10 Backpacks that ACTUALLY Meet RyanAir’s Hand-Luggage Only Rules

Oh, Ryanair. You offer some of the lowest fares we’ve seen, but at what hidden cost?

Luggage, mostly.

If you’re researching bags that will save you the worry of whether or not it will fit RyanAir’s sizers at full capacity, then you are in luck. We’ve done the hard work for you!

These are our top 10 favorite backpacks for beating RyanAir’s hand luggage rules, and avoiding common add-on costs from booking with the budget airline.

Even with exact measurements rounded up to the nearest centimeter, each of these bags clock in at or under the airline’s 40cm x 25cm x 20cm standards.

A rival to the very infamous but sadly-oversized Fjallraven Greenland backpack.

WhY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Minimalist. Functional. Stylish. Inexpensive.

It’s made of a durable material that is still soft enough to compress into airport sizers. The design is simple and functional with a small front pouch for essentials which can easily be locked with a small travel padlock.

In addition to shoulder straps, it’s equipped with carry handles so that you can easily pick or hang it up by its handles.

The interior includes a removable seat pad—a special bonus for the outdoorsman in you! An embroidered logo, plus small leather detailing on the zippers make this bag just the right combination of fashion and functionality.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Super durable. Ripstop nylon. Hydration compatible. Long life value.

Made of ripstop nylon, this is a ridiculously strong little sack. We saw a video by a chap in the military run miles with a sharp-cornered metal crate weighing over 10kg in it. Didn’t. Make. A mark.

With an internal sleeve for hydration systems, you can pack your platypus or use it to store other belongings. There’s an internal stash pocket for valuables while the outside pocket benefits from an organization panel. Complete with dual daisy chain loops, you can cart around extra gear externally!

Only beat out by 2117 of Sweden’s backpack based on its price.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Spacious interior. Ergonomic. Highly water repellent PU coated fabric.

A gorgeous looking backpack that is BlueSign certified and big enough to fit a 15″ laptop in its own partially-padded pocket. It has 2 additional zipper pockets.

With comfortable padded shoulder straps, it has a stabilizing backplate made of polyethylene and indestructible buckles of aircraft-grade aluminum.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Unique design with minimal seams. Secret valuables pocket.

To close it, simply pull the draw cord tight, flip the lid shut and secure it with the hook fastener. This pack is equipped with a hidden pocket complete with key clip to keep your valuables secure.

In addition to padded shoulder straps, there is an adjustable and detachable sternum strap.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Lightweight. Loads of pockets. And plenty of practical features.

With a padded mesh back that is raised and contoured, this pack is extremely well ventilated and comfortable to carry. The adjustable shoulder straps and belts at the hip and the chest help to distribute pack weight evenly and comfortably.

Compression straps at the top help to minimize the bulk of your packed bag, making this 15 litre capacity work a little extra packing magic for you. With water bottle holders on either side, double daisy chains on the front, and a bungee, this pack gives you many options to carrying a wide variety of additional items externally.

A rain cover is included in a concealed pocket at the base of the pack so you can protect your kit from the elements, wherever you might be.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Slimline. Durable. A roomy main compartment. A brand you can trust.

 The main compartment boasts a padded sleeve big enough for 12 inch laptops, so you can take your tech with you and know it’s reasonably protected.

With a back velcro pocket, you can stow away the padded straps when you don’t need them! This also helps to make placing your bag in overhead bins or hand luggage sizers hassle-free. 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Ultra-lightweight construction. Breathable mesh back and functional extras.

With a 10 litre capacity, this bag benefits from internal dividers in its main compartment and a top zipped section for small belongings such as your keys, phone, or wallet.

The adjustable shoulder straps come complete with push-clip sternum and waist fasteners to help distribute weight and help you feel your pack is secure.

It has easy-pull zippers, plus elasticated side mesh pockets, and even a helmet loop!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Ultra-lightweight construction. Breathable mesh back. Very low price.

With a 20 litre capacity, this backpack is compact in size and offers great comfort owing to a breathable mesh back and adjustable buckle straps.

There is a spacious main compartment with additional external pocket, so you can keep small belongings easily-accessible.

In terms of bang for your buck, this is a simple rucksack that won’t set you back. We’ve seen them in Sports Direct sales for only a tenner!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Elegant slimline design. Innovative carrying system. Long life value.

Here we have a backpack that’s been specially designed for women in a classic slim design with well-padded shoulder straps that snuggle up close to the body.

With a large main compartment, this daypack also has a number of useful pockets such as a wide flat front pocket (where you can stow small items or papers) and 2 side pockets for your choice of hydration.

There is also a hook to keep your keys easily-accessible.

*SPECIAL MENTION:

This bag is a special mention as its constructed dimensions are not within the free small carry-on bag size, although it may still fit in RyanAir’s small bag sizer.

From the RyanAir website: “We have increased the size of the free small carry-on bag by over 40% from 35 x 20 x 20cm (14,000 cm³) to 40 x 20 x 25cm (20,000 cm³).

We have almost doubled the size of our small bag sizer from 35 x 20 x 20cm (14,000 cm³) to 42 x 20 x 30 cm (25,200 cm³) to allow carry-on bags that are considerably (25%) larger than our permitted small bag dimensions.“

So if you’re willing to chance it—this is a great rucksack. Here’s why!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Designed for everyday use and travel. Extremely compact yet spacious inside. 

With twin mesh side pockets, you can keep your water bottle and snack bars close at hand. Valuables like your wallet, phone and keys can be safely stashed in the front pocket. 

The internal pocket is a great place to stash important items such as your phone, wallet, or keys. What’s super special about this pocket is that it actually doubles as a stow pouch for the pack itself!

So you’ve got options to store it while not in use, or pop this pack in your coat pocket as a back up.