Underseat travel backpacks are a smart way for travelers to save time at the airport and avoid the trouble of gate checking or fighting for limited space in the overhead bins. These packs are small but surprisingly roomy. They are carefully made to hold as much as possible and are the right size to fit under an airplane seat (18 x 14 x 8 inches).
When your backpack or personal item is within arm’s reach, it becomes convenient to access essentials like glasses, medications, electronics, snacks, and whatever else you might need during the flight. Underseat backpacks are designed for organized storage, featuring multiple compartments and pockets to securely hold your belongings.
When traveling, whether it’s a short trip where you only need one bag or as an extra personal item with your carry-on, choosing the right underseat backpack can greatly enhance your airport and in-flight experience. In this article, we will explore all the essential features that these compact bags offer for travel purposes.
- Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack
- Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Checkpoint
- Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
- Away Travel The Everywhere Zip Backpack
- Monos Metro Backpack
- UNDERSEAT PRO Travel Backpack
- Hynes Eagle Carry on
- Yorepek Travel Backpack
- Coofay Underseat Travel Backpack
- Thule Construct Backpack
- Final Thoughts
- At A Glance
- Airline Personal Item Size Guidelines
- How To Choose The Best Underseat Travel Backpack
Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack
Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 9in (48 x 30 x 23cm)
Weight: 2lb 10oz
Material: Ballistic nylon
Rating: 4.7
If you are seeking a versatile and compact backpack, you’ll find that the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack is an exceptional choice: it combines optimum functionality with compactness.
The Allpa 28L backpack offers ample room for all your travel essentials and features a well-organized design. It comes with a special sleeve that can hold a 15-inch computer, making it an ideal choice for busy travelers who need to bring their devices along. The main section of the bag is equipped with a zipper that goes around it like a suitcase. On the inside, the right area provides ample room for packing clothes, while the left side is divided into different compartments.
The backpack’s harness system is specifically designed to distribute weight evenly, ensuring comfortable transport during even the longest trips. The bag also features four reinforced grab handles and tuck-away shoulder straps, making it convenient and versatile to carry.
Performance:
In terms of performance, the Cotopaxi Travel Pack fulfills its features; it shines as an ideal item for flights with several pockets on the outside as well as on the inside. It easily fits under your seat without being a burden. The padded laptop sleeve guards your electronics; meanwhile, the well-constructed internal organization compartments streamline packing operations and simplify access to contents.
Drawbacks:
At the moment, we don’t have any to talk about.
Recommendation:
Amazon Customers award the Travel Pack a high score of 4.7; it emerges as an excellent choice for those desiring both organization and comfort during travel. The ballistic fabric ensures its durability to withstand the rigors of traveling–furthermore, with TSA-compliance: frequent flyers will find this pack particularly beneficial. We highly suggest this backpack for travelers who seek comfort and organization; it’s an essential gear.
Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Checkpoint
Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 17.5 inches
Weight: 2.10 lbs
Material: Ballistic Poly
Rating: 4.7
The Samsonite Checkpoint bag is a great example of a Samsonite bag because it has a classic look and updated features. It is made of ballistic poly, is 12 inches by 8 inches by 17.5 inches, and weighs 2 pounds and 10 ounces. It’s the kind of bag you can take with you everywhere.
What I particularly like about this bag is the space dedicated to keeping various essentials organized. There’s a pocket that fits a 15.6″ laptop, one for your sunglasses, and another that fits a 16 oz water bottle.
There is a padded neoprene handle on top of the bag that makes it easy to lift or carry the bag. It also has a smart sleeve that fits over the handles of a carry-on bag to make it easy to move around.
Performance:
The Xenon Checkpoint bag does an excellent job with its thoughtfully designed interior that makes it easy to organize your things. Whether it’s important documents, work supplies, or personal items, each has its own place in the bag. This makes it easy to stay organized while commuting.
Drawbacks:
Several customers have complained about the quality of the stitching, saying that the stitches come apart after just a few months of use. People have also had problems with the zipper, with some saying it was broken. To date, I have not experienced this.
Recommendation:
In short, the Samsonite bag is the best for business workers who want a sleek, well-organized backpack for work. Its durability and smart design features, like a padded laptop compartment, make it a good choice for everyday use as well as travel. If you want style, reliability, and business sense all in one backpack, the Xenon Checkpoint is an undeniable contender for the top spot. This is an absolute must-have for workers who want to improve their everyday carry.
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 7.8 inches
Weight: 1.56 lbs
Material: Water Resistant and Durable Polyester
Rating: 4.7
People who have bought the MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack are very happy with it. It has more than 87,000 reviews on Amazon, and the fact that it has 4.7 stars shows how popular it is.
The bag is a great example of a well-thought-out organization. It is 12 by 18 by 7.8 inches and weighs only 1.56 pounds. It is made of water-resistant and durable polyester fabric, so it can handle a wide range of weather conditions.
The shoulder straps on the backpack are padded and easy to adjust, so you can get a snug and comfortable fit. It also has a luggage strap, that you can slide over the handle of your upright luggage to make it easier to carry.
There are a lot of things I like about this bag. It has an anti-theft pocket on the back that you can protect your items from being stolen. It has a USB charging port on the outside and a charging cord on the inside. This makes it easy to charge your devices while you’re traveling.
Performance:
There are many pockets and sections that make it easy to keep your things in order and get to them quickly. The backpack is made of water-resistant and durable material, ensuring its longevity and suitability for different environments and weather conditions.
Drawbacks:
Even though this underseat travel backpack has gotten good reviews, there are some important things to think about: First, the bottom is minimally padded, which could be risky when carrying fragile things.
Recommendation:
The MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack is roomy and with a focus on organizing. This backpack is a great choice to stay organized and if you need to be able to charge your devices while you’re on the go. It’s also affordable. It is highly suggested for people who want a backpack for their daily needs that can be used in many ways and has a lot of features.
Away Travel The Everywhere Zip Backpack
Dimensions: 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches
Weight: 2.45 lbs
Material: Nylon with leather
The Everywhere Zip Backpack lives up to its name because it can be used in a lot of different ways. It comes in several stylish colors, such as black, blue, coast, asphalt, and garnet, so it can fit a wide range of tastes and settings. It is made of water-resistant fabric.
This item has measurements of 12 inches by 5.9 inches by 17.7 inches and weighs only 2.45 pounds. It has a lot of room and a sleek design. It isn’t too big, but has enough space for the things you need. The bag has one leather handle on top that makes it easy to carry.
There are two pockets on the front of the bag. One has a zipper and the other has a magnet. Both are great for quickly accessing your things. The back of this bag has a mesh fabric, which lets air in and keeps sweat from building up.
Even though the padded shoulder straps are thin, they are comfortable.
When traveling you’ll find the trolley sleeve on the back of a bag will come in handy. It makes moving your bag easy because you can just slide it onto the suitcase handles.
Inside the bag, there are two sleeves, one for your laptop and one for your tablet, This section protects all your tech gear.
Performance:
The Everywhere Zip Backpack is a good choice for everyday use because it versatile and durable. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry around, while the water-resistant material keeps your things dry when it rains. The bag is big enough to hold a 15″ laptop, making it great for most people.
Drawbacks:
While the backpack offers many benefits, some may find it a little pricey compared to similar options on the market.
Recommendation:
Overall, the Away Travel Everywhere Zip bag is a great choice for people who want a stylish, flexible, and well-made bag for their daily activities. The bag is water-resistant, has separate sections for a laptop and tablet, and has smart storage pockets that make it stand out. This backpack is a good buy for work, school, or travel if you care about style, usefulness, and longevity. It’s a great everyday carry-on for people who like high-quality materials and well-thought-out designs.
Monos Metro Backpack
Dimensions: 11.5 × 16.5 × 6 inches
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Material: Nylon with vegan leather
I love this backpack for traveling. It comes with an extra bag that can be attached to the front of the main bag, which is called a snap modular kit. This bag is easy to detach and can be placed in your backpack or on an airport seat.
The snap modular kit has a key ring and several pockets on the inside, which help you stay organized while on the go.
The backpack is designed to be both safe and convenient. There is a hidden pocket on the back where you can store important papers or your wallet. Additionally, there is a trolley sleeve on the back, which allows you to connect your bag to the handle of your carry-on while traveling.
The shoulder pads are lightly padded and adjustable, ensuring that the backpack sits comfortably and evenly on your shoulders.
The backpack also has a dedicated, padded area with a zipper on the back for your 15-inch laptop. This pocket will keep your laptop safe even if you accidentally drop your backpack. The main pocket, which opens like a half-clamshell, holds all your belongings.
Performance:
The Monos Metro Backpack is a great bag that works well in every way. Because it’s small and light, you can use it every day. It’s also made of materials that are waterproof and scratchproof. With a separate compartment for your laptop, which adds an extra layer of security to your tech gear, and a number of pockets that help you stay more organized, this bag is a great choice for both travelers and workers.
Drawbacks:
One possible problem is that you could overpack the bag because it has so many places to put things and ways to organize them. This would lead to a heavy load. This problem, on the other hand, is mostly up to the person and how well they organize themselves.
Recommendation:
The Monos Metro Backpack is a good buy because it is made of high-quality materials and has a stylish and functional design. It sticks out from other choices in this area because it has unique features, such as a snap modular kit and a hidden pocket. Even though users should be careful not to overpack, it’s great for everyday use, travel, and even work, making it a very versatile backpack. It is highly recommended for people who want to carry something stylish and useful every day.
UNDERSEAT PRO Travel Backpack
Dimensions: 11.5 × 16.5 × 6 inches
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Material: Nylon with vegan leather
Rating: 4.7
If you’re searching for a reliable and sturdy backpack, the UNDERSEAT PRO Travel Backpack is perfect for you. It measures 8″ x 14″ x 17.5″ and weighs 2.89 pounds, making it suitable for underseat bags on most trips. Its YKK zippers are of high quality, adding to its overall durability.
This backpack’s boxy shape makes it an excellent choice for maximizing your personal item limit. It has zipped pockets on the front, sides, and back, providing plenty of options for organizing your belongings. And the creator’s two pen holders on the side are a thoughtful touch.
When you open, the backpack you’ll find a well-organized trunk-like space. Packing is made easier thanks to the internal compression straps and a separate padded sleeve to hold your 15-inch computer.
The straps on the shoulders are padded and can be adjusted. A chest strap is included and if you need more support, you can attach a separate waist strap.
Performance:
The UNDERSEAT PRO Travel Backpack is a great choice for people who want to pack efficiently and save money. Its slim but roomy design makes it a great choice for both air travel and day trips, where staying within size limits is very important. This backpack is made of pet nylon and has YKK zippers, so it will last a long time. It also has a lot of pockets to help you keep your things in order.
Drawbacks:
At the moment, we don’t have any to share.
Recommendation:
The UNDERSEAT PRO Travel Backpack is a good choice people care a lot about packing efficiently and staying within the size limits for carry-on items set by airlines. With its small size and light weight, it’s a great companion for air travel and day trips. But users should be careful: overpacking or carrying things that are too heavy can put stress on the bag’s padding. If saving money and packing light are the most important things to you when picking luggage, this backpack is a strong candidate for meeting your travel needs. We would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an inexpensive and light travel companion.
Hynes Eagle Carry on
Dimensions: 7.9 x 13 x 19.7 inches
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Material: Polyester
Rating: 4.7
This Hynes Eagle Carry-on Backpack was made to meet the needs of modern travelers. It has features like measurements (7.9 x 13 x 19.7 inches) that meet carry-on size limits and a light weight (1.76 pounds) that makes it easier to move around. Most of the time, it can be put in the overhead compartment or under the seat, which shows how useful it is for air travel in general.
The backpack’s most important feature is its comfortable and well-padded straps, which you can easily adjust to use as a backpack or weekender duffel bag. It also has a chest strap to provide extra support, and you can adjust it to fit you perfectly. Additionally, it has a strap that goes over most straight handles, which is useful for frequent travelers.
In terms of functionality, the Hynes Eagle Carry-on Backpack has a large main compartment with tie-down straps to keep your things organized. You’ll also find a zippered front pocket where you can safely store your boarding pass or other documents. Inside, there are slot pockets where you can store important items like passports and tablets.
The backpack has four compression straps on the outside, which are designed to reduce stress on the zippers and keep the contents from moving around while traveling.
Performance:
The Hynes Eagle Carry-on Backpack performs excellently as a travel companion; its flight-approved proportions not only make it an ideal option for travelers, but also fit neatly into most airlines’ overhead bins and under-seat storage. This backpack’s two main components are its water-repellent polyester material and its advanced SBS metal zippers, both of which add to its increased resilience and guarantee endurance under a variety of travel circumstances.
Drawbacks:
The backpack doesn’t have a place to put a water bottle, which could be a problem for people who like to stay hydrated when they travel. And even though the straps are soft and padded, people who carry heavy loads for long periods of time may notice a drop in comfort.
Recommendation:
The Hynes Eagle Carry-on Backpack is a good alternative for travelers looking for dependable, well-designed luggage that is also practical. Work travels, overnight stays, outdoor experiences, and cruises are just a few of the activities it is a great companion for. These activities include its small size, comfortable carrying options, and practical compartments.
It is worth noting that this backpack does not have a specific holder for water bottles. However, its exceptional reviews attest to its worth. This compact option is perfect for individuals who are always on the move and require a portable bag.
Yorepek Travel Backpack
Dimensions: 10.5 x 3 x 5.25 inches
Weight: 2.16 lbs
Material: Nylon with vegan leather
Rating: 4.7
The Yorepek Travel backpack is a dependable option if you’re searching for a bag that makes packing easy. It can fit all of your everyday requirements and includes three roomy compartments. The laptop compartment can hold a 17 inch laptop, while the large main compartment and front compartment have small pockets and a pen holder. Also, the backpack has two mesh pockets on each side that are perfect for holding beverages and umbrellas.
The backpack is made of sturdy water-resistant material with heavy-duty zippers, ensuring that it lasts for a long time. It also has an integrated external USB connection for charging your devices.
Performance:
The YOREPEK Travel Backpack is the best choice for keeping your things in order, whether you’re moving or just using it every day. With its TSA-approved design, which speeds up airport security checks, and built-in external USB port, it’s easier to charge devices on the go. At the same time, its strong form stands up well to the daily wear and tear.
Drawback:
Even though this bag has a lot of great features, it doesn’t come with a portable charger so that the USB port can be used. You will have to buy your own portable charger.
Recommendation:
The travel backpack is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a versatile and functional bag. Its comfortable carrying options, thoughtful compartments, and durability make it suitable for various travel purposes. However, it’s essential to confirm that it complies with the carry-on size policies of the specific airlines you plan to use. If the size and style meet your preferences, this backpack can be a valuable addition to your travel gear.
Coofay Underseat Travel Backpack
Dimensions: 10.5 x 3 x 5.25 inches
Weight: 2 lbs
Material: Water resistant
Rating: 4.7
If you need ample storage space for short trips or business travel lasting 2-3 days, the Coofay Travel Backpack is a great choice. It can hold up to 4-6 pieces of thin tops or pants, as well as college stationery, such as books. Additionally, the backpack has a separate compartment for laptops up to 15.6 inches in size.
One of the best features of the Coofay Travel Backpack is its USB charging port, which allows you to connect an inside-the-bag power bank and charge your cell phone or iPad on-the-go. Please note that neither a power bank nor a data cable is included with the backpack. The backpack is designed purely for convenient mobile device powering.
For your comfort, the backpack’s back is made so that air can flow through it. It also has thick, soft, breathable padding that is made up of multiple panels and gives your back a lot of support. The shoulder straps are flexible and made of airy material. They also have a chest strap that relieves pressure on your shoulders when used for a long time.
The backpack can also easily slide onto your carry-on luggage handle, which makes traveling easier. For your peace of mind, the bag has a hidden anti-theft zipper pocket on the back. This is a clever way to keep your items safe.
Drawbacks:
The Coofay Travel Backpack is a versatile and well-equipped bag that is perfect for frequent travelers. While the shoe pouch is a convenient feature, it takes up valuable space in the main compartment, limiting how much you can carry.
Recommendation:
This backpack is highly comfortable, well-organized, and has been designed keeping travelers’ needs in mind. The backpack has a large storage capacity and is easy to use, making it excellent for commuting, weekend trips, work trips, and short-term travel. The bag is recommended for people who want a reliable backpack that can meet their daily and trip needs with ease.
Thule Construct Backpack
Dimensions: 12.6 x 10.6 x 19.3 inches
Weight: 1.09 lbs
Material: Water resistant
Rating: 4.6
The Thule Construct Backpack is designed with a separate compartment that can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches. The main section has a pocket for papers and multiple storage spaces for accessories. You can adjust the backpack’s size using the compression bands to fit smaller loads or add items. The backpack also has a closed mesh pocket inside, which is perfect for keeping small items like wires, keys, and other essentials organized and easily accessible.
Thule, a company with a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality and eco-friendly products that are easy to use since 1942, created the Thule Construct Backpack. It is an excellent choice for people who are always on the go and value quality and style.
Drawbacks:
It’s important to note that specific drawbacks or limitations of the Thule Construct Backpack may vary based on individual needs and preferences. Potential buyers should consider factors such as the size of the laptop they intend to carry and their specific organizational requirements. Additionally, some users may prefer backpacks with more specialized features for outdoor adventures.
Recommendation:
The Thule Construct backpack is a backpack that can be used for everyday, work or travel. This high-quality backpack has several key features, such as a dedicated laptop compartment, drawers for organization, and external attachment points, making it a useful companion for various activities.
Final Thoughts
When choosing an underseat backpack for plane travel, the most important thing to do is make sure it fits within the size limits that airlines allow. Most flights say that bags that fit under your seat can’t be bigger than 18 by 14 by 8 inches. This makes sure the backpack fits nicely under the seat in front of you and doesn’t block the aisles.
When choosing an under-seat bag, think about how you want to use it. If you have a lot of tech gadgets to take, look for a bag with a lot of padding and pockets. If you need to bring clothes and items on short trips, look for a bag with as much space as possible. Having the right ways to organize makes a big difference.
Overall, the reviewed bags have great quality, comfort, and use of room for their small size. With airport security lines getting longer and longer, an under-seat backpack lets you skip the lines and get through the airport quickly. These bags are a good purchase for people who fly a lot or who want to travel light. They will pay for themselves trip after trip.
At A Glance
| Details | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack Material: Nylon Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 9 inches Weight: 2.10lbs | Check Price |
| Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Checkpoint Material: Polyester Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 17.5 inchess Weight: 2.10 lbs Rating: 4.7 | Check Price |
| MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack Material: Water Resistant and Durable Polyester Fabric Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 7.8 inches Weight: 1.56 lbs Rating: 4.7 | Check Price |
| Away Travel The Everywhere Zip Backpack Material: Nylon with leather Dimensions: 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches Weight: 2.45 lbs | Check Price |
| Monos Metro Backpack Material: Nylon with vegan leather Dimensions: 11.5 × 16.5 × 6 inches Weight: 2.4 lbs Rating: 4.7 | Check Price |
| UNDERSEAT PRO Travel Backpack Material: Pet nylon with YKK zippers Dimensions: 8 x 14 x 17.5 inches Weight: 2.9 lbs Rating: 4.7 | Check Price |
| Hynes Eagle Carry on Material: Polyester Dimensions: 7.9 x 13 x 19.7 inches Weight: 1.76 lbs Rating: 4.6 | Check Price |
| YOREPEK Travel Backpack Material: Polyester Dimensions: 10.5 x 3 x 5.25 inches Weight: 2.16 lbs Rating: 4.7 | Check Price |
| Coofay Travel Backpack Material: Waterproof Dimensions: 11.8 x 5.9 x 16.5 inches Weight: 2 lbs Rating: 4.7 | Check Price |
 | Thule Construct Backpack Material: water-resistant materials Dimensions: 18.4 x 13.0 x 8.4 inches Weight: 2.4 lbs Rating: 4.6 | Check Price |
Airline Personal Item Size Guidelines
The maximum permitted sizes for personal item bags on airlines that charge for carry-on baggage are as follows: Updated as of 2023.
Allegiant: 18” x 14” x 8”
Easyjet: 18” x 14” x 8”
JetBlue: 17” x 13” x 8”
Norwegian: 15” x 12” x 8”
Ryanair: 14” x 8” x 10”
Spirit: 18” x 14” x 8”
United: 17” x 10” x 9”
Always adhere to the best practice: verify specific airline policies before your trip. These guidelines–which can alter over time and may involve variations in dimensions–are essential for planning; therefore, communicate with the respective airlines you intend to fly with. Airlines also impose weight restrictions on personal items, thus necessitating a consideration of both size and weight when selecting an underseat travel backpack.
How To Choose The Best Underseat Travel Backpack
Consider a few key things to find the best under-seat travel bag that fits your wants and tastes. These things are important for helping you make an informed choice. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Find out about flight rules: Before you do anything, get to know the size limits that your most-used airlines have for the space under your seat. Most flights accept under-seat bags that are about 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Make sure that the backpack you choose follows these rules as closely as possible to avoid any problems during your trip.
- Size and Capacity: Depending on how you usually travel, you can figure out how much room you need. If you don’t bring a lot of things with you, a small under-seat bag is enough. If you usually bring a lot of things with you, a larger model would be better. Keep in mind that under-seat bags are made to be small, so don’t expect them to hold a lot.
- Organizational Features: Look for alternatives with well-thought-out components; several sections, pockets, and dividers may help you maintain organization while allowing access to your items. Consider if you’ll need certain accessories like a specialized laptop sleeve, a hygiene bag, or even quick-access compartments for necessities like passports or headphones.
- Comfort and Wearability: Choose a backpack that is comfortable and easy to wear since you will be carrying the weight of it during your travel. Not to mention a breathable back panel or adjustable chest/waist straps, which come in particularly handy during extended strolls through congested airports or busy city streets, the inclusion of cushioned shoulder straps is a feature to think about.
- Durability: A backpack has to be durable in order to survive the demands of travel. Be on the lookout for materials like high-denier nylon or polyester, reinforced stitching, and robust zippers! Also think about coatings that are waterproof or water-resistant to protect your items from light rain and unplanned spills.
- Weight: To effectively optimize the weight allowed for your belongings, choose a backpack that strikes a mix between sturdiness and lightweight. Keep in mind that the weight of the bag itself may add to your airline’s carry-on limitations.
- Security Features: In order to protect your possessions, certain underseat backpacks include anti-theft features including locking zippers and concealed compartments. These qualities need careful consideration if you often travel to places where security is a major issue.
- Aesthetics: Aesthetics may not be the most important consideration, but they definitely influence your decision about an underseat backpack. Choose a design color palette that reflects your tastes and personal style.
- Price and Brand: Prior to examining firms known for their high-quality travel gear, set a budget. Price and brand are important factors to take into account. Frequent travelers would be prudent to invest—not necessarily splurge—in a dependable brand’s well-made bag, demonstrating that it’s more important to make good decisions than to always choose the most costly alternative.
- Read Reviews: Read in-depth customer reviews and professional opinions on the backpack you are considering before making a selection. Genuine, practical experiences provide priceless insights on its performance, including its endurance, durability, and usefulness.
When you carefully take into account these elements—along with your particular travel requirements—you may choose an underseat travel bag that flawlessly matches your traveling style, ensuring a relaxing, well-planned trip.
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