BBy Bikram Nath·Researched from UK Amazon listings·Updated 2026-09-02·6 products compared
What are the best travel backpacks to buy in the UK?
Our top pick for Travel Backpacks in the UK is the Gieury 50L Expandable Carry-On Backpack.
For UK travellers who need a carry-on-sized backpack that expands when needed, the Gieury 50L Expandable Carry-On Backpack is the strongest choice — the expandable design gives flexibility between a tight flight overhead bin and a roomier day of exploring.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This guide contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you — but it never changes our rankings.
A 40L travel backpack is the most versatile way to travel carry-on only. Unlike rigid cabin suitcases, a backpack can flex to fit overhead bins and under seats, distributes weight across both shoulders, and leaves your hands free in busy UK train stations and airports. The best travel backpacks in 2026 come with a 17-inch laptop compartment, a dedicated shoe pocket, a USB charging port, TSA-friendly flat-opening design, and anti-theft features — without costing a fortune. This guide covers the top travel backpacks available on Amazon UK right now, with real products, real prices, and real specifications to help you choose the right pack for your style of travel.
Buying guide
What should you look for in Travel Backpacks?
1Check airline carry-on size limits before buying. Most 40L travel backpacks measure around 55x40x20cm and fit UK airline overhead bins, but always verify against your specific carrier's rules.
2A flat-open (clamshell) design that opens 180 degrees like a suitcase makes packing and unpacking far easier than top-loading backpacks. It also speeds up airport security significantly.
3Separate shoe compartments at the bottom are worth prioritising for trips of 3+ days — they keep dirty footwear away from clean clothes and toiletries.
4USB charging ports require an internal power bank — the bag has no battery. Make sure the cable routing is accessible before buying, as some designs bury the cable behind other compartments.
5Anti-theft back pockets (accessible only when the bag is removed) are genuinely useful in UK city centres and on public transport. Look for hidden zip pockets rather than visible pockets on the back panel.
Our process
How do we choose our picks?
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. Instead we synthesise the strongest independent evidence — current Amazon UK listings, verified-buyer feedback, published specs and UK pricing — into clear, honest recommendations. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Current UK availability
We only shortlist products actively listed and in stock on Amazon UK, checked against live catalogue data — not last year’s models.
Publicly visible buyer feedback
We look at how each product is received by UK shoppers — its overall rating standing and the praise or complaints that recur in public reviews — rather than relying on a single reviewer’s opinion.
Published specs & value
We compare manufacturer specifications, typical UK price bands, warranty and running costs so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage, plug/fitting standards, CE/UKCA marking and Consumer Rights Act cover — details that generic global lists miss.
USB port, shoe compartment with vents, anti-slip base, TSA-friendly, water-repellent PU leather
4 packing cubes included, USB port, anti-theft back pocket, luggage strap, water-resistant
3 packing cubes included, USB port, anti-theft back pocket, luggage strap
USB charging port, water-resistant, breathable back panel
4 packing cubes included, USB port, anti-theft back pocket
The rankings
The best Travel Backpacks, ranked
1
Gieury
Top Pick
Gieury 50L Expandable Carry-On Backpack
The Gieury 50L is the top recommendation for UK travellers who want maximum carry-on capacity. The expandable design, flat TSA opening, and shoe compartment cover all the practical bases, while the 50L potential is unmatched in this price range. The best all-round travel backpack in this guide.
The HOMIEE combines a shoe compartment, anti-slip base, transparent wet bag, and 17.3-inch laptop sleeve into one well-designed package. It sits at the top of the budget range, but the premium build quality and thoughtful organisation details justify the price for frequent travellers.
Capacity
40L
Dimensions
52 x 33 x 23 cm
Laptop
Up to 17.3 inches
Features
USB port, shoe compartment with vents, anti-slip base, TSA-friendly, water-repellent PU leather
What we like
+Anti-slip base strips let the bag stand upright independently
+Ventilated shoe pocket keeps footwear fresh and odour-free
+Transparent wet bag included for toiletries
Worth noting
–The most expensive pick in this guide
–PU leather exterior is less breathable than polyester in warm weather
£33.99£39.99−15%Amazon.co.uk price as of 19 Sept, 13:00 (London time). Details
Lumesner 40L Carry-On Backpack with Packing Cubes (Black)
The Lumesner black backpack with four packing cubes is the best value proposition in this guide. Getting 4 packing cubes included at this price is a genuine bargain — the anti-theft back pocket and USB port add further practical value for UK commuters and travellers.
Capacity
40L expandable
Laptop
Up to 17 inches
Features
4 packing cubes included, USB port, anti-theft back pocket, luggage strap, water-resistant
What we like
+4 packing cubes included — significantly better value than competitors
+Anti-theft back pocket accessible only when bag is removed
+USB port with internal routing cable for on-the-go charging
Worth noting
–3.3 lbs when empty — heavier than some alternatives
–Black colour is common — hard to spot if others have the same bag
£29.97£35.99−17%Amazon.co.uk price as of 19 Sept, 13:00 (London time). Details
Lumesner 40L Carry-On Backpack with Packing Cubes (Grey)
The grey Lumesner is the same quality backpack as the black model but with 3 packing cubes at a slightly lower price point. If you already own packing cubes or prefer grey, this is the same reliable travel backpack at a marginal saving.
Capacity
40L expandable
Laptop
Up to 17 inches
Features
3 packing cubes included, USB port, anti-theft back pocket, luggage strap
What we like
+Grey colour stands out from the sea of black travel backpacks
+Packing cubes included reduce total cost of travel setup
+Anti-theft back pocket and USB port
Worth noting
–3 cubes instead of 4 — slightly less than the black model
–Slightly cheaper but fewer included cubes makes the value less clear-cut
£29.74£34.99−15%Amazon.co.uk price as of 19 Sept, 13:00 (London time). Details
The Velaybor is the budget entry point for a full 40L travel backpack with USB charging. It delivers the core travel backpack features — large capacity, laptop sleeve, water resistance, and charging port — without the extras that push up the price of its competitors.
Capacity
40L
Laptop
Up to 17.3 inches
Features
USB charging port, water-resistant, breathable back panel
What we like
+The lowest-priced 40L travel backpack in this guide
+Fits 17.3-inch laptops — suitable for larger screen sizes
+Breathable back panel and padded straps for extended wear
Worth noting
–No packing cubes or shoe compartment included
–Less specification detail published than more established brands
The green Lumesner is the same reliable 40L backpack as the other colour variants with packing cubes included. The distinctive green colour makes it stand out — useful in luggage carousels and bag-heavy airport areas. Check stock before ordering given limited availability.
Capacity
40L expandable
Laptop
Up to 17 inches
Features
4 packing cubes included, USB port, anti-theft back pocket
What we like
+Distinctive green colour — easy to spot in crowded airport areas
+Full packing cubes set included
+Same quality construction as black and grey models
Worth noting
–Only 1 unit in stock — availability uncertain
–Higher price than the black model for the same specification
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 19 Sept, 13:00 (London time) and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Editor's Note
The 40L travel backpack category has exploded in the UK, driven by the growth of carry-on-only travel and budget airline restrictions. The key purchase decision is whether you want a bag that opens like a suitcase (clamshell/flat-open) or a traditional top-loader. Clamshell designs are significantly better for travellers who pack and unpack frequently; top-loaders can be more comfortable to carry for extended periods. For UK city breaks and short-haul European travel, a 40L clamshell backpack with a shoe compartment is the most practical single-bag travel solution available in 2026.
Our Take
UK airline hand luggage limits are stricter than most — always check dimensions against your carrier before buying. The Gieury 50L Expandable Carry-On Backpack is our top recommendation. The HOMIEE 40L Travel Backpack with Shoe Compartment is the smart budget pick — it covers the essentials without the premium price tag. Avoid the cheapest unbranded options on Amazon UK — they rarely survive past six months of regular use and UK consumer protection only helps if the seller is still trading.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Is a 40L backpack too big for a carry-on?
A 40L backpack typically measures around 55x40x20cm, which meets the carry-on size limit for most UK airlines including BA and Jet2. However, some budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet have stricter rules — always check your specific airline's dimensions before flying.
What does TSA-friendly mean for a travel backpack?
TSA-friendly means the laptop compartment opens completely flat, allowing security scanners to see the laptop clearly without removing it from the bag. This speeds up security screening at airports and is standard on most modern travel backpacks. It's useful at UK airports as well as US ones.
Can I use a travel backpack as my only bag for a week-long trip?
Yes — a 40L travel backpack is sufficient for most people for a 5–7 day trip, especially with packing cubes to maximise space. Pack lightweight, versatile clothing and use travel-sized toiletries. A shoe compartment helps by keeping footwear separate and organised within the main bag.
Is a 40L backpack big enough for travel?
For most trips of up to a week, yes — four of the six packs in this guide are 40L, including the HOMIEE 40L and the Lumesner 40L carry-on. A 40L pack typically holds several days of clothing plus a laptop, and the Gieury 50L is the option here if you need expandable capacity for longer trips.
Does a 40L backpack count as cabin luggage?
It depends on the airline's dimensions rather than the litre rating, since carry-on limits are set by height, width and depth. Several packs in this guide are sold as carry-on designs, but always measure against your specific airline's stated cabin allowance before flying — limits differ significantly between carriers.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. UKPicks earns a small commission from qualifying purchases made via links on this page. This does not affect our editorial recommendations or the price you pay.
