Travel writer shares the best men's cabin bags for Father's Day

Discover the perfect gift for the man in your life who loves to pack well
With Father's Day just around the corner on Sunday, June 14, a practical and stylish travel bag could be the perfect gift for dads on the go. Whether commuting, heading to the gym, or jetting off for a weekend away, a well-designed backpack or holdall offers convenience and versatility.
As a travel writer, I'm of the firm opinion that the ideal travel bag for men should be both chic and unassuming, while still having plenty of room for in-flight essentials. From sleek designer options to budget-friendly finds, there's something to suit every taste and travel need.
Popular picks include functional designs from Fjällräven and Stubble & Co, as well as high-rated choices available on Amazon that won't break the budget. And with many retailers offering fast delivery, there's still time to find a gift that arrives before the weekend.
To help find a gift that dad will really love, these are five of the best men's travel bags for 2025:
Cabin Max Metz Backpack
Ideal for Ryanair flyers, the Metz by Cabin Max sports a neat 40 x 20 x 25cm exterior but surprises with a capacious interior complete with various practical pockets. Crafted from robust recycled polyester, it features a suitcase-style opening for hassle-free packing and side compression straps to keep contents secure while on the move.
It also comes with a front zip pocket, a side bottle holder and an array of internal organisers for smaller items. Available in several colours, the £27.95 backpack has won over travellers with more than 15,000 reviews on Amazon.
One satisfied customer hailed it as "a great little bag for short trips." Another added: "The Cabin Max Metz 30L Carry-On Travel Backpack has been an absolute game-changer for my travel adventures! This sleek and versatile backpack ticks all the boxes and has made my trips more enjoyable and stress-free."
One buyer was less impressed however, saying: "Nice case but handle far too short and if you walk too fast the case wobbles would have been better with 4 wheels."
Buy from Amazon (£27.95).
Fjällräven Kanken Weekender Holdall
Trendy fathers will adore this cabin-size bag from Scandinavian outdoor experts Fjällräven. Versatile and practical it can be carried using the the handles, worn as a backpack or slung over the shoulders like a tote bag.
Available a range of fashionable shades, the Kanken Weekender Holdall measures 30 x 44 x 20cm, fitting most budget airlines' requirements and perfect for Ryanair Priority ticket holders. Echoing the iconic Kanken Backpack design, it's crafted from durable fabric and boasts a spacious main compartment along with a front section that can expand to hold more.
Sporting a solid 4.4 out of five-star rating on Amazon, one satisfied customer hailed it as "one of the top bags in the world", while another praised it as a "fabulous backpack."
Another loyal customer of the brand added: "Fjallraven has become my all time favourite bag brand. The quality is just impressive. I love that is super light so it does not take much space, and is very comfy."
While negative reviews are few and far between, one buyer said: "This bag holds a lot, but I wish that the straps felt sturdier, feel like they won't last long." An ideal Father's Day present for a buyer with deeper pockets, it's a investment at £185.
Buy from Amazon (£185).
Antler Urban Light Backpack
I am always smitten with the timeless allure of Antler luggage, and their the Urban Light Backpack is no exception. The lightweight travel backpack is designed for short stays and daily use, with a compact size that fits under most airline seats.
Made from 100% recycled polyester, the backpack includes a suitcase-style opening with a detachable gusset, a magnetic flap hiding a secure essentials pocket and interior compartments for a laptop and water bottle.
A back strap allows the backpack to be attached to a suitcase handle for easier transport. The practical design and minimalist aesthetics are a big hit with buyers who have given it a 4.9 out of five-star rating.
One buyer said: "Great bag, really good size, with lots of useful compartments. I mainly use it for work. But have just taken it in holiday and it's great."
Another added: "Obsessed. Best work/gym backpack I have ever owned. Loads of space for gym wear and work things, and still looks smart."
Another popular bag with very few negative reviews, one buyer was a bit disappointed with the size, saying: "Looks great, excellent pockets, but could be a bit bigger and more sturdy."
Buy from Antler (£115).
Ecohub Bag
Who says that Father's Day gifts need to be expensive? Just the right size to fit under the seat in front, the Ryanair-approved Ecohub Cabin Bag is a top pick for those taking to the skies this summer.
Buyers have said it is 'like a Tardis' - compact on the outside yet deceptively spacious on the inside with a range of 19 different shades to choose from. The nifty bag boasts a roomy main section with an inside pocket, as well as an outer pocket that offers speedy access to essentials on the go.
Plus, it features a handy trolley sleeve to smoothly slide over your suitcase handle. Amazon customers are big fans, labelling it "great for Ryanair/easyJet flights" and praising it as "amazing value."
With over 1000 five-star reviews on Amazon, one buyer said: "Did the job perfectly. Surprisingly spacious with handy shoe bag and lots of storage pockets. Great for weekend away. Impressive enough that a mate going away at the same time bought one too."
Some buyers were disappointed by the quality of the strap however, with one warning "Strap not long enough. No good for really tall people."
Buy now from Amazon (£22.99)
The Backpack 20L - Stubble & Co
Bang on trend and incredible practical, The Backpack 20L from Stubble & Co is an impressive bit of kit that can be used anywhere. Designed for both everyday use and travel, the backpack combines durable materials with a versatile, functional design.
Made with water-repellent British Millerain Tekwax® canvas and water-resistant PU-coated zippers, it features an air-flow back panel, a luggage sleeve and a padded compartment that fits laptops up to 16 inches.
Using carefully considered materials, compartments, straps and features the backpack has thoughtfully designed to last for many years to come. With 30% off for a limited time, shoppers can snap up the backpack for £87, reduced from the usual price of £125.
With a sold five-star rating, one buyer said: "The bag was exactly what I expected. Very comfortable and suitable for everyday use, even for carrying a laptop to work on a motorcycle."
One buyer who wasn't quite so impressed left a two-star review that said: "Great design but not a very good fit. It feels uncomfortable when bag is slightly heavy."

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Mail​

25 minutes ago

• Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE Ryanair kicked us off a plane on our dream holiday to Spain because we hadn't paid extra to reserve our own seats

A couple have told how they felt held to ransom by Ryanair after they were kicked off a flight to their dream holiday because they hadn't paid extra to book their own seats - saying: 'when you book a flight, you assume you will get a seat.' Scott McCormick, 33, and Helena Borthwick, 32, had already paid the low cost carrier £384.55 for the return flights from Birmingham to Mallorca in Spain - their first trip abroad in two-and-a-half years. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline following the disappointment, the young couple said they were 'shocked' to discover buying a ticket didn't guarantee them a place on the plane. Helena said: 'The first thing they said to us is 'you're not both getting on this plane'. 'I had no idea this could happen once we'd booked the tickets. When you pay for a flight you assume you will get a seat. I have never heard of someone getting kicked off a flight because they hadn't reserved a seat. 'I had a bit of a meltdown and was in tears because the flight was at 7am and we had to be awake at 2am, I'd only had three hours sleep and with everything going on work-wise it just got to me. 'I immediately heard 'you're not going on holiday at all' but we'd already spent a lot of money, maybe £2,000 on hotel, excursions and a dog-sitter and this just felt like the worst case scenario.' They had chosen not to pre-book seats - normally costing between £4.50 and £33 each - to save money and were fully prepared to sit apart during the two-hour flight on May 1. Despite checking in online the night before and being the first to arrive at the gate they were made to wait until everybody else had boarded before being told the airline had swapped planes for a smaller one, leaving only one seat available between them. The couple were then given the choice of only one of them traveling on their booked flight or both catching a later flight - which they did after being assured they would be switched over for free. But when they returned to the ticket office they were made to pay an extra £100 because staff argued only one of them had been cancelled and the other had chosen not to fly. Meanwhile, they say the whole plane was delayed for 90 minutes while ground crew found and removed their checked-in bags. Scott said: 'We didn't reserve seats because we didn't have to, it'd never been an issue before but at the gate they told us because we hadn't reserved seats there was only one remaining seat. It just feels like a scam by Ryanair. 'There was just a complete lack of empathy, it was just 'you're not going to Spain, go away'. 'We'd been fine to sit apart for two hours on the flight but we weren't going to take separate flights and be in different countries for hours. 'At the gate they told us if we wouldn't separate we would be on the next flight at no extra cost and sent us down to the ticket office, at that point I asked for some proof but they just said it was written on the system. 'But when we went down there they accused us of bending the truth and argued one of us had chosen not to fly so would have to pay an extra £100.' The couple's week-long break included a business mentorship event for their Birmingham-based More Life Coaching business and as a result of catching a flight four hours later they missed an important networking event. Fitness fanatic Scott said he hoped never to fly with Ryanair again but accepted that they hold such a monopoly over some routes he may be forced to. He said: 'Ryanair should have asked all passengers if anyone would like to volunteer their seats. 'It felt like discrimination, how do they pick out these people, is it because we're young and we have no kids so there's just two of us, is it to do with something we don't see or understand. When Scott shared his ordeal on social media, many were shocked to hear that airlines might overbook a flight - though some suggested reserving a seat can help avoid being 'singled out' for not getting aboard. One person said: 'Prepay for a seat, then problem solved. ALL airlines do this.' When someone suggested queuing early to ensure you get a seat, another swiped: 'Or just book your seat.' A third wrote: 'This is crazy! Surely if you pay and don't reserve a seat, you still paid with the intention of getting on a flight how can they not allow you on?' A fourth echoed the opinion of many commenters and said: 'Why do people still fly with Ryanair? It blows my mind! It's the most awful airline.'

Daily Mirror

3 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Mum has lunch with family in Italy - costs less than Alton Towers

Gill Martini-Pullen had searched high and low for a fun day out to treat her two kids without breaking the bank - and what she found was incredible A mum went for an international lunchtime trip that was cheaper than a day out to Alton Towers. Gill Martini-Pullen, 49, looked for an affordable yet exciting day out for her two children but found theme park tickets like those for Alton Towers, priced at £68, too steep. The Kent-based business support assistant grew tired of the usual local options and stumbled upon the idea of a one-day foreign trip. To her surprise, she managed to take her kids, aged 11 and 15, off to Bergamo, Italy, for a total cost of just £212 – and they were back home in the UK and tucked up in bed by night-time. ‌ "The thought of being able to go to another country for the day was so exciting," Gill said to Luxury Travel Daily. "A day trip to London or a theme park is very expensive, especially when you factor in travel costs, food and drink. I wanted to treat them to something fun and be back home for their bedtimes." ‌ The thrifty mum managed to get bargain flights with Ryanair for a mere £80 and parked at a nearby Premier Inn for only £12 to avoid hefty airport fees. They embarked on their Italian trip at 7.25am, after a modest £4 shuttle ride to the airport. She said: "We spent the day wandering around the pretty streets of Bergamo, stopping at a lovely restaurant for lunch. "We looked in lots of cute shops, then walked most of the way back down to the lower town before catching the bus back to the airport. With time to spare, we crossed the road to the huge shopping centre for a little look." For their midday meal, they tucked into pizza and gnocchi, with Gill treating herself to an Aperol Spritz, all for £46, followed by cake and gelato for £10. They then spent £13 on traditional Italian pesto and pasta to whip up a dinner back home the following evening and grabbed a quick bite at McDonald's in the airport for £11. Their 9pm flight was delayed, but they didn't let it dampen their spirits, and despite the hold-up, the children were tucked up in bed by 1am instead of the planned 11.30pm. Gill recommends considering a midweek trip to find the best bargains. She also suggests having a look at sites like Skyscanner. ‌ A trip to Alton Towers can cost £204 for three 'walk up price' theme park tickets, according to their website - although it is far cheaper if done online. But the family would also have had to pay to travel back and forth, as well as get food, drink and petrol. Gill added: "Doing extreme day trips is such a good way to get tasters of other countries. I'm looking at going to Paris next or to the Bucharest Thermal Spa with my girls. "The kids loved being able to say they went to Italy for lunch rather than the usual theme park. And they can't wait to do more. "Their feet were hurting after 25,000 steps, but we had a great time."

Scottish Sun

12 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Full list of banned food and drinks passengers cannot bring onboard on TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 flights

What food and drink you're not allowed to bring onboard major UK airlines PLANE DIET Full list of banned food and drinks passengers cannot bring onboard on TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 flights Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PASSENGERS flying with TUI, easyJet, Ryanair or Jet2 this summer are being urged to check the full list of banned food and drinks before heading to the airport – or risk having their items taken away. From cold snacks to hot drinks and alcoholic beverages, the rules on what you can and can't take onboard vary between airlines – and breaking them could lead to your items being confiscated before take-off. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Passengers travelling from the UK are being urged to double-check airline guidelines before heading to the airport Credit: Getty 4 That's because under current post-Brexit regulations, any food products containing meat or dairy are banned Credit: Getty 4 Alcohol must be purchased on the flight if you want to enjoy a drink in the air Credit: Getty Passengers travelling from the UK are being urged to double-check airline guidelines before heading to the airport, especially as rules continue to tighten, particularly on flights to EU destinations. That's because under current post-Brexit regulations, any food products containing meat or dairy – including sandwiches, yoghurts or even packed lunches bought in the airport – are banned from being taken into the EU, regardless of where they were purchased. Here's a breakdown of what's banned or restricted on flights operated by the UK's biggest budget carriers: TUI offers complimentary meals and drinks on flights lasting over seven hours. For shorter journeys, snacks and beverages can be bought onboard via a trolley service – but passengers are also allowed to bring their own food. However, TUI is clear that any food brought onboard must be 'low-risk,' such as cold snacks or pre-made sandwiches. The airline also warns it cannot heat food for passengers, aside from baby bottles. Crucially, passengers are not allowed to drink any alcohol they've brought from home or bought in duty-free – even if it's sealed. Alcohol must be purchased on the flight if you want to enjoy a drink in the air. EasyJet is fairly relaxed about food onboard, and passengers are welcome to bring their own meals. However, they should be aware of liquid restrictions and destination-specific rules. According to the airline: 'You can bring food into the cabin, although we do sell a range of delicious food and drink on board. "There's a 100ml limit for liquid food, like soup or custard.' Hot drinks are allowed if purchased at the airport, but they must have a secure lid to reduce the risk of burns during turbulence. The airline also reminds passengers to check rules at their destination – some countries have stricter customs policies around food items. Ryanair takes a mixed approach, allowing passengers to bring their own cold food and soft drinks under its 'feel free' policy – but strictly banning hot drinks and alcohol. The airline advises: 'In the interest of safety we cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks or consume their own alcohol during the flight.' That means even if you've bought alcohol in duty-free or at the airport, you won't be allowed to drink it onboard. Cabin crew are authorised to confiscate items if rules are broken. Jet2 operates one of the strictest policies when it comes to food and drink. According to the airline: 'You may not bring hot food or hot drinks onboard the aircraft.' Passengers are also warned not to carry any items that are 'unsuitable for carriage' – this includes food that is strong-smelling, fragile or perishable, and anything that may impact the comfort or safety of others. Despite these rules, Jet2 does offer a wide selection of food and drinks for purchase during the flight, with options for most dietary requirements.