Whether you’re a light packer or like to squeeze in as much as possible into your weekend carry-on bag, there are so many options available that it’s hard to know which to choose. I took a closer look at a cabin bag, holdall and backpack to discover the pros and cons of their packing conundrums.
To fairly test each bag, I packed them all with the same items, assuming a three-night trip in the UK.
Thule Aion Carry On Spinner
£285
What’s Hot:
+ Easy to control on multidirectional, easy glide wheels
What’s Not:
– No space for a laptop to go without opening the main case
If I’m going to use a carry-on suitcase, I’d always opt for a spinner. The multi-directional wheels make it much easier to handle when fully packed, and you have space on top to stack an extra bag if needed.
The Aion Carry On Spinner from Swedish brand Thule is made from durable, high-quality materials, with a waxed canvas shell fabric, inner mesh and lining, and a polycarbonate back panel made from 100% and 50% recycled materials, respectively.
Inside, there’s a lined, waterproof compression packing cube that clicks into place, providing an isolated space for either your laundry, a pair of dirty shoes, or damp swimwear, keeping it sealed away from the rest of the case contents. It is attached securely with straps that can be tightened to compress the rest of your clothes, keeping everything neatly in place.
On the outside, there’s a zipped pocket that runs the length of the case, which is perfect for storing a jumper or jacket, travel documents or a book – all the things that you might want to have within easy reach without needing to undo the main case. There’s also a small zipped pocket with a hook for safely storing your car and house keys, phone chargers, or a wallet.
The Aion Carry On has a 35L capacity and weighs in at a respectable 3.25kg when empty. It currently falls within the sizing requirements for many major airlines, at 35 x 23 x 55cm, but it does exceed the sizes set out by some budget airlines; although it’s far from being alone in that.
It is the most premium of the bunch, but Thule products are well known for their longevity and durability, so this one should last for many years of travel and can be paired with other sizes in the same range to complete a full luggage set.
When I packed it up with my weekend away clobber, it absorbed it all with ease. I could happily have fitted more in by making better use of the zipped pocket in the lid, so there would be no need to skimp on the packing with this weekend carry-on bag.
Airback Backpack Original Carry-on with pump
Model tested: £220
What’s Hot:
+ Some good-sized pockets and a TSA-approved lock on the laptop pocket
What’s Not:
– The space gained from the vacuum packing was less than anticipated
If you prefer to keep both your hands free while travelling, then the Airback Backpack could be the perfect option for you.
While backpacks don’t usually have the same amount of space available as a carry-on case, the Airback has a little pump-sized trick up its sleeve. The clamshell-style backpack opens to reveal a pocket made of a fairly heavy rubberised material with a central zip. A word of warning here – the zip is incredibly difficult to open the first few times, but keep pulling, it gives eventually.
Once you’ve packed your soft clothing, you attach the pump to the valve and switch it on to remove as much air as possible, condensing the pocket. Once that is sealed, there’s some space on top of the vacuum-packed area, as well as a number of good-sized pockets both inside and outside.
A particularly good feature if you’re travelling with tech is the large, well-padded pocket at the back of the bag. From laptops to tablets, they can all be stored easily and safely within the copious sleeve. Another of the bag’s strengths is its built-in charging port on the side, with a lead that connects to the laptop section. Here, you can connect your power bank and charge your phone on the go, but since it isn’t built into the bag, it can be removed while you’re flying, as required by most airlines.
The headline capacity is pretty generous, ranging from 22L to a reputed 48L when using the compression pocket and the expansion zipper that gives you about an extra inch of depth. When I’d loaded the main pocket to capacity – which can be challenging with larger items, as the opening isn’t very large – and removed the air with the pump, I was a bit disappointed.
The brand claims that vacuum packing doubles the backpack’s capacity, but I didn’t find that to be the case. It was compressed, but I didn’t feel that it freed up a significant amount of space. I could fit my Helly Hansen jacket in easily without straining the zip, and everything did fit, but there would definitely be no room for souvenirs.
It’s not the lightest backpack out there, weighing 1.9kg when it isn’t packed, but if you’re maximising the space using the compression pocket for a longer trip, it can get pretty heavy. With only the shoulder straps and no waist strap to help distribute that weight, it can be an uncomfortable and slightly sweaty carry. That said, you have everything in one bag, so less luggage juggling is required.
Airback Original Carry-on isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. Luxury-led travellers will want to look elsewhere, but if you’re looking for a little extra space for a weekend away, or heading to a festival this summer and want everything in one handy, compact, weather-resistant bag, this will tick a lot of boxes.
Gatwick carry-on duffel bag by Roka London
£90
What’s Hot:
+ Simple and versatile with no gimmicks
What’s Not:
– Carry handles could be more padded
There is something to be said for the pure simplicity of a holdall. Gatwick encapsulates that perfectly while adding a splash of fun with its wide, varied colour range.
Offering 32L of space, the medium-sized Gatwick duffel has a wide zip opening that makes it easy to pack for your trip. Inside, there are two large and two small zipped pockets so you can keep things well organised. It weighs in at just 1.2kg when empty, so you’re working for a nice, low starting point when it comes to maximising a luggage limit.
Outside, there are three smaller zipped pockets to stow anything you want to keep within easy reach. The largest zipped pocket contains a padded laptop slot with a velcro fastener to keep your tech safe and protected as you travel.
The weather-resistant outer canvas and base are made from recycled materials, and the recycled nylon lining gives a neat finish. The Gatwick weekend carry-on bag feels hardwearing and durable, with high-quality zippers that will stand the rigours of time and travel. The contrasting-coloured webbing strap handles, shoulder strap, and trolley sleeve add versatility, so you can use it how you like. However, the carry handles could use a little more padding; with a heavy load, they can be a bit hard on the hand.
Gatwick might not be packed with advanced features, but it is a brilliant bag. There really is very little to dislike. It looks great, feels sturdy and holds everything you need for a few days away. What more could you possibly want?
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