Between England & Everywhere

Travel Hack Backpack Review | The Perfect Underseat Cabin Bag!

The Travel Hack Backpack 20l

I am a huge fan of travelling with a backpack. I like that they are hands-free and perfect for exploring cities and carrying around all day. One of my favourites is the Travel Hack Backpack! It was designed by Monica from The Travel Hack , a travel blogger I have been following for years!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission on purchases made after clicking the link. For more information visit the Privacy and Disclosure Policy.

Being a traveller herself, she designed The Travel Hack backpack to be functional and stylish for women. What’s more, is it within the dimensions of Ryanair’s underseat cabin baggage allowance, so it flies for free !

Travel Hack Backpack

🎒Dimensions: 40x25x20

⚖️Weight: 0.6kg | Capacity: 20l

💻Laptop compartment: Up to 13″

⭐️Perfect for: Day trips, mini breaks or weekend getaways, on its own. Or paired with additional luggage for longer trips.

Travel Hack Stowaway Ladies Cabin Backpack

The Travel Hack backpack is made to a very high quality. I like the way it’s black and smart looking, making it practical for a wide range of uses. It comes with a leather look luggage tag and a tassel. For my personal preferences I removed the tassel. However, I kept the tag on so it looks more luggage like, rather than just another backpack!

It also has rose gold zips as well as a small ‘The Travel Hack’ engraved rose gold metallic plate on the front. The zips on the main compartment are large enough to get a padlock through if you felt like locking the main compartment. Sometimes I will do this when walking around busy cities on my own.

The Travel Hack Backpack Review

On the back is a strap, so the backpack can be slid over a suitcase handle . (I’ve been extremely tempted by the matching Travel Hack Suitcase too. But I don’t tend to use suitcases very often!). The straps and back are padded, making it very comfortable to wear for long amounts of time. The bottom is reinforced a little too!

The shape of the Travel Hack backpack maximises every last centimetre of the Ryanair underseat luggage allowance. Therefore, at time of writing, it flies free ! As Ryanair is one of the stingiest airlines for cabin luggage dimensions, if it fits for them, it’s likely to fit for the majority of other airlines too.

🎬 WATCH : Travel Hack Backpack *Pack With Me* YouTube Short

External Pockets

Not including the main compartment, there are 5 external pockets . Pockets are a MUST for me when looking for a backpack. On the front is a zipped pocket , it’s quite deep but narrow. I find that when the backpack is full, it’s better to have smaller, flatter items in this pocket.

One side has, what is called, a ‘ passport pocket ‘. It’s passport sized but like to keep my important documents in zipped pockets. As someone that loves water sports or going to the beach, I tend to keep a folded plastic bag in this pocket. That way if I end up with wet clothes or towels, I have a way of separating the wet stuff from the dry things!

I love the stretchy, expandable water bottle pocket . It holds my small water bottle without it being expanded. To fit larger bottles it has a zip on one side, creating a more ‘triangular’ shaped pocket. I can often reach round and get the bottle in and out of the pocket, without needing to remove the backpack!

Backpacks with 13" laptop compartment

On the back is a laptop compartment . The zip runs from the top of the backpack to the bottom, on one side. I have the 13″ 2020 MacBook Air and it fits perfectly into the pocket. I think it would be a bit of a squeeze if I had a case on it. However, as the backpack has a boxy design, I feel that’s it’s well protected though. My iPad in its keyboard case also fits perfectly.

My favourite pocket is the floating top pocket . It’s quite spacious and this is where I tend to keep stuff that I may want to have quick access to. I find that it’s a good spot to keep my sunglasses!

Main Compartment

The main compartment fully opens, similar to a suitcase. The internal fabric is a pale pink colour. Depending on the type of trip I’m taking I will position the zips differently. If I’m using the backpack more for luggage, I keep the zips together in a corner.

However, if I’m using it for a day trip, where I’m likely to be in and out of it multiple times, I keep them together near the top. More like a typical backpack. Otherwise I’m worried smaller items may fall out as it does open from the bottom corner!

Inside the Travel Hack Backpack

You can also buy a matching Travel Hack packing cube , designed to fit perfectly with the Stowaway backpack (see below).

I don’t tend to use packing cubes in smaller backpacks. I find I can fit more in without them. But as the Travel Hack backpack has a large rectangular internal area and opens like a suitcase, packing cubes do work well!

Internal Pockets

Inside the main compartment are 2 mesh pockets . These are located on the front panel. One at the top, one at the bottom. They are surprisingly large! I find that you need to keep in mind about over filling. Sometimes I end up filling the main area up so much that when I go to zip the front up, the 3D pockets are too full for it to be able to shut properly.

I tend to keep leads or things that I use a lot in the top pocket. When using it as a day bag, it’s helpful having that inside pocket near the top. It’s easy to access things without having to dig around to find things! I find it similar to the floating compartment but slightly more secure as it is ‘hidden’ by another zip.

Travel Hack Backpack internal pockets

Using The Travel Hack Backpack

When I fly with Ryanair the Travel Hack backpack is the first bag that I reach for as my cabin bag. It is great for a weekend city break but when I travel for a week or more with only hand luggage, I find that I need something a tiny bit bigger!

As well as international travel, The Travel Hack Backpack is great for UK weekend getaways. I’ve taken it camping, to hotels and when I went to stay with my friend for the weekend. It’s the perfect size for a couple of changes of clothes, pyjamas, camera, my Kindle, some overnight essentials and a few other bits.

Alternatively, it’s great for day trips when you may need some additional bits. Such as I went to the beach on the train I packed a towel and a blanket to sit on etc. When I went away for a week I used it in addition to another bag. The other bag had all my clothes and then I had all my other gadgets and extra bits in my Travel Hack backpack.

The Cabin Max Travel Hack Luggage Range

As well as the Travel Hack Backpack (which now comes in 4 colours: black, olive, navy and leopard), there’s also:

  • a cabin suitcase
  • a 30l tote bag
  • the Travel Hack 30l hybrid trolley backpack
  • the Travel Hack packing cube

I really like the look of the Travel Hack 30l hybrid trolley backpack . It’s looks similar to the travel hack backpack but has a capacity that’s 10l bigger and has wheels and a handle!

travel hack packing cube

The Travel Hack packing cube is designed to be paired with the 20l backpack. It comes in the same pale pink colour with rose gold zips. It says it compresses 17l of clothes down to 12l, saving 33% of space!

black cabin max travel hack backpack and the pink travel hack packing cube

I used The Travel Hack Compression Packing Cube along with the Cabin Max Metz 30L for a 2 week trip to Zanzibar. You can see how I used the two items together in my Youtube video: Pack With Me | How To Pack For A 2 Week Trip With 1 Under-seat Carry-on Bag . I was able to fit ALL my clothes for a 2 week trip inside the packing cube alone!

Although they are almost the same dimensions, I do find that the packing cube is a bit too big to use with the 20l Travel Hack backpack. It fills up every last bit of space which leaves no room to fill the internal mesh pockets or the floating pockets.

The Cabin Max Travel Hack range can be found on CabinMax.com !

Looking for a larger underseat backpack? Check out: Cabin Max Metz 30 Litre Backpack Review | An Awesome Underseat Bag For A Longer Trip!

So if you are looking for the perfect underseat backpack for female travellers, the Cabin Max Travel Hack backpack should definitely be on your radar!

Kylie Signature

My travels have taken me to over 40 countries worldwide (& I lived in USA for 4yrs). I hold a BTEC National Diploma in Travel & Tourism (triple distinction) and have been writing on Between England & Everywhere since 2015.

Expert in : Adventure travel 🎢 , beach destinations 🏖️ , and packing light (mid-budget backpacker) 🎒

Found this Travel Hack Backpack review helpful? Pin it for later!

Cabin Max Travel Hack Backpack Review

Last Updated on February 11, 2024

Great Review!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from between england & everywhere.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Yoko Meshi

Review: The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case with handbag compartment.

Cabin bags are something I have accumulated a lot of over the years, with the ever-changing airline regulations alongside my continually growing travel blogging essentials, the hunt for the perfect women’s cabin case has been never-ending. Therefore when I was kindly sent the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case , I was intrigued to find a cabin suitcase which was offering something different – a built-in handbag compartment.

Front view and size guide of the travel hack pro cabin case

Buy the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case from Amazon for £49.99 with next day Prime delivery currently available.

Who is the Travel Hack?

The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Bag was created by Monica Stott, the full-time blogger behind The Travel Hack. The Travel Hack is all about weekend breaks and affordable adventures. Over the past five years, it has grown to become one of the biggest travel resources on the internet and has seen Monica working with global brands and tourist boards. It is safe to say the Travel Hack has become a household name and indeed a brand itself.

The Travel Hack Cabin luggage came to life from a collaboration with Cabin Max, and was designed using Monica’s extensive knowledge of stylish travel on a budget.

My Travel Hack Cabin Case Review

The travel hack cabin case features.

  • Measurements –  55 x 40 x 20 cm. currently compatible as hand-luggage for over 20 airlines, including low-cost airlines such as Easyjet and Wizz Air  .
  • Lightweight – 2.7kg
  • Spacious – On my most recent trip with the Travel Hack cabin bag I used it hold 4 days worth of clothes for a trip to Iceland in winter.
  • Sturdy handle
  • Laptop compartment – A sturdy padded laptop compartment at the back of the case, no need to open the whole case to find your laptop.
  • Rose gold features – Zippers and trim are stylish rose gold, which contrast beautifully against the black material of the case. The inner material of the case is pink.
  • Water bottle holder at side of case.
  • Internal pockets to help with organisation
  • A built-in handbag compartment – which in my opinion helps the Travel Hack Cabin Pro to stand out as one of the best women’s cabin bag currently available.

stylish rose gold features of the travel hack pro cabin bag

Do you have trouble with packing lightly? You may find my essential packing tips and tricks helpful.

Built-in handbag compartment

As this is my favourite feature of the cabin case I wanted to write more in-depth about it – I did not realise how handy this was until I actually used it.

Many low-cost airlines have strict regulations on only being able allowed one piece of carry-on luggage which is not very convenient for people who also like to carry their valuables in a separate handbag. I have spent many times are an airport gate trying to stuff my handbag into my case to prevent getting an extra charge (Easyjet, I am looking at you) and looking at the design of the case I am assuming Monica has too.

The Travel Hack cabin bag has built-in handbag compartment at the top of the case and separates from the main case compartment. Meaning you can quickly and easily slip your handbag inside at the gate and not be worried about facing any additional charges. It meant I had quick access to my phone, passport and boarding pass at all times. I also found it had enough space for my DSLR, meaning if I wanted to I could easily pull it out for a photo and not worry about having to rearrange my whole case again.

As I previously said, I believe this feature alone sets the Travel Hack cabin bag apart as one of the best women’s cabin cases currently on the market and with airlines becoming my stringent I can only see it coming more useful.

The useful hand bag compartment of the travel hack pro cabin bag by cabin max and the travel hack

My experience with Travel Hack Case

When the case first arrived I was shocked at how big it was and was slightly worried it would not be allowed on my upcoming trip with Wow Air but I had no questions at all and it was a comfortable fit in the overhead plane storage.

I road-tested the cabin bag on my most recent 4 day trip to Iceland, it was during winter, therefore I had more clothes with me than I would normally take. I found the case to be incredibly spacious and the in-built luggage straps ensured everything stayed in place.

As I was only using carry-on luggage during my flight, I obviously had to have all the toiletries on me. For ease, I kept these in the in-built handbag compartment along with my other essentials so I could quickly access them at security.

The Travel Hack case is a 2 wheeled case, this would be my only downside of the case. This is purely because I am used to using 4 wheeled cases as I enjoy the ease of them, however, I do believe all the other features of the case make up for this.

I have not had a chance to test the laptop compartment yet, however, my Macbook fits comfortably inside and feels secure. I appreciate the laptop compartment being on the back of the case, rather than the front, as I believe it is more discreet and will offer more safety.

Overall, I am really impressed with the Travel Hack Pro cabin bag. Not only is it stylish, but it is also practical and looks to have had a well thought out design process. I believe it is suitable for women of all ages and with a reasonable price tag of £50 , it is an investment piece suitable for most budgets.

So if you are looking to treat yourself to a new cabin bag or if you are looking for the perfect travel Christmas gift for the lady in life then pick you can pick up the Travel Hack Pro from both Amazon and Cabin Max.

The Travel Hack Pro was a press sample, however all opinions are my own.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

The Travel Hack

The Travel Hack Luggage and the all new Tote Bag

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog , suitcase

The Travel Hack Luggage and the all new Tote Bag

I have a bit of an obsession with luggage. Some girls like shoes. Some girls like handbags. I like luggage! Suitcases and backpacks and shoulder bags, I love them all!

I love the feeling of organisation you get with a new bag. You have a pocket for everything and it just makes me feel neat and tidy and like I’ve got my act together!

Over the years I’ve been sent A LOT of luggage to review but no suitcase or backpack was ever perfect.

There was always a pocket in the wrong place or a zipper that wasn’t quite right! 

A lot of the luggage I tested felt like it had been designed by someone who had never even been on a plane! I wanted to find luggage that made flying easier and helped to make airports less stressful – especially when you’re flying with just hand luggage.

And that’s where The Travel Hack Luggage comes in!

travel hack cabin bag

Teaming up with Cabin Max

I teamed up with Cabin Max , a local luggage manufacturer specialising in cabin bags.

Cabin Max are based in Wrexham, North Wales. Their offices actually aren’t far from my house and it’s a bit of a coincidence we started working together. When I was pregnant with my first son, George, Cabin Max reached out and offered to send me some goodies for the baby and a baby changing bag. When I sent them my address to post the bag out we realised how close we were!

I ended up going for lunch with the Cabin Max team and I think we all realised we shared a love for travel, luggage and simplifying the process of flying with great luggage!

Cabin Max’s most popular piece of luggage is their famous Metz 44L backpack . It’s the perfect dimensions to take on a plane as hand luggage and gained popularity with budget travellers looking to beat the airlines and not pay for any luggage.

Cabin Max had a fantastic range of practical luggage but lacked a stylish, feminine range.

As The Travel Hack focused on travel hacks to help travellers find stylish experiences on a budget, a collaboration between Cabin Max and The Travel Hack was a perfect match. 

Meeting the Cabin Max team was a dream because I finally found a group of people who shared my passion for great luggage!

Designing luggage that takes the stress out of flying

Flying with just hand luggage can be stressful because you have so many things to take out of your suitcase when you pass through security and when you get on and off the plane. 

I hate that feeling of rummaging through your suitcase looking for liquids and electronics while also trying to hide your underwear from everyone in the queue!

I wanted to find a suitcase that kept everything you needed to remove at security separate, and in a compartment that made it easy to remove them.

And let’s not forget that if you’ve only got hand luggage then your bags can end up being heavy and there’s always the stress of it being too big and getting a hefty fee at the boarding gate!

I also wanted to find something that had a quick and easy place to stash your handbag. We’ve all been there when you’re only allowed one bag on a plane but you’ve actually got two so you’re sat on the floor of the airport, opening up your suitcase trying to squish one bag inside the other. Then you get on the plane and you need your handbag straight back out again!

It was due to these avoidable problems that The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case came about!

The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case

The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case was the first piece of luggage we released. It has a top ‘handbag compartment’ that’s easily accessed and you can pop your handbag inside when boarding the plane

The top compartment is also perfect to store your liquids and electronics to quickly remove when going through security.

This suitcase is within the dimensions to be taken onboard with most airlines but IT IS HUGE! I promise, it’s not too big to get on the plane! Loads of people get it and think it’s going to be too big but thousands of people have flown with it hundreds of thousands of times and it is fine. It’s taller and thinner than most suitcases to make the most of the awkward dimensions the airlines allow and this means you get the biggest suitcase you can possibly have without it being oversized – meaning you can take the most luggage possible! Winner winner.

The suitcase does only have two wheels and, while we did discuss adding 4 rotating wheels, we decided this would make the bag much smaller, heavier and more expensive. We decided to keep the bag as big as possible and the price lower so you get better value for money and can pack more!

Read more about The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case here and see some more photos!

travel hack cabin bag

The Travel Hack Backpack

I know you shouldn’t have favourites but The Travel Hack Backpack is my favourite as this is the bag I use everyday. In fact, I’ve been using it everyday since it was released and I still think it’s the best backpack out there.

It’s incredibly versatile and is also popular as a gym bag or a work bag thanks to the secure laptop pocket. It’s very popular with mums who like to have their hands free and all the organisational pockets inside and easy-to-access outer pockets keep you feeling organised no matter what you’re doing.

The rear laptop pocket is actually my favourite part of the bag. I use it for nappies and wipes when I’ve got my daughter with me, books and games when I’ve got the bigger kids, a laptop when I’m working and an iPad when I’m travelling.

The backpack can be used as the ‘free’ Ryanair bag and it’s surprisingly spacious and easily fits everything for a long weekend away.

Read more about The Travel Hack Backpack and see more photos.

The Travel Hack Backpack

The Travel Hack Tote Bag

The Travel Hack Tote is the latest addition to The Travel Hack Luggage set. It’s slightly bigger than the backpack and is ideal for those of us who prefer a shoulder bag to a backpack.

This is the ideal bag to stay organised while travelling thanks to all the internal and external pockets. It’s the perfect size to avoid extra fees with easyJet but also has a huge 30L capacity so it’s plenty big enough for a few days away. It has a few nifty and unexpected extras such as a hair straighteners pocket, a roomy internal laptop pocket, two slim external pockets perfect for tablets or documents, a ‘hidden’ external pocket that’s next to your body so it’s great for your phone, purse and keys.

travel hack cabin bag

Friday 14th of April 2023

Hi, Is there anywhere you know that might have the Travel Hack left in stock, it looks perfect?

Monday 17th of April 2023

The Travel Hack Backpack will be back in stock soon!

Jade Defoe-Banton

Saturday 18th of March 2023

Hiyaaaaa Travel Hack I love mine I have all of them please do more as people keep asking me about mine and want them tooo thank you so much for inventing these I love them so much I have the ruck sake the cabin max the hybrid all of them I’d love the large suitcase of it I’m curious how it would look too please have more online for all the women to get one love these there perfect .

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

I would love the set. I have the case and the backpack but cant get hold of the Tote anywhere.

Please help

@Monica, it’s already here I got mine I’m soo mesmerised by it can’t stop looking at it and the things you can put inside it it’s the perfect weekend away back pack pull along suitcase if you pack it well I love it .

@Kerrie, ask the company where you can get it if they selling more try eBay if not might be sold out

Wednesday 22nd of February 2023

The tote bag has been discontinued I'm afraid. But a new hybrid backpack suitcase will be available next month.

Wednesday 28th of September 2022

I absolutely love the stylish look and design of the cabin case! Was gutted though when I found no sites that allow for delivery to Australia.

Friday 24th of February 2023

@Stephanie, I ordered both the backpack and the cabin case from Cabinmax and they were shipped to Australia. It's a shame if they stopped shipping here as I want the tote to add to my collection.

Monday 10th of January 2022

Hello ! Would love to purchase the range as a set , but am having serious struggles finding the packing cubes

Are there any hidden away I can purchase for my trip next week ?

@Sam, hey you can get the cubes on Amazon

Tuesday 11th of January 2022

Hi Sam, the packing cubes are on order and should be with us by May/June time. I'm so sorry it won't be possible to get them for your trip next week.

our travel home

Best Carry On Luggage For Women: Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case Review

Photo of author

Jayne Gorman

October 24, 2018

If there is one thing us travel bloggers know well it’s the importance of good luggage for a successful journey. That’s why when the Travel Hack announced she’d designed the ultimate women’s carry on luggage I made sure I was one of the first to make a purchase.

Several months down the line, and with several short and long-haul trips under its (luggage) belt, I can confidently say the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case is the best cabin luggage I’ve ever travelled with. With a genius handbag compartment, separate laptop sleeve and chic design – ALL FOR UNDER 60 QUID – any female traveller would be crazy not to love it.

That handbag compartment

Best carry on luggage for women

I’m going to start with what is my favourite feature of this cabin case – the top pocket/handbag compartment.

If you’ve ever flown with a budget European airline (boo) you’ll immediately know what a lifesaver having a compartment you can bung your handbag in come boarding is.

Aside from getting one up on boarding agents, this top pocket is incredibly handy when flying long-haul, especially if you want to make it through security without flapping.

When we moved from Oz to the UK with most of our worldly belongings it was so reassuring to know all the important bits were safe in the main compartment and all the gadgets and toiletries I needed to take out for security (twice!) were ready to go in the top pocket. I don’t know about you but I hate having to open a hard cabin case at security – risking paperwork and dirty laundry flying out as you rummage for your Kindle – so having all these bits in an easily accessible compartment is amazing.

Similarly, there’s no need to wedge your bag awkwardly on the plane seat while hunting for your flight socks – just pop everything you need for the flight in the top pocket and you’ll never have to lie the bag flat to open it mid-journey.

In short, I never knew a pocket would change my life but it did.

Read also: My hand luggage essentials for long haul flights

Best carry on luggage for women

With a plush padded exterior, hot pink lining and rose gold detailing, this case has been designed with the fashion loving female traveller in mind and I’m all for it.

In fact, I’ve never been complimented on my luggage as much as I have when travelling with the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case. On every trip I’ve done with it I’ve been stopped at least twice to ask where I got the case from – even from check in agents who see all sorts of luggage day in day out.

Practicality

Best carry on luggage for women

The bag has been designed to fit most airlines hand luggage limits ( view the full list here ) but is incredibly roomy. (The main compartment is a generous 28 litres.)

You can easily fit a weekend’s worth of clothes, including a spare pair of shoes, in the main compartment and there’s separate little homes for your laptop, documents and water bottle too.

It’s light (2.7kg) and easy to move, albeit not as nimbly as a case with 4 wheels.

Unbelievably for something so good, this cabin case is super affordable. Buy now on Amazon  or ping this link to your mum/partner and ask for it for Christmas like I did!

*For delivery outside the UK head here.

Pin for later:

best carry on luggage for women travel hack pro cabin case

You may also like:

How to sleep on a plane – 8 top tips for getting more kip

8 travel hacks for 2018

Tips for flying while pregnant

*Main image thanks to The Travel Hack

Share this:

travel hack cabin bag

I’m Jayne, a travel blogger, content creator and mum to a 4-year-old son. I’ve been blogging since 2010, travelled to 65 countries and share travel guides and tips to help you plan stylish, stress-free trips.

2nd Trimester Pregnancy Diary: Scans, Flights & A Move Overseas

Gifts & gadgets for people who love to travel, 4 thoughts on “best carry on luggage for women: travel hack pro cabin case review”.

Have you used this bag on any Australian airlines? I’ve seen that it looks quite big. Qantas has 115cm then 56cm + 36cm + 23cm. This bag falls within the 115cm but the dimensions are different 55cm + 40cm + 20cm. So thought I’d ask if you had used it on Qantas domestic or international flights. Thanks

Hiya, Yes I flew from London to Melbourne with this case as hand luggage just recently. Also used it on Virgin and Singapore. Never been asked to have it have it checked against measurements – just received compliments haha.

Hi Jayne, I was trying to get hold of this carry on bag but Amazon doesn’t seem to have any. Any idea where I can get it from? Keep up the blog it’s great, Gillian

Hi Gillian, it does sell out fast on Amazon but it looks like they have it in stock on the Cabin Max website here https://cabinmax.com/products/travel-hack-pro-cabin-case-with-hand-bag-compartment Best, Jayne

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

While I'm Young

Home

  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • New Zealand
  • North America
  • South America

Cabin Max Travel Hack Pro Rose Gold Cabin Bag: traveller review

Travel Hack Pro Cabin Bag Review: The Best Stylish Women’s Carry-On

Style , Travel Inspiration & Tips | March 27, 2019

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you buy anything mentioned here. It doesn't cost you anything extra.

One of the most annoying things about being a woman who travels (besides having to constantly explain to people that actually, that country is  pretty safe), is all the ugly luggage we’re saddled with.

For years, I’ve been on a seemingly endless search for a stylish but practical carry-on bag for women; one that looks good but also manages to fit all the stuff I can’t go on a trip without.

People who fly frequently need a cabin case that’s spacious enough for all of our inflight essentials, compact and light enough to avoid extra charges, and pretty enough to make us feel like we’re not compromising our personal style while we travel. Because regardless of what most luggage brands apparently think, a penchant for adventure and a love of beautiful possessions are not mutually exclusive attributes.

Cabin Max® Travel Hack Pro Rose Gold Cabin Bag

The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case is manufactured by Cabin Max and designed by fellow travel blogger Monica, who runs The Travel Hack blog. Who better to design a piece of fashionable luggage than a lady who literally travels for a living?

Monica very kindly sent me a case to take for a whirl, and I’ve been using it on all of my short breaks since. I’ve been meaning to share a full review of the Travel Hack Pro Rose Gold Cabin Bag for a while but wanted to make sure I’d fully tested it out before I wrote a review.

My Travel Hack Pro Cabin Bag Review (Why it’s the Best Carry-on I’ve ever Owned)

The Cabin Max Travel Hack Pro Rose Gold Cabin Bag is finally back in stock – use my Amazon affiliate link !

Cabin Max® Travel Hack Pro Rose Gold Cabin Bag

This fashionable carry-on looks a  lot  more expensive than it really is. At just £69.95 , I think it’s a very savvy investment for style-conscious travellers.

The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Bag has a 600D polyester black padded and quilted outer shell with faux leather inserts. The inner lining is bright pink and the zips are a beautiful rose gold colour.

It’s the most stylish ladies’ cabin bag I’ve ever seen and I’ve received compliments from other women every time I’ve used it. I was on the metro heading to the airport one morning in December and bumped into a friend, who loved it so much that she got her boyfriend to buy her it for Christmas!

Most fashionable ladies cabin case for plane travel

Size, weight and capacity of the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case

The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case is admittedly rather large-looking and when mine arrived, I was a bit worried that I’d be stopped at the airport because of the size. Rest assured though. Monica took all the big airlines’ luggage restrictions into account when she designed the bag and it’s allowed on most flights, including Thomson, Thomas Cook and even Ryanair’s with ‘priority’ boarding.

I’ve taken plenty of flights (and trains and car journeys) with this bag and had zero issues – but of course you should always check the specific airline’s baggage rules before you go to the airport.

The Cabin Max Travel Hack Pro Rose Gold Cabin Case’s vital stats:

  • Dimensions – 55 x 40 x 20 cm
  • Weight – 2.7kg
  • Capacity – 28 litres

Despite its lightweight feel, it’s still surprisingly robust. And it’s incredibly spacious, so you really can pack loads!

Large ladies carry-on cabin bag for frequent travellers

Key features of this beautiful ladies cabin case

The Cabin Max Travel Hack Pro Rose Gold Cabin Case makes gliding through the airport an absolute breeze. It has multiple zips, meaning easy access to your stuff, and multiple compartments.

It has a chic faux leather luggage tag, and there’s a water bottle holder on one side so you can easily take a refillable water bottle through security and fill it up in Departures.

The main compartment has built in packing straps and a variety of zipped internal pockets to compartmentalise everything. I’ve never seen the point of buying packing cubes but I do love being able to separate my toiletries, underwear etc using this bag’s sections and side pockets.

What makes this carry-on bag special?

There’s an integrated compartment that’s easily accessed by the top zip and it’s designed for handbags, helping you avoid any hidden costs for a second bag (looking at you, EasyJet)! I personally use this compartment for my camera equipment and my small, ‘going out-out’ evening bag. I like to put my liquids in here too, so I can smugly whip them out just as the bossy security people open their mouths to ask if I’m trying to smuggle a lip gloss onto the plane.

You can expand the main compartment up into the handbag compartment by moving the adjustable hatch that runs between the two sections.

The other thing I love about the carry-on is the separate laptop pocket. It’s padded and located on the side of the bag that would face your body, so your Macbook is protected but super easy to slide out at security. This pocket is also perfect for your travel documents.

Ladies cabin bag with compartments

Why this is the best ladies’ cabin case for frequent travellers

All Cabin Max luggage comes with a 3 year manufacturers warranty. I’m pretty ahem, rough, with my belongings (I can’t usually have nice things) but there are no signs of wear and tear on my bag at all, which is pretty remarkable for me after several uses.

The telescopic handle and easy-roll wheels have been reliable so far. If I was being super picky, I’d add two more wheels for even more flexibility but I suppose that’s only really an issue with full-size suitcases.

In summary, you  need  this carry-on, girls – especially because it’s such a reasonable price. Now obviously, this one was gifted to me but it’s been featured all over the press too, so even if you’re one of those people who doesn’t trust blogger reviews (why you here then hun?) you can rest assured that my review – and the bag itself – is legit. Since getting my hands on it, I’ve actually wondered what the hell all the other luggage companies have been playing at.

The Cabin Max Travel Hack Pro Rose Gold Cabin Case (name’s a bit of a mouthful, I will say that!) is so intuitively designed for female travellers that it’s kind of embarrassing that no other brands have though of it yet.

Get your Cabin Max Travel Hack Pro Rose Gold Cabin Case here

Get the matching packing cubes here

More posts for women who travel

Ultimate female traveller gift guide

What to buy male travellers

What to look for in a women’s backpack

How to travel from your couch

The best travel TV shows

What to pack on a cruise

How to pack for a weekend break when you have cabin bag only

You can follow me on Instagram,  Facebook ,  Twitter  and  Pinterest . You can also subscribe to my  Youtube channel .

As mentioned at the beginning of the post, this item was gifted to me but with no obligation to review. All opinions are my own. I just love it!

The most stylish cabin bag for women

zanetabarancom says

April 6, 2019 at 11:54 am

OMG, this bag looks amazing! And it seems like really handy and has great layout. I am actually thinking about buying new one, I will definitely check that one out!

Dannielle | While I'm Young says

April 6, 2019 at 1:16 pm

Ooh let me know if you do get it!

April 7, 2019 at 8:43 pm

This bag seriously looks perfect. Also the pink!! Great post girl!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog

My Travel Hack Backpack Review – Best Backpack for Travelling Women!

Categories Packing , Reviews

If you’re looking for the best carry-on backpack for women, the best backpack for travelling women and just the overall best stylish backpack for ladies, let me introduce to you the Travel Hack Backpack!

A beautiful 20L backpack for ladies that is Black on the outside, Pink on the inside and has Rose Gold zips for the many handy pockets it has!

The Travel Hack Stowaway cabin backpack has been designed to be the perfect women’s carry-on bag thinking of everything we need in a bag to create ease whilst travelling through an airport (and beyond!), whilst also saving us money in airline baggage fees!

( Please note that this post contains affiliate links to Amazon and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases that you may via this site. )

So let’s get into more about the Track Hack Backpack , why it’s so great and why you really need to get yourself one!

Best Carry-On Backpack For Women

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women,

Travel Hack Backpack

Firstly, where did the Travel Hack Carry On Backpack come from?

Monica created this Ladies cabin backpack along with 2 other bags.

Monica is a British Travel Blogger running The Travel Hack Blog . She lives in Wales and is a Mum to 3 children. I have been following her for yearrrss so I was so excited when she released her luggage line!

She is a lover of bags and she has definitely travelled a lot so she put everything she knows into this beautiful backpack,

Which has been designed as a carry on for women to help us travel in style, take as much with us as possible, and reduce airline baggage fees which seem to get tighter and increase all the time!

These bags are only available on Amazon and they sell out quickly!

Visit Amazon here to see the Backpack!

Travel Hack Backpack from front, Best Backpack for travelling women,

Although this post is a Travel Hack Backpack review, let me also tell you about her other 2 Travel Hack Bags which are just as stylish and clever:

Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case

The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case was the first piece of luggage Monica released with Cabin Max. It is a cabin case for women which has been cleverly designed to hold a lot of clothes with a 45L capacity and it has many pockets to organise and protect your items.

Monica says she has had so many compliments on this cabin case from total strangers in airports and I can see why as it’s very different and much nicer than the standard women’s cabin cases these days and is very feminine whilst also being incredibly practical.

View it on Amazon here!

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women, Travel Hack cabin Case

Travel Hack Underseat Tote Bag

The newest addition to her range of travel bags for women is the Travel Hack Underseat Tote Bag . Some women prefer backpacks, some women love a tote bag, and some trips are better for backpacks and some for a shoulder Tote Bag.

Whats really unique about this Tote Bag is the size! It has a huge 30L capacity and many internal and external pockets for organisation and protection of items when travelling.

I do prefer to keep my carry on bag by my feet when flying and the Travel Hack Tote Bag has been designed to fit under the seat, depending on how full it is of course, if not, it will definitely go overhead just fine!

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women, Travel Hack Tote Bag

Best Backpack for Travelling Women

There are so many reasons the Travel Hack Cabin Bag is the best backpack for travelling women which is what I’m going to go into now.

1. Colour & Design for a Stylish Ladies Backpack

So many women’s travel backpacks are essentially mens’s backpacks but modified a tiny bit. They look the same as all other hiking backpacks or laptop bags, but the Travel Hack Stowaway Backpack is seriously different.

– Feminine Backpack

It has such a feminine look, however it is very much suited for a woman rather than a girl and in no way does it look too young or girly.

The outside of the bag is totally black meaning it fits all outfits and the Rose Gold zips give it a modern and stylish touch.

The inside is more girly as it’s a light pink colour but it is still very classy and I find this colour helps me find things in the bag easier than if the inside was black too.

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women, Travel Hack Backpack top zips

– Front Opener

What makes a bag the best women’s travel backpack for me is that it’s a front opener! As you can see in the photos, the whole of the front of the backpack opens up making it really easy to see and access items inside.

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women, Travel Hack Backpack front opening

The Travel Hack Cabin Backpack is only available on Amazon and can sell out quickly!

2. 20L Women’s Carry on Backpack

With the ever changing and tightening baggage allowances, especially with European Budget Airlines this backpack really helps you take as much as possible on the plane with you, in a backpack, and under your seat, therefore helping to avoid paying for a cabin case to go overhead or under the plane.

If you have it in you to pack light, you could use this bag only for all of your items for a weekend away. It would be a tight fit and you’d have to forfeit some stuff, but if you’re keen to save money on luggage then it’s an option!

Otherwise, it’s still a fantastic size to fit all the things you need to travel with hand luggage only, including a drink, food, books, a laptop, extra clothing and toiletries.

The size is not only perfect for the plane, but once you arrive at your destination, you have a backpack for exploring which can fit a lot in!

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women, Travel Hack Backpack 20L inside

3. Pockets & Compartments for a Safe Women’s Travel Backpack

Us women love pockets don’t we, and pockets and compartments in a backpack help us stay organised and keep our items protected.

The Travel Hack Backpack has:

– 2 Side Pockets with 1 Extendable Pocket

A side pocket for a bottle is a must for me and this backpack has a pocket either side.

What’s really great though is that one side has an extendable pocket with a zip making it easier to put a bigger bottle in, or even a tripod! Whilst the other side can be used for a smaller bottle or for your phone when in a safe area.

View the Travel Hack Backpack on Amazon here!

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women, Travel Hack Backpack side drinks pocket

– Top Pocket for Valuables

The top of the backpack features a really handy pocket. This is perfect for holding your passport, phone and purse in when at the airport, especially if you’re bag is sat on your cabin case.

It gives really easy access to valuables whilst also being fairly discreet.

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack top pocket

– Front Pocket

As with many backpacks the Travel Hack Stowaway Backpack has a slimline front pocket perfect for keeping hold of documents, or face masks which is what I recently used it for!

– Laptop Compartment

This is a backpack with a laptop compartment and my laptop feels super safe in it’s padded back compartment.

I love having a totally separate compartment for my laptop in a backpack because it ensures it doesn’t get scratched, it’s easy to take it out without having to move everything else and although it’s not a theft proof pocket or zip, it does feel safe and fairly concealed.

I have a 13 inch MacBook Air which fits perfectly without a case or cover.

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack laptop compartment

– Inside organisers

Lastly, as you open the backpack you’ll see 2 netted pockets and organisers. I have found these so handy for the little things I travel with like tissues, lip balm, plasters, hand cream, headphones etc.

And best of all, they don’t seem to effect or compromise the overall space in the other side of the bag!

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women, Travel Hack Backpack inside pockets

5. Comfort and Ease

There are a few ways that the Travel Hack Backpack really beats other women’s fashion backpacks because although fashion travel backpacks often look nice, they aren’t always practical for long use due to their lack of comfort.

– Padded Straps

I love that the Travel Hack Backpack has padded straps and a padded back with breathable material.

So many stylish backpacks for women are created without padded straps and no breathable material at the back which means your shoulders will hurt very quickly and you can end up with a sweaty back pretty quickly too!

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women, Travel Hack Backpack padded straps

– Suitcase Strap

This is a total saviour and game changer, it’s such a small detail but makes a huge difference when you’re walking through an airport!

If I have a cabin suitcase and a backpack with me I always like to put my backpack on my case to save my shoulders from the weight and when the backpack doesn’t have a suitcase strap to attach itself to the suitcase handle it is always falling off!

However the Travel Hack Cabin Case perfectly sits on my suitcase and is secure.

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women, Travel Hack Backpack suitcase straps

6. Multi-Use Bag

Lastly, the reason why this is the best women’s travel backpack and the best backpack for travelling women is because it has so many uses when we’re travelling and when we’re not.

– Women’s Day Pack

It has been designed to be the perfect women’s carry on backpack but its’s also a great backpack for taking out with you once on your trip whether you’re on a beach holiday and need it for your towel and suncream or on a city break with your camera.

If I have a day out in the city at home and want to do some work on the go, I love taking this bag as the laptop slips into the laptop compartment, I can pack everything else I need for the day in the main compartment and the padded straps mean its comfy to carry around all day.

– Baby Bag

Monica has shared many photos of women using this as a baby bag as it’s perfect for organising nappies and bottles whilst also being really stylish and sitting on a pram well.

Travel Hack Backpack, Best Backpack for travelling women,

I hope you have found my Travel Hack BackPack Review helpful and realise why this really is the best backpack for travelling women, and a women’s stylish backpack even when you’re not travelling!

  • For more of my packing posts see:
  • Backpacking Checklist To Prepare for a Gap Year or Backpacking Trip!
  • Detailed Female Packing List For India! What To Pack For India!
  • Female Packing List For Thailand! What To Pack For Thailand!

If you liked this please share it! 🙂

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Mini Travellers – Family Travel & Family Holiday Tips

Travel Hack Cabin Case Review

Mini travellers.

2nd November 2021

Travel Hack Cabin Case Review

What You Will Find Here

Just before we flew to Rome, I was kindly gifted a Travel Hack cabin case to take away with me and review so here is what I thought.

*spoiler alert – i love it.

travel hack cabin bag

Basic Facts

  • Generous 28 litre main compartment with packing straps and a variety of zipped pockets for everything from toiletries to straighteners.
  • Rear padded compartment for a Macbook or a small laptop.
  • Stylish 600D PU outer shell with faux leather inserts and rose gold detailing.
  • Lightweight design weighs just 2.7kg and features super smooth wheels. 55x40x20cm
  • Designed to fit within most airline’s hand luggage restrictions

Initial thoughts on the Travel Hack cabin case

Straight away on receipt you can tell the Travel Hack cabin case has been designed to look good. Better than good, it’s designed to look expensive even though it isn’t. The rose gold detailing sets it apart from other cases we have already and I loved the mixture of textures and the design of the padding. It’s classy and feels like a bag designed by a woman for a woman.

AD | I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.

I also thought it was really good value for a cabin bag. You can obviously get ones that cost £20 on Amazon but we’ve had a few of those over the years and you’re lucky if they last one trip. Equally it’s not in the Antler/Samsonite bracket where you can’t get anything for less than £150.

For a mid priced Cabin Bag, I was really really impressed with the quality.

Travel Hack Cabin Case Review

Packing the Travel Hack Cabin Case

A lot of thought has gone into the Travel Hack Cabin Case. It’s been designed with a weekend break in mind to ensure you only need to take this cabin bag and nothing else. With pockets for your laptop, toiletries, water bottle and even your handbag at the top, it’s been designed for those flights when you can only take one bag, and absolutely nothing more.

This trip I was actually using the cabin case as my only luggage for a week. We had all booked a 10kg cabin bag and we could all have an under the seat bag too.

The pros of this cabin bag was that I could keep all the things separately that I wanted to, the slight downside was that due to the smaller opening of the bag on the front I couldn’t easily lay out all my clothes in the bag in the same way I would if it was a fully opening compartment. However I did like separating out the smaller items and putting them into the top area, so I can’t really say it was actually a downside at all.

Using the Travel Hack Cabin Case

The handle is cleverly built into the back of the suitcase and is telescopic, it folds down twice and into a zipped pocket. It’s so cleverly hidden that it actually took me a little while to find it as I couldn’t believe the handle would be in such a small pocket.

Wheels worked really well and were smooth, although I have to say that I’m a sucker for the 4 wheeled suitcases that you can push as well as pull. These are however usually heavier and take up more space, they are also a lot more expensive.

As I mentioned above I also loved being able to pop things in the top of the bag – really useful when you’ve got kids who can never quite decide what they want and when they want it!

The stability of the suitcase took a little getting used to, and it fell over a few times until I worked it out. The handle doesn’t stand up straight it’s on a slight angle, which is totally fine and it works brilliantly, but if you try and force it upright the bag falls over.

Overall thoughts on the Travel Hack Cabin Case

Overall I love the Travel Hack Cabin Case and will use it for weekend breaks over most other bags I have. It will not only be a cabin bag but it will be a pop to London for the weekend/overnight bag. With its laptop compartment, the smaller section and the water bottle holder I think it’s an excellent purchase.

Travel Hack Cabin Case

Other Travel Hack Products

There are now some other gorgeous Travel Hack products you can check out.

I have my eye on the Travel Hack Tote!

travel hack cabin bag

Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!

Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.

  • Mini Travellers https://minitravellers.co.uk/author/karennbeddow/ Richard, My Richard Review
  • Mini Travellers https://minitravellers.co.uk/author/karennbeddow/ White Water Changing Robe Review
  • Mini Travellers https://minitravellers.co.uk/author/karennbeddow/ Travel Tips: Jungle Formula | Insect Repellent
  • Mini Travellers https://minitravellers.co.uk/author/karennbeddow/ 10 Top Tips for Disneyland Paris With Kids

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Copyright © 2023 Mini Travellers - Family Travel & Family Holiday Tips

Wanderers of the World

Travel Hack Tote Review: Affordable Luxury For A Weekend Getaway

If you’re considering buying the recently-launched Travel Hack Tote bag , then I hope this detailed review helps you to decide whether this luggage is right for you.

Pockets, pockets and more pockets. That’s what I look for first when it comes to new luggage as, being able to separate out your items, really makes packing and unpacking a breeze.

Not to mention how easy it is to find essential items like your passport and tickets quickly when you need them.

I’ve loved using the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case these past couple of years (you can read my review here ), so when Monica from The Travel Hack got in touch to ask me if I’d like to try her new product: the Travel Hack Tote , I (of course) jumped at the chance!

Read on to find out what I thought after using it during our weekend trip to the Peak District . I’ve also recently updated this review to let you know whether I still love it in 2023. Spoiler: I do! Read on to find out why…

Full disclosure: Monica from The Travel Hack kindly gifted me a tote bag in exchange for my honest review and feedback . As always, all thoughts, opinions and photos are my own.

The Travel Hack Tote: Affordable, Stylish & Perfect For A Weekend Getaway

Travel Hack Tote Review - picture of the adjustable shoulder strap

In case you’ve never heard of it, the Travel Hack Tote is a 30-litre hand luggage bag.

It was designed by Cabin Max (experts in cabin luggage) in collaboration with Monica from The Travel Hack (a hugely successful full-time travel and lifestyle blogger who certainly knows a thing or two about weekend getaways and travelling the world!)

Just like the rest of Cabin Max’s luggage, the Travel Hack Tote bag is designed to fit within most airlines’ hand luggage restrictions. 

This one, in particular, is designed to fit underneath the seat in front of you. It’s exactly the size of easyJet’s latest hand luggage restrictions (45 x 36 x 20 cm). But Scott and I have yet to test it on an aeroplane ourselves.

I prefer to use the Travel Hack backpack on my trips abroad as that one also doubles up as a day trip backpack. If you’d like to know more about that bag, then you can read my other review here .

Anyway, back to The Travel Hack Tote bag: this one is a beautiful and luxurious piece of hand luggage without the hefty price tag!

Keep reading for all the reasons why I love my new favourite travelling accessory.

Check prices on Amazon >>

What I Love About The Travel Hack Tote Bag

Here are all the top things I love about The Travel Hack Tote bag…

1. Pockets, pockets and more pockets!

I knew the Travel Hack Tote bag would have lots of pockets and compartments before it arrived, but it’s got even more than I first realised!

On the outside, it has two good-sized and slightly hidden pockets in the front (super handy for grabbing essentials like your passport and tickets quickly!)

Close up of the zipped side front pockets for my Travel Hack Tote review

It’s even got a zipped pocket on the part that can slip over your suitcase handle.

Zipped pocket on the Travel Hack Tote bag (on the part that slides over a suitcase handle)

And then inside, the Travel Hack Tote bag also has these additional pockets and compartments:

  • One large padded laptop compartment
  • Two smaller padded pockets (ideal for iPads and tablets)
  • Two deep mesh pockets with zips
  • One long narrow pocket in the side with a zip (perfect for your hair straighteners or more intimate items)
  • Plus, one small mesh pocket on the other side of the bag

Zipped mesh pockets inside the Travel Hack Tote

Isn’t that fabulous? I love a bag with plenty of pockets as it makes finding things so much easier when you can separate your various bits and bobs out.

2. It’s hand luggage-sized, yet oh-so-spacious! 

At 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, the Travel Hack Tote is designed to fit within most airlines’ hand luggage restrictions. 

Even easyJet’s new policy allows you to take the tote bag on as hand luggage although we have yet to try this ourselves. According to Cabin Max, the bag should slide underneath the seat in front of you.

While I haven’t taken it on an aeroplane yet, I originally roadtested it during our trip to the Peak District .

Despite packing extra clothes to take us from hiking during the day to evenings out, I still had tons of room left over to fit more in. I’d say you could probably use this bag for a 4 or 5-day trip, as well as a casual weekend getaway.

3. Beautiful stylish design, yet useful too

I’m a total sucker for rose gold anything so I adore that all the zips are in rose gold, which looks striking against the plain black. Not to mention the millennial pink colour inside is gorgeous as well!

A closeup of the Travel Hack Tote's design

The tote bag also has a couple of faux leather and quilted fabric details, which also add to the luxurious feel of this stunning piece of hand luggage.

But the tote bag’s design is also just as practical as it is beautiful!

It has two large overarm handles, an adjustable (and detachable) shoulder strap and even a part that enables you to slide the bag over your suitcase handle.

Picture of the Travel Hack Tote slid over the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case suitcase handle

I also love that the bottom of the bag is padded, so I wasn’t worried about damaging anything inside – including my laptop!

4. Affordable yet luxurious hand luggage

You might think that all these fabulous features and stunning design mean the tote bag comes with a hefty price tag.

But at under £50/$55, this is affordable yet luxurious hand luggage!

Buy the Travel Hack Tote on Amazon >>

What Could Be Improved

As they say, nothing’s perfect. I do have a couple of teeny tiny little niggles about the bag (but they’re certainly not deal breakers!)

  • The bottom of the bag doesn’t have studded “feet”. This is such a small thing, but I think some studded feet would finish the bag off even more. But I suspect this would have also affected its ability to fit within many airline restrictions, so I can understand why these might have been left off.
  • The zippers aren’t officially lockable. This isn’t a problem if your bag is going to stay with you when travelling, but I do prefer lockable zips for that extra security. What you should be able to do, though, is thread a padlock through the loops at the end of the zip pulls themselves.

Travel Hack Tote Review - close up of the rose gold zip pulls

Is The Travel Hack Tote Worth It?

In a word, yes. I honestly love this tote bag and I’ll certainly use it for all our future weekend getaways where Scott and I don’t need as much space as an actual suitcase.

For me, it’s the stylish, classy design, multiple pockets and affordable price tag that make this bag such a winner for weekend getaways.

Given the Travel Hack luggage collection was designed in collaboration with a blogger and influencer, I was initially worried they’d hoik the price right up like other brands have done in the past. 

But by keeping this tote bag under £50/$55, they’ve achieved something I’m so proud to own: a practical, affordable, yet luxurious piece of hand luggage!

2023 Update: Do I Still Love The Travel Hack Tote Bag?

In a word, yes! I stand by everything I’ve written above about the Travel Hack Tote Bag and I still use it regularly on my trips around the UK.

I prefer to use the Travel Hack Backpack when I go abroad as it slides under the seat in front of me without any issues. It also doubles up as a good-sized day trip bag.

One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that it’s getting more and more difficult to find the Travel Hack Tote Bag here in the UK. If you’re also struggling, then this one from Cabin Max is very similar.

More Travel Hack Luggage For Your Wishlist…

To finish, I also wanted to point out that Cabin Max and The Travel Hack have also created some other products together, which you might like.

I also have the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case , which I’ve reviewed in detail here . And the 20L Travel Hack Backpack ( full review here ). Spoiler: I love them both!

You can also now buy a hybrid trolley backpack , which The Travel Hack and Cabin Max have collaborated on together. I suspect I’ll end up loving that one, too.

Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case Review

I also have the Pink Compression Packing Cubes on my wishlist. Apparently, 17 litres of clothing can be compressed into just 12 litres with these packing cubes, which also have a pretty pink and gold design. Check prices on Cabin Max

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this Travel Hack Tote bag review. If you’ve got any other questions, just drop me a line in the comments below and I’ll reply asap! Or… if you’re already the proud owner of this beautiful hand luggage, I’d love to know what you think of it!

Pin this Travel Hack Tote review now, read it again later!

Travel Hack Tote Review Affordable Luxury For A Weekend Getaway

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

travel hack cabin bag

  • Åland Islands (EUR €)
  • Andorra (EUR €)
  • Austria (EUR €)
  • Belgium (EUR €)
  • Cyprus (EUR €)
  • Czechia (CZK Kč)
  • Denmark (DKK kr.)
  • Estonia (EUR €)
  • Finland (EUR €)
  • France (EUR €)
  • French Guiana (EUR €)
  • French Southern Territories (EUR €)
  • Germany (EUR €)
  • Greece (EUR €)
  • Guadeloupe (EUR €)
  • Guernsey (GBP £)
  • Ireland (EUR €)
  • Isle of Man (GBP £)
  • Italy (EUR €)
  • Jersey (GBP £)
  • Kosovo (EUR €)
  • Latvia (EUR €)
  • Lithuania (EUR €)
  • Luxembourg (EUR €)
  • Malta (EUR €)
  • Martinique (EUR €)
  • Mayotte (EUR €)
  • Monaco (EUR €)
  • Montenegro (EUR €)
  • Netherlands (EUR €)
  • Norway (GBP £)
  • Poland (PLN zł)
  • Portugal (EUR €)
  • Réunion (EUR €)
  • Romania (RON Lei)
  • San Marino (EUR €)
  • Slovakia (EUR €)
  • Slovenia (EUR €)
  • Spain (EUR €)
  • St. Barthélemy (EUR €)
  • St. Martin (EUR €)
  • St. Pierre & Miquelon (EUR €)
  • Sweden (SEK kr)
  • Switzerland (CHF CHF)
  • United Kingdom (GBP £)
  • United States (USD $)
  • Vatican City (EUR €)
  • Shop by Airline
  • Underseat Bags
  • Wheeled Bags
  • Accessories
  • Deals & Offers
  • Air France /KLM
  • British Airways
  • Easyjet Free Bags
  • EasyJet Plus Bags
  • Ryanair Free Bags
  • Ryanair Priority Bags
  • Wizz Air Free Bags
  • Wizz Air Priority Bags
  • Luggage Sets

travel hack cabin bag

Avoid checking in a hold bag by maxxing your paid cabin bag allowance

travel hack cabin bag

The Manhattan Range

Now available in every budget airline size

Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot

Designed in the uk, 3 year warranty as standard, shop by airline.

travel hack cabin bag

Left Shop by collection Right

travel hack cabin bag

Left Shop by type of luggage Right

travel hack cabin bag

Left SHOP POPULAR AIRLINE FREE BAG ALLOWANCES Right

Travel Hack 20L Backpack - 40x20x25cm - Cabin Max

Our Sustainability journey

We're committed to lessening our impact on the environment. Find out what we have done so far and our plans for the future.

Left SHOP RYANAIR FREE SIZE Right

travel hack cabin bag

Left SHOP EASYJET FREE SIZE Right

Memphis 30L Backpack ♻️ - 45x36x20cm - Cabin Max

Passionate about saving you money

We've been designing award winning hand luggage since 2007, when we brought the first hand luggage backpack to the market. In that time we've helped hundreds of thousands of passengers avoid extra hand luggage fees.

With hold luggage fees rising and budget airlines now starting to charge for overhead locker space in the aircraft cabin, making the right choice of hand luggage has never been more important.

We're passionate about helping you beat the airlines at their own game and avoid those crushing extra luggage fees.

We've been recommended in...

travel hack cabin bag

From the blog

London City Airport has scrapped the 100ml rule - more airports to follow! - Cabin Max

London City Airport has scrapped the 100ml rule - more airports to follow!

How to beat Easyjet's hand luggage charges - Cabin Max

How to beat Easyjet's hand luggage charges

Navigate Ryanair's Hand Luggage Charges And Save Big! - Cabin Max

Navigate Ryanair's Hand Luggage Charges And Save Big!

travel hack cabin bag

Our top packing tips

Learn to pack like a pro.

Makers of the original (and best) cabin backpack since 2007. Our hand luggage is designed to be lightweight, robust and improve your travel experience.

We know the latest hand luggage requirements and design quality bags and cases to fit. Guaranteed!

  • Airline Cabin Luggage Size Guide
  • Sustainability
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Refund Policy
  • TV & Film
  • Say Maaate to a Mate
  • First Impressions - The Game
  • Daily Ladness
  • Citizen Reef

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories , we're happy to send you some reminders

Click ' OK ' then ' Allow ' to enable notifications

Man's Ryanair bag hack to avoid paying for a suitcase leaves everyone asking the same question

Man's Ryanair bag hack to avoid paying for a suitcase leaves everyone asking the same question

The outcome has confused a fair few viewers.

Tom Earnshaw

Tom Earnshaw

A man's hack to avoiding paying for checked bags onboard a Ryanair flight has left his viewers all asking the same question.

TikTok user Rob Adcock regularly posts videos about budget travel and some of the tips and tricks you can benefit from when it comes to flying with the likes of Ryanair , easyJet , and Jet2.

In one of his most recent videos, Rob tasked himself with seeing if he could fit his 20kg baggage in to one free Ryanair carry on.

Ryanair rules stipulate that every passenger can have one free small bag that they can take on the plane, measuring a maximum of 40cm x 20x x 25cm.

You can also have a cabin bag, weighing a max of 10kg, measuring a max of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. But this must be purchased before boarding.

And then there's the checked bags, which are a maximum of 10kg or 20kg and are dropped at check-in desk before airport security. They must also be purchased beforehand.

For Rob, he wanted to see if he could fit his 20kg bag into the free bag through the help of one vital device: a vacuum packer.

And in a big coincidence for the Brit , his mum and dad just happened to own one. And an industrial sized one at that.

Rob Adcock.

It would have cost Rob £60 each way to have checked in the bag for his flight to Madrid , which came to a total of 21.74kg.

Taking to his TikTok channel @robdidatiktok , Rob said: "This might just be the greatest thing I have ever attempted. This could be beyond my wildest dreams.

"We know the Ryanair can charge up to £60 to take a suitcase on holiday. We also know the idea of paying that makes me feel physically unwell.

"But the free carrying bag that you get doesn't say anything about how much it can weigh, just the size.

"My friend messaged me saying - 'why don't you try and vacuum pack a bag?' - so that is what we're bloody well doing.

"Booked flight to Madrid, got that suitcase all lovely and full. 21.74 kilos is this bad boy.

"My mum and dad live on a farm, right, and I don't know how I've never thought about this before, but they own an industrial vacuum packer. I know it's a bit random and just thinking about this, it properly makes me giddy."

Rob said the vacuum packing experience was 'like some kind of mad ASMR experience'.

Passengers getting on a Ryanair flight.

After sucking the air out of all his clothes, Rob's clothes fit like a hand in glove.

"I can't put into words my level of excitement," he said. "Am I Stoke-on-Trent's version of Albert Einstein?"

Rob said that at boarding, Ryanair staff were checking and charging those whose bags didn't fit the size of weight limits placed upon the free small bag allowed or the cabin bag.

Thankfully for him, he was allowed through with a North Face Fusebox bag that looked like it could well have been slightly larger than the size limits allowed.

The experience left his viewers all asking the same thing - how did he get it all home?

One said: "I wonder what he's gonna do for his return flight?"

A second posted: "But how do you vacuum packets for your return return journey? I guess you would need to find a vacuum cleaner?"

And a third asked: "Fabulous idea but how you going to repeat the process on the way back?"

Well, LADbible has the answer. Rob told us that the clothing was mostly items that 'at the end of their use' and had seen better days.

With them neither good enough to keep or donate to charity, he binned them in Madrid.

But he said if he had been taking them back, borrowing a vacuum cleaner from the hotel he was staying at would have worked.

He said: "I’ve since heard about people taking their own bags and sucking the air out with the straw - which sounds LONG - and one person told me they take reusable vacuum bags and use the hotel's hoover to take the air out."

Topics:  Cost of Living , Holiday , Money , Ryanair , Travel , UK News , World News

Tom joined LADbible in 2024, specialising in SEO and trending content. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

  • Ryanair launches £15 flights to 'door to the desert' city where iconic Oscar winning films were made
  • Ryanair is selling flights under £35 to ‘Greek Caribbean’ that has £2 pints and golden beaches
  • £25 flights can take you to Europe’s best beach but it comes with a deadly warning
  • Car insurance warning for young people who live in three UK areas

Choose your content:

Relationship expert says there’s one thing that leads to most break-ups and how to avoid it

Relationship expert says there’s one thing that leads to most break-ups and how to avoid it

There's one thing you need to do if you want to avoid breaking up.

Royal Caribbean responds after people complain over 'crazy' price of cruise ship Wi-Fi

Royal Caribbean responds after people complain over 'crazy' price of cruise ship Wi-Fi

Cruise passenger reduced to tears after being handed unexpected £400 bill

Cruise passenger reduced to tears after being handed unexpected £400 bill

Wetherspoons is selling Guinness for less than £3 from today

Wetherspoons is selling Guinness for less than £3 from today

IMAGES

  1. Travel Hack Cabin Case with Hand Bag Compartment

    travel hack cabin bag

  2. Travel Hack Pro Cabin Bag Review: The Most Stylish Women's Carry-On

    travel hack cabin bag

  3. Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case Review: Affordable Luxury At Its Best

    travel hack cabin bag

  4. Travel Hack Cabin Case with Hand Bag Compartment

    travel hack cabin bag

  5. Review: The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case with handbag compartment

    travel hack cabin bag

  6. Introducing The Travel Hack Cabin Case

    travel hack cabin bag

COMMENTS

  1. The Travel Hack Hybrid is here!

    thetravelhack 2,350 posts · 28K followers View more on Instagram 195 likes Add a comment... The Hybrid Dream! It's so convenient being able to switch from a wheeled suitcase to a backpack. Wheel it through the airport but then carry it on your back when you get to busy train stations, cobbled streets or up lots of stairs!

  2. The Travel Hack Backpack

    Cabin Max Travel Hack Travel Bags for Women | Ryanair Cabin Bags 40x20x25 | Laptop Backpack - Black A fashionable and space-saving womens Travel Backpack cabin size which fits under the seat. It can hold laptops up to 13", serving as a convenient option for weekend trips too.

  3. Is this the best ladies cabin luggage?

    Buy on Amazon Please note that this suitcase now has a light pink interior which has replaced the original hot pink. I've designed the perfect women's cabin case in partnership with a company called Cabin Max. I'm so proud of this case as it's literally my dream cabin bag with all the features I've been wishing I could have for years.

  4. Travel Hack Cabin Case with Hand Bag Compartment

    Travel Hack Cabin Case with Hand Bag Compartment - Cabin Max Trustpilot View all 58 Reviews Write a review Angela D. 11/20/2021

  5. easyJet hand luggage: 5 best 45x36x20 Cabin Bag

    1. The Travel Hack Hybrid - Trolley + Backpack Cabin Max Travel Hack 30L Hybrid Trolley Cabin Bag Backpack with Wheels CABIN BAG BACKPACK WITH WHEELS - Suitable for most major airlines as carry on cabin luggage. LARGE - 30 litre capacity and large suitcase style opening for easy packing.

  6. Travel Hack Backpack Review

    Dimensions: 40x25x20 Weight: 0.6kg | Capacity: 20l Laptop compartment: Up to 13″ Perfect for: Day trips, mini breaks or weekend getaways, on its own. Or paired with additional luggage for longer trips. Travel Hack Stowaway Ladies Cabin Backpack Design The Travel Hack backpack is made to a very high quality.

  7. Travel Hack Collection

    Free UK delivery for orders over £60 3 Year Warranty As Standard ABOUT CABIN MAX Makers of the original (and best) cabin backpack since 2007. Our hand luggage is designed to be lightweight, robust and improve your travel experience. We know the latest hand luggage requirements and design quality bags and cases to fit. Guaranteed! Quick links Search

  8. suitcase

    Suitcase The Travel Hack Hybrid is here! I am so excited to announce The Travel Hack Hybrid Trolley Backpack is here! It's a hybrid backpack that seamlessly converts from a backpack to a suitcase in seconds and it's the perfect dimensions for (free!) carry-on luggage for lots of airlines.

  9. Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case Review: Affordable Luxury At Its Best

    In case you've never heard of it, the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case is a wheeled carry-on suitcase. It was designed by Cabin Max (British experts in cabin luggage) in collaboration with Monica from The Travel Hack (a hugely successful full-time travel blogger who definitely knows a thing or two about travelling around the world!)

  10. 10 Best Carry-On Luggage Options for Travel

    1. The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case Best for: Style and ease For years, I struggled to find a carry-on suitcase that was perfect for me. There were some that came close, but there were always features I wished they'd had, or design flaws that seemed obvious to me. So…I designed my very own cabin case, with a luggage company called Cabin Max!

  11. Review: The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case with handbag compartment

    The Travel Hack Cabin Case Features. Measurements - 55 x 40 x 20 cm. currently compatible as hand-luggage for over 20 airlines, including low-cost airlines such as Easyjet and Wizz Air. Spacious - On my most recent trip with the Travel Hack cabin bag I used it hold 4 days worth of clothes for a trip to Iceland in winter.

  12. The Travel Hack Luggage and the all new Tote Bag

    The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case was the first piece of luggage we released. It has a top 'handbag compartment' that's easily accessed and you can pop your handbag inside when boarding the plane

  13. Best Carry On Luggage For Women: Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case Review

    Several months down the line, and with several short and long-haul trips under its (luggage) belt, I can confidently say the Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case is the best cabin luggage I've ever travelled with. With a genius handbag compartment, separate laptop sleeve and chic design - ALL FOR UNDER 60 QUID - any female traveller would be crazy ...

  14. Travel Hack Pro Cabin Bag Review: The Best Stylish Women's Carry-On

    The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Bag has a 600D polyester black padded and quilted outer shell with faux leather inserts. The inner lining is bright pink and the zips are a beautiful rose gold colour. It's the most stylish ladies' cabin bag I've ever seen and I've received compliments from other women every time I've used it. I was on the ...

  15. My Travel Hack Backpack Review

    The Travel Hack Stowaway cabin backpack has been designed to be the perfect women's carry-on bag thinking of everything we need in a bag to create ease whilst travelling through an airport (and beyond!), whilst also saving us money in airline baggage fees!

  16. Travel Hack Cabin Case Review

    Travel Hack Cabin Case and will use it for weekend breaks over most other bags I have. It will not only be a cabin bag but it will be a pop to London for the weekend/overnight bag. With its laptop compartment, the smaller section and the water bottle holder I think it's an excellent purchase.

  17. Travel Hack 30L Hybrid Trolley Backpack 45x36x20cm Easyjet Underseat

    Travel Hack 30L Hybrid Trolley Backpack 45x36x20cm Easyjet Underseat Cabin Bag…: Free UK Shipping on Orders Over £10 and Free 30-Day Returns on Selected Fashion Items sold or fulfilled by Amazon. ... Aerolite 40x30x20 Wizz Air Maximum Size Backpack Eco-Friendly Cabin Luggage Approved Travel Carry On Holdall Lightweight Shoulder Bag Flight ...

  18. The Travel Hack Tote Bag Review

    The Travel Hack Tote Bag. Similarly to the Cabin Max backpack, The Travel Hack Tote Bag is designed to fit underneath the plane seat in front of you and meets most airlines' cabin luggage requirements, making it ideal to avoid any unnecessary baggage fees or cabin restrictions.

  19. Travel Hack Backpack Review: Is It Worth It?

    Cabin Max (British experts in hand luggage) and Monica from The Travel Hack (a hugely successful full-time travel blogger) teamed up to design and create a range of luggage together. I believe the Travel Hack Backpack was the second piece of luggage in this collection with the Pro Cabin Case being the first to hit the shop floor.

  20. Cabin Max

    Cabin Max The Travel Hack Carry On Luggage, featuring Cabin suitcase 55x40x20cm Carry On Backpack 40x30x20 and coming soon the Hybrid trolley backpack 45x36x...

  21. Travel Hack 30L Hybrid

    Travel Hack 30L Hybrid is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock. Trustpilot. Suitable for most major airlines including BA, Jet2 and more! ... Memphis Switch 2 in 1 45x36x20cm/40x20x25cm Cabin Bag. £40.00 £50.00 Sale. Quick buy. Vela 20L Holdall - 40x20x25cm. From £40.00. Black & Rose Gold Cream & Gold Navy & Gold Pink ...

  22. Travel Hack Tote Review: Affordable Luxury For A Weekend Getaway

    Just like the rest of Cabin Max's luggage, the Travel Hack Tote bag is designed to fit within most airlines' hand luggage restrictions. This one, in particular, is designed to fit underneath the seat in front of you. It's exactly the size of easyJet's latest hand luggage restrictions (45 x 36 x 20 cm).

  23. Cabin Max Hand Luggage

    Extensive range of travel bags and cabin suitcases and backpacks to fit airline carry on restrictions, including underseat bags, cabin backpacks, hybrid trolley backpacks. Designed in the UK ... Travel Hack 20L Backpack - 40x20x25cm. £40.00. Black Olive Navy Leopard Cream Pink + 3 more. Quick buy. Memphis 20L Backpack ♻️ - 40x20x25cm.

  24. Man's Ryanair bag hack to avoid paying for a suitcase leaves ...

    A man's hack to avoiding paying for checked bags onboard a Ryanair flight has left his viewers all asking the same question. ... You can also have a cabin bag, weighing a max of 10kg, measuring a ...