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