Backpack as Carry-On Luggage: Size Rules, Pro Tips & What to Avoid [2026]
Planning to take your backpack into the cabin? Learn the exact dimensions, proven tricks to pass airport security, and the mistakes that could cost you your flight. Updated guide 2025.
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If you're setting off on your first Camino de Santiago or embarking on any other walking journey across Europe, you've most likely booked a flight with one of the many budget airlines available today. And since you'll need to pay a surcharge for checked baggage, you're probably wondering: "Can I bring my backpack as hand luggage and take it on board?"
The answer is yes, you can certainly bring your backpack on board—as long as you follow certain rules. Let's break down the three key variables:
- dimensions;
- weight;
- contents.
Backpack dimensions as hand luggage
Whether you're carrying a roller bag, gym bag, suitcase, or trekking backpack, the dimensions for hand luggage remain identical.
What changes depends on the airline you're flying with, but don't worry—it's only a matter of a few centimetres! Now grab a measuring tape and check if your bag matches the required dimensions. Here's a list of the most commonly used airlines in Europe:
- Ryanair 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- EasyJet 56 x 45 x 25 cm
- Alitalia 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Vueling 55 x 40 x 20 cm
As a general rule, a backpack must have a maximum capacity of 40–44 litres to qualify as hand luggage. Of course, at the baggage checkpoint, there should be no items protruding from the outside (like a sleeping bag), and everything must fit inside the pack itself.
If you're heading out on the Camino de Santiago, a 40-litre backpack is ideal—it allows you to carry everything you need without overburdening your shoulders. Things are different if you're planning a more demanding trek or walking journey, perhaps with camping gear or heavy winter clothing.
To better understand which backpack suits your walking adventure and whether it meets the requirements for hand luggage, I recommend reading
➜ How to choose the right backpack for your walking journeys
Update
Many budget airlines, particularly Ryanair, no longer allow hand luggage access without paying an additional fee when you purchase your ticket.
To put it plainly: if you buy an airline ticket, hand luggage is no longer included—you must pay for it separately.
These new rules came into effect on 1 November 2018. While there was legal challenge, Ryanair ultimately prevailed.
So if you plan to travel with a backpack on a low-cost airline, make sure you purchase the hand luggage allowance as an add-on.
Maximum weight for backpack hand luggage
The weight of your luggage is another crucial factor when deciding whether to take your backpack on board. Remember: if it exceeds the maximum weight limit, it will be checked and you'll face a hefty penalty.
The logical choice is to weigh your backpack before travel. But this isn't just about avoiding fees! Keep in mind that you'll be carrying this backpack on foot, wearing it on your shoulders for days and weeks. It's essential to carefully consider the weight, value, and necessity of every single item you pack.
Here are the maximum weight limits for hand luggage with the airlines mentioned above:
- Ryanair max 10kg
- EasyJet max 32 kg
- Alitalia max 8 kg
- Vueling max 10 kg
EasyJet's 32 kg stands out, but realistically, carrying that much weight on your shoulders for days wouldn't be enjoyable at all! As a rule of thumb, a Camino de Santiago backpack should weigh no more than 7–8kg, especially since you won't be loading it with water and food on the plane.
Here's what you should do.
➜ Read our article with all the tips on what to pack in your backpack, weigh everything, and if it's too heavy, start eliminating items. The lighter your backpack, the easier and more enjoyable your Camino or walking journey will be.
Prohibited items if you're using your backpack as hand luggage
Once your backpack meets the weight limits and dimensions for hand luggage, there's one final variable to consider: prohibited items.
In recent years, security checks on baggage have become stricter, with more rigorous regulations about what you can bring on board. Some items are perfectly normal for us, but they're still prohibited in carry-on luggage.
Here's a list of prohibited items if you want to use your backpack as hand luggage:
- Trekking poles – yes, those useful and beloved trekking poles cannot be brought on board. Essentially sticks, they're considered a safety risk to passengers and can only be transported in checked baggage.
You have two options: either pay for checked baggage, or buy poles at your destination. You'll need to do the maths based on checked baggage fees versus the cost of new poles.
Good news: if you're flying back on Ryanair from Santiago de Compostela after completing the Camino, you can check your poles for free. Simply go to the check-in counter and collect your baggage tag.
- Trekking knife – absolutely prohibited on planes, including multi-tools. If you're planning a long walking journey like the full Camino de Santiago, or a demanding trek with camping gear, a knife might seem essential. That's your decision to make.
- Scissors and other sharp or pointed items.
- Liquids in containers larger than 100ml: each container cannot exceed 100ml and must be placed inside a clear, resealable bag measuring 20cm x 20cm. You can carry a maximum of 1 litre of liquid in total per bag.
As you can see, using your backpack as hand luggage is straightforward! Just follow these simple rules and you're good to go.
So, ready for your next Camino or walking adventure? You can request your trip here
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