Monday, December 23, 2024

Travel writer’s top five travel bags to treat Dad on Father’s Day

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From backpacks with designer labels to under-seat stowaways, give Dad the gift of being better organised on the go.

With prices starting from as little as £11.99, the perfect travel bag is stylish and discreet while offering enough interior space to carry his in-flight essentials, laptop or even gym gear back at home. If the man in your life likes to pack well, why not surprise him with a new bag on Sunday, June 16.



From the must-have urban carry-all from Fjällräven that has £50 off at John Lewis to a bargain Amazon bag, whatever his style, there is a travel bag to suit. Better still, all of our favourite bags can be delivered in time for Sunday.

READ MORE: Shoppers snap up ‘stylish’ garden pergola at £600 off in huge flash sale

To help you find the perfect present that will go the distance, we’ve rounded up five of our favourite men’s travel bags.

Cabin Max Metz Backpack

The compact Metz backpack is perfect for chaps on the go (Image: Cabin Max)

A great choice for Ryanair passengers, the Metz from Cabin Max measures a compact 40 x 20 x 25cm on the outside but has a surprisingly spacious interior with lots of handy compartments. Made from super tough recycled polyester it has a suitcase-style opening for easy packing and side compression straps to stop items from moving around in transit.

It also features a front zipper pocket, a bottle holder on the side and a selection of holders for smaller accessories tucked away on the inside. Available in a choice of colours, travellers love this affordable backpack. One delighted customer called it “A great little bag for short trips.”

Another happy shopper exclaimed “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.”

Buy now from Amazon (£29.95)

Fjällräven Kanken Weekender Holdall

The trendy duffel bag has £50 off RRP at John Lewis (Image: Fjällräven)

Hipster Dads will love this cabin-size bag from Scandinavian outdoor adventurers Fjällräven. Designed to be carried using the grab handles, worn like a backpack or slung across the body, it offers stylish practicality at every turn.

Available in a choice of four trendy colours, the Kanken Weekender Holdall measures 30 x 44 x 20cm, making it suitable for use on most British airlines as well as Ryanair Priority ticket holders. Inspired by the classic Kanken backpack, it is made from heavy-duty fabric and features a roomy main compartment and a front compartment that expands or collapses depending on your packing requirements.

With an overall 4.3 rating on the Fjällräven website, one happy shopper described it as “One of the top bags in the world” and another called it a “fabulous backpack.”

Some mentioned that the backpack straps were not very strong, but were happy that it could also be used as a regular holdall. A great gift for dad on Father’s Day, it is also currently reduced by £50 to £148.

Buy now from John Lewis (£148)

Rubberised Weekend Bag

Shoppers have been praising the ‘roomy’ rubberised weekend bag from M&S(Image: Tiffany Lo/Daily Star)

Bang on trend, Marks and Spencers have come up trumps with this stylish travel holdall, carefully crafted from a modern rubberised matt fabric. Water repellant and perfect for the great British weather, the roomy design comes with internal zipped pockets to keep your belongings organised on the go.

There is a detachable shoulder strap for flexible wear and a utility-inspired double zip fastening and side poppers for easy access. A best-seller from the Marks and Spencer luggage collection, customers have been leaving five-star reviews calling it “A great weekend bag” and “the perfect size.”

One traveller left a rave review saying “Best bag I’ve ever owned. Spacious, waterproof, doesn’t wrinkle, strong and durable (I often use it for shopping). The design is minimal enough to go with anything while the material makes it look 10-100 times it’s worth.”

Buy now from Marks and Spencer (£60)

Chelsea Weekend Bag

The Antler weekender bag is a big hit with discerning dads on the go (Image: Antler)

Discerning travellers love the Anler luggage collections and the Chelsea Weekend Bag with its unisex design is an absolute stunner. Made from durable nylon, the water-resistant design is also suitable for carrying a laptop up to 13 inches.

Designed to be the perfect size for a few days away it has a purpose-built pocket for shoes, a back sleeve to slot over a suitcase handle and premium leather details. Perfect for doubling up as a gym bag, Dad will love this carry-on from the luggage brand on everyone’s lips this summer.

With 134 reviews on the Antler website, shoppers can’t get enough of the stylish bag. One buyer left a review saying “An amazing bag, excellent quality with premium materials used. This bag has all the space anyone will require and is cleverly organised with the foot compartment. I managed to take 3 pairs of shoes because of it.”

Another added “I love this bag, the material and its quality, sturdiness, handle length, compartments and zips. Would buy again and would recommend.”

Buy now from Antler (£160)

Ecohub Bag

The Ecohub bag is a brilliant bargain buy (Image: Amazon)

Because it’s the thought that counts, gifting Dad the perfect travel bag doesn’t need to break the bank. Perfect for tucking under the seat in front, this Ryanair-approved travel bag is a brilliant buy for anyone jetting off this summer.


The Ecohub bag has been described as being ‘like a Tardis’ – small on the outside, but surprisingly roomy on the inside. Available in a choice of 19 colours, this little bag has a spacious main compartment with an inside pocket, and an outside pocket that provides quick access to your phone, boarding pass and passport. It even comes with a special trolley sleeve to slide it over the luggage handle of your suitcase.

Amazon shoppers love it calling the bag “great for Ryanair/easyJet flights” and saying that it is “amazing value.”

Buy now from Amazon (£11.99)

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