Requirements for backpacks on flightsThe choice of backpack you can take on a flight depends on whether you plan to use it as hand luggage (which you take with you into the cabin) or as a personal item (which must fit under the seat).

1. Hand luggage (Carry-on baggage)This is the main bag that you place on the overhead compartment in the cabin.
Standard dimensions: Most airlines (such as Lufthansa, Air France, KLM) typically allow dimensions within the range of 55x40x23 cm or 55x35x25 cm (LxWxH).
Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air): May have stricter restrictions, for example, 55x40x20 cm, and often require the purchase of priority boarding to carry such a bag.
Capacity: Carry-on rucksacks usually have a capacity of 35 to 45 litres.

2. Personal item

This is a smaller rucksack or bag that must fit under the seat in front of you. It is often included in the ticket price, even with low-cost airlines.
Standard dimensions: Most commonly 40x30x20 cm or 40x25x20 cm.
Capacity: Backpacks with a capacity of up to 20 litres (small city backpacks or laptop backpacks) usually meet these requirements.

Recommendations for GoPack rucksacks

If you plan to use a GoPack rucksack on a plane, please note:
City and youth models (20–30 litres): These are ideal as a personal item or as small hand luggage on most airlines. Shape: Choose soft (non-rigid) models. They compress more easily, which helps meet airline requirements if the rucksack slightly exceeds the ‘measuring frame’ dimensions.

Check: Always check the current restrictions on the website of the airline you are flying with, as rules may change.

Tip: If your rucksack has lots of external pockets, try not to overfill them so that it looks more compact when going through security.

How to adjust the straps on your rucksack correctly
Step 1: Basic adjustment (Strap length)
Loosen all straps: Before putting the rucksack on, loosen the main shoulder straps as much as possible.
Put on the rucksack: Place the rucksack over both shoulders.
Tighten the main straps: Pull on the lower ends of the straps to tighten the rucksack.
Correct position: The rucksack should sit high. Its upper edge should not rise above the shoulder line, and the lower edge should end at the level of the lower back (or 5–10 cm above the hip bones).
Aim: The rucksack should fit snugly against your back, and the main weight should be as close as possible to your body’s centre of gravity.
Step 2: Stabilisation straps (Top straps)
Locate the top straps: These are small straps that connect the top of the rucksack (or shoulder straps) to the main body of the rucksack.
Tighten: Pull these straps so that the top of the rucksack fits snugly against your back and does not tilt backwards.
Important: Do not over-tighten them. The angle of tension should be approximately 45 degrees. They simply ‘pull’ the rucksack closer to your body.
Step 3: Chest strap (Fastening)
Fasten: Fasten the chest strap (the strap across your chest).
Adjust the height: Move it vertically so that it sits approximately 2–3 cm below your collarbones (or at the level of your sternum).
Tighten: Tighten it so that the straps do not slip off your shoulders and are securely fastened.
Step 4: Hip belt (Weight distribution – if applicable)
This belt is found on hiking rucksacks and some large youth rucksacks.
Position: The hip belt should sit across your hips, not your stomach.

Fasten and tighten: Tighten it securely to shift up to 80% of the rucksack’s weight from your shoulders to your hips and pelvis. This is key when carrying heavy loads.
Step 5: Check
Walk around: the rucksack should not wobble, ‘bounce’ or pull your shoulders back. The weight should feel distributed between your shoulders (chest strap) and lower back (main straps).

GoPack’s spacious (25–35 L) city backpacks are the ideal choice. They feature a laptop compartment (up to 15.6"), an organiser for small items and a stylish, minimalist design, making them perfect for lectures and travel.