Gift for a traveller under €45 - 6 backpacks and bags that work on the road and every day
With a budget of up to €45, you can buy luggage that genuinely makes travelling more comfortable. In this price range you will find cabin backpacks sized for free hand luggage, city backpacks with laptop protection and sports and travel bags with a well-thought-out carrying system. When choosing, one thing matters most: matching the luggage to the way the recipient travels. Below we describe six models and suggest who each of them suits best.
Article summary
- For someone who flies with low-cost airlines, the most useful gift is a cabin backpack sized for free hand luggage, e.g. 40 × 30 × 20 cm.
- For business travel, what counts is a separate, padded laptop pocket.
- For weekend trips and training, a sports and travel bag with a shoulder strap is a better choice.
- If you don't know the recipient's travel style, a cabin backpack is the most versatile choice.
Products featured in this article
01 / 06TANAGER 2-in-1 cabin backpack - for people who fly with hand luggage only
On low-cost airlines, free hand luggage is usually a single item measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm that has to fit under the seat in front. TANAGER fits within this limit - it meets the requirements of Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet, while still offering enough space for a short trip.
What sets it apart is its 2-in-1 design. The shoulder straps tuck away into the back pocket and the backpack turns into a shoulder bag. In practice, this means one bag for the airport and for an evening out in town. A strap on the back also lets you slide it onto a suitcase handle.
02 / 06WINGS cabin backpack - for business travellers
For frequent trips with a laptop, a separate, protected computer compartment is essential. The WINGS cabin backpack has a pocket for laptops up to 15.6", so the device doesn't shift around among your clothes and can be taken out quickly at security.
The backpack fits the free hand luggage dimensions of popular low-cost airlines, so it can be the only bag on a one-day business trip. Side bottle pockets and an understated design make it work well for everyday use, too.
03 / 06SKYLARK city backpack - a gift for a female traveller
SKYLARK combines the features of a travel backpack with a more elegant look. Its slim shape sits better on the back without overwhelming the figure, and the softly padded pocket holds a 14" laptop or tablet.
The backpack meets Ryanair and Wizz Air free hand luggage dimensions, so it can replace a cabin suitcase on a weekend city break. It's a good choice for a woman who travels light and needs one backpack for work and for trips.
04 / 06TROGON roll-top backpack - for the city and for travel
TROGON is a backpack with adjustable height: rolled up it is shorter, and unrolled it holds more. This means it adapts to its contents - compact for everyday use, with extra capacity before a trip.
A practical touch is the hidden pocket for a passport or phone, handy in crowded places. The coated fabric is easy to keep clean, and the suitcase handle strap makes getting around the airport easier. On fares that include priority boarding, the backpack can travel as cabin baggage.
05 / 06SKYLARK sports and travel bag - for weekends and training
A bag works better than a backpack when luggage is carried short distances rather than worn for long periods: on a car or train journey, or on the way to the gym. SKYLARK holds clothes for two days, a wash bag or a training kit.
The shoulder strap can be fastened with one hand, and an extra loop at the back lets you attach a towel or umbrella. The fabric is abrasion-resistant and dries quickly, which matters with regular use. The beige colour means the bag goes well with both sportswear and everyday outfits.
06 / 06TROGON waterproof bag - for changeable weather
The TROGON travel and sports bag is made from a material that protects the contents from moisture and dirt. Marks can simply be wiped off with a damp cloth, so the bag works well at the swimming pool, on trips out of town and on rainy days.
It can be carried by hand, over the shoulder or slipped onto a suitcase handle as a second bag. It's a practical gift for someone who spends a lot of time being active and needs weather-resistant luggage.
How to choose a gift for a traveller under €45?
The starting point should be the way the recipient travels. Someone who flies low-cost airlines with hand luggage only has different needs from someone who drives away for the weekend or commutes to work with a laptop every day. If you're not sure, choose a cabin backpack - it's the most versatile type of luggage.
| Travel style | Best gift | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost airlines, hand luggage only | TANAGER 2-in-1 cabin backpack | free hand luggage size, can be carried as a bag |
| Business travel with a laptop | WINGS cabin backpack | 15.6" laptop pocket, free hand luggage size |
| Work, university and city breaks | SKYLARK city backpack | slim design, pocket for a 14" laptop or tablet |
| Daily commuting and short trips | TROGON roll-top backpack | adjustable capacity, hidden passport pocket |
| Weekend trips and training | SKYLARK sports and travel bag | quick-drying fabric, strap fastens with one hand |
| Active leisure in all conditions | TROGON waterproof bag | protection from moisture, easy to clean |
What to buy for someone who already has a suitcase?
For someone who already owns a suitcase, complementary luggage is the most useful gift. A cabin backpack lets them fly on a short trip without paying extra for baggage, while a bag or backpack with a suitcase handle strap works as a second bag on the way. A gift like this doesn't duplicate what they already have - it expands their options.
Smaller budget? Backpacks under €30
A good travel backpack doesn't have to cost €45. In the lower price range you will also find models that work as hand luggage or an everyday backpack. Use the same criteria when choosing: dimensions that match airline limits, pocket layout and carrying comfort. It's a good option if you're looking for a small Christmas gift or a Secret Santa present at work, or want to give a backpack together with a small accessory.
FAQ – gifts for travellers under €45
What to buy a traveller for under €45?
With this budget, the best choices are cabin backpacks sized for free hand luggage, city backpacks with a laptop pocket and sports and travel bags. This is luggage that gets used regularly, not just on holiday.
Which backpack for flying makes a good gift?
Ideally a backpack that fits the free hand luggage dimensions, e.g. 40 × 30 × 20 cm. The TANAGER 2-in-1 cabin backpack and the WINGS cabin backpack meet the requirements of airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet.
What gift under €45 for a female traveller?
The SKYLARK city backpack is a good choice. It has a slim, elegant design and a pocket for a laptop or tablet, and its dimensions match Ryanair and Wizz Air free hand luggage.
What gift under €45 for a man who travels a lot?
For business travel, the WINGS cabin backpack with a laptop pocket is the best fit. For everyday use and travel - the TROGON roll-top backpack. For weekend trips and training - the SKYLARK bag.
Backpack or bag - which makes a better gift?
A backpack distributes weight better and leaves your hands free, which is why it works well on the plane and when sightseeing. A bag is more convenient when luggage is carried short distances rather than worn: in the car, on the train and at the gym.
Will a cabin backpack fit under the seat on a plane?
Yes, if it matches the free hand luggage dimensions set by the airline, e.g. 40 × 30 × 20 cm on Ryanair and Wizz Air. The dimensions include pockets and handles, so it's best not to overfill the outer compartments.
A gift under €45 - luggage for years, not just one trip
A good gift for a traveller is one that meets a specific need. A cabin backpack solves the problem of extra baggage fees, a city backpack combines travel with everyday work, and a sports and travel bag makes weekend trips easier. Well-chosen luggage will be used many times a month, which is exactly why it's worth choosing it with the recipient's travel style in mind.
See alsoGift for a traveller under €30 - 6 practical ideas for accessories and extras