Cabin Max Metz Stowaway Small Travel Backpack, 20 Litres, 40 x 20 x 25 cm, Hand Baggage for Ryanair and Other Airlines (Nocturne, 40 x 20 x 25 cm), 40 x 20 x 25cm

The Cabin Max Metz Stowaway is 40 x 20 x 25 cm. 20 litres, 500 grams empty. Over 30,000 reviews on Amazon UK, so it's one of the most bought cabin bags in the country.

Does it fit Ryanair's rules?

Yes. 40 x 20 x 25 cm is Ryanair's underseat bag size for passengers who haven't paid for priority boarding. The Metz is designed to hit those dimensions exactly. It fits easyJet's 45 x 36 x 20 cm underseat allowance too. Our Ryanair vs easyJet baggage allowance comparison has the full breakdown if you fly both.

For the wider picture across all UK carriers, our UK airline baggage allowance guide lists every airline's current limits.

What actually fits inside

20 litres sounds small but the suitcase-style opening (it unzips flat like a clamshell) means you pack more efficiently than a top-loading backpack. Compression straps inside stop everything shifting around.

Weekend trip: a couple of changes of clothes, toiletries bag, charger, and a book. For a week, you're pushing it unless you pack light and do laundry. The front pocket has slots for a tablet, travel documents, and tickets, so you can grab your boarding pass without digging through the main compartment.

Comfort

500 grams. You barely feel the bag itself, which helps when you're trudging through airports. Shoulder straps and back panel are padded. Not hiking-backpack padded, but it doesn't dig in when loaded up.

No hip belt, no chest strap. This is a city/airport bag, not a trekking pack.

What it doesn't do

No laptop sleeve. The tablet pocket fits an iPad but not a 13" laptop. If you need to carry a laptop as your only cabin baggage, look elsewhere.

No water bottle pocket on the outside. You can fit one inside but it eats into your 20 litres. And no lock or security features beyond the zip, which is fine for underseat storage but less ideal if you're leaving it unattended.

Is it worth it?

For Ryanair regulars who don't want to pay for priority, yes. It's the right size, it's light, and the clamshell opening makes packing easier than most bags at this price. 30,000+ reviews averaging 4.5 stars over several years is hard to argue with.

If you're comparing options, our best cabin baggage roundup tests several bags at different price points. And if you're trying to avoid baggage fees altogether, our how to avoid excess baggage fees guide has practical tricks beyond just buying a smaller bag.