A £12 Ryanair hand luggage bag proved it can fit an astonishing amount for a four-day trip, including five skirts, five tops, a denim jacket, shoes, and more. The Narwey Ryanair Cabin Bag, purchased from Amazon three years ago, has become a travel staple for Nicola Roy, who says it is "genuinely like magic" when it comes to fitting things in.
The Bag's Capacity
On a recent trip to Stockholm with Norwegian Air, which has the same hand luggage restrictions as Ryanair (30 x 40 x 20cm), Roy managed to pack a surprisingly long list of items. The bag held five skirts, five tops, a denim jacket, a pair of shoes, socks, underwear, pyjamas, a handbag, toiletries, makeup, a hairdryer, and a camera—with a little space left over.
Roy notes that the bag seems to expand the more you fit in it, even though it looks tiny. It has remained sturdy even when packed to the brim, and packing up for the return journey is easy.
Pros and Cons
While the bag is perfect for long weekends, Roy notes some drawbacks. The handles can be tough on your hands if carrying it for a while, and she suggests it would benefit from a longer padded strap for shoulder carrying. It may also be unsuitable for longer winter trips, as bulkier clothes won't fit as much.
However, it's easy to transport and fits in overhead lockers, unlike wheelie suitcases. It has a sturdy double zipper and a handy side pocket for essentials like a passport.
Packing Tip
Roy's top tip is to stretch out the bottom of the bag by placing toiletry and makeup bags on either side, creating a solid base. This also works with shoes or sturdy clothing items.
The bag is currently on sale for £11.99 on Amazon. Alternatives include the Cabin Max underseat bag from ASOS for £16.95, or the Rains Small Hilo Weekend Bag for £69, which also fits Ryanair and easyJet restrictions.
