When selecting the optimal travel backpack for Norwegian Airlines, understand what’s actually included in your ticket.
Right now, LowFare passengers are permitted one personal item under the seat in front of them. Think small bag. Measuring no more than 30 × 40 × 20 cm. LowFare+ passengers receive an overhead cabin allowance too. Sized at 55 × 40 × 23 cm and a combined hand- baggage weight allowance of 10 kg. Flex passengers earn the same two bag allowance, except their weight allowance is bumped up to 15 kg. Combined.
That 5kg difference is important to understand. A lightweight 40 litre travel backpack may fit neatly within Norwegian’s overhead allowance. However, it will not be considered as the complimentary underseat bag when you only purchase a LowFare ticket.
Flying Norwegian multiple times I quickly learned that the best way to stay safe is to select a backpack according to your ticket price, rather than the bag’ s marketed capacity. Airlines calculate the external bag dimensions. Not litres.
Quick Answer: Which Backpack Is Best for Norwegian Airlines?
Best overall recommendation for cabin baggage allowances is Cabin Max Metz 44L. Measuring 55 × 40 × 20 cm, this will comfortably fit within Norwegian’ s stated limit of 55 × 40 × 23 cm while weighing only 0.7 kg when empty, leaving you plenty of allowance for contents.
If paying for just a LowFare ticket go smaller, opting for Cabin Max Manhattan 24L, which is exactly 40 × 30 × 20 cm – Norwegian’s published in-seat size if you allow for re-ordering the dimensions.
Norwegian Airlines Backpack Allowance
| Norwegian fare | Underseat backpack | Overhead backpack | Weight allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LowFare | 30 × 40 × 20 cm | Not included | 10 kg |
| LowFare+ | 30 × 40 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 10 kg combined |
| Flex | 30 × 40 × 20 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 15 kg combined |
Norwegian claims that passengers can carry on one airport shopping bag besides what their ticket allows. Policies vary based on ticket and time of year. Refer to your booking and Norwegian’s official hand- baggage information page prior to your trip.
Best Norwegian Airlines Backpacks Compared
| Backpack | Best for | Dimensions | Capacity | Weight | Suitable allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Max Metz 45L | Best overall | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 45L | 0.7 kg | LowFare+ or Flex overhead |
| Cabin Max Stowaway 20L | Best for LowFare | 40 × 25 × 20 cm | 20L | 0.5 kg | LowFare underseat |
| Osprey Farpoint 40 | Best for comfort | 55 × 35 × 23 cm | 40L | 1.48 kg | LowFare+ or Flex overhead |
| tomtoc Navigator-T66 40L | Best for laptops | 52 × 34 × 23 cm | 40L | 1.2 kg | LowFare+ or Flex overhead |
How We Selected These Backpacks
We measured and compared every backpack to Norwegian’ published dimensions instead of using marketing claims like “flight approved” or “carry on compatible.”
Here are what we based our decisions on:
- External dimensions when fully collapsed
- Pack weight when empty
- Bulky straps & Anti-bulge factor
- Zipper-style openings to allow for easier packing
- Fit & feel when walking/using transit
- Computer & electronic storage
This is a guide created using specifications and my own personal experience flying Norwegian with a cabin bag. I did not conduct lab testing on each item so make sure to double check how your bag measures when packed.
1. Cabin Max Metz 45L
Best Overall Norwegian Overhead Backpack
Looking for the best Norwegian Airlines backpack? The Cabin Max Metz 45L is our pick for the strongest overall match with Norwegian’s overhead cabin baggage allowance.
Its external dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm use almost every millimetre of Norwegian’s published allowance while leaving roughly 3 cm of wiggle room below the airline’s 23 cm depth maximum. Cabin Max advertises an empty weight of only 0.7 kg, which is significantly lighter than most structured travel backpacks.
If you plan to book a LowFare+ ticket, this low empty weight becomes even more important. Your overhead bag and underseat bag must remain within the airline’s combined 10 kg hand baggage allowance.
The Cabin Max Metz opens more like a suitcase than a traditional top-loading backpack. Its main compartment is spacious and works well with packing cubes, while the side compression straps help prevent the soft shell from expanding too far beyond the permitted depth.
It does not come with an extensive list of premium features. Instead, the Metz focuses on practical storage, offering a large packing area, front organiser pocket, quick-access pocket and padded backpack straps.
Best for: LowFare+ and Flex passengers who want maximum packing capacity
What I Like
- Dimensions make excellent use of Norwegian’s overhead allowance without exceeding it
- Impressively light for a 45-litre backpack
- Side compression straps help control excessive depth
- Spacious, uninterrupted packing compartment
- Reasonably priced compared with premium travel backpacks
Potential Drawbacks
- Lacks the supportive harness found on the Osprey Farpoint
- Limited interior pockets and organisational features
- Too large for Norwegian’s free LowFare underseat allowance
Verdict
Choose the Cabin Max Metz when your main goal is to maximise Norwegian’s overhead cabin baggage allowance without wasting precious weight on the backpack itself.
2. Cabin Max Stowaway 20L
Best Backpack for Norwegian LowFare
If you only plan to use the baggage allowance included with Norwegian’s basic LowFare ticket, we recommend the Cabin Max Manhattan 24L.
Norwegian allows LowFare passengers to bring an underseat bag measuring up to 30 x 40 x 20 cm. Cabin Max lists the Manhattan at 40 x 25 x 20 cm—the same measurements presented in a different order. In practice, this means the Manhattan should fit within Norwegian’s published dimensional allowance when it is not overpacked.
Its rectangular shape also makes more efficient use of the permitted space than a rounded daypack. The suitcase-style opening allows you to pack folded clothing or small packing cubes without having to dig through the bag from the top.
At 20 litres, the Manhattan offers considerably less room than the overhead backpacks featured in this guide. Nevertheless, it should still accommodate a weekend trip, especially if you wear your bulkiest jacket and heaviest pair of shoes on the plane.
The Manhattan also has a separate rear compartment for smaller laptops. The sleeve is suitable for tablets and should accommodate most computers measuring up to approximately 13 inches.
Best for: Basic LowFare passengers and short city breaks
What I Like
- Matches Norwegian’s published LowFare underseat dimensions
- Extremely lightweight at approximately 0.5 kg
- Convenient suitcase-style opening
- Padded backpack straps improve carrying comfort
- Dedicated compartment for smaller laptops of around 13 inches
Potential Drawbacks
- Limited capacity for longer trips
- Laptop compartment may not fit larger computers
- Cannot be overpacked beyond the airline’s 20 cm depth limit
Verdict
The Cabin Max Manhattan is the best option if you want to travel on Norwegian’s cheapest fare without purchasing an overhead cabin bag add-on.
3. Osprey Farpoint 40
Best for Comfort and Multi-City Trips
If you expect to spend more time wearing your backpack than storing it in an overhead compartment, consider the Osprey Farpoint 40.
Its listed dimensions of 55 x 35 x 23 cm place it within Norwegian’s 55 x 40 x 23 cm overhead baggage limit. However, the Farpoint is exactly as deep as Norwegian allows, so you should tighten its compression straps and avoid attaching bulky jackets or accessories to the exterior.
The Farpoint’s standout feature is its carrying system. Its torso length is adjustable, while the padded shoulder straps, supportive hip belt and semi-rigid back panel help distribute weight more evenly.
The harness can also be zipped away when necessary, protecting the straps when you place the backpack in an overhead compartment or hand it to an airline agent for checking.
The Farpoint 40 is especially suitable for multi-city European trips where you may need to carry your bag on planes, trains, buses, staircases and through city streets on foot.
For organisation, the main compartment opens from the front and includes internal compression straps. There is also a laptop sleeve capable of accommodating most computers measuring up to approximately 16 inches.
Keep in mind that the Farpoint comes with a weight penalty. Its listed empty weight of approximately 1.48 kg consumes a noticeable portion of Norwegian’s 10 kg LowFare+ hand baggage allowance, leaving you with just over 8.5 kg for your belongings.
Best for: Travellers who expect to carry their backpack for extended periods
What I Like
- Superior harness and hip-belt support
- Fits within Norwegian’s published overhead dimensions
- Durable construction designed for repeated travel
- Main compartment opens like a suitcase
- Backpack straps can be zipped away during transport
- Accommodates larger laptops of up to approximately 16 inches
Potential Drawbacks
- Relatively heavy compared with simpler cabin backpacks
- Uses Norwegian’s entire 23 cm depth allowance
- More expensive than budget cabin bag alternatives
Verdict
Choose the Osprey Farpoint 40 when carrying comfort and long-term durability matter more than minimising your backpack’s empty weight.
4. tomtoc Navigator-T66 40L
Best for Laptops and Electronics
If you plan to travel with a laptop, tablet and several electronic accessories, we recommend the tomtoc Navigator-T66 40L.
Its dimensions are listed at approximately 52 x 34 x 23 cm, keeping it within Norwegian’s overhead cabin baggage allowance. It is shorter and narrower than the airline’s maximum, although it uses the complete 23 cm depth allowance.
The tomtoc’s laptop compartment is separated from the main packing area. It can accommodate laptops measuring up to 17.3 inches, together with a tablet and smaller accessories.
The technology compartment can also open flat, making it easier to organise and access your electronics during airport security screening.
The Navigator’s main compartment opens like a suitcase. Its 40-litre capacity provides enough space for several days of clothing without being as wide as the Cabin Max Metz.
It also has a more structured shape than the Metz, helping protect electronic devices and preventing the backpack from sagging. The disadvantage is that its structured design will be less forgiving if you pack beyond Norwegian’s maximum permitted depth.
Best for: Digital nomads, business travellers and passengers carrying larger laptops
What I Like
- Fits within Norwegian’s published overhead dimensions
- Roomy compartment designed for larger laptops
- Main compartment opens like a suitcase
- Includes several useful quick-access pockets
- More structured than many soft cabin backpacks
- Includes a pass-through strap for attaching it to a suitcase handle
Potential Drawbacks
- The full 23 cm depth leaves little room for overpacking
- Heavier than the Cabin Max Metz
Verdict
The tomtoc Navigator-T66 is the best Norwegian Airlines backpack for passengers who expect to work while travelling or need to carry a larger laptop securely.
What Size Backpack Is Best for Norwegian Airlines?
We recommend the following Norwegian carry on backpack sizes based on both capacity and physical dimensions.
Norwegian LowFare
Backpacks between about 20-24 litres without exceeding 40 × 30 × 20 cm.
Norwegian LowFare+ or Flex
Backpacks between about 35-44 litres without any external dimensions exceeding 55 × 40 × 23 cm.
Note that liter size is not a guarantee that a bag will fit as two 40 litre backpacks can have vastly different sizes. Avoid hiking backpacks if possible as their high frames with curved back panels or rigid hip belts often exceed 55 cm tall.
How to Measure Your Norwegian Carry-On Backpack
When measuring your Norwegian carry on backpack, measure the bag when it is packed.
Set the bag down on a level surface and take the following measurements:
Height: From the bottom to the tallest point of the bag. This includes the top handle if it won’t fold down.
Width: Measure the bag at its widest point when packed.
Depth: Measure from the back panel to the frontmost point of the bag, usually the front pocket.
Weight: Weigh your packed overhead bag and your packed underseat bag together.
Don’t forget water bottles, attached pouches, hanging straps, or gear hooked to your bag with carabiners. These will all add to your bag’s “real life” dimensions.
Remember that some soft backpacks will squeeze into a baggage sizer when they’re empty, but not when they’re packed stiffly.
Packing Tips for Norwegian Airlines
Leave Some Depth Unused
Backpacks expand away from the back panel. A bag measuring exactly 23 cm deep may end up exceeding this when stuffed full.
Leave a little gap when tightening the compression straps.
Use Packing Cubes Wisely
While cubes are great for organisation, compressing clothing inside them creates a dense brick that forces your backpack to expand. Instead of forcing more cubes in your bag, use them to organise what you’ve already packed.
Place Heavy Items Against Your Back
Your laptop, charger, shoes and other dense objects should sit close against the back panel. Doing this helps with balance, and takes pressure off your shoulders.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items
Your coat, jumper and heavier shoes can take up lots of luggage space. Packing these on during boarding opens up space in your luggage, but remember to follow any safety and boarding instructions.
Baggage will be weighed together
If you fly LowFare+, Norwegian weighs your underseat baggage and overhead bag together to calculate the 10 kg limit. Transferring items between bags won’t decrease the overall weight.
Is Norwegian Strict About Backpack Size?
Enforcement likely differs airport to airport, flight to flight, employee to employee and according to how full the flight currently is. Nevertheless, passengers should not count on being granted leniency.
A bulky bag that obviously won’t fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin will stand out more so than a small suitcase that slides neatly into the bin or under the seat.
Norwegian’s listed dimensions are therefore best treated as hard caps.
Backpack or Suitcase for Norwegian Airlines?
Backpack is preferred for city trips, using public transit, and anywhere you encounter stairs or cobbled streets. It also leaves you with more dimensional allowance since it lacks wheels or a telescoping handle.
Suitcases offer more structure, and may better protect fragile items. Suitcases can also be easier to whisk through airports when they’re heavy.
Given Norwegian’s 10 kg allowance I tend to prefer a lightweight backpack. You can put the weight you save from not having wheels and a telescoping handle towards clothes.
Final Verdict
What backpack should I buy? It all depends on what type of Norwegian ticket you have:
- Cabin Max Manhattan 24L if you have a basic LowFare ticket and want to minimize the risk of problems with underseat space.
- Cabin Max Metz 44L if you want the largest overhead space with the least amount of empty weight.
- Osprey Farpoint 40 if you value comfort and will be traveling for longer periods of time or multiple cities.
- tomtoc Navigator-T66 40L if laptop protection and electronics organization are top concerns.
For most LowFare+ or Flex travelers, the Cabin Max Metz 44L will provide the optimal combination of size, capacity, weight and price.
Whichever backpack you choose, always measure a packed bag and double-check your allowance listed on your booking. It’s far less expensive—and stressful— to buy a bag that fits than to find yourself with an over-packed backpack at the boarding gate.