Joybuy Insights

How to choose a holdall without making a costly mistake: size, material and compartments explained

A holdall might seem simple: one large compartment, zip it up and you’re ready to go. In practice, most buying regrets come down to details you only notice at the airport, on your commute or when moving house. A bag may look roomier than it really is, fail to fit under the seat in front of you or become awkward to carry when it’s full.

Use these checks to choose the right cabin bag, hand luggage bag, weekend bag, underseat bag or spacious storage bag.

Three common holdall pitfalls

1. Looking only at capacity

A high capacity in litres doesn’t tell you everything. A 48-litre bag may be too large to count as standard hand luggage with some airlines. A bag with a generous capacity may also become too heavy when fully packed.

Always check:

  • the external dimensions in centimetres;
  • the bag’s own weight;
  • your airline’s maximum dimensions and weight;
  • whether the bag needs to fit under the seat or in the overhead locker.

An underseat bag has different requirements from a larger cabin bag. According to its product description, the Kono bag measuring 40 x 20 x 25 cm is designed to go under the seat. However, the rules for your airline and ticket type still take precedence.

2. Confusing “water-resistant” with waterproof

A water-resistant bag can help protect against light rain, spills and splashes. That doesn’t necessarily mean the seams, zips and all the contents will stay dry for a prolonged period. If you’re carrying a laptop, clothes or important documents, make sure the zip is fully closed and take extra steps to protect anything vulnerable.

Pay particular attention to:

  • the stated outer material, such as Oxford fabric;
  • the fastening and zip quality;
  • the seams and handle attachments;
  • care instructions, such as wiping clean with a damp cloth.

3. Choosing a carrying style that doesn’t suit how you’ll use it

A bag that can only be carried by hand is less practical at a station or airport. A holdall with a shoulder strap distributes the weight differently, while a bag with a trolley sleeve can slide over the extendable handle of a suitcase.

Before buying, check that the bag has:

  • sturdy handles;
  • an adjustable shoulder strap;
  • a trolley sleeve or attachment panel;
  • enough protection around the laptop or document compartments.

Important features for everyday use

Dimensions and airline rules

Note the full dimensions as height x width x depth. The order may vary between retailers. Then compare the external dimensions with your airline’s official baggage allowance. Don’t rely on terms such as “airline compatible” or “cabin approved” alone: they’re no substitute for checking the latest rules.

For short flights or trips with just a personal bag, 20 litres may be enough. For a weekend away, around 48 litres may be more practical, as long as the dimensions suit your travel plans.

Capacity and compartments

A large main compartment is useful for clothes, sports kit or study materials. Smaller pockets stop your keys, phone and travel documents from disappearing to the bottom of the bag. A laptop backpack is particularly useful if you travel between home, school and the office every day.

Don’t just look at the number of compartments; consider how easy they are to access:

  • a front pocket for your boarding pass or passport;
  • a mesh pocket for small accessories;
  • a separate laptop compartment if you’re carrying electronics;
  • a wide opening for clothes or larger items.

Material and carrying comfort

Oxford fabric and polyester are often used for lightweight travel and sports bags. How well they resist wear depends on the material thickness, seams, zips and how the bag is used. A wheeled bag can reduce the need to lift heavy loads when moving house, but it usually takes up more space when stored or transported.

If you use a bag every day, check its weight when empty too. A heavy bag uses up some of your baggage allowance before you’ve packed anything.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Kono 40x20x25 Holdall Cabin Hand Luggage Travel Carry-on Bag

Kono 40x20x25 Holdall Cabin Hand Luggage Travel Carry-on Bag

Why it suits this profile: This compact hand luggage bag has a capacity of 20 litres, making it suitable for short flights, a trip to the gym or a short overnight stay.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The stated dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm make it easier to check in advance whether the bag meets the rules for personal items. Make sure you also check your airline’s rules and ticket conditions.

Key benefits and features

Weighs 0.5 kg, has a 20-litre capacity, an adjustable shoulder strap and a trolley sleeve. The Oxford outer fabric is described as water-resistant.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Kono 55x35x25cm Cabin Hand Luggage Holdall 48L

Kono 55x35x25cm Cabin Hand Luggage Holdall 48L

Why it suits this profile: Its larger capacity makes it a good choice for weekend breaks, business trips and overnight stays when a compact bag won’t offer enough room.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The exact external dimensions, 55 x 35 x 25 cm, are provided so you can compare them with your airline’s baggage allowance.

Key benefits and features

Around 48 litres of capacity, a mesh pocket, front pocket, adjustable shoulder strap and rear trolley sleeve. According to the product information, the model weighs 0.7 kg.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent use
WhereHike 4-pack extra-large capacity moving bags

WhereHike 4-pack extra-large capacity moving bags

Why it suits this profile: This set is designed for moving house, storage and carrying large quantities of clothes or household items. It’s an alternative to moving boxes when portability matters.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The dimensions of 73 x 34 x 37 cm are provided, so you can check in advance whether the bag will fit in your car, shed or storage space.

Key benefits and features

Set of four bags with handles, shoulder straps and wheels, according to the product name. Check the attachments and maximum load capacity before carrying heavy items.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety requirements.

Frequently asked questions about holdalls

What size holdall can I take as hand luggage?

It depends on the airline, ticket and type of baggage. Measure the outside of the bag, including any parts that stick out, and compare its height, width and depth with the official rules. A bag accepted as cabin baggage by one airline may only be allowed as checked baggage by another.

Is a trolley sleeve useful on a holdall?

Yes, especially if you’re travelling with a suitcase. A trolley sleeve lets you slide the bag over the telescopic handle, so you don’t have to carry a suitcase and shoulder bag at the same time. Check that the sleeve is wide enough and securely attached to the bag.

How long does a holdall last?

Its lifespan depends on the material, zips, seams, how heavily it’s packed and how often it’s used. Avoid overpacking, lift the bag using its designated handles and store it somewhere dry. Clean the surfaces according to the care instructions and regularly check the seams, shoulder strap and trolley attachment.