The Samsonite Ecodiver backpacks are three models made from a fabric produced out of recycled plastic bottles, and the right one for you depends on how many days you travel and whether you need it to fit free under the plane seat. In two lines: the 25-litre Underseat is the only one that fits in the free bag allowed by low-cost airlines; the 38-litre one is the balanced pick for a weekend getaway; and the 55-litre one is the largest, for going away several days carrying everything on your back. Below I'll tell you which to choose, plainly, with their pockets and what each is for.
Quick comparison of the Ecodiver backpacks
| Model | Dimensions | Capacity | Weight | Laptop | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underseat | 40x30x20 cm | 25 litres | 1.0 kg | up to 15.6" | Travelling free under the seat |
| Travel 54 cm | 54x34x26 cm | 38 litres | 1.6 kg | up to 17.3" | A 2 or 3 day getaway |
| Travel 61 cm | 61x34x29 cm | 55 litres | 1.9 kg | up to 17.3" | Longer trips without checking in |
What is the Ecodiver range and why do so many people choose it?
Ecodiver is Samsonite's "green" line. The outer fabric is made from recovered plastic bottles turned into a tough textile, so you carry a backpack from a lifelong brand and travel more responsibly at the same time. They weigh very little, repel light rain (if you get caught in a downpour waiting for the bus, your things stay protected) and all have a padded laptop compartment and the official Samsonite warranty. The idea is simple: that you travel comfortably, hands free and with no stress at the gate.
Ecodiver Underseat backpack (40x30x20 cm, 25 litres)
It's the small one and the smartest for flying cheap. Its 40x30x20 cm match the free bag that Ryanair, Vueling and easyJet let you put under the seat in front at no cost. Ryanair, in fact, updated its free bag to that size, the same one Vueling already had, so it now fits all three. At just 1 kilo, it's a backpack for everyday use or for a very light weekend.
Inside it holds a padded compartment for a laptop up to 15.6" and organiser pockets so your charger, cables and documents don't float around loose. Outside it has quick-access pockets, ideal for keeping your phone, wallet or boarding pass within reach without opening the whole backpack in the queue. You can see it in detail on its product page.
It's for you if you fly low cost without paying for luggage and want a backpack that fits safely under the seat. Maybe not if you need room for more than a couple of days.
Ecodiver Travel 54 cm backpack (54x34x26 cm, 38 litres)
It's the balanced one, the sweet spot of the range. At 38 litres and 1.6 kilos it offers a lot more room than the Underseat while staying light, and easily swallows the clothes, toiletries and electronics of a two or three day getaway without checking in. And an important point: it takes large laptops up to 17.3 inches, so even the biggest-screen laptops fit here (many backpacks this size only go up to 15.6").
It's very well organised: a separate padded compartment for the laptop up to 17.3", interior pockets for the charger and small accessories, and exterior quick-access pockets for your phone, keys or water bottle. All designed so you only open what you need at any moment. See it on its full product page.
It's for you if you want a single comfortable backpack for the weekend and don't want to drag a suitcase. Maybe not if your airline only allows the small free bag, because this already counts as large hand luggage.
Ecodiver Travel 61 cm backpack (61x34x29 cm, 55 litres)
It's the largest: 55 litres and 1.9 kilos. Designed for anyone going away several days who prefers to carry everything on their back with hands free rather than pull a suitcase. It works as large hand luggage or even as a small checked backpack, and spreads the weight well thanks to the padded back.
It keeps the range's good organisation: padded compartment for a laptop up to 17.3", several interior pockets to keep everything in place, and exterior pockets for your phone, documents or bottle, always within reach. Here's its product page.
It's for you if you take trips of four or more days or you're the type who prefers a backpack over a suitcase. Maybe not if you want something that fits under the seat, because this one is big.
Which one fits each airline?
This is the part that raises the most doubts, so here it is clearly:
- Free bag under the seat (40x30x20 cm on Ryanair, Vueling and easyJet): only the Underseat meets that size. Ryanair updated it to 40x30x20, just like Vueling.
- Large hand luggage: the 54 cm is taller than the standard size, so it counts as a large item subject to the priority fare.
- Longer trips: the 61 cm is the biggest; depending on your airline's fare you may have to check it in, so confirm before flying.
Our recommendation
Ecodiver Underseat 25 litres
40x30x20 cm · 1 kg · laptop 15.6". The only one that fits free under the seat. Laptop compartment and handy exterior pockets.
99 € 140 €
Ecodiver Travel 38 litres
54x34x26 cm · 1.6 kg · laptop 17.3". The balanced pick for the weekend. Very well organised inside and out.
136 € 170 €
Ecodiver Travel 55 litres
61x34x29 cm · 1.9 kg · laptop 17.3". The largest, for longer trips without dragging a suitcase. Lots of pockets inside and out.
152 € 190 €
And if you'd rather have a wheeled suitcase?
If instead of a backpack you want a cabin suitcase you can roll along, take a look at our Ecodiver suitcase guide (2 and 4 wheels). And if you want something hard and premium, the Samsonite C-Lite is our benchmark. The whole range is in the Ecodiver collection.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ecodiver backpack fits Ryanair's free bag?
The Ecodiver Underseat (40x30x20 cm). Ryanair updated its free bag to that size, the same as Vueling and easyJet, so it fits under the seat without paying extra.
Do things get wet if it rains?
The fabric repels light rain and splashes, so a downpour waiting for the bus or taxi is no problem. It's not meant to be put under water, but it protects the contents well on a rainy day.
How many pockets do they have and what are they for?
They all have a padded laptop compartment, interior pockets to organise charger, cables and documents, and exterior quick-access pockets for your phone, wallet, keys or water bottle, without having to open the whole backpack.
Which do I choose for a weekend with a laptop?
The 54 cm (38 litres) is the most balanced: plenty of room for two or three days, light and with a compartment for laptops up to 17.3".
Are they really made of recycled material?
Yes. The outer fabric is made from recovered plastic bottles turned into a tough textile, Samsonite's own recycling technology.
Made up your mind? Buy your original Samsonite Ecodiver backpack, with official warranty and shipping from Spain, at Traveltienda. And if you're torn between two sizes, write to us and we'll guide you based on your airline and days of travel.