Best Pilot Backpack

Luggage is an important aspect of flying and ensuring that you have the right storage capacity with various items in their right place can make traveling so much easier. That’s for passengers as well as pilots.

You may need to find your pilot license, flashlight, or navigational charts all at short notice, and knowing where they are can save time and stress.

If you do not have adequate space in your backpack, you may struggle to fit everything you need.

For a student pilot, this could mean your study materials that you could be using during the flight or swotting up on during downtime.

Occasional flyers may want to carry their sunglasses for optimum vision or bring their iPad and a headset.

Then there are airline pilots who need more storage for all their overnight flights, including a change of clothes and toiletries.

The material and how easy it is to carry are also fundamental aspects that go into deciding on a backpack.

No matter, if you are flying a commercial aircraft, a jetliner, or a humble Cessna airplane, a flight bag is essential and that could mean a backpack.

So we are here today with the best pilot backpack! Keep reading to see our top recommendations, and be sure to check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ section to help you find the perfect backpack today.

Best Pilot Backpack Buying Guide

No matter what type of aircraft you intend to fly, you will need to have a flight bag to carry all of your essential items to ensure you have everything you need.

That could be a backpack and it should ensure it has storage space so you do not leave without an item that may prove vital for everyday flying and especially during an emergency.

Your backpack should also be an extension of your personality as a pilot so it should be organized and look the part.

While you may have considered a backpack to be perhaps a little nerdy, they can now look very sophisticated which should be ideal for someone in uniform.

The number of compartments should align with the number of different items you have to carry and their various sizes.

There will be charts that can be sorted flatly and bulky items that need to be stored on their own.

You may also want your more essential items towards the top so they can be easily found while less necessary items can be stored at the bottom and only come out when you empty the backpack, such as your change of clothes.

Keeping your laptop and/or your tablet protected in their padded pocket may also be a good feature to look out for.

Let’s dive in now and look a little closer at the areas you should be considering when purchasing your backpack.

Storage Space

There are some essential items for any pilot to carry in their flight bag or backpack.

Top of the list should be your documentation including your pilot certificate/license, passport, airport ID, and medical documents.

To fly, you will also need an aviation headset and even some backup batteries and ear defenders for your walkarounds.

You may need to make sure you can carry your iPad and some extra navigational and aeronautical charts and maps just in case, as well as a pen and pencil.

A flashlight would also come in handy to check those difficult spots in the cockpit.

Your pilot kneeboard will also help keep your paperwork in one place so you can remain organized while flying.

Make room for your fuel tester, aviation radio, pilot logbook, charging cords, flight computer, ADS-B receiver sunglasses, and ensure you bring along some water and a few snacks too.

There may be other items that you simply cannot be without which may include alcohol wipes for a quick clean of your cockpit so check the storage space so you can fit them all in.

For overnight flights, a pilot should always carry their toiletries which may need some substantial room if you want to include your deodorants, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, moisturizer, and face towel.

You may also want to carry a change of clothes and carry your wallet in your backpack.

An important aspect to remember with the storage space is to make sure that there is so much essential equipment that you can pilot the aircraft safely, nothing should be left out. If you cannot fit it in, you simply have to find a new backpack that will allow you to do so.

There is no leeway in deciding which items to pack and which you can do without as certain items are indispensable for regular flying and in emergencies.

Failure to pack your charts or your essential documentation could get you into some real trouble before you even take off.

Compartments/Pockets

The most practical backpacks will have a sufficient number of compartments to store various items. This could be charts and books, but also more bulky items like headsets and radios.

Knowing where certain items are is also important so you can find them quickly and those seconds could prove vital during an emergency.

Grabbing that correct chart, slipping on your aviation headset without having to untangle wires, and even finding a pen should all be easy.

Ideally, each compartment should have its use and be its ideal shape to fit an item.

For instance, a thin divider inside the inner lining of the backpack could be the ideal slot for your charts whereas a fastened pocket should be perfect for storing your radio.

An organizer pocket that comes with slots for certain items such as pens is also a good feature to consider.

Size And Weight

Backpacks can prove to be a stable type of flight bag yet you should be careful that it is not too heavy before you begin to fill them.

A pilot should be aware of how important weight is with luggage, just as it is for passengers.

An ideal size fits in all your essential gear, as well as a few other optional items, but still fits in the small space that lies behind your seat.

Having to cram the backpack in under the seat could cause damage to the seat and the items inside.

You also do not want a backpack that is too large for a short flight as that can be considered overkill and an unnecessary waste of space.

The Material

Any backpack should be made from durable material and standard choices include polyester or nylon.

These usually prove inexpensive yet still offer adequate protection while remaining malleable so you can fit one into a tight space.

Buying a water-resistant backpack should mean you can use it for years and years while also being able to wash it easily. 

Best Pilot Backpack - FAQ's

Check out our FAQ section before you leave us to have any last-minute questions answered!

Do Pilots Check-In Their Bags?

Pilots and their cabin crew typically travel with two bags. You will often see a pilot go through an airport with their flight bag, which usually has wheels, strapped onto their carry-on bag.

The flight bag could also be a backpack to carry a pilot’s essentials that are required for flying.

While a passenger will be allowed to carry a bag onto the plane, a pilot will likely have a larger one to carry the specific equipment they need to fly.

Why Do Some Pilots Carry A Backpack While Others Use A Business Backpack?

Pilots have their preferences and may only need to carry certain things depending on which aircraft they are flying.

For instance, for short flights where you are expected to be returning to your home base, only a business briefcase is required for essential documentation, personal items such as keys and wallet, then maybe some food.

A business briefcase will therefore be ideal for low-cost airline pilots, flight instructors, and short-haul pilots.

Those who have longer layovers will likely prefer a larger suitcase, preferably one with wheels so they can carry a change of clothes and toiletries.

They will still be required to carry essential documentation, items and charts so require a bit more room for the prolonged duration of their layover.