The Cabin Max Story

 

Makers of the original Metz Cabin Backpack since 2007.  Our hand luggage is designed to be lightweight, robust and improve your travel experience. With over 2 million bag sales since then we can be spotted in airports all over the world.

We make it our mission to know the latest hand luggage requirements and design quality bags and cases to fit to the max. Guaranteed!

Our origins - designing the first cabin backpacks specifically for airline rules

Quite a long time ago, aged 17 and during a summer heatwave, I cycled with my cousin down through France, packed with everything we thought we needed. This taught me a very valuable lesson- to pack well, and to travel as light as possible! 

In 2007 I had a trip booked with Ryanair, so I went looking for a bag that fitted the new Ryanair strict carry on limit 55 x 40 x 20 cm. I couldn’t find anything that exact size, they were either too big or too small. I ended up buying a rucksack that did the job but disappointingly didn’t fit the luggage gauge properly. It presented an opportunity to fix this demand / supply problem and design a bag that was lightweight fitted the maximum and was good value for money. The best selling Cabin Max Metz 44L backpack was born.

Since then with the help of customer feedback, talented designers and a fantastic team based in Wrexham, Wales we have developed a large range of backpacks and cases to fit the luggage gauges of all the major airlines.

It was a simple idea that you can save time and money avoiding the baggage carousel, our fellow travellers agreed, and we now distribute Cabin Max all over the world.

We want to be part of your travels so please share your adventures with us #cabinmax

Cabin Max | Traveller | Designer | Founder 

Martin Barwise

A New Chapter in 2026: Cabin Max is Now Employee-Owned

We have some exciting news to share: Cabin Max has officially become an employee-owned business through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

What does this actually mean?

In short, the people who make the magic happen are now the people who own the business.

From the designers sketching out the next generation of underseat cabin bags to the warehouse team ensuring your order arrives in time for your weekend getaway, we are all now co-owners. If you have ever reached out to our customer service team or seen us testing a new prototype to beat the latest airline luggage restrictions, you have met the heart of Cabin Max.

Why we chose this path

In a world of big corporations and faceless brands, we wanted to do something different. We have always been a tight-knit crew, but this move makes it official. By becoming an EOT, we have ensured that the future of Cabin Max stays in the hands of the people who care about it most.

When the team has a literal stake in the company, "good enough" isn’t an option. We are more committed than ever to making sure every zip, every strap and every pocket is spot on. It is about long-term passion and building something we are proud of, rather than just short-term thinking.

What changes for you?

On the surface, everything stays the same. You will still find us obsessing over airline dimensions and looking for ways to save you money at the boarding gate. Our mission remains exactly the same:

• Quality You Can Count On: We will continue to design and deliver durable, high-quality luggage that handles the hustle of travel.

• Airline Compliance: We stay on top of the ever-changing airline rules so you never have to worry about "will it fit?" at the gate.

• Saving You Money: Our goal is still to provide affordable gear that helps you avoid those pesky extra baggage fees.

The only real difference? Every time you carry a Cabin Max bag, you are supporting a team of owners who are genuinely invested in your journey.

Thank you

Whether you have been with us since our very first bag or you are just planning your first trip, thank you for being part of our story. We are excited to keep helping you see the world - this time, as a team of owners.

Happy travels,

The Cabin Max Team