The vacuum compression underseat bag, built to 40 x 30 x 20cm
The BRAW Explorer 2 is a vacuum compression underseat bag built to 40 x 30 x 20cm, the free underseat size on Ryanair and Wizz Air. It also fits inside easyJet's larger free allowance. The compression lives in the ClipPod, a removable vacuum bag that sits inside the main compartment. Pack it, take the air out, and up to 7 days of clothes go under the seat in front of you. No gate fee, no bag drop.
Why the compression lifts out
The ClipPod is a separate vacuum compression bag, not a lining stitched into the shell. That changes three things.
The bag keeps its size. Compression squeezes what you pack. It does not push the shell outwards. The Explorer 2 base stays at 40 x 30 x 20cm whether the ClipPod is half full or packed tight, so it goes into the sizer the same way every time.
Wet and dirty kit stays sealed. The ClipPod is waterproof. Wet swimwear, a damp towel or muddy boots go in it and the rest of the bag stays dry.
You land with two bags. Unclip the ClipPod and it works as a waterproof bag on its own. The Explorer 2 empties out and becomes your day bag. One free allowance on the way there, two bags once you arrive.
How the ClipPod works
- Pack your clothes into the ClipPod. Roll them or stuff them, both work.
- Take the air out. The rechargeable WEE Pump locks onto the valve and does it for you. At home or in the Airbnb, a hoover on the valve gets it tightest. With no power at all, press it, roll it or kneel on it: the valve only lets air out one way.
- Clip it into the main compartment and zip up. The base is still 40 x 30 x 20cm.
The Explorer 2 is 24L at its base size. With the ClipPod compressed, it packs like a bag of about 32L.
What else is in the Explorer 2
- A 1050 Cordura shell with a 900D front facing, water resistant.
- YKK and Aquaguard zips. Two different zips, each where it does the most good.
- A padded sleeve for a 15in laptop, raised off the base so it never takes the hit when the bag goes down hard.
- A hidden security pocket against your back for your passport and cards.
- An odour-proof compartment for shoes and used kit.
- A flush-zip bottle holder, three grab handles, compression straps and a trolley pass-through.
Need more room on a trip with a paid bag? The expansion zip opens the Explorer 2 to 40 x 30 x 25cm, adding about 5L. That extra 5cm of depth is over the free underseat size, so keep it zipped when you are flying on the free allowance.
Shop the Explorer 2
Checking your airline's free bag size? See the 40 x 30 x 20cm underseat bag, explained, with the airline by airline table.
Frequently asked questions
What is a vacuum compression underseat bag?
It is a bag sized to the free underseat allowance, around 40 x 30 x 20cm on budget airlines, with a vacuum bag inside that takes the air out of your clothes. You fit more into the same free size, so you have no reason to pay around £70 at the gate for a bigger bag.
Does vacuum compression make the bag bigger?
No. The ClipPod squeezes your clothes down inside the bag. The Explorer 2 base stays at 40 x 30 x 20cm. Only the expansion zip adds size, and that is a separate choice.
Do I need the WEE Pump?
No. A hoover does the job at home, and you can press or roll the air out by hand when you have nothing else. The WEE Pump is the easy way on the road. It is rechargeable and travels in your hand luggage.
Is the ClipPod waterproof?
Yes. It is fully waterproof, so it holds wet kit away from everything else and works as a waterproof bag on its own once you unclip it.
Which airlines does the Explorer 2 fit for free?
Most budget airlines, including Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet. Airlines change their sizes, so check your airline's current page before you fly.
