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Sport Lover Collection

For the sport lover in you, this collection includes fashionable, featherlight and water-resistant bags for skiers, golfers, tennis players, and more.

Set of Three Travel Packs - Tennis Match Tote Set

Puffer Crossbody Backpack Dancing Skier

Lay Flat Fanny Pack with Golfers on the Green MAX

Take them to the top of class with gifts that say congratulations.

Set of Three Travel Packs - Everyday Tote Set in Cool Shades of Gray

"Reach for the Stars" - Set of Two Cosmetic Case with Mini Pouch in Shimmer Navy with silver Stars

Set of Two - Everyday Puffer Purse Essentials in Shimmer Black

Travel collection.

Bags, Totes, Fanny Packs and more to help you travel light and in-style.

Set of Four - Packing Cubes - Black with Silver LOVE

Travel light and in Style - Set of Three Travel Packs in Earth Gray and Silver

Set of Three Travel Packs - Everyday Tote Set in Shimmer Navy

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Turn your favorite Medium, Mini, or Emergency Pack into a wristlet with our clip on Wrist Straps!

Stay light on-the-go and be ready to take in all life has to offer by going hands-free.

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Fitness essentials, fashion essentials, travel essentials, get to know classic hi love styles.

The Fanny Pack

A lay flat pack that is nearly invisible. The best part is the elastic belt offering ultimate comfort! Accented with credit card slots to keep you organized.

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For all life's little necessities, first-aid, cosmetics or snacks. This is a must-have for organizing a larger bag.

The Medium Pack

This is the pack for the gym, the beach or camping. It holds wet towels and clothes, snacks and dry goods, electronics and more.

The Crossbody Purse

A lightweight crossbody purse that is comfortable for everyday use to hold all the daily essentials on-the-go. Remove the strap and this purse doubles as a fold-over clutch!

The Weekender

Imagine a featherweight, water-resistant travel bag that held everything you needed for a weekend road trip or as a carry on for a quick holiday flight out of town. Classic styling and colors. Durable. Fashionable.

The Cosmetic Case

Water-resistant, convenient interior zipper pocket. If you like to see all your make-up and toiletries at a quick glance then this case was made for you!

The Puffer Tote

Perfect as your everyday bag, this tote is just the right size to hold your computer, files, chargers, a change of clothes, and a lunchbox for the entire day!

The Crossbody Backpack

The bag that will never leave your side. Swing under the arm to easily access your valuables without removing it from your back. Allows you to be arm and hands-free! Holds a 1L water bottle.

The Puffer Purse & Clutch

Use as a crossbody purse for the day and as a foldover clutch for the night, or as padded protection for your iPad on the go.

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Home » Gear » best travel bags

31 Best Travel Bags: Duffels, Backpacks and Suitcases (2024)

We’ve reviewed hundreds of the best travel bags throughout the years – from the best hiking backpacks to the best laptop bags, we know bags. 

This article is for you if you don’t know where to start when it comes to travel bags. Are you a dedicated backpacker, a fan of the duffel bag, or maybe a devotee of the wheelie suitcase? Perhaps you’re not sure which type of travel bag you should buy or if you should make a switch.

Whether you’re a newbie or looking to upgrade and replace your existing travel bag, choosing from the best travel bags can be something of a minefield.

How on earth do you choose? The best way is to simply read on!

Keep scrolling and you’ll discover a wealth of detailed information on all the latest travel bags – backpacks, duffel bags, carry-ons, backpacks with wheels, and anti-theft bags; the list goes on! By the end of the article you’re sure to have found the best travel bag ever… for your needs!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Bags of 2024

How to choose the best travel bag, best travel backpacks, best travel duffel bag, best travel daypacks, best travel luggage with wheels, best carry on travel bags, best anti-theft travel backpacks, best foldable travel bags, best travel duffel bags, best laptop travel bags, how and where we tested to find the best travel backpacks, faq about the best travel bags.

• Best Travel Backpack – Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
• Best Travel Daypack – Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• Best Travel Backpack Runner-Up – AER Travel Pack 3
• Best Leather Travel Pack – MAHI Leather Overnight Bag
• Best Eco Luggage – Monarc Brand Settra
• Best Travel Luggage with Wheels – Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45
• Best Carry on Travel Bag – Stubble & Co Adventure Pack
• Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpack – Pacsafe Metrosafe X
• Best Foldable Travel Bag – Wandrd Veer 18L
• Best Travel Duffel Bag – Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag
• Best Laptop Travel Bag – AER Commuter Brief 2

NOMATIC 40L TRAVEL BAG

• > Lifetime Warranty
• > Full of unique storage features

Tortuga Travel Backpack

• Price: > $$
• > Laptop and tablet sleeves
• > Made with water proof sailcloth

AER Travel Pack 3

• > Carry on friendly
• > Sleek, minimalist design

Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

• Price: > $$$
• > Carry on size
• > Detachable day pack

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• > Book-style opening
• > Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves

Pacsafe Metrosafe X

• > RFID-blocking pouch
• > Interlocking zips

WANRD Veer 18L

• > Lightweight
• > Multiple pockets

Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

• > Excellent all-round duffel bag
• > Protected pocket for tech

AER Commuter Brief 2

When deciding between all of these great travel bags, how do you choose the best bag for travel? Here are some pointers…

One of the easiest ways to narrow down the choices is to consider the size of bag you require. If you’re searching for a bag that will see you through the daily commute you’re almost certainly going to need a smaller travel bag than if you’re heading off vacation away from home.

Generally, good travel bags of somewhere between 30 and 45-liters, unless you plan to use air travel check-in. If you have a lot of electronics, camera gear, camping equipment, or clothes (we’ve all been there!), then a larger bag makes much more sense.

If you have a travel bag you’re looking to replace or upgrade, ask yourself what sort of style it is – and whether of course, you like that style!

If you’re comfortable with a backpack-style travel bag, then focus your search on the same; whereas, if you prefer the ease of a duffel bag or wheelie suitcase, that’s the way you should be leaning. Want something in between, have a look at a duffel-backpack hybrid bag instead.

Will you be carrying your travel bag for long distances? Because if so, every gram (or ounce) of excess weight matters. While wheelie suitcases are a great idea for city movement, wheels always add weight to a bag and are a pain if you are heading off-road (or even onto the cobbles of a city like Paris).

Also, remember that weight is often a trade-off for durability, especially when it comes to travel and hiking backpacks. The more durable a bag, the more it tends to weigh. Understand how you plan to use your bag before buying the lightest or most heavy-duty pack! Overall, the higher-quality luggage brands tend to be able to keep things lighter whilst still being durable.

Are you traveling with Tech?

Are you traveling with tech? These days you probably are, whether you’re traveling for pleasure or for work.

In which case, do you want a rigid travel bag that provides protection, or perhaps a padded laptop sleeve or compartment? We have an entire section dedicated to good travel bags for laptops.

If this is the case, make sure the sleeve is large enough for your particular laptop or tablet too!

Are you Hiking?

While some of the best travel bags are geared for travel, they’re often not designed for hiking. Some backpacks are designed for both travel AND hiking, but that usually means it’s not the best at either, just manageable.

If you want a backpack that you can take on the trails, then pay attention to how the backpack holds its weight, the suspension system (if it even has one), the shoulder straps, and waist strap comfort. Remember, some of the really nice traveling bags that look great for city hopping aren’t going to cut it on the trails!

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

For those who need a larger, more conventional backpack that can handle all sorts of trips. These come in all shapes and sizes though our top choices are around 40 liters.

For more information on these sorts of bags, visit our IN-DEPTH guide on how to choose a travel backpack . There are some really great travel bags to choose from.

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#1 Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag

Nomatic bags have 20 innovative features to make your travels all the easier, such as a dedicated shoe pocket that keeps dirty soles away from the rest of your luggage, and a fleece-lined RFID-blocking pocket that will keep your electronic data and passports safe from illegitimate scanning by scammers. Pretty much it is the only travel bag under 40 liters you will ever need; which is why we chose it as your top pick.

This bag also incorporates a dedicated laptop sleeve, and is carry on approved for a plethora of international airlines!

Our testers thought this was, well, to put it bluntly, the best travel bag out there! There are so many features they could point to in terms of what they loved the most but because I’m limited on the wordcount I’ll focus on one. Organisation! They loved the different pockets, zippered sections and show well the shape of the bag fits packing cubes inside.

We have so much to say about this bag that we wrote an entire Nomatic Travel Bag review.

• Perfect carry-on size
• Tons of features for the modern traveler
• RFID-blocking pockets
• Laptop sleeve
• Weight is a tad heavy for some (1.8 kg)
• Hip belt must be bought separately

#2 Tortuga Travel Backpack

With their Travel Backpack model, US-brand Tortuga promises to deliver a travel bag that has the portability and ergonomic qualities of a hiking backpack with the organizational stance and ease of packing that comes with a suitcase.

That said, we do not recommend this backpack for hiking… refer to our reviews on hiking backpacks instead.

Having said that, our team of testers especially loved how easy to pack this bag was. With the rectangular shape and clamshell opening it was perfect for fitting in packing cubes and keeping everything neat and organised. The smaller size also fits perfectly into overhead compartments.

sComing in 30 and 40-liter versions, which you might consider weekend and max-sized, both sizes of the Outbreaker carry 15” laptops, and also tablets of up to 9.7”.

• Suitable for laptops up to 15”
• Comprises additional tablet sleeve
• Carry on compliant
• Made in China
• Rectangular shape
• Not for adventures

#3 Aer Travel Pack 3

The AER Travel Bag 3 is one of the best travel bags, ever. We have no doubts about that. Pound for pound, we consider the AER Travel Pack to be as good as the Nomatic Travel Bag. They’ve designed and engineered a built-in solution to all of the previous problems we’ve had with travel bags.

This bag is great for digital nomads, backpackers, and business travelers alike. It is designed with your laptop and organization in mind. It’s 35 liters of backpacker perfection.

Use this bag as a daypack, a carry on, or both. You’ll appreciate the many pockets and storage features. Wear it around town to camp on your laptop at your favorite coffee shop or bring it on a plane without needing to check your bag.

I recently took this bag on a trip over to France and I totally fell in love with it. The real stand-out feature for me, travelling with my camera and laptop, was the strong and smooth zippers that can be locked for extra security.

For more details about the Aer Travel Pack 3, read our Aer Travel Pack review .

• Carry on friendly
• Shoe pocket
• Many organization features
• Small water bottle pocket
• Not entirely waterproof
• No raincover

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#1 MAHI Leather Overnight Bag

Leather travel packs are stylish and hard wearing. Whilst note created for outdoors and not ideal for “backpackers”, they do suit urban, business an weekend travellers. MAHI leather is the company to beat in the leather bag market and this weekend sized 30L duffel is a cracking carry on companion.

This leather bag is the flagship duffel for a proven company, and its clean appearance and durable straps have earned it the highest place on our list. The bag can be carried with handles or a shoulder strap, and brass hardware ensures you can walk with confidence no matter how you hold it. 

You won’t lose anything inside the bag, thanks to the zip and phone pocket. You can pack everything you need this weekend in this lightweight and stylish leather bag that checks off all the boxes. 

This bag might not be for everyone and it did split our team somewhat, but for those who loved it, it was the outer material that was a real winner. They felt the feel of the soft and supple but strong leather used provided both great protection whilst looking super stylish and professional.

#2: Monarc Brand Setra

Travel can really take it toll on the planet – I mean jet fumes are not exactly good for anybody right? The good news is that Ecological and Sustainable travel initiatives are now really gaining serious momentum and ecological travel products are popping up everywhere.

So, the Monarc 2-in-1 Duffle-Backpack is the world’s first backpack made from 100% recycled bottles and the producers have been awarded a highly coveted “plastic negative” rating.

As well as being eco friendly, the Monarc Settra is also a seriously cracking great pack. Its 2-1 concept design means it can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel using the comfortable handle. If you do wear it on your bag, there are adjustable straps to help carry the weight.

Then there are the organizational possibilities. Its’ 40L of storage can go pretty far and the pack offers a shoe compartment and a 17” laptop sleeve. Coming in at $149.00, it’s an absolute bargain although if you have the budget we also recommend picking up the full set including camera cube, compression cubes and laundry bags.

Anything else? Oh yeah, it’s also water-resistant, TSA Carry-on compliant and comes with a lifetime guarantee!

When our team gave this a test run they really loved how comfortable the straps and handle were however the bag was configured. Sometimes these types of bags are more suited to one use over the other but this guy feels great either way.

Small travel bags that are meant for shorter journeys. These typically hold less than 30 liters and are designed to be easy and lightweight.

If you’re interested in buying a smaller bag and want to learn more, we’ve written a  comprehensive daypack post as well!

#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

Daypacks have become a vital way of carrying all you need when you’re out and about for the day but can falter for two reasons.

Firstly, they don’t always provide enough space for a laptop. Secondly, what do you do with it when its no longer needed? The Tortuga Laptop Backpack answers both of these problems!

It will take a laptop of up to 16” and a tablet of 12.9” in dedicated sleeves, and folds flat so it can be easily be packed into your main luggage. We think this is such an awesome feature!

Weighing a very light 2.1 lb (0.95 kg), it won’t add much extra weight to your luggage, but is still made with waterproof sailcloth to keep your tech and other kit safe even on drizzly days!

Much like the larger Tortuga, this bag was well-loved on our team. They loved the fact that it still has clamshell opening which is pretty uncommon for smaller bags and helps when you’ve got organisational needs.

• Laptop and tablet sleeves
• Folds flat for packing
• Weighs just 500 grams
• Made with water proof sailcloth
• Won’t fit larger laptops
• Volume limited to 21 litres
• Just one colour
• White interior may stain quickly

#2 Osprey Daylite Plus

For a daypack orientated towards hiking and outdoor adventures, this is one of the best bags for travel on the market. Made from a durable ripstop and water-resistant nylon, it’s very capable of taking on the great outdoors.

Its frame helps to spread the weight evenly, taking the stress further off your shoulders, which will already feel the benefit of the padded and ventilated shoulder straps. 20-liter packs with frames and waist straps are virtually unheard of, meaning this pack is perfect for day hikes.

Lightweight at just over half a kilo, the Osprey Daylite Plus boasts dedicated spaces for laptops and tablets, in addition to ‘standard’ hiking bag features such as an emergency whistle and chest strap!

Our testers can confirm how well the mesh ventilation system works to keep your back dry. They loved how much this bag made their time on hikes or exploring cities like Bangkok much more comfortable.

• Made with durable ripstop nylon
• Water resistant
• Lightweight travel bag
• Buckle closure top flap
• Lacks external webbing or anchor points
• Front pocket is unlockable
• May be too small for some users

#3 WANDRD PRVKE 31

The WANDRD PRVKE 31 is one of the best camera backpacks on the market for non-professional photographers. The bag is extremely versatile and extremely durable. Its versatility and durability mean the WANDRD PRVKE 31 can be used for more than just a camera bag.

It’s good for hiking, a daypack, or even a small travel bag – the magic is in the WANDRD’s ability to be more than just a cam era backpack .

The photographers on our team really fell in love with the functionality of this bag. The removable camera cube that straps in and connects with the side opening in practical use worked a treat. It meant assessing your camera on the go was easy and quick.

Looking for the best camera bag , check out our guide for some more options.

• Very durable and robust
• Great design
• Tons of pockets
• Comes with handy accessories
• Limited space for cameras/equipment
• Magnetic handles are just OK

Sometimes, having a set of wheels on your bag can be really useful. Not having to carry around a big ol’ bag can really save your back, especially when you’re in the airport or on some really nice pavement.

We’ve only covered a few bags in this section – read more about wheeled backpacks if you’re interested!

#1 Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

One of the main reasons you should invest in a backpack with wheels is for convenience. Well, this backpack takes convenience to an entirely new level with its super comfortable carrying system.

With this luggage, you will have a backpack, and rolling luggage all in one! The StraightJacket compression system helps keep the load tight, compact and neat for those long travel days jumping on and off transport.

A few more great features include padded top and side handles, a removable shoulder harness, and the HighRoad Chassis that gives you great clearance over any rough ground you might encounter.

This item meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines (size does not exceed 45 linear inches).

Our team are most used to backpacking but they were pretty keen to give this hybrid number a go. Well, the vast majority were converted and they just loved how well this bag functioned as a backpack and then easily converted to rolling luggage without looking too much like a suitcase.

• Carry on size
• High clearance wheels
• Heavy! Over 6 Lbs.

#2 Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On Wheeled Pack

This 37-litre rolling luggage that doubles as a backpack is perfect for international travel. It was built to be weatherproof and dirt-resistant for all of your adventures. Not only that but it also comes with a detachable 18l day pack too!

Plus, it’s probably the coolest looking backpack with wheels – something I haven’t said since the fourth grade! A few of its awesome features include the top quick stash pocket, multiple grab handles, and treaded off-road wheels so you can roll this bag on challenging terrain!

The main drawback is its weight. There is always a trade-off for durability and weight… and in this case, it’s a few pounds! This backpack may be overkill if you aren’t going on an adventure…

Our team felt this bag was more suited for rolling than carrying but appreciated the additional functionality. However, their favourite feature was the quality feel of the outer material and how much punishment the wheels could take.

• Perfect carry on size
• Weatherproof and extremely durable
• Treaded off-road wheels
• Heavy! 6+ Lbs.

#3 Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on

A traditional wheelie suitcase, the four-wheeled Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on offers its users supreme protection of its contents thanks to its rigid form of ABS plastic.

Accepted by all the major airlines in Europe and North America as carry on compliant, it weighs 2.5 kg and has a mid-range capacity of 33 litres.

Its wheels rotate a full 360°, giving you effortless movement across airport departure halls. Inside, the case includes packing straps to hold all your baggage in place, two elastic shoe pockets, a slim mesh pocket for documentation, and a zipped divider to keep items separate from one another.

Finally, there’s a five-year guarantee to protect against manufacturing defects!

Our team loved the durability of these bags and just how high quality they felt. The hard exterior provided great protection whilst remaining compact and light. The four wheels also made rolling the case, even on the cobbles of Prague, super easy.

• Rigid-form carry on
• Easy wheel movement
• Five year guarantee
• Weight of 2.5 kg
• Wheels protrude and cannot be retracted
• Cannot be used as a backpack
• No padded laptop sleeve

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

For those who fly very often and NEED to make sure that their backpack will can be taken on the plane. Generally speaking, 20-30 liter bags can almost always be used as carry ons. 40 liter bags are a little bit more risky but, because we like to toe the line, we’ve included some 40-liters that we believe can be used as such.

If you’d like, you can also read more about carry ons here!

#1 Stubble & Co Adventure Pack

This nifty and compact carry on ready backpack is ideal for both city breaks and outdoor time.

This innovative, super uber cool, brand new to-the-market hiking daypack is tough, durable, and also highly functional. It is designed to be a go-anywhere, do-anything bag that is equally adept when out hiking in the woods, hitting the gym, or undertaking the daily hell that is the wretched commute to work!

It zips fully open almost like a suitcase and offers a raft of different compression-compartments separated by mesh netting and zips that make packing and squeezing stuff in a dream. There are also a few external pockets for leads, charges, passports and cigarettes as well as a deducted 16″ laptop sleeve.

Have a look at our Stubble & Co Adventure Bag in-depth review for more information.

• Durable Material
• Padded Laptop and Tablet Compartment
• Great organisation
• Cushioned Shoulder Straps and Hip Belt
• Quite heavy
• Kinda expensive

#2 Osprey Farpoint (40 liter)

If you are trying to decide between the Tortuga and the Osprey, then it simply comes down to one thing – your personal travel style

Do you need a carry on travel bag for camping and light hiking, or for urban travel? If you picked the former, then the Osprey Farpoint is for you!

Here’s the thing, the Farpoint is somewhat of a hybrid travel and hiking backpack. I’d never pick it primarily for hiking when Osprey carries so many specific hiking backpacks, but if you want a bag that can do a little bit of everything and accompany you on flights, then look no further.

The Farpoint range has been a popular choice amongst our team for years and this updated version lived up to its reputation. One of the features our crew loved the most was the combination of internal and external compression straps that help minimise the size of the bag when packed and keep everything from shifting.

This bag caters Digital Nomads and backpackers. Read our full Osprey Farpoint 40 review here.

• Duffel bag or backpack
• Lifetime guarantee
• Not as much tech-organization as Nomatic
• Looks a bit like a turtle shell

#3 Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

Unlike the Farpoint reviewed above, the Osprey Stratos is a hiking bag first, and a travel bag second. If you love to hike, then you’ll love this bag for many reasons.

This bag is a go-to for short hikes and overnight camping excursions. It comes with an integrated rain cover, is quite lightweight, and has an impressive amount of organization capacity for it’s minimal design.

At 33 or 36 liters (depending on the size you buy), this bag is ALWAYS carry on compliant – just tighten up the compression straps. If you aren’t sold on the Stratos, the Osprey Cirrus 36 is another great option.

Our testers loved how comfortable this pack was to wear even fully loaded on the trails. Its super padded shoulder and hip straps alongside the mesh back panel made it great for hiking and long treks wearing the pack.

Read our  full Osprey Stratos 36 review here.

• Always carry-on compliant
• Awesome ultralight hiking backpacks
• New updated design
• Ventilated mesh back panel
• Likely too small for most travelers
• Not made for regular travel
• Mixed reviews on the pocket sizes

#4 Peak Design 30L Travel Pack

Tailored for the contemporary traveler, the Peak Design 30L Travel Pack offers a 30-liter capacity that is ideally suited for brief escapes or minimalist extended journeys. Its elegant design extends beyond aesthetics; it’s a reflection of functionality. With adjustable compartments for a tailor-made fit for your possessions, and clever side openings for easy item retrieval, this bag offers superior convenience. Expansion zippers allow you to modify the bag’s size to suit various travel needs, adding to its adaptability.

• Carry on compliant – even Ryanair
• Packs a lot in and extends to 33:
• Sleeves for laptop and tablet
• Not waterproof

Most travel bags have some sort of security against theft. For extra protection though, you’ll need a special backpack with more features than usual.

#1 Pacsafe Metrosafe X

The Australian brand, Pacsafe, is dedicated to creating fully-functional travel bags that also protect you from theft. The Metrosafe X has a reasonable daypack size of 20 litres, while weighing less than a kilogram.

There’s an RFID-protective pocket to keep your credit cards, identity card and passport safe from data theft, and a PopNLock security clip that secures the Metrosafe X to any immovable object.

An interlinking zip closure system also makes it impossible for anyone to open any of the bag’s zips without you noticing! The Metrosafe X is also protected from the slash and grab tactics of some thieves due to its hidden wire mesh, and shoulder straps that incorporate steel wires.

Pacsafe is the gold standard when it comes to keeping your valuables secure when travelling. Our testers loved how lowkey the bag looks and how simple the exterior is. It means with one lockable zip their gear felt safe and secure.

• Weighs less than a kilo
• RFID-blocking pouch
• Interlocking zips
• Embedded steel mesh
• Fairly plain exterior
• Too small a volume for some
• Some users report zips jamming
• Not for adventure travel

#2 Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

With a stylish modern design and 12.5 litre capacity, the Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack has both hidden zips to make it harder for pickpockets to make a quick grab for your kit, and additional hidden pockets.

The water repellent and slash proof outer material will see splashes of water just run off, while the interior has space for laptops up to 15.6” in size and tablets of up to 10”.

Further, the Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack also includes an integrated USB charging port into its design, enabling you to charge your smartphone and still use it by connecting it to a powerbank stored safely inside the bag.

Our testers loved the adjustable internal divider system which could easily be configured for a whole heap of different uses from camera equipment storage to keeping clean and dirty clothing apart. They felt it far from gimmicky and felt it worked well in practical use.

• Ideal for commuting or day travelling
• Hidden zips for main compartment
• Slash proof material
• Integrated USB charging port
• 12.5 litre capacity not for longer travels
• Water repellent rather than water proof
• Fits laptops up to 15.6”
• Powerbank not included

#3 Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack

In the Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack, we have another travel bag with anti-theft features that is able to carry laptops up to 15” in size.

Like the Oscaurt, this model from Kopack has a hidden zip design that makes it difficult for pickpockets to target, while this bag is nice and comfortable thanks to the padding added to the shoulder straps and other areas of the bag that touch the body.

A sleeve on the inside means you can keep your laptop safe and in a convenient location, while the outer materials are deliberately made from tough nylon that is resistant to tears and anti-slash too!

Our testers loved the internal storage and how there was a dedicated slot to store battery packs that then connects to the external USB charger in seamless fashion, as well as the overall look of the bag; bridging the gap between hipster style and professional functionality.

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Hidden zipper design
• Tear resistant nylon construction
• No RFID-protection pocket
• Not fully water proof
• The Bottom Has No Extra Padding
• Fits laptops up to 15” only

These are the ultimate packable backpacks – ones that can fold and collapse into a sleeve that is usually the size of a purse or tablet! These make for excellent additions to backpacking gear lists and are usually very affordable as well.

#1 Wandrd Veer 18L

Wandrd make some of the best gear on the market today and have now added their packable backpack to the range. It has a sturdy main structure which is resistant to general wear and tear as well as protection against rain and other weather conditions.

Weighing just a few hundred grams, there are two zip-shut front pockets for smaller items of kit, pockets on either side for water bottles or an umbrella, and a mesh pocket with zip closure on the inside. An access point has been incorporated for use with water hydration systems.

Our team loved how comfy this bag was for how small it folded down. They felt the blow-up back panel really works well to great some structure and padding to the bag.

• Nice colour options
• Sturdy structure
• Multiple pockets
• No padding for laptop or tech
• Mesh pockets could be stronger

#2 Outlander Packable

The Outlander is a foldable daypack with multiple compartments! This bag has an internal security zippered pocket to protect valuable items. The fabric is water and abrasion-resistant and it is reinforced to be ultra-durable. It’s also extremely affordable!

Our team loved how the fabric, stitching and zippers felt really high quality and super strong given how lightweight and compact the bag is.

• Multiple compartments
• Durable for a packable
• Not for proper hikes/athletics
• Simple style

#3 BAGSMART Folding Travel Bag

The Bagsmart Folding Travel Bag is a foldable duffel bag with a 46 litre capacity! Coming with a detachable shoulder strap, the Bagsmart still only weighs 1.2 pounds when empty.

Folding into a flat pack roughly the size and shape of a tablet computer, it can easily be slipped into a larger piece of luggage or even a daypack or handbag.

Each of the metal zips have strong metal tags for grip, which contrasts nicely against the otherwise plain black nylon material. The manufacturers report it to be strong enough to be placed in the hold of an aircraft without issue, but we’ve yet to test this out for sure.

The team loved how robust and strong the material of this bag felt given how lightweight it felt to carry and how easy it was to fold.

• Comes in two sizes
• Just 1.2 pounds in weight
• Folds down to size of tablet computer
• Tough enough to act as hold luggage
• Soft shell design without rigidity
• No padding or dedicated tech sleeve
• No backpack handles
• Not a wheelie suitcase

Duffels are tried and tested bags that are still useful these days. Grabable, packable, tossable, and stowable, for some travelers, duffel bags are the way to go.

#1 Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

Duffel bags don’t have to be foldable to be a great way of transporting kit from place to place, with the Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag an excellent example of this.

Not only does it have all the features of a standard duffel bag – a large main compartment accessed via a large top opening – it also has a set of padded shoulder straps that can be pulled out when you want to use this duffel as a backpack.

There’s also a padded internal compartment for keeping your laptop protected; the tough double zips are lockable, and the materials are long-lasting and durable.

Our team of testers loved the high-quality feel across all features of this duffel. The material felt durable and strong and the hefty zippers with their lockable holes make your gear feel super secure.

• Excellent all-round duffel bag
• Packable padded shoulder straps
• Lockable zips
• Protected pocket for tech
• Has rain flaps but not fully water resistant
• Mid-sized bag of 40 litres
• Rigid construction
• Locks must be bought separately

#2 Peak Design Travel Duffel

This duffle is one of the best travel bags for air travel. It really shines when it comes to internal organization, even though it’s a duffel bag! It includes a compartment for your laptop and chargers, and also comes in a super stylish colorway with comfortable handles and straps.

Our team loved that, unlike many other duffel bags, the Peak Design Travel Duffel had separate pockets for your laptop and general organisation. That left the large main compartment free for bulkier items and allowed for easier access to their accessories.

• 35 L perfect carry on size
• Wonderful design
• Laptop compartment
• Tons of organization
• No luggage pass through
• Straps are not as comfortable as their backpack!
• Only fits 13″ laptop
• No water bottle pocket

#3 Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler comes not only with backpack shoulder straps, but also with grab handles, making this duffel-style travel bag simple to lift, move, and transport. Fantastic, no?

But there’s more! The 40 litre capacity version of the Cargo Hauler comes with an empty packed weight of just 2 lbs, making it a very lightweight travel bag, while 600 Dernier synthetic materials that are also water resistant make it durable and tough. Though there is no dedicated padded compartment for delicate items, the Cargo Hauler does boast a padded bottom section, so you should have little worry when placing your duffel on uneven ground.

Our testers loved how hard-wearing and durable the Eagle Creek duffel bag felt. The thick water-resistant material was durable and well-made, making the bag ideal for carrying outdoor equipment.

• Incorporates backpack straps and grab handles
• 600 Dernier material
• Padded base
• Water resistant rather than water proof
• 600 Dernier thinner than some duffel materials
• No rigid structure
• Not for business travel

#4 Patagonia Black Hole

Patagonia is the doyen of the outdoor market, and The Black Hole series of duffel bags are made with even thicker, more durable synthetic materials than the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler. Each version of these duffels is constructed with a 900 Dernier ripstop nylon material which has been treated in to be highly water-resistant as well as tear-resistant – liquids really do just roll off this bag.

Despite the thicker materials used in these quality constructions, the Black Hole series still offers an impressive balance between usage and weight, with the 70-litre version hitting the scale at less than 3 lbs. It has backpack straps too! Perfect if you want to travel with a checked bag that you won’t be able to carry into the cabin. What’s more, they also offer a wheeled duffel version too.

If our team thought the Eagle Creek was hardy then they were blown away by this offering from Patagonia when it came to durability. Given the quality of the material, they were also impressed by how the bag stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage.

Want something different from Patagonia? Check out the best Patagonia backpacks instead.

• 900 Dernier ripstop construction
• Relatively lightweight
• Come with backpack straps
• Soft shell design
• Not fully waterproof
• No detachable cross body shoulder strap
• Not a guaranteed carry on

These days, lots of people travel with laptops . If you do as well, make sure that you have the right bag to protect. A laptop can be a big investment, and it’d be a shame if it was broken because it was carried in the wrong kind.

#1 AER Commuter Brief 2

Many of our other reviewed travel bags have dedicated laptop compartments of one form or another, but that doesn’t mean a specialised laptop travel bag isn’t useful for expensive tech.

Taking the standard form of a modern briefcase laptop bag, the AER Commuter Brief 2 is made up of durable and waterproof materials and zips. It has a reversible padded shoulder strap for easy transportation and side pouches that can be used for packing water bottles or other accessories.

If you are a bike commuter, you will appreciate the relatively small size of the Commuter Brief 2 – not too bulky – but big enough to carry what you need for the day. You can also easily combine it with a stylish travel purse to keep your documents, passport and phone at hand too.

Our team loved how this bag felt super professional and compact to boot. They felt it was the ideal pack to take on busy public transport into the office or on a business trip.

• Reversible shoulder strap
• Capacity of just 13 liters
• Solely a laptop bag
• Cannot be used as main bag

#2 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

The Tortuga Laptop Backpack is the smaller version of their first laptop backpack – and it’s just as awesome! This bag is a 25-liter masterpiece for anyone looking for a smaller laptop bag that feels and looks great.

The Laptop Backpack has plenty of organizational features including mesh pockets and a secure area for your laptop.

The Laptop is marketed as a laptop bag for those who do a lot of air travel. If this sounds like you, then this may be your backpack from heaven.

One of the standout features of the bag for our testers was the separate compartment for their laptops. Having it away from the main section made them feel like their computers were safer from both accidents and theft.

Read our complete Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review here.

• Minimalist design
• Dedicated Laptop and Tablet Area
• Pricey for 25 liter bag
• Might be too small for some

#3 Incase City Compact Backpack

The Incase brand is known for making stylish business backpacks. This bag is made for people on-the-go and on business trips. The City Compact Backpack accommodates a 15-inch laptop and has tons of options for internal organization.

The bag itself is made out of 300D polyester, and the black option has a triple coated weather-resistant front panel. The shoulder straps are made with breathable mesh, and the back panels are padded too.

The main compartment has plenty of storage space whilst remaining compact for a speedy commute around the city.

Our team loved the organisational features of this bag, from several different sections for keeping your laptop, accessories and main gear, it’s the perfect pack for digital nomads.

• Fits up to a 17-inch laptop
• Padded back panels
• Main compartment expands by 35%
• Zippable laptop compartment makes security checks a breeze
• For minimal travelers only
• No strap to attach to suitcase handle

#4 Kroser Laptop Backpack

Not only does the Kroser Laptop Backpack offer some protection from the rain with its water-resistant qualities, but it also boasts some environmental credentials with its use of environmentally-friendly poly fabric!

It weighs in at just over 1 kg, and consists of several large compartments, with dedicated padded sleeves for laptops up to 17” in size and standard-sized tablet computers.

It also includes an integrated USB charging port, so that you can continue to use a smartphone while it is being charged with a powerbank hidden inside the bag.

Our team were pretty blown away by how high quality this bag felt given the budget price. The material, zips, sewing and water resistance are really top-notch for such a reasonable price.

• Environmentally friendly
• Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves
• USB charging port
• Not for longer journeys
• Does not boast TSA approval

The Nomatic Travel Pack is another superb offering from this brand! We think it’s one of the best day bags due to its size and versatility.

This 20-litre daypack can be expanded to 30 litres, making it extremely adaptable for your trip!

To test these packs, we laid our mitts on some of the best bags to travel with and gave them a good old test drive. Over several trips and adventures, our team members put each travelling bag well and truly through its paces all in the name of scientific discovery, or something like that!

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry gear, so we specifically looked at how packable each one was so you could be sure you’re picking the best travel bag for your needs. Any decent pack maximises its available space and has features for making packing more economical. So basically we packed and unpacked the bags for this test!

Equally though, we also paid close attention to how easy the pack was to unpack – being able to get to your gear quickly and easily was also an area we awarded points for when reviewing these bags.

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

If a pack is overly heavy or awkward to carry then taking it along on trips becomes uncomfortable and ultimately unenjoyable! All the best travel bags minimise weight whilst maximising comfort and storage capacity. So we’ve awarded full marks to those that can tick those boxes well.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its job of holding clothes, gear and other accessories, well, we threw all that in there! We also gave those rated as carry-on compatible the famous “Ryanair test!” For cycle backpacks, we strapped them on and got on our bikes and went for a ride. You get the idea right? 

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look hot AF if it completes its primary function. Well, we’re not those people, hell nah, we’ve got higher standards here. We believe you can look sexy whilst hauling your stuff around the world! So we’ve added extra beauty points!

Durability and Weatherproofing

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we’d run it over with a truck in the middle of a hurricane. But unfortunately, that’s not entirely practical. So the next best thing was the pour a litre of water over it and take it for a challenging trip out.

When assessing these bags we paid particular attention to the quality and hardiness of the materials used, the traction of the zippers, seam sewing and pressure points that often break.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know when looking for the best bags to travel with:

Is it more professional to carry a backpack?

It is definitely not more professional – such a thing doesn’t exist. However, it’s the easiest way to carry all of your gear if you’re out and about on adventures.

What kind of travel bag should I get?

That depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing. For city travel, you can opt between duffels, sling backpacks, daypacks and even wheeled backpacks. If you’re in more secluded areas, there’s no way around a professional and well-fitting backpack.

What are the best overall travel bags?

Check out our favorites: – Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag – AER Travel Pack 3 – Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

How can you keep your travel bag safe?

Simple – buy an anti-theft backpack. The Pacsafe Vibe 25 is protected from the slash and grab tactics of thieves due to its hidden wire mesh, and shoulder straps that incorporate steel wires.

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The Best of the Best Travel Bags Revealed!

Whatever your preferred choice of travel bag, our epic list of the best travel bags has undoubtedly brought the latest and most impressive bags to your attention.

We’ve covered all manner of travel bags in this review, from traditional backpacks to laptop bags and the staple wheelie suitcase. Having scoured the world for the very best, our selection includes some of the globe’s biggest travel brands, but also lesser-known labels we think you should pay attention to! In fact, we’ve covered what we think are all the best travel bags for 2020 and beyond!

Need help packing once you’ve bought the bag? Check out our how to pack your backpack guide for some advice.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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The 21 Best Travel Bags, According to Frequent Fliers

By Alyssa Lapid

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Whether you have travel lined up or your friend’s recent travel posts are inspiring your next out-of-office getaway, it’s high time to shop for the best travel bags. The type of travel bag you decide to get will depend on your travel destination, your budget, and your personal style. But with so many choices, it's hard to know what to pick. We spoke with frequent fliers and travel experts on the best tips to pick the right travel bag for comfortable, secure, and easy travel. Below are the expert-recommended picks and tips to help you choose. And if you’re flying, remember to try to keep up with safety travel precautions as best as you can.

• Makeup and Toiletry Bag

How to choose a travel bag

When it comes to shopping for luggage , experts agree that you should never sacrifice quality. “If you plan to travel often or take longer trips, it’s worth investing in higher-quality luggage,” Ciara Johnson , full-time travel blogger at Hey Ciara , tells SELF. Big-ticket items like suitcases should be long-lasting and durable. Otherwise, you’d be shelling out way more to keep replacing damaged bags. 

We know that wear and tear can’t be avoided, especially with luggage taking a beating on planes and buses. Megan Homme , a travel blogger who also works in the airline industry, has a tip for that. She says to opt for a dark-colored suitcase to hide scuffs better. “Lighter colors will show wear and age much more quickly,” she says. Pro tip: Add a unique luggage tag to make your bag stand out from the others at the conveyor belt seat.

If possible, try to opt for carry-ons to save time at check-in lines and speed through baggage claim—just make sure it passes the size requirement. “These days, it’s more important than ever to use carry-on because of the chaotic systems at understaffed airports,” says Caroline Eubanks, writer and author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States . “You should ideally be able to manage your own bags and not rely on flight attendants.” Her pro tip: Always look up what type of plane you’ll be on. She notes, “for small, regional routes, the standard carry-on bag won't fit in the overhead bin.”

Shopping tips

When it comes to the actual shopping part, Johnson recommends shopping by need and tendencies. Will you be staying in hotels or hostels? Will you be taking shorter or longer trips? Will you be traveling in places with an established or developed infrastructure? Spinner wheels are easier to haul through airports, but if you’re backpacking in Europe, ditch the spinners for a backpack to avoid the cobblestone streets that will surely wreck the wheels.

Johnson also adds, “If possible, you should examine the product in-store. However, the most innovative luggage brands typically only exist online." She recommends doing research and comparing various luggage brands before you make a purchase. She adds that some brands even offer a “try-before-you-buy policy, along with a lifetime warranty.” Generally speaking, travel bags are not the place to save some money on your travels, but there are ways to find deals, especially during shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And if you enjoy the thrill of secondhand shopping, Eubanks says she’s gotten a deal or two shopping thrift. “Secondhand can be a good way to save money.” 

You also don’t need to be a pro packer or inherently organized to pack well. All you need are pockets. Johnson says a good rule of thumb when shopping for any travel bag is “the more pockets [and] organizers, the better.” Use them for separating clean clothes from sullied ones. You can even separate gifts for loved ones to take home after your vacation. According to Johnson, you can’t go wrong with the following features for luggage options: 360 spinner wheels, expandability, compression straps, endless pockets, a side handle, built-in TSA locks, and polycarbonate material.

Best travel bags

Here are 21 expert-recommended travel bags for every kind of traveler to help you narrow down your options and focus all that logistical planning on your itinerary. We broke it down by luggage and suitcases, carry-on bags, backpacks, fanny packs , crossbody bags, tote bags, and makeup and toiletry bags.

Béis The 29-Inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase

As far as check-in bags go, Johnson says the Beis 29-Inch Large Check-in Roller is “one of the most functional suitcases on the market.” Beis is owned by Pretty Little Liars alum Shay Mitchell and has been a hit since its launch. Its many features include everything you’d need in a check-in suitcase: multiple pockets and organizers, a built-in TSA lock, a laundry and shoe bag, and an ergonomic handle for easy lugging. Her favorite feature? “There's a built-in weight indicator that tells you if your bag is overweight.”

Hartmann Ratio 2 Global Carry On Expandable Spinner

For soft-side suitcases, the technologically-advanced Hartmann Carry-on comes highly recommended. Eubanks loves the bag’s “flexibility,” including the pockets for reading materials and documents that are often lacking in hard-shell cases. The best features are the padded, trifold garment suiters it comes with for keeping formalwear or business outfits tidy and pressed, and the bag has built-in USB ports, so you can charge your gadgets while in transit.

Away The Carry-On Flex

Away Travel

Frequent fliers love Away’s suitcases. Homme, who always travels carry-on only, prefers Away’s The Carry-on Flex because its expandable feature ensures extra storage allowance for shopping. Plus, she points out, “I recommend hard-shell luggage because you never know what could leak out of someone else’s bag in the bins.”

Away The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket

“The quality of Away luggage is incredible across the board,” says Johnson, who is a fan of the brand and prefers The Bigger Carry-on with Pocket. Most hard-shell suitcases in the market don’t have external pockets, but this one features a water-resistant front pocket—perfect for keeping your travel documents and boarding passes available for easy access. It can even hold a 15-inch laptop. It has a removable, washable lining and a hidden laundry bag.

LuggageWorks Stealth Premier 22" 737 Rolling Bag

Luggageworks

Cierra Mistt, a flight attendant and TikTok travel influencer , only has one carry-on go-to: LuggageWorks’s Stealth Premier 22-Inch 737 Rolling Bag. Apparently, her crew feels the same way. “I know pilots and flight attendants who have had the same roll-aboards for 10 years and never had to get another,” she says, adding, “Durable is an understatement.”

Tumi International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On

Another expert favorite brand is Tumi for “extremely resistant and durable” bags. Though just in case it breaks when you’re on the go, Tumi offers worldwide support anytime, anywhere. Mar Pages, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers and Solo Female Travelers Tours, says the Tumi Carry-on in particular is a popular choice for vacationers for a reason. “You will recognize this bag because they have been making it for well over 20 years with minimal improvements.” She particularly enjoys the “nifty details” like “outside hooks to hang your laptop bag” and “double bar handles so you can slide your laptop bag.”

Béis The Backpack

Another Béis favorite is The Backpack. “It is really, really spacious,” Kristina Rodulfo , beauty content creator and former Elle editor, tells SELF. Rodulfo notes that the bag “opens really wide which makes for easy packing” while still looking sleek as a solo bag for short getaways. It's designed to carry everything from your laptop to your gym stuff. If you want to pair it with a trolley, use the sleeve to attach it to your luggage.

Pacsafe Citysafe CS300 Anti-Theft Compact Backpack

This Pacsafe Citysafe backpack is a great hands-free, anti-theft option thanks to its slash guards, smart-zipper security, and an RFID-safe pocket. “The zippers can be attached with a clip, and one shoulder strap has a locking mechanism if you want to secure it around a table leg,” adds Eubanks. There are also a ton of pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and two side pockets for holding water bottles or umbrellas.

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

If you're looking for an outdoor backpack , check out the Osprey Porter Travel Pack 46. Kristen Bor, founder of Bearfoot Theory Outdoor , recommends it if you're going on an adventure or outdoor trip and need a bag that can double as a daypack. “The U-zip compartment allows for easy packing and access to your gear, while the stowaway shoulder harness and hip belt give you options on how you want to carry your luggage: backpack style or over the shoulder like a duffel.” Osprey has been continuously perfecting the bag with slight improvements yearly, and it’s built with recycled fabrics making it an eco-friendly option.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Think a short hike will be on your itinerary? According to Bor, Osprey’s smaller Daylite Pack is a great find for light outdoor adventures. The lightweight backpack has compartments for a laptop and two water bottles for an itinerary that’s incredibly versatile. Take it to a coffee shop, a festival, or to a mountain summit.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia

Bor dubs the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 Del Día Travel Pack an “all-around functional, rugged carry-on bag” that can weather rougher terrain. “The exterior polyester and nylon shell resists moisture and defends your belongings against rough scrapes or tears during transit,” says Bor. It even comes with a rain cover.

Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack

Fanny packs are a great option for hands-free travel, and this versatile Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack Fanny comes highly recommended by Eubanks, who wears it on her hip and as a crossbody. Plus, she loves that there are some 25 colors to choose from. You could even wear it with a backpack like she does to have easy access to essentials like documents or a camera. 

Lululemon Clean Lines Belt Bag

This Lululemon bag is another great, stylish option with several pockets that make grabbing smaller items like lip balm, credit cards, and headphones easy. “I always recommend a belt bag for the airport to breeze through security and keep your ID and ticket easily accessible,” says Homme. Keep it on your hip during your flight if you’d rather not dig through the bag under the seat. 

Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody

Many frequent fliers prefer anti-theft bags for venturing out during travels—especially when traveling alone. Pages recommends using the Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody for places where pickpocketing might be a concern. “These bags are specifically designed with these types of thefts in mind and have added security features such as anti-slash straps to avoid the common motorbike run theft.” The bag also features other security features like secure zip locks and anti-RFID mesh compartments to keep credit card information safe.

Lululemon Easy Access Crossbody Bag

Here's another great crossbody bag option. “I normally keep my passport, cards, and phone in there when I’m walking through the airport and can easily access that when I get off the plane. In fact, it’s so easy that when we’re boarding, I can easily just slip it into my personal item and stow it under my seat with no worries," says Mistt.

The Daily Edited Mini Black Saffiano Leather Cross Body Bag

“Everyone needs a crossbody purse for travel,” Rodulfo insists, and her choice is TDE’s mini leather bag. It fits daily essentials including documents, a camera, and even sunscreen . The bag’s minimalist style also allows for outfit versatility. "It works for evenings out as well as during the day,” says Rodulfo. It helps not to look like a tourist all the time. Another cool feature? TDE items can be monogrammed, making it a great travel gift .

Tumi Everyday Tote

Lord & Taylor

If roomy tote bags are more your style, check out Tumi’s Everyday Tote. The lightweight nylon material makes it easy to lug around without hurting your back. The small details are what make it stand out, such as its pen loop, key ring, and magnetic snap phone pocket to ensure you don’t spend time rummaging through your belongings each time you need to get something. Pages likes to slide her tote on top of her Tumi Carry-on when traveling.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Travel Tote Bag

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is a great hybrid tote with several organizational compartments. "It’s roomy enough to fit all of my actual personal items including electronics, chargers, and even snacks,” says Mistt. And it’s compact enough to fit comfortably under the plane seat or in the overhead bin. 

Kusshi Makeup Bag Plum Collection

You don't have to strip down your beauty or skin-care routine on vacation—at least, not with Kusshi’s Vacation Makeup Bag, which can hold 20 to 25 products. “Kusshi [bags] are by far my favorite because they are washable, fit a ton (including full-sized products), and have plenty of pockets for easy organization,” says Rodulfo. If you have a bigger beauty arsenal that includes makeup brushes and other skin-care tools , just add the attachments. “You could even include attachments like the makeup brush organizer for less fuss and digging while getting ready.”

Herschel Travel Kit

Another option for toiletries big and small is the Herschel Travel Kit. Johnson laments that it’s surprisingly difficult to find the perfect toiletry bag. She recommends this bag because it is extremely spacious with multiple pockets and slots for easy organization. It also comes in multiple colors, proving that toiletry kits don’t need to be boring.

• The Best Weekender Bags for Last-Minute Getaways
• 19 Packing Tips Frequent Flyers Swear By
• What to Bring on a Road Trip to Make Your Time So Much Better

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Carry-On for Most People Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Away Carry-On Read more

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Yeti Crossroads 35L Read more

Best Bag for a Lifetime Briggs & Riley Baseline CX Read more

Whew! You've made it all the way across the globe. But have your toothbrush, pajamas, and running shoes made it, too? If you're a frequent traveler, it's easy to obsess over the logistics of getting your stuff clean, organized, and in good working condition upon arrival. Paying for a decent travel bag and a few useful accessories means buying a little peace of mind, especially when a few yards of zippers and some nylon are the only barriers between your precious belongings and the belly of an airliner.

Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated April 2024: We reorganized this guide and added new picks, such as the Yeti Crossroads, Tom Bihn Aeronaut and Trinity, the Frame Carry-On Max, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, the Camelbak A.T.P. 20, the Calpak Luka Duffel, and the Rux 70. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

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Best Carry-On for Most People

Look around any airport—if you see flight attendants or pilots, they will probably be rolling around a Travelpro suitcase. We like Travelpros because you get a lot of bang for your buck. They're durable, light, and not too expensive.

For only a little over $100, the Maxlite 5 is one of the more affordable Travelpro suitcases, and at 5.4 pounds, it's very light! The exterior toiletry pocket is a nice touch for when you go through security and need to take out your liquids, and the zippers are also quite strong and don't tend to get stuck. The wheels also rolled nicely on both the spinner and roll-aboard versions. Reviewer Matt Jancer did note that the aluminum handle extensions did sometimes stick and the main grab handle on the bag is only single-stitched, which may cause durability issues farther down the line. However, he has seen no issues yet. This probably the best bag you can get in the $100 to $150 price range.

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Away's business practices may have raised some eyebrows , but there's no denying that this company changed the travel market entirely. It has increased in price since we first tested it, but multiple WIRED staffers still use the classic Away hard-shell carry-on ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) as their travel suitcase.

Hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier. There's also not as much give in the case, so you may find it hard to squeeze in more items than in a soft-shell bag, bu they look a lot sleeker than their soft-shell counterparts and protect fragile items better. The Away weighs 7.5 pounds, which is pretty standard for a hard-shell carry-on. When I tested it, I liked that it had multiple height settings and that the polycarbonate shell wiped clean and stayed mostly scuff-free (it helped that my tester was in the darker navy color). Away's suitcases also come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, four spinner wheels capable of rotating 360 degrees, and an included laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The handle did feel a bit wobbly, though.

★ Alternatives: So many companies now offer a direct-to-consumer, stylish, hard-shell carry-on similar to the Away's. We've tried ones by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . Besides price, the differences are mostly negligible. I like July's aluminum bumpers, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. Both have survived multiple cross-country trips, being checked as baggage, and being ridden on by two small children with no damage.

Paravel also offers an Aviator carry-on ($395) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller bag that's carry-on size for most major airlines. It weighs 7.7 pounds, on par with soft-sided competitors of the same size.

I recently spent a week dragging the Crossroads up and down grimy subway station escalators, thumping it across cobblestones, and scrunching it into overfull overhead bins during a trip to London, Paris, and Brussels. The blue 700D nylon on the front and sides looks just as fresh as it did out of the box while the molded polycarbonate shell on the back has a few well-earned battle scratches. The two extra-large fixed wheels are rolling as smoothly as ever and hopped up curbs so well that I grew to favor them over smaller spinner wheels. The Crossroads has a half-dozen well-placed pockets and sturdy zippers that didn't give me any anxiety even as I tugged them hard while smooshing down to fit souvenirs into a carry-on with 8 days of clothing. —Martin Cizmar

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright.

The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

★ Alternatives: If you need an absolutely bomber-tough rolling suitcase and don't mind its 9.6-pound weight, the Pro Front-Access Carry ($799) will stand up to more abuse than most rolling bags, with its aluminum frame and 70-percent-recycled polycarbonate body. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's his favorite rolling bag in years. Jancer also likes Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on ($315) , which he calls one of the most high-end polycarbonate bags on the market.

Mark Andrews

Adrienne So

Best Backpack

When I reviewed the Cotopaxi Allpa in 2018 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), it had only recently launched. Now, a half-dozen years later, it is one of the most popular travel backpacks that I see online and in airports all over the world. It's a combination of a camping backpack, a suitcase, and a soft, frameless duffel. You can splay it open like a sandwich to pack it easily; access items through a side zip; put it on your backpack and secure its weight with a sternum strap; or squash or stomp it into any overhead compartment or corner of your car trunk. The use case for this bag is extremely specific—the same people who are bopping around Thailand for several weeks in one backpack are not the same people trying to look professional at a work conference. But it is sturdy and comfortable.

★ Alternative: I took the Ekster Packable Duffel ($250) on several weekend trips this spring, and found that it more than upheld its claims of being built for “smoother journeys, on and off the grid.” This travel bag converts from a backpack to a duffel, with two separate compartments that also splay open for easier packing. The 600-denier exterior and water-resistant zippers are so sturdy that when we ran out of space in the car, we lashed it to the roof rack with surf straps and drove for hours in the rain. It, and its contents, remained pristine.

Best Convertible Bag

Every serious traveler knows the name of Seattle-based Tom Bihn, manufacturer of bomber bags that will last you a lifetime. The Aeronaut 45 is the classic Tom Bihn convertible carry-on, which the size of the maximum allowable carryon bag on a plane.

You get everything from a Tom Bihn bag that you pay for. It’s made of incredibly sturdy 1050 denier ballistic nylon with bombproof YKK zippers and has both hidden backpack straps and an extremely comfortable cross-body strap. This is commerce director Martin Cizmar's bag, and he's tossed it around and lugged down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. He owns two and the first lasted for more than a decade. This is the bag that both and I would only fly with if we didn't have to constantly test other bags.

Best Personal Item

Some airlines are not content with charging you extra for checking a bag and now charge you for overhead bin space . The Tom Bihn Trinity ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) addresses that problem by providing a space for you to pack everything you need while still fitting underneath the seat in front of you. As the name suggests, it has three main compartments and three ways to carry—either as a briefcase with padded grab handles, a backpack, or as a shoulder bag with two attachment points.

It has three main compartments which can be arranged to your liking; for example, on one of the side compartments, you can zip a water bottle holder into place or unzip it for more room. It wasn't quite as versatile as I expected; I found that I prefer a small duffel with one main compartment that I can organize as I like. However, it does fit under the seat in front of me, even with clothes, laptop, and four (four!) hardcover books that I somehow stuffed inside it.

Best Work Bag

I've been traveling a lot for work and for family reasons in the past few months, and the bag I prefer for my personal item is the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, which is the larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate as an everyday bag, but the large turns it into a versatile work/travel bag. It’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. There's a hidden separate compartment if you spill water on yourself, and it has sturdy feet so you can put it on an airplane bathroom counter and dig for your makeup without it falling over or getting the bottom of the bag too disgusting. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag.

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes , but we love Lo & Sons. The Catalina Supreme Tote ($338) is also great for weekend trips. Again, there's also a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes, or anything else you need to keep separate.

The Best Hiking Daypack

The Camelbak A.T.P. is so useful that I’m always startled to realize it only has a 20-liter capacity. I have it in the 100 percent recycled white color, which saves water and only emits half the greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the dying process. It’s a panel loader, which means you can unzip the top and see exactly where everything goes, like a duffel. This is convenient when packing for trips—I was able to fit clothes, a Dopp kit, and electronics for an overnight trip. (I know these types of zippers fail more often than top loaders, but it does make it easier to arrange and sort items near the bottom of the pack.)

I particularly like how narrow it is. It fits my back and goes under airplane seats that even my children’s backpacks can’t. The bottle pocket has a zipper that makes it expandable so it can fit a little coffee thermos or my giant Yeti water bottle . Exterior compression straps also help squeeze my clothes even smaller. This is a great backpack if you want something that looks sleek enough for a work bag but is durable enough to take on a weekend trip to Yosemite.

★ Alternative: I also love the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) . This 25-liter bag is the perfect combination work/adventure bag. The suspended 15-inch laptop pocket clips shut, and the rest of the pockets are thoughtfully placed. It’s extremely light (a little over a pound) and is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric.

Best Duffel Bag

The Big Haul ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite duffel because it hits the right balance of robust build materials and pockets without being too heavy to lug around all day. The standout feature of the Big Haul series, which comes in 28-liter to 120-liter options, is the ability to easily reposition the carrying straps, which feature plastic fishhook-style ends that slip into fabric loops. You can connect one strap end-to-end or double up on two straps in an H pattern for more stability with heavy loads. Adding and removing the straps isn't super fast, but it's not difficult, either, and six low-profile loops seems less intrusive than six rattling plastic buckles.

Two small interior pockets and an exterior pocket keep small things organized, and its water-resistant fabric is thick and tough without being stiff. All the sewing around the grab handles feels very robust too. Padded backpack straps hide away under a padded pocket on the top of the bag. This means that when you sling the Big Haul over your shoulders to give your arms a rest, your back is against the relatively clean top of the duffel, rather than a wet, dirty bottom side that's been set down on the ground. The current iteration of the Big Haul is also made with recycled nylon. What's not to love? —Matt Jancer

★ Alternative: For slightly more money, the classic duffel in this category is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159) , which also comes in a variety of colorways and sizes. You can either carry it by the grab handles or with the shoulder straps, and it's made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate. I (Adrienne) have had the 40-liter version for almost 15 years now and the laminate has yet to peel. It also fits as a carry-on on flights.

The Best Expedition Bag

If you like outdoor sports, you probably need a good expedition bag—that is, a huge, burly duffel that you can just throw all your pointy ice axes, trekking poles, or camp chairs into that you can take anywhere and everywhere. Reviewer Matt Jancer's expedition bag of choice is the Red Oxx PR5. He's used it for whitewater paddling trips and to lug mountain climbing equipment from coast to coast without a single frayed thread. Everything about Red Oxx is overbuilt. The zippers are huge, its thick pieces of nylon webbing are robustly sewn, and chunky metal rings hang the detachable carrying strap. All that said, it's not abominably heavy. At 3.4 pounds it's still lighter than many wheeled bags.

★ Alternative: If you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists; I also have a Mountain Hardware duffel ($180) and after 20 years, the coating has finally started to peel.

Best for Camping

We love everything from Rux; I'm currently testing the waterproof adventure tote ($150) and I use it for everything from my climbing gear, to picnic gear, to bringing my kids' roller skates and soccer balls to the park. I have also leaked an entire water bottle in it and it stayed contained and out of the bottom of my car.

But for camping (or any outdoor pursuit, really), what you need is a Rux storage system , which, as the artist and filmmaker Van Neistat puts it, will help you kit your shit . It holds its frame shape, which means you can stack and organize inside of it just like a box, but it folds down like a bag for easy storage once you're at your destination. It's also light and waterproof and comes with a wide array of accessories . This is an upgrade for everyone who currently sorts their camping, climbing, or snowboarding gear in a series of $5 plastic totes and stacks them in their trunk.

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

Perhaps you've seen those Instagram-friendly, shiny aluminum suitcases and wonder whether it's worth the investment. Aluminum is extremely durable and can be machined with precision. That means it will protect your belongings better, and you can close them with latches instead of zippers. Your suitcase will last longer and be more secure— zippers are pretty easy to break into —and generally have fewer points of failure.

In my opinion, the cost-benefit analysis generally weighs against them. Aluminum suitcases are usually heavier and won't flex as much if you have overpacking tendencies, and I find them painfully conspicuous. Any suitcase with a decent warranty policy will painlessly cover any repairs. If you must have one, we like Arlo Skye's the Frame. Arlo Skye was founded by alumni from Louis Vuitton and Tumi, and reviewer Matt Jancer says that everything about the Frame screams robust quality, from the leather grab handles to the combination-lock latches. It also comes with a removable battery bank and has a few more liters of carrying capacity than the similarly-sized Away. The main disadvantage is that the interior organization is a bit lacking.

★ Alternative: Do you want the benefits of an aluminum suitcase without the drawbacks? You might want to consider Monos's Hybrid Carry-On ($325) . You won't fool anyone into thinking you've shelled out for a 100 percent aluminum suitcase, but Jancer notes that it's only a pound or so heavier than the competition and the aluminum frame offered better protection than any 100 percent polycarbonate suitcase that he tried.

A Good Emergency Go Bag

To be clear, any bag here could be considered a go-bag—even a grocery bag works when you have to leave the house imminently. But reviewer Nena Farrell used Calpak's duffel for an emergency surgery, and she is kicking herself for not getting it sooner. It was big enough for everything from makeup bags and extra outfits to a massive book and Nintendo Switch, and was comfortable to carry thanks to the large straps.

The shoe compartment was big enough for sandals and slides, but not big enough for shoes with an ankle. It was also a great place to stash haphazard Ziplocs of emergency toiletries and medications. There are some side pockets inside too, plus an exterior side pocket and a pass-through panel to place it on top of your luggage. It was a great hospital companion, but Farrell can't wait to take the Luka somewhere a little more fun.

Other Bags We Like

Not every good product can snag a best-in-category title, but there are several more bags we've tested that get our thumbs-up.

Osprey Ozone 40L for $280 : At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It's also made from 400D recycled bluesign-approved nylon and is treated with DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist above my head and has also been checked multiple times.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel for $140 : This duffel weighs a scant 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily beefy (though plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventuring. There's an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack straps don't tuck away for storage—you have to unclip them—but might be the most well-padded, comfortable straps I've encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive features list.

Land's End Waxed Canvas Duffel for $180 : Most duffel bags these days are made of nylon, and while it's tough to call a material that's been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don't have the old-school charm that this waxed canvas bag does.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $149 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $160 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81 : Looking like a cross between a duffel and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can become overfilled, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring it onto a plane as a carry-on. She appreciates its durability and the many internal pockets for organization, though, and its rather long five-year warranty.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $345 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $200 : This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.

Adidas Defender Duffel for $40 : If you're looking for an inexpensive duffel that'll handle some light-duty traveling, this is a good way to save $100. The fabric is significantly thinner and less sturdy than that of other duffels in this guide, and it lacks backpack straps. But for taking on the train or tossing into a car trunk, it'll do the trick.

Bags We Don’t Like

Some bags just aren't worth the asking price, especially with so many good alternatives at all price points.

Peugeot Voyages Carry-On Spinner for $595 : What a price tag for a plastic-case suitcase. You can see where Peugeot tried to imbue the Voyages with some luxury, such as the metal riveting and built-in travel locks, but the case felt no more solid than a budget hard-sided bag, and the USB charging port felt cheap, like an outlet you'd find built into a seat in an airport terminal.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On for $469 : At 6 pounds, 2 ounces, this bag is a bit heavy. There's a zip-off 19-liter backpack that you can separate from the rest of the 37-liter bag, but when they're zipped together, the combined size doesn't meet carry-on restrictions.

Ebags CTS Carry-On Spinner for $200 : This one wasn't awful, but there are much better options for the money. Its hard plastic sides felt more brittle than the hard-sided plastic Away suitcases. The handle rattles a lot and it didn't roll quite as smoothly as other bags.

A Few Travel Accessories

Once you've got your bag, you'll want to pack it with a few more useful items:

Apple AirTag for $24 : If you have an iPhone, it's one of the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 keep everything inside your bags organized by allowing you to separate it into different cubes, so you won't ever have to hunt through seven pairs of socks to find your bathing suit again.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $75 : Calpak’s viral clear cases come in three sizes and a ton of colors for the edge trims. Reviewer Nena Farrell loved the small size for my gym bag and traveling with a smaller carry-on bag, while the medium was a great size for my daily makeup or larger suitcases.

Troubadour Buddy 2.0 Tech Case for $75 : You probably need a case to organize your spare charging cables and power banks. I've been testing this compact, waterproof, and recycled bag that fits neatly into my personal item.

UrPower Portable Steamer for $24 beats a travel iron because it's far lighter and you don't need to hunt down an ironing board at your hotel. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using UrPowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything. You just need to refill it often.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 is handy when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Use it to weigh your luggage and make sure it's within the weight limits. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

InCase MacBook Sleeves for $50 will keep your laptop from bearing the damage caused by airport security lines. Travel through an airport without a case and it's only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Check our guide to the Best MacBook Accessories for more.

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

Every airline sets its own dimensional requirements for carry-on baggage, so if you want to be safe, you should check your airline's requirements before packing. But broadly, they're split into two categories: domestic and international.

Domestic flights by US airlines (and a few others) have standardized on 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

International carry-on bag sizes tend to be about 21 inches tall and a bit narrower, but they're all over the place. It's tough, because many international airlines will measure your bags at the airport and reject anything even slightly bigger than the allowed size. If you fly outside the US a lot, you may as well buy a bag sized for international flights.

You'll also want to check each airline's weight limits. They vary wildly, but some international airlines restrict you to 15 or 20 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. For example, there are some East Asian airlines that limit carry-on bags to 11 pounds. Once you subtract 6 or more pounds for the bag, you're not left with much wiggle room to put stuff inside.

When to Remove Battery Banks

Battery banks, also known as power banks, are a travel must-have. Whether you're using a tablet to watch movies on your flight or relying on your phone to coordinate rideshares, hotel check-in, and handle your boarding passes, you've got to keep those devices charged and topped up. Many bags offer a removable battery bank that slides into a special pocket or notch of the suitcase.

For carry-on luggage on a flight in the US, you're allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery of 100 watt-hours or less. You don't need to remove it from the suitcase's pocket if you're storing your bag in the overhead bin.

Lithium-ion battery banks are not allowed in checked luggage. If you check your bag or have to gate-check it, make sure to remove the battery bank before you give your suitcase to the gate agent. Slip the battery bank into your purse, backpack, or pocket for the duration of the flight.

Matt Jancer

Martin Cizmar

Medea Giordano

Nena Farrell

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25 Best Travel Purses That Are Actually Stylish

By Brigitt Earley and Paula Lee

Your go-to tote bags and carryalls may be perfect for every day, but when you’re on the road, the best travel purses can make a world of a difference. Dedicated travel bags come in all shapes and sizes— fanny packs , laptop backpacks , cross-bodies , work totes , anti-theft purses, and more—but generally feature multiple compartments (hi, mesh pocket) to keep your essentials organized, a usually convertible or detachable strap that’s comfortable enough to wear all day, and even anti-theft features to secure your things against pickpockets.

Whether you’re traveling internationally (finally taking that long-awaited trip to Europe?) or planning a short weekend getaway, we typically find that the best travel bags are those that you can wear close to your body, such as a cross-body, a sling, or a belt bag . When you have a bigger haul or need a convenient carry-on, you can’t beat a smartly designed backpack or packable travel handbag.

If this sounds like the stereotypical tourist bag with a less-than-flattering design, though, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. From top-rated anti-theft purses that leave your hands free for a day of sightseeing to mom-approved diaper bags and water-repellent backpacks that’ll see you through any adventure, we’ve rounded up the most reliable and stylish travel purses that will take you from the house to the airport to your destination—and back.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Lululemon Mini Belt Bag , $38
• Most Versatile: Athleta All About Belt Bag , $35
• Best Backpack: The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Best Anti-Theft Bag: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag , $75
• Best Cross-Body Bag: Dagne Dover Micah Water Resistant Cross-Body Bag , $110
• Best Luxury: GG Marmont Belt Bag , $1,700
• Most Lightweight: Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag , $20
• Best for Airport: Cincha Travel Belt Bag , $60

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Fanny packs are great travel companions—they're unassuming yet have space for all the essentials you don't want to lose at the bottom of your tote. We've used this one from Athleta for running, but it's just as clutch for traveling since the front zippered pocket can hold passports, sanitizer, and other documents needed for the trip. The adjustable strap is great for converting into a waist bag when your shoulders get tired—although it's so lightweight you won't even notice it's there. The DWR finish also means you can safely wear it in the rain. Yay!

• Pros: Lightweight; adjustable strap, easily accessible front zipper, water-resistant material
• Cons: Small sizes makes it better suited for holding just the essentials.

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If you’re flying, this water-resistant backpack makes a great carry-on. You’ll breeze through security, thanks to a TSA-friendly 15-inch exterior laptop pocket and a catchall zip pocket to keep your passport and ticket at the ready. Of course, there are multiple compartments inside for everything else you need to tote: a spacious main area, a magazine and notebook pocket, and two water bottle holders. It also has a pass-through strap that attaches to rolling luggage.

• Pros: Spacious interior plus exterior laptop pocket, side water bottle holders; can be slipped onto the luggage handles of a carry-one.
• Cons: Water bottle pockets don't fit containers of 32 ounces or more; some reviewers say the color isn't as pictured.

This waist bag, which comes in an impressive array of colors, keeps your hands free for navigating the ticket counter, shopping for souvenirs, or touring museums. It has an interior pocket that’s roomy enough for the essentials—a wallet, keys, and your cell phone—plus an exterior zippered pocket that’s sandwiched between you and the bag to protect any valuable personal items from pickpockets.

• Pros: Comfy to wear, versatile; comes in many colors; can fit a charger
• Cons: There are none.

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Wear it as a belt bag or a cross-body—either way, this small nylon and leather bag is the perfect solution for day trips and other small excursions. Pop larger items like your wallet into the main compartment, and stash smaller items like keys in the exterior pocket.

• Pros: Compact; various zippered compartments
• Cons: Expensive

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By Kathleen Walsh

By Danielle Sinay

By Sam Reed

If you’re on the hunt for a stylish but still relatively affordable designer bag , Gucci’s GG Marmont Belt Bag is a worthy investment you’ll have for years to come. The soft quilted leather bag with its resin strap and black brass hardware isn’t just head-turning; it’s also highly versatile. Wear it as a belt or shoulder bag.

• Pros: Sleek design, convertible strap
• Cons: Small; doesn't fit a ton.

Dagne Dover

Made from a unique and highly durable neoprene-like fabric, this roomy cross-body is as hardworking as they come. With three main compartments—one of which is on the backside of the bag to keep valuables safe—this purse has more space than most comparable options. It’s also water-resistant, so you won’t have to make a mad dash when the skies open up.

• Pros: Water-resistant, roomy for its size, easy to wipe clean
• Cons: Some reviewers say the strap is too short and they don't love the boxy shape.

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A classic for a reason, Longchamp’s Expandable Travel Bag is both stylish and ultra functional. The durable water-resistant nylon bag features a one-of-a-kind zip inset that expands to meet your needs. Open it all the way to use it as a carry-on for your flight; once you’ve unpacked, size it down to hold as a purse while you tour.

• Pros: Water-resistant, expandable
• Cons: Some reviewers say the size is too big when unzipped; heavy to carry.

Tumi calls this the Just in Case backpack, because you can fold it flat and stash it in your suitcase—just in case you need extra space to bring a few souvenirs home. This particular feature also makes it easy to store when you’re not traveling. We don’t see that happening, though. The sleek bag has a roomy interior, a sizable exterior pocket, and attractive gold hardware that makes it hard to resist for everyday use.

• Pros: Packs flat; back sleeve for slipping over suitcase handles.
• Cons: No padded laptop pocket

For proof that budget-friendly can be just as functional, peep this backpack. The faux leather looks a lot like the real thing but is fully water-resistant. It’s packed with compartments too. Inside, there are dedicated spots for documents, keys, glasses, your phone, and more. Outside, two water bottle holders serve as a home for your favorite beverage or a compact umbrella.

• Pros: Water-resistant, wallet-friendly
• Cons: Not super sturdy

Available in a whopping 45 colors, there’s something to suit every personality and style. But it’s not all about aesthetics. This compact backpack is super lightweight, so you can carry the essentials in one of four compartments—a main pocket, a zippered exterior pocket, and two side pockets—on an all-day tour without growing tired and sore. As a nice bonus, the durable canvas-like fabric is dirt- and water-resistant and wipes clean.

• Pros: Popular style, great gift for teens ; lots of colors, durable canvas
• Cons: Not super big

If your travel plans include concerts, sporting events, and other venues that don’t allow large bags, make sure to pack a compact purse like this one. Not only does this leather option look great; it has two convenient compartments, including an outside open pocket for easy access to your tickets.

• Pros: Compact; easy access to essentials

A fantastic day-to-night option, this cross-body is made of buttery-soft lambskin that looks super sophisticated and features multiple pockets inside and out as well as an adjustable strap for continued comfort.

• Pros: Adjustable shoulder strap, versatile design

If you’re worried about security, you can’t beat Travelon’s anti-theft features. The bag has a hidden slash-proof chain link construction and a cut-proof shoulder strap, plus a locking zipper to keep your wallet and travel documents as safe as can be. There are plenty of organizational features to love too: slots for credit cards, pockets for notebooks and documents, a water bottle holder, and an expansion pocket for larger items like a camera or sunglasses.

• Pros: Anti-theft design; utilitarian
• Cons: Smaller than expected; water bottle pocket doesn't hold larger sizes.

It may be made out of recycled plastic, but this travel purse is as easy on the eyes as any. Available in two sophisticated shades—cappuccino and black, both with brass hardware—the bag is constructed with three spacious compartments, protective metal feet, sturdy handles, and cross-body straps for versatility.

• Pros: Comes in two sizes; convertible straps, eco-friendly design.

Rowing Blazers

A nod to Princess Diana’s iconic black sheep sweater, this limited edition mini hobo is part of a LeSportsac and Warm & Wonderful collaboration (designed by the Rowing Blazers ’ creative director Jack Carlson). The adjustable strap converts it from shoulder to cross-body, the ripstop nylon is durable, and there are pockets aplenty—in short, it’s a charming take on a classic travel purse.

• Pros: Durable material, convertible strap, interior and exterior pockets
• Cons: On the smaller size

With a matte puffy look, this adjustable waist bag is stylish, practical, and comfortable against the body. It’s generously sized and features a hidden outside pocket to fit a passport or a phone. Pair it with the coordinating duffel for a sleek set.

• Pros: Lightweight, versatile; scratch-resistant material

This best-selling half-moon bag from Uniqlo is deceptively large (I’ve fit a water bottle and Kindle in it, along with my other essentials) and has interior slip pockets. It’s also very lightweight, packs flat, and will serve you long after you return from your trip.

• Pros : Lightweight, affordable, roomy; seven colors
• Cons : No interior zip pocket

Free People

Sling bags lend themselves very well for a day of exploring. This thoughtful, sporty design has multiple compartments, a front pocket to stash your phone, and a padded strap for comfort.

• Pros: Lots of convenient compartments, padded strap, seven colors
• Cons: Side water bottle holder fits only smaller sizes.

Save when you shop the best travel purses with these Free People promo codes .

Aloha Collection’s bags are all “splash-proof” and water-resistant, ideal if you’re headed to a rainy destination, beach locale, or even a theme park. This belt bag is super lightweight (clocking in at a little over three ounces), so you won’t be dragged down when wearing it for extended periods of time.

• Pros: Water-resistant, lightweight; packs flat
• Cons: Small

No need to worry about identity theft with this cross-body that will keep you safe on the go. Stash your credit cards and ID in the removable wristlet with built-in RFID blocking technology. Plus, there’s a back pocket for quick phone access.

• Pros: Anti-theft RFID technology, removable wristlet, organizational features; machine-washable
• Cons: Compact size; some reviewers wish the shoulder strap were more substantial.

A cute and colorful take on the trendy nylon bags, this affordable cross-body version is perfect for a city escapade. The little detachable pouch is useful for AirPods or lip balm, and there’s a back slip pocket for other items you want easily accessible, such as a transit card.

• Pros: Water-resistant material, clip-on pouch, printed lining so you can see your things
• Cons: Available only in green

Prefer a leather bag? This vintage-y structured camera bag style gets better with age and embodies that life-well-traveled feel. It has an exterior front pocket and an interior slip pocket and also comes with interchangeable strap options (leather and webbed) so you can switch up the looks. Opt for the larger size if you want to fit an actual camera in your purse.

• Pros: Two straps; available in a larger size
• Cons: No inside zip pocket

Throw everything into this roomy yet lightweight messenger bag, from snacks and a water bottle to a tablet or even laptop (there’s an interior slip for it). There’s also a hidden side pocket on the outside so you can easily get ahold of your phone or passport without having to frantically dig around.

• Pros: Lightweight, durable; trolley sleeve

This cotton backpack with faux-leather trim has dedicated space for almost everything to keep you organized: padded laptop sleeve, inside elastic compression straps, water bottle holders, key leash, and inside zip compartments. We also appreciate the full zip opening that opens flat and lets you easily find what you’re looking for.

• Pros: Full zipper opening, minimal and versatile design, lots of pockets, cushioned straps
• Cons: Some reviewers note that the water bottle pockets don’t expand when the bag is full.

When you’re wrestling with multiple bags at the airport (guilty), it’s helpful to have a belt bag on you. This one pulls double duty: In addition to being worn as a sling, it functions as a clever travel belt to keep your personal bag fastened on top of your roller suitcase—no more slipping or sliding around when you’re in a rush.

• Pros: Versatile design, secure zipper closure, back exterior pocket; water-resistant

By Jake Henry Smith

By Malia Griggs

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The 17 Best Travel Purses of 2024 for the Stylish Jetsetter, Tested & Reviewed

Including crossbody bags, shoulder bags, and RFID-protected options.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Our Testing Process

What to keep in mind, your questions, answered, why shop with us.

InStyle / Alli Waataja

Your favorite shoulder purse might be perfect for brunch or wearing out for drinks with friends — but would you take it on a plane? The answer might be “no,” because while aesthetically pleasing, not all purses have enough useful features to work well in transit.

“For me, a great travel purse has a balance of organization, durability, and design ,” says travel creator and digital storyteller, Alexa Moore , who has traveled to 49 countries. “Travel takes you often through different environments, from sightseeing in a quaint city to rushing through an airport, and everything in between,” which is why having something that can withstand it all is important. And this is not to be mistaken with a travel bag , which is slightly bigger and can hold a few outfits. It’s all about purses here, namely ones vetted by editors and travel experts . Find the best in show here and add one to your cart ahead of your summer holiday.

Best Overall

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Dagne Dover

What We Love: It’s durable, organized, and sold in five sizes, so if you want to match your purse to your duffel, you can.

What We Don’t Love: The neoprene needs to be reshaped if you wash it.

We’re big fans of Dagne Dover at InStyle, having written about the backpacks and weekend bags many times over. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the brand tops this list, too. Even though the viral Landon bag comes in five sizes (and eight colors), for a purse, we recommend going for the XS or S sizes because it will hold all your essentials — and work as a personal item on the plane — without being too cumbersome. It can be carried by its top handles or adjustable, detachable crossbody strap , giving you that much-needed versatility while on the go. Both sizes offer plenty of space with organization capabilities and an exterior pocket for storing your phone; however, the small size might be a touch more useful because it specifically features an added tablet sleeve, a large interior zip pocket, a mesh pocket on each end of the interior, and a detachable key leash connected to an included Air Mesh Pouch — all of which proved necessary when traveling.

Like all of the Dagne Dover products, the neoprene, while durable, still needs to be reshaped if you plan to wash it, and if not stored properly, it can gain permanent wrinkles in the fabric. And if you need a little less room, say, for a quick weekend flight or a road trip, New York City-based fashion stylist Audree Kate López , also recommends The Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody , which is a more traditional purse silhouette and more slender.

Material: Neoprene | Dimensions: 14 (W) x 9 (H) x 4.5 (D) inches | Colors:  4

Best Budget

Lands' end all purpose messenger bag.

What We Love: There’s a padded laptop sleeve in the interior.

What We Don’t Love: The material felt a little thin.

Traveling is already expensive as is, so we completely understand if you want to save where you can. We originally tested this bag for our crossbody bags story and quickly learned it doubles as a great traveling companion. The main compartment closes completely with a zip but opens up wide so it’s easy to pack . Inside there was a padded laptop pocket with a velcro security strap. On the exterior two pockets, we kept some of our essentials, but the simple snap-button closure made us worry sometimes for their security. The bag was lightweight and easy to carry around, particularly due to its cushioned shoulder strap. It’s not the most stylish option of them all, but it has plenty of features and comes with an affordable price tag.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 14.75 (W) x 11 (H) x 5.5 (D) inches | Colors:  1

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

Cuyana Sling Bag

What We Love: It’s made of recycled plastic bottles.

What We Don’t Love: There isn’t a ton of structure to the bag.

If you’re only allowed two personal items on the plane, you may as well get something large enough to fit a few vacation outfits. We tested this sling bag by stuffing it with a bunch of essentials, and it kept giving way to more space and consuming whatever we placed into it. A jacket was easily folded into the pouch alongside our laptop and the bag was still able to fully zip . Because the canvas material was so lightweight (not to be mistaken with flimsy, quite to the contrary it was very strong ), no matter how much we stuffed into the bag it didn’t weigh us down. We love that it’s knitted from recycled landfill plastic as well.

Material: Global recycle standard-certifies landfill plastic | Dimensions: 12.5 (W) x 18 (H) x 6 (D) inches | Colors:  2

Best Water-Resistant

The north face base camp voyager.

What We Love: The exterior is abrasion-resistant, on top of water-resistant.

What We Don’t Love: It’s not particularly stylish.

Rain or shine, you want to go sightseeing in your new town. If you’re carrying around some valuables, it’s important to keep them dry and safe while on the move. Enter this Base Camp messenger bag. It has a water and abrasion-resistant exterior that protects not just what’s inside, but the outside from looking worn down. We found the strap to be very wide and distributed the weight equally on our shoulders. It had just the right amount of compartments that allowed us to organize without feeling overwhelmed by the pocket options. We especially loved the key strap!

Material: Recycled polyester tarpaulin | Dimensions: 16.5 (W) x 10.8 (H) x 4.5 (D) inches | Colors:  4

Best for Organization

Bellroy tokyo work bag.

Backcountry

What We Love: There’s even a little water bottle holder on the side.

What We Don’t Love: It’s not water-resistant.

Anyone privy to losing all their stuff in the black hole that is their purse will benefit from this work bag. While not technically a purse, the Tokyo Work Bag was too good of a travel bag that we had to include it here. There was a compartment for absolutely all our needs , including a padded laptop sleeve, tablet slip, pockets for notepads and sunglasses, and a water bottle holder on the exterior. If we needed to find something, it never took more than three seconds to do so. We continued to be impressed with the capacity and comfort of this bag, making it an excellent travel companion.

Material: Recycled polyester | Dimensions: 17.3 (W) x 14.2 (H) x 6.3 (D) inches | Colors:  3

Best Splurge

Milaner woven handbag.

What We Love: It has the design and quality of a designer bag but for a fraction of the price.

What We Don’t Love: The snap closure feels a little less safe during travels.

If you want the quality of a designer leather bag but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, we found this option to be equal in style and luxury but for a fourth of the price . The woven bag (which is both chic and trending right now) is handcrafted in Italy using genuine leather. The interior features a deliciously soft suede which not only looks opulent but protects our belongings from scratches as well. We’ve used this bag as a personal item to Palm Springs and got an incredible amount of use out of it. Because it carried just about anything including laptops, books, cameras, change of clothes, and all our other essentials, it functioned both as a carry-on bag and a sight-seeing purse. Unfortunately, it has a snap closure instead of a zippered closure, which makes things feel slightly less secure during trips. But if you’re confident in your ability to keep everything safe, the bag is well worth the splurge.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 20 (W) x 14 (H) x 3 (D) inches | Colors:  9

Best for International Travel

Athleta all about crossbody.

What We Love: The crescent shape is spacious and comfortable to carry under your arm for safe-keeping while traveling abroad.

What We Don’t Love: It has no outside pockets.

When we traveled internationally, we turned to this Athleta crossbody bag. Its lightweight nature made it easy to move through busy airports and unfamiliar cities without weighing us down. “This is a fanny pack meets crossbody — it’s spacious, close to your body (so it’s no-fuss while walking around) and lightweight, so you can roll or fold it into luggage,” López says. The bag, which is made in part with recycled water bottles and comes in three versatile neutrals, features a wide adjustable strap, a key leash, and a spacious interior to easily store a phone, wallet, passport, hotel key, and more.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: ​​12.25 (W) x 7.5 (H) x 4 (D) inches | Colors:  3

Best Backpack

Paravel mini fold-up backpack.

What We Love: The lightweight backpack is made sustainably using water-resistant nylon.

What We Don’t Love: It costs extra to get it customized.

You would think just any backpack would do for travel, and then you try this option from Paravel and realize you’ve been mistaken all along. This backpack is made of ultra-lightweight durable nylon that not only feels as light as a feather but has a water-resistant finish to it. So even if you’re schlepping your way through the rain to your Airbnb, you don’t have to worry about your essentials getting soiled. On top of that, it comes with a convenient little pouch that you can fold the backpack into, making it extremely easy to transport when not in use. It hardly takes up any space, so you could even keep the pouch in your purse if you know you’ll need an extra bag (say for groceries) while out and about. It fits an impressive amount of items into the bag, including a change of clothes, water bottles, passports, and more. The fact that you can customize it to include your initials is just the icing on the cake, although it will cost you an extra few dollars.

Material: Recycled plastic bottled nylon | Dimensions: 10 (W) x 12 (H) x 6 (D) inches | Colors: 6

Best Anti-Theft

Arden cove crissy full crossbody.

What We Love: The waterproof bag not only has a lot of room for essentials, but an RFID-blocking wallet built-in and locking zippers for additional security.

What We Don’t Love: The straps feel flimsy and thin.

If you’re super worried about being pick-pocketed (or losing anything), we recommend the Arden Cove Crissy Full Crossbody. The waterproof, slash-proof bag is designed with a large main zip compartment with a smaller front zip compartment. The main compartment contains two additional slip pockets and a key ring for easy organization, while the smaller one offers a built-in wallet made of RFID-blocking material, which accommodates eight cards and a few bills. Additionally, the zippers on this bag lock together, so nobody will be able to slyly steal your belongings. It comes in eight different colors, including neutrals and some punchy jewel tones.

Material: Waterproof nylon | Dimensions: 8.5 (W) x 6.5 (H) x 3.5 (D) inches | Colors:  8

Nomatic Navigator Sling

What We Love: There is anti-theft protection on it with ample amounts of organizational capabilities.

What We Don’t Love: The hard shell makes it less flexible and hard to pack when not in use.

We were incredibly impressed with this thoughtfully designed sling bag. This was truly made with the traveler in mind, with anti-theft protection , organizational features, and a water-repellent exterior . There was ample space, pockets, and hidden slits to carry just about everything we could need on a day out, including our 17-inch tablet, makeup, sanitizers, wallets, passports, and keys (in the keyholder). There’s even a water bottle holder on the exterior of the bag, which turned out to be an appreciated feature that allowed us to maximize the space inside the bag. There’s an RFID front card pocket which, although unlikely, is designed to protect our contactless credit cards from being accessed. And thanks to the charging cable hole, we could charge our electronics while on the go and still use our devices.

Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 9 (W) x 13.5 (H) x 4 (D) inches | Colors:  2

InStyle / Hang Pham

Best Belt Bag

Calpak luka belt bag.

What We Love: It’s spacious, organized, and sold in a bunch of colors.

What We Don’t Love: The lighter colors stain easily.

InStyle contributor Rebecca Norris owns this belt bag in six colors — that’s how much she loves and uses it. Most recently, it accompanied her on a 12-day trip through Europe, allowing her to zip through the airport and explore new cities without any trouble. But at home, she still uses it for casual errands, shopping trips, and gym seshes, so trust us, it’ll be useful even when not in transit.

We appreciate how roomy it is compared to other belt bags. The spacious bag features a trendy puffy exterior with a back zip pocket that can sit on our chest or waist. Inside, there’s a front mesh zip pocket and a back opaque zip pocket, which makes grouping items a cinch. The bag is sold in 15 colors, as well as a new miniature size if you prefer something a bit smaller (and something more in line with the often sold-out Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag.) Both sizes, though, work with the Luka key pouch, an additional accessory that clips onto the band for a smidge more storage — we recommend it for items that get easily lost in a purse or you wouldn’t want to be mixed with other items (i.e. dog treats). Just be careful with the lighter colors as they tend to stain easily.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 11 (W) x 5.5 (H) x 3.5 (D) inches | Colors: 15

InStyle / Taylor Calta

Béis East To West Tote

What We Love: There are ample amounts of compartments for perfect organization.

What We Don’t Love: The top zip doesn’t close all the way.

The Beis East to West Tote was our favorite travel tote in our tote bag roundup , so it only makes sense to reiterate all the reasons why we loved it here. This bag was intentionally designed for the aesthetically inclined traveler. We were met with every compartment we could want without it being overwhelming — a laptop sleeve, passport slot, water bottle socket, and even a key strap helped to keep everything organized. And still, there was enough space in the middle for spare clothes, snacks, books, and more.

We could carry it on the top handle or the detachable shoulder strap, but even more impressive was the sleeve intended for suitcase handles. We simply plopped the bag on top of our suitcase and it remained flush against the handle without falling off.

Material: Nylon, recycled polyester | Dimensions: 17.13 (W) x 14.17 (H) x 9.06 (D) inches | Colors:  2

Best Shoulder Bag

Polène numéro dix.

What We Love: You can wear it as a shoulder or crossbody bag.

What We Don’t Love: The hard cover makes it more difficult to pack in suitcases.

We’re going to take a wild guess here and assume you’d like to travel in style, in which case we recommend this gorgeous shoulder bag from Polène. The Parisian label has become somewhat of a superstar on social media, thanks to its luxurious materials (in this case, Italian textured calf leather) and designs. Author of this roundup Bianca Kratky owns this bag and has been using it non-stop for adventures where she needs to carry her essentials, keep her hands free, and look chic. Despite its crescent shape and smaller size, the bag fits an impressive number of items in it. Valuables like phones, wallets, AirPods, keys, chapstick, and hand cream fit in like a dream. She can wear it over the shoulder, or extend the strap to become a crossbody bag. While its hard cover makes it a little more difficult to pack, Kratky’s tip is to stuff it with socks and underwear before placing it in the suitcase.

Material: Italian pebbled calf leather | Dimensions: 9.4 (W) x 7.9 (H) x 3 (D) inches | Colors: 17

Best for Work

Everlane luxe italian leather tote.

What We Love: The sleek Italian leather still looks luxurious after three years of use.

What We Don’t Love: The top can’t be closed.

We’ve used this tote for the office as well as on business trips because its sleek exterior and spacious interior make it ideal for such occasions. And of course, knowing that style icon Meghan Markle is out there somewhere carrying the same bag makes us feel pretty cool. It’s made of smooth Italian leather and features one slip pocket on the interior. It’s big enough to fit our 15-inch laptop, a sweater, books, snacks, a toiletry bag , and more , which is why it’s been so useful during our long hauls across the country. It’s weathered the last three years pretty well, despite our not-so-gentle handling.

Material: Italian leather | Dimensions: 20.8 (W) x 12.8 (H) x 7 (D) inches | Colors:  3

Best Crossbody

Fossil carlie leather satchel bag.

What We Love: It zips completely closed and fits an impressive amount of items in.

What We Don’t Love: When the bag isn’t full, the shape isn’t as rectangular and folds in softly.

Kratky’s first big-girl purchase was this bag from Fossil (or at least an earlier version of it from six years ago). She intended it as her travel bag while she rucksacked her way around the world. For 365 days, this was the bag she used to carry her passport, camera, snacks, tickets, phone, and notepad . It was ideal because it came with both a top handle and a crossbody strap , making it cute for strolls into cities and practical when her hands needed to be free.

It closes completely with a zip , making it safe from any theft. The bag opens up impressively wide as well — Kratky never had to leave anything behind as everything always miraculously fit. When it’s half empty, however, the bag looks less rectangular, collapsing into itself a little. Because the leather weathered all the hustle and bustle so well, it's still in great condition. She’s keeping it to hand down to her children one day, when they’re ready to go off and explore the world, too.

Material: Leather, polyurethane | Dimensions: 10 (W) x 8 ( H) x 5.5 (D) inches | Colors:  2

Best Convertible

We the free soho convertible sling.

Free People

What We Love: It has various compartments and can be worn as a sling or backpack. 

What We Don’t Love: The non-traditional shape might be a bit oblong for larger items.

While many bags these days are convertible from crossbody to shoulder iterations, fewer can be worn as a sling and a backpack. But that’s exactly what this rugged leather convertible sling from Free People can do. “I love the zippered details and all the color options,” says travel content creator Alli Talley . But aside from looks, the bag has three compartments , so you can easily keep your items organized. The vaguely triangular shape might make storing larger items inside a bit more challenging, but we promise it is still a roomy bag — and it allows you to easily go hands-free.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 10 (W) x 14 (H) x 5.5 (D) inches | Colors:  7

Best Lightweight

Baggu fanny pack.

What We Love: Despite how lightweight it is, it’s extremely durable.

What We Don’t Love: The strap is a little slim, and a bigger version would have felt more secure on the body.

We’ve tested a bunch of bags from Baggu thus far, and their materials always impress us with how durable yet lightweight they are. This one has the bonus of being extremely spacious, despite its compact size. Not unlike a Mary Poppins bag, you can keep placing items in it and it always seems to be able to take in more, be it books, notepads, wallets, snacks, makeup, chapstick, and more. The fanny pack can be worn across the hips, chest, and over your shoulders, all of which leave your hands free for exploration.

Material: Nylon, recycled nylon | Dimensions: 8 (W) x 6.5 (H) x 2 (D) inches | Colors: 16

Our editors evaluated their go-to bags on ease of use, transportability, safety, compartmentalization, and quality of material . To cover all of our bases, our team also called in a variety of internet-popular bags for testing. Bags with thoughtful design features, like a waterproof exterior or a packing pouch, received high remarks.

• Size: Purses come in all shapes and sizes, and if you need to carry a lot of items while traveling, a clutch isn't going to work. With this in mind, it’s important to consider your essentials while traveling to determine what size works best for you. If you plan on carrying no more than your phone, wallet, and keys, a smaller bag works great. Anything more, like a laptop or water bottle, a larger silhouette makes more sense. No matter what your needs, López says to avoid micro bags, as they’re just not realistic while traveling.
• Material: The material of your travel purse can determine two things: how durable it is and how formal it looks. Generally speaking, Moore says that leather is the most durable — and it’s arguably the most professional in appearance, too, hence why we love the Everlane The Luxe Italian Leather Tote and the Polène Numero Dix bags. She also recommends nylon, which is renowned for its weather-resistant finish. “Leather or nylon will always fare best,” she assures us. That’s because in addition to being strong materials, they’re harder to scuff or stain, and they’re easy to wipe down.
• Functionality: We love a pretty purse but when traveling, function is of the utmost importance. “As far as design, a good travel purse is something crossbody — it allows you to keep the bag close to your body and makes it far more difficult to be taken off,” Moore says. But that’s not all it takes to be a travel-friendly bag in her book. “A great travel bag has organization, specifically a great pocket system,” she says. “One of my big travel tips is to never have all of your important or high-value items in the same bag, or even in the same pocket. I like to keep my phone in one compartment of my bag, and money and IDs in different pockets.” Re-touching on the crossbody feature, it’s not just great for security’s sake. “A crossbody will help with weight distribution on your shoulders during long travel days,” López says. This makes for more comfortable wear and a smoother, more positive travel experience overall. For Talley, comfort and pockets, in addition to a low-maintenance material, are important factors. “Those long-haul travel days can be brutal — the last thing you want is an uncomfortable purse that's always falling off your shoulders or giving you back pain," she says. As a mom of two active toddlers, she uses her bag's pockets for snacks, sunscreen, pacifiers, and chapsticks. A full zipper close is always a bonus. It secures your items when storing the bag under the seat in front of you.

Do I need to use an anti-theft purse while traveling?

As many pick-pocketing horror stories as there are swirling around social media, Moore says that anti-theft purses are great but not necessary. “I think it’s better to know how to protect your purse and belongings no matter the bag you decide to bring,” she says because “a lot of the anti-theft bags are just not the most attractive,” she admits. Doing things like not leaving your purse on the back of the chair, on the seat next to you, or at a table — especially in situations where you’re easily distracted, like a restaurant or nightclub.” She says it’s also important to be mindful of how you’re carrying your bag. While it may be more comfortable to sling it over your shoulder, on your back, or behind your hip, keep a purse tucked under your arm or held closely to your body in front. Even just choosing something that zips will help you avoid getting pick-pocketed since it makes getting into your bag more challenging.

Is a travel purse considered a personal item while flying?

Generally speaking, a purse is often considered an item in itself. If you’re not checking a bag especially, it’s important to find a silhouette that can easily fit into a larger personal item (not your carry-on), to maximize your packing imprint.

Still, it depends on the airline and who’s working the desk when you start to board. “I travel with both a backpack and a purse/crossbody bag on every trip, and I’m not usually stopped on standard airlines like Delta or United for having too many personal items,” Moore shares. “If I’m flying one of those budget airlines that are pretty strict, my little secret is ditching traveling with a handbag altogether and rather opting for a cute crossbody sling bag. Those bags lay flat against your body, and are rarely seen as ‘extra baggage.’"

Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer with three years of experience covering fashion and beauty. She’s also an avid traveler, having wandered around the world by herself for a year, and therefore knows a thing or two about smart packing. Rebecca Norris has covered women’s lifestyle content for the past 10 years. For this roundup, they spoke to the below experts.

• Audree Kate López is a New York City-based fashion stylist.  
• Alexa Moore is a travel content creator.
• Alli Talley is a travel content creator and owner of the account @traveling_newlyweds .

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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

by Elissa Sanci

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

15 of the Best Travel Bags You Need for Your Next Vacay

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

Whether you’re a first-time or frequent flyer, the right bags can mean all the difference. Is your carry-on too big? Is your dop kit leak-proof? Is there enough room in your purse for all-day adventure? To help you get ready to take off—and thereafter—we went ahead and compiled a list of 15 of the best travel bags around, from hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases to weekend duffles and toiletry bags . So get those passports ready and read on to find your next favorite travel bag. Bon voyage!

How To Choose The Best Travel Bag

Domestic vs. International Travel Carry-Ons

We know that you’ve probably gotten away with taking a suitcase that definitely was not regulation carry-on size. Typically, domestic flights are a bit more lenient with your luggage dimensions, but a good rule of thumb for domestic flights is to make sure your carry-on bag fits within 22-inches by 14-inches by 9-inches. This size ensures that your bag—along with everyone else’s—is going to fit in the bins overhead on your flight. If you’re flying internationally however, these airlines are more likely than not going to be stricter. We suggest finding a carry-on that is 20 inches or shorter to take on your international flights. And always check with your airlines.

Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell Luggage

If you’re a no-fuss kind of traveler, a soft-shell suitcase is for you. They’re able to withstand a bit more wear and tear whether you’re taking it glamping or stuffing it in the overhead compartment. On the other hand, if you are packing items that need some added protection (think: a pair of heels you don’t want to break or a beloved designer bag), we suggest going with a hard-shell suitcase so that none of your valuables sustain any damage.

Two-Wheel Luggage vs. Four-Wheel Luggage

If you have ever been down-to-the-last-second late for a flight and almost missed it because you had to drag your heavy suitcase behind you, we suggest you get a spinner suitcase. A spinner has four wheels, which tend to be multidirectional, helping you not only have full control over your bag, but also allowing you to comfortably glide your luggage alongside of you as you maneuver through security to your gate. On the other hand, two-wheeled suitcases typically have wheels that are inside of the main compartment and required being tilted on their side to drag through the terminal.

Best Travel Bags At A Glance:

• Best Overall: Calpak Hue Luggage
• Best Checked Travel Bag: Béis Check-In Roller
• Best Carry-On Travel Bag: Away The Carry-On
• Best Backpack Travel Bag: Rains Waterproof Backpack
• Best Duffle Travel Bag: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag
• Best Laptop Travel Bag : Lo & Sons The Seville Aire Tote
• Best Purse Travel Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag
• Best Eco-Friendly Travel Bag: Paravel Aviator
• Best Soft Shell Travel Bag: Yeti Crossroad Luggage
• Best Travel Bag Set: Samsonite 3-Piece Luggage Set
• Best Budget-Friendly Travel Bag: Amazon Basics Spinner Suitcase
• Best Splurge-Worthy Travel Bag: Rimowa Cabin Suitcase
• Best Toiletry Travel Bag: Everlane The ReNew Catch-All Case
• Best Weekend Travel Bag: Baboon to the Moon Small Go-Bag
• Best Customizable Travel Bag: Roam the Jaunt

9 Best Travel Pants (Tested by Our Comfort-Obsessed Staff)

1. Calpak Hue Luggage

Best Overall

She’s sleek, she’s stylish and she has a little bit of everything: A TSA-approved lock that keeps your valuables safe in transit, multi-directional wheels for back-ache-free transportation, interior compartments for peak organization, a large front pocket to stow any essentials you need in close reach and a price tag that won’t make too big a dent on your checking account.

2. Béis Check-in Roller

Best Checked Travel Bag

You get to the airport, lift your suitcase onto the scale, stare in horror as the red numbers flash “58 lbs” and proceed to spend the next five minutes on the floor, suitcase open, stuffing as much as you can into a spare bag. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. So while this bag has all of your usual perks, the red light that turns on to indicate it's over the 50-pound weight limit makes this guy unbeatable as a checked suitcase.

3. Away The Carry-on

Best Hard Shell Suitcase

This is one of our tried-and-tested favorites. We love how protective its sleek styled shell is and it earns extra points for having a security lock for extra safety. Plus, it has a USB charging port so no more desperately searching for an outlet that’s close to your gate.

4. Rains Waterproof Backpack

Best Travel Backpack

This is made of durable, waterproof neoprene and has enough room to fit all your gadgets and gizmos. Bonus points for its hidden back pocket to help keep your valuables safe and secure.

5. Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

Best Duffle Travel Bag

Whether you’re taking this by bus, train or plane, this duffle’s expandable design offers ample room so you’ll have a spot for literally everything. Case in point: the pocket specifically made for holding your phone and interior compartments for storing water bottles, shoes and everything else in between.

6. Lo & Sons The Seville Aire Tote

Best Laptop Travel Bag

Cushioned padding protects the thing most precious to you: your laptop. Plus, the thoughtful pockets keep things organized while you're on the go—no more franticly digging through your bag for your AirPods for a Zoom you have to join in two minutes.

7. Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag

Best Purse Travel Bag

This cutie is going to keep you looking stylish whether you’re grabbing after-work drinks or jet-setting to Europe. It’s the ideal size if you’re searching for a style-savvy carry-on that can easily stow your laptop alongside other daily essentials and makes for a roomy tote even when you’re not using it for travel.

8. Paravel Aviator

Best Eco-Friendly Travel Bag

Looking to get your hands on a sustainably sourced option? This fashion-forward carry-on may be easy on the eyes, but it's entirely made up of recycled material—from the interior lining and exterior polycarbonate shell to the zippers.

9. Yeti Crossroad Luggage

Best Soft Shell Travel Bag

Yes, Yeti delivers some of the best on-the-go travel mugs, but did you know Yeti produces some stellar luggage, too? This one in particular is especially worth the investment, thanks to its durable hard-shell exterior, 70/30 split dividers for keeping all your things secure, packing cubes for added organization and front pocket for stashing all the things you need to keep within close reach.

10. Samsonite 3-piece Luggage Set

Best Travel Bag Set

Durable hard shell? Check. Spinner wheels? Check. Three different sizes? Also check. This set comes in three different sizes, with one carry-on and two checked size suitcases.

11. Amazon Basics Spinner Suitcase

Best Budget-Friendly Travel Bag

Luggage is notoriously expensive, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t budget-friendly options out there to help you glob trot and save some money. Case in point: Amazon Basics’ travel bag line. This one in particular caught our eye, thanks to the durable hard shell, multiple packing compartments, TSA-approved lock and array of pretty colors.

12. Rimowa Cabin Suitcase

Best Splurge-Worthy Travel Bag

Before luggage brands started producing aluminum suitcases by the dozen, there was this one. The first of its kind, the Rimowa Cabin Suitcase’s iconic silver exterior is made from anodized aluminum and built with ball-bearing mounted wheels. Translation: this durable workhorse is going to last you for years to come.

BUY IT ($1,200)

13. Everlane The Renew Catch-all Case

Best Toiletry Travel Bag

Don’t be fooled, this toiletry bag might not be massive, but it can fit way more than you think. It’s got interior pockets to keep products nice and tidy, low maintenance fabric that’s easily cleaned and an expandable design that can handle being packed to the max with your skincare and beauty goodies.

14. Baboon To The Moon Small Go-bag

Best Weekend Bag

We love this guy for more reasons than we can list. Not only is it TSA-approved for carry-on size, but its water-proof shell has backpack straps, different sized handles, an over-the-shoulder strap, a lockable zipper, comes with four different pockets and easily stashes three-to-five day’s worth of your gear.

15. Roam The Jaunt

Best Customizable Travel Bag

If your goal is to avoid mixing up your suitcase with someone else's, having a personalized travel bag is where it’s at. From the option to monogram the exterior shell down to custom colors you can select from, you can personalize this puppy in a myriad of ways for luggage that matches your vibe perfectly.

The 17 Best Luggage Brands For Your Long-Overdue Trip

Commerce Editor

30 Must-Have Travel Essentials for Women Who Love to Travel

No matter where your next trip is taking you, there are a few travel essentials for women things that you should have on your packing list. This list of travel essentials is a great way to make sure that you have everything you need for your next adventure. It’s also an awesome place to get some inspiration for gifts for any savvy travelers in your family or group of friends. 

Keep reading to find out what essentials you’re missing from your packing list and how you can be best prepared for your upcoming trip.

Want more resources on packing lists and creating a capsule wardrobe? Find more in the following posts:

• How to Create the Ultimate Travel Capsule Wardrobe
• 10 Best Compression Packing Cubes: Pack Like a Pro .

Our favorite travel essentials for women

As an Amazon Associate, this post contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon, and also from other retailers you may find on the site.

Travel backpack or tote bag for day trips

Travel bags are one of the best ways to keep all of your belongings organized on travel days and when you’re out and about exploring a new city. The best packable travel backpacks have designated anti-theft spaces for your travel documents and other valuables. That way everything stays safe and you don’t have to carry a separate money belt while you’re traveling. 

Packing cubes 

I’m all about packing light and if you’re new to packing light or just need a little help fitting everything in your suitcase, try out some these Taskin packing cubes . These are an essential item if you travel frequently with just a carry-on bag. Compression packing cubes will help you fit all of your most important items in your bag with ease.

If the idea of packing cubes is new to you and you want to see how to use them and a few more options, check out this post:

• Best Compression Packing Cubes: Pack Like a Pro

A trusty suitcase 

One of the most important things that you can own as a woman who loves to travel is a great suitcase. Having a high-quality, durable suitcase like this Briggs and Riley Spinner is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success when you’re traveling. Good travel bags will help keep everything on your packing list organized so you have easy access to everything you need.  

I actually use the Briggs and Riley which, admittedly, is a bit pricey. My husband treated me for my birthday! If you are looking for a suitcase and would like to see other options in various price ranges, check out these posts:

• Best Lightweight Luggage Pieces: Travel with Style
• Best Carry On Luggage Under $100

Daytime purse

Another one of the travel essentials for women is a great day bag. I like to carry this Travelon Anti Theft travel purse with me because I don’t really need a lot during the day and backpacks can get a bit heavy if you’re carrying them for eight hours. There are a lot of different day bags and travel purses on the market, but luckily I’ve reviewed some already to help you choose one that works best for your travel needs.  

Toiletry bag 

A toiletry or makeup bag is another great way to keep everything in its place while you’re traveling. Many people like a toiletry bag that can hang on the back of a hotel room door. Those bags often fold up and have a lot of different storage compartments so you don’t have to empty the entire makeup bag in order to find the one thing that you’re looking for. 

I prefer this ebags Pack-it-Flat bag . I find it packs very well. Sometimes, if space is tight, I don’t use one or two of the side pockets and they collapse easily so I can fit the bag in a tight space.

Hand sanitizer 

I always like to carry hand sanitizer wherever I go, but it’s especially important now that Covid is an ever-present thing in our lives. Traveling, by nature, can expose you to a lot of different germs because there are tons of people who pass through airports on any given day. A pocket-sized hand sanitizer will hardly take up any space at all and will help you stay healthy while you’re traveling. 

Travel wallet 

I’m sure I’m not alone on this, but my regular everyday wallet can sometimes accumulate a lot of things that I don’t really need but still keep around anyway. A travel wallet is just designed to hold the essentials like your credit card, ID, and cash.

They often have RFID protection so your identification and credit cards are safe. They’ll also fit easily in your travel purse or backpack so you can access them quickly without digging around in your bag. 

Neck pillow 

A neck pillow is a must for any long-haul flight that you have coming up. First-class seats, especially to international destinations, can be super expensive, so in order to get some sleep on a long flight, get yourself a quality neck pillow.

Whenever I travel, I don’t want to waste time sleeping the day away after traveling, so being able to sleep on the plane is really important. A quality neck pillow is the key to this and even makes a great gift for anyone in your life that loves to travel. 

It’s happened to all of us — you’re so excited to get tan at the beach you forget the sunscreen and spend the rest of the trip hiding under an umbrella burnt to a crisp. Sunscreen is a must-have for any short or long trip you have coming up. Do yourself a favor and apply sunscreen regularly so you’re not miserable for the rest of your vacation. 

Portable charger 

Using Google Maps or other navigation apps on your phone is pretty common when you’re exploring a new city, and unfortunately, they can drain your battery pretty quickly. If you’re on the go and don’t know when you’ll be able to charge your phone again, be sure to carry some kind of power bank or portable charger with you in your bag. When you’re in an unfamiliar city you don’t want to be stuck with a dead phone battery! 

Reusable water bottle 

When you’re expending a lot of energy walking around, dehydration can be a looming threat and can really ruin your day. Although international healthcare is great in some countries, avoid a hospital trip by keeping a reusable water bottle with you and staying hydrated during the day. 

International adapter 

This item is not just on the list of travel essentials for women, it is really for anyone travelling out of the country.

If your next trip is out of the country, be sure that you pack an international adapter for your electronics. In most other countries, your regular phone charger or hair dryer won’t be able to plug into the outlets in your room.

You can find a lot of multi-country adapters online so you can use them for all of your trips out of the country.  Importantly, remember that some countries have a stronger current. It’s important to have either dual voltage appliances or a dual voltage adapter like this one.

Noise-canceling headphones 

Another travel essential that will ensure you have a restful flight on the way to your destination is noise-canceling headphones. Block out the sound of crying babies and loud conversations so you’ll be well-rested when you land. These are a great idea for anyone in your family who loves to travel because they can be used at home, not just while traveling. 

First aid kit 

No one plans to have an accident while traveling, but you can be prepared for minor injuries and mishaps when you keep a travel first aid kit with you. These shouldn’t take up too much room and they can save you a lot of precious time while you’re traveling. Finding medical care in a foreign country can be challenging so it’s much easier if you can take care of the situation yourself. 

Solid shampoo & conditioner 

If you’re like me and you like to travel with a carry-on, you’ll have to pack travel-size liquids. If you’re going on a shorter trip, these work fine, but you still have to go through the process of taking everything out of your bag when you go through airport security.

One of the best travel tips I learned is to pack solid toiletries when you can. These will often last much longer than a travel-size shampoo. And, you don’t have to worry about them exploding all over the contents of your suitcase. 

Feminine products 

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for that time of the month when you’re traveling. One of the difficult parts about traveling as a woman is having to worry about packing feminine products or trying to find them while you’re traveling.

Candidly, this is not an issue for me anymore. If you do have your cycle though, it’s good to have essentials at all times. A menstrual cup is also a great alternative that’s reusable so you don’t have to worry about purchasing pads or tampons while you’re traveling. 

Comfortable walking shoes

One critical piece of the travel essentials for women is a comfortable pair of shoes. One of the best ways to see a new city is to walk the streets like a local.

Cobblestone streets in cities like Rome, Lisbon and Paris can be hard on your feet. The best way to set yourself up for success is to pack a pair of street sneakers that won’t hurt your feet after 30 minutes.  These Taos sneakers have an amazing insole. I wear them for hours and hours and never have an issue.

Water Resistant or Waterproof jacket 

A light waterproof jacket is always a top travel essential for anyone who loves to travel. Depending on the season you’re traveling, the weather can change very quickly and you don’t want to be caught without some kind of rain gear.

Walking around wet and cold is a surefire way to ruin a trip. It’s best to be prepared and keep some kind of lightweight jacket in your bag in case you need it.  This Jones New York Parka in a Pocket is great for packing down.

Looking for other ideas for a packable raincoat? This post can give you inspiration:

• Best Stylish Raincoats with Hoods for Traveling Women

On beach vacations, even though a bathing suit seems like a no-brainer, a lot of women still forget to pack one. Even if you’re not going somewhere warm, I still always recommend bringing a swimsuit. You never know when you’re going to come across an impromptu opportunity to take a dip or relax in a spa. 

Dressier clothes for the evening 

I like to pack at least one dress for dinner when I’m traveling. After walking around all day or being on the beach, the first thing I want to do before dinner is shower and freshen up. Trying local food is one of the best ways to experience a new place, and since breakfast and lunch are usually grab-and-go, dinner is when I get to sit down somewhere nicer. 

A great way to make the same dress work for multiple days is to bring a few different accessories that you can mix and match to create a few unique outfits. This will save you a lot of space in your bag. 

Activewear 

You may not wear activewear during the day, but if you’re traveling to a place where you’ll have the opportunity to hike or see some local nature, it’s a good idea to have something comfortable to wear. In many European cities, activewear is a little too casual for every day, so if you’re going to be spending all of your time in a city like Barcelona, you may not need to bring any activewear at all. 

Sunglasses 

Sunglasses don’t take up much space in your purse or carry-on and they’re a great way to keep yourself comfortable when you’re traveling. Especially in warm climates, you’ll be glad you have something to protect your eyes from the strong sun. 

Makeup remover and moisturizer 

After long days it feels great to take off your makeup and let your skin breathe. Makeup wipes and face moisturizers will be your best friends when it comes to keeping your skin happy and healthy. 

I keep a couple of these LA Fresh Make Up Wipes in my purse for long flights.

Book or e-reader

For any long flight or even short trips to the beach, I like to make sure I have something to read with me. It’s nice to have a break from my phone screen and it helps me relax and fall asleep. If you’re short on space and don’t have room for a chunky book in your backpack, e-readers are a nice alternative that doesn’t take up much room but also have a great capacity so you can have your choice of books. 

Scarf or hat 

No matter what the weather is at your destination, it’s always a good idea to have some kind of hat or scarf with you that you can throw on when needed. A hat is a great option when your hair isn’t cooperating. Some countries also require you to dress more modestly when you’re visiting important landmarks, so if you’re wearing a tank top, you can cover your shoulders with a scarf. 

Toothbrush and toothpaste 

This seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes the things we need the most are the things we forget. In addition to keeping a toothbrush in my toiletry bag, I also like to keep a travel-size toothbrush and some toothpaste in my day bag in case I eat something especially garlicky and need to freshen up after a meal. 

Long dresses or skirts

A great long dress or skirt will work for any place you travel, no matter what the weather is. In warmer places, they are a great way to keep your clothing light and keep yourself cool. In the winter or in places where the weather is much cooler, a long dress or skirt that is a heavier fabric will help keep your legs warm from the cold wind. 

Comfortable sandals 

Another of the travel essentials for women is a comfortable pair of sandals. You probably won’t need these for winter trips, but whenever you travel anywhere warm, I guarantee these will pay off.

A good pair of sandals that match with everything and don’t kill your feet are a must-have for any travel wardrobe.  These Naot Kaylas are a staple in my closet.

Safety accessories 

Safety accessories like pepper spray or a personal safety alarm are especially important if you’re traveling alone as a woman. There are also some great new products on the market that allow you to double-lock your hotel or hostel room so your room won’t be broken into. If you have a woman who likes to solo-travel in your life, or if you have a solo trip coming up, consider gifting some kind of personal protection for a little extra peace of mind. 

Hair ties & lip balm 

The last thing that should be on your ultimate packing list of travel essentials is for women? Hair ties and lip balm! Again, these are things that feel like they’re so obvious they shouldn’t need to be mentioned, but they’ll make your life a lot easier while you’re traveling. 

We hope you found this blog post on travel essentials for women helpful! Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

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Fly High With These Travel Tote Bags For Women

Travelling away. Toting around.

by Emma Treagus Updated on November 7, 2023

At Luxe Digital, we independently research, review, and recommend products we love and that we think you will love, too. Learn more about how we curate the best products for you .

No matter where you’re going, there is no denying that your travel companion can weigh heavily on your journey. 

Pick the wrong travel companion and you’ll be left with mental baggage rather than a suitcase full of beautiful memories. 

And because we know we all want the latest, our wanderlust wisdom is simple: pick the right luggage. 

Easier dreamt than found—especially when bearing your destination and distinct vacation specifications in mind. 

Take it from a frequent flyer myself; totes (paired with my favorite designer luggage ) are one of the best travel bags out there to carry your world around .

Stylish and stress-reducing, the best travel tote bags are designed for sailing through airport security and breezing through boarding. From luggage sleeves to zipped pockets and padded straps, our favorite totes are the tote-al (sorry I had to) package when it comes to travel. They are spacious when packing, convenient to transport, and double up as a fashionable everyday carry when you arrive at your destination. 

Lucky for you, we’ve unpacked a tried-and-tested list of travel companions worthy of hanging with. Because if you are like us, you know there’s no room on the itinerary for bad companionship.

Ready to set up your OOO auto-reply? We tote-ally are.

Why you can trust Luxe Digital? As travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers ourselves, we know a thing or two about luxury travel (Hint, hint: journey through our sister site Luxa Terra for luxury travel inspiration). All year long, we rigorously test and review elevated essentials, and go the extra mile to unearth gateway-ready gears that go the distance and brands that we believe will go places.

See how we test products and learn more about our HAPPY philosophy (read: Honorable Craftsmanship, Aesthetic Design, Positive Impact—on People and the Planet, Purpose and Function, and Yielding Value) for buying luxuries. You can also read our travel tote buying guide to learn more about our methodology to pick the best ones.

The 11 best travel totes for women

Kaai helix travel edition: overall best travel tote for women.

Our rating:

• Organized interior
• Zip closure for peace of mind
• Reinforced handles for extra durability
• Metal feet to protect the bottom of the bag
• We would appreciate a luggage sleeve on the larger version of the tote

Our verdict:

Unbelievably organized, durable and stylish, the KAAI Helix is the ultimate travel tote for women. We love that the Travel Edition of the Helix comes with a hidden luggage sleeve for longer hauls.

Handcrafted in Italy from premium leather, KAAI bags are a masterclass in modern minimalism. Featuring clean lines and plenty of pockets, the midi-sized Helix tote is the perfect travel companion. The laptop sleeve is able to hold a 13” (there is a larger version that can hold a 15.6” laptop). And the outer phone pocket makes all the difference when you receive a call mid-boarding (yep, no more distressed scrabbling and sideward stares.)

We also love that the travel tote has five metal feet at the bottom. And whilst this may seem like an insignificant detail to some, when your bag stands still on a moving train and hops off scuff-free, it’s a detail we’re now looking for in all of our bags. 

For more on this fashionably functional tote , see our full KAAI Helix review . 

Rimowa Never Still: Best luxury travel tote bag

• Canvas and full-grain leather silhouette is extremely durable
• Double handle system allows you to choose whether to carry it as a tote or shoulder bag
• Luggage sleeve makes it easy to roll through the airport handsfree
• High price tags

If you’re looking for the creme de la creme of luxury travel totes, you don’t get much better than Rimowa’s Never Still tote. Yes, it’s more expensive than most, but if you travel a lot, we think the timeless, durable silhouette is worth it.

Unpacked in our Rimowa Never Still review , we are massive fans of the brand’s illustrious line, with the Never Still tote featured as one of our most recommended purchases. Why we love it? Made from durable materials such as canvas and premium leather, the black, sleek silhouette is equally timeless, making it a true investment into a life in motion. 

As one of our best tote bags for travel, the roomy main compartment is beautifully organized with a laptop sleeve big enough for a 15” laptop and a convenient removable zippered sleeve. And we also love that the double handle system means that you can carry it as a tote or crossbody. Or our most preferred method—slipping this luxurious travel tote onto your luggage using the handy (or handless) luggage sleeve. 

Bellroy Tokyo Tote: Best value women’s travel tote

• Made from water-resistant, recycled fabric
• Zip closure for added security
• Padded straps make it comfortable on the shoulders
• It also comes in a bigger size for the not-so-light packers
• The straps are too short to convert to a crossbody
• No luggage sleeve means you have to carry it around the airport

If you aren’t a frequent traveler and just want something that gets the job done without costing the earth, this Bellroy Tokyo tote is excellent value. Plus, it also makes an excellent everyday tote so you’re guaranteed to get ample use out of it.

If you’re familiar with our best tote bags for women , you’ll know our affiliation with Bellroy and the Tokyo Tote in particular. And while it remains one of the best utility totes for everyday use—from college strolls to office commutes to beach days—it also deserves to be mentioned as one of the best travel tote bags out there. 

With plenty of padded pockets, including one big enough for a 13” laptop, one perfectly suited to a water bottle and even one big enough for a change of shoes (a travel essential), this compartmentalized tote is the ultimate travel companion. The only thing missing is a luggage sleeve, but the padded shoulder straps and lightweight materials make this travel tote incredibly comfortable to carry. And for only $119, that’s a price we’re willing to pay for seamless airport trips. 

Away Travel: Best packable travel tote for women

• The foldable, lightweight, compact silhouette is easy to pack and takes up no space
• Made from water-resistant nylon, keeping your contents dry
• The trolley sleeve slips over your luggage for seamless airport trips
• The design is more functional than fashionable
• No laptop sleeve

It may not be the most fashionable travel totes on the market, but it has to be one of the most functional. Lightweight, foldable and compact, it fits effortlessly into a suitcase. The luggage sleeve makes it equally easy to roll through the airport. And the water-resistant silhouette makes it a must-have for coastal getaways and pool resorts.

Okay, so this tote isn’t turning the heads of stylists and it-girls, but we simply cannot get enough of how functional this packable carryall is. In fact, after one trip, we’re sure that we’ll never be able to travel without it again. Initially, we were attracted to how small it was once folded. And whilst we were unsure of how much we would use it on the coast, it was compact and lightweight enough to pack in anyway. 

When it came to utility on the trip, we were completely wrong. We used it most days—from laundry to groceries to wet beach towels. The large, nylon silhouette is incredibly durable and water resistant with one or two pockets, so it really does tick all the boxes. If you’re like us and usually return from vacation with more than you brought, look no further than this high-performing tote . Oh, and make the most of that lifesaving (read: back-saving) luggage sleeve. 

Lululemon City Adventurer: Best expandable travel tote bag

• Spacious compartments with an expanded volume of 27L
• Water-resistant fabric
• Trolley sleeve
• Nylon silhouette is less structured than other fabrics

If you’re looking for a travel tote that is large enough to double up as a gym bag or weekender, you won’t be disappointed by the size of this spacious tote by Lululemon.

This is the bag you buy when you want one tote to fulfill multiple functions. The spacious compartment is big enough for a couple of outfits, towels and shoes—perfect for the gym or weekend getaways. And just when you think you’ve run out of room (annoying), you haven’t (phew!). The bag has an expandable capacity of up to 27L and can transform into a more compact size when not required. 

But besides its everyday utility, Lululemon’s City Adventurer is also one of the best travel totes for the airplane. The roomy interior is small enough to fit into the overhead compartment and the luggage sleeve makes it effortless to wheel through the airport. Our only complaint is that the nylon silhouette is less structured than other fabrics, so when it isn’t full, it tends to look a little floppy. 

Horizn Studios Shibuya: Best convertible women’s travel tote

• Convertible straps convert from tote to backpack for convenient carrying
• Made from durable, lightweight, water-repellent, recycled materials
• Padded laptop sleeve
• Luggage sleeve
• You may be looking for something more stylish

If high-performance gear gets you going, you won’t be able to stop speaking (or using) this travel totepack by Horizn Studios. Featuring adjustable straps, a water-repellent exterior, plenty of slips and a luggage sleeve, we can’t fault it.

Mentioned as one of our best backpacks for women , the Tokyo Totepack is as dynamic as the city it’s named after. We love to carry it as a tote when hopping on and off trains, and carry it as a backpack whilst exploring new cities—hands-free. Whatever your preferred method, this hybrid bag is one of the best for travel. 

Made from recycled PET and other sustainable materials, the versatile silhouette is as lightweight and durable as it is environmentally aware. The plethora of pockets keep the essentials organized for a smooth-sailing, scrabble-free journey. This Horizn Studios travel tote even has a padded sleeve big enough for a 13” laptop for those whose trip is more bleisure (business leisure) than leisure. 

Cuyana: Best overnight women’s travel tote

• Spacious interior for all the overnight essentials
• Internal zip pockets for effortless organization
• Protective feet on the bottom
• Recycled plastic option available for vegans
• May be too bulky for everyday use

Cuyana is our queen of elevated essentials and this one is extremely difficult to fault. Featuring zipped pockets, protective feet, a luggage sleeve and plenty of space, this travel tote is a guru in effortless overnight getaways.

In order to bring you the most objective review possible, we tried to look for faults in this overnight bag, but Cuyana made it almost impossible. As an overnight bag, this illustrious leather tote has thought over everything. From a spacious, compartmentalized interior to protective feet and a luggage sleeve, we really felt the difference sailing through the airport with this tote in tow. 

As one of the most sustainable luxury brands, Cuyana even has a recycled plastic option available for vegans and its leather option is responsibly sourced and LWG certified. If we had to find a downfall to this powerhouse travel tote , it would be that it’s slightly heavy for everyday use, but a lightweight packable tote or backpack solves that problem easily. 

Beis The Weekender: Best weekender travel tote bag

• Bottom compartment to keep your shoes separate
• Back zipper pocket transforms into trolley sleeve
• Metal feet to protect the bottom
• Removable shoulder strap for easy carrying
• Doesn’t come in a smaller size

This compartmentalized, spacious tote makes for the perfect weekender bag. However, if you’re looking for something smaller to accompany your check-in luggage, you may prefer something more compact.

This is our go-to travel bag for those short weekend getaways that don’t require check in luggage. As one of our best carry-on totes, the structured silhouette is perfectly sized for overhead compartments, while still large enough to fit the essentials (including a hairdryer if that’s one of yours.)

But it’s not just the bag’s roomy interior that makes it a weekender win, it’s also the tote’s effortless organization and durable exterior. Featuring a padded laptop sleeve, key fob and external zipped pockets, everything is always in place. And while we never really love unpacking, we love that when we arrive at our destination, our shoes are safely zipped up—far away from our silks and chiffons. This weekender tote really is the only bag you need for a quick getaway (although an additional belt bag never hurts.)

Calpak Luka: Best laptop tote for women

• Ultra-light with padded shoulder straps for easy carrying
• Padded laptop sleeve big enough for a 15” laptop
• Expandable bottom for added volume
• Once expanded, the laptop sleeve becomes slightly lopsided
• Interior pockets don’t have closures

It’s not a business bag, but if you need to take your 15-inch laptop on holiday, you won’t have to worry every time you put down your bag, the ultra-padded silhouette provides ample protection.

Looking for an ultra-organized laptop tote bag for your next trip? This one by Calpak is the total package. With a total of nine pockets, there’s a specific spot for every device, document and travel snack. Made from polyester, the lightweight exterior is water resistant (no need to worry about unexpected rain showers) and comfortable to carry with a removable shoulder strap. And while functionality is the bag’s priority, we also love how the leather accents add a touch of sophistication. 

But the real hero here is this Calpak travel tote’s ability to expand when necessary. We so appreciate that the medium sized bag isn’t too bulky to carry around from day to day, but when you need to pack in that extra pair of shoes or a change of clothes, the added expandable bottom compartment is ready and waiting to take the load off. 

Senreve Cadence: Best bleisure travel tote for women

• Made from scratch, stain and water resistant leather
• Magnetic closure is easy to open and close
• Made in Italy from premium materials
• Sophisticated, timeless style
• Fits a 15” laptop
• Senreve is a premium label and therefore less affordable than other quality bags

The Senreve Cadence tote is no doubt an investment, but we think it’s a smart one if you’re constantly jet setting off for business, leisure—or a little bit of both.

Mixing business and pleasure (we call it bleisure)? You need a travel tote that does the same. It should be stylish enough to accentuate your city break outfits. But at the same time, it needs to fit your laptop, organize the essentials and quite simply, get the job done. Sure, it’s a tall order, but the Senreve Cadence fits the bill. 

As one of our favorite brands for bags, Senreve is a masterclass in multifunctionality—tying together the professional side and sartorial side of the modern business woman. This is evident in the Cadence tote. Made in Italy from A-grade leather, the sophisticated silhouette is timelessly suited to a lifetime of versatile wear (we plan to keep ours forever). Plus, it is also scratch, stain and water resistant, making it one of the most durable bags we own. 

Big enough to fit a 15” laptop and featuring beautifully buckled luggage straps, the Cadence tote slips onto your luggage while rolling through the airport. And when you aren’t on the move, it doubles up as your everyday designer work bag —so basically, it’s much more than just a travel tote. 

Dagne Dover Dash: Best grocery travel tote bag

• Ultra light for a barely there feel
• Made fully from recycled materials
• Foldable when not in use
• Only one internal pocket suitable for smaller essentials

This travel tote truly is an elevated essential. Yep, you can probably find a grocery bag for under a dollar, but it’ll never be as durable, stylish and suitable to carry all things (other than just food.)

For us, this bag wasn’t love at first sight, but it’s kind of addictive once you start using it. So much so, that now we’ve added multiple colorways to our arsenal and barely go anywhere without one, especially while traveling. 

And while we prefer a more structured (like a backpack) at the airport, we love having a tote on holiday (especially when hitting the beach or heading to a market.) The Dagne Dover Dash is incredibly lightweight and compact to pack. It’s a lot more durable than other grocery totes (we tested it with a 600-page book and watermelon and it held up well.) And we appreciate the internal pocket for all those elusive smaller essentials like keys, cards and your phone. Just be warned that it’s almost impossible to settle on just one color, so you might as well add more than one from the get go. 

Anine Bing Rio: Best beach travel tote for women

• Timeless, sophisticated and incredibly stylish
• Woven seagrass fabric is light and breathable
• Spacious interior to fit all the essentials and more
• Woven seagrass fabric needs to be left to dry if exposed to excessive moisture or liquid

As major advocates of internal pockets and compartmentalization, we would only forgo this for an absolute showstopper, which this is. So we say go for it. Just add a zippered pouch to organize smaller essentials.

Usually, we’re all for prioritizing function, highlighting features such as pockets, zips and luggage sleeves. But for this Anine Bing Rio beach tote , the fashion-forward aesthetic is the real hero and should not be overlooked. 

Don’t get us wrong, it holds up well as a beach bag , with ample space for books, towels and a change of clothes. However, it’s the tote’s timeless yet on-trend style that has us summer lovin’ this season. So much so that we’re prepared to overlook the lack of pockets and luggage sleeve. With an oversized logo and minimalist hues, this is one of the most stylish women’s travel totes. And one that we’re proud to carry around the airport, to the beach and around the rooftop bar. 

Buying guide: How to find the right travel tote

While there are a couple of general requirements that make up a quality travel tote, the best travel tote for you will depend on exactly what your trip requires. To get a handle (pun intended) on what you’re looking for exactly, here are a few things to consider:

Type of travel

Are you traveling for work? If so, it’s imperative that your travel tote has a secure place to hold a laptop, looks professional and is highly organized. 

Traveling for leisure? You may want to prioritize space for books and other relaxation essentials, as well as style. 

Traveling for bleisure (a mix of business and pleasure)? Make sure your tote hits that elusive sweet spot between function and fashion—always a requirement with us, but even more so if you have client meetings in between your poolside cocktails. 

Destination

It goes without saying that your destination plays a big role in the type of travel tote you need. This can be tricky if you’re planning on buying a tote for multiple vacations. Think of the places you usually go. Are you more of a city-break kind of traveler? Beach babe? Or adventure enthusiast? This will help determine which features to prioritize: durability, water resistance, comfort, style, or a combination of everything. 

Travel totes come in a huge range of sizes. And while you don’t want one that you have to squeeze everything into, you also don’t want to carry around a bulky bag all day. To pick the right size, think about the length of your stay and how often you intend to use the bag. Is it an overnight or weekender tote? Or do you plan to use it daily while at your destination? 

Like all things, the material you choose for your bag is all about balancing function and fashion. While some materials such as a durable canvas, lightweight cotton and water resistant nylon are more functional, other materials like Italian leather are more sophisticated and stylish. Also think about colors, patterns and logos—are you going for a timeless aesthetic or trendy aesthetic? 

Things we specifically looked for in the best travel totes

These are the general requirements that make up the best travel totes for women. Of course, not every bag has all of them but we tried to find travel totes that highlighted organization and comfort. 

Organization

Used specifically for travel, a travel tote needs to be organized. Therefore, we looked for elements like zipped closures, compartments, removable sleeves and plenty of pockets. 

Comfortable to carry

The best travel totes are also effortless to tote around. To ensure that this is the case, most of the tote bags on our list include straps that are padded and adjustable, as well as luggage sleeves that hook onto your favorite carry-on . 

Frequently asked questions about the best travel totes for women

Depending on the brand and product features, tote bags can make excellent travel bags. When looking for the best travel tote bags, we look for quality brands that are organized and comfortable to carry. For all our top recommendations, see our full list of best travel totes for women .

KAAI and Senreve are some of our favorite brands for high-quality tote bags. Not only are they incredibly stylish and versatile, but they also feature plenty of pockets, metal feet for extra protection, zipped closures and reinforced handles, making them both functional and fashionable.

Whether you choose to carry a backpack or tote bag ultimately depends on the occasion or destination. While backpacks are heroed for their unparalleled practicality, tote bags are usually considered to be more stylish and versatile. Therefore, if you’re planning a hike or adventure vacation, we would recommend a backpack. But if you’re planning a stylish city break or relaxed coastal getaway, a tote is usually preferable. Of course, you could also opt for a hybrid totepack, like the one by Bellroy .

A travel tote is simply a tote bag that is designed for travel. A good travel tote usually includes things like a luggage sleeve, plenty of pockets for effortless organization, padded handles for added comfort. If you ask us, a travel tote with a zipper is preferable for long journeys where you tend to leave your bag unattended for extended periods. 

About the author

Emma Treagus

Women’s fashion & travel editor.

A former fashion assistant and budding entrepreneur who calls the world her home, Emma writes many of Luxe Digital’s women’s style and travel stories, drawing on her passion and experience for slow fashion alongside an appreciation for current trends. When she’s not getting her way with words, you’ll find her exploring a new city (at quite a walking pace)—locating the nearest sushi restaurant or devouring a book on the beach.

Learn more about Emma Treagus

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12 Travel Garment Bags to Look Good Everywhere

Be wrinkle-free everywhere you go

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

But choosing the best travel garment bag for your needs can be a challenge. There are a lot of options on the market, so we asked an expert about how to find the right one. According to Tumi creative director Victor Sanz, “Your garment bag should be sturdy, functional, and sleek. If you’re frequently traveling by plane, a garment bag that folds to fit carry-on requirements is essential.” He adds, “You want to find the size that will fit all your clothes without having to overfold them and will allow you to reach your destination in style.”

Best Quilted Garment Bag

Mz wallace michael garment bag.

Best Luxury Garment Bag

Tumi alpha garment bag trifold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Timeless Garment Bag

Longchamp boxford garment bag.

Best Packable Garment Bag

Calpak packable garment bag.

Best Affordable Garment Bag

Amazon basics premium garment bag.

Best Durable Garment Bag

Hartmann metropolitan two-garment sleeve.

Best Personalized Garment Bag

Mark & graham commuter 2-in-1 garment bag.

Best Expandable Garment Bag

Samsonite ascella 3.0 softside expandable luggage.

Best Water-Resistant Garment Bag

Stitch ultimate garment bag.

It’s also important to consider bonus features, like pockets and organizational compartments, and, as Sanz notes, “A crucial function is to ensure that you’re able to hang your garment bag when you arrive at your destination, so that you can prepare your outfits as easily as possible and to ensure that all your clothes are crisp.” Keeping all this in mind, we found the 12 best travel garment bags out there today. Once you start using one of these, you’re never going to go back.

MZ Wallace’s signature quilting isn’t limited to the brand’s totes, appearing here in garment bag form. The thin design is extremely lightweight, ideal for quick trips when you need to bring one to three outfits. There is even an exterior pocket for bonus storage.

Dimensions: 22" × 3" × 39"

Materials: Oxford, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I have been interested in a MZ Wallace garment bag for a while. It is perfect! Just right proportions and size. Thoughtful design and construction details.”

Tumi always delivers premium luggage that will last you over a decade, and this garment bag is no exception. Sanz says: “It’s foldable, with a sturdy handle for easy carrying, making it convenient and compact for every type of travel. I also love that it has several zipper pockets, so I can pack my toiletries and other travel essentials all in one bag. When I arrive at my destination, I hang it in the closet and I know that I will be ready to go.”

Dimensions: 15" x 22" x 6"

Materials: Ballistic nylon

What reviewers are saying: “This bag stores so much for a carry on. I was able to comfortably fit 2 suits and more for a destination wedding!”

This duffel has been receiving high praise ever since its release. A few of the reasons it’s so popular: The duffel is carry-on friendly, water-resistant, and has interior and exterior pockets. And those are only a few of its distinguishing features. Choose an original or compact size for the style that suits your needs.

Dimensions: 22" x 12" x 12"

Materials: Polyester

What reviewers are saying: “The Garment Duffel is a great purchase, especially for anyone in an industry that takes short frequent trips. I was actually able fit quite a bit more clothes than I had anticipated. Took the bag to work and my company bought 20 of them to give to customers. Great purchase.”

Longchamp’s iconic nylon and leather trim takes on a garment bag silhouette. The two-tone design exudes sophistication, with practical touches like a top carry handle, built-in hanger, and front zip pocket.

Dimensions: 23.25" x 41.25"

Materials: Nylon, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend who travels a lot and needed a nice garment bag particularly for his suits. This bag is perfect! It fits his suit as well as a few extra shirts. The fabric is an amazing, durable quality, and the leather details make this product look incredible.”

This garment bag is actually designed to fit inside of your carry-on, rather than serving as a stand-alone piece. The water-resistant exterior protects against spills, and exterior zip pockets hold small accessories. It gets the job done, while taking up the least possible amount of space.

Dimensions: 40" x 19"

What reviewers are saying: “I use this bag when I need to workout at work. I go from a suit to athleticwear in minutes.”

Looking for an affordable option that is available ASAP? Amazon’s garment bag holds up to three suits or dresses and boasts multiple zipper compartments.

Dimensions: 40" x 4" x 20.5"

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this bag in 2019 and it has held up incredibly well since then, performs all functions advertised at a great price value. I have taken it on many flights, buses and train rides and have never had an issue with fitting it in the overhead bin on both longer-haul flights and short budget-airline carriers.”

Hartmann’s garment bag adds contemporary touches to an otherwise traditional design. The result? A chic, useful travel accessory that will stand the test of time. The padded shoulder strap and multiple interior pockets enhance the convenience of this style.

Materials: Nylon

What reviewers are saying: “Hartmann was an anniversary gift from my work place, and I am still proud to own it 35 years later.”

Mark & Graham Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag

Another convertible duffel, but this time with a personalized touch. That’s right—Mark & Graham lets you monogram your duffel. With a plethora of zippered and snap interior and exterior pockets, this bag gets creative with its storage solutions.

Dimensions: 22" x 10" x 10"

This spinner-style garment bag makes navigating a chaotic airport easy. The ergonomic design has expandable capabilities, as well as various compartments, a hanger bracket, and a pocket for liquids.

Dimensions: 20.5" x 24" x 9.5"

What reviewers are saying: “It’s easy to maneuver and overall great quality and very neat design (many compartments and zippered areas).”

For golfers and non-golfers alike, Stitch makes a duffel that is water- and stain-resistant, and includes a hanger hook, shoulder strap, elastic shoe pockets, and webbed handles. You can even get it customized with your initials.

Dimensions: 22.5" x 11.5" x 12"

What reviewers are saying: “Love it! Fits into the airplane overhead bin, no trouble bringing it along as a carry-on bag. Very sturdy, zippers are tough enough. Shoulder strap is removable. My suit arrived in top shape using this garment bag. Highly recommended.”

Ralph Lauren Leather-Trim Hybrid Garment Duffel

Ralph Lauren’s duffel design is the epitome of understated elegance. An accompanying shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around.

Dimensions: 15" x 21.5" x 9"

Materials: Polyester, leather

Gucci Savoy Garment Bag

Embrace the bold luxury aesthetic with a Gucci bag covered in the house’s monogram. Containing a big compartment with a hanger and two zip pockets, this garment bag will hold all your essentials.

Dimensions: 21.5" x 16.1" x 6.7"

Materials: Canvas, leather, cotton

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• 43 Famous People on Their Favorite Travel Bags

In our column “What I Can’t Live Without,” we’ve interviewed hundreds of famous people about their favorite products — and here, we’re going deep into their favorite travel bags . Whether they’re traveling for their new movie, jetting off to their next location on tour, or flying to their next gig, many celebrities we spoke to are always on the go and need a durable bag to hold all their belongings. (In fact, one celebrity told us that he sees his suitcase more than his own bed.) And while the list includes some pricier prestige brands like Rimowa, Globe-Trotter, and Tumi, as well as the more affordable Away, there are plenty of lesser-known makers among their picks as well. To help you scan through their favorite travel bags, we’ve organized this list by type — carry-on luggage , personal carry-on bags , checked luggage, and weekend bags — and in cases where more than one celebrity has recommended the piece of luggage, we’ve included all of their quotes.

Carry-on luggage

Julia Quinn “The suitcase rolls nicely and has the middle-divider compression strap that helps push everything down. That’s part of why you can fit so much.” — May 2023

Daniel Martin “I use it as a makeup kit because it’s very secure and solid. None of my tools or makeup get damaged inside whether I’m on a flight or just lugging it around. It has gone everywhere with me, from Marrakech to Miami to L.A. to Paris to London to Singapore and beyond. I’ve never had to replace any parts, but I did have to replace the suitcase once. My first one was stolen by an Uber driver, with all of my makeup products inside. The police didn’t believe me when I told them how much all the makeup was worth. It cost more than the suitcase itself.” — May 2021

Sarah Cooper “These are hard-shell and really light, and each one fits so much stuff. Away also sells a matching dog carrier — you can put it right on top of the carry-on so that you can just walk with both.” — November 2020

Daniela Soto-Innes “I travel so often that I have a suitcase packed at all times. Away makes the most straightforward suitcases; I like the Bigger Carry-On because I don’t have to check it. The hard shell is sturdy, and there’s no extra zipper that allows you to expand the thing to fit more stuff inside (which always seems like a helpful feature until you get to the airport and are told your carry-on bag is too big to fit in a compartment).” — May 2019

Bobbi Brown “I went to Paris and Amsterdam with my husband, and this luggage was so awesome and light and easy to pack. I’m going to buy it for my kids for Christmas. I actually had the Rimowa for a while, and it’s so cool, but it’s a little heavy. It’s also a little embarrassing. It’s like the Range Rover of suitcases.” — October 2018

Melinda Stevens “They’re so light. They’re so flexible. People always laugh at me because even if I’m going somewhere for 24 hours, I have a massive Away bag. I can’t help going for the massive Away suitcase because I just literally chuck everything in, but I have got all of the different sizes.” — April 2019

Lois Lowry “I’m currently in a love-hate relationship with this luggage. I needed new luggage, and I saw that these have great wheels, plus all those things you want suitcases to have. What I really loved was that it had a built-in locking mechanism, which is just the best. I have a whole history of suitcases on which dangle those little padlocks, to which I can no longer remember the combination. ” — January 2018

Steve Aoki “I mean, Rimowa luggage is durable. It can withstand a beating. It’s stylish, too. Because I’m a fashion guy, I want even my luggage to look good. But one of my favorite things about it is that it rolls super well. People don’t realize how important the actual rolling is. When you travel as much as I do, efficiency is super important. I don’t want to use more space or energy than I need. Their luggages have four wheels, so I barely have to pull it. I can glide through the airport. And, I can stack my backpack on top of it.” — March 2024

Bridget Everett “When I started going on the road a lot more and traveling for work, I had shitty suitcases that would just fall apart and fall apart and fall apart. So I finally invested in a Rimowa suitcase. I put a sticker on it from my favorite donut shop in my hometown, Varsity Donuts. I love the way they roll, and I know that seems like not a big deal, but if you’re in a hotel that has carpet in the hallways and you try to drag a bag with shitty wheels down them, it’s a small thing. But if you’re doing that every fucking weekend, a nice roll really puts you off on the right foot.” — January 2024

Beverly Nguyen “This suitcase is extremely important to me. I pretty much use it every day. I’ve been traveling so much for work and for summer, I’m also still styling, or I’m moving things from the store. I’m constantly filling up this suitcase because it’s so easy to carry around and nothing can break in it. I’m even putting chicken in it [for a food event]. I’m cooking out of a different kitchen and I need to store these compact Tupperware. I’m just going to pile them into the carry-on bag because it’s going to go into an Uber and it needs to be sitting a certain way.” — September 2022

Sofía Sanchez de Betak “I have to confess: I was a Globe-Trotter girl for the longest time, but I decided to try Rimowa and fell for it. My poor Globe-Trotter has been in the closet for a while now. I travel so much that it’s a killer for my back to be using those two-wheelers (they’re not the easiest to drag), but the four-wheel Rimowa just flies across the floor like a dream. I don’t think I can go back. I think it’ll last a long time, too.” —  March 2019

Miss Fame “Usually I’m not comfortable spending that kind of money on a suitcase. But, I realized that when I’m traveling WITH?? my essentials for Miss Fame, I’d rather protect them in a hard case. And for fashion, I stay in gorgeous hotels, so I really want to show up. Miss Fame is a whole experience, from me walking in the hotel to leaving. There’s a sense of pride attached to the way you carry yourself when you enter spaces with your items. My work items — my wigs I’ve invested in, my heels, my custom-made corsets, my makeup — that’s all part of my job. I wanted to place them in a beautiful, protective environment that was a showgirl in a box. Rimowa has that whole status.” —  May 2022

Antoni Porowski “I prefer hard cases , and a lot of hard cases are really heavy, but the Rimowa is super lightweight. There is also something kind of funny and ridiculous about the fact that they’re a pricier bag and they get scratched up so easily. But other than that, they’re durable. I’ve had other cases that just kind of fall apart. The wheels are sturdy and you can knock them around. I’ve put mine through hell. Mine is covered in stickers that I collected and they stick perfectly to it. I’ve been in my new apartment for probably about ten months, and I’ve only spent about two and a half months total living in it. This suitcase has become a sentimental piece because I see it more than I see my own bed these days.” — October 2019

Eric Ripert “When I travel, I don’t like to check my luggage. It takes time, and they very often lose it. But still, sometimes I need a suit or to carry my chef jacket. The trifold lets you hang that so it doesn’t get as wrinkled, and then there are still lots of pockets for underwear, socks, shirts, and sweaters. I carry it on my shoulder, I put it up top, we land, I’m out.” — October 2023

Gracie Abrams “I’ve been using this since I started touring at the beginning of last year. It’s easy to bring around, is lightweight, and looks great, but the best part is that this luggage is so durable. I’m lucky enough to travel frequently, so when I’m out for many months of the year, it’s nice to know there’s no concern about whether my bag is going to tear or rip. There are so many compartments and a built-in hanger bracket, so it feels like I have a little closet anywhere I go. Plus, it expands, so when I collect more shit on the road, I don’t have a crazy pile of mess just floating around. The shift has been really noticeable, and there’s no going back.” —  January 2023

Corinne Bailey Rae “Tumi is great because it has a warranty. As long as it’s within warranty, you can take your suitcase into the shop and be like, ‘Hey, this got beat up. Can you help me?’ They swap it out for another if it’s really in bad shape, which is amazing, or they send it away to be fixed. But truthfully, none of my Tumi luggage has actually gotten badly messed up. I’ve sat my kids on it while walking through the airport or the train station, and it’s been thrown on lots of conveyor belts all over the world but it always comes back to me in one piece. I like how it has two halves with all sorts of zippy compartments. Nothing ever leaks or breaks. It’s soft and light, but at the same time, it’s hard so it doesn’t really get punctured by anything.” — January 2022

Shaq “I like Tumi because they don’t mind going crazy. I’ve got the gray and black camouflage, the green camouflage, the rustic silver. And they make big suitcases. With a regular suitcase, I can’t even fit two pairs of shoes in it. With a Tumi, I can fit six, seven pairs of shoes, underwear, other things. I can go on a five-day trip with one suitcase.” — March 2019

Eileen Fisher “I’ve been carrying this luggage for years. It has four wheels and is solid but not heavy. It also opens in the middle, which is so smart. So it has two compartments, and when I’m only traveling for a couple days, I won’t unpack — I just know I have my pants on one side and tops on the other, which is so much easier than a suitcase you have to dig into. I try to make it work with just the carry-on usually.” — October 2018

Editor’s note: The original version of Tumi’s international carry-on is no longer available, so we included the updated version here.

Aryna Sabalenka “I’ve spent most of my life traveling and living out of suitcases. I consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to luggage. And you can ask my team: I don’t travel light. I push the limits. This is the best suitcase I’ve ever used. It’s super light and that gives me a few extra kilograms to work with, which means a few extra cute outfits and sneakers. And it saves from having to pay the airlines for overweight luggage.” — September 2023

Grigor Dimitrov “Being on tour, I travel nearly every week. At the end of November, beginning of December, we start to go and play some exhibitions or little tournaments around the world. And then January 1 to early November, we’ve got tournaments every single week. So I’m always traveling. I’ve been using Samsonite luggage maybe for ten years now. They’re very light, and I love that they move all four wheels, and they fit a lot of stuff. Plus, I’m a very organized packer, so I like things to be very nicely packed, and I like their compartments.” — August 2023

Heather Morris “I teach dance, so I’m constantly traveling. I try not to check a bag, and I love my terracotta Monos carry-on bag. The color’s very neutral, and the case cleans really easily. I’ve had mine for four years. I think I came across their ads on Instagram. The brand has a newer model with a laptop section, but I haven’t updated mine since it hasn’t broken.” — August 2023

Shangela Laquifa Wadley “My three requirements for luggage are: a hard case, a good amount of storage, and 360-degree spinner wheels. This Delsey bag has all of those — and more. I’ve taken these suitcases to six out of the seven continents I’ve performed on, and they always come back unbroken.” —  June 2020

Alexander Chee “My roller isn’t available anymore, but this one is similar. I’ve had mine since maybe 2010, and I liked it as a limit of how much I could pack because anything I could bring had to fit in the case. It kept me honest about what I would wear and use on a trip. I have a tendency on a trip to bring 10 books and way too many T-shirts. I’ll use it sometimes when I’m teaching to bring my laptop, and one of my students told me they call me the big man with the little case.” —  July 2018

Ana Gasteyer “There are a few areas where people can get overwhelmed, and carry-on luggage is definitely one of them because it’s hard to visualize how a bag will work for you through the internet. I love JetBlue (I’m hoping you print that) and am a Mosaic member, and so I’m always in the JetBlue terminal. There’s a Muji store in that terminal, which is another one of the great pleasures of traveling JetBlue besides the comfy seats and snacks. Anyway, I go to Muji and it’s like a moment of soft porn before getting on the plane. The carry-on rolling luggage they sell is incredibly efficient. I can fit my entire act in it — it’s a garment bag with two gowns, shoes, a stack of chargers and pajamas, and a great pair of shoes. The wheels go in every direction.” — November 2017

Editor’s note: The original version of Muji’s hard carry suitcase is no longer available, so we included the updated version here.

Todd Snyder “It’s my ultimate travel suitcase. It’s made of tarpaulin, which is camp-tent-material, so it’s ultra-weatherproof. Not a lot of people have it, so I can identify it quickly anywhere I go — it’s small enough just to be an overnight bag, too. I travel to Japan three or four times a year and found it there.” — May 2018

Alexa Chung “I am constantly traveling, and it’s lovely and a luxury, and I’m happy to do it. That said, I’m only ever in a place for a few days and then head back to London, so I never get around to unpacking because it seems illogical since I’d have to repack, so more often than not my luggage is at the front door. And for years it was an unattractive suitcase. But when I found the Globe-Trotter, it changed everything because the trolley could be a piece of slightly chic furniture. If you put a lamp on it, it could be a nice coffee table.” —  March 2018

Personal carry-on bag

James Kennedy  “I’m always on the go, and I try not to travel with luggage. This backpack does it. I can throw all of my DJ equipment in here for a one-night gig: my laptop, headphones, wires, USB chips. And I can also fit in a spare T-shirt and even a wash bag. (There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a place without that.) It’s stylish and lets me have all my essentials on me.” — July 2023

Ken Jeong “I bring this with me wherever I go, whether it’s personal or professional trips. If I’m on set or I’m traveling, it doesn’t matter. It has all the pockets I need. If I’m doing a day trip and having to carry a change of clothes, I put everything in my backpack just so I don’t have to carry a suitcase. I’ll even do a cross-country trip with just this. When I’m constantly on the road, less is more. I pride myself on economizing my travel, and my Tumi does the trick.” — July 2023

Andrew McMahon “I probably got my first Tumi backpack around the time I got married, which would have been in 2006. In all that time, I’ve only had to replace it once. I wear it everywhere. I carry my notebook, pens, computer, phone — all the various accoutrements of being a writer in the world. I’ve carried that thing through all kinds of weather and never had a problem. I’ve had the brown color for about six years or so, and it still looks brand-new. Anytime that I’m working or traveling, whether I’m going to a session or a show or getting on an airplane, my backpack is always with me.” — October 2021

Baz Luhrmann “This backpack has been around at least 20 years. I continue to always use it for travel because it’s made of a really tough canvas, it has several internal pockets, and it’s really simple. When I travel, my team packs everything the exact same way, so I know when the Yves Saint Laurent boards with me that all my essentials are close by. It’s like my security blanket.” —  June 2023

John Derian “I’ve had this tote for a decade, and I am a schlepper: This is my Mary Poppins carpetbag. I schlep stuff in and out and around the city in it; it goes from home to work and hangs around the shop. I don’t have a desk — this bag is where everything lives in various compartments. I take the tote to France twice a year — it works as my carry-on for flights. It’s what I use when traveling back and forth from Cape Cod. I go on a nine-seater plane, and they take it into the wing, so I have to remember to tie the top closed in that situation. The staff at the small airport recognizes this bag now. Last time, I remember a stranger was like, ‘Hey, your parsley is falling out!’” — May 2023

Julia Quinn “I’ve had Away’s carry-on suitcase for a long time, probably from when the company first started. I just recently got the Everywhere bag [now called the Overnight Bag] too. If you use them together, you can pack an astonishing amount of stuff and still carry on everything. I’m on a two-week tour right now, and I managed to pack without having to check in anything, which is incredible. I was like, Woo-hoo, I get a master’s in Pack-ology . The suitcase rolls nicely and has the middle-divider compression strap that helps push everything down. That’s part of why you can fit so much.” — May 2023

Rachel Zoe “This looks so expensive, but it’s very reasonably priced in the world of luggage. I have the carry-on and a larger suitcase, and I just had a custom bag made for my dog. It’s monogrammed with her name, Goldie. The bag is super-spacious. Along with Goldie, a few of her toys, her harness, and her leash can fit inside. I love that it’s 100 percent sustainable, but it doesn’t look like it. It just looks luxurious. I’ve traveled with it several times, and it all still looks brand-new.” —  February 2023

Ottessa Moshfegh  “This bag is huge. I could bring it on a plane as a carry-on, and it could hold the entire contents of my suitcase. It’s seriously spacious and beautiful. I love the texture of the weave; it’s very flexible and really chic. More important, the practicality of this thing, without it looking like an ugly beach bag or something, is fantastic. It’s nice because the straps aren’t that long, so it’s not swaying around. It just sits there, and you can tuck your elbow against this little leather piece that looks like a tiny purse. Sometimes with these bags, the straps are so thin that they dig into your shoulder, but these are very comfortable.” — June 2022

Yara Shahidi “I’m big about utility, like the fact that I can wash this backpack because I travel with it everywhere. Other bags that I’ve had in the past, you can just kind of see the wear and tear. My backpack is something that I have on the ground a lot of times, and it’s on me personally, so having something that I can wash and reuse is so great, and it’s cute. My navy-blue one is kind of my everyday bag that I use for everything. I really like the lime-green one for travel because at the airport I don’t want to have the same bag as everybody else.” —  May 2022

Hasan Minhaj  “It has been around the world and back with me — every New York subway, international airport, every trip to Europe, India, Asia, even South Africa. People ask me, ‘Why don’t you get something more high-end or stylish?’ I will admit I have thought about it. But I only want this one because it has the perfect amount of compartments. It fits everything, but in an organized way. I don’t want my stuff to be all loose and wiggling around in my backpack. It’s like cargo pants: People may hate on them, but there are few things that are as functional as cargo pants.” —  October 2021

Jamie Chung “This bag can fit a lot and I love that it has a separate section where you can put dirty clothes or shoes or even wet things. It has a latch you can clip your keys to so you don’t lose them. It has a side pocket that can also be used as a sleeve to slip over the handle of rolling luggage. The bag is simple but designed so well. It’s kind of a perfect carry-on.” — August 2021

Halima Aden “In addition to losing ID cards, I’m also the queen of leaving purses and bags on airplanes. I’m on my fourth passport because of that. One thing I like about this Rothy’s bag is that, because it’s so bright, it’s very hard to miss. I haven’t forgotten it anywhere yet. The bag also fits a lot — it’s not one of those itty-bitty handbags that everyone carries. My bags also tend to get dirty from use, but I can just throw this in the wash, and boom, it looks brand new.” — September 2020

Justin Peck “I’m a really light traveler and I use this a ton. I hate checking a bag. I just like to be agile and fast-moving so I don’t have to waste too much time at airports. The Filson backpacks are great because they have so many compartments and they’re set up so you can pack a computer really safely, but they’re not ugly. I find that a lot of computer backpacks can be pretty hideous. So they’re a slightly more stylish bag. My wife actually bought me this one — a splurge, I think, for my birthday — and I love it. I use it every day in New York, too, so not just for traveling.” — May 2019

Roxane Gay “I have TSA Pre-Check, and I’ve gotten used to just breezing through security without taking my laptop out of my bag. But this bag is great because on those occasions when I do have to put my bag through the machine, I still don’t have to take out my laptop. I can just unzip the back half, lay it flat, and put it through. It’s convenient and looks nice and I could almost use it as an overnight bag on quick trips.” — July 2018

Editor’s note: The original version of Timbuk2’s commute messenger bag is no longer available, so we included the updated version here.

Checked luggage

Aly Michalka “Four years ago, we were going on tour for the first time in a long time and needed new luggage. We got the rolling suitcases from Paravel and have used them every time we go on trips or tours ever since. Even with the hard shell, the luggage is really light. I’ve since bought a couple more pieces — totes and weekender bags. I know I’ll use all of them for years and years.” — May 2021

AJ Michalka “Mine is silver — I call it the silver bullet. It’s really sleek and still looks nice even after getting a bit beaten up. We also use the suitcases to transport stuff to video shoots. We’ve been styling our own videos and these help us keep everything we bring organized.” — May 2021

Roxane Gay “I don’t really not check bags because I just wanna take what I wanna take. I need options. I don’t want to wear variations on one outfit for five days. I’m not a Transformer. So I use this for long trips and short trips — it’s expandable, so if people give me things, which inevitably happens on tour, there’s room to put stuff in there. It’s ridiculously overpriced but well made. It rolls nicely, too.” — July 2018

Weekend bags

Bridget Everett “After I pack my suitcase, there’s my sort of whoopsie bag. Like, ‘Whoopsie, forgot that!’ I just throw in whatever sweater or extra T-shirt or shoes I like into my whoopsie bag. I like to have things that feel nice and practical and will last a long time. It also makes me very happy to see my orange bag. I just feel like I’m a lady who’s got my shit together when I’m carrying my Clare V.” — January 2024

Ruth E. Carter “It’s a true weekender. It’ll hold a pair of tennis shoes, dress shoes, and two outfits. It’ll hold your cosmetic bag. It has side pockets for any kind of things you need to slide in there. It has the front compartment, if you really think you might want to bring your passport. You could get a small book in there. And the suitcase is the perfect size to go in the overhead or under the seat in front of you. I never check a bag when I bring it. I’ve had mine since I went to South Africa — one of the bags I brought with me — and that was in 2017. There’s nothing wrong with it still. It’s not stained. It’s not broken. It really does withstand the travel abuse of getting shoved around.” —  May 2023

Ashley Tisdale “I love everything from Beis and am a big fan of Shay Mitchell (one of the brand’s co-founders). Its suitcases are great, but the weekender bag is the best to travel with. It’s spacious and has tons of little compartments, so I can fit and organize all my stuff and my baby’s stuff really easily. Obviously, I haven’t been traveling too much lately, but when I have, I’ve brought this bag every time. I also love how chic it looks. I have the tan one but plan to get another in black.” —  August 2022

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Today’s Top Clicked

Carry-On Luggage Essentials to Pack for Smooth Spring Travel, According to TikTok

Save yourself from the headache of checked luggage by following these TikTok travel hacks.

Everyone can use some good rest and relaxation, and we're more than looking forward to getting away for a stress-free spring vacay this year.

But between airlines losing luggage , long waits for picking up checked baggage and  general travel woes plaguing our airlines, it might be time to simplify your travel this season by packing all of your belongings in a carry-on bag. Not sure how you'll fit a week's worth or more of essentials into a TSA-approved 22x14-inch suitcase? TikTok is here to help. 

The video-sharing app is chock full of travel hacks for condensing your clothing and other must-haves into your carry-on luggage . Convenient and affordable products such as packing cubes, refillable toiletry bottles and shoe bags make it easier than ever to pack small. We've also found plenty of little luxuries for making even the longest flights bearable: compact neck pillows, noise-canceling headphones and packable footrests, to name a few. Of course, smooth spring travel starts with a great suitcase, so we've included our favorite carry-ons to shop.

Below, we've rounded up the best TikTok-approved travel products to shop on Amazon and from around the web to help you skip the dreaded check-in line and avoid bag fees, from vacuum-sealed travel bags to the internet's favorite carry-on suitcases. 

The Best Packing Essentials for 2024

It's not really about the luggage, it's about how you pack your luggage that makes the difference. We've found all kinds of nifty packing gear that will make you more organized and more streamlined than ever. 

OlarHike 6 Set Packing Cubes for Travel

These packing cubes are a best seller on Amazon for keeping all your essentials organized, especially for carry-on luggage. 

Vonpri Leak Proof Squeezable Refillable Travel Bottles

Bring your favorite products on board with you using these carry-on-approved silicone bottles.

Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags Set of 2 Waterproof Nylon with Zipper

These zippered bags keep your dirty shoes from touching the rest of your luggage.

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

This travel bag can hold all of your essentials in one place, helping you save space in your luggage. Plus, it's water-resistant and can hang on the wall using the hanging hook for easy access to your toiletries. 

Travel Sunglasses Organizer

There is finally a solution to keeping your sunglasses from breaking in your travel bags. This sunglasses organizer can store up to five pairs for your next trip.

Shappy 2-Piece Large Travel Laundry Bags

Separate your dirty laundry from your clean clothes with this two-pack of waterproof laundry bags.

Apple AirTag

Keep an AirTag in your carry-on for security just in case you become separated from your luggage. 

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Keep necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more safe and secure with this jewelry travel case from Dagne Dover.

Best Travel Accessories for 2024

Now that you've packed your carry-on, here's everything you'll want nearby to make your day of travel go as smoothly as possible.

Perilogics Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount

For planes without a built-in screen in the seats, enjoy your entertainment without straining your neck using this versatile phone holder and mount.

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

In for a long layover? TikTok users love this foldable pouch that can be pulled onto luggage to work as a drink carrier (and it has extra pockets on the back for your phone or boarding passes).

Perfuny Silicone Makeup Brush Holder

Don't worry about damaging your makeup brushes while traveling with this silicone holder. It also grooves inside to work as a brush cleaner.

With Coupon

Tessan Universal Power Adaptor With 4 USB Ports

Don't worry about losing charging power during international travel with this adapter that works in 150 different countries.

Toovren 2-in-1 Luggage Straps

Jealous of travelers who can hook their bags on top of their suitcases? Now you can do it with any type of tote bag that fits on top of your luggage with this highly-rated strap.

Highwind Cruise Luggage Tags for Suitcases

TikTok Cruise travelers love these durable and waterproof luggage tags that will secure your paper luggage tags provided by the cruise line to better ensure your bag makes it to your cabin.

Travel Inspira Digital Hanging Baggage Scale

Never worry about overpacking again. Unlike standing on the scale with your luggage and doing math to figure out the weight, simply loop this around your bag handle and lift it off the floor to see how much your bag weighs.

Saucemoto Dip Clip (Pack of 2)

Dipping fries in ketchup when you're driving can seem impossible, but these sauce holders, seen on Shark Tank , are here to save the day. They attach to the air vent and can hold ketchup in the removable white tray, or the tray comes out to hold bigger sauces that already come in a container with a peel off top.

Beautural Mini Travel Steam Iron With Dual Voltage

If you've been thinking of a travel iron, just read this customer's review: "I originally bought this to use for traveling as I was getting sick and tired of using the irons that come in hotels that are cheap and spill water everywhere. This little iron was such a good buy, very small, easy to travel with, not heavy at all. Heats up pretty quickly and easy to use. I have also started using this for day to day use. Because it is so small, it stores well as well."

Miroposs Rechargeable Slim Makeup Mirror

Airbnbs and hotels are notorious for having dark lit rooms where getting ready can be tricky. This makeup mirror that unfolds to stand up while offering a backlight will stop the dreaded fight for the single bathroom mirror. 

Body Glide Foot Glide Anti Blister Balm

Those prone to blisters know that all the extra walking during your trip can lead to some painful sores, but Body Glide's Anti-Blister Balm can cut down on friction and help prevent blisters from forming. You can also bundle this product with their anti-chafing skin cream.

LokiStashed Velvet Hair Tie Scrunchies (3 Pack)

These work just like your average scrunchie, except they have a hidden zipper so you can hide away cash, lip balm or a single key. You can also choose from a variety of colors. 

Twelve South AirFly SE: Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter for AirPods

Whether traveling for work or play, many flyers use wireless headphones these days — meaning there's no way to plug in to listen when they want to watch the in-flight entertainment on the built-in screen. The AirFly connects via Bluetooth with preferred wireless headphones, including the popular AirPods, and plugs into the screen for seamless listening.

iWALK Ultra-Compact Power Bank

Keep phones alive throughout the day with the help of this compact and portable phone charger.

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

Get some shut-eye in style with a classic sleeping mask complete with cozy contoured cushions.

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

This ergonomic memory foam footrest hangs from the tray table for a much more comfortable flight.

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Apple's premium headphones offer crystal-clear clarity with a lightweight rubber headband, spacious and comfortable earcups, and excellent noise cancellation.

$549   $519

Jergens Cloud Creme Hand Cream for Dry Hands

Dry skin can happen anywhere, including in the air. Appropriately named Cloud Creme, this hydrating lotion from Jergens is the perfect size for airplane travel.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

This TikTok-approved belt bag is perfect for anyone on the go. It keeps essentials such as keys, wallet, passport, plane ticket and phone handy.

Trtl Travel Pillow

Avoid waking up with dreaded neck pain when you use this top-rated travel pillow that's easy to slip into your personal item.

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks

These foil patches from Wander Beauty give tired eyes a refresh with hydrating ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles.

COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch

Fight those dark circles and fine lines with these COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel eye patches with its hydrating, plumping and brightening formula.

Best Travel Entertainment for 2024

If you're in for a long flight or cross-country drive, you'll need some on-board entertainment. Here are our top choices.

ProCase iPad 10.2 Anti-Spy Tempered Screen Film Guard

Before we suggest awesome shows and films for your trip, we recommend securing this iPad protector on your tablet that will black out your screen to those sitting next to you. 

Disney+ Subscription

There are a lot of streaming services you could watch during your travels, but Disney+'s offerings of Marvel, Star Wars and classic movies and shows means you'll have countless hours of content to keep you occupied. Plus, you can bundle it with Hulu for even more hit shows and movies.

Plans start at $8/month

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

A Reese's Book Club Pick, First Lie Wins  is a thriller that centers around Evie Porter, who is actually someone else and was given her identity by the mysterious Mr. Smith. Evie wants a new life, but one slip-up will change her future forever.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet

For a smooth flight, keep your kids entertained with the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet. This product includes a year subscription to Amazon Kids+, so your little ones can stay engaged with the content they love.

$190   $150

Winning Moves Games Scrabble to Go Board Game

The classic board game Scrabble has been miniaturized and modified to be the ideal trip companion. All you need is a travel buddy or some kiddos to play along with you. 

The Fun and Relaxing Adult Activity Book

Sudoku, crosswords, trivia and more will keep you entertained for hours with this adult activity book. 

Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024 

Now that you have all your other essentials, it's time to get a carry-on suitcase that's ideal for your specific needs. Here are some of the best carry-on luggage options from around the web.

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage Carry-On

With over 6,000 positive reviews, this lightweight carry-on will ease your overpacking worries.

$139   $128

VGCUB Carry on Backpack

This carry-on backpack is loved by TikTok travelers for its many compartments and ability to fit everything you need. Best feature? You can take it on board as your personal item.

Beis The Weekender

The Beis Weekender Bag features a dedicated lower compartment designed for shoe storage, alongside a generous main compartment and a convenient trolley strap that allows you to easily attach it to your carry-on luggage, making it the perfect travel accessory for weekend getaways or longer vacations.

iFLY Hardside Luggage Fibertech 20"

The internet-famous suitcase features 360-degree rotating wheels, an inner lining pocket and elastic straps for keeping clothes in place.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

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14 Asian American–Founded Brands Designing Travel Gear We Love

By Rachel Chang

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

As a first generation Taiwanese immigrant, Kathy Yen says she feels a “profound significance” being an Asian American business owner.

“It’s a testament to the perseverance required to overcome the language and cultural barriers that I’ve faced along my journey,” Yen, who runs sustainable personal care products brand Oliver Flynn with her sister, says. “Each day, we work tirelessly to bridge these gaps, striving to communicate effectively and navigate cultural nuances in the business world.”

That’s just one of the challenges that the AAPI community faces these days, along with a rise in anti-Asian hate in recent years, as well as a long history in America of discrimination and exclusion.

“For decades, Asian Americans have been seen as service industry providers, as our parents and grandparents came to this country to open up restaurants, dry cleaners, and nail salons,” says Jin Chen, founder of the multi-purpose Planeket . She says because of the “lower class” perception of those businesses, “some people feel it’s okay to be rude to Asian Americans, especially the older ones. But what I see is that they are also entrepreneurs.”

It’s that can-do spirit despite the inequity that makes Steph Hon, founder of Cadence , which makes reusable toiletry containers , think of her own grandmother—who quit school in second grade to work in a factory sewing sequins in Hainan before immigrating to the US. “I feel very proud to be part of this community because it’s so resilient,” she says.

Banding together has been especially crucial to Asian Americans, as Yen says there’s active participation in community events, forums, and discussions that promote diversity, inclusion, and representation. “Whether it’s sponsoring cultural festivals, hosting educational workshops, or participating in advocacy campaigns, we are dedicated to creating spaces where the voices and experiences of AAPI individuals are valued and celebrated,” she says.

Below, 14 AAPI-owned brands to support while refreshing your travel gear.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Shop AAPI-owned brands by category:

Luggage and bags, travel accessories, clothing essentials, beauty and skincare.

Back in 1989, Edward and Judy Kwon started making handbags and wallets in LA, eventually evolving into more travel products, like duffels and luggage . By 2013, their kids Jennifer and Roy joined the family business, and now it’s grown into a favorite among travelers .

The Hue carry-on is a common fixture in airports, while the Terra 26-liter laptop duffel backpack is a sleek but durable choice. Calpak’s accessories are among the most useful I've tried, especially the water-resistant zippered pouch set and Terra hanging toiletry bag.

Lo & Sons

Helen Lo had always been a frequent traveler, but with back problems, finding the right bag to carry was an ongoing issue. Her sons Jan and Derek prodded her to make her own—and doubled down on that idea by quitting their jobs in advertising and product research to help their mother, who was 65 at the time, realize her vision with the aptly named Lo & Sons .

With comfort at the forefront of all their products, the line includes The Waverley 2, which converts between a crossbody bag, belt bag, shoulder bag, and wristlet; The OG 2, an overnight bag, which loops right onto a suitcase; and The Catalina Deluxe Weekender, with a bottom pocket to keep shoes and dirty laundry separate from the rest of your essentials.

Just last month, the brand introduced the ultra-light and buttery-soft Aoyama bag. With two strap options and a flexible shape, it’s the perfect day bag for urban adventures. Community responsibility has always been in the brand’s DNA— 75 percent of its products are now made of sustainable materials, and nearly 4,000 bags have been donated to healthcare workers .

When Brandon Kim invested in a sewing machine and started designing a backpack prototype, he had no idea that it would become the start of a family business. He soon recruited his younger twin brothers—Dylan to handle marketing and Elliot to be in charge of finance—and the Kim brothers’ Brevitē was born. Shutterbugs will love the popular Jumper photo camera backpack and all travelers will enjoy the thoughtful features of the namesake Brevitē backpack with its passport pocket, luggage pass-through strap, and hidden compartments for valuables. Day trippers can depend on the ease of the crossbody, with four convenient pockets and an anti-theft design.

As co-founder of the luggage and travel brand Away (an obsession of mine— and many other Traveler editors ), Filipino American Jen Rubio has been leading by example, making a major contribution to Stop Asian Hate, a community fund to fight the surge in anti-Asian violence. Away has also committed to making travel more equitable, through partnerships with Global Glimpse , International LGBTQ+ Travel Association , and Together We Rise .

Best known for its savvy, lightweight rolling suitcases like The Carry-On Flex and The Bigger Carry-On, the brand has also ventured into city-friendly bags, like my personal daily bag, The Everywhere Zip Backpack, and travel accessories, including packing cubes and tech cases.

Shown in green

Dagne Dover

As one of the three female co-founders of Dagne Dover, Korean American Melissa Shin Mash serves as the CEO of the bag line where practicality is top of mind. Take for instance its Landon Carryall bag, which is available in five sizes and multiple eye-catching colors and comes with a detachable key leash, exterior ID and phone pouch, and removable shoe bag. Other travel favorites include the Dakota Neoprene backpack and the Hunter toiletry bag.

Senvere’s Asian American co-founders Coral Chung and Wendy Wen originally started their luxury handbag brand in 2016 to fill a gap in the market for trendy laptop bags for women. Now an Instagram and celebrity favorite (Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Lady Gaga, and Angelina Jolie are all fans), the line’s convertibility makes it extra travel-friendly. Standout products include the Maestra bag, which can be worn as a satchel, tote, backpack, or crossbody, and the vegan Aria belt bag which functions as a belt bag, sling, shoulder bag, crossbody, or clutch.

Bringing your personal care routine with you has never been easier thanks to Cadence’s chic magnetic capsules designed by Steph Hon. Made of recycled ocean-bound plastics and customizable with icons or words, they’re the best way to keep your routine organized at home—and then pick it up and take it on the go (they're both TSA-compliant and leakproof, so you can put liquids in without worry).

María Casbas

Jessica Chapel

Madison Flager

Choose from the seven-piece pill case to organize daily vitamins and medications or the capsules bundle that’s customizable to fill with anything from toothpaste and skin cream to supplements. If you’re more about accessories, go for the jewelry set or keep it casual with the Situationship Set .

Living in Anchorage, Chinese American Jin Chen came up with Planeket to serve multiple purposes during air travel. At its core, it’s a cozy blanket , sure to add comfort to any plane ride. But it also doubles as a wearable shawl (there's an S-shaped clip on the back to keep it in place around your shoulders), a pillow when folded up, and a storage pouch with a hidden pocket and a phone holder. Plus, it straps onto rolling luggage or clips onto a bag for easy transport. The four shades of the original Planeket—Alaska Flag, Glacier Mint, Silt Gray, and Alpenglow—all pay homage to Chen's home state.

Chen has since expanded her brand to include even more travel-friendly products, including a foldable sleeping eye mask and six-piece compression packing system designed to give you 33 percent more space.

Aches and pains have long plagued my travels, so when I first learned about Forme, which makes posture-correcting bras, I had to give it a try. Admittedly, it took some getting used to, but soon I realized how much lighter my shoulders were and how I was focusing on my actual adventures instead of fighting a fatigued neck and shoulders.

It wasn’t until later that I learned Taylor Swift was a fan of the Forme’s Power Bra, with FDA-registered correction technology—and even later than I learned the company was founded by a Taiwanese orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Liu to help his mom with her posture and compressed lungs from cancer.

Now the brand’s Sculpt+ Legging is among my favorites to run and travel in. Also great to alleviate natural pain on long travel days: the Arch Booster Sock and Core Tee.

As a longtime beauty executive, Chinese American Amy Liu wasn’t able to enjoy the perks of playing around with all the products around her—eczema left her dependent on high-priced or clinical alternatives. So she launched Tower 28, a brand suitable for all skin types, with every ingredient complying with the National Eczema Association’s guidelines. The line includes the popular SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray to freshen up stressed skin and BeachPlease cream blush for cheeks and lips in six shades. Build your own set of five must-have travel staples, including tinted moisturizer and mascara, with the Tower 28 Essentials Set .

Oliver Flynn

When Brooklyn-based Taiwanese sisters Kathy Yen and Erine Yen both became new moms, they started to think ahead to an eco-friendlier world for their kids, Oliver “Ollie” and Flynn. So they launched Oliver Flynn, dedicated to plastic-free personal care products with safe ingredients.

I stumbled upon their booth at Manhattan’s Passport to Taiwan Festival two years ago, and as a bug magnet, the Don't Bug Me! natural bug repellent balm has become a staple in my travel bag. Other great sustainable options include a honey and citrus shampoo bar with a travel tin and natural lip balm, available in lavender, vanilla, peppermint, and natural.

Tay Skincare

Growing up eating organic fruits from her family’s garden, Sarah Tay was stumped when she moved out and saw the drastic difference in her first store-bought orange. That contrast sent her on a decade-long mission to better understand how to develop high-end botanical skincare products. The result is Tay, a line made in small batches every few months without any harsh ingredients, all of which are packaged in natural bamboo containers made of recyclable PET. Among the highlights are the Youthful Eye Treatment with apricot kernel oil, Lavender Body Crème with chamomile, and the long-lasting Essential Oils Bar Soap.

During a trip to Kyoto , Vicky Tsai—the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants —was inspired by the Japanese approach to skincare that less is more; she founded Tatcha with that idea in mind. With products like the Silken Pore Perfecting SPF and Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, the brand is built on green tea, algae, and rice—the three ingredients that make up Japanese geishas’ beauty rituals. Travelers can even curate their own Custom Travel Set (prices vary). Plus, with every purchase, the company helps fund girls’ education through Room to Read .

When Taiwanese American Cat Chen—who has openly shared her experience as an immigrant in an Instagram video —started looking for a fragrance that was “fresh and sophisticated,” but didn’t contain any harmful chemicals or allergens, she couldn’t find any that checked all the boxes. So she started her own line of natural perfumes called Skylar. Among the travel-sized rollerball scents are the driftwood-infused Salt Air and the popular ocean Isle Escape . Also in travel-friendly sizes: a body and hair mist duo and a range of mini fragrances, like Rainforest Mist or Lavendar Dunes .

10 Best Vacuum Storage Bags of 2024

Our top picks will increase your closet and suitcase space in minutes.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall

Spacesaver vacuum storage bags.

GONGSHI Vacuum Storage Bags

Best for Travel

Ziploc space bag.

Top-Seller on Amazon

Cozy essential vacuum storage bags.

Best Variety Pack

Hibag vacuum storage bags.

Best for Bedding

Hefty shrink-pak vacuum storage bags.

Best for Stacking

Storage master jumbo vacuum storage bags.

Best Extra-Large

Vacwel vacuum storage bags.

Best Hanging

Taili hanging vacuum storage bags.

The best vacuum storage bags make the most of your space by removing the air inside and sealing it tight. Many use a vacuum or hand pump to suck out all the air, while some travel-friendly space bags can actually be hand-pressed shut. Because of this, they're great for packing out-of-season clothes, bedding and more into small spaces like under your bed or inside your suitcase .

After consulting our in-house experts and scouring online reviews, we've rounded up the best vacuum storage bags to shop on Amazon, starting at just $8 (with fast, free shipping to boot!).

The original Spacesaver vacuum storage bags are our top pick for heavy-duty storage needs where damage protection is imperative, like cross-country moves and travel. You can use either the included hand pump or your vacuum to reduce volume by up to 80%, according to the brand. Choose from small to jumbo sizes and variety packs for all your storage needs.

Reviewers appreciate its ease of use and sturdy plastic . "I'm moving all the way across the country and was stressed out wondering how much of my clothing I could actually take with me. These Space Saver bags are a life saver!" wrote one five-star reviewer . "They are so easy to pack, zip and vacuum out the air. One of my best purchases ever here on Amazon (and I've made thousands)."

Stow bulky bedding, sweaters, pillows and more with these space-saving storage bags. You can either use the included hand pump or a standard vacuum cleaner to compress each bag and reduce volume by up to 80%, according to the brand. For under $20, this pack comes with four bag sizes to store different items: the smallest size fits six to eight sweaters while the largest fits a queen-sized bedding set.

The triple-sealed valve is designed to keep bags airtight so your items stay condensed, and the double-layered material is designed to be puncture- and scratch-resistant, making it more durable against damage. "They're strong and sturdy," one Amazon reviewer said . "They have great sizes and storage space, and they hold the seal (some for a year now)."

Skip the checked luggage line at the airport with these travel-friendly storage bags. Forté named the Ziploc Space Bag a long-standing Lab favorite. There's no need for a pump or a vacuum to take the air out — simply fill each with up to five pounds of clothing or bedding, seal it with the Ziploc slider and fold to press out the air. It also costs under $10 for a pack of two.

Since they don't require any bulky equipment, these bags are a great option for users on the go. The brand claims the bags reduce the volume of clothing and bedding by up to 75%. They're also waterproof and airtight per the brand, meaning they should help protect your items from damage caused by travel and storage.

Boasting more than 38,000 five-star reviews and counting, Amazon's #1 best-selling space saver bags claim to shrink the size of your items by up to 80%. This variety pack includes 20 bags, making them great for anyone moving houses or with lots of vacuum storage needs. The pack includes standard vacuum-sealable bags as well as travel bags that can be rolled to press out air — no pump required.

Waterproof and reusable (purported by the brand), the bags' valves and seals are designed to prevent expansion and keep moisture and debris out. "The quality of these bags is outstanding," one online shopper wrote . "I feel confident storing my clothing, bedding and other textiles knowing they are safe and well-preserved."

Whether you need to increase your under-bed storage space or condense your clothes on the go, this pack offers the most variety with six different-sized bags for all your needs . The standard bags range from pouch-sized bags for lingerie and T-shirts to extra-large bags for bedding sets and pillows . Each waterproof bag has a handy line to show you where to stop filling them, making it more intuitive to pack than other options on our list.

While it can be sealed with the included hand pump or a vacuum, we love that the travel bags can be rolled to seal out excess air sans tool if needed. "These were a game changer during our move," an Amazon reviewer wrote . "The sizes vary drastically, accommodating many different types of items from quilts to pillows as well as clothes."

Hefty is known for its durable garbage bags and freezer bags, but the brand also has a line of high-rated vacuum storage bags. Including three large and three extra-large sizes, Hefty's Shrink-Pak bags claim to be waterproof and reusable season after season, so you don't have to worry about moisture, dust or bugs ruining your items. Plus, you can simply press the air out with your hands and seal.

We love how the extra large bags have a zipper on the long side rather than the shorter top, making it easier to pack bedding supplies like pillows and comforters. Shoppers agreed, with one writing : "We just went through a very long, drawn-out move and the shrink bags have been a true lifesaver! We were able to put lots of our clothes, towels and blankets in storage while we shopped for a new house. When we finally started unpacking, everything looked exactly the way it did when it was packed!"

Outfitted with a stylish plaid print, we wouldn't mind keeping these space bags out in plain sight. And it's not just for aesthetics. Their unique woven texture provides a bit of grip to their exterior, helping them to stay in place better while stacked. The bags come in four sizes and packs of six to 26, making them great for small organization projects and large undertakings.

Plus, they compress with a vacuum or its included pump. Reviewers appreciate the variety of sizes and ease of use, too. "I love these sealable storage bags!" one shopper wrote . "The quality is fantastic, very well-made and sturdy. I really like the assortment of colors and sizes, too, so much so that I ordered a second box!"

If you need to store cumbersome items like king-sized duvets, foam cushions or dog beds , Vacwel's XXL bags offer an impressive storage capacity of 47 by 35 inches . Featuring a nylon lining for extra durability, the brand claims these bags are waterproof and protect against dirt, bugs and dust. They even come with sticker labels to easily identify stored items.

"These bags are durable and got the job done," an Amazon shopper added . "I was able to vacuum seal large comforters and sheets! Very surprised at how many bedding items that I was able to put in the bags." Note that a pump is not included, so you'll need a vacuum handy to seal these bags.

Protect your out-of-season garments and make room for new pieces with these clever hanging storage bags on Amazon. You can stash up to five pieces of clothing inside each, including coats, jackets and suits . Just place one included hanger on each rotating ring, zip it up and vacuum all the air out. The vertical storage design keeps your clothes clean and organized until you're ready to wear them again.

"I get immense joy out of packing away my winter clothes in the Taili hanging bags," an Amazon reviewer said . "[It] shrink wraps everything into compact boards ... It was very easy and effective to use."

How we chose the best vacuum storage bags

With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which vacuum storage bags are worth buying. To help you find the right pick for your needs, we consulted our experts in the GH Institute Cleaning Lab and vetted customer reviews to bring you a range of vacuum storage bags that suit a variety of purposes.

How do you choose the best vacuum storage bags?

Choosing the best vacuum storage bags depends on your individual needs — do you just need to store a few seasonal sweaters, or pack up your whole house for a move? According to, the size and dimensions can help you figure out which options are right for you.

" They should be large enough to hold multiple items and be durable enough to use from year to year ," Forté says. For those who don't own a vacuum (or have one readily accessible), opt for a bag that can be rolled to compress or can be hand pumped.

What do you put in a space bag?

While you might want to use your vacuum storage bag to compress bulky items like winter coats and duvets, Forté warns against vacuum-sealing down-filled items . Instead, she recommends only compressing them halfway.

"Otherwise, you risk crushing and breaking the down feathers and they may then not be as lofty or insulate as well," Forté says. Additionally, be sure not to store wet items, or you risk creating mold and causing long-term damage.

How long can you store items in a vacuum storage bag?

Forté recommends using storage bags for short-term and seasonal storage . "Keep items in them too long, and you risk permanently setting creases or crushing and flattening items that are supposed to be lofty and puffy," Forte says. For best results, be sure to check the recommended storage time on your bag's instructions.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Associate Commerce Editor Lauren Gruber put together this list of the best vacuum storage bag picks, based on insights and recommendations from Carolyn Forté .

Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she oversees all of GH's cleaning and home care product testing.

Lauren is a Brooklyn-based journalist and Associate Editor at Hearst. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight , Shop TODAY , USA Today , Self Magazine , L’Officiel USA , V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media . 

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This TikTok-Famous Travel Bag Has A Way More Affordable Doppelgänger

Shopping Writer for HuffPost

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

If you’ve been on TikTok at all, you are probably well aware of the hype surrounding the Béis Weekender , a thoughtfully designed travel bag meant to meet all your globe-trotting needs — for $108.

As is often the case with relatively expensive viral sensations, the internet found a way to deliver affordable alternatives that are loved and adored by the masses. In this case, the original has been most famously replicated by Sam’s Club and the Minkars brand on Amazon , both of which have completely sold out.

But before you get travel bag FOMO, you can still shop another popular and convincing lookalike on Amazon for nearly a quarter the cost of the luxury version. And it comes in about 30 colors.

One of the defining features of the Béis is the generous bottom zippered compartment meant to keep soiled clothing or shoes separate from the rest of the interior. This Amazon version from Etronik promises that same vented bottom compartment along with other signature features of the original, such as a trolley strap, an interior laptop pocket and three separate interior pockets for even more organizing potential.

There are also some differences and unique additions to the Amazon duffle, most notably a USB port that can be used to connect an external travel battery and your electronic device so you can charge up your phone without having to open up the bag and dig around for a charger. There are also two slip-in side pockets for storing a water bottle or umbrella, and a separate zippered cosmetics pouch also comes with the bag.

Although both options are made with a water-resistant material, the Etronik bag has less structured, softer sides compared the Béis, which is one thing to take into consideration.

Reviewers claim they love this bag for use as a travel carry-on, for taking short weekend trips and as a hospital bag or gym duffle. And for just a little over $33, you really can’t go wrong.

If you’re not fully convinced, keep scrolling to see some positive testimonials before taking the plunge.

Promising Amazon reviews:

“Used it for a weekend trip in the mountains and it was amazing!! Felt very organized with the different compartments/pockets. The extra shoe bags and toiletry bag were a huge plus! There was a bit of struggle to fit all the thick sweaters and snow pants, but if it zipped up all my snow clothing, it can zip up a summer wardrobe.” — Isabella Hinojosa

“I can’t even explain what fit in there. Well I can. I even placed my purse in there to use it as a personal item and it passed. I had makeup, shoes, a straightener and some bathing suits stuffed in and I still had room. The charger on the side is a plus. And can we talk about all the pockets? Yes please, send me another.” — Noelani Salvador

“I knew it would be a good size but I didn’t really know until I received it! This is the perfect traveling bag and it fits so much, the pockets and compartments it has are super helpful, and I have been questioning myself on where this has been my whole life. So worth it!” — T

“Brought it on United as a personal item. Fit well under seat with extra room left over. Looks nice [and is] comfortable to hold. [It] has a strap you can slide over suitcase handle so you don’t have to carry it. Fits a lot. Added my electronics, chargers, shoes, book, wallet, and liquids. Would recommend! It has a ton of side pouches and a bottom compartment.” — Jen

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11 Luggage And Travel Bag Options That Are Flight Attendant-Approved

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I Wore This Viral Lululemon Belt Bag Across Italy for 10 Days, and Now I'll Never Vacation Without It

It has so much space that I could easily fit my passport, wallet, sunglasses, and more.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

Back in 2022 I embarked on a 10-day trek across Italy, and if there was one thing I knew I needed to pick up before the journey, it was the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag . At the time, the popular bag — the one you’ve likely seen all over the Internet — was sold out online as well as in most of the other stores across Manhattan, but the very morning of my flight I made a last ditch call to the location near my apartment and was met with nine thrilling words: “We just got them back in stock — but hurry.”

After traveling with my new bag through an airport in Norway on an unexpected layover, to the city streets of Rome, I knew that I would never go on another vacation without my belt bag — and two years later that remains to be true. Plus, right now you don’t have to search high and low for these bags like I did, because the $38 pack is currently fully in stock in 14 stunning colors on the Lululemon site, including new shades like the spring-ready Paradise Green.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

This versatile bag is everything you could possibly need in a functional travel pack: At 7.5 inches by 2 inches by 5 inches and with a capacity of 1L, it’s spacious enough for my sunglasses, wallet, passport, keys, and phone, and is easily adjustable to fit across my body when wearing just a tank top and even when I'm tucked away in my winter coat. The primary pocket features mesh pouches on either side, which I usually pack my keys and a lip balm into, and an additional slim pocket on the back of the pouch is my favorite way to ensure my passport stays safe and protected.

Water-repellent nylon fabric makes this bag perfect for both rainy days and sweaty adventures, and unlike most bags with adjustable straps that leave one long piece left hanging, this pack is made with a thin piece of elastic that evens out the loop for a more streamlined appearance. It can even be worn as a traditional fanny pack (which I use for running outside), as well as across your body for easy access to your essentials while hurrying through the airport. Thanks to its functional and versatile design, the Everywhere Belt Bag made it onto our list of favorite fanny packs to take hiking .

Travel + Leisure / Merrell Readman

I can get overwhelmed if I have too much to carry while I’m traveling, and this bag has shown me the joys of a hands-free vacation experience. It made it much easier to get through TSA and boarding my flight because my passport was always just a short reach away, and even on outings in Florence and Rome, I was happy to not worry about my purse getting snatched off my shoulder if I were to let my guard down. 

I’m not the only shopper that swears by this versatile fanny pack for travel now, and other Lululemon customers can’t help but rave about this sleek and functional bag. One shopper noted that they “travel a lot” and admitted that the bag is now “indispensable,” adding that it is the “perfect size with convenient compartments to keep well organized without the heavy bulk of a traditional purse.”

Another shopper raved that this pack is “nice if you’re traveling or just doing errands” because “if you have to pull your phone out or your wallet, [they’re] right there instead of digging through your purse to find whatever you need.” 

It’s very rare that an item is actually worth the hype that it has garnered, but in this case the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag has earned every ounce of praise it has received. Not only can it fit a frankly impressive amount of essentials (I’m an overpacker), but it’s also comfortable to wear, sleek, and has quickly become one of the most-used bags in my collection. 

Right now, the shopper-loved belt bag is available at Lululemon starting at $38, and is currently in stock in 14 stylish shades. Just don’t wait too long — it’s notorious for selling out quickly.

And if you're looking to elevate your travel style with other comfy and functional essentials, keep reading to find more must-have items to shop at Lululemon.

More Travel Essentials at Lululemon

Chargefeel 2 low women's workout shoe, scuba oversized hoodie, tapered-leg mid-rise 7/8 length luxtreme, restfeel women's slide.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $38. 

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