scandinavia travel suitcase

BUY NOW, PAY LATER WITH KLARNA

Db North America

Best sellers.

Essential Rolltop Backpack 32L

Updated. available now..

Explore products

Available at selected retailers.

Find your store.

Responsibility

Product results, popular collections.

The Hugger Family

Travel Backpacks

• New Arrivals
• Duffels & Totes
• Accessories
• Ski & Snowboard Bags
• Photography
• Work & Commute
• Snow Roller Size Guide
• The Secret To Snow Travel
• Ramverk Pro

Trip length

• Weekend trip
• Roller Bags
• Fogbow Beige
• Parhelion Orange
• Sprite Lightning Red

Our History

• Brand Manifesto
• Design Principles
• Technology & Innovations
• Become a Retailer
• Behind the scenes
• Pack Heavy → Chase Light
• Ambassadors
• Event Radar

Free shipping on orders over $100

Add another item over $100 to get 10% off

Build your kit and save! Add multiple items over $100 to your cart for a discount. 2 products = 10% off. 3 products = 15% off. 4 products = 20% off. Does not apply on bundles.

Add to your kit

10% off your first order with Db Black. Sign up here.

Get a limited lifetime warranty as a member of Db Black. Non-members get a standard 2-year warranty.

Free Returns

Home delivery

Designed in Scandinavia

Rain. Commute. Rave. Rolltop.

Updated Essential Rolltop Backpack 32L.

Ramverk Pro Backpack

"The Snow Pro Backpack 32L is arguably the most durable and versatile snow sports backpack available"

"The things you need to help you live your best life outdoors."

"The most innovative design and feature set we've seen."

"This is the best ski bag ever made."

"A marriage of the rugged outdoors and Scandinavian minimalism."

"Getting to your destination, local or otherwise, is now easier, less tiresome, and more comfortable than before."

"Db sent me their minimalist backpack to try and I'm not sending it back"

"Db has quietly become one of the biggest names in the premium, go-anywhere luggage game."

Enjoy 10% off your first order, 100 day free returns, limited lifetime warranty, exclusive content and more when you join Db Black.

Ready for Surf season?

Introducing our latest award-winning board bag collection: reimagined to be longer, lighter and stronger.

Db Black. The membership you’ve been waiting for.

Join Db black below to get free shipping, 100 day free returns, limited lifetime warranty, exclusive content and much more.

Benefits include

Already have an account but want to upgrade to Db black?

Where are you shipping to?

We currently ship to the locations below. Please choose a location based on where you are shipping to.

Select your language

Welcome to db black. this is going to be fun..

Keep an eye on your inbox for some more news and Db Black perks and don’t forget to mark us as safe sender to not end up in your spam folder. Copy the code below and enjoy 10% off your first order.

• 39+ Reykjavik Excursions Day Tours Away from the City
• 21+ Biking, Walking, and Canal Tours in Copenhagen Denmark
• 29+ Walking, Biking, and Boat Tours in Stockholm Sweden
• 29+ Sightseeing Tours in Oslo Norway
• 29 Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden
• MULTI-DAY TOURS
• GUIDE: Scandinavian Hotels
• Best Hotels in Oslo
• Best Hotels in Stockholm
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Plan a Trip to Scandinavia
• Copenhagen to Oslo
• Norway in a Nutshell Oslo to Bergen – the Journey
• Guide: Northern Lights in Norway
• Summer Packing List for Scandinavia
• Affiliate Disclosure
• Privacy Policy
• veronica@explorenordic.com

The Ultimate Packing List for Scandinavia – Your Summer Checklist

You got your trip booked, you are excited to explore Scandinavia, but what do you bring? Working as a Scandinavian tour operator, one of the common questions that I got was; What do I pack for my trip to Scandinavia? With that in mind, the Ultimate Packing List for Scandinavia – Summer checklist was created.

The first thing that comes to mind is a swimsuit, don’t forget that. Growing up in Sweden, summer was my favorite time of the year. Warm summer days at the white sandy beach in Halmstad, and long hours of light, to enjoy the summer evenings.

At second thought, raincoats. Don’t forget raincoats. Just like that one time, the whole family was excited to spend the day at Astrid Lindgren’s outdoor event park. Yes, Pippi Longstocking’s author, Astrid Lindgren, has an amusement park where all her story characters come to life. There was only one problem it was pouring down rain. Luckily, we came prepared and had our raingear packed in our day backpack. We got the kids and adults in rain gear, and we stayed dry. Most importantly, we enjoyed the Pippi Longstocking show, along with other fun events, and had a wonderful time.

Like we say in Scandinavia;

There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.

If you travel Scandinavia in June, July, and August, you will most likely experience a variety of weather . Usually, June can be on the cooler side, but July and early August are nice and warm. If you visit the southern part of Scandinavia with Denmark, south of Sweden, and south of Norway, it is usually warmer than up north in the Lapland area. I say, usually , because some days you will get spring, summer, and fall weather all in one day. Summer temperatures will usually be in the high 50s to high 80s.

With most summers spent in Sweden, this is my;

Packing List for Scandinavia – Your Summer Checklist

When you book your trip, make sure to.

• Have a valid passport that is good for 6+ months after returning from Scandinavia.
• Get a credit card that will not charge a hefty fee for international usage.

What to Keep in Your Carry-on Luggage

• Travel documents – vouchers, airplane tickets, hotel confirmations, tour confirmations, transfer confirmations, visa (if necessary), passport.
• Credit card and some cash.
• Smartphone with headphones.
• Electric adapter for your electronics. Scandinavia uses 220-volt electricity, and the plugs with two round pins, type C and F plugs.
• Portable charger – today, we use the phone as a camera, GPS, to find destination information, you name it, so it’s easy to drain the battery quickly. This can easily be solved with a portable charger, allowing you to charge the phone on the go.
• Sanitizing wipes – a lifesaver if you travel with kids.
• Facemask – this is now optional.

What to Pack for Your Scandinavian Adventure

Before we start getting into what to pack, consider what to pack in . Are you traveling around from place to place, or will you stay in one location? If you stay in one city, a suitcase will be perfectly fine. If you travel around, make sure you have a luggage that either is easy to bring along with wheels or a large backpack.

Now for what to put in your luggage;

• Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve Tops – bring a few of each. The trick in Scandinavia is to layer up . If you go out hiking, you might want to start with a short sleeve top, long sleeve top, and a light fleece jacket. When you get warm, take a layer off and stay comfortable. Later in the evening, if it gets chilly, you might have to put that fleece back on. Layers allow you to control your temperature and stay comfortable.
• Sweater / Hoddie / Lightweight Jacket – when you are out and about, you will see people hanging their sweater around their neck. Scandinavians always prepare for that chilly evening. Again, it comes back to layers. It’s a good idea to pack something warmer, for cooler days and evenings.
• Shorts / Skirts / Dresses – when the sun is out, and you get those really nice summer days, it can get hot. Bring shorts, a skirt, and dresses. Perfect for warm days but also if you want to go out and do some casual dining.
• Pants / Leggings – like mentioned, some summer days are on the cooler side, and you’ll need a pair of pants, jeans, or leggings to stay warm. If you hike, the pants that you zip off the legs to turn into shorts will come in handy.
• Rainjacket – If you plan on hiking, boating, visit amusement parks, and enjoy the outdoors, bring a raincoat to keep you dry. It will allow you to enjoy the planned outdoor activities even though you might get some rain. Those rain jackets have saved our fun so many times.
• Swimsuit – for the days on the coast, by a lake, or the fjord, bring your swimming suit. If you hang out with the locals, don’t be surprised if they invite you to an evening swim, it’s a must during Scandinavian summer.
• Casual Dining – when you go out to eat in the evening, the Scandinavians will dress informal but fashionable. They show up in a dress, button-down shirt or blouse, and a nice pair of shorts, pants, jeans or a skirt.
• Long Scarf – when traveling, I always bring a scarf, you can wrap it around you if you get cold on the airplane. It takes no space, and it is easy to carry with you when you are out and about. A scarf can come in very handy, plus it’s stylish and a fun addition to your outfit.
• Must-Have – Underwear, bras, socks, and PJs.

Packing List for Scandinavia – Summer Checklist – Non Cloth Related Items

• Sunglasses, a Hat, and Sunscreen –  love the sun, but it can be harsh up north. Make sure you bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection.
• Umbrella – at some point, it will most likely rain, that is just Scandinavia. Spending your vacation in the city, shopping, visiting museums, and mostly staying indoors, you will get away with using an umbrella to keep dry.
• Lip Balm – the Scandinavian air can be dry, and a lip balm will come in handy. Get a lip balm with SPF in it to protect from the sun as well.
• Bug Spray –  in certain areas, you will run into some mosquitos. If you are out in the woods, near water, bring mosquito repellant spray. I heard from somewhere that it’s best to buy the local spray, that it will work best on the mosquitos in that specific area. Now, if that’s true or not, I’m not sure of. But, I tend to buy the local stuff. If I go to Florida, or Scandinavia doesn’t matter.
• Eye Mask or Sleep Mask –  if you go up north where midnight sun exposes 24 hours of sunlight, you want to pack an eye mask to block out the sun while sleeping. In fact, during the summer months of June and July, if you go anywhere in the Nordic countries, bring one. Hotels don’t always have blackout curtains.
• Day Backpack – bring something that will hold your phone, rainwear, a water bottle, and that souvenir you might want to buy. I often use a backpack for carry on luggage, which works great as a day backpack.

Scandinavian Styles

• Scandinavians have style. They are fashionable but informal. If you attend business meetings and fine dining, the locals like to dress up, jacket and tie for men, dress or suit for women works well.
• Clothes are often made out of natural materials like linen, cotton, silk, and wool.
• If you want to play it safe, wear black, and you will blend in.

That’s it, my ultimate summer packing list for Scandinavia , what would you add to the list? What are the things you never travel without, feel free to share in the comment section below.

Just want to let you know;   some of my posts might contain affiliate links.  If you buy something through those links, it will not cost you  a penny more, but I might earn a commission.  That will allow for this site to  keep going.  Thanks!

Written by  Veronica

Born and raised in Sweden, now living in the US, Veronica has a passion for Scandinavian travel. As a former product design specialist with a Scandinavian tour operator, she has extensive knowledge of tour planning and the Scandinavian countries.

2 thoughts on “ The Ultimate Packing List for Scandinavia – Your Summer Checklist ”

Well this is a good, comprehensive packing list. I must admit though, I wouldn’t have thought to pack both a swimming suit and a raincoat! It just wouldn’t occur to me that I would need both of those on the same trip, so that’s a very good point that you make. When we travel, we usually go for a longer period of time…like a month if possible. So we need to do laundry. And because of that we like to pack quick drying clothing like athleisure wear. Basically, the same type of thing that one would wear to the gym…those types of fabrics. Hopefully we wouldn’t look too out of place with that attire when we’re out and about during the day?

That is a great point, to pack athletic wear that dries quickly after you wash it. It doesn’t matter if you only travel for a couple of weeks. If you move around, you want to pack light. Like you say bring clothes that can be washed and dried quickly along with some laundry detergent and you can easily wash it and hang it to dry in your hotel room. Some hotels will have laundry service but not all. You will fit right in with athletic wear in Scandinavia. Most locals are very active and outdoorsy people.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Monthly Scandinavian Newsletter!

Sign-up free.

21 Biking, Walking, and Canal Tours in Copenhagen

• Scandinavian Hotels – The Ultimate Guide
• 4 Luxury Hotels in Reykjavik Iceland
• Best Hotels in Stockholm Sweden
• Best Hotels in Oslo Norway
• Small Group Tours Scandinavia | 5 Amazing Countries in 16 Days
• Walking Tours in Helsinki | Explore the Finnish Capital

Recent Posts

• Stockholm By Bike | A Symphony of Scenic Splendor and Biking Bliss
• Exploring Viking Sites in Iceland: A Journey into Norse History and Heritage
• What Is the Currency in Finland? 
• What Is the Currency in Iceland? Icelandic Krona Guide
• Swedish Culture and Traditions to Know Before Traveling the Country

29 Northern Light Tours in the Nordics

Privacy Overview

• Collaborations
• Editor's Picks
• Carry Awards
• Carry Candy
• Community and Marketplace
• Buyer's Guide

• Gear Bags & Duffels

• Men's & Unisex

• Misc Archives

Thanks for subscribing. Look out for an email asking you to confirm your subscription to Carryology.

• > Industry

14 Scandinavian Brands You Should Know

When you think of Scandinavia, commonly known brands tend to crop up. The likes of Fjällräven and Sandqvist . Thule , Mismo or Rains . But dig a little deeper and you’ll discover a goldmine of first-rate brands making world-class gear. You see, the small cluster of countries set to the north of Europe is blessed by some of the world’s wildest terrain. A thriving outdoor scene that is only matched by an arguably even more thriving fashion and design scene. And that combination of fashion and design and the need for gear to laugh in the face of Nordic storms, makes for a melting pot of vibes – and exceptional brands you should definitely know about…

Haglöfs

Getting outdoors is a chosen pastime enjoyed by many today. But skip back over a century and it was an unavoidable reality for Wiktor Haglöf. A carpenter by trade and the son of a forester, Wiktor grew up in an outdoor lifestyle – and not always an easy one. So he decided to create a company that would help others living and working in the outdoors, making life just that little bit easier for people who had to endure the elements and harsh environments by necessity. Wiktor started making tough and reliable backpacks by hand to help local workers transport tools. An endeavour that quickly expanded into large-scale production and branched out into other outdoor gear including clothing and footwear (even supplying gear to the military in WWII). Haglöfs was founded in 1914 and in 1955 Wiktor handed over the running of the now well established brand to his sons. In 1975 the brand was sold and transitioned from a family-owned business into a global name in technical gear for the outdoors. A name that continues to maintain its position at the forefront of Swedish outdoor gear. Haglöfs focuses on high-quality, functional, durable gear that caters to a range of outdoor pursuits and end users, from weekend warriors to expedition explorers and more. Responsible and sustainable manufacturing is also key in their design process, from the materials and manufacturing working conditions, to product care and repair.

Gear of note: Kisel Large Corker Small Torsång Katla RT 30

Halite have been flying under the radar in the carry world. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t been busy. And we suspect this Norwegian brand is only going to grow in popularity as people embrace their ruggedly functional and adaptable gear. Founded by ex-military personnel with backgrounds in special operations who teamed up with highly experienced designers in the outdoor, expedition and climbing spheres, the brand is grounded in practical, reliable and hard-wearing gear. Formerly under the name Piteraq Hardware, the brand supplies military and expedition-ready gear that has been used in everything from maritime operations to demanding Himalayan climbing. And the real beauty? Its versatile, understated nature makes this gear equally well suited to civilian adventure travel and outdoor excursions too.

Gear of note: Fenris Recon Kraken

Norrøna

Norrøna has an extensive history dating back to 1929 when Jørgen Jørgensen founded the company with the goal to make top-notch outdoor products. The brand grew and developed over the years, welcoming a range of gear including backpacks, tents, clothing and sleeping bags. And they introduced influential industry benchmarks. In 1972 they launched the Ravneskar, the first tunnel tent with front and rear openings. In 1977 they became the first European company to use Gore-Tex, creating a prototype Gore-Tex jacket. Their gear has been tested and used in extreme environments including Mount Everest and the North and South Pole. nd today the brand embraces what they call a Loaded minimalism™ approach to design, making quality products as clean as possible while ensuring all critical elements are present. Dedicated to functionality, innovation and a love of the outdoors, Norrøna caters to a wide range of niches including hiking, skiing, mountaineering, mountain biking, surfing and hunting.

Gear of note: Norrøna trollveggen 40L dri Pack Norrøna lofoten Pack

Bergans of Norway

Few brands have shaped the carry world to the extent Bergans of Norway has. Why, you may ask? In 1908 brand founder Ole F. Bergan created and patented the Bergans Meis rucksack, the grandfather of modern-day backpacks. The design initially included a wooden frame and soft rucksack, later altered to incorporate a tubular steel frame. A design that would go on to influence countless other manufacturers and which was used by the likes of Roald Amundsen and Robert F. Scott. The brand’s gear has been used extensively in polar expeditions throughout its long history. A history full of development and innovation across multiple niches, from bags and clothing to tents, knives and skiing equipment. And which ultimately has led to Bergans becoming one of the industry’s leading outdoor technical gear brands. Influenced greatly by the Norwegian landscape and the challenging needs of outdoor adventurers, Bergans is also committed to sustainable, responsible business practices, from minimized packaging that can be safely recycled, to striving towards the use of sustainable raw materials and bluesign® approved fabrics across the majority of their products.

Gear of note: Oslo Roll-Top Daypack Lilletind 12 Slingsby W 32

Norse Projects

Founded in 2004, Norse Projects is a Copenhagen-based design studio and brand. With a foundation in high-end streetwear and footwear, the Danish brand embraces contemporary yet timeless design, innovation and functionality. The brand’s inspiration ranges from architecture to Scandinavian landscapes and weather. Their creations include packable jackets, amazing Gore-Tex shells, as well as collaborations with big industry names including adidas, New Balance and Porter. If you’re intro streetwear, this guys should be on your radar.

Gear of note: Kalmar Light Harstad Shell Kvadrat x Head Porter x Norse Projects Tanker Series New Balance x Norse Projects Danish Weather Pack 2.0 adidas Consortium x Norse Projects Terrex Agravic

Tretorn’s history extends as far back as 1891 when the Swedish brand was founded by Johan Dunker. And it’s an incredibly varied history that has seen the brand create everything from galoshes and rubber boots to tennis balls and tennis shoes. As varied as their product offerings were, the brand was also forward-thinking when it came to their employees, becoming one of the first employers to offer free health care and on-site childcare. And while they may be the world’s second oldest sneaker manufacturer, this innovative brand has also embraced outerwear, bags designed to help protect gear from the elements, and an environmentally-conscious approach to manufacturing. Their Eco Essentials initiative has seen the launch of new developments such as their unique Tretorn OCEAN-SHELL® fabric made from recycled PET, The Rain Jacket From The Sea, and the completely biodegradable Bio Plant Jacket.

Gear of note: Wings Flexpack Wings Daypack Malmo Rolltop Malmo Duffel   Arch Jacket Rain Jacket From The Sea Bio Plant Jacket

66°North

Since 1926 the Icelandic brand 66°North have been creating gear to protect against the harsh outdoors. Hans Kristjánsson founded the brand in order to create protective clothing for Icelandic fishermen and workers who had no choice but to work in unforgiving environmental conditions. The brand’s offerings have expanded over the years and now include a range of clothing and accessories offering a considered blend of comfort and protection from the elements. Tested by the likes of mountaineers and rescue team members, 66°North gear is designed to let you venture forth without being held back by unpredictable weather. But the brand’s more casual offerings also boast a fashion-friendly slant that has seen their appeal grow with savvy style-conscious consumers. Additionally, sustainability is an integral part of the brand’s design process and company ethos, from fair working conditions to responsibly sourced materials, product repairs and product recycling.

Gear of note: 66°North Tangi Backpack 66°North Waterproof 90L Duffle Bag 66°North Arnarholl Mini Fisherman’s Trunk Snæfell Jacket

COS was founded in 2007 to create functional, stylish and timeless pieces that go beyond seasonal trends and changes. In essence, pieces designed for a lifetime of use, ultimately resulting in a more sustainable product. Hailing from Swedish multinational retail giant H&M, COS takes a minimalist approach to design, focusing on quality and understated aesthetics. Classic yet modern, their carry and clothing salutes practicality, long-lasting quality and style that steps outside of seasonal constraints.

Gear of note: Leather Tote Backpack Leather Zip Wallet Double-Zip Card Holder

Swedish brand ARKET, also within the H&M family of brands, describes itself as a modern-day market for well made, durable essentials designed to be used for years to come. Sustainability is a key element of the brand, with a focus on responsible fabrics and materials , customer product care, as well as textile and packaging recycling . ARKET’s carry pieces offer a considered mix of functionality and street styling spanning everyday and travel carry needs alike.

Gear of note: 72-Hour 3-Way Duffle 48-Hour Tote 2019 ALICE Backpack 2017 Nylon Backpack

Pas Normal Studios

Based in Copenhagen, Pas Normal Studios is a brand centered around contemporary technical clothing for cycling. All stemming from custom-made kit that the founders created for themselves. The brand combines fashion-forward aesthetics with practical, technical features, sustainable construction and long-lasting durability. Performance materials, race-ready fits, and modern styling come together to deliver cycling apparel with an elevated look and feel. But it’s not all about cycling. Intended as a creative platform, the brand also embraces collaborations such as their Porter collection, featuring six pieces for on-bike and off-bike use.

Gear of note: Pas Normal Studios x Porter-Yoshida & Co. Shield Jacket Mechanism Jersey

Scandinavian design and minimalism often go hand in hand. But Our Legacy takes a slightly different path. And while earlier pieces may have hinted at Scandinavian minimalism, today the brand’s offerings thread in eye-catching prints and get playful with proportions, material choices and dyeing techniques. There’s a subtle hint at subcultures interwoven with one another but ultimately Our Legacy is a brand that enjoys not being defined by one distinct design ethos. Founded in 2004, the Stockholm-based brand has developed over the years to offer a variety of clothing, footwear, bags and eyewear.

Gear of note: Wah Bag Delay Mini Bag Chorus Bi Fold Card Holder Tuner Zip Wallet

Wood Wood was founded in 2002, taking inspiration from ’90s subcultures including music, graffiti, skateboarding and art. Today they dish up an enticing selection of contemporary streetwear and fashion pieces, embracing both original creations and a host of collaborations including teaming up with Nike, adidas, Barbour and more. Inspirations range from high fashion to sports, blending style, functionality, attitude and playfulness. Wood Wood supports corporate social responsibility across their business practices, continually striving to incorporate sustainable and recycled materials, increasing supply chain transparency, and supporting fair working conditions. And fun fact: co-founder Karl-Oskar Olsen is also the co-founder of Pas Normal Studios.

Gear of note: Ryan Backpack Mills Backpack Gray Bumbag Tony Weekend Bag

Peak Performance

When you can’t find what you’re looking for, sometimes you need to make it yourself. This founding philosophy led a group of skiing enthusiasts to create their own skiing apparel for themselves and their friends. Gear that was functional and stylish, made to perform yet understated, steering clear of the more flashy side of snowsports apparel. As it turns out, their approach to ski apparel resonated with a wider audience. Founded in 1986, Peak Performance grew from a small brand based in a small Swedish mountain village, to a globally recognised name. And the brand has expanded its offerings too, embracing a range of niches from skiing and running, to golf and urbanwear. Not to mention a choice of practical carry items for travel and EDC alike.

Gear of note: Helium Hooded Jacket Vertical Ski Backpack L Vertical Trolley 90L X.24 Commuter Backpack

Klättermusen

Klättermusen have been quietly getting on with the business of making durable , functional, and environmentally-conscious mountaineering gear for over four decades – all with an aesthetic vibe clearly theirs. Founded in 1975 by a group of climbers, Klättermusen began as a small DIY workshop but has grown into a supplier of high-quality outdoor gear for adventure lovers around the world. The brand uses a variety of sustainable and responsible fabrics and technologies across their gear, such as the use of nylon from recycled fishing nets in all their backpacks. In September 2017 they even became the first outdoor brand in history to create a 100% fluorocarbon-free collection. And at the heart of it all, a commitment to minimizing environmental impact and fostering long-lasting durability. Such an unsung hero, we love this brand!

Gear of note: Bure Backpack 20L Ull Backpack 30L Ratatosk 3.0

Enjoyed this article? You might like these too:

The 8 Best Small Japanese Brands You Should Know

5 Asian Brands You Should Know

10 UK Brands You Should Know

IN THIS ARTICLE

Mission to Mars | Designing Backpacks for NASA

Inside Line Equipment Spins Up The Latest X-Pac: UX10

The Best 2023 Black Friday Deals for Clothing, Outdoor Gear, and EDC

Design Talk | 2024 Trend Forecast

NEW RELEASE

Huckberry x 1733 | exclusive collaboration.

Backpack or Messenger?

Anatomy of a good bag

A Glossary of Carry

Carrying Bike Locks

Carryology delivered. your inbox. every two weeks. only the best stuff, we promise..

• Join us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Pinterest

Brands & Community

• Contributors
• Write For Us
• Privacy Policy

Privacy Overview

• Favourites 0

Luggage and clothing

What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring.

If going on a self-guided tour by public transport we recommend bringing either a suitcase with wheels or a backpack as they are easier to transport. A backpack might be easier for you to transport as it is not as bulky as a suitcase. Each person is responsible for his/her luggage and must be able to lift it onto trains etc. We do offer luggage transport between Oslo and Bergen or vice versa which is a really nice way to fully enjoy a tour without having to take care of luggage.

Are there any luggage handling restrictions?

On our self-guided tours you are responsible for your own luggage. Please be sure to only take as much luggage as you can handle. If booking a guided coach tour you are allowed one piece of luggage per person which will be safely stored under the bus during transport. In addition you are allowed one carry on/hand luggage. We recommend checking with your airline if there are any luggage restrictions. 

What clothing should I bring on my trip?

We recommend comfortable shoes in addition to wind and water proof jacket. Even during the summer it might get a bit chilly in the mountain regions so it is a good idea to also bring a fleece jacket or similar. At the same time prepare for warm days and bring some shorts and t-shirts as well as your sunglasses and sunscreen. If you are travelling during the winter we recommend dressing in layers, either in woolen or synthetic fabrics. Cotton and jeans are not recommended as it does not transport away perspiration and moisture from the body, thus making you too cold and wet. You should bring a "base layer" (long woolen or thermal underwear, a middle layer (woolen or fleece jacket or jumper) and an outer layer (scarf, hat, woolen socks, gloves, winter jacket). Additional clothing like a down jacket or a thick woolen jumper is useful as an extra garment at very low temperatures. Choose footwear that is somewhat larger than normal to allow space for socks and/or insoles.  For both spring and autumn , be prepared for nice sunny days but also cold nights and some rain. In general, a rather casual look is fine in Scandinavia. However, in case you wish to do fine dining you might want to bring some elegant clothing as well. Scandinavians enjoy dressing up when going out for dinner or to bars.

How do I need to prepare for an overnight at an Ice Hotel?

Winter outdoor clothing including an overall and boots is included in your stay at the Ice Hotel or Snow Hotel; they usually also provide warm gloves and hats but you might prefer using your own. We recommend wearing the overall over your own clothes as extra protection against the cold and for avoiding that your own clothes get damaged or dirty, especially during activities.  In addition, we recommend bring the base and middle layer as described above.

Return to Travel Info  →

• Best Sellers

Essential Rolltop Backpack 32L

Updated. available now..

Explore products

Available at selected retailers.

Find your store.

Responsibility

Product results, popular collections.

The Hugger Family

• New Arrivals
• Accessories
• Duffels & Totes
• Ski & Snowboard Bags
• Photography
• Work & Commute
• The Secret to Snow Travel
• Snow Roller Size Guide
• Top 10 Places to Combine Studies with Snow Sports
• Ramverk Pro

Trip length

• Weekend trip
• Roller Bags

Fogbow Beige

Parhelion Orange

Sprite Lightning Red

• Become a Retailer

Our History

• Brand Manifesto
• Design Principles
• Technology & Innovations
• Behind The Scenes
• Pack Heavy → Chase Light
• Ambassadors
• Event Radar

Free shipping on orders over 1.000 kr

Add another item over 1.000 kr to get 10% off

Build your kit and save! Add multiple items over 1.000 kr to your cart for a discount. 2 products = 10% off. 3 products = 15% off. 4 products = 20% off. Does not apply on bundles.

Add to your kit

10% off your first order with Db Black. Sign up here.

Get a limited lifetime warranty as a member of Db Black. Non-members get a standard 2-year warranty.

Free shipping

Free Returns

Designed in Scandinavia

Designed in Scandinavia, Built for the Journey

carry-on luggage

check-in luggage

The Anniversary Edition

Db Black. The membership you’ve been waiting for.

Join Db black below to get free shipping, 100 day free returns, limited lifetime warranty, exclusive content and much more.

Benefits include

Already have an account but want to upgrade to Db black?

Where are you shipping to?

We currently ship to the locations below. Please choose a location based on where you are shipping to.

Select your language

Welcome to db black. this is going to be fun..

Keep an eye on your inbox for some more news and Db Black perks and don’t forget to mark us as safe sender to not end up in your spam folder. Copy the code below and enjoy 10% off your first order.

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Travel Update

• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Self Drive i
• Guided Small Groups i
• Independent Tours i
• Scandinavian Triangle i
• Honeymoon & Romance i
• All Types & Themes
• All Scandinavia Tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Book With Confidence i
• Why book with us i
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Scandinavia at a Glance i
• Useful Information i
• Scandinavia Attractions i
• Scandinavia Blog i
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

• Travel Guide
• Information
• What to Pack

Bring the right clothing and gear for all seasons

In Northern Europe, it’s not unusual to experience changeable weather throughout the year or even in one day. So no matter the season, you’ll want to come well prepared and packed. This way, whatever weather comes your way won’t affect your Scandinavian adventure.

• Find out more about the Scandinavian climate and weather

All-season essentials

No matter the season, you should always bring a variety of layers so you can adjust to the day’s conditions.

Here is a helpful packing list: • Lightweight layers • Warm jumper or fleece • Jeans or long trousers • Waterproof jacket or shell layers • Waterproof trousers • Scarf, hat and gloves • Good walking shoes or hiking boots

If you’re going on a cruise or heading into the Arctic, you’ll also want to bring an insulated jacket to keep warm.

And don’t forget all your travel essentials like: • Your mobile phone • Binoculars for keen birdwatchers • Travel umbrella • Chargers and extra batteries • And your camera to record all those fantastic memories!

Summer packing tips

If you’re travelling to Scandinavia between May and September, you can lighten up your layers. But keep in mind that summer nights can still be chilly, especially in the mountains or on the deck of a cruise ship.

Make sure to pack shorts and t-shirts as well as sunglasses, a cap and sunscreen. You’ll still want to have at least one jumper and a light scarf and gloves.

In summer, Northern Europe benefits from extra long days so you may want to bring an eye mask. This will help you if you’re a light sleeper and wake up with the sun.

• Check out summer tours in Scandinavia

Winter packing tips

If you’ve booked a trip to Scandinavia between October and April, then you’ll want to add extra layers to your packing list.

Our local experts recommend you bring woollen jumpers and base layers to keep as warm as possible. Bring a few pairs of thick woollen socks to wear in your winter boots too.

The cities may not be as cold as you expect, but it’s best to be prepared. If you are travelling on a cruise or by the sea, the wind may add an extra factor of cold.

• Browse Scandinavian winter packages

For lighter loads

We recommend bringing a small backpack for your daily essentials since you may not have easy access to your suitcase each day between destinations. Pack your refillable water bottle, snacks, and camera. Your bag can also come in handy for hiking excursions or picnics.

• Contact our travel consultants if you want to know more about travelling in Scandinavia .
• About Scandinavia
• Electricity
• Climate & Weather
• Currencies & Payments
• Driving in Scandinavia
• Flights to Scandinavia
• Health & Safety
• Other Useful Advice
• Phones & Internet
• Post Offices & Stamps
• Public Holidays
• Time & Daylight
• Weights & Measures

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Scandinavians have been travellers for generations.…

Travel is so much easier when…

Want to get featured?

Share your most inspiring travel photos. Use the hashtag #carryOn for your chance to be featured!

We are all pioneers

This declaration applies to North Pioneer with associated websites.

What is a cookie and local storage of data?

When you visit our website different types of data is stored locally on your unit via your browser. This data could e.g. include user settings, information about how you surfed our website, which browser you used, and which ads that were shown.This type of “locally stored data” could be used to customize content and functions of services for you, thereby contributing to a better and more meaningful visit.Cookies do not contain directly identifiable data about you (such as name, address, telephone number etc.), instead the information regards your browser and the activity through it.

What do we use cookies and locally stored data for?

We use locally stored data to:

• Deliver and customize our services to the unit and browser you use
• Give you relevant and customized content
• Measure and analyse traffic on the pages

For more information on our privacy policy see Privacy Policy .

Both North Pioneer and our subcontractors (e.g. Idium AS as supplier of this website) stores data locally on your unit. Eventual subcontractors are subject to the data processing agreement and can not use data for anything other than delivering the service we have ordered from them. For more information on how Idium AS treat personal data see here .

• By Destination
• By Trip Type
• Luggage Expertise
• Packing Tips

The Best Scandinavian Travel Brands

An intimate familiarity with chilly conditions mean Scandinavian brands pretty much have the market cornered on winter clothes—they won’t let you down no matter how wooly or wild the weather gets. But, in seeking out the best Scandinavian brands for travel, we also dug deep for the clothes you’ll want to wear once the jackets come off, and we found plenty of pieces that are cool in the non-weather sense of the word. Best of all, each of our picks shows an impressive dedication to sustainability. Whether through their products, operations, or materials, these brands care about their impact on the environment, a Scandinavian value everyone can get behind.

See recent posts by Jessica Allen

Fjällräven

Thanks to its logo, Fjällräven has become one of the most recognizable Scandinavian travel brands around. You can espy the curled up, winking red fox on shoulders, chests, backs, and bags seemingly everywhere you go. A dedication to sourcing sustainable materials like pesticide-free cotton and organic hemp for their bags and clothes shows Fjällräven’s commitment to protecting the earth even as the company encourages you to get out there and explore it.

Our Fjällräven Pick: Kånken Water Resistant Backpack

Disappointed with available hiking packs, Swedish 14-year-old Åke Nordin grabbed his mother’s sewing machine and set to work. And that’s how the first Fjällräven backpack was born. Today, Fjällräven bags (and tents and jackets and pants and sleeping bags) work as well on a hike through the Himalayas as a stroll down Fifth Avenue. Not only does it come in a range of colors, the cute Kånken can transform from a knapsack to a tote bag.     

Helly Hansen

Named for its Norwegian seafaring founder, Helly Hansen specializes in professional-grade winter wear. Indeed, the Norway-based company continues to solicit feedback on its gear from the folks who really and truly need it the most, among them professional mountain guides, alpine rescuers, and Olympic athletes. So you know that when you pull on an HH jacket, hat, or pair of boots, you’ll be well-protected and 100% insulated from whatever Mother Nature sends your way.   

Our Helly Hansen Pick: Business Beanie

No doubt you’ve heard the old adage about how you lose half your body heat through your head. Science doubts the truth of that exact percentage (sorry, Mom), but no one would dispute that a good hat like the Helly Hansen Business Beanie should form a cornerstone of your winter outfit. It packs a ton of fun, and warmth, into that rib knit. Plus, you can throw it in the washing machine.

Tretorn put luxury sneakers on the map. The Swedish tire manufacturer expanded to galoshes in the 1890s, and later released its uber-simple Nylite sneaker in 1964. That shoe rocketed to fame in the 1980s, when seemingly everyone from Björn Borg to the girl next door sported a pair of the minimalist sneakers. Tretorns even featured prominently in The Official Preppy Handbook . These days, people turn to Tretorn for solidly constructed and utterly fashion-forward shoes and boots.    

Our Tretorn Pick: Lina2

Here’s the ugly truth about rain boots: most of them are ugly. Not so the Lina2 by Tretorn. These boots will have you hoping for drizzle and wishing for flurries. A rainbow elastic panel helps you get the shoe on while offsetting the stylish, shiny black rubber outer layer. Even better, they fit true to size.

WeSC stands for “We are the Superlative Conspiracy.” Conspiracy is right. After its founding in Stockholm in 1999, the streetwear brand became popular through word of mouth, spreading from skateboarders and snowboarders to artists and musicians and beyond. A pervasive ‘do your own thing’ attitude runs through its aesthetic, which tends toward bold patterns and somewhat extreme sizing of its clothes, either very skinny or rather roomy.    

Our WeSC Pick: Ane Leggings

If there’s a more multipurpose travel item than leggings , we’ve yet to find it. You can wear them on the plane, use them to transform the look of a shirt or sweater, throw them on for a run or yoga class, or layer them under jeans for unexpectedly chilly climes when you’re on the road. WeSC’s are form-fitting—as leggings should be—but their potent pattern will jazz up your stems—and your travels.

A great pair of gloves is a godsend, but the best clothes for your fingers feel God-made. Swedish brand Hestra got its start making gloves for lumberjacks, and the same commitment to marrying durability with comfort continues to be seen in the company’s gloves, even as its offerings have expanded. Some gloves are made for formality, others for getting your hands dirty, but each and every one is individually cut and stitched by hand.  

Our Hestra Pick: Ski Gloves

Having recently lost both gloves at the exact same time, we rushed home to order Hestra’s Guide gloves ahead of the next nor’easter. Leather on the outside, wool on the inside, these bad boys are designed for mountaineering, which makes them ideal for wandering everywhere it’s cold. The only thing that would make these gloves more perfect, in our humble opinion, would be “find my gloves” tech.

Acne Studios

Born out of an arts collective in 1996 in Stockholm, Acne Studios retains its edginess, even as it shows at Paris Fashion Week and opens stores around the globe. Speaking of brick-and-mortar, its stores, generally located in out-of-the-way neighborhoods, are more art gallery than retail space, all the better to showcase fashion-forward clothes and accessories (think baggy pinstripe suits and handbags that scream “Gloom and Glam”). And, for the record, Acne doesn’t refer to a lamentable dermatological event but instead stands for “Ambition to Create Novel Expressions.”    

Our Acne Studios Pick: Peg High Waist Skinny Jeans

Casting about for their first item to design, Acne’s founders settled on denim. After all, nearly everyone wears jeans. The first raw denim line was a huge hit, but the brand recently updated the look, feel, and materials of its jeans. The Peg High Waist Skinny Jeans capture two trends in one: an awesome high waist tapering into a stretchy, delightful slim fit.

Even while traveling, dressing is about more than protecting oneself from the elements. It’s about putting on a personality and showing the world you are, or who you aspire to be. Taking its name from the elite British boarding school that educated Princes William and Harry as well as several prime ministers, the Swedish shirt maker Eton has come to represent exquisitely tailored shirts made from the finest materials. Collars are as crisp as upper lips are stiff.

Our Eton Pick: Flower Foulard Scarf

Depending on your individual tastes, you might find an Eton shirt to be the ideal item to stick in your suitcase. For our travel needs, though, we’re opting for this sumptuous wool scarf, hand-painted and made in Italy. It beats a scratchy airline blanket any day, doubles as a pillow, and pulls together our monochromatic capsule wardrobe.

& Other Stories

& Other Stories takes its inspiration straight from the Swedish soul: its clothes are no-nonsense and down-to-earth, and, above all, they worship at the altar of minimalism. Although it sells entire ready-to-wear women’s wardrobes (as well as accessories and beauty), this brand encourages buyers to stay true to themselves, as opposed to shopping a whole identifiable look.

Our & Other Stories Pick: Square Neck Swimsuit

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling somewhere sunny, you’ll want to pack swimwear from & Other Stories. We adore the way the polka dot print emphasizes one’s silhouette by encouraging the eye to roam (in other words, both the pattern and the swimsuit’s construction hide a multitude of sins). A square line and adjustable straps confirm that you can actually swim in this suit—if, that is, you get tired of sitting pretty by the pool. The same print is available in a two-piece , if that’s more your speed.

Rhyming with “market,” Arket seeks to be full-service: in addition to clothes for the whole family, Arket makes home goods, accessories, and luggage. But whether you’re buying a bag or a basket, a plate or a pair of pajamas, a candle or a cashmere scarf, you’ll get a sophisticated product meant to last beyond whatever trend is currently, well, trending.

Our Arket Pick: Soft Leather Ballerinas

Cinderella slipped on a shoe and changed her life. We can’t promise exactly the same results via a pair of ARKET’s ballerinas, but these shoes are pretty incredible. First, they’re beautiful, made from shiny silver leather worked to suppleness in Italy. Second, clever use of elastic makes sure they retain their shape and stay on your feet, no easy feat when you’re dancing the night away with Prince/ss Charming.  

COS is all about reinventing the classics. This Swedish brand, founded in 2007, couples form and function: everything not only looks amazing, it wears equally well. Shop for a hooded jacket, for example, and you’ll have it for decades; buy a cashmere sweater, then consider which of your kids you’ll be leaving it to. Note, however, that long-lasting isn’t code here for “boring.” COS is also known for its collaborations with art, food, architecture, and design innovators such as Dia Art Foundation and Studio Swine.

Our COS Pick: Frilled Shirt Dress

The LBD gets a Swedish upgrade. The frilled shirtdress by COS features an intriguing ruffle, but we particularly like the hidden pockets, designed for securing treasures or keeping your hands warm. Do up all the buttons for a casual look, or keep it loose and open for a fun, flirty feel. Just don’t forget to pack it.   

H&M probably needs no introduction. From loungewear to work wear, H&M offers something for everything you want to do and everywhere you want to go.  . The Swedish brand struts designs off the catwalks and into your closets in approximately no time at all. The ginormous chain has promised to switch to only using sustainably produced or recycled materials by 2030, and to be climate-positive by 2040. Plus, you can drop off your worn clothes in stores to be recycled.

Our H&M Pick: Velvet Jacket

You can’t go wrong with a velvet blazer like this one from H&M. Use it to liven up jeans, or toss it over a dress to complete your party look. This one is cut a little on the longer size, and can be worn closed with a single silver button. Add big silver hoops or chandeliers to up the fanciness factor.

Like so many fashion houses, Stockholm’s Filippa K was founded by necessity: a woman sought staples that were both practical and chic, so she sat down with her then-husband at their kitchen table, sketched out her vision, and launched a powerhouse. The brand’s clothes are the kind you reach for every day—elegant and polished with perhaps a hint of playfulness.  

Our Filippa K Pick: Asymmetric Kaftan

We did a double take the first time we saw Filippa K’s deceptively unpretentious, calf-length jersey dress. Like pretty much everything by the Scandinavian brand, the asymmetric kaftan is both feminine and becoming. Marketed as a beach-friendly cover-up, the form-fitting dress could totally work in any casual setting. Like, drinks in Stockholm perhaps?

Wood Wood sells active fashion like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, footwear, and swimwear. Puffy coats and sweaters, too. These are clothes for the sporty, or those who aspire to sportiness, and for the young, or the young at heart. In recent years, the Danish company has taken its street-savvy style into collaborations with Barbour, Nike, and Adidas.   

Our Wood Wood Pick: 25/7 Tee

Even non-runners will appreciate the 25/7 tee by Wood Wood. It’s got a pattern inspired by map-making, which will encourage you to head out to explore. Moisture-wicking properties will ensure you stay dry no matter how far you roam—and help guarantee that you’re not packing stinky smells alongside souvenirs, a definite plus when you’re traveling.  

Sandgrens wooden clogs have been made by hand since the early 1900s in Sweden. Today, the brand is still churning out ultra-stylish wooden clogs and clog boots made by highly skilled clog masters. Each pair takes a solid 24 hours to be lovingly produced with natural materials. If you think clogs aren’t for you, then you probably haven’t put a lightweight and comfortable pair on your foot.

Our Sandgrens Pick : Wooden Clog Mules

It’s no secret that we’re obsessed with clogs for summer and winter , they’re essentially the perfect travel shoe. Lightweight, goes with everything, and oh so Scandinavian chic. Plus, they’re designed to last for years. This red pair of Sandgrens clogs is the perfect gateway pair to what’s sure to become a clog obsession. Pro tip: you need to size up.

Related Stories

• The Best Women’s Sneakers That Won’t Eat Up Suitcase Space
• The Ultimate Amsterdam Packing List

All products have been hand-picked by our writers and editors. Items purchased through links may earn us a commission.

Related Tags

Explore more.

22 International Beauty Buys to Brighten Your Quarantine Days

Doing These Online Language Classes Is the Best Thing I’ve Done During Quarantine

The Best Book Subscription Services to Sign Up For Right Now

10 Clever Ways to Keep Your Home Safe

• Carry-On Luggage
• Checked Luggage
• Convertible Carry Luggage
• 4-Wheel Luggage
• 2-Wheel Luggage
• New Arrivals

Adventure-ready wheeled carry-on & checked luggage

• Packing Cubes
• Compression Cubes
• Toiletry Bags
• E-Organization
• Garment Folders
• Sacks & Pouches

Compress bulky items, separate dirty shoes or clothes, and maximize luggage space while packing

• Carry-On Duffels
• Large Duffels
• Rolling Duffels
• Backpack Duffels

Designed & constructed to minimize fabric waste

• Carry-On Backpacks
• Waist & Shoulder Bags
• Travel & Hiking Backpacks

With practical packs & bags for commutes, extended trips, and everyday use

• Luggage Tags & Locks
• Comfort & Necessities
• Money Belts
• RFID Security

With Undercover Hidden Pockets, Money Belts, and more

• Travel Blog
• Sustainability
• No Matter What Warranty
• Find a Store

Find travel tips, adventure checklists, packing hacks & more in our Travel Blog

How To Pack For Scandinavia: The Five-Step Solution

Written by Patrick Gensel on December 16, 2015

Patrick Gensel is a world-roaming, visual storyteller with a special place in his heart for action sports and the natural world. No matter where Patrick is, you can always find him sharing his stories on his website and  Twitter . 

PACKING FOR SCANDINAVIA HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER WITH OUR FIVE-STEP SOLUTION.

A Scandinavian vacation is one of those awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime kind of trips. There are endless things to see and do, whether you are heading to Denmark, Norway, or Sweden. This makes proper packing and planning an essential part of an enjoyable trip. No need to get overwhelmed, though: Our five-step solution will guide you in the process and send you on your way to Scandinavia fully prepared for the trip of a lifetime.

Step 1: Consider The “Why” and “When” Of Your Trip.

Before you can even begin packing, you need to ask yourself why you are traveling to Scandinavia. What do you plan on doing there? Will you be exploring the big cities to sample food and take in the sights? Will you be out in the wilderness camping and hiking? Your planned activities will help dictate what you need to bring with you. Another thing to consider is the time of year you plan to travel. The Scandinavian countries are quite far north, so weather can be a big factor in planning your trip. Winter can be quite cold and snowy in parts, while summer can often be quite mild, so be sure to pack according to the expected weather during your trip.

Consider The “Why” and “When” Of Your Trip Tip: In a region as big as Scandinavia, figuring out where to go can be a daunting task. Start by looking for activities that are popular in the season and area you will be traveling. For example, if you are going to Northern Norway during the winter months, dog sledding might be a great choice.

Step 2: Focus on Suitcase Strategy.

When packing for any trip, it’s important to have the right bags; otherwise, you will struggle to throughout the trip to stay organized, find what you need, and get around. The “why” and “when” you nailed down in Step 1 will help dictate what kind of luggage you need. Because I spend a lot of my trips outdoors, I often bring the  biggest backpack  I can carry on the plane with me. This will play double duty as a carry-on and as a daypack for hiking and such when I get to my destination. With so much outdoor adventure in Scandinavia, especially Norway, it makes sense to follow this same strategy. In addition to my carry-on bag, I like to check a  large duffel , which is helpful if I plan on taking a sleeping bag and tent — or any other large items — with me.

Focus on Suitcase Strategy Tip: Compartmentalize your packing by using smaller  packing organizers inside each of your bags. This will make finding things a cinch throughout your trip.

Step 3: Bring Your Maps.

With so many roads and trails in the Scandinavian countries, it’s easy to get turned around or lost while you’re wandering about. Though smartphones are handy for navigation, you may not always have service, so it’s a good idea to have a physical map to not only help you find your way, but also quite possibly take you to places you may not have otherwise found.  

Bring Your Maps Tip: If you forget to bring a map, you can often find cheap or complimentary ones in touristy areas or at your hotel.

Step 4: Pack For Your Itinerary.

By this point, I’m sure you have a few activities planned for your trip, or at the very least, have a rough idea as to what you’ll be doing. Focus your packing by choosing the necessary items for those specific activities. For example, if you visit in the winter and are thinking about going dog sledding in the north, pack a warm jacket, winter pants, and boots to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Pack For Your Itinerary Tip: If you need a specific item for your trip, do your best to try and bring it from home, as prices in Scandinavia can be quite high by American standards.

Step 5: Remember Your Camera — And The Right Accessories.

Being a photographer at heart, this step is essential to any trip I plan, even more so if I’m traveling to a place I have never been before. If you plan to be out in the wild on your trip, and you are taking a camera with an interchangeable lens, pack a wide-angle lens to capture all the beautiful landscapes this region has to offer. If you also plan to explore urban Scandinavia, pack a short telephoto as well to get tighter shots. A lens that is around the 24-105mm range works great for travel photos.

Remember Your Camera Tip: Don’t forget extra batteries as well!

Read More From the Travel Blog

What is a red eye flight insider tips and survival strategies.

Discover the ins and outs of red-eye flights: overnight travel tips, pros and cons, and why they're called 'red-eye’ flights.

Beach Vacation Packing List: What to Pack for a Beach Vacation

We've curated a list of essentials to ensure you're well-prepared for any beach adventure.

The Ultimate Travel Packing List: How to Pack for Any Vacation

Packing for a trip? This complete list covers what things to pack for international vacations and must-have essentials.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.

High-quality luggage from Scandinavia!

The successful Swedish brand EPIC Travelgear was founded in 2004 by the company Scandinavian Travel Innovation in Gothenburg. EPIC products stand above all for lightness, reliability, robustness and high functionality. The colorful, crazy design paired with the unique Hexacore surface structure make the polycarbonate trolleys an irresistible travel companion. Resistant to breakage and scratches, the self-confident Swedes give an exceptionally long guarantee on their sophisticated products. Manufactured from the highest quality materials, EPIC trolleys shine in a chic splendor and make the company a new, hot top candidate in our product portfolio.

EPIC - The name says it all!

Just take a look around, EPIC has something for every occasion and taste!

Das könnte auch noch interessant sein...

Top brands at koffer-direkt.de

*During the promotion period you will receive an additional discount of up to 30% on selected items in our store! Participating articles are marked with the corresponding discount. You save up to 70% on the manufacturer's recommended retail price. The discount is automatically deducted in the shopping cart. The discount is valid once per order and cannot be combined with other promotions / prepayment discounts. Cash payment and/or conversion is not possible. Individual brands, articles, already reduced articles or colors of an article may be excluded from the promotion.

The Best Carry-On Luggage

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.

Traveling well is not always easy. Keeping your suitcase with you when you fly not only protects your belongings from loss or damage but may help you avoid extra fees as well.

If you decide to do so, you need a good carry-on bag.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve handled, tested, and traveled with 67 bags from more than 35 brands, and we remain convinced that the Travelpro Platinum Elite offers the best balance of value and quality for most travelers.

It packs five days’ worth of clothes into standard US carry-on dimensions 1 and has premium touches you might expect from a $600 bag at about half the price.

It’s a bag that you can rely on for life, even if it’s damaged by airlines —a rarity at any price.

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

The best soft-sided carry-on.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, plus high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard

A bit more capacity and extra wheel durability.

This two-wheeled carry-on bag isn’t as maneuverable, but it offers slightly more space, a garment folder, and larger, more durable wheels.

Away The Carry-On

The best hard-sided carry-on.

This great-looking and relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage has top-of-the-line components—including wheels as smooth-rolling as any we’ve tested.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Slightly more room, but you might get checked.

With more capacity than Away’s standard carry-on, this suitcase is sized appropriately for most flights. On smaller planes, though, you may get gate-checked.

Budget pick

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Lightweight and appealingly inexpensive.

Remarkably well priced for a reputable brand, this is an ideal lightweight pick and provides many features of luggage costing nearly twice as much.

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

A soft-sided carry-on that fits more in less.

This carry-on bag offers superlative build quality, plenty of expandable room, and a uniquely effective compression system. It’s a buy-it-for-life suitcase.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On

More room, bigger wheels, less maneuverability.

If you’re willing to give up maneuverability for more space and bigger wheels, this is also a great option.

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

A more luxe hard-sided carry-on.

Luxury touches and a strong polycarbonate and aluminum design give this bag a standout look with exceptional feel and performance. It does cost nearly $200 more than the comparably sized Away bag, though.

Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage

A bag built for tough conditions.

A polycarbonate back and rugged wheels make this design suited for rougher travel over difficult surfaces. However, it has a limited warranty, and it’s somewhat unwieldy to handle.

What to consider

Four-wheel bags, aka spinners, are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two-wheel bags will always be more durable .

Hard-sided looks better to most people, but soft-sided luggage withstands the bumps and knocks of travel for longer .

Plenty of reputable brands offer lifetime warranties; it’s generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind .

Depending on where you travel, you might need to look for specialty luggage sizes .

We’ve also included picks that stood out for their form and individual functionality: an upgrade with best-in-class compression, a pick made of polycarbonate , an upgraded hard-sided case with latch closures and an aluminum frame, a rolling soft-top hybrid , and a budget pick that’s also the best ultra-light suitcase we can find.

Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line of luggage is still our top pick after 10 years of testing. It addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price while offering the best warranty against potential airline damage in the industry (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase, which you can do in minutes).

The Platinum Elite features smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, as well as solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. Travelpro also provides a full catalog of other replaceable parts . Instead of chasing the smart-bag moment, Travelpro added an exterior pocket with a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And weighing less than 8 pounds when empty, the Platinum Elite is dead in the center of average weight for bags this size.

In our view, soft-sided luggage lasts longer and shows less wear, but if you prefer the look of a hard-sided bag, Away’s The Carry-On is our choice. Like our other picks, this bag stands out for its high-end components: YKK zippers, smooth-running wheels, and a well-braced handle. Its strong but flexible polycarbonate shell shows scratches—however, after seven years of using the Away Carry-On, our testers have found that it is capable of enduring most of the trials of travel with fewer knocks than other similar models we’ve tested.

Away also makes a slightly larger version of the same model: The Bigger Carry-On . It conforms to carry-on size for most major airliners, but you might be asked to gate-check it on smaller planes.

Similar to our soft-sided picks, this Away bag is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. And though the coverage doesn’t explicitly protect against airline damage, it does apply to any damage that an airline could possibly dish out—specifically, but not limited to, the shell cracking or wheels breaking off.

Some companies have tried to shave off a few pounds from their standard luggage designs to make so-called ultra-light luggage. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is the best of these bags we’ve seen, and it comes with the pedigree of our top pick but not quite as strong a warranty.

The Maxlite 5 is just over 2 pounds lighter than our top pick—that’s the weight of two or three pairs of jeans. It’s not a huge difference, but if you have trouble lifting luggage over your head and prefer an easier-to-manage suitcase, the Maxlite 5 may be your choice. This bag is also the best one we’ve found under $200, with almost all the benefits of luggage nearly twice the price.

For the more frequent flyer who is willing to invest in a higher-quality bag, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On . Every detail of this bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and it has a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested.

Briggs & Riley boosts this extra capacity with a ratcheting compression system that easily presses an entire extra outfit (if not more) into the same external dimensions as most other carry-ons. It’s simple, impressive, and unmatched by any other brand’s compression system.

The Expandable Spinner version is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder, which helps shirts and pants stay wrinkle-free if you pack them well. If things go awry, Briggs & Riley has a catalog of replaceable parts and a global network of repair centers , as well as a reliable lifetime warranty covering repairs for airline damage.

For some people, Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On may be worth the extra cost. Behind the maturity of Italian leather accents and polish of higher-end Hinomoto wheels, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On bypasses the biggest compromise in most polycarbonate designs: the stitched-in zipper. Incorporating an aluminum frame around the center of the case and two latch locks, it feels comfortingly secure and well structured where other luggage tends to sag or bend away.

There’s a potential catch, however: The flex in a polycarbonate design (and most luggage, incidentally) is its strength. The more robust a piece of luggage becomes—by replacing, for instance, a zipper with an aluminum frame—the greater the chance that if something hits the case hard enough, the frame can bend or break. That said, you need to hit a frame like this with an extreme amount of focused force for that to happen. And Carl Friedrik provides a lifetime warranty that appears to cover airline damage in the event that an airline doesn’t compensate you within 14 days.

The Yeti Crossroads 22”/35L Wheeled Luggage represents the best of a relatively niche type of luggage design. Call it a hybrid model—a blend of a soft-sided luggage on top and hard-sided luggage on the back—that lends itself to fairly specific circumstances. It’s ideal for tough roads, broken streets, and slamming your luggage into uneven curbs with abandon. Do most people need this kind of luggage for their day-to-day travel? Absolutely not, and it can feel heavier than it really is. But if you do, this is the best there is—at least for the moment.

The Yeti Crossroads has everything you might expect from a brand that has built its reputation for over-the-top toughness and durability. The two heavy-duty wheels are among the largest and broadest that we’ve seen. Externally, Yeti blends a polycarbonate shell back with a water-resistant 700-denier nylon front and waterproof zippers. However, Yeti backs its luggage with only a three-year warranty and no mention of airline damage. That’s very limited protection, especially for the conditions this bag was designed for and definitely in comparison with the standards that our other picks set.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, our pick for the best carry-on luggage: travelpro platinum elite, our pick for the best hard-sided carry-on luggage: away the carry-on, budget pick: travelpro maxlite 5 carry-on spinner, upgrade pick for the best carry-on: briggs & riley baseline essential, upgrade pick for the best hard-sided carry-on: carl friedrik the carry-on, also great for tough conditions: yeti crossroads 35l wheeled luggage, other good carry-on luggage, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been covering luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade and have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. Over the years we’ve also spoken with plenty of experts: flight attendants for major airlines, product designers and creative directors for luggage and gear companies, and travel and gear writers. My conversations with these people have helped shape our coverage, and we owe much to their collective knowledge.

In the 10 years we’ve been covering this category, luggage has evolved, and so has our thinking about what makes the best carry-on for most people. After spending well over 200 hours doing research and interviews and easily twice that time conducting hands-on testing, we’ve seen a few truths become clear. First, at a certain threshold—roughly over $200—most luggage is fine. It will more than likely get you from point A to point B without incident many times a year for many years. What distinguishes great luggage from everything else is mostly an attention to detail—the quality of a bag’s handle, its wheels, the frame, and stitching—and a company’s guarantee that it will stand behind its product.

Every year we try to refine our testing and find new ways to consider what it means to be the best luggage. We’ve weighed and measured suitcases, comparing our results with company claims. We’ve calculated true internal capacity with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls 2 and some decently complex math for a writer to scratch out. We’ve packed and unpacked more bags than I care to remember. We’ve studied and compared wheel bearings, wheel sizes, pocket counts, pocket quality, the curious subtleties of garment bags that will (or more often won’t) keep your clothes wrinkle-free, the strength of warranties, and repairability.

We believe that any maximally sized carry-on should be capable of holding enough clothes to last you five days with room to spare for miscellaneous necessities. Most years we aim to have two testers, one male and one female, pack two bags individually as if headed to the same wedding. 3 What we included isn’t representative of a family traveling or a couple splitting a bag, but we erred on the side of bulky, and we hope it gives you a clear idea of how much of your own stuff these bags will hold.

We looked at how each bag loaded. Was there an easy way to keep smaller items (such as socks and underwear) organized? Did it have compression straps to keep things in place? Were the straps thick enough to avoid creasing the clothes? Just how much would the bag compress? How much room was left over? Once packed, was the bag prone to tipping over?

Over the years I’ve torn bags apart to see how the frames were put together, taken apart wheels, dismantled handles, and more or less treated luggage as poorly as one person could. I’ve wheeled loaded bags around many neighborhoods, looking at how well each bag rolled and how well it handled broken sidewalks, uneven pavement, grass, bricks, dirt, and curbs. I’ve dragged bags up and down two flights of concrete stairs, noting how easy this task was and how much damage the bags sustained. For our finalists, I’ve repeated the torture test along a second, even rougher route because I like the sound that polycarbonate luggage makes when it bounces down cavernous stairwells.

In fall 2023, we asked a panel of paid testers with a wide range of body types, dexterities, and mobilities to examine our picks and share their perspectives. We’ve incorporated their feedback in this review.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is our pick for a soft-sided carry-on; if you need a little more room, we also recommend the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard .

It has a history of great performance. Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line has been our top pick for almost every iteration of this guide because it addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price: In addition to smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, it features solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid 7.8-pound internal chassis. Travelpro backs it all with a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage and shipping to the repair facility (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase). Additionally, Travelpro supplies a full catalog of other replaceable parts .

It moves well across most surfaces and through most situations. The spinner bag’s configuration stands out in particular because of its MagnaTrac wheels, which magnetically snap into a forward position when the bag is moving. The small tracking assistance makes a large difference when you’re navigating the Platinum Elite through a crowded airport or down a busy street. It also has an easy-to-use, removable garment bag. After years of testing, we think the superior maneuverability of spinner luggage, along with improvements in manufacturing processes, makes four-wheel bags a better choice for most people. However, if you prefer slightly more packing capacity (the equivalent of squeezing in two more sweatshirts), larger wheels that run more smoothly over rough terrain, and a more protective built-in garment folder, 4 you may appreciate the two-wheeled 22-inch version of the Platinum Elite. One of our paid testers, who’s 6-foot-6, told us that although he could see the appeal of a spinner, “I would still choose the two-wheeler. It has a little more space, and when you’re my size, packing is just so horrible.”

It’s sized to maximize your space, but you have options. Measuring 23 by 13.5 by 9 inches, the Platinum Elite carry-on bag (in either wheel configuration) hits the upper margins of actual carry-on size limits and could get you gate-checked by an overzealous agent. However, it fits into most standard-size baggage caddies at check-in, including that of American Airlines and United Airlines. I’ve personally traveled with Travelpro carry-ons this size for more than 45,000 miles spread across 50 flights, from regional to long-haul to international routes, and I’ve never had an issue fitting within gate-side luggage sizers. If you’re nervous about getting caught at the gate or often fly in very small regional planes, Travelpro makes a 20-inch Platinum Elite as well as a slimmer international size, but they hold less (naturally) and lack a suiter insert.

It keeps clothes compacted but not creased. Inside, the Platinum Elite has a pair of tie-down straps and two broad panels with pockets that cinch down, similar in design and function to what you’d find in much more expensive Briggs & Riley luggage . Compared with the simple tie-down straps you often find in cheaper luggage, the panels do a great job of keeping things compacted without creasing clothes—a problem we’ve encountered in numerous other bags we’ve tested. Beyond that, the Platinum Elite’s internal organization system is about average. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means there’s no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. One long mesh pocket sits on one of the bag’s sides, and a smaller removable transparent plastic bag sits on the other side for easy TSA inspection of toiletries.

It’s tough yet flexible. The exterior is made of a hard-wearing nylon fabric, a key feature of all the bags we’ve tested. It hides scuffs and scratches, and it’s much more versatile than hard-sided bags. An expansion zipper lets you increase storage by about 30% in a pinch—although the bag is no longer carry-on compliant at that point. We prefer to use the expansion zipper as something of an ad-hoc compression system: We unzip the expansion zipper while packing the bag and then zip it at the end, tamping everything down tight. The Platinum Elite carry-on also has a variety of convenient exterior pockets, including two in the front, suitable for a sleep mask and other small miscellaneous items, and one on the side for a battery, though it can fit a bit more if necessary. It also has an accordion pocket on the front for magazines and electronic tablets.

It’s well balanced and spacious. This luggage has an 1,856-cubic-inch interior, which we measured using hundreds of Ping-Pong balls . In real-world terms (the needs of Ping-Pong champions notwithstanding), the Platinum Elite swallowed up five days’ worth of clothes with no problem and had a good deal of room to spare—and that’s without our resorting to the expansion zipper.

It has an excellent warranty. Should anything go wrong, you can take advantage of Travelpro’s generous lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage . The sole other company we’ve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose carry-on suitcases start at about $500. Travelpro bags have owner-serviceable parts and multiple repair centers . To get repair service, you can either drop the bag off at a repair center or ship the bag to Travelpro, the cost of which the company will cover. Keep in mind that the warranty doesn’t cover cosmetic wear.

Travelpro has a history of fixing production errors remarkably quickly. In 2019, we noticed a small uptick in Wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs breaking. We reached out to Travelpro, and a representative told us that a production error expanded the capacity of the front pocket of the Platinum Elite; this allowed travelers to overpack the pocket, which put excessive strain on the zipper. Travelpro identified and fixed the issue before it had reached the threshold of more than a few comments online.

Dimensions: 23.5 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.8 pounds Volume: 46 liters

How the Platinum Elite has held up

After nearly a decade of testing the Platinum Elite line of bags from Travelpro, we have yet to encounter a single serious issue. The fabric exterior brushes off scrapes and is easy enough to clean. Simply, it is a remarkably built bag that continues to travel well, year after year.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though the Platinum Elite rolled well in general, we are still concerned when dragging the bag up stairs. Some of the other bags we tested had long plastic bumper strips running most of the way up the length of the bag; this Travelpro model’s skid plate isn’t as big or as protective. I haven’t had an issue, but if you’re particularly rough on your luggage or uncomfortable lifting the bag over curbs or up stairs, it’s something to be aware of.

• In 2018, Travelpro added a USB-A pass-through cable to the Platinum Elite as a way to compete with so-called smart bags. We like the battery pocket, but the built-in cable itself, which routes from the pocket to a USB port less than 6 inches away, is an unnecessary item, which at best adds a potential point of failure to the bag—USB cables do not last forever. Does it ruin the bag? No. Is it a feature? Not really.

If you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage or the security of knowing that you can’t overpack your suitcase, Away’s The Carry-On is the carry-on we recommend. If you want to maximize your available carry-on space, it also comes in a slightly larger size: The Bigger Carry-On .

It can take wear and tear. Most travelers are still better off with one of our soft-sided picks than a hard-sided carry-on; soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. But the Away Carry-On’s wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than that of hard-sided competitors.

We’ve tested the Away Carry-On for six years, traveling with it ourselves across the country and lending several units to testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using the bag. Its polycarbonate feels similar to that used on more high-end (and significantly pricier) suitcases such as the Rimowa Essential Cabin , which is more than three times as expensive.

You have options if you need extra space. Away makes a similar model of suitcase with an expandable zipper, The Carry-On Flex . The Flex is the same bag as the standard Carry-On except for the expanding center zipper and the price (it’s about $50 more). Personally, I’m not a fan of expanding zippers on suitcases. It feels like just one more thing to break. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility.

It feels great to use. The bag itself feels good in the hands, and the wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we tried. Away also uses YKK zippers, outclassing our top pick in that regard (Travelpro moved to Supra zippers in 2015). At this point, we’re pretty comfortable saying that years of debate over the best zipper are largely redundant, but YKK still sets the standard.

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Away has sparked more imitators and outright duplicates than any other brand in the past decade, in part due to its appeal with younger travelers. I’ve thought about why, and as best as I can guess, a simple polycarbonate cube dripped in limited-edition soft hues does exude a certain calm; the fact that some of those same colors also coat the exteriors of pills ending in suffixes -ax and -il is not, one assumes, accidental.

It has a great warranty. The Away Carry-On is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects and parts breaking. Though the warranty doesn’t specifically mention airline damage, the damages it does list—cracks or breaks in the shell, wheels or handles becoming unusable, zippers that don’t work, fabric tears that render any pocket unusable—basically outline anything an airline could possibly dish out.

Dimensions (for The Carry-On): 21.7 by 14.4 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.5 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• The Carry-On’s sleek style comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks.
• It lacks certain amenities, such as external pockets and a suiter, that our top picks have.
• The clamshell design, which splits down the middle and opens into two parts, can make the bag frustrating to pack and unpack. Packing cubes help, but after years of packing and unpacking soft-sided luggage with a single lid, I personally find a clamshell design to be more finicky when packing.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is one of the lightest pieces of luggage we’ve tested, at a great price.

It’s lightweight. We have a hard time imagining how anyone could make a suitcase much lighter than this without breaking certain laws of physics. A few years ago, I took apart a Maxlite suitcase to see how the internal frame was built. What I found beneath the fabric was a clever lattice of plastic supporting the frame, which offered the best balance between weight-saving and structure.

For some people, especially those with limited upper-body strength, a lighter bag—even by just a few pounds—may be easier to lift or manage. That said, most people don’t need extremely light luggage, but just to pack less. For all the innovative design, the Maxlite 5 shaves only 2.4 pounds off the weight of our top pick. That’s the equivalent of a couple of pairs of jeans.

It’s inexpensive. My general advice to friends is to spend more than $200 but less than $500 to get good, if not great, luggage. The Maxlite 5 is the one piece of luggage I’ve found that breaks that rule. You can usually find it for about $150 or less, which is a remarkable price considering the bag’s quality.

Simple is good. This model doesn’t have any real bells or whistles—no battery pass-throughs or magnetically tracked wheels, as with our other Travelpro picks. Instead you’ll find two simple front pockets, a few well-placed handles, and a cavernous main compartment with a couple of pockets and two light straps to hold your stuff in place.

It comes from a trusted brand. We haven’t covered, examined, and interrogated a single luggage brand at Wirecutter for as long as we have Travelpro. For a decade, Travelpro has done a premier job of maintaining trust with its customers and with us—we’ve watched the company make small changes in design, catch flaws quickly, and address warranty concerns promptly. This is not something we say lightly: Travelpro is a name you can trust.

Dimensions: 23 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 5.4 pounds Volume: 46 liters

• The Maxlite 5’s warranty isn’t as robust as that of our top pick: Manufacturing defects in the wheels, zippers, and handles are covered for as long as you own the bag, but airline damage and shipping to a Travelpro repair center are covered only for the first year. (And you do need to register the bag.) Considering that this bag costs half the price of the Platinum Elite, this makes sense, but it’s something to be aware of.

If you’re a frequent flyer and willing to invest in higher-quality gear, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner (also available in a two-wheeled version with more capacity).

It’s the best of the best. Every detail of this top-rated bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and we found that it had a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested. Briggs & Riley keeps its design consistent, adding, at most, small improvements such as this year’s upgraded lifting handle. Our 6-foot-6 paid tester pointed out that the Baseline Essential’s handle extended an inch and a half farther than that of the Travelpro Platinum Elite, which made it less likely to hit his heels as he pulled it.

Although the wheels don’t snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth-rolling and easy to maneuver. If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, it’s worthwhile to invest in luggage that goes beyond merely being sturdy and actually improves your overall travel experience. That’s why we’ve been recommending it since we first covered this topic in 2014. The Baseline Essential is one of the best carry-on luggage options available today.

Its compression system is truly a marvel. The most ingenious part of the Baseline Essential bag is its CX expansion and compression system. Pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag, and you can extend its depth a full 2.5 inches. Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed. Then you push down on the bag, which compresses it as a clip mechanism secures it in place. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. It’s a unique design and very satisfying to use.

It’s the easiest to pack. Briggs & Riley placed the tracks for the Baseline Essential handles on the outside of the bag, which allows for a flat surface in the interior of the bag, with no small crevices to work around for simple packing. And in our tests, after packing 10 bags and trying to figure out strategies for each nook and cranny, packing on a broad flat surface felt like a luxury. According to our measurements, the bag, unexpanded, offers 1,905 cubic inches of storage room (and that accounts for the space occupied by the wheel wells and such). Expanded, it can stow 2,110 cubic inches. That’s remarkably efficient for a bag that does so much. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested.

The Baseline Essential spinner is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder. It’s similar to the folder in Travelpro’s two-wheeled Platinum Elite bag, and that’s a good thing. It’s easy to pack and has an anchor point for hangers. Each of the three folds has a bit of padding that helps to keep a suit from pinching onto itself and creasing, though much of that depends on how well you pack. You can fit a week’s worth of clothes in the Baseline Essential, including some puffy gear for colder weather. A wide, wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package.

It’s understated. On the outside, the Baseline Essential is pretty unremarkable. There’s nothing eye-grabbing about the bag, which is good if you’re trying to avoid being gate-checked (or having it stolen). Its outer, nylon fabric seems to be of a tighter weave than that used on the other bags we’ve tested. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK.

Similar to our top pick, the Baseline Essential includes a charging pocket. However, Briggs & Riley skipped the internal USB wiring, instead opting for a simple pocket arrangement (video) on the back of the bag for discreetly storing a charge pack and your phone. It’s an elegant solution.

It comes with an excellent warranty. All Briggs & Riley bags come with a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the “functional aspects” of the bag, even if caused by an airline (like Travelpro, Briggs & Riley does not cover cosmetic wear or cleaning). Although Briggs & Riley handles warranty-covered repairs at no extra cost, you do have to pay to ship the bag to the company to carry out any repairs; it will ship your bag back to you for free. Or you can drop off the bag at one of the many repair centers . Briggs & Riley emphasizes that returning your bag to you in its original condition, even after repairs, is not always possible. The bags are easy to service and repair, so you can also order the parts you need and replace them yourself at home.

We’ve put in the miles, and the Baseline Essential is in a separate league. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter founder Brian Lam carried a two-wheeled Baseline Essential carry-on while traveling 150,000 miles and farther. After considering all the bags in our test and logging an additional 40,000 miles with a similarly priced bag by Tumi, he was convinced that this model is the best for anyone who’s always on the move. “I love this bag. It carries so much,” Brian said. “Sometimes I check it. Sometimes I carry it. It always fits.”

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 (expands to 11.5) inches (HWD) Weight: 10 pounds Volume: 37 liters (expands to 48 liters)

• Despite the plastic shielding, the exposed rails on the exterior could use more protection. While dragging the bag up stairs (which we don’t advise doing), we felt more scraping than we’d like.
• At first glance, the handle feels too loose for a roughly $700 bag. We spoke to Briggs & Riley representatives, and they explained that this is a deliberate choice: The looser tolerances allow for the handle to retract by itself when you click its button, without your having to force it down. In practice, this is very helpful for scaling stairs and could save you some hassle in tight quarters, such as in the aisle of an airplane.
• At 10 pounds, the Baseline Essential is the heaviest bag we recommend. In this price range, weight often equals durability, which equals quality. But if you’re uncomfortable with a heavier bag, this isn’t the best pick for you.

Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On is an impressive polycarbonate case that improves in areas where most other companies tend to cut corners.

It’s robust and durable. It improves the usual hard-case design primarily by replacing the zipper with an aluminum frame sealed with two metal latches incorporating TSA locks. This trim makes the case feel far more robust, which is a very satisfying feeling when you’re wheeling luggage around an airport.

Clasping shut an aluminum frame with a metal lock is pleasing—it feels like closing a safe and locking it tight. The polycarbonate shell has an equally rigid feeling but exhibits plenty of flexibility under strain. Although it’s difficult to compare polycarbonates between brands, higher-end polycarbonate feels dense to the touch even as the material flexes; in this piece of luggage, Carl Friedrik offers impressive quality.

Additionally, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On has YKK zippers internally and Hinomoto spinner wheels from Japan—both considered the top of their class.

It’s thoughtfully styled. The soft leather accents and bolted frame all have a certain maturity that’s often lacking in other, competing cases. This look carries to the inside of the luggage as well. A simple gray polyester lining accompanies two sets of compression straps and a removable compression pad, which has a zippered pocket.

It has an excellent warranty. As you might expect for the price, Carl Friedrik backs up its luggage with a lifetime warranty that protects against airline damage (assuming the airline hasn’t responded to your request for compensation within 14 days).

Dimensions: 21.6 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8.6 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• This is a brand-new pick—so far we haven’t found any flaws, but we’re keeping an eye on the latches. Luggage latches are small, complicated mechanical devices that have a myriad of ways to fail.
• The handle feels just a touch loose, which, as with our upgrade pick from Briggs & Riley , can be a benefit. It can also sometimes be a hazard. Again, we’ll continue testing it.

Hybrid designs like the Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage aren’t for everyone, but if you like the flexibility of a soft-sided luggage with the hard-hitting ruggedness of a polycarbonate back and two large fixed wheels, then this bag is just right.

It’s made from tough materials and easy-to-repair parts. Yeti has a reputation for using tough, sometimes cutting-edge, materials in all its gear. The Crossroads is no exception. The 700-denier nylon is one of the better nylons we’ve tested—tightly woven and exceptionally durable. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.)

The Crossroads comes in only a two-wheeled design, which is usually able to withstand more damage than a four-wheeled design. The wheels are also easier to service on the road and often replaceable. 5

It’s well organized. It includes a front panel organizer, similar to that of modern laptop backpacks, with two slots for your laptop and tablet plus a mesh pocket for spare gear. Fully packed, it still has room for a few magazines as well, if you like. Internally, the soft top has a zippered main compartment with a decent amount of packing space, as well as two mesh organizing pockets.

It’s a pleasure to pack. As the Crossroads is built around a molded polycarbonate base, the entire suitcase becomes, in essence, a large tray to pack and then zip shut. It’s a very satisfying design—easier to manage than many of the clamshell designs that are currently popular. Yeti’s packing cubes are designed to fit snugly in the Crossroads’s main compartment, and the bag does come with one small cube. But if you choose these, you’re spending a premium for additional packing cubes when almost any packing cube will work.

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• We’d love to see a better warranty. Three years is very limited when compared with other luggage brands selling similarly priced suitcases—especially for a bag that claims to be as tough as the brand’s reputation.
• Occasionally, Yeti’s tough-gear reputation veers almost into absurdity, as with the inclusion here of self-sealing zippers on a bag that isn’t actually waterproof—merely weather resistant. They’re top-of-the-line zippers. But self-sealing zippers can be hard to operate and require regular lubrication, which most people aren’t used to providing.
• The front-facing laptop organizer is woefully unshielded. If you’re traveling with a laptop, place it deep within the bag if you want it properly protected.
• The bag feels heavy—by our measurements, it weighs about a half pound more than Yeti’s 7.5-pound estimation. It’s not the heaviest of our picks, but something about the weight distribution and shape of the bag makes it feel heavier when you’re swinging it around.

If you need a hard-sided budget bag: Look at the Gregory Quadro Hardcase 22″ , an unexpectedly high-quality suitcase from an outdoor-gear company. Gregory offers a lifetime warranty with service and repair. Although the warranty doesn’t explicitly mention airline damage, Gregory’s good reputation speaks for itself in this matter. However, the Quadro Hardcase is a pound heavier (at 6.5 pounds) and about $60 more than our budget pick.

If the Away Carry-On is sold out: Consider the Monos Carry-On Plus . Picking between these two models came down to splitting some very fine hairs. Both use YKK zippers. Both have lifetime warranties. The handles and interiors are almost identical. Monos even hides the stitching that attaches the zipper to the polycarbonate frame, which is a nice aesthetic touch. The difference came down to the Away Carry-On’s wheels, which spun just that much more freely in our testing, and the underside handle, which made it easier to pull out of overhead bins. And we’ve tested the Away Carry-On for longer. However, if it’s unavailable, the Monos model is a good, nearly identical substitute.

If you want a bag made of recycled materials: We suggest the Paravel Aviator Carry-On . Paravel is attempting to design luggage with recycled materials and some environmentally minded transparency to the company’s production methods. However, you pay a premium for the effort. Quality-wise, the bag is similar to our other hard-sided picks, for about a hundred more dollars. And much of the Paravel branding is built on carbon offsets, which we are deeply skeptical of (though we wish they worked).

If you’re an infrequent adventurer: Try the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller , which could almost be an also-great pick under our hybrid pick . It’s cheaper, has a better warranty (but no explicit coverage for airline damage), and is made from recycled materials. However, the overall build quality is wanting. For example, the polycarbonate shell doesn’t fully cover the tubes for the extendable handle as it does with our hybrid pick. It seems an oversight for bags that are built to knock around.

If the best possible suit-packing experience is all you want, and money is no object: The Vocier C38 Carry-On Luggage is worth a look, despite a few flaws and an $800 price tag. The C38 takes a unique, fold-free approach to packing clothes. Rather than folding garments in on themselves to fit in the bag, it bends the suit around the outside of the luggage frame in a U shape. This packing method creates no creases and therefore no wrinkles. The case is protected by a limited lifetime warranty that doesn’t cover airline damage.

We hope to take a look at the European brand Floyd , which is currently popular on Instagram. At first glance, it’s another piece of luggage looking to appeal to a younger mass audience. But the easy-to-replace polyurethane wheels and bearings—similar to skateboard wheels—do have “user-serviceable parts inside” curb appeal.

We’re currently testing Level8’s Voyageur series of luggage, which features an extra-wide handle. It’s a design trend we’re starting to track with a few lesser-known brands (and, incidentally, a Louis Vuitton case costing several thousand dollars). A wide handle should do two things: It should free up a little more space inside the luggage, and it should improve handling.

Lastly, we’re considering expanding our coverage to include equipment cases like those made by Pelican . Though their appropriate use is very specific, when you need to travel with high-end gear or fragile valuables, Pelican cases more or less set the standard.

Soft-sided carry-on luggage

Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag : We’re generally fans of Cotopaxi’s Allpa line, but this two-wheeled bag falls short. Specifically, the bottom of the bag is split by the zipper, which gives the bag an unstable feeling when it’s standing upright.

Eagle Creek Tarmac XE 4-Wheel 22″ Carry On Luggage : If this bag were about $150 cheaper, it would be a good price for the quality. We like the recycled materials, but the bag lacks framing.

Solo Re:Treat Carry-On Spinner : I appreciate any bag made entirely out of recycled materials, but this model (from a brand owned by the same company that manages Briggs & Riley) felt awfully flimsy. Even with its five-year warranty, I just don’t trust that this bag can go the distance.

Thule Subterra : The clamshell design—similar to the ones you find on hard-sided bags—makes this bag difficult to close if you’re trying to fill it to its full capacity. It just isn’t as easy to use as our soft-sided picks.

Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller : The balance on this bag was decent, and it stood up well unloaded or loaded. Its wheels had a cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter, though, and the abundance of zippers and internal compartments made it tedious to pack.

Tumi Aerotour International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On : At about half the price, this would be a great bag. But paying nearly $700 for a five-year warranty and a bag that doesn’t do nearly as much as a Briggs & Riley suitcase seems a bit silly.

Hard-sided carry-on luggage

Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner : This bag is a surprisingly good carry-on for about $90. However, its ABS plastic shell is not as tough as a polycarbonate shell. It’s worth investing more in your luggage—the bag you choose will last longer and work better.

Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On : The Arlo Skye carry-on is a decent piece of luggage, but it’s hard to square the bag with its cost: $200 more than our pick from Away .

Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition : 10 pounds! At this weight, you’ve lost a quarter of your allowable luggage weight to the suitcase alone, unpacked. And it’s nearly as expensive as our upgrade pick, with a much less satisfying compression system.

Briggs & Riley Torq and Sympatico : Though these collections seek to solve a different problem, neither is as impressive as the Baseline series.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage : We preferred sturdier polycarbonate shells over Calpak’s blended ABS polycarbonate shell. Also, the bag’s handling felt jittery against normal airport floor surfaces.

Delsey Rempart Expandable Spinner Carry-On : At just around $200, the Rempart is a decent budget option. However, the external styling (like layers of pressed sheet pans) is an odd choice. It has some practicality, but only if you’re stacking identical Delsey cases one on top of another, which might happen, I suppose, at some point … maybe.

July Carry On : In the lineup between July, Monos, and Away, July falls just short. We appreciate the lifetime warranty, YKK zippers, and flexible but dense-feeling polycarbonate. But the overall design doesn’t do much to improve on the category (as the Monos bag subtly does).

Level8 Road Runner Pro Carry-On 20″ : This is potentially a decent budget pick at just around $200. But the one-year warranty and the somewhat fiddly TSA lock and front latching panel give us pause.

Lojel Cubo Medium : Although we liked the uncommon top-loading design, the internal organization of the lid made packing this carry-on difficult. We also weren’t impressed by the zippered expansion system, which made the suitcase feel bulkier than our picks.

Lojel Voja Medium : An odd suitcase, this would be a great children’s suitcase or a budget pick—especially if it were under $200. But its current price is steep for a polypropylene blend with a couple of latches.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Chris Ryan.

Airline policies vary, but a general rule is that the bag must be under 45 linear inches—the total sum of the bag’s length, width, and depth. Here’s the current sizing breakdown among the major US airlines:

• Alaska Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Allegiant Air: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• American Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (the dimensions of soft-sided garment bags are allowed to add up to 51 inches)
• Delta Air Lines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Frontier Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches (and less than 35 pounds)
• Hawaiian Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• JetBlue Airways: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Southwest Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches
• Spirit Airlines: 22 by 18 by 10 inches
• Sun Country Airlines: 24 by 16 by 11 inches
• United Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches

We double-checked the measurable packable space of our top picks against the manufacturers’ listed volumes by filling each piece of luggage with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls: 144 Ping-Pong balls weigh exactly 0.5 pound, and each Ping-Pong ball represents approximately 2 cubic inches (PDF) . After weighing each piece of luggage three times to establish an average empty weight, we filled the bags as full as we could with Ping-Pong balls and measured the change in weight. For every half-pound increase in weight we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space.

His five-day travel kit included the following:

• 1 two-piece linen suit on a hanger
• 1 dress shirt on a hanger
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of khakis
• 5 medium-weight to lightweight shirts
• 1 heavy sweater
• 2 flannel shirts
• 5 pairs of boxer briefs
• 5 pairs of sport socks

Her five-day travel kit included the following:

• 1 dress on a hanger
• 1 blazer on a hanger
• 1 blouse on a hanger
• 1 pair of heels
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 1 pair of light sneakers
• 5 pairs of underwear and 3 bras
• 1 pair of yoga pants
• 1 flannel shirt
• 1 hair dryer
• 1 curling iron
• 1 jewelry/makeup kit
• 3 pairs of sport socks
• 4 lightweight shirts

You use a garment folder by laying a suit or dress across the panels, folding them into themselves, and zipping up the inner compartment. A folder should be wide enough that a suit isn’t cramped, and it should include hanger straps (which should fit around everything, even larger plastic hangers) to keep things from shifting around too much. Some folding boards have 0.75-inch-diameter foam rolls in them to help prevent creases along the packed clothes’ fold lines. When you aren’t traveling with fancy clothes, you can take the whole apparatus apart and use it as luggage dividers in the main bag itself, or leave it at home, converting the suit/dress compartment into an extra packing cube.

Yeti doesn’t seem to have an easy way to order replaceable wheels. But the 3.5-by-1-inch wheels are fairly common, and we’re looking at the best possible alternatives.

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

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022

by Wirecutter Staff

These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in September 2022.

The Best Luggage Tags

by Geoffrey Morrison

We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases.

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

by Kit Dillon

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more.

Are Away Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

Although we still prefer the better durability of soft-sided luggage, if you want the look and feel of a hard-sided case, we recommend the Away Carry-On .

The Best Luxury Brands to Travel in Scandinavian Style

Love Scandi style? Yes, we do too. And turns out that there are some really cool Scandinavian brands that make travel gear perfect for your next trip to the Nordics. We know it may be a while, but some day we’ll be free to roam again. And now, we’ll be ready! Our correspondent and expert on all things Scandinavian, Jillian Tangen , has curated a list of the best luxury Scandinavian travel and apparel brands , including suitcases, sunglasses, outerwear and more, so that you can travel the world in Scandinavian style the next time you head out. 

Scandinavian Style Travel Brands and Gear

Even though the opportunity to travel the world is on pause right now, our dreams to explore the world are not. While we’ve been home over the past couple weeks, we’ve been dreaming about some of the favorite places that we’ve visited .

How to travel the world with Scandinavian style suitcase and outerwear brands.

There’s the summer stays in Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and The Hamptons . The enchanting week in Ljubljana. A nd of course, the unforgettable European ski vacations, to name a few.

But there’s one region that our mind always goes back to – Scandinavia.

Join our community

For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury , sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.

Despite having visited almost all of the region’s major cities ( Reykjavik , Copenhagen , Stockholm and Oslo ) we can’t seem to get enough of the Nordics .

From their famous interior design to their easy-going approach to life – filled with concepts like hygge (coziness) and allemannsretten (right to roam) –  we’ve become enchanted. Add to that breathtaking fjords, summer nights filled with lingering sunlight and the devastatingly cool fashion, and it’s no wonder we can’t wait to go back.

Related Post

The best chic scandinavian style outdoor gear right now.

And while we can’t travel to our favorite region right at this moment, we can prepare for the next time we can. We’ve pulled together 12 of our must-have items from Scandinavian style travel brands perfect for visiting the Nordics in the summer, to tide us over until we can be there again.

The Best Luxury Brands to Travel the World in Scandinavian Style

Because even though many of the borders around the world are closed today, they will open again. And when they do, we will be ready with a suitcase in hand for our next adventure to Scandinavia. We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait.

The right kind of outerwear can make or break your visit to Scandinavia . Be sure to pack a raincoat for the inevitable rainy days during your journey. We love the adjustable waist on this Rains jacket, which gives it a more feminine fit.

The Rains Long Jacket ($140).

Despite the calendar telling you that it’s summer, the varying temps of Scandinavia may tell you otherwise, so be sure to pack a warmer jacket option, too. You won’t regret having it when you end up enjoying drinks into the wee hours of sunlight in the evenings outdoors.

The 66° north vatnajokull jacket ($325).

the luxury gift guide: the best in Scandinavian style

Accessories.

A versatile scarf is always a good idea. Not only will it dress up any outfit, but it will add a little extra warmth too.

The Holzweiler Silk Scarf ($215).

The Best Chic Luxury Items Available Only in Scandinavia

Sunglasses are a must have in the land of the midnight sun, regardless of the time of day – or night.

Han Kjøbenhavn Timeless Sunglasses ($118).

Every seasoned traveler knows you need a carryall with more than enough space for your essentials (and nonessentials, if we’re being real). This slouchy chic tote fits a reusable water bottle, a camera and an afternoon’s worth of applesauce pouches for the kids, plus it has an extra-wide shoulder strap to support everything.

The Acne Studios Adrienne Tote ($1,450).

These backpacks are internationally popular for a reason: they fit way more than you’d think, making them a great travel bag . Even better is that it flattens out and weighs almost nothing, so it’s a great bag to pack for when you need extra space.

The Fjällraven Kånka Backpack ($80).

The Best Podcasts About Luxury and Business Travel

Looking for a suitcase to do all the heavy lifting? Look no further than this Helly Hansen sport trolley. Our family of five has been packing up for twice yearly trips to Norway in two of them for more than 9 years.

Helly Hansen Sport Exp Trolley ($280).

We understand that rugged luggage isn’t for everyone, so for something a little more sleek we love the minimalist polycarbonate bags from Away that come in an array of colors and sizes . Though they aren’t from Scandinavia, they sure look like it.

The Away Suitcase ($295).

You’re gonna want a serious camera to take flawless pictures of the jaw dropping scenery of the fjords. True to its Scandinavian heritage, Hasselblad cameras are renowned for their iconic ergonomic design, uncompromising image quality and high performance.

Hasselblad x1d Digital Camera ($5,750).

The Best New Luxury Travel Technology This Year

Not only are these headphones beyond comfortable to wear, they are noise cancelling too.

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay e4 ($250).

After a long flight treat your thirsty skin with a nutrient rich mask to replenish moisture .

The Tromborg Multi Vitamin Facial Mask ($51).

We cannot recommend a sleeping mask enough when visiting Scandinavia during the summer . The midnight sun can make it hard to fall asleep at times, and a mask will ensure it’s blocked out for you. Scandinavian style travel brands like Flight 001 are a great source for eye cover. And bonus – this mask even comes with a set of ear plugs to keep your surroundings quiet too.

The Flight 001 Molded Sleep Mask ($15).

That’s it, our top 12 picks for Scandinavian style outerwear and travel brands to ensure you have a stylish and comfortable trip wherever you choose to roam. In the meantime, we’ll be here dreaming with our bags at the ready for when the time comes to travel again.

join our community

For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury,  sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter  here .  And see luxury in a new light.

Jillian Tangen

Jillian is a lifestyle editor at Dandelion Chandelier covering topics like fashion, travel, entertainment and on occasion, even finance. She thinks there’s no such thing as having too many sweaters.

popular posts

Recent posts.

The 11 Best Restaurants for Easter 2024 in New York City (NYC)

What are the 10 best luxury carry on luggage brands right now.

Comments are closed.

• everything spring

join us on social

Disclosure: our editors handpick and recommend products we love. if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you..

© 2024 Dandelion Chandelier.

• EVERYTHING SPRING
• GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Privacy Overview

See luxury in a new light, join our community for access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our dandelion chandelier newsletter..

Planning , All Posts , Denmark , Destinations , Europe , Norway

True Costs of Travel in Scandinavia: 3 Weeks Norway, Sweden & Denmark

Scandinavia is known for being one of the most expensive regions in the world. The three weeks I spent in Norway , Sweden , and Denmark did not do much to dispel this notion for me, personally. To give you an idea of the costs of travel in Scandinavia, I wanted to share my personal expenses over the 22 days I spent there. I’ve broken down my expenses by individual countries, and also given a total for all of Scandinavia. I hope this helps you plan your travel budget with a little more accuracy!

Note: All prices are reflected in US Dollars. The prices listed are AFTER any split charges have been divided. (For example, if I bought a $20 bottle of wine and split it between 4 friends, I would list the price as $5 split 4 ways).

I caught a sale on the Eurail passes for 15 days that was around $637 USD, or $42/day it it ended up being cheaper for me than a typical ticket for the train from Oslo to Bergen. If you’re doing travel through multiple countries in Europe outside of Norway, the  Eurail pass   might be your best bet. in There are also discounts for seniors and children, so check for those when booking your tickets!

Costs of Travel in Norway (13 Days)

The first six days in Norway I was with a group of 7 others from my work organization. We stayed in an AirBNB in Fredrikstad all together and shared a rental van for the week. These two costs were covered through work. We also did some group shopping for groceries and cooked most dinners together.

Costs during this time were much lower than they would have been if I’d had to pay for accommodations and/or travel, or we’d been staying in Oslo and had the opportunity to eat out more frequently. My “per day” average in Norway without this week would have been closer to $121 a day.

Get Inspired: Norway Photos Gallery: 26 of my Favorite Photos from Norway

Accommodations: $324.12

*Costs listed are for queen rooms.

Eco-friendly accommodations in Bergen

• ($144) Thon Hotel Orion  (in city center near iconic waterways of Bergen)
• ($118) Thon Hotel Bergen Airport  (very near airport)

Eco-friendly accommodations in Oslo

• ($121) Thon Hotel Linne  (close to business districts)
• ($192) Thon Hotel Opera  (close to major public transit stops)
• ($160) Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Oslo  (voted best breakfast in city 3 years in a row)
• ($311) Hotel Continental  (luxury hotel with world class food options)
• ($73) Smarthotel Oslo  (free bicycle rental, plus late check out on Sundays!)

All the  Thor hotels  in their chain are  Environmental Lighthouse Certified , a standard popular in Norway indicating they meet stringent environmental sustainability standard.

Food and Drinks: $394.54

Travel: $239.83.

Public transit is widely available and it’s easy to get to the city center from the Oslo airport with the tram.

If you’re not using a  Eurail  pass, here are a few options for buying train tickets in Norway:

• Rail Ninja – you can purchase individual tickets  here . 
• Norwegian State Railways (NSB) – purchase your tickets  here .
• Rail CC – purchase your tickets  here .
• Purchase tickets at the train station. You’ll find ticketing centers around the station, which accept credit card and cash in most cases. (Norwegian currency is the Kroner, which is currently about 0.12 USD per 1 NOK.) A quick search brought up prices between $439-$939 NOK which is between $53 and $114 USD. Last minute tickets are more expensive. 

Don’t miss this post: Oslo to Bergen: A Train Ride To Remember

Attractions: $6.14

The only thing we paid for attraction-wise was our Floibanen tram ticket in Bergen to get to the viewpoint on the top of the mountain. Very much worth it, though we opted to walk down for a little exercise. There’s so much to take in just walking around this breathtaking country. Here are some of your options in Norway and what you might expect to pay:

Costs of other popular attractions in Oslo

Costs of other popular attractions in bergen, costs of other popular attractions in norway, miscellaneous: $25.04.

Airbnb Cleaning Fees – $12.34

Public Bathroom Use – $1.23

Foreign Transaction Fees – $7.53

Postcard purchase – $1.23

Mailing postcard – $2.71

TOTAL NORWAY EXPENSES: $989.67 / PER DAY AVERAGE: $76.12

Ready to travel i’m ready to help .

I’m a travel advisor who helps busy , eco-conscious people have once-in-a-lifetime adventures in breathtaking locations like Norway, Scotland, the British Virgin Islands, and Uganda.

I handle everything from daydreaming to departure and only work with tour companies who respect the planet and locals, so you can enjoy your getaway knowing you’re having a positive impact .

Schedule a complimentary vacation planning session and let’s talk about your next trip.

Costs of Travel in Sweden (6 Days)

As you might notice, food and drinks were the most expensive part of this leg of the trip. Den Gyldene Freden is the world’s oldest tavern still in its original location, dating back to 1722, so we splurged on a nice dinner there. (Worth it, and highly recommended). We also spent a lot on drinks that night, and my regular coffee purchases didn’t do me any favors either. However, we didn’t hit up very many museums in spite of Stockholm being one of the most museum-dense cities in the world so we could have done worse on attraction costs.

Accommodations: $122.65

Airbnb in Karlstad for 1 night (split 2 ways) – $26.65

Interhostel in Sweden for 5 nights (paid per bunk) – $96.00

*Costs listed are for rooms with 1 full bed or queen bed.

Eco-friendly accommodations in Stockholm

• ($138) Victory Hotel (located inside Gamla Stan, the iconic Old Town)
• ($240) Nobis Hotel (luxury hotel on the city center square)
• ($161) Hotel Kung Carl (dog-friendly)

Check out this website for the Ecoswan label , which lists 255 hotels in Sweden certified as sustainably by their rigid regulations.

Food and Drinks: $181.18

Travel: $42.83.

Bus from Oslo to Karlstad to visit a friend I’d met in Guatemala several years earlier – $10

Reservations on train to Karlstad and back from Stockholm w/Eurail pass – $17.29

Attractions: $14.76

There are a plethora of intriguing museums in Sweden. The one we settled on was the Vasa Museum, featuring a ship recovered from the ocean floor, restored and on display in the entrance. My ticket was $14.76 . I’m always down for a good museum and I would definitely recommend this one to get a taste of Swedish sailing culture several hundred years ago.

  The Vasa Ship in the museum in Stockholm.

Costs of other popular attractions in Stockholm

Miscellaneous: $20.28.

Linen s rental at hostel – $5.70

Laundry – $3.76

Postcards (purchase & mail) – $9.68

Bathroom use at fast food restaurant – $1.14

TOTAL SWEDEN EXPENSES: $381.70 / PER DAY AVERAGE: $63.61

Costs of travel in denmark (3 days).

Again, food costs were my biggest expense here. I bought coffee everyday if not twice a day, and we splurged on a night out spending a lot on drinks. We dined at Host, a Michellin star restaurant in Copenhagen which was expensive but one of the most beautiful meals I’ve ever eaten. I highly recommend trying it out if you like fine dining and seafood! Again, we did really well hitting up free attractions and spending the bulk of our time exploring on foot and taking in the sights of the city. If you do a better job than I did keeping food costs down, you could spend a lot more on attractions and come out about the same.

Accommodations: $118.20

Globalhagen Hostel in Denmark for 3 nights (paid per bunk) – $118.20

Globalhagen is a super eco-friendly hostel with lots of amazing community initiatives going on as well. I even wrote a post about it: Globalhagen Hostel Review

Eco-friendly accommodations in Copenhagen

• ($184) Copenhagen Admiral Hotel
• ($213) Crown Plaza Copenhagen Tours (one of the leading sustainable hotels in Denmark)
• ($151) Hotel Scandic Webers (very near Tivoli gardens and other major attractions)
• ($110) WakeUp Copenhagen Budget Hotels

Food and Drinks: $410.47

Travel: $8.30.

Reservations on train to Copenhagen from Stockholm w/Eurail pass – $8.30

Attractions: $0

We also spent the majority of this trip walking around exploring on foot, taking advantage of food, summer weather, and free attractions. I also met up with a woman I’d featured in my Woman of the Week series, Kelley , who lives in Copenhagen.

Like Oslo and Stockholm, there are plenty of things to spend your money on in Copenhagen if you want. But we found walking along the waterways, taking in the tall, uniform yet unique streets, and Scandinavian quirks captivating enough.

Typical costs of other popular attractions in Copenhagen

Miscellaneous: $3.94.

$3.94 razors (it was the start of a long trip and I’d forgotten mine. Who knows, maybe this is helpful for you…)

TOTAL DENMARK EXPENSES: $528.67 / PER DAY AVERAGE: $176.22

Read this next: train from oslo to bergen: an awe-inspiring, unforgettable ride, total costs of travel in scandinavia (22 days).

Note: These costs do not include any pre-travel purchases (gear, travel insurance, snacks brought on the plane, etc.) and I’ve left out my flight since I’m only traveling one way. (It cost about $350 one way from Chicago to Oslo). They also exclude any expenses incurred for work purposes that I would not have made otherwise (train rides on the way back from dropping off our rental car, for example).

I also purchased a Eurail pass which allowed me to use the Eurail approved trains on any 15 days over a 2-month period. That covered my train ride from Oslo to Bergen which I would have otherwise purchased separately. It cost me $610 for the pass (which I purchased during a promotional sale). I also purchased travel insurance, which cost me around $350 as well, though this covers six months of travel rather than just the 3 weeks figured here.

GRAND TOTAL: $1900.04 ($86.37 per day)

All told, I spent about $400 more than I was hoping on this leg of the trip, though I can mostly trace that back to the Trolltunga Taxi and two fancy dinners we enjoyed in Stockholm and Copenhagen. All experiences that I don’t regret in the slightest, but no small sum and it kind of threw my budget off for the rest of my round-the-world trip .

Hopefully this gives you a better idea of what to expect in terms of costs. Dining out is quite expensive and traveling to and from cities isn’t particularly cheap, but there are definitely lots of ways to make this a more affordable journey.

Let me know how this compares to your experience and your favorite tips for saving money!

Hi there! I’m a travel advisor who helps busy, eco-conscious people experience once-in-a-lifetime adventures in breathtaking locations like Norway, Scotland, the British Virgin Islands, and Uganda. Schedule a complimentary vacation planning session and let’s talk about your next trip. https://www.facebook.com/SuitcaseSix/services/

Scandinavia Standard

Scandinavian travel, design, culture, and what’s on for locals, travellers and scandiphiles. Based in Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Backpacks are practical for daily use, but can they look good too? Absolutely! Scandinavian backpacks will convince you with their minimalist style, functionality, and high-quality materials.

There are a range of brands that produce great choices, whether it be Swedish backpacks, Danish backpacks, Icelandic backpacks, or anything else from the Nordic region .

There’s something for professionals, travellers, cyclists, people who want to swap out their handbag with something easier on the shoulder, or just people who need to haul a lot of crap around (we see you, parents!).

Find the best minimalist and functional backpacks from your favorite Scandinavian brands :

Best Backpacks for Outdoors

Rains backpacks.

Waterproof, durable, and sleek, the Rains Messenger Bag is a hold-all kind of bag that also looks professional. Danish raincoat and accessories company

Rains always strikes the right balance of minimalist to functional, and their prices are very fair for the quality and design you get.

  Also, classics are classic for a reason, and most Danes at one point or another have owned the classic Rains backpack , which now also comes in a mini version .

66°North Backpacks

It may not be the most minimalist of all the backpacks, but if you need something to withstand extreme weather conditions, you can’t get better than products from 66°North .

Their Waterproof 15L Backpack holds everything including the kitchen sink. The tough outer layer makes it a great choice for cyclists or campers. Also, this backpack is made from leftover fabric and is therefore produced in limited quantity.

Best Backpacks for Travel

Fjällraven kånken backpack.

The classic Kånken with a little twist.The Fjällraven No 2 backpack has a black logo patch to match the black backpack body, making it a little bit more sleek that the typical Kånken.

These bags are internationally popular for a reason: they fit way more than you’d think, the quality is excellent, and they look great.

This is a backpack you can use for work, use for the kids, use for travel – anything! They flatten out and weigh almost nothing, so it’s a great bag to have when you need extra space. The mini version is ideal for kids.

What does Kånken mean in Swedish?

In swedish, kånka means “to lug” or “to carry.” kånken is the name given to a backpack..

The Kånken’s external pockets and side pocks are super useful for storage on-the-go. The label itself is reflective, a very clever hidden safety measure.

There’s even a secret compartment inside the bag with a foam mat. This not only helps protect your back from sharp objects that can dig into you from the bag, it can also be removed and used as a seat pad on cold or wet surfaces.

Arket Ruckstack

A useful nylon backpack that’s both spacious and water-repellant, this ARKET backpack actually folds into a small pocket, making it a perfect travel bag addition.

It comes in a range of colors and the lining is made of majority recycled polyester.

Best Backpacks for Work

Sandqvist backpacks.

Swedish brand Sandqvist makes timeless bags that will last for ages and look good the whole time.

We love their Hege backpack for the way it mixes leather elements with a cotton canvas body, and made using recycled polyester and organic cotton. The canvas means it sits nicely against the back, and the leather front helps it keep a clean, sharp silhouette. The Stig bag is another Scandi minimalist classic.

O’ KANA backpacks

O’KANA began in Denmark in 2014, with a view offer “new-age” Scandinavian design .

Their take is preppier than your usual Scandinavian design piece, heavily influenced by heritage menswear, and their bags sit in the center of a Venn diagram of “briefcase” and “backpack.”

This is a smart and stylish option, perfect for work or school, in 100% handcrafted leather.

Get 10% off your entire purchase with the code SCAN10.

COS Backpacks

This is the perfect backpack for those who want an ultra-professional looking option that’s still affordable.

When held by the top handle, it’s a sleek briefcase. When slung on the back, it’s a geometric, beautiful backpack. Win-win!

If you’re looking for something less structured from COS, their Technical Drawstring Backpack (€51) in canvas is also worth a look!

Adax Backpacks

Danish heritage brand Adax makes sleek and useful bags. The Ann backpack has an old fashioned silhouette that is made contemporary with its subtle crossed straps and detailing.

This bag can fit all your work or school gear, plus it looks great when you go out after the office.

Mismo Backpacks

Mismo is a brand that puts meticulous care into every item they produce. Although that means the cost can be high, it also means the quality you can expect is top-notch.

This slim nylon bag with strong leather straps is both beautiful and highly functional, with a fold-over top that keeps all your items safe and also gives it a little visual pop.

Best Backpacks for Every Day

Tretorn backpacks.

Water-repellent bags made from ocean waste that are impossibly chic; do you need another reason to buy a Tretorn bag? Tretorn are most famous for their shoes (Tretorn is the second oldest sneaker manufacture in the world), but their bags are just as impressive.

As a company, they’ve been at the forefront of innovation for decades, so it’s only fitting that they would lead the charge when working with sustainable rubbers.

Through multiple – though teasingly diverse – collaborations with the likes of COMME DE GARÇON, Naturkompaniet, and even ABBA, Tretorn has come to be synonymous with style and sustainability. Their matte bags in tonal shades are a sophisticated take on the traditional backpack.

Marimekko Backpacks

Simple and useful backpacks from Finnish textile giant Marimekko. The slim silhouettes and spacious interiors make them an easy choice for people who need to carry a lot but don’t want to be too weighed-down.

Marimekko always has both minimalist and maximalist options, thanks to their strong heritage of color and pattern usage. Find the one that’s right for you!

Norse Projects Daypacks

It doesn’t get more simple and functional than this backpack from Norse Projects. Constructed from a crisp and pure nylon rip-stop with a waterproof backer treatment.

Made with integrated padded straps, an internal mesh compartment to keep essentials secure and side pockets for quick access storage. The bag is so lightweight that it can actually be folded into its own pocket and easily fits a 15″ laptop. Double reinforced to strengthen in essential areas.

When is a backpack not a backpack? When it’s also a tote. The Hybrid Backpack makes the transition look easy with thick straps that lie flat against the back of the bag so you can carry it as a tote.

Want even more Scandinavian backpacks ? See our full list of waterproof backpacks, including backpacks for travel, hiking and cycling!

Heads up! This post contains affiliate links. Don’t worry, the commission we make comes at no additional cost to you. For more information on our affiliate program, please see our Disclosure Policy .

Post navigation

Best Sellers

Essential Rolltop Backpack 32L

Updated. available now..

Explore products

Available at selected retailers.

Find your store

Responsibility

Product results, popular collections.

Hugger Family

• New Arrivals
• Accessories
• Duffels & Totes
• Ski & Snowboard Bags
• Photography
• Work & Commute
• Snow Roller Size Guide
• The Secret To Snow Travel
• Top 10 Places to Combine Studies with Snow Sports
• Ramverk Pro

Trip length

• Weekend trip
• Roller Bags
• Fogbow Beige
• Parhelion Orange
• Sprite Lightning Red

Our History

• Brand Manifesto
• Design Principles
• Technology & Innovations
• Become a Retailer
• Behind The Scenes
• Pack Heavy → Chase Light
• Ambassadors
• Event Radar

Free shipping on orders over €100

Add to your kit

10% off your first order with Db Black. Sign up here.

Get a limited lifetime warranty as a member of Db Black. Non-members get a standard 2-year warranty.

Free Returns

Express Shipping

Designed in Scandinavia

Introducing Skate Duffel 65L

Rain. commute. rave. rolltop..

Updated Essential Rolltop Backpack 32L.

All Products

Ramverk backpacks.

"The Snow Pro Backpack 32L is arguably the most durable and versatile snow sports backpack available"

"The things you need to help you live your best life outdoors."

"The most innovative design and feature set we've seen."

"This is the best ski bag ever made."

"If you have not heard of Scandinavian travel brand Db yet now is the time."

"Getting to your destination, local or otherwise, is now easier, less tiresome, and more comfortable than before."

"Db sent me their minimalist backpack to try and I'm not sending it back"

"Db has quietly become one of the biggest names in the premium, go-anywhere luggage game."

Enjoy 10% off your first purchase, 100 day free returns, limited lifetime warranty, exclusive content and more when you join Db Black.

Ready for Surf season?

Introducing our latest award-winning board bag collection: reimagined to be longer, lighter and stronger.

Db Black. The membership you’ve been waiting for.

Join Db black below to get free shipping, 100 day free returns, limited lifetime warranty, exclusive content and much more.

Benefits include

Already have an account but want to upgrade to Db black?

Where are you shipping to?

We currently ship to the locations below. Please choose a location based on where you are shipping to.

Select your language

Welcome to db black. this is going to be fun..

Keep an eye on your inbox for some more news and Db Black perks and don’t forget to mark us as safe sender to not end up in your spam folder. Copy the code below and enjoy 10% off your first order.

Shop All Luggage

• Checked Sizes
• Garment Bags
• Travel Totes
• Travel Sets
• Briggs & Riley

Shop All Brands

• Claire Chase
• Eagle Creek
• Jack Georges
• Piel Leather
• Portland Baggage
• The North Face

Voltage Valet

• Zero Halliburton

Shop All Briefs and Cases

• Attache Cases
• Brief Cases
• Ipad & Tablet Cases
• Messenger Bags

Shop All Backpacks

• Laptop Backpacks
• Travel Backpacks
• Waist Packs

Shop All Duffels

• Leather Duffels
• Rolling Duffels
• Travel Duffels
• Comfort Accessories
• Luggage Accessories
• Passport Cases
• Toiletry Kits
• Travel Security
• Men's Wallets
• Women's Wallets
• Bergman Luggage
• Innovation Luggage
• Luggage & Leather
• Mori Luggage
• Portland Luggage
• Stern's Travel Shop
• Connecticut
• North Carolina
• South Carolina

Briggs & Riley

Sympatico Collection 20% OFF

Travel Smarter

All Collections - Free Shipping

When you spend $99+

+1 (800) 237-4626

We offer live chat support

Find a store near you

Featured Brands

Save from 20 - 50% off.

Don't miss out on these new sale markdowns!

Shop TUMI Collections

Tumi voyageur, tumi alpha bravo, tumi alpha 3, voltage valet travel accessories, voltage valet - 3 dial tsa indicator combination lock.

3 Dial TSA Indicator Combination Lock

Voltage Valet - Neon Luggage Tag

Neon Luggage Tag

Voltage Valet - RFID Card Case

RFID Card Case

Voltage Valet - Travel Tubes - Leak Proof Silicone Travel Bottles - 3 Pack | 3 Sizes

TSA Approved Containers with Suction Cups, Squeezable and Refillable Travel Size

THE ULTIMATE LUGGAGE WARRANTY

TOURO Luggage Collections offer you one of the Best Warranties in the Business.

Popular Categories

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Be the first to hear about discounts and promotions!

Added to your cart:

SIGN UP FOR EMAILS AND GET 15% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

• In stock (51)
• Out of stock (10)
• Beaumont (2)
• Florence 2.0 (4)
• Malibu Bay (1)
• Malibu Bay 3.0 (7)
• Melrose (5)
• Montecito (3)
• Montecito 2.0 (10)
• Rodeo Drive 2.0 (7)
• Seahaven 2.0 (2)
• Bronze (18)
• Juniper Green (2)
• Printed (8)

51 products

• Best selling
• Alphabetically, A-Z
• Alphabetically, Z-A
• Price, low to high
• Price, high to low
• Date, old to new
• Date, new to old

Fresh, lightweight designs, for all your trips of a lifetime.

Our hardside and softside luggage options offer stylish protection and superior packing for all your journeys, near and far. 

Join our mailing list

For updates on products and new releases

• Baseline Collection
• ZDX Collection
• Torq Collection
• Rhapsody Collection
• HTA Collection
• View All Eagle Creek
• EC Pack-It System
• Expanse Collection
• Cargo Hauler XT
• Cargo Hauler Duffels
• Gear Warrior XE
• Osgoode Marley
• View all Travelon
• Classic Collection
• Signature Collection
• Toiletry Kits
• All Products
• Adapter Plugs
• Voltage Converters
• View All Luggage
• Medium Check-In
• Large Check-In
• Garment Bags
• Foreign Electricity
• Personal Security / RFID Blocking Products
• Travel Hygiene
• Leather Briefs
• Briggs & Riley @WORK
• Briggs & Riley Delve
• Leather Crossbody Bags
• Leather Duffels
• Leather Wallets
• Leather Backpacks
• Leather Shave Kits
• All Sale Items
• Continue Shopping
• Your Cart is Empty

• Briggs & Riley
• Eagle Creek
• Ricardo Beverly Hills
• Voltage Valet

Ricardo is a travel lifestyle company on a mission to inspire people to explore the world. Every day and in every way, they work hard to ensure they bring joy to the traveling experience.

The company name - Ricardo Beverly Hills - is forever linked to the West Coast lifestyle— a state of mind for travel and exploration. Ricardo motivated by creativity, captivated by the spirit of the West Coast, and obsessed with quality. 

Get In Touch

• Customer Service
• Exchanges & Refunds

Shop Brands

News & updates.

Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …

© 2024 California Luggage Co. | Your Complete Travel Store | 1.707.528.8600. Powered by Shopify

• The First-Timer’s Guide to European River Cruising

• Scenic Autumn Rail Journeys

• Hurtigruten vs Havila

• Sailing On Riviera Travels Rhine, Heidelberg and Strasbourg cruise May 2022

01582 349 480

Scandinavia.

• Search for: Search

Recent Posts

• The Seychelles – March 2020

Recent Comments

Subscribe to our news.

Get our latest news and offers direct to your inbox – be the first to know when a new Suitcase Adventure is launched

Suitcase Travel is not about selling holidays, but finding and creating memorable travel experiences that you will want to share with friends and family for years after. The search engines on this site and holidays found in results are for inspiration and price guide.

Our Holidays

• Hurtigruten
• Northern Lights
• Venice Simplon-Orient Express
• Star Clippers
• River Cruises
• Charming Greece
• Safari Holidays
• Small Group Tours
• Barefoot Indulgence
• Food & Drink
• Villa Holidays
• Walking & Cycling

Useful Links

• Latest Offers
• Cruise Search
• Tour Search
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. Tel: 020 3117 0599 or  www.abta.com

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides up to the minute advice for British nationals travelling abroad. We recommend that all prospective travellers check FCO advice when planning journeys and again immediately before travelling. Please  click here  for foreign travel advice.

Privacy Overview

Plan your trip.