take a trip bike bags

Take a Trip: Bold, Happy Bags

barry lachapelle / Mar 23, 2023

Take a Trip is the moniker of bag-maker Michael Bock from Bend, Oregon. Michael's bags, brand, and use of social media are engaging, lighthearted and fun. We spoke with Michael about how he got into the game and where he's headed. Buckle up.

Meet Michael Bock, the man behind the vibrant and colorful bicycle bag brand, Take a Trip. Based in Bend, Oregon, Michael hand sews each stem, saddle, frame, and basket bag with precision and care, ensuring that each one is a work of art. We here at Bike Gear Database are huge fans of Take a Trip and all that Michael is doing in the world of bike bags.

In an industry that is often serious and focused on minimalism, Take a Trip stands out with its playful use of bright colors and bold designs. Michael's bags not only serve a purpose but also add a pop of fun to any bikepacking setup.

My interactions with Michael have been just as fun and punchy as his bags. He is a true character in the best sense of the word, and his passion for his craft shines through in every stitch. If you're looking for a bag that not only functions beautifully but also brings a smile to your face, look no further than Take a Trip. We can't wait to hear more from Michael and learn about the inspiration behind his creations.

How did Take a Trip become a thing?

My love for bikes began back in 2012 when I started commuting. Whenever I'd roll up to school, I'd feel disappointed that I had to stop riding. That's when I started noticing all the bicycle messengers in Seattle and eventually snagged a full-time gig as one. After three years, I knew that messengering wasn't a long-term gig for me, but I still wanted to stay involved in the bike world. So, I took on an apprenticeship in frame building, thinking that might be my calling. But as it turns out, I fell in love with sewing and that became my focus.

For a while, I was making bags under a different name while I honed my skills and figured out what I really wanted to create. I wanted to break into the bicycle bag market with a fun brand that was all about creating solid products with a playful visual style. I am concerned with aesthetics as much as performance but wanted to keep things light and fun.

How did you land on the brand?

A lot of my creative ideas stem from free association and just letting my thoughts flow. When I was brainstorming for names for my brand, Take a Trip popped into my head. I really like the versatility of the name, as it can mean different things to different people. It can evoke a certain visual style, suggest how the products will be used, or convey a certain vibe. It's a name that can be interpreted in a lot of different ways, which is what I love about it. And it all started from just letting my thoughts wander and see where they would take me.

You love Wald baskets...

Some of the designs I'm most proud of are all centered around Wald baskets. The funny thing is, I'd never actually used one until I came up with the To Go Box . I've been on a lot of cargo bikes and used flat racks, which have some of the same problems. They're great for hauling boxes and big cargo, but not so great for small stuff like keys, wallets, and phones.

The Wald 137/139 is a great platform to build around. The baskets themselves have been made to the same specs for decades. This allows me to build features and functions in a very specific way knowing that they will fit any 137/139 regardless of when they were made. Since I started designing products built for Wald baskets, I've developed a soft spot for them. I appreciate how a basket can immediately change the vibe of a bike while adding tons of function.

You're not afraid of using color in your work.

I have a passion for assembling color combinations and palettes in my designs. Despite my personal preference for earthy tones, I am consistently drawn to bold and vibrant hues. My source of inspiration for colors is diverse and comes from various aspects of my life, including emotions, nature, movies, music, toys, and numerous other unexpected sources. I am constantly on the lookout for new and unique ways to bring color into my work.

Who do you crush on in the bike bag industry?

There are too many to list! The Swift Pannier/Backpack I was gifted in 2013 was probably the first time I fell in love with a bike bag. I am drawn to makers and brands that have a unique POV. A few that come to mind are Bike Crud , Trash Messenger Bags , and Rambler Bags .

What do you ride?

I have a few bikes. My primary ride is an early 2000s Gary Fisher I scored at the Seattle Bike Swap. It's got some retro mtb bling, a rigid Soma fork, a Cetma rack, and a basket. It's been a mainstay for commuting, gravel, and some touring. I also have a Bullitt cargo bike. I used it for messenger work but have since done a handful of tours including Chicago-NYC and Seattle to the Gorge. I also built a display around the Bullitt that I use for Take a Trip when we do events. The last bike I've held onto is a Ritchey P-29er in the classic Red White and Blue Team Ritchey fade. It's been great for the local trails around Bend.

What are your favorite local places to ride?

One of the best parts of living in Bend is the access to great riding. We are lucky to have The Dirty Freehub local to us, they are a non-profit that researches and compiles gravel routes. Some of my favorite routes from them are The Green Ridge Lookout , Alpacka , and Water & Lava . When visiting a larger city, I always take the opportunity to blast around town on a bike. To me, there's nothing quite like riding, navigating, and learning a dense city on 2 wheels.

What can we expect from Take a Trip in the future?

I'm plotting a change to releasing product drops instead of making every bag to order through my webshop. This will allow me to continuously release new colorways, reduce lead times, and enable me to better control my time. I'm also working on an educational sub-brand to help share knowledge with others who want to make their own gear.

In the past few months, I have been drawn towards designing bags that are more visual than functionally driven. I have a handful of ideas would like to explore that have 1 foot in the bicycle world and 1 foot outside of it. The Rug Tote bag is an example of that. It's a very visual tote bag that's great for any situation but has considerations about how it would be used on a bike.

Thanks, Mike.

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Take A Trip Bike Bags; Cool Colors and Clever Craftsmanship Collide!

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Late last month, I attended the Philly Bike Expo for the first time. It was quite the experience, getting to see all of the amazing small frame builders . But, there were quite a few amazing small bag makers there as well. And you know how much I love bike bags and small bag makers .

Being right by the entrance, and having so many of their bright-colored products on display, they were one of the first booths that caught my eye.

Take A Trip Bags is a one-man operation, run by Michael Bock out of Bend, Oregon. Take A Trip was launched in December 2021. Michael told me he has been steadily expanding their product line since. Their bags are said to be influenced by bikepacking, messenger bags, and fashion brands.

After spending 3 years as a bicycle messenger in Seattle, and doing a frame-building apprenticeship program with Human Powered Machines in Eugene, OR. He then taught himself how to sew and set his sights on starting Take A Trip Bags with a focus on creating “innovative and functional products with a fun, playful vibe”.

Creating “practical carry solutions” all centered around the bicycle, from commuting, messenger work, bikepacking, and touring, it seems like Take A Trip Bags can cover it all.

Day Trip Frame Bag

The Day Trip Frame Bag looks like a fun pal to have with you no matter what you’re doing on your bike. The Day Trip Frame Bag is a “universal fit” frame bag and is said to fit most bikes but, according to the website “full suspension may not fit well”. The bag can be flipped around to best fit the frame you have. It has two zipper pulls, so it can be opened from the front or the rear. It includes all 3 oversized velcro one-way straps and a stabilizing shock cord.

The fully bound construction adds to the bag’s durability with a water-resistant zipper. It is 15″ long, 6″ tall, and 3″ wide, and has a port for a bladder hose or charging wires.

Retails for $75

This unique product caught my eye immediately and was one of the first photographs I snapped at the Expo. The To Go Box is a two-part storage system designed around the Wald 137 and 139 baskets. The two parts are the hinged lid and the form-fitted liner. Both parts are designed to work together or apart, allowing customization to fit your needs.

It is constructed of 1000d Cordura and 18oz vinyl-coated polyester. It has a pocket on the top of the lid with a water-resistant zipper. The top pocket is combined with a shock cord that can snug down a jacket or extra layers.

The lid is given some structure with a plastic stiffener, allowing for the stacking of stuff on top of the To Go Box. The lid is also hinged with cam straps, allowing for quick adjustment for varying-size loads.

Using 6 snap hooks to attach it to the basket, the inside liner protects your goodies from getting road debris, water, and dirt up in the To Go Box keeping your belongings spiffy and clean. There is a handy elastic pleated interior pocket (made from recycled 400d bag cloth) and two off-center drain holes.

Retail $90 (no lid), $190 (to fit Wald 137), $210 (to fit Wald 139)

My Little Bungee

The My Little Bungee is a great little item. They are small-diameter, adjustable bungee cords made specifically to be used with Wald baskets. Each of the bungee’s ends securely clips right to the basket’s rails. They can be tightened by pulling on the tail of the cord.

You can combine a few of them to create a little cargo net scenario. They come in different sizes so, you can fit them to just about any sized load, or strap stuff to the outside of your basket.

They can be used off of the bike as well. Like, cinching a multi-tool, tire levers, and CO2 cartridge together. Or, a long ride’s worth of small, individually wrapped snacks.

Retail: $9 each or 3 for $24

The sizes are: Xs (12″), Sm (22″), Md, (26″), Lg, (30″)

Colors: Black, Turquoise, and Pink

That’s it, I hope you enjoyed this quick little look at a really cool independent bag maker. I didn’t cover all of the little bags they have to offer like the Seat Roll Up , Snack Pack , Bike Friday Frame Bag. ..so, go check ’em out.

And while there, check out the fun colors and cool products by hitting the link below!

TakeATripBags.com

Ron Frazelle is the Cycling Lifestyle Editor for Bikerumor, he has been writing about bicycles and the cycling way of life for 7+ years. Prior to Bikerumor, he worked in the bicycle industry, living and breathing bicycles since 1995. He is based in Anaheim, California, Frazelle is an avid cyclist of all disciplines, camper, father to 6 children, husband, musician and self-proclaimed retro-grouch.

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Such a cool brand, and such nice bags. I’d buy them all if I could afford them!

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Take a Trip

Bend, Oregon

Take a Trip Seat Roll Up

• Dimensions 7x3x3"
• Product Site View

Take a Trip Snack Pack

• Dimensions 4x3x7"

Take a Trip Day Trip Frame Bag

• Dimensions 15x3x7"

Take a Trip To Go Box

• Dimensions 15x10x5"

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The Best Bikepacking Bags for Every Adventure

If you’re heading out for the day or overnight, having the right bag makes everything better.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The good news is more brands are getting on board to fuel this trend. Manufacturers are delivering options that make using your bicycle as a means to get away more accessible. Whether it's credit-card touring (eating in restaurants, staying in motels), overnight camping, or even just heading out for a day trip, you’ll need the right bag or bags to carry your gear.

With so many types of bikepacking bags available, it can be challenging to figure out which bag best suits your needs. My recommendations cover every possible scenario. So go ahead and get out there, and best of all, enjoy the journey by bringing everything you’ll need no matter the adventure.

The Best Bikepacking Bags

Best Overall

Ortlieb back roller classic panniers.

Evoc Boa Seat Pack

Most Durable

Topeak mtx trunkbag dx.

Best for Spaciousness

Ortlieb seat-pack saddle bag.

Best for Long Trips

Ortlieb fork pack.

Best for Easy Access

Blackburn grid handlebar bag.

Best for Mountain Bikes

Topeak backloader seat bag.

Best for Essentials

Restrap top tube bag.

Best for Organization

Revelate designs ripio bike frame bag.

Most Versatile

Evoc multi-frame pack.

The Expert: As a professional gear tester for more than 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to see some amazing places. I’ve written for and contributed to various publications including Backpacker, Men’s Health, Gear Junkie, 5280, and Elevation Outdoors. I’ve been bikepacking for more than a decade and still aspire to traverse some of the country’s signature treks. My specialty is one-night missions from my home base in the National Forests surrounding my home in Colorado and other multi-day bikepacking trips around the West. I delight in providing the context and experience that will help you make great gear choices—and have more fun outdoors. Find me on Instagram @definitelywild .

What to Look for in a Bikepacking Bag

Types of bags.

The idea of a bikepacking bag is that it attaches to your bike—whether by fixed attachment points or straps with buckles or Velcro—thus eliminating the need to wear a heavy backpack, which can weigh on your back and shoulders and cause discomfort and fatigue over time.

Pack Up and Go With These: Best Bike Helmets • Best Bike Tool Kits • Best Saddle Bags

Bikepacking bags are designed to attach to just about every part of your bicycle—from your handlebar to frame to seat post—and each serves a unique purpose, whether it’s to keep small necessities within reach or larger gear out of your way.

Handlebar packs sit front and center for easy access and security so you’re able to keep an eye on your valuables. Top tube packs fit the same bill but are generally smaller and more accessible mid-ride. Fork packs mount onto either side of your bike’s fork legs within your line of sight but far enough out of the way to clear your pedals.

Frame packs offer the sleekest option, tucked into the space between your top and down tubes. In this category, you’ll find a couple types—half-frame bags leave room for water bottle cages and work with just about any frame. The other option is full-frame bags, which can be challenging to use on some bikes, as their triangular shape can be limiting in some frame configurations.

Seat packs hold the workhorse title since they’re able to carry the biggest loads without interrupting your range of motion, but these demand some extra attention to minimize tail waggle.

Short and sweet trips may come down to only one or two storage bags, maybe a hydration pack or fanny pack for good measure, in which case you’re free to pick preferred placements from the lineup of options. But extended backpacking adventures call for a solid packing strategy, combining multiple bags in a variety of placements to make room for it all and spread out the load.

Gone are the days of canvas panniers and unsightly plastic buckets that were common back in the day (yes, people literally bolted empty kitty litter buckets to their bike rack and forks!). Sturdy, weather- and waterproof fabrics are key for protecting your goods, especially items in close proximity to gears, pedals, and the rear wheel—which can kick up water, mud and grit from the road—while still remaining lightweight. Nylon and polyester are common materials, with polyurethane coatings for increased water resistance and ripstop weaves for added durability.

Once you’ve determined which type of trips, and therefore which bag or bags will best suit your needs, you often (depending on the brand) can then choose the size of the bag. Some, like the Topeak Backloader Seat Bag and Revelate Designs Ripio Bike Frame Bag, are available in a range of sizes, from small to extra large (indicated by capacity in liters). Other bag sizes are determined by their placement on the bicycle. Typically, you won’t upsize a bag so much as just add bags in other places.

How We Selected These Bikepacking Bags

Based on my experience as a cyclist who has done a lot of single- and multi-day bike trips, I chose the best bikepacking bags for every type of cycling adventure, from fast-and-light day trips to overnight treks. When evaluating, I considered the value of each bag on its own, as well as when paired with other bags to create a larger storage and travel system. My recommendations prioritize organization, accessibility, durability, sleek design, and ease of use.

To make your shopping experience even more fulfilling, I chose bags from reputable brands in the bikepacking space and ones that are readily available through online retailers.

The Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Panniers are a staple for any bikepacking setup. Compatible with 8 to 16mm racks, these panniers are easy to mount and remove with a pull of a handle using Ortilieb’s QL2.1 system. A hook at the bottom of these panniers also keeps them from bouncing around like other models.

The heavy-duty, rugged fabrics keep spray and dust away from your gear during long trips or bad weather. When day is done or you’ve picked up your necessaries, remove the bag and use the adjustable shoulder strap to carry your panniers inside or to your campsite.

This waterproof seat pack is an innovative addition to your gear closet. Complete with a BOA fit system that helps to keep the bag well-adjusted, secure, and snug to your seatpost, it also features a roll-top design. It thrives on long-haul shoulder season trips when you’re not sure what type of conditions to expect. Ready to ride? This bag fits most of your needs.

The Topeak MTX stands out due to a heavy-duty build and ease of use. Once the Topeak rack system installed is on your bike, the bag slides on and off without a fuss.

Its robust build with molded panels and varied pocket system make this suitable for both short and long strips, providing enough carry space for everything you need for a day trip, and for the bulk of an overnighter including water, layers, and extra snacks.

This seat pack is perfect for storing light but bulky items like clothes and sleeping bags. The Saddle Bag extends far enough beyond your seat to double as a fender in dirty trail or gravel conditions (with reliable waterproof polyurethane coating to keep your gear dry).

Compression straps and roll closures pack down airy gear as tightly as possible to take up just as much space as you need—no more, no less.

The Ortlieb Fork Pack makes good use of otherwise dead space on either side of your wheels, front and back. The Quick-Lock mounting system makes on-and-off transitions effortless while still keeping a reliable grip on the bags during a bumpy ride.

Despite the close proximity to dangerously muddy territory on your wheels near the ground, supreme water resistance and superior fabrics ensure your gear stays safe from the elements. The whole setup, mount included, adds up to only 10.2 ounces, to keep from throwing off your center of gravity too much.

The Fork Packs are best for the bikepacker who has everything, and still needs more capacity, as well as for smaller frames. It’s the only product like it in its segment.

Store quick access items in this pouch. The Blackburn Grid Handlebar Bag is a must-have addition for any bike setup with its low-profile and fuss-free access to your phone, snacks, tools, gloves, and more.

Internal mesh pockets keep the contents organized, and the bag’s padded structure keeps all of your stuff safe. The bag’s multiple attachment points also keep the bag secure on rough terrain, without making it cumbersome. Plus, its full-length zipper means there’s no fumbling with a roll-top or cinch.

Mountain bikes can be finicky for bikepacking since their shocks and frames create less free space for carrying items. This Topeak bag is lined with a waterproof interior barrier, keeping your gear safe from the inevitable mud and dirt that your tires will kick up.

This bag isn’t easy to open on the go, but it keeps your extra layers, sleep kit, and food out of sight and out of mind while you hit the trail for a multi-day adventure.

This top tube bag takes great advantage of otherwise dead space on your frame. The Restrap is small and unobtrusive with durable Cordura fabric and a waterproof zipper. The size is ideal for stashing your phone, keys, multi-tool, and gloves for a day or overnight ride.

The small capacity is to your advantage—it keeps you from stuffing it tight so there’s no need to sift through junk to get a hand on what you really need right in the moment. Put it this way: this bag is your home for all the small essentials that you’d prefer to keep within reach and eyesight the whole way.

This full-size Ripio frame bag for road and gravel bikes features three different zippered pockets, each with multiple dividers and straps to please even the most particular rider when it comes to organizing.

The various compartments will save you precious time and energy by eliminating all the pointless digging around for the one thing you need that always seems to sink to the very bottom of your bag.

There’s a designated place for everything you can think of, from bike pumps and hydration tubes to keys, tech, and layers. The full frame design takes advantage of every inch between top and down tubes to maximize storage space.

Small but mighty, the Evoc Multi-Frame pack lets every rider, no matter what bike they’re on, ditch their backpack for good. Built to sit inside your bike's frame, this pack is great for riders with XS bikes and full-suspension frames who otherwise can’t fit much between their shocks and water bottle.

The easily adjustable (but sturdy) hook and loop straps mean that finding the perfect fit is easy. Opt for the medium size pack for a hardtail setup. Stick to size small for full suspension set-ups.

Ready to Go? Expert Aaron Bible Shares Pointers on How to Pack for Your Next Bike Trek

BI: What’s the best bike for bikepacking?

AHB: Any bike you’re willing to pedal uphill fully laden. People use everything from road bikes to mountain bikes, but the most popular bikepacking bikes fall somewhere in between, such as a gravel bike with endurance geometry and 650B wheels.

BI: When do I need rack mounts?

AHB : Rack mounts are pretty common now on gravel bikes and bikes geared specifically toward bikepacking or adventure cycling. You don’t necessarily “need” them to accomplish any bag fitting goal on a bike, but if you do have them, it can make outfitting easier and allow you to use certain bags that are made to work with rack mounts.

BI: What combination of bags do you prefer and why?

AHB: My preference is a small handlebar bag, a small hydration pack, a larger seat bag, and a low frame bag...this just seems to be a good combination/balance for bike handling and capacity.

BI: Any tips for how to pack a bag?

AHB: Yes! But this could be a whole article. You want your weight down low toward your center of gravity; lighter, quick access items can go on the handlebar. Don’t carry any more food, water, or gear than you need before your next stop, and don’t wear a heavy backpack. Ultralight backpacking gear packed in ultralight stuff sacks is the way to go!

When it comes to gear, few have made a lifelong career of testing and writing about new products in the outdoor world the way Aaron H Bible has. With three decades of experience as a content specialist, creative director, and journalist, Bible is an award-winning writer, photographer, and multimedia producer. In addition to outdoor gear, Bible has written about everything from technology and home electronics to healthcare and home furnishings. He is a contributing writer, editor, and photographer to publications including SKI, Freeskier , Men’s Health , Sunset , Gear Junkie , 5280 , Elevation Outdoors , Vanish , Runner's World , Bicycling , and more. Bible holds an MFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art & Design, and has worked as a photographer, gallery director, and educator. A ski bum at heart, he lives with his family in the high-country of Colorado where he and his wife are raising two girls to love thin air, fresh pow, and the flow state.  

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Review: Thule RoundTrip Traveler Bike Bag

Cool Features

Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel 2024

Protect your bike and reduce stress when you travel with one of these best bike bags and boxes

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The quick list

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Easy to use
• 3. Best value
• 4. Most portable
• 5. Most versatile
• 6. Most robust

How we test

Best bike bags and boxes 2024

The list in brief ↴ 1. Best overall 2. Easy to use 3 . Best value 4. Most portable 5. Most versatile 6. Most robust

Advice How we test

Riding new roads and exploring different places bathed in warm sunshine is one of the great joys of cycling, but getting you and your bike there safely can be the most stressful part of a cycling holiday . Some riders choose to hire a bike whilst on holiday, but for others, part of the attraction is the opportunity to ride their familiar bike up famous climbs or through beautiful landscapes - no one wants a week of cycling spoiled by an ill-fitting bike or uncomfortable saddle.

If you decide to fly with your own bike, then you have the choice of using a hard box or a soft bag, each with pros and cons which we will investigate below. If you choose to drive to your destination instead, however, you can read our guides to the best bike racks for cars  and the  best caravan and motorhome bike racks .

Best overall

The AeroComfort's soft exterior houses a metal structure to which you fasten your frame so it's held securely. There is very little disassembly required and as the bag is pretty light there is plenty of potential to pack extra kit inside and still be within your airline's limits.

Read more below

Best for ease of use

As the Evoc Bike Bag is soft, it's light and easy to store when not in use. There is plenty of padding provided to protect your bike when it's in the bag, and the large side opening makes it simple to put the bike in place.

Best value 

Very light and compact, LifeLine's EVA Bike Pod also offers excellent value for money. Its semi-rigid design offers more protection than a soft bag but they are still quite flexible and as it only has two wheels it can be a little awkward to manoeuvre around an airport.

Most portable

Another light option, the Orucase B2 even includes rucksack-style straps which are handy if you have packed very light. There is a fair bit of disassembly required though and it can feel a bit lopsided when wheeling it around.

Best with integrated stand

Thule's RoundTrip Pro XT bike bag uses an internal frame that can also double as a workstand whilst on holiday, which is very handy. It's more of a reinforced bag than a hard case though and as such is quite pricey.

Most robust

One of the heavier boxes available, the VeloVault2 provides very reassuring protection for your bike. Its quality construction and overall sturdiness will ensure that your lightweight carbon frame should emerge unscathed, but there might not be much weight allowance left once this gets on the scales.

Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel: Our picks

Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag

1. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The AeroComfort 3.0 from Scicon is a firm favorite among the Cycling Weekly tech team. We've flown test bikes all over the world, and we like to use this carry case because it makes travelling by bike easy, hassle-free and incredibly quick. It takes just 15 minutes to pack the bike away, and even less time to put it back together.

How so? The outside is a soft, fabric bag, but inside you'll find a metal structure. You simply remove the wheels, loop your chain over a specially designed T-bar and use your quick releases to stand the bike on the metal frame, so it's immovable inside and thus a lot more secure. It couldn't be easier.

There's no need to remove anything aside from the wheels, the handlebars stay straight and don't need twisting. This does make the front end quite bulky, but we found that the protection is good, with a thick soft fabric, designated pockets for wheels, helmets and shoes, and most importantly the rear derailleur is kept off the ground. 

Read more: Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag full review

Evoc bike travel bag

2. Evoc Bike Travel Bike Bag

Whilst hard cases give the ultimate reassurance that your bike is well protected, they also take up a lot of room when out of use, and, they're heavy - limiting your ability to pack kit alongside your bike and stay within airline limits.

Enter soft cases, and this Evoc bike bag is an excellent option. Yes, it offers less protection - but the Cycling Weekly team has used it to transport press bikes on plenty of occasions (NB, we once even used a cardboard box for a personal bike, the theory is that baggage handlers will be more careful!).

This Evoc Bike bag excels in terms of ease of use, too. The side opening makes getting the bike in a cinch, and the handy Velcro makes getting the parts in the right place a piece of cake. The newer model reviewed here now has a reinforced front zip, meaning it should last longer.

Read more: Evoc bike travel bike bag full review

LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

3. LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

Although it's a reasonably compact bike box, the LifeLine Bike Pod will take a smaller-sized bike without too much disassembly. It rolls on two rear wheels, with two front feet to stand on. Quick-release wheels, although not wheels with thru-axles, can be secured to the outside of the case.

Our tester found that the LifeLine Bike Pod is relatively easy to move around, although since you have to lift the front end and the carrying handle doesn't let you wrap your hand through it, longer carries can be tiring. 

The sides of the bag are quite flexible, so it would be advisable to wrap wheels and frame well inside to prevent crushing. We were also concerned about how robust the feet would be and how well the zip would stand repeated use, but overall, the LifeLine Bike Pod is a relatively inexpensive option for the less frequent flyer.

Read more: LifeLine EVA Bike Pod full review

Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

4. Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

We've taken the B2 bike case on several domestic and international flights and were left impressed. It sports many welcomed features, including backpack straps and a rollable chassis. Combined with its compact, space-saving size it makes for a sleek, highly portable and trustworthy bag that we think is a great option if space is limited or you'll be traveling on serval modes of transport during your trip.

We did find that it's not the easiest to pack, and required some disassembling of your bike - so you'll need to be confident of putting your bike back together once you've arrived. It's also far from cheap, but in our opinion, it's likely a worthy investment given the ease of portability and the posibbility to save on extra fees due to its smaller size.

Read more: Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case full review

Most versatile

Thule Round Trip Pro XT bike bag

5. Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Bag

The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT falls into the not-quite-a-bike-bag category. It's a softshell but has some structural implants that should keep your bike safe through the worst of it.

However, the bag does have some weak areas and for the price you pay this doesn't induce confidence. But, maybe we're being picky. This is a solid purchase, undoubtedly, and we always add extra bubble wrap around our frames, whatever we're packing them into.

The base, which holds the bike static in the case, can have three legs added, transforming it into a workstand for when you get to your destination - which is a rather 'nice to have' too.

Read more: Thule RoundTrip Pro XT review

Blue Velovault2 bike box

6. VeloVault2 bike box

We really liked the VeloVault2 bike box when we had it in for test. It's big and robust, which is what many cyclists need to achieve peace of mind when flying with a bike.

However, weighing in at 12.5kg means it should sneak under most airline weight controls. The company has sweated the small stuff, too: the clasps are quality, it's easy to close and it rolls well.

VeloVault2 bike box has a new carrying handle, longer wheelbase, improved strut design and it is roof box ready. Oh, and it's now bright blue... other colours are available if that's not to your liking.

Read more: VeloVault2 full review

How do I pack a bike into a bike bag or box?

Packing the bike into the bag or box sometimes takes quite a bit more effort than expected. The process may differ slightly depending on the specific box or bag, but the general process goes something like:

- Remove the pedals - Partially deflate tires and remove the wheels - Remove the seatpost and saddle - Remove the handlebar from the stem or remove the handlebar and stem together from the steerer - Undo rear derailleur (but leave it on the chain) - Secure the frame and components in the box via the manufacturer-approved method - Pack the tools required to rebuild the bike!

There are a few more mechanical adjustments you might make, and if you’re handy with a spanner they shouldn't cause too much grief. For example, you might have to remove the chainset. This will keep it protected en route but it’s worth bearing in mind that you’ll have to reassemble it when you arrive on your hols, so if you're no spanner wizard it might be best to avoid this. It may also mean packing extra tools, which means extra weight to carry around.

Best bike bags vs best bike boxes: which is better?

You might think this is an easy question: it's surely a box, right? However, that's probably before you’ve taken weight into consideration.

A lighter weight bike bag influences two things: how comfortable it is to carry and lug about but also how much of your baggage allowance it eats into - and how much the baggage supplement might be.

The trade off is in the level of protection: a hard flight case like box is going to take the knocks better than a soft bag. That said, soft bike bags will usually protect your bike from the worst of it and they also tend to be cheaper than bike boxes.

There is an in between option. The best bike bags tend to have some more structural inserts inside but retain more of a bag's lightweight nature. Other bike bags can have nifty, in-built storage techniques. For example, some have built-in dropouts that allow you to stand your frame upright and hold it tight.

Do I need to add extra padding to my bike bag?

Regardless of how tough your bag or box might be, you’ll definitely want to pad the important parts inside it. We’d recommend bubble wrap and foam piping. If you’re lucky, your local bike shop might have excess from all the bikes they get sent in. Don't forget to put it around the frame in places where other items in the box might rub against it.

Riding in the mountains

A good bike box or bag has to tread the line between providing the best protection for your bike and yet still being light, easy to carry and simple to pack. These boxes have been used to carry various bikes on multiple flights, being packed and unpacked several times each. They all protected the bikes from any transport damage and none were particularly difficult or awkward to pack but each has its advantages and disadvantages that may clinch the deal for you.

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Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer. In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends most of his time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.

Coffee connoisseur Adam Becket delves into the storied yet mysterious relationship between cycling and the original energy drink

By Adam Becket Published 28 April 24

Chris Boardman and author Tom Babin both advocate shifting the mindset away from tribalistic 'sport cycling' and 'commute cycling' to a more rounded approach

By Hannah Bussey Published 28 April 24

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The 9 Best Bike Bags of 2024

We’ve gathered the most convenient bike bags for carrying all of your gear — from panniers to frame bags.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Whether you’re interested in commuting with panniers or packing ultralight gear in a frame bag setup, bike bags are a convenient way to avoid cycling with a backpack. There are a lot of different bike bag systems, and the one you choose depends on your comfort and style of riding.

Panniers are larger-capacity bags that sit on a rack above your rear wheel (or occasionally front wheel) and are ideal for commuting and front-country touring. These are easy to pack and access. More streamlined packing systems include frame bags, seat packs, and handlebar packs. These are ideal for weight-conscious bikepackers looking for a more aerodynamic setup. Whether you’re planning a long-distance trip or looking to enhance your daily cycling, we’ve gathered the best bike bags for every adventurer.

Best Overall

Ortlieb back-roller classic pannier.

This set works just as well for running errands and commuting as it does for touring.

We’d love a few more internal pockets for organizing gear. 

Ortlieb’s durable, high-volume, convenient pannier setup has excellent capacity and versatility. These panniers work great for everything from farmer’s market runs to multi-day front-country tours. These bags come in a set of two and are built from a rugged coated polyester that is fully waterproof thanks to the roll-top closure. 

At 20 liters each, these are big enough to fit camping gear, food, clothes, or your local grocery haul. The panniers fit on racks up to 16 millimeters in diameter, and also have adapters for narrower rails. They have an interior pocket for keeping smaller items organized, don’t flap around on the bike rack, and come with shoulder straps for when you may want to wear them around town. 

The Details: 20 liters each | 4.19 pounds | PVC-coated polyester | Waterproof

Best Durability

Thule shield bike pannier bag.

The bag sports a simple design and worry-free waterproofing.

The materials start out fairly stiff and can be tricky to roll at first.

Known for their ultra-durable luggage, gear racks, and storage, Thule also makes a similarly rugged line of waterproof bags with super secure attachments. These panniers come in a range of sizes, including a set of 13-liter bags, and single bags in 17-liter, 22-liter, and 25-liter capacities. They are hassle-free to attach securely to racks, and will fit anything from eight- to 16-millimeter rack bars without the need for adapters. 

This set features a padded laptop sleeve that fits laptops up to 15 inches, as well as a smaller padded sleeve for tablets and file folders. The external zippered pocket holds small items for easy access, and the hardware and straps are all extremely durable and reliable. 

The Details: 13-25 liters | 3.3-4.4 pounds | Welded nylon | Waterproof

Best for Commuting

Ortlieb vario ps pannier.

Backcountry

It’s a two-in-one backpack and bike pannier.

The bag is not entirely waterproof, so be careful with laptops and other tech items.

Combining the convenience, storage, and carrying system for use with both a bike rack and as a backpack, Ortlieb’s Vario PS Pannier is a no-brainer for bike commuters. Hop off your bike, unclip the bag, throw it on your back, and you’re ready for the day. The backpack straps tuck away for safe riding, and we appreciate the reflective details for early morning or evening commutes. This pack has convenient external pockets and a padded internal laptop sleeve making commuting a breeze. It also comes in fun colors with a retro-looking clasp to secure the roll-top closure. 

The Details: 26 liters | 3.44 pounds | PU-coated nylon | Water-resistant

Most Versatile

North street bags pioneer 9 handlebar pack.

North Street Bags

It’s easy to unclip it from handlebars to use as a clutch or crossbody bag.

It may be too small for transporting gear.

With simple attachments that eliminate the need to remove the straps from your handlebars (if you know, you know), this bag is convenient, secure, and versatile. This small bag has just over 2.5 liters of capacity, with a clear internal zippered pocket for cash and cards. The front zippered pocket is perfect for keys, and the pouch itself can hold small necessities and doubles as a purse, waist-pack, cross-body bag, or clutch. It attaches securely to your handlebars with nylon straps, then the pouch attaches to the straps with a simple clasp for added security. You can choose between a few different materials for the body of the bag, and the color range is so wide it feels almost custom. 

The Details: 2.65 liters | 0.36 pounds | EcoPak EPX or Cordura | Water-resistant

Best Handlebar Pack

Revelate designs sweetroll handlebar bag.

The dual-access points are convenient, and we love the extra capacity in the front flap.

If you have narrow drop-bars you may not be able to fill this to capacity. 

This waterproof bag is shaped like a tube and sits close to your handlebars, but doesn’t impede steering. The bag can be accessed from both ends, which means if you pack strategically, you can reach everything you need with a quick unbuckle-and-unroll during breaks. The bag comes with dense foam spacers to customize the fit and clear any brake lines, and it stays tight against the handlebars even after days of bumpy riding. 

This bag is ideal for hauling tent poles or other long, awkwardly shaped bikepacking gear, and the expandable front flap provides even more capacity for snacks or maps. The material is fully waterproof, and as long as you roll the sides as directed, will withstand even torrential downpours. Just be aware of your bike’s drop-bar situation as smaller bikes with narrower drop bars may need a smaller roll. 

The Details: 11 liters | 0.9 pounds | TPU-laminated nylon | Waterproof

Best Frame Bag

Blackburn outpost elite frame bike bag.

It comes in multiple sizes and heights to fit as many bike geometries as possible.

The gear loop and zipper attachment areas can delaminate after significant use.

There are so many bike geometries and measurements that the only way to ensure a perfect frame bag fit is to get a custom bag. However, the next best thing is a frame bag that comes in multiple capacities and sizes. Blackburn’s Outpost Elite Frame Bag doesn’t just have different sizes, it comes in different heights to fill as much space as possible on your frame, keeping packed weight at a lower center of gravity without increasing wind resistance. This bag is made with waterproof materials and sealed zippers, and has multiple pockets for organizing quick-grab items. It even has a hose port for carrying a water reservoir in the bag itself, perfect for those extra-dry stretches. 

The Details: 3.4-6.8 liters | 0.44-0.69 pounds | Nylon | Waterproof

Best Half-frame Bag

Deuter mondego fb 6 pack.

A half-frame bag leaves space in the frame for a water bottle mount,

It only comes in one size, so may feel large on smaller bikes.

A half-frame bag is a versatile option that still allows you to carry an accessible water bottle on your downtube without losing the convenience of gear stashed in the frame. This bag still has six liters of capacity, which is enough for snacks, a tool kit, and a spare layer. It also has a small side pocket and comes with the standard hook-and-loop closures to fit a variety of tube diameters, and is highly water-resistant. 

The Details: 6 liters | 0.38 pounds | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best Seat Pack

Revelate designs spinelock 16l seat bag.

The bag can be removed from the bike with just one pin.

Shorter riders may have trouble with this bag hitting their rear wheel when filled to capacity. 

The seat pack is the workhorse of a touring bike-bag system. With a 16-liter capacity and an easy-to-pack shape, this bag can hold compressible sleeping bags, solo tents, and spare clothes — basically your entire camping setup. The Spinelock system uses a set of clamps that attach under your seat, with a forged aluminum pin that connects through the top of the pack attachment. One hook-and-loop strap secures it to your seat post, and you’re ready to go. If you’re filling this bag to capacity you will need to stuff it on the ground like a compression sack, and then use the convenient air purge valve to reduce the volume for easy transport.

The Details: 16 liters | 1.5 pounds | Ripstop nylon, aluminum | Waterproof

Best Top Tube Bag

Rei co-op junction top tube bag.

It has a surprisingly large capacity and doesn’t move around as you ride.

The bag is not fully waterproof.

The humble top-tube bag is an unsung hero in commuting, bikepacking, and general riding. It’s also kind of hard to get right, but this 1.3-liter model from REI’s bike bag line nails it. Two hook-and-loop closures secure around your top tube, and a bungee can be tightened as much as possible around your stem to keep it stable. It has an internal pocket for small items like lip balm, cash, or cards, and the main pocket is deceptively large, holding important bike tools, snacks, and other essentials.

The Details: 1.3 liters | 0.37 pounds | Nylon | Water-resistant

Tips for Buying Bike Bags

Consider capacity and access.

If you’re running a pannier setup, keep your quick-grab items at the top, and consider supplementing larger bags with a smaller front bag. Commuters and casual cyclists probably don’t need more than 15-20 liters of capacity for in-town riding, but bikepackers can need upward of 30-40 liters, depending on itineraries and destinations. Accessibility is also key, and we love keeping a few small bags attached to the handlebars or top tube for items we may need quickly or frequently. 

Prioritize weight distribution

Biking with bags or panniers will change the dynamics and feel of your bike. Keeping your weight lower keeps your center of gravity in a more natural position, so pack your frame bag with care. If you’re riding with two panniers, weigh them equally as much as possible for easier riding. If you’re riding with just one pannier, be aware of the change in balance during riding, and start with smaller loads to practice staying upright. Biking with a frame bag and a handlebar bag eliminates a lot of the weight distribution issues, and remember that keeping your weight lower keeps your center of gravity in a more natural position, so pack your frame bag first. 

Think about waterproofing

Most bike bags and panniers are durable and water-resistant, and some are entirely waterproof. This distinction comes from material, material treatment, zipper construction, and closure. When used correctly, a roll-top closure on a bag built with waterproof materials is going to keep your gear the driest. 

DWR-treated materials will keep your gear dry for a while, but can eventually saturate, and bags with zippers have a higher rate of moisture seepage, as even a waterproof zipper creates a potential failure point due to delamination after significant use. If you’re transporting a laptop or other items that can’t get wet, buying an IPX-rated waterproof bag is your best bet.

For commuting, running errands, and front-country touring, panniers are convenient, easy to pack, and have a larger capacity. Many also come with carrying straps and can double as backpacks or shoulder bags. For lightweight bikepacking setups or extended gravel racing, bike bags will be more aerodynamic and afford easier riding.  “I look for convenience over weight savings,” Montana-based cyclist and gravel bike racer Hailey Hosken says. “I choose panniers because I can load all of my gear into two backpack-shaped bags and find it all easily.”

A fully weighted set of pannier will slow you down due to added weight as well as wind resistance. Your bike goes from being a narrow, sleek vehicle to having added width to catch the wind. Riding with weighted panniers takes some getting used to, and can make you feel less agile, but theyare still a great way to carry camping gear and town gear. Just be aware that your bike will feel different at first. 

If you’re looking for maximum protection for your gear, choose a hard-sided bike bag, but keep in mind that they are clunkier and can be harder to pack than soft-sided bags. A good option for protecting your items is a soft-sided bag with internal structural reinforcements, so you get the flexibility of a soft bag with extra internal protection. If you’re packing a laptop, look for a pannier with a padded sleeve. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Maggie Slepian is an avid hiker and cyclist with more than a decade of professional gear testing experience. She has cycled thousands of miles on bikepacking trips as well as running errands on her bike in town. She runs both a racing bag setup as well as panniers, depending on the circumstance and packing needs. To curate this list, she spoke with Hailey Hosken , a gravel bike racer and avid bikepacking enthusiast. 

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The To Go Box is a set of accessories for the Wald 137 and 139 Basket. Made up of a hinged lid and a custom-fit liner, they designed to work together as well as independantly. Constructed using 1000d Cordura and 18oz vinyl-coated polyester.

The lid includes a water-resistant zipper pocket for small essentials and a shock cord for securing items. It’s rigid plastic stiffener maintains shape and allows you to stack on top of the To Go Box. Adjustable cam straps can expand to harness oversized loads.

The liner shields cargo from elements and attaches securely with snap hooks. Inside, pleated pockets provides extra storage, and off center drain holes keep the inside dry while preventing splashes from your wheel. Lined with easy-to-clean 18oz vinyl-coated polyester.

All bags are sewn by me, Michael, in Bend Oregon.

For custom orders, I’ll reach out via email. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for the “surprise me” custom option.

This is a preorder, please allow up to 5 weeks for your To Go Box to ship.

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Bikepacking Bags and How to Pack

One thing that’s significantly helped popularize bikepacking is the commercial availability of soft bags that not only eliminate the need for rack mounts but make it easy to carry gear on just about any bike. Still, we receive a lot of questions along the lines of, “Which bags should I start with? Are there any specific bags you’d recommend? What do you pack where?”

A frame pack, seat pack, and handlebar bag—aka the bikepacking trinity—can carry most of the gear you’ll need for an average trip, with accessory packs adding extra capacity. There are several nuances that complicate matters, however, and there are quite a few options in each of those categories, with various sizes and shapes to cover a variety of bike types and proportions. Plus, there are even more great alternatives that use lightweight racks, mini panniers, and baskets. Here, we’ll cover all of these possibilities with insight into what each can carry and what to consider when you’re contemplating the myriad options.

Frame Packs

Formed by the top tube, seat tube, and down tube, the triangular space on a bike frame is arguably the most efficient place to carry gear. It places the extra weight in a low, centered position where it has less of an effect on the bike’s handling than it would elsewhere. The frame pack was conceived to maximize the use of this space and has been around for quite some time. In fact, photos of leather frame packs can be found on the military-issue bikes used by the Buffalo Soldiers on their historic 1887 expedition. Today, frame packs are typically made from synthetic Cordura or nylon X-Pac, and they’re usually lashed onto the frame with velcro straps or cord lacing. Frame packs are available for full-suspension, hardtail, and rigid bikes and are often custom made to fit snugly within a bike’s unique frame shape, although there are plenty of near-universal bags available to fit most bikes.

Frame packs provide anywhere from three to nine liters of storage, with the lower figure being based on an extra-small half-frame bag and the larger based on an extra-large full-frame pack. At any size, a frame bag can usually store more than you’d think, and it’s an excellent place to pack heavier items as it maintains the bike’s low center of gravity. Heavy items might include food, tools and spare parts, stove fuel/cooking equipment, batteries/heavy electronics, and water.

Full Frame Bag

A full frame bag takes up the entirety of the frame triangle and is the best way to maximize the packing volume of that space. Going custom is the best way to approach a full-frame bag, as all bike frames are different. Most bag makers offer full frame bags for regular diamond frames as well as oddly shaped full-suspension bikes and more bespoke bicycles with curved tubes. Here are a baker’s dozen custom frame bag makers we like:

• Atwater (CAN)
• Bedrock Bags (CO, USA)
• Bike Bag Dude (AUS)
• Cedaero (MN, USA)
• Framework Designs (AUS)
• Gramm Tourpacking (GER)
• Jpaks (CO, USA)
• Nuke Sunrise (UT, USA)
• Rockgeist (NC, USA)
• Rogue Panda (AZ, USA)
• Straight Cut Design (UK)
• Wit Slingers (GER)
• Wizard Works (UK)

There are also a few great readymade, universal-fit full frame bags that work very well. All three of these companies have done a great job in engineering the fit to work with a multitude of bikes:

Revelate Ranger and Ripio are two made-in-the-USA bags sized for mountain bikes and gravel; find at REI: Ranger / Ripio

Rockgeist 52hz is a unique waterproof/roll-top bag that comes in a variety of sizes

The Ortlieb Frame Pack RC has a waterproof roll top design; we used it on the Cotic SolarisMax and liked it; find at REI

Other options include the Blackburn Elite and The Restrap Full Frame Bag

Half Frame Bag

There are smaller frame packs purposefully designed to only use a portion of the frame triangle. This allows it to be paired with one or two water bottles or a cargo cage with other gear. The most popular is the half-frame bag, which runs the length of the top tube and is 4-8” (10-20cm) tall. On a conventional diamond bike frame, half frame packs allow the use of the water bottle cage mount on the down tube and even the second cage mount on the seat tube on larger frames. This format is especially suited to gravel bikes where the large frame triangle has room for two water bottles in addition to the pack. Half frame packs can be custom made to precisely match the fit of your bike, and there are also several commercially available models that come in multiple sizes for a universal fit. They’re quite versatile and can easily be swapped between bikes. Here are three of our favorite readymade models:

Dig into our full Gear Index of Half Frame Bags for a complete list of options

The Revelate Tangle was one of the original readymade half frame bags and stands the test of time; find at REI

Oveja Negra’s 1/2 Pack Frame Bag is another excellent, made-in-Colorado bag; find at Oveja Negra

The Outer Shell Half Pack has become another trusted favorite and comes in several colors; find at Outer Shell

We love a good “wedge” frame bag. A classic wedge design typically takes up the front of the bike’s triangle and leaves enough room in the back to utilize the seat tube-mounted water bottle cage for a standard bottle or an oversized Nalgene or 32-ounce Klean Kanteen. Not only does this provide a convenient storage spot for water, but it also positions the water bottle in a low, central point on the frame to minimize the effect of the weight on the bike’s handling. In addition, having a little exposed top tube leaves a good grab handle for those occasional hike-a-bike portages. A wedge is good for bikepacking, and it’s also great for everyday rides. Here are a few of our favorites:

Oveja Negra Super Wedgie is the first wedge we tried, and it’s still going strong

BXB Better Half is made specifically for gravel bikes with more of a horizontal top tube

Revelate Designs Hopper is a one-size-fits-many design with a quick magnetic opening

You can also find plenty of wedges in our Gear Index of Half Frame Bags

Features to Consider

• Bolt-on or Strap-on: We appreciate having the option to bolt bags onto the frame’s water bottle bosses. This not only eliminates straps, which often wear paint and finishes, but it offers a clean look. Salsa also produces some nice rubberized frame bag screws that make bolt-on bags easier to install and uninstall.
• Big Zips or No Zips: As with all gear, zips are the weakest part of a frame pack. Try to resist the temptation to cram as much as you can into your bag, as it will inevitably stress the zipper and cause it to split ( which can be prevented ). Although not as quick to access, there are several zipperless frame bags on the market, including those from Rockgeist and Rogue Panda. These are especially well suited to longer journeys where reliability is more important than practicality. If you opt for a zipper, make sure it’s a large molded-teeth zip, like #10 YKK zippers. Revelate Tangle and Ranger bags use a stretch strip of fabric around the zips to allow some flexibility, which is a nice feature.
• Single Pocket or Multiple Pockets: Many frame packs have a main compartment on one side—typically the drive side—and a zippered flat pocket on the other. This is handy for keys, a wallet, or other odds and ends. Most custom bag makers also use these nowadays, and bags like the Revelate Ranger have a flat pocket with several convenient storage areas. For the organizers among us, frame packs with multiple compartments or dividers are available too.

Handlebar Bags

While the frame triangle might be the most efficient place to store gear, the handlebars are the easiest and most convenient. Folks have been strapping bedrolls and baskets to the bars ever since the advent of the bicycle. Purpose-made handlebar packs go one significant step further by featuring rugged handlebar connections, anti-abrasion patches to reduce damage to and from cables and levers, additional accessory pockets, and elegant solutions for stabilizing the load and accessing gear. There are a variety of options available these days. We’ll cover the three main types here and get into some alternative carrying methods later.

We usually recommend packing lighter items in the handlebar bag. These might include ultralight camping gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, or lightweight clothing. No matter what type of handlebar bag you use, our rule of thumb is to keep the front load as light as possible. Otherwise, the bike’s handling will likely suffer.

Handlebar Roll

Often called a burrito or sausage bag, a handlebar roll is an integrated system with a dry bag and handlebar attachments constructed as a single unit. Aside from using a couple of straps to lash a dry bag to the handlebars—which is a perfectly reasonable solution—rolls are the most simple and universal off-the-shelf option for storing gear on the handlebars. They work with just about any bike, usually don’t take up much vertical space that might interfere with the front tire (especially if you’re running a suspension fork), and they don’t require any racks or accessories.

The handlebar roll is typically made up of a dry bag with a roll closure on either side and a pair of integrated straps/mounts that attach it to the bars. There are readymade versions available from quite a few brands, many of which come in several width and diameter variations. Find three of our favorites and more here:

The waterproof Ortlieb Handlebar-Pack comes in two sizes (including the 15L one that’s shown) and is extremely well made; find at REI

The Revelate Sweet Roll is a popular waterproof option that’s been super durable over the years; find at REI

The Bedrock Entrada is a tried and true made-in-Colorado bag with a unique closure system

Check out our Handlebar Roll vs. Harness vs. Top Loader video for a comparison

Handlebar Harness

A handlebar harness is similar to a handlebar roll but with the user-friendly option of being able to easily remove the main bag to pack and unpack it off of the bike. The harness system remains mounted to the bars and usually has a couple of simple compression straps to secure the dry bag and other items. Think of it as a quick-release handlebar roll where you can leave the attachment in place and just remove the bag to use away from your bike. Handlebar harness systems come in all forms, with some having minimal hardware to add stability and others with plastic shells that form a cradle. One of the biggest benefits of a harness is that other items can be strapped into it, aside from just a single dry bag. You can use almost any dry bag, which keeps your stuff dry, unlike many stitched bags. Here are a few of our favorite harness systems:

Both the Revelate Harness and Pronghorn are front-runners in this category, and we’ve put countless miles on them

The Outer Shell Harness is a favorite among several of us here

The Rockgeist Barjam offers a unique mounting solution that keeps it free from cables

Check out our Handlebar Roll vs Harness vs Top Loader video for a comparison

Long before the advent of modern handlebar bags, there were saddlebags strapped to the bars. Known for their classic aesthetic, these bags usually have a top-opening flap that’s completely different from the technical roll-closures in the bags mentioned above. They also have two strap junctions made to attach to saddle clips that folks later realized work even better to connect to the handlebars. This style of luggage continues to hold favor among many dirt road and gravel tourers, largely because of its look and top-loading practicality. Our favorites include:

The Gear Index of Saddlebags and Top Loaders has a comprehensive list of options

Handmade in Arizona, The Bags by Bird Goldback is one of our favorite options

The Swift Zeitgeist is a simple, durable, and highly functional handlebar bag

Ron’s Bikes Fabio’s Chest is a good larger top-opener with a lovely style

A single bag behind the saddle is the third part of the prototypical bikepacking luggage trinity. There are other options that we’ll dig into—such as panniers—but the rationale behind a single seat bag positioned above the rear tire is to maintain a lightweight, narrow, pannier-free setup. When riding off-road, seat bags don’t flap around noisily, and the minimal form factor keeps things nimble and out of the way. Like other bikepacking bags, there are many options and subgenres to choose from.

What you pack in a seat pack or saddlebag largely depends on personal preference. Some of us on the BIKEPACKING.com team use this bag and position to pack clothing, and others use it to store a tent and an air mattress.

The seat pack may appear a bit odd to the uninitiated, but it’s a crucial piece in a bikepacking bag kit. Its conical or missile-shaped body is wedged behind the saddle with straps that usually run under the rails and an additional strap that anchors it to the seatpost. Most seat packs range from five liters in packing volume all the way up to 14 liters. One benefit of a seat pack over traditional panniers is that it keeps the load in a narrow format, making those inevitable hike-a-bikes less cumbersome, as seat packs won’t interfere with your legs as panniers do. They’re also considerably lighter than a rack-and-pannier setup or even a traditional saddlebag. Note that there are several types of seat bags, including some that are stitched, others that are welded from a waterproof polyurethane-coated nylon, and some that are designed around holsters that remain mounted to the saddle with removable dry bags. There are also smaller versions made for use with a dropper post, which you can find linked below after a few of our favorite seat packs.

The Revelate Terrapin System is one of the first holster-style seat packs and is ultra-durable featuring a waterproof dry bag

Ortlieb’s 11L Seat-Pack offers a no-frills, durable, waterproof design; find our review of its predecessor and details from Ortlieb here

The Wayward Riders Louise is an extremely simple, elegant, and dropper post-friendly seat holster solution made in New Zealand

The Dropper Post Seat Bags Index has a comprehensive list of options and alternatives for running a seat bag with a dropper

Rack and Dry Bag

The rack and dry bag method of carrying gear has been around for a long while and is hard to beat when it comes to stability and versatility. It offers a few benefits over soft bags. First, it’s the absolute best method for use with a dropper post. Since the bag is mounted to the rack, there’s no weight burden placed on the dropper, and the bag is out of the way. Additionally, some racks—like the Tumbleweed T Rack and Old Man Mountain Elkhorn—have three-pack cage mounts on the upright struts that allow you to expand the load using cargo cages or extra bottle mounts. It’s a super handy technique for bigger trips or desert expeditions where added water capacity is a must. Here are some useful links:

Check out our Gear Index of Lightweight Rear Bike Racks for a comprehensive list of racks and accessories

Tailfin’s Aeropack integrates a rear rack and a dry bag into an easy-to-use, reliable system

The Best Rear Racks For Bikepacking goes over a few of our favorite lightweight rear racks

Use this tutorial to make your own cylindrical stuff sack

The popularity of this style of bag can be attributed to the British brand Carradice. Their Camper Longflap and similar designs were created for minimalist touring and more off-the-beaten-path bike trips back in the 1950s. Later, these bags could be found in the timeless photography from the Rough-Stuff Fellowship, a cycling club that essentially led the charge in what we now think of as off-road bike travel. This style of bag saw something of a resurgence when folks started using them for dirt-road touring back in the 2010s. We made a DIY version in 2013 using modern touches like plastic buckles, and Swift Industries and Ultraromance started making saddlebags with similar features shortly thereafter.

There are a few things to consider if you’re contemplating this style of bag for rear luggage. You’ll likely need a rack or bag support, as they can be a little unwieldy in this position. Also, having a saddle with attachment loops is crucial, as is making sure you have enough space between your rear tire and saddle loops. You can see some of our favorites in the top-loader entry above and find more information in our Gear Index here .

Racks, Baskets, and Panniers

While folks might not think of racks, panniers, and baskets as part of a bikepacking bag setup, they’ve been used in some applications consistently throughout the growth of bikepacking. They’re all tried-and-true methods of carrying gear on an all-terrain bicycle. And with some attention to detail, they can be reliable and ready for the rough conditions that bikepacking is known for dishing out. Find some insight into these approaches with some useful links below.

Rear Mini-Panniers

Saddle rail- and seatpost-mounted bags are great, but they have limitations. Most notably, shorter riders often don’t have enough room between their saddle and the rear tire to accommodate a seat pack or saddlebag, especially if they’re using a dropper post. Additionally, seat packs don’t have enough space for some people’s packing preferences. Small or mini panniers are perfect for these scenarios. There are a ton of options, with many bikepacking bag companies developing their own lightweight and minimal variations that are perfect for dirt road exploits. You can find a comprehensive list and tips in our Mini Pannier Gear Index linked below with a few of our favorites:

The Mini-Pannier Gear Index lists the many options available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including the Microwave Panniers shown here

Tailfin 10L Mini Panniers are waterproof, very durable, and have one of the most elegant cam attachments we’ve seen

The Revelate Nano Panniers were redesigned in 2023 after a lot of R&D

Bedrock Hermosa Panniers were one of the first few mini-pannier options available, and they offer quality construction and excellent size; find them on the Gear Index

Basket Bags

Another ever-evolving and interesting packing technique is the classic rack-mounted basket. Dozens of bag companies have created their take on a basket bag that fits snugly in popular baskets, such as the Wald 137 and 139. You can find loads of info in the subject and a full list of options at our Basket Bags Gear Index. Here are three perennial favorites:

Look no further than the Gear Index of Basket Bags for a list of products and details about baskets and hardware

Wizard Works Alakazam is made in London, England, and comes in a variety of colors

Rockgeist Meanwhile Bag is one of the few basket bags that’s waterproof; find a writeup in the Gear Index and more at Rockgeist

Hungry Tote Bag is made in Sydney, Australia, for the Wald 137/139 basket; find a writeup in the Gear Index and more at Hungry

Front-Loading Panniers

A front rack with small panniers is another gear-carrying option that’s popular with gravel and all-road enthusiasts. Low-trail bikes excel at this style of packing and often exhibit better handling when front loaded. The same products we highlighted in the Rear Mini-Panniers section above can work well here. Note that front loading isn’t the best method if your adventures include rocky singletrack and other obstacles, as low panniers can affect the handling of the bike and get hung up on tight trails.

Accessory Bags

A typical frame pack/seat bag/handlebar bag combo might not be quite enough space for some folks. Additionally, those types of bags aren’t always easy to access while riding. Cue the accessory bag, which comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and adds handy packing space to your kit.

Top Tube Bags

Top tube bags are a great accessory for storing snacks or other small items that require quick access. These are mounted to the steerer tube and top tube, forming a shape similar to that of a motorcycle gas tank. There are countless options available at this point, and you can find a comprehensive list at our Top Tube Bags Gear Index.

Our Top Tube Bag Gear Index serves as the de facto list of options

The Revelate Gas Tank was one of the first top tube bags on the market and remains one of the most popular

Tailfin Top Tube Pack is one of the newest options available and has already impressed us

The Oveja Negra Snack Pack is a timeless classic that’s been a mainstay on several of our bikes; find it in Gear that Lasts or Campfire

Stem bags are small can-shaped bags that fit at the stem and handlebar. They’re often referred to as “feed bags” because they are a great place to keep snacks and can be accessed on the move. Several favorites include the Revelate Mountain Feedbag, Oveja Negra Chuckbucket, and Rogue Panda Bismark Bottle Bucket, which is designed specifically for water bottles.

The Revelate Mountain Feedbag has two mesh pockets, a one-hand opening, and an excellent design

Oveja Negra’s Chuckbucket is another great choice with a unique form factor and time-proven construction

The Rogue Panda Bismarck Bottle Bucket features a unique design with a built-in bottle cage and is incredibly durable and useful

Make Your Own Stem Bag from repurposed material with this excellent tutorial

Fork/Tube-Mounted Bags

Another great type of accessory bag is the cargo cage bag or fork-mounted bag. These come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and means of connection. Some strap directly to the frame, and others are designed to secure to a cargo cage that bolts onto the frame’s double or triple cage mounts. There’s a lot to consider here, so be sure to dig into our Gear Index on the subject.

The Gear Index of Cargo Cages and Bags features a comprehensive list of accessory bags

Tailfin’s V Mount Pack is designed to strap to a bike’s tubes to hold a bottle or other cargo

The Revelate Joey is a handy down tube strap bag that has many uses

Ways to add Bottle Cages is a Gear Index featuring clamp-on mounts and other methods of attaching bottles and cages

Packing Tips

Last but not least, here are some basic tips on how to pack your stuff in all these bags.

• For optimal off-road maneuverability , keep the load light on the handlebars and store heavier gear low and toward the center of the bike. The frame triangle is the ideal place for heavy items.
• Prior to your trip , pack your bike with your entire kit and take it for a test ride. Double-check that everything fits with a little room to spare. During the test ride, make sure to climb, descend, hit bumps, and check for loose connections, too much bag movement, or bags rubbing against the tires.
• Backpacks are great , but try and avoid them if possible if on a route that doesn’t require a lot of hike-a-bike. A long day with a load on your back is not ideal, but being able to carry a load while pushing a lighter bike is often easier.
• Stash layers such as a rain jacket or wind shell where you can access them quickly without having to dig through your bags.
• Analyze what you didn’t use on your trip and consider leaving it at home next time.

Revised and expanded in 2023, the Bikepacking 101 Handbook (2 nd ed.) required thousands of hours of research, design, and writing, all of which was made possible through the generous support of our Bikepacking Collective members. As with all of our detailed route guides, in-depth reviews, and daily news, stories, and event coverage, this 20,000-word resource is available to the public for free. If you appreciate what we do here at BIKEPACKING.com, consider joining to support our efforts .

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Everything You Need to Go Bikepacking, Minus the Bike

Bikepacking is hiking, but on two wheels. A scrappier variation on bike touring that involves strong wilderness skills and equally powerful leg muscles, it allows greater freedom of exploration and distance relative to trekking on foot. “There’s something special about setting out with everything you need on your bike and knowing you’re not going to return that same day,” says Andrew Onermaa , co-host of the Bikepack Racing Podcast . Not so special is the tricky task of fitting bulky items onto a skimpy bike frame, including all the gear you need to eat, sleep, navigate to your destination, and fix the bike if it breaks down on the way there.

To play bike Tetris, start by figuring out which bags to get and where to place them. We’ve laid out a variety of options, below, that will suit both overnight trips and multiday adventures. To make sure your bike handles well once you’re rolling, “you want the weight evenly distributed,” advises Bikepack Racing Podcast co-host Ezra Ward-Packard . “If it’s all in the back or front, the bike ride is super-sluggish.” Pedal around your neighborhood before embarking on bigger adventures, then make adjustments as necessary.

Packs for road rides

Perfect for multiday trips on pavement, pannier bags are “the easiest setup that’ll take the least amount of money, time, and effort,” says Ward-Packard. Sturdy and waterproof, they attach to a metal bike rack and are deep enough to store clothing, food, and shelter.

German bike-gear brand Ortlieb is a reliable pick for your first pair of panniers. On a recent rainy bikepacking trip up the Empire State Trail, Shannon Rudd , New York City–based cycling advocate and former ride leader for Women’s Cycling NYC, found that they kept her gear plenty dry.

Mount your panniers on a strong rear rack like this one, from German brand Tubus, which Ward-Packard describes as “bombproof” and “great quality.” Compatible with most bike frames, it holds over 50 pounds and is designed to give riders maximum heel clearance.

Packs for trail rides

In order to minimize weight and ride smoothly on bumpy terrain, many trail-bound bikepackers reject panniers. A metal rack will “rattle a little if you go off-road, and anything that rattles will eventually snap,” says Katya Morzhueva , an avid bikepacker and co-owner of Cool Cat Cycles in Cinco Ranch, Texas. Instead, they use smaller bags that sling from their seats, frame tubes, front forks, and handlebars. These bikepacking-specific bags fit a limited amount of equipment compared to panniers — many aren’t any larger than a small day pack — which means that you might have to buy smaller and lighter camping gear than you already own.

A good frame bag, Onermaa says, is “the foundation for a lot of people.” Here’s a reliably waterproof one from Ortlieb. Secured between the triangle of metal tubes beneath your bike seat, it’s great for holding heavier gear like cooking supplies and repair tools.

“You can lose your water-bottle cage if you add a full frame bag,” points out Rudd. So if you’re going on a shorter trip and would prefer to keep your cage mounts, consider a half-frame bag or top tube pack like this one.

Shorter cyclists have smaller bikes, which means they’ll need to size down when it comes to frame bags. As a smaller rider, Devin Cowens , BIPOC cycling advocate and founder of Radical Adventure Riders Atlanta, says British brand Apidura offers an unusually broad range of sizes that should provide options for most bikes.

You could also just get your frame bag custom made, like many more serious bikepackers (particularly racers) do. Buying this kind of personally tailored gear from small, locally owned brands is, as Ward-Packard puts it, “one of the coolest things” about the sport. Dispersed, Rogue Panda, and Rock Geist are three such brands that’ll make bags to your exacting specifications, from storage capacity to colorways to zipper styles. All three of them were mentioned time and again by the bikepackers we spoke with; Ward-Packard says that Dispersed gets extra credit for the fact its products are sewn by two vanlifers who live (with their bikes) on the road.

Moving on from the frame bag, you’ll also want to maximize handlebar storage. Morzhueva used a canvas handlebar bag from Houston-based brand Louis & Joy during a recent race; for longer trips, this two-part from REI Co-op consists of a large dry bag and a cradle that straps to your handlebars.

You could also opt for a sleek bag that slings from your bike seat, says Texas and New York City–based adventure cyclist Todd Nisbet (a.k.a. Concrete Trails ). Seat bags are “more stealthy” than panniers or even frame bags, and ideal if you’re beginning your journey by taking public transport out of the city and trying not to annoy crowds of people with how much gear is hanging off your bike. Morzhueva uses this Ortlieb one in conjunction with “a big handlebar roll,” customizing the rest of her setup according to trip length and gear required.

Packs for snacks and small items

It’s essential to have a spot for your essentials. Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa uses Bontrager’s top tube bag, which straps below the handlebars and within easy reach of the rider, to stash “my keys, bike tool, random energy gels, and chamois butter.”

Ward-Packard, meanwhile, likes Swift Industries’ Moxie bag for storing his phone. Andrea Molina , who is currently bikepacking from Mexico to Argentina, is also a fan of the small, women-owned Seattle bikepacking brand.

You’ll also want one or two “cockpit bags” that are immediately accessible while you ride, so that it’s easy to grab snacks and water without stopping. “I always have one on my bike even when I’m not bike camping, because they’re so convenient,” says Roxanne Robles, Seattle-based cyclist and author of An Introduction to Bike Touring , of these handy draw-string containers. Cowens likes this bag from the Spindl, another indie bikepacking brand that she says makes “really custom, cool bags.”

Because there’ll always be pit stops, having a bag that’s easily removed and carried with you can be handy. This flat, waterproof, roll-top bag can be strapped on top of your handlebar roll and converts into an over-the-shoulder tote for off-the-bike sightseeing. “If we ever leave our bikes, I use it for any important documents I want to keep with me,” says Rudd. “It’s handy to have, versus having to go into the panniers, which are a deep black hole.”

“A fanny pack has been essential to me,” says Molina. “Because I’m thinking, what are the things I need quick access to? Phone, money, toilet paper, credit card, mask.” Something of a status item, Oveja Negra’s roll-top will get you plenty of compliments on the trail: Robles says that everyone she knows who is serious about bikepacking owns one.

Status straps

Sometimes you’ll want to attach clothing and gear directly to your bike frame, which is where stretchy, grippy Voile straps come in handy. They’re so beloved among bikepackers that “it’s become a joke that you can repair a yeast infection or a torn ACL with one,” says Robles.

Bikepacking tents have smaller tent poles and “fold a few more times to fit the width of a bicycle frame bag,” explains Nisbet. But it’s possible to skip buying extra gear here, if you already have a small backpacking or even car-camping tent. Fit it on your bike by separating the poles and tent body in different bags.

Big Agnes’ range of packable yet surprisingly roomy two-person tents was mentioned by most of our bikepacking experts, including Onermaa, who calls them “phenomenal.” This one weighs just a couple pounds, comes with its own waterproof stuff sack, and features super-collapsible poles and lightweight stakes.

Even with limited space, Nisbet always brings along this 11-ounce, two-in-one hammer and bottle opener.

It’s also possible to get by without a tent. A bivy, explains Radical Adventure Riders Atlanta leader Jen Colestock , is “basically a waterproof bag that’s about the size of a sleeping bag and has a little zip across it.” Avoid this option if you’re claustrophobic, but if not, bivvies are “really simple, really light, and take up almost no space,” says Onermaa.

When you’re figuring out your sleep setup, Robles says, “get the most compact and lightest stuff you can get your hands on.” Think about your sleeping bag first. “So many sleeping bags are going to be so bulky that there’s literally no way to put it on your bike,” notes Ward-Packard, but this one from REI Co-op is an exception. He notes that it’s a rather constricting mummy shape, which will take some getting used to, especially for side sleepers. Still, “it really is about as small as a 30-degree bag can get, and it also doesn’t break the bank.”

Ward-Packard also recommends this ultra-affordable Ozark Trail bag, that’s less than a quarter of the price of REI’s and has the same temperature rating of down to 30 degrees. “I’ve used it to ride across the country twice,” he attests.

For warmer nights, Rellosa travels with this sleeping bag, which keeps you warm in temperatures above 65 degrees. At less than 12 ounces, he explains, “it’s pretty minimal; no zippers or cushioned area around the head, just a gunny-sack-style bag that more closely feels like a sleeping-bag liner.” That makes it easy to stash anywhere on your bike. “It packs down to the size of an orange,” Rellosa promises.

Attaching a foam sleeping pad like Thermarest’s Z-Lite to a spare spot on your bike shouldn’t be too difficult with the aid of some Voile straps, Ward-Packard says, and will weigh practically nothing. If you prefer more padding, he recommends Thermarest’s insulated inflatable mat for a comparatively luxurious night’s rest: The regular size weighs just under nine ounces and packs up far smaller than the inflatable camping mats you might be used to.

A pillow may seem like an unnecessary indulgence, but Onermaa always brings one and advises you to as well. Morzhueva says that these can also be used as a seat when you’re at camp: “It just gives you that comfort of not sitting on the ground.” This Sea to Summit inflatable takes up a tiny amount of space yet promises significantly more comfort than sleeping on a stuff sack full of dirty clothes.

Water storage

Hydration should be a primary consideration when planning your trip. The basic options are mounted bottles or hydration bladders, plus a filtration system if you’re headed to a more remote area. “Bring more than you’d typically bring on a day ride and map out in advance where you’re going to get water,” says Onermaa. That means figuring out whether there are gas stations and campgrounds with spigots. “Have a game plan, and decide if you’re going to bring a filtration system. I always have one just in case it gets to that point.” Two water bottles “would be the minimum, but realistically having three bottles or a bladder, you’ll be a lot better off.” Whatever your system, Rudd advises, “make sure your bottles or bladders are in places that are easy to get to and easy to refill.”

If you’re drinking from a Nalgene, Nisbet recommends storing it in an oversize bottle cage like this one.

Available in 1.5- and 3-liter capacities, this hydration pack from Apidura is designed to fit into a frame bag, explains Cowens, so you can secure it below your seat then thread the drinking tube upward.

A cheap, simple way to filter water on the trail is this all-in-one system from Katadyn, recommended by Morzhueva.

Cooking on the trail usually consists of boiling water for freeze-dried meals and coffee, per our bikepacking experts. But having the right kitchen gear makes a big difference in your overall enjoyment of the experience.

For making hot food at the campsite, you’ll want a small backpacking stove that screws into an isobutane canister, Nisbet says — “not your large green Coleman stove that you’d bring car camping.” Jetboil’s Flash will deliver boiling water in less than two minutes, a relief after a tough day.

Solo bikepackers can keep dishes to a minimum with a titanium mug. “I have one so I can cook and eat out of the same cup, and make coffee in the same cup I drink out of,” says Nisbet.

For two campers, Molina recommends this lightweight and affordable nesting cook set that comes with a pot and two bowls and two sets of flatware that fit inside it.

As for the actual food that you’ll be cooking: Dehydrated backpacker’s meals are by far the easiest way. “They’re the most convenient camping food ever,” says Nisbet, who adds that this Thai curry is genuinely tasty.

You can eat dehydrated meals like the one, above, straight the packaging, but beware: Most pouches are taller than standard utensils, which can make digging around for your meal a little messy. The solution to avoiding mac-and-cheese hands, Ward-Packard says, is Sea to Summit’s superlong spork.

Founded by touring cyclist Lachlan Morton, Pretty Great’s instant coffee tastes “honestly really good,” according to Ward-Packard. The current batch is sold out, but you can sign up to be notified of new stock.

Or just bring the real thing. Ward-Packard also recommends this collapsible dripper with a reusable mesh filter.

There’s a wealth of free bikepacking route information out there, including thousands of tried-and-true trips of varying lengths. To narrow things down, Robles advises looking out for your local Radical Adventure Riders chapter. Two other great resources are Adventure Cycling and Bikepacking.com , which focuses more on backcountry bikepacking.

Social GPS phone apps like Ride With GPS and Strava (which allow you to share route data with other users) are invaluable. Though if you are using your cell phone for navigation, Onermaa advises, be “mindful that you’ll need a portable charging device .”

Once you’re out there, says Robles, remember that “you get to dictate the terms” of your trip. “Something I try and emphasize, especially with people who you don’t see represented in bike media — non-cis-white-able-bodied guys — is that this isn’t about competition. It can be about challenging yourself, but what the challenge is is up to you.”

While your easiest option will always be your phone, Ward-Packard says that leveling up to a bike computer (essentially a sophisticated GPS system with long battery life and extra stats and safety features) like this one is worth it for more frequent cyclists.

When biking, you want to see and be seen. Both Ward-Packard and Colestock recommend this self-charging light setup, which includes a bright beacon light as well as a dynamo hub: essentially a tiny generator that harnesses the power of your spinning bike wheel. Wiring the beacon and dynamo together will give you a powered light, as well as a USB charger that can charge other electronics. “It’s enough to keep my navigation and phone amply charged throughout day and night,” Colestock explains.

Safety gear and bike tools

“I like to leave on a trip with my bike working perfectly,” Ward-Packard says. “Getting your bike serviced before going on a trip is one of the best things you can do to have a great experience.” But because issues may arise anyway, try to learn some basic repair skills before leaving, says Colestock. Especially how to change a tube.

As well as your bike, remember to take care of yourself. “A lot of people ignore first aid,” says Morzhueva, but road rash can derail your trip as much as a flat tire.

Ward-Packard says that “99 percent of mechanical issues” on bikepacking trips are flat tires. He recommends taking along a flat kit that includes a spare inner tube, a tire lever, a plastic spoon that you shove underneath the tire to pop it off the rim, and a hand pump to inflate the tire. He’s owned a Crank Brothers pump for five years and says it hasn’t let him down yet.

Ward-Packard adds that this Park Tool patch kit is great for side-of-road fixes.

For non-tire-related issues, Ward-Packard is also passionate about this multi-tool, which has everything you need to assemble an entire bike from a box. “You can attach it to your water-bottle cage, there’s a little carrying cradle, so it lives on your bike,” he says.

“You can fix anything with Gorilla tape and a zip tie,” says Morzhueva. Ward-Packard agrees that cheap fixes can work: “I had a rack break before a trip, zip-tied it, and it stayed together for 300 miles.”

You’ll also want to protect your bike. An ultralight bike lock — this one’s just over five ounces — is crucial, says Ward-Packard, “because even worse than getting your bike stolen is getting it stolen with all your gear on it.”

Colestock always carries a basic first aid kit, containing “wound care, bug-bite treatment, antibiotic cream, anti-itch cream, Benadryl, Band-Aids.”

“I always have Tegaderm,” says Morzhueva. “It’s the best cover for road rash out there.” A breathable wound dressing that will stay in place for a week, she takes it on every bikepacking trip in a variety of different sizes.

Finally, a good chamois cream “goes a long way,” says Rudd. She’s a fan of Mad Alchemy, but notes that plenty of people just use coconut oil. Less chaffing means more time on the trail. Happy riding!

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Home » Gear » best travel bags

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Bags of 2024

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

NOMATIC 40L TRAVEL BAG

• > Lifetime Warranty
• > Full of unique storage features

Tortuga Travel Backpack

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

AER Travel Pack 3

• > Carry on friendly
• > Sleek, minimalist design

Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

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

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

Pacsafe Metrosafe X

• > RFID-blocking pouch
• > Interlocking zips

WANRD Veer 18L

• > Lightweight
• > Multiple pockets

Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

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

AER Commuter Brief 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you traveling with Tech?

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

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

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

Are you Hiking?

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

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

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

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

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#1 Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Tortuga Travel Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Aer Travel Pack 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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#1 MAHI Leather Overnight Bag

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

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

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

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

#2: Monarc Brand Setra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Osprey Daylite Plus

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

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

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

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

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

#3 WANDRD PRVKE 31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Stubble & Co Adventure Pack

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Osprey Farpoint (40 liter)

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

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

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

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

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

Read our  full Osprey Stratos 36 review here.

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

#4 Peak Design 30L Travel Pack

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

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

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

#1 Pacsafe Metrosafe X

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#3 Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Wandrd Veer 18L

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

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

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

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

#2 Outlander Packable

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

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

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

#3 BAGSMART Folding Travel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Peak Design Travel Duffel

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

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

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

#3 Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

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

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

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

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

#4 Patagonia Black Hole

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 AER Commuter Brief 2

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

Read our complete Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review here.

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

#3 Incase City Compact Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

#4 Kroser Laptop Backpack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Packability

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

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

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

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

Functionality

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

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

Durability and Weatherproofing

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

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

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

Is it more professional to carry a backpack?

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

What kind of travel bag should I get?

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

What are the best overall travel bags?

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

How can you keep your travel bag safe?

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

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

The Best of the Best Travel Bags Revealed!

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

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

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

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

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How To Pack A Suitcase, According To A Seasoned Traveler

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Learning how to pack a suitcase can make future trips seamless and stress-free. With plenty of helpful packing methods out there, it’s easy to maximize the limited space of your suitcase so that you can bring as much as possible, depending on your itinerary. The best way to pack a suitcase depends on the length of your trip and other factors, such as the season you’re traveling in and your travel style.

For cruises or a one-hotel trip where you won’t be changing accommodations often, you will only need to think about packing and repacking once. However, if you plan on changing hotels and cities often, you will be packing, unpacking and lugging your suitcase around throughout your trip, meaning you’ll need to have a plan in place. No matter your itinerary, we’ve outlined the best strategies to help you pack more strategically, as well as some essential items to make packing as easy as possible.

The Best Pillows For Side Sleepers, Tested By Our Editors

The 8 best linen sheets for a sweat-free sleep, tested by our experts, what you will need to pack a suitcase:.

• Best Suitcase: Away The Bigger Carry-On
• Best Packing Cubes: Bagsmart Keep Shape Packing Cubes , Eagle Creek Pack-It Tube , JJ Power Travel Shoe Bag
• Best Toiletry Kit: Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Kit
• Best Tech Kit: ProCase Electronic Organizer
• Best Cosmetics Bag: Eachy Cosmetic Bag
• Best Jewelry Case: Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer Case

Step 1: Consider The Type of Travel

Before you even open your suitcase, you should think about the kind of trip you’re going on and how much space essential items will take up. If you’re packing for a ski trip , you will need to bring heavier, snow-proof gear—but you can re-wear most of it. On a beach trip, your summer outfits will take up less space, but you will need more of them as you lather on sunscreen and deal with sand and sweat.

Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally also plays a role in how you pack. On a domestic trip, familiar products are easier to find and you don’t need to worry about packing adaptors to charge your electronics. When you’re flying internationally, there may be some necessities that will be difficult or impossible to find abroad.

Step 2: Decide On The Number of Items

After you’ve considered the essentials for the style of your trip, think about how long your trip will be. Short trips can be the easiest to pack for because you can get away with squeezing in a little bit more than you need, while longer trips of two weeks or more are not so bad if you count on doing laundry somewhere along the way. I’ve found that I’m more likely to overpack on a week-long trip when I don’t think I will have a chance to do laundry and want to be prepared for a few different weather scenarios.

Start with this basic breakdown of how many of each item you should aim to pack depending on how long you’ll be traveling for—with optional items included if you’re traveling somewhere you expect to swim. If you plan on hitting the hotel gym or going for a jog or a bike ride, you should also bring along one outfit for working out and a pair of sneakers.

Weekend Trip

For a weekend trip, you really only need three outfits, or four if it’s a three-day weekend. This includes one nice outfit for going out to dinner, but it does not include what you’ll wear on the way to your destination.

• 1-2 bottoms
• 1 dress (optional)
• 1 pajama set
• 1 swimsuit (optional)
• 3 pairs of socks
• 3 pairs of underwear
• 1 pair of comfortable shoes
• 1 pair of “going-out” shoes (optional)
• Toiletry bag with essentials (toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup, etc.)
• Chargers and electronics

On a seven-day trip, you will need to pack clothes that can easily be mixed and matched, while prioritizing items that you can use multiple times, like jackets, jeans and sweaters that can handle multiple wears between washes. Always pack extra underwear and socks on a longer trip, especially if you’re doing a lot of physical activity.

• 2-3 bottoms
• 1-2 dresses (optional)
• 1-2 swimsuits (optional)
• 8 pairs of socks
• 8 pairs of underwear
• 1 pair of comfortable close-toed walking shoes
• 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops (optional)

Two-Week Trip Or Longer

If you’re traveling for two weeks or longer, you should plan to do laundry at some point during your trip so you can pack less and have a fresh start somewhere in the middle of your travels. However, things don’t always go according to plan, so you should still pack more than one week’s worth of clothes just in case.

• 3-4 bottoms
• 2-3 dresses (optional)
• 8-14 pairs of socks
• 8-14 pairs of underwear

Step 3: Choose The Packing Methods And Products To Help You Pack

If you are flying carry-on only, all of your liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and fit in a clear quart-sized bag. If you check your luggage you can bring toiletries that go over this size limit, but you should still pack, wrap and secure them tightly in plastic bags so that if they they leak during transit, the rest of your items will not be ruined.

To keep your toiletries organized throughout your trip, you’ll need a hanging bag like the Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Kit . This particular bag is a great choice as it allows you to see everything laid out just how you left it and it’s quick to pack up. However, if you need more space for a large makeup collection, check out the super spacious and customizable Eachy Cosmetic Bag .

Dress Shirts

To minimize wrinkles in your best shirts, use the narrow fold method. Button up the shirt and lie it flat with the buttons facing down. Fold the sleeves across the back of the shirt and then up at a 90-degree angle until the cuffs line up with the collar. Fold the sides to overlap on top of the sleeves, and fold the fest of the shirt up from the bottom until you have a neat square package. You may still have to iron out the folds when you arrive.

To protect your shoes while traveling, pack them in a separate waterproof bag and fill any empty space with socks or other small soft items that will give them extra protection and help them keep their shape. You can use a plastic bag if you’re in a pinch, but these waterproof shoe bags are specifically designed to hold their shape and have an extra pocket to fit a pair of flip flops.

Packing Cubes

These essential travel tools make a world of difference when it comes to keeping your suitcase organized, but most people use them wrong. Your first instinct might tell you to put pants with pants and shirts with shirts, but the most effective way I’ve found to use packing cubes—especially on a trip with multiple transfers— is to group clothing by activity.

Keep your day-to-day sightseeing clothes in a separate cube from your going-out-for-dinner clothes or beach-gear cube. When it’s time to get dressed, you’ll have your outfit pre-planned and I also find that it’s also a good way to store accessories. For example, I always bring my favorite microfiber beach towel with me, so I keep this in a separate cube with my swimsuits, a beach dress and a sun hat. When I’m not looking for my beach clothes, it doesn’t get in the way and it doesn’t get lost.

I prefer cubes with some shape, like these BagSmart packing cubes , but I also like to mix it up. I’ve found that the Eagle Creek Pack-It Tube is the best shape for storing my rolled socks and underwear, which I always keep in my carry-on in case my luggage gets lost.

If you love to accessorize, you’ll need a system to prevent your favorite jewelry from getting left behind in random hotel rooms. Instead of bringing along a hard-sided jewelry box which could tangle your necklaces as they get jostled around, try a folding jewelry organizer like this case from BagSmart , available in three sizes.

Electronics

In addition to a good case for your laptop or tablet, you should also have a separate organizer case for all your wires, chargers, portable batteries, and hard drives. If you’re bringing a lot of electronics, protect them with a hard-sided case like this ProCase Electronic Organizer , which has multiple compartments and partitions to keep your gear tangle-free.

Is It Better To Roll Or Fold Clothes In A Suitcase?

If your goal is to fit as much as possible into your suitcase, rolling is the way to go. However, if you need your clothes ready to go as soon as you land and won’t have time for ironing, folding is preferable. The best strategy is to do a bit of both, rolling items like underwear and pajamas, but folding nice shirts and dresses.

What Is The 5 4 3 2 1 Packing Method?

The 5 4 3 2 1 packing method maximizes potential outfit combinations so you can express your personal style. It works by assigning a number to each category of clothing: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 shoes, 2 dresses, and 1 bag. It’s a good jumping-off point, but you may need to adjust the numbers for longer or shorter trips.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

From meticulously testing and reviewing the best luggage to bring with you to the airport to the best packing cubes to keep you organized, we at Forbes Vetted have dedicated ourselves to helping make travel easy. When it came time to put together a guide to packing a suitcase, we applied the same unyielding commitment to ensure that our readers have everything they need on hand to pack for their trips stress-free.

To break down how to pack a suitcase, we tapped the expertise of freelance travel writer Jamie Ditaranto . Along with contributing to Forbes Vetted, Ditaranto has spent the last eight years writing travel content for Condé Nast Traveler , Travel + Leisure , National Geographic and more. She has lived in Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Brazil and has visited all seven continents. As someone who is always packing for a trip, Ditaranto put her first-hand expertise as a frequent packer to the test for this story.

More Packing Guides

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U.S. tourist faces 12 years in prison after taking ammunition to Turks and Caicos

An Oklahoma man faces up to 12 years in prison on a Caribbean island after customs officials found ammunition in his luggage.

Ryan Watson traveled to Turks and Caicos with his wife, Valerie, to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. They went with two friends who had also turned 40.

The vacation came to an abrupt end when airport staff members found a zip-close bag containing bullets in the couple's carry-on luggage. Watson said it was hunting ammunition he had accidentally brought with him — but under a strict law in Turks and Caicos, a court may still impose a mandatory 12-year sentence.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," Watson told NBC Boston in an interview conducted last week that aired after their first court appearance Tuesday.

"I recognized them, and I thought, 'Oh, man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there,'" he said.

The couple were arrested and charged with possession of ammunition. Authorities seized their passports and explained the penalties they faced.

Valerie Watson said in the interview: "When I heard that, I immediately was terrified, because I was like we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home, and this is such an innocent mistake."

The charges against her were dropped, and she returned home to Oklahoma City on Tuesday after the court hearing to be reunited with her two young children.

"Our goal is to get Ryan home, because we can’t be a family without Dad," she said.

The couple also spoke about the financial burden of a much longer-than-planned trip. "This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan Watson said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning to travelers in September about a law that strongly prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition in Turks and Caicos, an overseas British territory southeast of the Bahamas that is a popular vacation spot.

It said: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest."

The embassy added: "If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody."

The embassy and the government in Turks and Caicos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The same thing happened to another American, Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, who was arrested after ammunition was found in his luggage before he tried to board a flight out of Turks and Caicos in February. He said he accidentally left it in his bag.

Hagerich was on a family vacation with his wife and two young children but has now been in the country for 70 days. He spent eight days in prison before he posted bail.

"It’s incredibly scary. You know, you just don’t know what the next day may bring — you know, what path this may take," Hagerich told NBC Boston.

"You know, it’s certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It’s been the worst 70 days of my life," he said.

Hagerich, once a professional baseball player, was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the MLB 2007 June amateur draft from the University of Delaware.

His case goes to trial May 3.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.