long term travel luggage

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Best Luggage for Long Term Travel (2024): Your Ultimate Guide to Hassle-Free Journeys

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If you’re a heavy packer, finding the best luggage for long term travel can be quite the endeavor. Trust me, I’ve been there, and done that. You want something durable, yet lightweight; spacious but compact; stylish and still functional. It’s a balancing act where you don’t want to tip too far in one direction.

Traveling long-term is different from a week-long vacation or business trip. Your suitcase becomes your closet and your carry-on bag is essentially your mobile office. So believe me when I say, quality matters here more than ever.

Between bouncing across continents and living out of my suitcase, I’ve learned a thing or two about what works best for digital nomads on the go. It’s important to cover your bases so your taken care of when you need the most, thats why I always recommend getting travel medical insurance BEFORE your digital nomad journey. Let’s dive into some seriously smart options that are worth considering if you’re in the market for the best-checked luggage.

Understanding Long Term Travel Requirements

When it comes to long-term travel, I’ve learned from experience that choosing the right luggage is crucial. Not just any suitcase will do – you need something designed for durability, versatility, and ease of transport.

Essential Features of the Best Luggage for Long Term Travel

While aluminum luggage might look appealing with its sleek design and robust build, it doesn’t serve well on extended journeys. It’s way too heavy! Trust me, I made this mistake during my 6 cities in 6 months adventure and ended up shelling out over $800 in airport fees because my luggage was overweight. Don’t be like me, choose something lightweight & stylish, and your wallet will thank you!

So what should you look for instead?

• Lightweight : A suitcase that’s light when empty means more weight allowance for your stuff.
• Durability : Look for high-quality materials that can withstand being tossed around during transit.
• Size & Capacity : It needs to be spacious enough to accommodate all essentials yet compact enough for easy handling.
• Versatility : Wheels or straps? Hard-shell or soft-sided? These choices depend on your type of travel.

These factors aren’t just preferences – they’re necessities!

Top-Rated Luggage Brands Suited for Extended Journeys

Let’s compare some top-rated brands suited perfectly for long-term travelers or digital nomads:

Each of these brands offers unique perks and drawbacks, but all are reliable choices for long-term travel.

Remember, the best luggage for digital nomads is the one that meets your travel needs while making your journey easier and more enjoyable!

How to Pack Efficiently for Long Periods Away

Now onto my favorite discovery: packing cubes ! Specifically, compression ones. Imagine being able to neatly organize and compress your clothes into compact blocks that fit snugly into your digital nomad luggage—well dream no more! Trust me on this one; after over five years of use, I can confidently say they’ve changed the game for me.

They’re not just efficient; they make unpacking and repacking at each new location a breeze!

Packing for an extended trip can feel intimidating. But I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that have transformed my packing game. For those of us embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, choosing the best luggage and knowing how to pack it is as important as choosing our next destination.

Another storage tip I have for long-term travel is vacuum sealed storage bags . These are your secret weapon when it comes to maximizing space in your luggage—especially this one I’ve been using.

The key here is shrinkage; these bags shrink down bulky items like jackets or sweaters, freeing up precious real estate in your suitcase.

Choosing the Right Baggage for Your Next Adventure

Traveling long-term isn’t just a vacation, it’s a lifestyle. And for digital nomads like me, choosing the best luggage can make or break that lifestyle. Trust me when I say you’ll want something durable, practical, and versatile for your next flight!

To wrap things up:

• Durability is essential; look for materials like ballistic nylon or polycarbonate
• Size matters; don’t pack more than you can carry
• Versatility is key; choose multi-purpose bags like duffels

Choosing the right baggage may seem daunting at first but keep these pointers in mind as you shop around and you’ll surely land upon your perfect travel companion!

If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate…

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The 8 Best Checked Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

All great trips start with perfectly packed gear

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

If you’re heading off on vacation for more than a night or two, you’ll likely need a checked bag—and there are literally thousands from which to choose. The best will be durable, with a sturdy hard shell or soft fabric exterior capable of withstanding rough baggage handlers while hiding the worst of any wear and tear. An excellent checked bag should also roll smoothly and be easy to maneuver on many terrains and should make the most of its internal packing space with clever organization pockets and expansion features. 

To determine the best luggage options for various requirements and budgets, we tested 27 popular bags in the Dotdash Meredith lab. We reviewed each one for capacity, maneuverability, durability, organization, and value.

Final Verdict

How we tested, other checked luggage we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, samsonite winfield 2 hardside.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Excellent interior organization

Stellar handling

Potential for slight scuffing

The Samsonite Winfield 2 28-inch hardside spinner scored near-perfect marks in our testing, impressing us with its design and durability. A 100 percent polycarbonate shell offers the perfect blend of lightness and toughness, absorbing impact by flexing and then rebounding to its original shape. During our intense testing, we found that even dented corners instantly popped back into place, and contents were kept secure throughout. And, with a brushstroke exterior, any minor scratches or scuffs are camouflaged, keeping your luggage looking sleek for longer. 

The suitcase’s square shape and expansion option guarantee maximum capacity. Even when stuffed full, it retained its shape and size perfectly and offered plenty of space. In particular, we love the compression feature that keeps contents neatly in place and the full-zip interior divider that makes it easy to separate clean and dirty clothes. Once packed, the suitcase is also easy to maneuver thanks to its sturdy, retractable handle and four multidirectional wheels. Whether pulling it behind us or pushing it in front, we felt it performed admirably, even over rough surfaces and around multiple obstacles.

Other features include oversized zippers and a side-mounted, TSA-approved lock. The suitcase has a limited 10-year global warranty and comes in various colors, from charcoal to Nordic blue.

Dimensions: 31.4 x 20.4 x 13 inches | Weight: 11.13 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

TripSavvy / Vicky Wasik

Best Budget

Kenneth cole reaction out of bounds suitcase.

• Maneuverability 4 /5

Allows for double-sided packing

Reinforced corners for added durability

Wide choice of bright colors

No expansion feature 

Difficult to handle on uneven terrain

Available online for less than half the price of our overall winner, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 28-inch suitcase is ideal for those on a budget. It boasts a lightweight hard shell with molded corner guards for maximum impact resistance. Besides a few scuffs around the edges, it stood up well to our durability tests and should provide good resilience for long-distance trips. We especially love how spacious this bag is. Despite its compact appearance, our tester could easily pack a month’s worth of clothes and accessories. 

The interior is divided in two by a large zippered pocket, making it easy to organize your belongings. Compression straps keep everything in place during transit, while four multidirectional spinner wheels promise the smoothest ride possible on even terrain. We were impressed with its ability to spin in any direction while traveling through tight spaces; however, we did find that the suitcase became less easy to maneuver on rough surfaces. Overall, though, this bag is tough to beat price-wise and offers excellent value for money. 

Dimensions: 29.5 x 20.5 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.6 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No

Best Hardside

Travelpro platinum elite hardside spinner.

 Amazon

• Design 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

Trendy design

Stands up well to rough handling

Superb maneuverability

Not particularly lightweight

The Travelpro Platinum Elite large spinner suitcase features a 100 percent polycarbonate shell that flexes on impact to prevent cracking. With its textured finish, aluminum corner guards, and genuine leather trim, it’s definitely a fashionable choice—and one whose sleek looks survived our drop and bat tests, with only minor scuffing visible afterward. The clamshell interior boasts two zippered divider panels, adjustable hold-down straps, and more accessory pockets than our tester knew what to do with—including a water-resistant one for damp items.

We found that the zippers were exceptionally smooth on the main compartment, interior pockets, and the 2-inch expansion feature. We were also impressed with how well the suitcase handled over bumps, around obstacles, and across various terrains. This is due to Travelpro’s trademarked PrecisionGlide System, with no fewer than eight self-aligning spinner wheels. Finally, the bag comes with a lifetime warranty that even covers airline damage for the first five years.

Dimensions: 30 x 18 x 13.5 inches | Weight: 12.3 pounds | Wheels: 8 | Expandable: Yes

Best Softside

Travelpro platinum elite softside spinner.

• Design 4 /5

Tough, functional shell

Thoughtful internal structure

Performs well on all terrains

May be too big for some

If you’re in the market for the ultimate softside suitcase, this one from Travelpro is the largest spinner in the Platinum Elite line. In fact, it’s so spacious that our tester felt able to fit double the amount required by our testing standards—making it ideal for extended trips, moving houses, or the incurable overpacker. It features scuff- and stain-resistant fabric that proved its durability by surviving multiple falls and bat beatings without sustaining a scratch or dent. Leather accents and chrome zippers add to the overall aesthetic appeal. 

We loved the intelligent interior design, with just the right number of storage pockets and compartments—including a fold-out suiter for keeping your best clothes wrinkle-free. The exterior zippered pocket is another nice touch and is perfectly sized for your passport or wallet. The tapered expansion provides up to 2 inches of extra, tip-resistant packing space, while the sturdy wheels handle well on smooth and rough surfaces. We did find that the bag’s super-large size made it a little cumbersome for maneuvering in tight spaces, though.

Dimensions: 32.5 x 21 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 11.5 pounds | Wheels: 8 | Expandable: Yes

Best Splurge

Tumi alpha 3 packing case.

Innovative, long-lasting material

Generous capacity

Plenty of organizational features

Relatively heavy

Retailing for over $1,000, the Tumi Alpha 3 Short Trip suitcase is definitely a splurge and one that we felt was probably only worthwhile for frequent travelers. However, for those willing to invest, it will last: The suitcase features Tumi’s exclusive FXT ballistic fabric, which is extra durable and virtually abrasion-proof. With impact-resistant side panels and protective bumper rails, it’s no surprise that it survived our tests without any dents or scuffs. Bonus: It comes with a five-year warranty. 

The suitcase also stands out for its multiple exterior and interior pockets. We liked that the main compartment and the largest exterior pocket are protected by a special security zipper, while the removable garment sleeve was another highlight. A two-stage expansion system meant we could fit everything in easily with plenty of space for more, while a three-stage telescoping handle and four double-spinner wheels ensured premium maneuverability. Other benefits range from an integrated TSA lock and Tumi Tracer to optional monogramming.

Dimensions: 26 x 19 x 13 inches | Weight: 15.4 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Best Capacity

Delsey paris hardside spinner.

• Maneuverability 3.5 /5

Roomy with a deep clamshell design

Handles a variety of terrain and obstacles

Gorgeous, eye-catching hues

No internal pockets

Made from durable, lightweight polycarbonate, the Delsey Paris Helium Aero suitcase features a ridged exterior to help prevent damage—although it did show some minor scuff marks after our rigorous testing process. Nevertheless, we loved its amazing capacity, fitting everything on our list with plenty of space left over even before deploying the expansion feature. With a single divider separating the main compartment into two halves, interior organization options are relatively minimal. We suggest packing cubes for those who prefer a bit more structure. 

The suitcase has four double spinner wheels and a telescopic handle that locks in two different positions to enable two- or four-wheeled use. We found it easy to push or pull on smooth surfaces and a breeze over bumps, but it was more difficult to maneuver on gravel. Soft-touch top and side carry handles and an integrated TSA combination lock complete the package. There are several vibrant colors to choose from; we felt that the high-shine jewel tones would be particularly easy to spot on the luggage carousel. 

Dimensions: 31.75 x 20.75 x 12.75 inches | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Best Design

Roam the check-in.

• Capacity 4 /5

Potential to create a completely unique piece

Rolls easily over different terrain

100-day free trial

Relatively expensive

Could be more spacious

If you’re looking for an on-trend and totally out-of-the-box suitcase, this one from Roam is probably for you. Some of its features are standard: the polycarbonate shell, the telescoping handle, the four spinner wheels, and the TSA lock. Our tests found each to perform at the top end of the spectrum, with absolutely no visible damage after our rough handling process and beautifully smooth maneuverability even on gravel. Other elements, such as the water-repellent zippers and internal compression boards, are less expected. 

Perhaps most exciting is that this suitcase is genuinely customizable, with options to choose the color of every aspect, from the front and back shells to the zippers, bindings, and wheels. There’s even a monogram patch on the back for that extra-personalized touch. Don’t want to choose your own colors? Roam also offers a selection of colorways inspired by and named after different travel destinations. You can choose to make your suitcase expandable, which we’d recommend since a relatively limited capacity was this bag’s only drawback.

Dimensions: 26 x 17.5 x 10 inches (non-expandable), 26 x 17.5 x 10.5-12.5 inches (expandable) | Weight: 9.3 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes (if chosen as an optional extra)

Best Duffel

Briggs & riley wheeled duffel.

Solid organization

Durable fabric

Wheels avoid back strain of classic duffels

Expensive for a duffel

Only available in two colors

Packing bulky or odd-shaped gear or heading off on an expedition that requires a super-tough, versatile bag? This duffel from Briggs & Riley is an excellent option. It features 800-denier ballistic nylon, which we found incredibly strong with no signs of damage post-testing. And, although, the two color choices of black or army green are not particularly exciting, they’re designed not to show wear and tear and are infinitely practical. Unlike traditional duffels, this one is wheeled for your convenience, with two wedged feet to keep it upright. 

The interior is incredibly roomy and made more so by the external Outsider handle and the zip-around lid pocket with its 2-inch expansion feature. We liked the cinch-down garment panels, which keep everything in place while doubling as a divider. There are many internal and external pockets, including a PVC-lined one for your wet or dirty gear and a zippered mesh pocket for smaller essentials. We found the bag super light and smooth to operate on hard floors, carpet, and gravel, and we liked that it packs down small for easy storage. 

Dimensions: 27 x 15 x 15 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Wheels: 2 | Expandable: Yes

Passing our tests with flying colors, the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside is easy to maneuver over any terrain, features thoughtful interior organization, and comes backed by a 10-year warranty. If you are sticking to a budget, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Hardside Suitcase delivers incredible value at an accessible price point.

To create the recommendations above, we subjected each piece of luggage to the same rigorous testing process. First, we weighed the suitcases. Next, we packed them with a prescribed list of items to replicate what one might pack for a seven-day sightseeing trip in the fall . We noted spaciousness, whether the suitcase had an expansion option, and the usefulness of any organization features. We also checked the smoothness and durability of all zippers. 

Next, we tested maneuverability by rolling the suitcase through an obstacle course that included speed bumps and cones to simulate airport obstacles. We also tested how easily it operated over tile, carpet, and gravel. Finally, we tested the bag’s durability. This involved several drop tests, pushing it off a countertop, and noting any dents, scratches, or scuff marks. Then we beat the suitcase with a baseball bat, making sure to target all sides, corners, and wheels before checking for exterior and interior damage. 

Using our observations, we rated each suitcase on a scale from 1 to 5 for a list of attributes, including capacity, organization, maneuverability, durability, and value.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage, 29-Inch : Although it won points for its huge capacity, we felt this suitcase could use more comprehensive internal organization, a smoother handle system, and better performance on rough terrain. 

Briggs & Riley Baseline Expandable Spinner, 26-Inch : We found this to be a thoughtfully designed suitcase with great movement and a clever expansion option. However, the boxy design and high price tag prevented it from making our list.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable : Although this suitcase looks sleek and comes in many colors, has an expansion option, and offers plenty of room, we felt it was let down by its awkward maneuverability on all but the smoothest surfaces. 

Briggs & Riley Sympatico Large Expandable Hardside Spinner : This suitcase stood up well to our durability tests and offered clever internal organization. However, we found the zippers were prone to sticking, and the handle was a little flimsy.

Monos Check-In Large Hardside : We really liked how well-built this suitcase felt and that it was easy to roll over all terrains. The downsides included slightly sticky zippers and the fact that it lacks the option to expand.

Arlo Skye The Zipper Check-In Large Hardside : This is an attractive, spacious suitcase with many intuitive design features. However, we found that it scuffed easily during our tests and felt it should be a little more durable at such a high price point. 

Paravel Aviator Grand Checked Hardside : Pros of this suitcase included its chic design, pretty colors, and smooth operation. Cons included a relative lack of interior organization options and the fact that it suffered several scuffs and dings during testing. 

Rimowa Essential Lite Check-In Hardside : This bag is costly, and our testers felt it was not worth the money, considering how easily the suitcase dented during testing and how difficult it was to maneuver over rough surfaces. 

July Checked Bag, 26-Inch : This is a well-designed, good-looking suitcase with thoughtful interior organization and options for customization. However, it scuffed easily during testing, so we would only recommend purchasing it in darker colors. 

Calpak Ambeur Large Hardside : Initial impressions of this suitcase were good, thanks to its glamorous exterior and versatile pockets. In the end, though, it was discounted because it was easily damaged during testing and lost balance when rolling over gravel. 

Beis The 29-Inch Large Check-In Roller : Although expensive, we felt this was an excellent suitcase with intuitive organization options. It stood up well to durability tests and maneuvered easily, and it would be a worthy alternative for several of our categories. 

Nomatic Check-In Hardside : This is a sleek suitcase with some excellent organization features; however, we felt that it was overpriced, especially since we struggled to pack everything on our testing list inside—a problem that we rarely encountered with other bags. 

AmazonBasics 26-Inch Hardside Spinner : This was a great piece of luggage for the price, with plenty of room and excellent exterior durability. Its flimsy compression straps and handles and the fact that the wheels stopped spinning on gravel hurt its overall rating.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 130L Duffel : We liked this duffel's durability and ability to convert to a backpack. However, it didn't make our final list because of its lack of organization, flimsy main grab handle, and limited maneuverability.

What to Look For in Checked Luggage

There are two main types of checked luggage: softside luggage, with popular materials including ballistic nylon and polyester, and hardside luggage , with the most popular materials being polycarbonate or ABS plastic. Both are available as luggage sets, and there are pros to both. Softside luggage is less prone to scuffs, dents, and scratches and more forgiving for the overpacker. Hardside luggage protects your valuables with a rigid frame and offers better weather resistance.

A checked bag should be roomy enough to accommodate everything you need for your trip while having some space left for souvenirs. Too small, and it’s a waste of the additional fee many airlines now charge for checked bags; however, it’s also worth bearing in mind that the largest bags may take you over airline weight limits when packed to capacity. A bag with an expansion feature you can deploy as needed is ideal. 

Maneuverability

You need a suitcase that can roll smoothly for many miles through airport terminals and withstand being pushed or pulled over various terrains, from smooth concourses to uneven sidewalks and cobbled streets. The best have four spinner wheels that allow them to move in any direction (handy for weaving through crowds) and a sturdy, telescoping handle capable of supporting the weight of your suitcase even when fully loaded. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) considers any luggage with a linear measurement of over 62 inches oversized. To work out your suitcase’s linear size, simply add the dimensions for length, width, and height. Airlines usually accept bigger bags but will charge a fee for them. The price (and the maximum size accepted) varies from carrier to carrier.

The IATA also lists items that cannot be packed in checked bags. These include e-cigarettes, spare batteries, power banks, and potentially hazardous items such as gas canisters, fireworks, lighters, and bleaches. Again, detailed lists may vary depending on your airline and destination, so it’s always a good idea to check before flying. Banned items will be removed and typically confiscated.

Smart suitcases are defined as any suitcase that has an integrated electronic device. This could be a USB charging point (super handy for keeping your phone going throughout your journey), a built-in scale (no last-minute repacking at the check-in counter), or a GPS real-time luggage tracker . The downside? Many airlines have banned smart suitcases that use non-removable lithium-ion batteries due to a potential fire risk on planes.

When suitcase shopping, you should research which models offer the best value for money—ultimately, you’re looking for quality construction that will perform well and save money in the long run by lasting several years. Then, you should spend as much as you can afford while also not paying for gadgets or gimmicks you don’t need. Often you’ll pay extra just for a brand name, so you need to decide if that’s worth it for you.

Each manufacturer will have guidelines, but generally speaking, you should remove any external dirt with a soft-bristled brush or damp cloth (depending on which is more appropriate for the stain and the material your luggage is made of). Make sure your luggage is completely dry before packing it away, and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can use an approved lubricant to keep wheels and zippers running smoothly.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert. She is an experienced traveler who has put many brands and types of checked luggage to the test on her adventures to more than 50 countries—whether on cultural breaks to cities across Europe, a scientific expedition to the Peruvian Amazon, or a months-long backpacking adventure through South East Asia.

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How Do You Pack for an Entire Year of Travel?

By Harrison Pierce

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

Picture this: You’re wandering around a 2,000 year-old European city in the morning, sipping coffee and eating pastries. By night, you’re responding to emails and getting your work done. A few months later, you’re spending your day at a cafe in Buenos Aires and spending your nights connecting with other remote workers who happen to be in the same city as you. Lucky for me, this has been my life for the past two and a half years. I’m a full-time digital nomad who has learned a lifetime's worth of travel lessons in the past few years—especially when it comes to packing.

There are many different types of travelers; when planning where to go for extended stays, I avoid cold weather at all costs. This does make things slightly more manageable when it comes to packing . I typically have one sweatshirt, just in case it gets chilly, but that’s it—no bulky coats or winter accessories to worry about. I prefer to spend summers in the Northern Hemisphere, like Mexico and Europe, and when it starts turning cold, I return to the Southern Hemisphere to enjoy the summer there. In 2023, I spent January through the middle of June in Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico. Then, I went to Europe and country-hopped all summer until I went to the US at the end of September to visit family. After a month at home, I spent the rest of the year in Colombia.

Looking ahead to 2024, I’m back in Argentina through the middle of March, and then I head to Peru through the end of May. From there, I expect to be in Europe through at least September before finding warmth in South America or Southeast Asia. Even though I only go home once a year, I take just one large checked bag , a personal item , and my cat, Isabelle, who counts as my carry-on. It might seem impossible to fit your entire life and your pet into such a small space, but it’s more doable than you think.

If the thought of never-ending travel feels a little intimidating, I'd suggest setting some parameters around it—six months or a year, as a test run. This makes it easier to pack, budget, and wrap your head around full-time travel. Whether you're in planning mode or are just curious as to how to squeeze your life into a suitcase, here are my top tips for how to pack for an entire year of travel.

My packing list for full-time travel:

Reliable luggage, clothing basics, comfortable shoes, toiletry essentials, tech accessories, more travel must-haves.

If you’re going to travel for any prolonged period with multiple destinations on the itinerary, sturdy, reliable luggage is a must. I’ve previously been loyal to Away , but I branched out slightly after my Away weekender bag broke while I was in transit. However, I still swear by the brand's The Large Suitcase. I prefer hard-sided luggage to help protect my items, and I like that the suitcase is split evenly down the middle. I pack all my clothes on the right side of my suitcase and all my work and travel accessories on the left side. I like to know exactly where everything is, so I use a lot of different organizers — packing cubes , shoe cubes, toiletry bags , a tech bag , and a jewelry box. Organization is the most important part of packing, so any accessories that help sort your essentials are worth the investment. If you want to ensure your bag never gets lost, I also highly recommend AirTags or another mobile tag .

Shown in salt

My clothes take up half of my suitcase. When packing, I start from the base of an outfit and end with the accessories. Because I’m only packing for warm weather, I can fit more options than I would if I were trying to pack for multiple seasons. I find it helpful to pack neutral clothes that can all work together to maximize the number of outfits you can create. This helps prevent the feeling that you’re wearing the same outfit over and over again. Here are the clothes I pack:

• 10 pairs of socks and underwear
• Two pairs of lightweight shorts
• A pair of athletic shorts
• A pair of sweatpants
• A pair of linen pants
• A formal pant
• A pair of jeans
• Seven T-shirts
• Six button-up short-sleeve shirts
• Two button-up long-sleeve shirts
• A black jumpsuit for more formal events
• A sweatshirt for chilly days or airplanes
• A scarf just in case it’s extra cold in a destination
• Two bathing suits

In total, I have six pairs of shoes while traveling. This might sound like a lot, but there’s a reason for each pair. I bring a pair of house slippers, sandals for the pool or the beach, Converse for day-to-day, Allbirds sneakers for hikes or long travel days, a dressy pair of loafers, and platform sandals that can be casual or formal. This way, I have all my bases covered.

I have two toiletry bags for all my skincare , haircare essentials, and other products. If you have a checked bag, I recommend packing full-size bottles of your favorite products, as they might be more difficult to find in other countries.

My travel and work accessories take up a large portion of my luggage, but each item holds enough value to secure a coveted spot in my suitcase. Here are the tech essentials worth bringing along, especially if you'll be working remotely.

What you want on hand for an entire year is different than what's deemed a packing essential for a weeklong vacation. Ultimately, all of my accessories take up more space than my clothes, but when traveling long-term, I appreciate having each one of these items with me. These accessories might not be crucial, but they've significantly enhanced my trips and make me feel more comfortable on the road. Most of these items were purchased out of necessity once I was already traveling, and they've been worth the weight they add to my luggage.

With that said, I’ve accepted the fact that my luggage will always be overweight. If you want to avoid paying for heavy luggage, go for a smaller suitcase and leave some of the “nice to have” items out. Everything in my suitcase is intentional and has a purpose, so I don’t mind incurring a fee. When traveling for a year, you will have to make a lot of sacrifices, but you learn how to do more with less.

Packing for Long Term Travel: Advice and Essential Items

Many people ask how we’ve been traveling for more than 8 years with only a carry-on suitcase and small backpack each. In our experience, it’s quite easy, but there’s no one-size-fits-all packing list.

How you use the precious space in your luggage depends entirely on where you plan to travel and what types of activities you have in mind. So, while I won’t tell you exactly what should be in your suitcase, I can offer good advice and recommend some essential travel items when packing for long-term travel.

(Click here to jump straight to our recommended gear) .

Contents (click to expand)

Suitcase or Backpack? The Best Luggage for Long Term Travel

When packing for a long trip, don’t assume that you need a giant backpack. Think realistically about your travel style, your anticipated modes of transportation, and how frequently you will actually be in transit.

For example, if you expect to fly to Europe and rent a car, you may as well have a regular suitcase.

Even if you plan to use trains and buses, how much easier is it walking to the station wearing a 50-lb backpack compared to rolling a suitcase behind you?

Would you ever spend an entire day touring a city while carrying all of your belongings, even if they were in a backpack?

We asked ourselves those questions and opted for suitcases. We never regretted the decision. Here’s the suitcase I use and love.

Pack Light. If You Need It, Buy It

It’s better to buy things as the need arises; then you know you have the right gear for the occasion. You can’t possibly anticipate or bring everything you will need for several weeks or months of travel, so don’t stress too much about your packing list.

Unless you are going somewhere truly remote, chances are you can buy any essentials on the road. In our experience, many of the items we needed were cheaper abroad.

For military travelers, packing light also gives you a better shot at a seat when flying Space-A . Some flights, particularly from bases in the Pacific, have a 30 or 40 lb baggage weight limit (depending on the type of aircraft and mission).

Even if the terminal is full of Space-A passengers in a higher category than you, most of them will have too much luggage to be eligible for the weight-restricted flight. In that case, you and your 27 lb bag will go to the front of the line!

General Travel vs. Activity-Themed Trips

Whether you are traveling for a few weeks, several months, or a year+, if you want to stay light on your feet, when packing for long trips, you may need to decide in advance what activities you want to do. That way you won’t fill your suitcase with items you will use only one time.

I have many things on my travel-related life list, but it wasn’t realistic to do them all during our first year of travel . Not that we didn’t have time; needless to say, we could have done anything we wanted with 12+ months at our disposal. But we agreed to use carry-on luggage only. It would have been difficult to travel light while packing for every possible activity.

For example, my husband and I both want to hike the Inca Trail. Unfortunately, incorporating that adventure would have required us to pack a bunch of stuff that we probably wouldn’t need for most other phases of our trip.

If the main focus of our travels had been hiking, of course we would have packed sturdy boots and other outdoor gear. But we were most interested in experiencing what it’s like to live in different places around the world, and we needed to save room for regular clothes. We went on some great hikes, but nothing that our trail shoes couldn’t handle.

Essential Travel Gear: Our Recommendations

Here are a few specific items we recommend for travel. I wrote a separate post related to our must-have technology, including travel apps and devices .

22″ Expandable Roll-Aboard Suitcase

When shopping for a suitcase, it’s important to get one that’s light, spacious, and small enough to stow in the overhead compartment. Most major U.S. airlines say a carry-on suitcase can’t measure more than 22″ in length.

Personally, I avoid “spinner” suitcases because the external wheels use up at least an inch of that space. I want my extra inch in the suitcase itself, which is why I like the inset wheels of this Travelpro Maxlite .

As the name would suggest, this suitcase is incredibly light, and it’s designed so that no matter what I put in it, it’s easy to pull. It’s expandable, and the external pockets offer a generous amount of extra space for items I need to access quickly. I also love that the max handle height is suited to tall people like myself.

If you really want a “spinner,” the Travelpro Maxlite comes in that style as well. Click here to see the 21″ spinner version.

Lightweight Backpack with Numerous Pockets

I first bought this backpack for day-to-day use, but I loved it so much that it’s now my travel backpack as well.

It’s extremely light and very spacious, with many pockets of varying sizes, some of which are hidden inside. It also has sturdy straps/handle and open side pockets to stash anything you need for quick access.

The full-zip pocket in back is perfect for a laptop, tablet, or important papers that you want to keep accessible and wrinkle-free.

Packing Cubes

There are many brands of packing cubes with different features. I love these Eagle Creek cubes because the material is paper thin, yet durable, so they don’t take up extra room or add weight to my suitcase.

I had never used packing cubes prior to traveling long term, but they are absolutely indispensable. They keep my suitcase organized and make frequent packing and unpacking so much easier! I bought them in different colors, which helps me remember what’s in each bag. It’s almost like having drawers in my suitcase!

These compression packing cubes are very similar to the ones above and allow you to squeeze a lot more into your suitcase.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

This is a must for any kind of travel. Whether you are staying in a hotel or in an apartment overseas, many places have little or no sink space in the bathroom. Having a toiletry bag that you can hang from the door or towel rack is essential.

I like this bag because it has a small hook on the upper flap that I can use to hang it in the open position and see all of the contents at once. It also has a good selection and variety of pockets. The little mirror inside comes in very handy when my husband and I are both getting ready and he is occupying the bathroom.

The size of this toiletry bag is a good balance between having enough room to fit all of my stuff and not taking up too much space in my backpack.

The Perfect Travel Shirt (for Men)

My husband discovered these shirts about a year into our travels, and our running joke is that he is wearing one of them in every picture since then! (Fortunately, they come in many colors.)

They have all the qualities of a good travel shirt: quick-drying, wrinkle- and odor-resistant, with sun protection and a hidden security pocket. They also hold up well after many washings.

But what makes them better than other travel shirts is that they look really nice . They work just as well for dinner at a nice restaurant as for a day hike. With limited space in our suitcases, we want everything we own to be dual-purpose, and these shirts fit the bill!

Light Hiking Shoes

As I said above, we love to hike, but we couldn’t pack heavy boots. Light hiking shoes like these are perfect for travel, all-day treks around a city, and moderate hikes, including Mt. Fuji .

Look for a pair that are lightweight with good support and sturdy, no-slip soles. I’ve been very happy with my Merrell hiking shoes (always with the Vibram sole), so I stick with what works.

Laundry Detergent Sheets

When you have the opportunity to do laundry, don’t get caught without detergent. Bring your own so that you don’t need to buy single-use laundry soap.

These laundry detergent sheets are perfect for travel, because they’re light and easy to pack. Also, since they are not liquid, you don’t need to worry about bringing them on a plane.

A combination fork, knife, and spoon all in one, Sporks are priceless for any kind of travel. Not only are they useful when no silverware is available, they are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable cutlery at fast food restaurants or even at hotels that offer free breakfast (those places seldom have real silverware).

Paperless Pour-Over Coffee Dripper

I became accustomed to this style of coffee maker when we lived in Japan, and it’s very convenient for travel as well. I love this model because it doesn’t require paper filters; that means no paper taste in my coffee, less waste, and no need to buy or carry filters while traveling!

Having this single-cup coffee maker is handy, because it’s simple, and we always have a way to make our own coffee. We see an increasing number of short-term apartments that have Keurigs or similar coffee makers that require a specific (expensive) type of cup. It’s so much easier to buy a bag of good ground coffee!

Drawstring Bags

Drawstring bags are great because you can stuff them in the pocket of your suitcase and use them as daypacks. We usually have two or three of these bags of varying quality with us at any given time.

The heavier-weight bag like this Adidas sport bag is for the gym, short hikes, or when we go out for the day and want to carry a spare jacket and water.

We also have at least one cheap, thin bag that we got for free somewhere (e.g. as the goody bag for an event or conference). We use it for the beach or to wear while running, knowing that it won’t last long, and we will swap it for another free bag.

Polarized Sunglasses

These are the perfect sunglasses for travel, sports, or any outdoor activity. They are light as a feather and offer great coverage, even from the sides.

They come with an interchangeable pair of rose-tinted lenses to accommodate varying light conditions. I bought my first pair of these in 2006 and wouldn’t wear anything else. They have served me well through countless hikes, runs, and all-day sightseeing trips.

Wide-Brimmed Hat

Here’s an example of something I bought on the road when I realized I needed it. I had packed two baseball caps, but those didn’t do the job on long hikes. I was especially glad to have the extra coverage when we were in Quito, Ecuador, only steps from the Equator!

This hat is very cool and breathable due to the mesh panels on the sides. The extra-wide brim shades your neck, and the chin strap keeps it in place on windy days. It travels very well; smash it into your suitcase and it pops right back into shape.

Sun Sleeves

Sun sleeves offer easy sun protection without needing to apply sunblock, and when you go indoors or in the shade, you can easily take them off.

I like sun sleeves for travel because I can bring them in lieu of long-sleeved shirts. They are especially convenient for long car trips (yes, you can get sunburned through the car windows).

My husband wears the sporty version , which come in different sizes and are made of breathable fabric. I use these Eclipe Sun Sleeves , which I can wear to cover the backs of my hands and are made of a fabric that cools my skin.

Resistance Bands

Staying fit while traveling is important, and you can easily find ways to exercise without a gym. We’ve carried these bands all around the world, and they are a great way to keep in shape.

Each band has a different level of tension, and you can perform dozens of exercises. Use the door anchor included with the set, or hang the bands on playground equipment, a fence, or the railing of a balcony.

These ProSource bands were the second set of resistance bands we tried. The first set, even though they were called “Strong Man” bands, did not offer enough resistance. This set allows both me and my husband to get a decent workout.

TRX Suspension Training System

Another essential item that keeps us fit while traveling is our TRX . You’ve probably seen these at the gym, but we use ours everywhere we go, whether in our apartment, on our balcony, or in a park.

TRX is a great complement to our resistance bands, and while each set of equipment can provide a good workout on its own, having both offers a lot of variety.

The TRX weighs a bit more than the bands and takes up slightly more space, but it’s well worth it to know that we can stay in great shape without having access to a gym.

Amazon Kindle

If you’re trying to travel light, one of the best ways to save space is by using a Kindle or other e-reader. A Kindle can hold more than 1,000 books. Even if you don’t like to read for enjoyment on your Kindle, downloading a couple travel guidebooks that you otherwise would have brought in hard copy can save a significant amount of weight in your bag.

One of my favorite features of my Kindle is the softly-lit, glare-free screen, which allows me to read in the dark without waking anyone nearby. I can also see the screen in bright sunlight.

Battery-Powered Sonicare Toothbrush

I loved my regular Sonicare toothbrush so much that I actually considered using precious luggage space to bring the whole contraption: cord, stand, and all.

Fortunately, I learned that they make a travel version that runs on a single AAA battery (certain colors come with a USB cord and are rechargeable).

The Sonicare is barely larger than a regular toothbrush and well worth the small investment for clean choppers, especially if you’re traveling long term and aren’t going to the dentist as often as usual. Don’t forget the replacement heads to easily swap out the brush.

Casting and HDMI Capabilities

While traveling overseas, sometimes we want to watch our own movies, TV series, sporting event, or news on TV rather than on a laptop or phone. In order to bring Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, etc., to the big screen, we simply need the capability to “mirror” or “cast” our devices to the TV.

We use Android products, so for us, the setup is simple. To mirror our laptop to any modern TV, we simply use an HDMI to HDMI cable like this one . My husband’s computer has an HDMI port, which makes it extremely easy. We simply connect the cable to the computer and the TV, bring up Netflix or a streaming service on the computer, and our screen is mirrored onto the TV.

If you don’t have an HDMI port on your computer, use this USB to HDMI cable .

We also use Google Chromecast . Chromecast is a device that simply plugs into the TV’s HDMI port and gives our phones and laptops the ability to “cast” the screen to the TV wirelessly. The only issue is that the Chromecast device requires a power outlet, and some apartments/hotels do not have multiple outlets near the TV.

We bring both the HDMI cable and the Google Chromecast device with us while traveling, because they give us options when we want to sit back and enjoy a movie on a full-size screen.

For Apple users, we only know the low-tech solution, which is a USB C Hub like this one . This hub connects to your MacBook Pro via the C Cable and gives you additional USB, SD Card and HDMI capability. Once you plug this hub into your computer, you simply connect the HDMI cable to the hub and then to your TV. Now, your computer is mirrored onto the TV, as described above.

These are our must-bring essential items, and the list has not changed much over the course of 8+ years. We’ve figured out what fits our travel style and daily activities, and we keep our belongings to a minimum. I recommend that you do the same!

The freedom of having a small amount of luggage that you can easily pack and carry far outweighs the benefit of having every single item you could possibly want in your suitcase. So pack the basics and any essentials, zip your bag, and move out!

Related Reading

Essential Apps for Overseas Travel

How We Decided to Travel for a Year After Military Retirement

Preparing for Full-Time Travel: This Military Couple is Ready to Pop Smoke!

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Good article? Share it!

7 thoughts on “Packing for Long Term Travel: Advice and Essential Items”

I am retired from the USAF, and plan to go to Australia in January 2018. We live near DC. Any suggestions?

Hi Steve – Happy to help! Are you looking for suggestions related to packing or for getting to Australia?

Can’t speak for Steve, but I am curious on what is the most strategic approach to the hops from Columbia, SC.

The most frequent hop to Richmond is a flight originating at Travis and stopping at Hickam and Andersen (Guam) on the way. You could get lucky and get manifested all the way from Travis, but there often aren’t very many seats. Based on feedback from other Space-A travelers, there are often more seats leaving from Hickam or – even better – Guam. So if you can make your way to either of those destinations first, that might be a better strategy. I recommend starting at JB Charleston and making your way to the West Coast. Charleston occasionally has flights to JB Lewis-McChord (there’s one on the schedule for 9/22 as of the moment), and from there, it’s easy to hop to Travis. Charleston also has frequent flights to McGuire, Andrews, and Dover, all of which have frequent flights to the West Coast. There are many ways to do it – that’s part of the adventure!

I love your suggestions. I have a problem overpacking even for a weekend getaway, so I really need to absorb your recommendations.

We have been spending a month in a Paris Airbnb in the fall, using air miles to fly Boston to Paris. Any suggestions on how to get to Paris using MAC flights? Thanks

I recommend trying for a flight to Mildenhall, England and taking the Eurostar from London. This article has information on how to do that: https://www.poppinsmoke.com/flying-space-a-to-mildenhall/ . You could also hop to Ramstein and take the train from there: https://www.poppinsmoke.com/flying-space-a-to-ramstein/

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Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best luggage sets for 2024, tested & reviewed.

A good luggage set goes a long way.

The Best Luggage Sets

Courtesy of Away

A quality luggage set is a worthy expenditure no matter how often you travel, especially since you can use each bag on its own – not just as a set – depending on the trip and your needs. While many brands offer full luggage sets for one price, others sell each bag individually, allowing you to customize your purchase.

Upgrade your travels with one of these luggage sets, all of which are highly rated and have been tested and reviewed by our team of experts.

Best Overall: Away The Carry-On and The Medium

Best expandable: briggs & riley essential 22" carry-on expandable spinner and medium expandable spinner, best lightweight: july carry on light & checked light classic set, best for international travel: delsey paris helium aero 3 piece set, best budget: amazon basics softside spinner suitcases, best luxury: carl friedrik the luggage set.

• Best for Families: COOLIFE Luggage 4 Piece Set

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors.)

Price: $570 or less

If you've ever considered The Carry-on by Away , we recommend bundling it with The Medium (or The Large or The Trunk , depending on your travel style). Not only will you be investing in the best luggage set on the market, but you'll actually save $50 by purchasing a carry-on and a checked bag at the same time.

Away luggage is known for its featherlight yet indestructible design – as well as the sleek aesthetic and interior storage features, including zipped mesh pockets and compression for maximizing space. Each piece comes with a luggage tag and laundry bag.

What our editors say:

In addition to The Everywhere Zip Backpack (which fits neatly under an airplane seat), I've found that using one or both of these bags has been more than enough luggage for my travel needs. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Courtesy of Briggs & Riley

Price: $1,458 or less

Whether you're a heavy packer and/or looking for luggage that can expand if needed, Briggs & Riley is the top choice. Its 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner and Medium Expandable Spinner feature a patented system that allows them to significantly expand and compress with the touch of a button. The soft-sided bags are also designed to keep clothing wrinkle-free with garment folders, cinch-down garment panels and the brand's signature Outsider handle, which is an exterior-mounted design that creates a flat packing surface.

Other features include self-repairing zippers, impact-resistant corner guards and a PowerPocket for charging devices on the go. One of the best luggage brands on the market, Briggs & Riley stands by its products with a lifetime guarantee.

The expandability and overall quality of this luggage is unmatched. Although expensive, this is one of those rare situations where the price is right. – Amanda Norcross

Courtesy of July

Price: $505 or less

The July Carry On Light weighs in at 3.9 pounds (the lightest double-wheeled suitcase on the market), and the checked case is 7 pounds, making it our top pick for the lightest luggage set. Constructed with durable aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, this hard-sided combo doesn't sacrifice quality or functionality in order to weigh less.

Both pieces have a three-stop telescopic handle, double spinner wheels and integrated TSA locks. The interior has a stain- and water-resistant lining and zipped mesh dividers to keep contents from shifting. When you're not on an adventure, the carry-on size nests within the checked size to save storage space.

Having a suitcase that doesn't start out too heavy is extremely important to me. I've tried multiple different types and styles over the years, and this set from July is far superior to any other lightweight options I've tried. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

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Courtesy of DELSEY PARIS

Price: $579.99 or less

This DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero three-piece hard-sided luggage set features a large checked bag, a medium checked bag and a carry-on. The 19-inch spinner fits within the strict luggage size requirements on the majority of international airlines, making it an excellent option for those who only need to travel with a carry-on. The 25-inch and 29-inch checked bags offer many of the same features as the carry-on, just with more room to store clothes and accessories.

All of these luggage pieces are lightweight with a durable polycarbonate exterior shell, a TSA-approved lock and smooth double-spinner wheels. There are tie-down interior straps on one side of each bag and a mesh pocket enclosure on the other. The bags are expandable (in case you need to squeeze in just a bit more stuff), and the carry-on provides an easy-to-access front pocket for important paperwork or a laptop up to 15.6 inches.

The lightweight and sleek DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero luggage set is a great addition to any globe-trotter's luggage arsenal. I know I can travel with the carry-on and fit it into the overhead bin no matter where I'm going because of its slightly smaller measurements. However, even though it's smaller, it can accommodate an impressive amount of clothes, shoes and accessories, and its interior straps and organizational pockets make it easy to use. I love the glossy and textured exterior, and it has held up incredibly well with no dents or dings. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $191 or less

The Amazon Basics line of luggage is the best bang for your buck on the market – you can't really beat three reliable suitcases for less than $200. This soft-sided luggage set includes a small 21-inch carry-on, a medium 25-inch checked bag and a large 30-inch checked bag. The bags are durable and feature a top-load design with a large interior zippered pocket and compression straps to keep everything snug. There are handles on the top, side and bottom to allow for easy placement in overhead bins, in cars or on luggage scales.

The luggage set is available on Amazon Prime, so if you need quality, affordable luggage in a pinch, you can get it shipped to you quickly.

This affordable soft-sided luggage is a steal – the quality is excellent. The wheels (very smooth) and zippers (durable and easy to zip) are particularly impressive for an Amazon bag. – Erin Evans

Price: $1,085 or less

Courtesy of Carl Friedrik

If you're looking for sleek, understated luxury, this set is just the ticket. These suitcases have a durable aluminum frame; a tough yet classy polycarbonate hardshell exterior; and Italian leather details. The Carry-on X has an integrated front pocket for your laptop, travel documents and other quick-find essentials. On the inside, there's a compression pad and compression straps to hold your items in place and maximize space. Both pieces have a sturdy telescoping handle, silent spinner wheels and integrated TSA locks.

Combining classic styling with durable materials, Carl Friedrik luggage is ideal for travelers seeking the finer things in life. From leather details to luxury accents and the way these suitcases glide along, if you want a sophisticated set, this is it. – Rachael Hood

Best for Families: Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set

Courtesy of COOLIFE

Price: $199.99 or less

Not only can the Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set accommodate the whole family's belongings, but it's also one of the best luggage deals you'll find. The hard-sided luggage set has earned nearly 30,000 reviews and an average 4.6-star rating on Amazon for its lightweight design, easy-to-use TSA locks and overall quality at a surprisingly affordable price.

Inside each suitcase you'll find packing straps to secure clothing as well as zippered pockets for organizing accessories and other items. With two carry-on sizes (the 16-inch and 20-inch) and two checked bags (the 24-inch and 28-inch), several or all family members can each have their own bag.

You really can't beat the price of this four-piece luggage set (which often has an Amazon coupon available at checkout). The colors, which are even more vibrant in real life, also make it easy to locate your luggage at baggage claim. – Amanda Norcross

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

To determine the best luggage sets, our team of travel experts tested carry-on and checked luggage pieces from a range of price points. We tested their wheels on every type of surface from moving walkways to cobblestones, packed them with a variety of clothing and essentials, carried them on planes, checked them on overseas flights and more. We combined our test findings, a comparison of unique features and our travel expertise to curate this list.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Weekender Bags
• The Best Carry-on Backpacks
• The Best Cheap Luggage
• The Best Luxury Luggage Collections

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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Advertisement

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

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

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

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

What we considered

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

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

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

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

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

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

The research

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

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

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

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

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

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

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

Buying Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flaws but not dealbreakers

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

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

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

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

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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

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

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

Meet your guide

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

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

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

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

by Kit Dillon

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

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

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

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

by Elissa Sanci

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

A Family Year Out: Packing for Long-Term Travel: Updated 2024

Wondering what to pack for long-term travel? Packing for long term travel, whether a family year out (or a family gap year), a sabbatical, or full-time travel is a big enterprise. You’ll want to pack light, so you won’t be dragging unnecessary gear around the world, but you also want to have what you need in many different possible scenarios. If you need a gap year packing list, or long term travel packing list, this is great place to start.

When we began planning our family year out, we anticipated having a set itinerary that moved geographically across the globe. As the year went on, and many borders closed, it became clear that we would have to be more flexible. We started planning 1-2 countries ahead, with a general idea of where we would head next. In the end, this travel gear has seen us through more than two years of full-time travel, three seasons of climate, and many, many countries.

Like planning for a family year out , there is no one right way to pack for family long-term travel, but this is what has worked for our family. We are a family of four, our kids were 4, and 7 at the start of our journey. Not sure what we’re talking about? Check out What is a Family Year Out?

We’ll cover packing for long term travel, from technology to kitchen supplies, to packing cubes and what clothes we carry. We’ve also included a list of items we started carrying, and then left behind (and don’t miss!)

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase.   As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

At the bottom of this post,  download free Mobile Wallpaper images to satisfy your wanderlust!

Top Packing Picks : Osprey Wheeled Backpacks AirTag GPS tiles Power Strip and Adapters Amazon Basics Packing Cubes

Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets SteriPen Ultra Water Purifier Travel Knife Sharpener Rechargeable Travel Lantern

Table of Contents

What is Long-Term Travel?

This packing list is intended for families planning long-term travel. Long-term travel is a general term, that can mean full-time travel, a family gap year, or even a month or two of travel.

If you plan to do laundry on the road and need to be self-sufficient while traveling, rather than planning to do laundry or other chores when you get back home, we consider that to be long-term travel.

We started our Family Year Out with six months of road-tripping around the United States, then six weeks in Mexico . We were hoping to travel for at least a year, but did not have a set return date. After one year, we had visited 20 countries, including Peru , Colombia , Brazil , Italy , Croatia , Sri Lanka , and more. We’re still going!

Our Packing Journey

When we started our family year out with a two month long cross-country road trip , Cynthia and I were packing our stuff in our backpacking packs. We knew that there would be many places on our trip where we would need our hands free, and many of the places we hoped to see would not have nice paved sidewalks to wheel traditional luggage around.

The original idea packing concept was we would each carry a large backpack with our things and some of the kid’s stuff. Waker would carry a second pack with the rest of the kid’s stuff, Cynthia would carry a day pack, and that would leave us each a hand free for a kid.

Turns out, we needed a lot more space than that!

After three months on the road, we knew we needed to make a few changes. In addition to the packs we were hauling, we had a 40-liter duffel for all the overflow clothing, a laundry bag for dirty clothes, several reusable grocery bags carrying all our food supplies, and a cooler.

We would check into a hotel in the evening and it would take us at least three trips to get all our stuff in the room.

We knew we had to pack lighter, and we needed a better system.

Packing for 3 Seasons

We realized early on, as we were struggling to figure out how to easily carry all of our clothes and gear, we needed to limit our travels to three seasons.

We plan to “follow the sun” as best we can. This means we will spend most of our time in warm locations where we can spend time outdoors, and mostly eat outdoors as well.

However, even generally warm locations include cool mornings and evenings, so we are still carrying middle-weight items such as warm fleece pants, hats, and knit gloves so we are prepared for cool weather.

Not sure which seasons you should prepare for? Check out our bucket list of family adventures to think through your plans.

Carry-on Only?

When we were figuring out our packing system we read many posts of people who packed “carry-on only” and managed to pack very light.

While one of our top family travel tips is “Don’t Overpack” we find that this means something different to everyone. Ultimately, we prefer to carry more clothes and do laundry less frequently.

Our kids are at an age (4 and 7) where they frequently get dirty and trying to keep them in just a few items of clothing would be stressful and difficult. When E(4) slipped in the mud and was covered in thick mud from her sweater down to her sneakers, we were really glad we had brought a second sweater as a backup.

We’ve detailed below approximately what works for us, but you’ll figure out for yourself what exactly “comfortable” means to you.

I can’t live for a year with only one pair of socks or one pair of shoes, so I won’t ask my kids to do that either.

**Update: We are still working on reducing what we carry. It is an endless battle.

1. Luggage for Long-Term Travel

We did a lot of research and decided on larger wheeled backpacks for each adult, plus a larger backpack for the girls’ clothes.

Here’s how we made it all work, so we can carry everything in one trip, with our girls each carrying a small backpack, weighing around 10% of their body weight.

Adults: Osprey Sojourn 28″/80L Wheeled Backpacks

We found we were often lugging our bags for short distances, and putting them on our backs did not always make sense. These Osprey wheeled backpacks mean we can pull our packs on wheels when on smooth surfaces (airports, hotel hallways), but still have the option of carrying them backpack style when needed (stairs, cobblestone streets).

The Osprey Sojourn 80L packs are big: 28 inches long, and roughly 16 inches wide, with a minimum height of around 10 inches if not packed full. There is one large zippered opening and a second small zippered pocket at the top to hold things for easy access. The bag opens horizontally, like most suitcases, rather than top-loading like a traditional backpack. it also has two external compression straps that protect the outer zippers.

The large wheels and collapsible handles make the pack easy to maneuver, I was able to handle two, pulling one and pushing the second with no issues.

Inside the main compartment, there are two side zippered pockets as well as two mesh pockets on the top flap. For a large bag like this, I find all the pockets really helpful for organizing, while still having plenty of room for packing cubes.

Check Prices: Osprey Sojourn 80L

We can hold all our stuff in these packs, as well as some of the kids’ extra gear, and have a little room left over for things we might pick up along the way.

Packed as they are, they currently weigh between 39-44lbs (18-20kg). We are starting out a little heavier than we would like, but we are also carrying extra snacks and lots of liquids (bug spray, sunscreen, lotions) that we will use up as we go.

** Update: We have had two of the Sojourn 28″/80L Wheeled Travel Packs for two years and have really put them to the test. The bottom of one of them now has two large cracks in the plastic molding just above the wheels and will no longer stand up when fully packed.

Osprey has a lifetime warranty and will repair or replace the bag, but as we are still traveling, this is not possible and their current turnaround for repairs is 6-10 weeks. We still are happy with these bags and would likely get them again if we were starting out now.

In 2023 Osprey re-released the Sojourn Wheeled Travel Series with some new updated features and while I still like the 28″/80L, Cynthia is looking at the 25″/60L as it is a little smaller in all directions and has a more adjustable backpack harness that would likely fit her 5′ 2″ frame better.

Kids: Osprey Fairview 55L Backpack

We initially bought the Osprey Fairview 55L for Cynthia but found it still too small for long-term travel. However, all the kids’ packing cubes fit into it nicely. The front zip-off pocket of this bag holds all their other accessories including their hairbrush, pouch of hair ties and accessories, bruise lotion , and nightlight .

This backpack zips fully open like a suitcase, allowing full access to the interior, rather than being top-loading like a traditional backpack. The front section can be zipped off and used as a small daypack, which has come in handy.

The inside front flap contains a large mesh zip pocket that can be used to separate things. We keep our pouch of medicine in this pocket. We rarely need to access it, but always know where it is.

This backpack has two handles, so it can be carried in either orientation if you’re not wearing it on your back. We’ve also found it can be balanced on top of one of the Osprey Sojourn bags and wheeled along with it.

Check Prices: Osprey Fairview 55L

2. Luggage Security

We carry several things to secure our luggage when necessary. This may be in a luggage locker in a bus station or secured to a pole in a train compartment so we can visit the dining car without worrying about our things going missing.

All of these items are kept together in a small zip pouch.

Luggage Locks

We carry a standard TSA-approved luggage lock for each of our large bags. These don’t weigh much and provide peace of mind. We don’t use these often, but when leaving our larger bags in storage for a few days while we jaunt off to the jungle with just backpacks, it’s nice to know the bags are locked.

Luggage Cables

We have two lightweight cables that can be looped through bags and used with the luggage locks to secure our bag to a pole, or another secure part of a bus, train, or boat so someone can’t walk off with our bags when we aren’t paying attention.

Combination Pad Lock

We also carry one combination lock. This comes in handy for bear lockers in national parks or luggage lockers in bus or train stations. Update: This wasn’t worth the weight! We never used it.

Each of our bags has an AirTag GPS tile so we can track the bag if needed. These devices have a battery that lasts about a year.

Check Prices: AirTags

Don’t miss our safety tips for traveling with kids- from AirTags to family code words!

AirTag Silicone Covers

We initially had AirTags loose in each of our bags but found it easy to lose track of them. We also saw that they were starting to get scratched up bouncing around our bags.

We bought these silicone AirTag covers which color code each tag, protect them, and allow us to easily clip them into place so we always know where they are.

Check Prices: AirTag Covers

Extra Batteries for Airtags

We carry one set of extra batteries with us so we can swap these out in our AirTags after being on the road for a year. AirTags take a flat watch-style battery that may be hard to find on the road and weighs very little to carry with us.

3. Carry-On Backpacks

It is important to use that our backpacks function as both carry-ons on long travel days, and day packs when we are on hikes, day trips, and other adventures.

Cynthia carries the Gregory Maya 30L . This light and easy-to-adjust pack fits her well and has a nice 3D foam back panel to keep her back cooler on longer hikes. With both an interior and 3 exterior zippered pockets for small personal items, the pack is easy to organize and keeps what you want within reach.

She uses the separate zippered compartment designed for a water reservoir for her laptop and headphones, as well as larger travel documents. The outer mesh stuff sack has come in handy countless times for jackets, snacks, maps, and information packets. The two mesh water bottle pockets are accessible while wearing the pack and can handle even our large 40oz insulated water bottle.

Check Prices: Gregory Women’s Maya 30L Pack

After spending the summer trading off with Cynthia’s pack, I decided to get my own, so I now carry the Gregory Citro 36L H2O . This pack is bigger than the Maya, has a rigid frame, and comes with a 3-liter water reservoir. You can get the Citro 36 without the reservoir, but it also does not have the separate zippered pocket that it fits in.

We mostly use water bottles on our hikes, as they are easier to refill and easier to share, so I left the reservoir at home for now and use the pocket for my laptop and headphones instead.

Perhaps the biggest difference in the Citro pack is the VaporSpan ventilated suspension that keeps the pack away from your back and allows for lots of airflow. This and the larger size make it a great day pack that is comfortable for all-day adventures.

**Update: The suspension frame that keeps you cool also means it doesn’t fit under the seat on an airplane, or up top on a long bus ride. Which is annoying. In hindsight, we’d trade a slightly hotter pack for the flexibility of being able to stuff it into a smaller space when needed.

Check Prices: Gregory Men’s Citro 36L Pack

4. Kids Backpacks

Our 4 1/2-year-old has the REI Co-op Tarn 18 Kids Backpack . While REI says it is sized for 8 to 12-year-olds, we found that it fits her with room to grow, while being large enough to hold what she needs to carry.

We cannot say enough good things about this pack. It is well made with easy-to-use zippers, interior, and exterior zippered pockets, two mesh water bottle holders, and an exterior stuff pocket for a hat or jacket. It has a padded waist belt with a small zip pocket on each side.

**Update: After two years we still love this bag. It’s still going strong, and still fits our 6-years old well.

Check Prices: REI Tarn 18 Kids Backpack

Our 7-year-old has a Deuter Speed-Lite 20L backpack . After carrying around a much larger backpack for school, she did not want a smaller volume size pack and this was the smallest and shortest 20L we could find.

It is a minimalist pack with an interior divider where she keeps her iPad, headphones, and a notebook. There is an external zippered pocket for small personals and a stuff pocket that can be reached from either side, although we wish it could be unclipped at the center. There are two mesh water bottle pockets and a minimal waist belt.

Check Prices: Deuter Speed-Lite 20L Backpack

5. Clothes and Shoes

All of our clothes and shoes fit into packing cubes in our main bags. We find that what one needs to travel comfortably for long-term travel- whether that’s three months or a year or longer, varies dramatically from person to person.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes tend to come in standard sizes regardless of the manufacturer. We have a variety of cubes from several different manufacturers.

While there are small differences between the types of packing cubes, overall we love how they keep us organized. We can easily move our cubes into a dresser if we’ll be in one place for a while. Even when we’re moving quickly, they keep our things organized, even when spread out over the floor.

Here are the different types of cubes we are currently using:

Amazon Basics: We mainly use these packing cubes. Amazon Basics sets contain either four of the same size or one of each size; large, medium, small, and slim. We have one of the different sizes when we were first trying to figure out what sizes would work for us.

Being able to color-code our cubes so each member of the family has a different color is really helpful. This especially helps keep each kid’s clothes sorted and organized.

Check Prices: Amazon Basics Packing Cubes

Gonex: 4 medium-sized packing cubes . I like this brand. They have smaller mesh openings than Amazon Basics, but I find this makes them easier to open and close. I am 6ft 2in and I find the medium size works well for most of my clothes (I have changed the way I fold some of my clothes so they pack better).

Eagle Creek: These packing cubes come in sets of three with three different sizes. They are a solid color and are made of a much lighter-weight material than the other brands.

We use these for organizing items other than clothing, such as hair accessories, kitchen tools, and toiletries. We have two sets, one is blue and top-loading , the other is green and side-loading .

We have also noticed that what shoes families carry varies widely. We started out carrying Crocs for our kids as well as their sneakers and flip-flops and decided they weren’t necessary for us.

All of us are carrying water shoes that are useful for kayaking, boating, and exploring rocky beaches. We’ve listed the specific shoes for each person in the details below.

Update: Don’t skip these! Especially on rocky beaches, these have been essential.

How We Use Our Packing Cubes

Here’s how these packing cubes worked best for each of us. Everyone organizes differently, this should be a guideline for how your clothes may fit best into packing cubes.

Men’s Clothes

Based on Waker, 6’2″ adult. 4 medium cubes, 1 small cube, and 1 slim cube.

Medium Cube: Underwear and one pair of long underwear

Medium Cube: T-shirts and one long sleeve t-shirt

Medium Cube: Pants and Shorts

Medium Cube: Two fleece sweaters and two long sleeve sun shirts

Slim Cube: Socks

Small Cube: Swim Trunks, Rashguard, Travel Towel

Shoes: Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Flip Flops, Water Shoes

Women’s Clothes

Based on Cynthia, 5’3″ adult. 3 medium cubes, and 4 small cubes.

Medium Cube: T-shirts and Tanktops

Medium Cube: Pants and Dresses

Medium Cube: Sweaters and Fleece

Small Cube: Shorts

Small Cube: Socks and Underwear

Small Cube: Pajamas and Bras

Small Cube: Swimsuits, Rashguard, Travel Towel

Shoes: Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Slip-on City Shoes (Sketchers), Water Shoes, Flip Flops

Kids Clothes

Based on a 4 and 7-year-old, both wearing approx. size 6-7. Each child has cubes in one specific color. We use masking tape and a Sharpie to label each cube so we can all keep track of what belongs where.

Each child has 1 medium cube and 4 small cubes, as well as 1 shared medium cube.

Small Cube: Socks, Underwear, Pajamas

Small Cube: T-shirts and Tank Tops

Small Cube: Pants

Medium Cube: Warm Pants, Sweaters, Dresses

Medium Cube: Shared cube with both girls’ swimwear, goggles, water shoes, and wet bag.

Shoes: Sneakers, Flip Flops, Water Shoes

6. Jackets and Outerwear

Jackets and Outerwear can be tough to pack. We have struggled at times with the best way to pack these, and how much to invest in new pieces that pack down a little smaller and a little lighter.

Each of us also currently carries the following outerwear gear:

Waterproof Rain Shell

Cynthia has a Patagonia Torrent Shell 3Layer Jacket , which fits over her warmer jacket when needed.

Waker has a Mammut Masao HS Jacket . This is his second Mammut hard shell, the previous one lasted almost fifteen years. Mammut makes great technical gear that won’t break the bank.

Both girls have waterproof Columbia Arcadia Rain Jackets . While they roll up nicely, they do not fit into their packing cubes so we carry them in our bags instead.

Warm Jacket

Cynthia has an REI Co-op 850 Magma Down Jacket . This folds into its own pocket to zip up into a nice, compact pouch.

Waker currently has a Barbour Flyweight Chelsea Quilted Jacket that has worked well in New York City , and Iceland, but is not all that packable. We ended up ditching this and replacing it with a jacket from Decathalon along the way.

Waker has the Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Jacket on his wishlist. At only 13oz or 371g, it is packed with 800-fill-power responsibly sourced down and packs into the interior zipper pocket for easy travel.

We all keep a pair of middle-weight knit gloves in the pocket of our warm jacket. That way, we always know where they are, and if it’s cool enough to need a jacket, our gloves are easily available.

We all carry warm knit hats. These come in handy in light rain, and generally cool or chilly weather.

Baseball Hat

We all carry a baseball hat to keep the sun off our faces in hot weather. We all have fair complexions, and sometimes just sunscreen is not enough.

7. Personal Care Items

Of course, we carry standard toiletry items including shampoo and condition in travel sizes. Many of our items fit in our family toiletry kit. All of the liquid items are held in a packing cube to keep them all together.

Here are a few items worth pointing out:

Family Toiletry Kit

We use a family toiletry kit that hangs in the bathroom and holds all of our toothbrushes, toothpaste, and basic toiletries. It’s not huge for four people, so we also keep additional personal items in other pouches.

There are a couple of small mesh zip pockets to hold smaller items and a small mirror. We like that it makes all the shared items easily accessible to everyone and easy to pack and unpack.

Check Prices: Family Toiletry Kit

Scissors and Comb

Waker cuts his own hair, and we cut the girls’ hair as well. We carry a small pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors, and a small tooth comb for haircuts.

Beard & Hair Trimmer

Waker has used a lot of different trimmers over the years and knows it is not easy to find one device that does everything really well.

He is really happy with the Braun MGK5280 All-In-One Trimmer for face, hair & body. Its lithium-ion battery lasts 100 minutes and a full recharge takes only one hour. You can wash the blades off in water for easy cleaning and it comes with a bag for easy transporting.

Kids Hair Accessory Pouch

We have a small Eagle Creek Top Zip Packing Cube that holds the girls’ hair accessories. This includes three sizes of hair ties, a small bottle to spray water, hair clips, and soft headbands.

8. Laundry Supplies

Laundry is a constant companion on the road with us. Our kids create laundry very quickly, often getting food or mud on their clothes. We choose to carry more clothes so we can do laundry every week or two, rather than packing lighter and washing clothes every day or two.

Laundry Bag

We carry a white cotton laundry bag that all of our dirty clothes go into. If needed, this bag can be tossed into one of our large packs for a travel day.

For some families, it makes sense for each person to carry their own laundry until it’s time to wash, but our kids are too little for that system at this point.

Small Laundry Bag for Masks

We carry a small drawstring delicates laundry bag to hold our dirty cloth masks. This keeps them separate in the laundry, so they don’t get twisted, torn, or generally lost among the larger clothes.

Update: Nope, we don’t use this, and cloth masks have now been replaced with the N95 disposable kind.

Laundry Sheets

Looking much like a dryer sheet, a laundry sheet is made of dehydrated detergent. We love our Earth Breeze laundry sheets – they make carrying laundry detergent simple and easy.

You tear one sheet into pieces and place it in the bottom of a traditional top-loading washer or place the pieces in the drawer for dry detergent in a front loader. You pay a little more per load, but these are incredibly lightweight and easy to carry.

They are also environmentally friendly as you have no plastic jug to recycle. We take them out of the paper packaging and store them in a ziplock so we don’t have to worry about moisture getting to them.

Check Prices: Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets

Update: LOVE THESE! I’m actually having a new pack sent over from the US. These are so much easier than shopping for liquid detergent, and so easy to carry.

Dryer Sheets

We carry a second ziplock of dryer sheets. Be sure to mark the outside, so you can easily tell which is which!

OxiClean Stain Stick

Some kind of stain remover is a necessity for us. This Oxyclean Stain Stick is a gel, so we don’t have to worry about liquids spilling. Pretreat stains, then throw them in the laundry bag until you’re ready to wash.

9. Snacks and Food Supplies

Of course, we always carry snacks! For hikes, for long days waiting for buses, and everything in between. We also carry a packing cube with a few kitchen essentials so we’re always prepared.

Water Bottles

We carry a Camelbak Eddy + Renew 25oz water bottle . We find that with all the wear and tear, they are easy to clean and the bite valves last a long time and do not leak.

We also have a Simple Modern 40oz insulated water bottle with three different lids. This is a large water bottle great for longer hikes and or as a refill for our smaller one. It also gives us the option to keep things warm or cold.

Update: Waker really wanted this insulated option, but after a few months decided it just wasn’t worth its heavy weight. Great for at home, but didn’t make the cut for long-term travel.

Snack Pouch

Originally we carried various snacks- granola bars, almonds, etc in a zip-lock bag. However, this bag was opened and closed multiple times a day, so we knew we needed to find something sturdier.

This pouch from REI was designed to be a toiletry bag, but it is perfect for holding snacks in my carry-on. It has a top zipper and a wide bottom so it holds a variety of snack sizes easily. It has a side loop if you want to attach it to the inside of a larger bag, and a small inside zip to hold small things separately. This bag is sturdy, easy to clean, and easy to open and close.

Update: We Love this Bag. We would get a second one if they were easily available outside the US.

We carry the SteriPEN Ultra which uses UV light to purify our drinking water. We did not need it in the US as all the places we visited had clean drinking water. Now that we are traveling outside the US, we use it daily.

The Ultra has a rechargeable battery that works up to 50 times on a single charge. It cleanses a liter of water in 90 seconds- the UV light kills over 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and other things you don’t want to drink.

Check Prices: SteriPen Ultra

Pocket Knife

A knife is really handy for cutting up snacks or treats to share. Waker loves this simple Gerber Zilch folding knife . It was under $20 and if we lose it or it gets confiscated at an airport or train station, it is not the end of the world.

**Update: Yup, it got left behind on our trip to Lokrum Island in Croatia . We ended up getting a replacement for Christmas.

Check Prices: Gerber Folding Knife

Packing Cube: Kitchen Essentials

We have a large eagle creek top-close packing cube that holds our cutting board (8 1/2 x 11″), and all of our kitchen items from travel cups to bottle brushes. In this packing cube we carry all of the below items:

Paring Knife with Sheath

Having a good safe knife for cutting up fruit or dividing up meals is really important. We carry this 4-inch paring knife with a sheath from Kuhn Rikon in red, but they have lots of colors to choose from. (Make sure this stays in the checked luggage when you are flying.)

Cutting Board

This little cutting board is great for cutting up apples, making meals, serving food, or even doubling as a plate. We carry this 8.5 x 11-inch rigid poly cutting board. We found ours at Walmart for just a few dollars.

Travel Knife Sharpener

A good sharp knife is one of the most important tools for cooking. If you have stayed in a place that has a kitchen and provides utensils, you already know finding a good knife is hard.

This little travel knife sharpener is easy to carry and really comes in handy. It’s lightweight and easy to use, and you will leave the knife better than you found it. Bring on those tomatoes!

Update: Essential! This has saved us at so many apartments!

Check Prices: Travel Knife Sharpener

Hotel coffee is generally awful, and we don’t want to buy coffee every day. When we are home, we start each morning with a cup of coffee, when we are traveling, we find we prefer to make ourselves a good cup of tea in the morning. There is often a way to easily heat water in the hotel room. We carry tea bags in several varieties so we have some of everyone’s favorites.

Collapsable Travel Cups

This is a set of 4 silicone travel cups that collapse flat. Each one comes with a lid that helps them to stay fully collapsed. These are great for holding snacks or drinks on the road and also double as a rinse cup for brushing teeth when needed. These are a bit heavy, so consider how many of the 4 you really need to carry.

Don’t tell the kids, but these are also great for holding a bit of whiskey when the hotel only provides paper cups.

Travel Bowls

We carry a set of four rigid plastic bowls that we picked up inexpensively at Walmart. They are perfect for yogurt, cereal, rice and beans, and just about anything else you can think of. They nest together and clean up easily. We contemplated replacing these with collapsable bowls with lids but found that the collapsable bowls were too heavy to carry around.

Travel Cutlery Sets

We love these stainless steel cutlery sets – they feel like you are eating with real cutlery. However, they can get heavy, so we have taken out the pieces that we don’t use often (like the metal straw), and combined two sets into one case. The knives are problematic for metal detectors, so we also removed those. This way, we don’t have to worry about removing the set from our carry-on for plane rides.

Update: We actually had the forks taken from us at airport security in South America (why? I’m not sure). So we only have the spoons now which makes this much less handy.

We carry a small bottle of dishwashing soap (3 oz) with us so we can always put our travel dishes and cutting board away clean.

Bottle Brush

I originally bought this CamelBak water bottle cleaning kit to keep the girls’ water bottles clean for school. But now that we are traveling we use it for all our water bottles. The main brush is too big to carry with us, but the small one for the straws and mouthpieces has been essential in keeping things clean.

Mini Travel Towel

We keep a small quick-dry travel towel in with our kitchen supplies. This is a 15 1/2 inch square towel that comes in handy to dry dishes and clean up spills as needed. It packs up small and weighs about half an ounce.

Check Prices: Mini Travel Towel

10. Technology for a Family Year Out: Computers, Cords, and More

Part of our time spent traveling includes blogging for the adults, and schoolwork for the kids via an online program. As such, we have a lot of technology to carry around!

We both carry a MacBook Air with the Mi chip. These are not cheap laptops, but collaborating and moving from our phones to our computers is a breeze. And the new M1s run so efficiently, we can use them for multiple evenings without charging.

Check Prices: MacBook Air

External Hard Drives

We have two portable external hard drives for backing up our laptops. These Element Drives by Western Digital hold 2 TB of storage and come with a USB 2.0/3.0 connection. We opted for the cheaper HDD over the SSD which was over three times as expensive.

We also bought this short USB 3.1 cord with Micro B to USB C to connect to our M1 laptops without needing an adapter.

Travel Tip: Make sure to store your external hard drive with back ups separately from your laptop.

We choose iPads for our kids based on the tech requirements for their online homeschooling program. Many families prefer Kindles to limit game time. We find our kids spend most of their “free screen time” watching PBS Kids shows.

We also use these iPads for video calls with family while we are away.

Adult Headphones

We both carry two pairs of wired EarPods. Why? One for our phones with lighting connections and one for our laptops with 3.5mm headphone jacks. These work just fine most of the time, and have great sound and mics for video chats, but we find over-ear headphones are more comfortable for long use or flights.

While I have not yet tried them, I am interested in the new Flagship ANC Over-Ear Headphones from Status. I have seen some very promising reviews and while most agree they are not as great as the Sony WH1000XM4s, they a pretty close and currently less than half the price.

Kid Headphones

The kids each have a pair of JBuddies Pro Wireless Headphones from JLabs. We are really happy with how these are working out. We are still only using them as wired headphones, but being able to unplug them to untangle them has been key.

Update: After two years of steady use, these headphones are just starting to show wear and tear. Considering how many times these have been stuffed in and out of backpacks when going through security at airports etc., we are quite impressed.

Check Prices: JBuddies Kids Headphones

See our full review of the best headphones for kids .

Travel Power Strip with International Adapters

We carry the GR-8 USB Travel Power Strip with 8 International Adapters . This has four three-prong outlets, four smart USB outlets, and surge protection. The whole kit weighs only a pound and is relatively compact.

Update: This is one of our essential items. It’s the first thing we unpack in a new place, as our devices are always on low! Charges everything, everywhere.

Check Prices: Power Strip and Adapters

Portable USB Charger

This portable charger works via USB. It can recharge a cell phone or an iPad on the go. I keep this in my carry-on, so I don’t have to worry about running out of cell phone battery when I carry our boarding passes, maps, and navigation apps on my phone.

We have used this charger during a power outage that lasted several days and found that it can fully recharge our phones multiple times on one charge.

11. Medicine

We carry two different pouches to handle minor injuries and minor sicknesses.

Our first aid kit holds a variety of items including band-aids, antiseptic cream, tweezers, a tick remover, after-bite lotion, and cortisone cream.

Our second pouch contains items for if one of us is feeling poorly: cough drops, fever reducers, Immodium tablets, Pepto Bismol nausea tablets for adults, and similar tablets designed for kids. We are not carrying any liquids, but have found that most basic medications can be found in tablet or powder form.

Here are a few items that we carry that we think are worth mentioning specifically:

Electrolyte Powder

These pouches of flavored electrolyte powders are easy to carry and easy to use- simply add them to a bottle of water. These are a great way to address dangerous dehydration quickly, whether that’s from throwing up or sunstroke.

**These have definitely come in handy. We used them all (thanks Mexico and India!) and then got replacements.

Fever and Pain Tablets

Until we started packing for long-term travel, I had no idea that chewable fever tablets for kids existed! I wish I had known about these long ago.

Advil Junior chewable tablets are so easy to carry- I keep a bottle in my purse for any unexpected illness or injury. These are NSAIDs, so they reduce inflammation. They are helpful for minor pain relief (earache, toothache) or fever reduction. These are approved for use with kids ages 2 and up.

Check Prices: Chewable Fever Tablets

COVID Tests

Hopefully, we won’t have to use these, but we have several at-home COVID tests that we can use quickly if either we have symptoms, or are notified of possible exposure. These have a tight expiration date, so we won’t carry them indefinitely, but give us some peace of mind as we will likely be traveling places where rapid tests are hard to find.

Update: Expired and left behind before we needed them. Finger’s crossed this isn’t something we’ll need to carry going forward.

This supplement mimics your body’s natural response to the end of the day. Taken a few hours before you want to go to bed, these tablets help your body adjust to jet lag.

Some people find that their kids have reactions to these, so discuss them with your pediatrician before using them. However, we find our kids fall asleep within 15 minutes of taking a half a pill, which really helps us get on top of jetlag.

12. Mosquitos and Sunburn

We carry a series of lotions, sprays, and other gels to deal with the effects of bug bites and too much sun. We stock up on these ahead of time because some of these items can be hard to find on the road.

Bug Spray (non DEET)

We use this Off Botanicals natural , non-DEET bug spray for every day, “there are a few bugs bothering us” use. We don’t have to worry about the effects of this on the kids’ skin.

Bug Spray (Picaridin)

This bug spray is for use in malaria zones, where bugs are not just a nuisance, but an actual health danger.

Picaridin is a recent alternative to DEET in the United States but has been approved in Europe for decades. Unlike DEET, Picardin will not damage any clothes or plastics it comes into contact with (like your sunglasses).

Mosquito Spray for Clothes

Also for malaria zones, this mosquito spray is for use on clothes, rather than on skin. You spray your clothes before you wear them. This spray stays on your clothes through six washes, so you don’t have to constantly reapply.

Check Prices: Mosquito Spray for Clothes

After Bite Itch Eraser

This small roll-on “pen” is part of our first-aid kit. After Bite applies a liquid to itchy bug bites that helps take the sting out of bug bites. This works for mosquitos and other biting bugs that sometimes leave itchy bumps or welts.

We all have fair skin and have found that sunscreen is hard to find in certain parts of the world, so we always carry a good supply with us.

When we got a bit too much sun in Thailand we were shocked at how much a small bottle of gel with soothing aloe cost there. We now carry a family-size bottle with us for anytime one of us gets too much sun.

13. Money & Documents

Keeping your important documents and money clearly organized is important. Here’s how we have it all sorted out for our Family Year Out.

Passport Pouch

We depend on our Family Passport Holder . It holds a pen, our passports, our WHO yellow fever vaccination cards, our Global Entry Cards, our PADI cards, and extra passport photos.

We also keep in here copies of the kids’ birth certificates, our international driver’s permit, and some extra cash in USD.

This study zip pouch keeps everything contained, with a slot to hold printed boarding passes on the front cover.

It’s worth noting we also keep digital scans of all of these important documents should something happen to the originals.

Check Prices: Family Passport Holder

Coin and Currency Pouches

We carry several small pouches for holding different currencies. One holds back up USD cash and credit cards we don’t use often. A second pouch holds extra cash in the currency we are currently using, and a third is an everyday pouch we carry with us daily holding a small amount of the currency of the country where we are traveling.

However you arrange your cash, the key is to never put too much cash in one place, and always have some USD cash as a backup in case your credit cards or debit cards don’t work as you expect them to.

Plastic Document Folder

We have a slim plastic document folder with a pocket on each side that we can slide printed documents into. These vary from bus tickets that need to be printed to immigration forms that we will need to present on paper.

We also carry a small square calendar in here that we find useful for planning out our next stops.

Travel Insurance

Don’t forget your travel insurance! We use SafetyWing – we love that it renews automatically every month until we request for it to stop. We don’t need to list where we are going ahead of time, so we can keep our plans flexible without worrying about updating our travel insurance.

Get a Quote: SafetyWing Travel Insurance

14. Carry-On Items

There are several items that come in handy that stay in our carry-on for long travel days. We use our packs slightly differently when they are day packs.

You can see a full list of how we pack for days out and in our carry-ons. First aid kits are key!

Travel Booster Seats

We use our Mifold Travel Booster Car Seats in every taxi and Uber that we take, however, these are no longer available .

Alternative travel-friendly car seats are the SafeRiderVest for kids 3+, who are between 30 and 60 pounds.

For older kids, check out the Bubblebum Booster or the Hiccapop Booster , both of which are inflatable, and so easy to carry when not in use. These both work for kids who are between 40-100 pounds.

Travel Watch

Waker has a Timex Command Urban 47mm Silicone Strap Watch. He loves the time zones by city, two saved time zones besides your current, vibrating alerts and alarms, Indiglo, an easy-to-read display, and water resistance to 10 ATM.

Check Prices: Timex Command Urban Men’s Travel Watch

Cynthia has a Timex Ironman Transit 33mm Mid-Size Resin Strap Watch. She likes the two time zones and easy-to-read display with the day of the week and date and Indiglo. This is her third watch in this series. It just works for her, it’s colorful, and it’s not expensive.

Check Prices: Timex Ironman Travel Watch

We love these earplugs! These colorful earplugs come in a box with two sizes, Cynthia found the smaller size more comfortable for her. They don’t block out all sound (we can still hear the kids calling) but they dull the sounds so you can sleep when in a noisy place, or when someone around you is snoring.

These sit inside your ear, so you don’t press against them when you put your head against a pillow. They have a long tail that sits in your upper ear that you use to pull them out. We keep this in a small pop-top travel container. Highly Recommend.

Check Prices: Reusable Ear Plugs

Travel Pillow & Sleep Mask

We debated over whether to bring our inflatable travel pillow , so we’ll have one travel pillow between the four of us for whoever needs it most. Each of us has a sleep mask to block out light.

Light Scarf

Cynthia carries a light cotton scarf in her carry-on that can be used for extra warmth or to cover her shoulders in a church or other religious setting. It can also be used as a head covering if needed.

Turkish Travel Towel

These Turkish beach towels are great. We use these as travel blankets on planes and trains. We use them as beach towels to sit on and to dry off with. These are fairly light, soft, hold up well, and are helpful in many situations. We carry two of these, so each kid can curl up with one if needed.

*Update: After 2 years, both of our Turkish towels are still going strong. We wrap the kids with these on long bus rides, and use them at the beach to lay out. These have so many uses.

Buy Now: All Purpose Beach and Travel Towel

Playing Cards

We carry a standard deck of cards and a small notebook for keeping score. There are endless games you can play with a regular deck of cards.

We also carry SushiGo , which we love to play as a family.

Small Pack of Crayons

Cynthia carries a small bag of crayons in her purse that we can use in a pinch- sometimes we find that restaurants have run out of crayons. S(7) loves to play tic-tac-toe while waiting for our food.

*Update: ditched these after they became too heavy and the girls started carrying their own soft purses they bought in Peru. Now they each carry a small set of markers and a notebook to draw in.

We use a Sharpie for so many things! Putting the girls’ initials on things, marking papers or cups. This simple, small, item comes in handy a lot.

We have switched the whole family to KN95 masks for long travel days and public transportation.

These kids’ KN95 masks fit our kids (4 and 7) well. We scrambled at the last minute after we bought another brand marked as “kids” and found that they were too big to comfortably fit our kids.

Pouch for Cloth Masks

We have a zip pouch that holds all of our reusable, washable cloth masks that we don’t use in everyday situations where we aren’t around a lot of other people.

Update: No longer necessary, we use disposables for long travel days.

Small Packs Facial Tissues

These small packs of tissue generally come in sets of eight. We find that we don’t need them for a while, then one of the girls will get a runny nose and need three or four packs in quick succession. These little packs also make a great substitute for toilet paper in a pinch.

Antiseptic wet wipes are great for cleaning up sticky fingers and faces, and also for wiping down tray tables and other public surfaces we may be touching in our travels.

We carry a thin wet bag in a carry-on. Should one of the girls spill something and need to change clothes, we have a place to easily store the wet/dirty item.

15. What the Kids Carry

It is recommended that kids carry no more than 10% -15% of their own body weight in a backpack. With both of our kids hovering around 50 pounds, that means we need to limit what they carry in their backpacks to around five pounds or so. Here is what each of our girls currently carries:

iPad & Headphones

Each girl carries her iPad, her headphones, and all the associated cords. This means their iPads are available for entertainment on long travel days. They know that this means they cannot sit on or mistreat their backpacks and that they are being trusted to carry something of significant value.

Motion Sickness Wristbands

Sea-Bands motion sickness wristbands have saved our girls from getting sick on windy roads. They come in a small reusable holder, so they are easy to pack and don’t weigh much. These run very small, so get the adult size, even for younger children.

Buy Now: Sea Bands Motion Sickness Wristbands

Pajama Packing Cube

Each girl carries in their backpack a packing cube that contains their pajamas, socks, and underwear. This is helpful in a few ways- first, they start to get used to the idea of carrying their own stuff. More importantly, when we get in late to a hotel, they have everything to get ready for bed right at their fingertips (except their toothbrush and toothpaste).

If we are delayed and they want to change into pajamas before a long flight or bus ride, we have them with us, and they are easy to get to. This also saves us from repacking before flights.

Lastly, if we have any kind of accident on a long travel day, from not making it to the bathroom, to spilling food or slipping in the mud, they have a complete change of clothes handy in the form of pajamas.

Each girl carries a cute sleep mask with them. These are lightweight, and allow them to sleep anywhere they choose.

One Comfort Item

Each girl has the option of bringing one small comfort item with them, that they like to sleep with. They are responsible for keeping track of this item and packing it into their bag.

Slim Notebook

Each girl has one notebook to use as they please. This can be used as a journal, for taking notes during school or simply drawing pictures. We try to find the lightest-weight version we can, as paper can get heavy quite quickly.

Coloring Book

Each girl chose one coloring book to take with them for entertainment on long travel days.

Pouch of Markers

Each girl has a slim, zip pencil pouch that holds a few markers. We have found that often the four of us to sit in groups of two on planes and buses, so both girls get a window seat, and we can still talk to each other. The result is that it’s more difficult to share things like markers and pencils than if the girls were sitting together, so we plan for this ahead of time.

Pencils & Sharpener

We also carry one zip pouch of pencils and a small sharpener. This is more for school work and practicing handwriting than for general entertainment.

Small Pouch for Treasures

Each girl has a small mermaid tail pouch with color-changing sequins and a top zipper. While this is far from necessary, it is a great way to talk about limiting the treasures that our girls pick up along the way.

They tend to love keeping ticket stubs, small rocks, shells, and other things that can quickly add up to clutter and extra weight.

16. Misc. Items to Pack for Long-Term Travel

Here are a few miscellaneous items that we carry that may come in handy for your family! These items also show that while we try to pack light, and only bring what is necessary, we also make some exceptions for everyone’s overall comfort.

Packable Shopping Bags

We carry a few reusable shopping bags that fold down small and are lightweight. These are perfect for small grocery runs, carrying souvenir purchases, and even extra bags of snacks when traveling.

Kids Nightlight

We carry a small nightlight to use in hotel rooms. Our character nightlight comes from IKEA (similar to this nightlight ), and works both on a rechargeable battery, and when plugged in. This helps the kids feel more comfortable when sleeping in lots of new places.

Update: This version finally died, and we replaced it with a much smaller, lighter travel lantern . We love that it charges via USB.

Buy Now: Rechargeable Travel Lantern/Nightlight

We are (fingers crossed) still going to be traveling by Christmas next year. We have a faux brass “ Santa Key ” that we use every year. It is a special ornate key that you put outside your door on Christmas Eve, that only Santa can use.

This allows Santa to easily visit you, even when you don’t have a large fireplace. This is one just a few items that I’m packing for our family year out so we can preserve traditions, and all feel comfortable celebrating the holidays in a new (we have no idea where) space.

Birthday Candles

We carry a few birthday candles and a small box of matches. We celebrate birthdays with a muffin, a single birthday candle, and a round of “Happy Birthday” first thing in the morning.

We have kept this tradition going on the road- Eloise got a pastry with a candle in Memphis on her 4th birthday, Waker is next up in February, when we’ll be in Mexico.

Update: So far we’ve celebrated birthdays in Morocco, Jerusalem, Paris, and more. We always make a point of picking up decorations and dessert wherever we are.

This is an Altoids tin where we keep little things like super glue, rubber bands, twist-ties, safety pins, clothespins, and extra mask parts. This is the tin of extra bits to save the day when something breaks.

17. Things We Considered Packing for Long-Term Travel (but left behind).

There are several things we considered packing for our family year out but decided to leave behind. We’re mentioning them in case they are important to you. We’ll let you know if we end up missing any of these!

Cameras for the Kids

Our kids love taking pictures, and they had older model digital cameras with SD cards. However, the batteries constantly needed to be charged and most of the pictures were blurry. We considered getting them better cameras but decided it was just one more piece of potentially expensive gear to keep track of.

Binoculars for the Kids

Our kids have “starter” inexpensive binoculars, and they have loved having them on road trips. They’ve enjoyed using them to tell cows from goats in the fields in the distance. However, they are heavy and don’t really work well, so we are leaving them behind.

We initially anticipated doing a lot of bathtub laundry on our trip. We found instead that many budget hotels in the US have coin-operated laundry for guest use, and rarely had to resort to sinks or tubs. As we move overseas, we anticipate sending our laundry out more than washing in our room.

Travel Clothesline

We debated about this one and pulled it from our baggage at the last minute. We find that we do laundry either when machines are available, or we send it out.

This travel clothes drying line could come in handy for hanging wet swimsuits, but we generally don’t feel comfortable hanging things on hotel balconies, regardless of whether we have a way to secure our things.

Warmer Clothes

By leaving our snow jackets, boots, and gaiters behind, we’re eliminating the possibility of suddenly heading towards a cold climate.

One of our dream destinations was Austria for Christmas- if we decide to head there for Holiday 2022, we’ll have to stock up on warm gear on the road. We decided not to haul a lot of bulky gear for a year on the off chance we may need it once or twice.

Update: We did celebrate December walking around Vienna, Austria enjoying the Christmas markets. We picked up a few things at Decathalon in Istanbul before we arrived, but were mostly fine with our three-season gear.

There You Have It: Packing List for Long-term Family Travel

There’s everything we are packing for long-term travel and a few things we chose not to pack for our Family Gap Year! Hopefully, this will help you decide what to pack for long term travel.

Ultimately each family’s bags will look a bit different, but we hope we’ve given you a few good ideas for what to pack, and saved you from forgetting a thing or two when you pack for your family year out or long-term trip!

Read Next: Full-Time Travel with Kids: 3 Month Report

Don’t miss our full page dedicated to long-term travel planning, packing, and exploring on a Family Year Out !

Waker von Berg is the co-founder of Sharing the Wander. He is a life-long traveler and problem solver specializing in long-term travel and family travel. He is an adventurer and gearhead who loves researching how to make traveling easier. Waker and his family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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Suitcase 101: How to Choose the Right Travel Luggage

Best Suitcases , Packing , Packing Tips

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If you’re wondering how to choose the right travel luggage, we’ve put together a helpful guide to get you started. Get ready for Suitcase 101 on choosing luggage!

Packing cubes  are the secret to traveling carry-on only. Watch  this video  to learn why!

Tips for Choosing Luggage

Table of contents.

Let’s be honest: as wonderful as it is, traveling can be stressful. Here at Travel Fashion Girl, we aim to make your adventures as calm and hassle-free as possible. A sure way to decrease drama while traveling is to ensure you’re using the best travel luggage for your needs.

Whether or not you choose to  travel carryon only , always use  packing cubes  to help you organize and even compress your belongings to maximize your space.

The following guide–with handy tips from industry experts–will assist you in choosing luggage or “portable wardrobe” for your exciting adventure.

The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide !

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner

Why Travel with a Suitcase?

Suitcases versus backpacks is a popular debate in the passionate travel community. This article is all about suitcases, so here are a few reasons why choosing luggage rules over backpacks :

• Personal convenience : Suitcases win hands down for their ease. You’ll hardly break a sweat easily maneuvering it through the airport.
• Wheels: It’s all about the wheels! It’s kind of satisfying to roll your suitcase with ease, secretly (smugly) watching fellow travelers buckle under the weight of their backpack. This convenient feature gives a major edge to the suitcase.
• A Sweat-Free Back:  Need I say more?
• Health : Not everyone is physically able to lift a suitcase or carry a backpack due to health issues. Read these tips on traveling with a bad back.
• Organized Packing: Nothing’s worse for travel organization than a top-loading backpack. Having a clear view of all your belongings when you unzip your suitcase is priceless. Find out how to choose the best luggage organizers .
• Safety: Hard cases have many benefits for durability and safety. Here are a few more tips on how to  keep your valuables safe  while traveling.
• Professionalism : A suitcase offers a more professional image when traveling for business (and at luxury hotels). Here are a few  business travel essentials .

Ask yourself: “ Where am I going and how am I getting there?” Olivia Hulett of Ricardo Beverly Hills suggests keeping these two questions in mind when choosing a suitcase: selecting the right case for the destination and length of your trip is essential.

To learn the pros of traveling with a backpack, please read: How to Choose a Travel Backpack !

Delsey Luggage Helium Aero 25 Inch Expandable Spinner Trolley

Factors to consider when choosing luggage

Consider the items you plan to bring. This will help you determine the ideal features for your suitcase, which will help you when choosing luggage.

Backpackers may want straps or pouches for sleeping bags, tents, hiking poles, etc. Business travelers might want a bag with an easily-accessible laptop and electronics compartment. Fashionistas might appreciate straps that hold clothes in place and reduce wrinkling.

Determine if you’ll be checking your bags, dealing with difficult terrain, or if your travel is for business purposes.

If a suitcase makes sense for your trip, these are the factors you should consider when choosing a suitcase:

• Luggage Size
• Luggage Features
• Luggage That’s Durable
• Luggage with Safety Features
• Luggage Based on Price

Keep reading below as we elaborate on each of these factors for choosing luggage.

Samsonite Winfield 2 Teal Hardside

Choosing Luggage Size

Size is an important factor when choosing luggage; no one wants a suitcase that is too big for them to physically manage–what a nightmare!

Here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Jacquie Whitt, co-founder of Adios Adventure Travel , notes that the overall size of the bag should be limited to what you can handle, since there may be times when no one is around to help you lift and maneuver it.
• Also, be sure to check the luggage allowance of all the airlines you’ll be traveling with. Different airlines have different size requirements, so don’t get caught unprepared.
• It’s key to consider the allowed weight of your luggage, too; the lighter the case the more you can pack/souvenirs you can bring home!
• It’s a good idea to test your suitcase before you travel. Check that the handle is long enough for your height, that the feel of the fabric suits your needs, and that it’s robust and hard-wearing enough for your journey.
• If you plan to order your case online, do it well in advance so you can return it and search for another if it doesn’t feel right.
• Ideally, we recommend that your travel suitcase measures 22” x 9” x 14” or less. This is small enough to fit into the overhead compartments on most  airlines. Note that US domestic carryon size is larger than European carryon sizing. Choose an “international” carryon like these to be sure.
• As a general rule, opt for a carryon no larger than 45” (length + width + height) and a checked bag no larger than 62”, which is standard for most US airlines.

Here are the best carryon suitcases for traveling Europe !

Suitcase Sizing Guide

You should be able to travel carry-on only for all trips of any length. I’m a full-time traveler and I do! If I can travel in a carryon for more than four months at a time, you can, too. This is how I do it!

• 18 – 20” International Carryon:  Considered the international carryon size, this is ideal if you’re using budget European airlines  like easyJet or Ryanair. They have incredibly strict rules. Read my story! Here are the best international carryon luggage !
• 21 – 22” Domestic Carryon:  This is the most popular size of carryon luggage and we guarantee you can travel anywhere with a suitcase this size.  Find out how! Here are more carryon luggage for travel !
• 23 – 24” Medium Checked:  The size is perfect for travelers who aren’t quite ready to travel carryon and need just a little extra room. If you’re traveling with another person, it might be a better investment to just take one 25-27″ suitcase for both of you as mentioned below.
• 25 – 27” Large Checked:  Generally, this is the most popular size of luggage to check as it has lots of room. Ideally, you would use this suitcase size if you wanted to check one bag for two people. If you’re traveling with a family, then you can also fit everyone’s belongings into one or two of these suitcases for easy handling as opposed to the oversized suitcase below that isn’t as easy to maneuver.
• 28 – 32” Extra Large Checked: These are very large suitcases with a huge capacity. Due to their size, they could be too awkward and bulky for standard trips. Be warned, they might exceed size and weight restrictions. Here are the best lightweight checked luggage for your next trip!

Unless you’re planning to move abroad or will be in a single location for an extended period of time, you should never use a suitcase that’s over 27″. By carefully planning your travel wardrobe using these guidelines , you’ll always have exactly what you need.

Also, keep track of your baggage weight, especially if you’re using a suitcase over 25″ where it’s easy to pack unnecessary items because you have more space.

Many airlines limit you to 30kg / 50lb for checked luggage. Use a portable luggage scale to prevent overages before you arrive at the airport.

Read my guide on how to stop overpacking  and learn how you, too, can travel carryon only.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner 24

Choosing Luggage Features

Today’s suitcases come with a wide variety of cool features that affect transportation, packing, and protection. One thing to keep in mind is that the more bells and whistles there are, the heavier the bag!

Need to  pack for a 7kg baggage allowance ? A minimalist suitcase is key! If your goal is to pack light, try to choose a suitcase that weighs less than 5lb or 2kg like this Delsey Trolley or my personal favorite, the  Osprey Ozone .

Here’s a quick guide to understanding various suitcase features:

Select a bag with a recognizable color or print so it can be easily spotted on the luggage carousel and not mistaken for someone else’s bag. Try and stay away from white/cream; it’s more likely to get dirty.

You can also buy luggage straps to easily identify your suitcase.

Piggy Back Clip

A looped clip on the top of the bag, known as a piggy back clip, allows you to clip a second bag to the larger one–bonus! If your suitcase doesn’t have one, you can buy an attachment like this one .

You have two choices when it comes to wheels: two or four. Suitcases with two wheels tend to be lighter but have the risk of tipping over if they’re not balanced. I find these easier to wheel if I’m running through the airport and they’re also easy to yank over a curb to maneuver uneven streets like in the scenario shown here .

On the other hand, four wheels will stand upright, plus they are easier to pull sideways on a plane without hitting all the passengers as you find your seat.

The con is that they won’t stay put unless they have a locking system like the sophisticated Chatelet by Delsey . Love that suitcase! It’s stylish and functional, too.

Telescoping Handles

A rolling suitcase is much easier to manage since you pull the weight instead of carrying it. Make sure your case’s handle is sturdy and easily retractable.

Before committing to a suitcase, walk with it to make sure it doesn’t hit you on the heels as you walk. It shouldn’t drag too far behind you, annoying other travelers. You might also appreciate a padded handle for comfort.

I prefer a single handle because it helps minimize luggage weight but some travelers prefer a double handle because they find it sturdier.

Expandability

Do you ever notice that your stuff tends to “grow” when you’re returning home from a trip? Nothing ever seems to fit. Find out why here .

An expanding suitcase is great for this, but be warned: expanding your suitcase may mean it no longer fits in the overhead bin and you could be charged to check it. However, for those of us that love to shop for souvenirs (guilty!) then this is a good option.

Alternatively, you can buy a packable bag  to bring home souvenirs, too!

Compartments

Pockets and compartments are a useful feature to help organize all your belongings; for example, keep your 3-1-1 liquids bag in an external pocket so it’s easy to locate at the airport. Take a look at how I organize my suitcase . Even TSA was impressed!

Security Locks

Whether they have zippers with space for a travel lock or they have an internal locking system, never buy a suitcase you can’t lock.

Read more travel safety tips .

Waterproof Materials

One of biggest tips for choosing luggage is making sure it has water-resistant materials or has been treated with a moisture-resistant sealant on the inside to help keep your belongings dry. This works in the rain and also if baggage handlers lay your bag on dirty, wet, or sticky surfaces.

Jane Attard, CEO of BusinessKnowHow.com , suggests that you line the top and bottom of the suitcase with plastic, like a dry cleaning bag. That way, even if your suitcase does get wet, your clothing can stay dry.

Suitcase covers help keep your suitcase clean and long lasting. I highly recommend them!

Side Handles

Top and side handles make maneuvering your luggage much easier, especially when you need to lift it to place it overhead on the plane or other transportation.

Choose luggage with strong, durable handles that will withstand the weight of your belongings. This is also a good reason to pack light–you need to be able to lift your own suitcase up several flights of stairs, especially in Europe!

Tie-Down Straps

These stretchy, adjustable straps are great for helping you compress your belongings when everything’s in your suitcase. They also keep your personal belongings securely in place.

Tip: Pack your suitcase the night before your trip to allow things to settle overnight.

You don’t necessarily need to spend hundreds of dollars to have a quality suitcase. However, the suitcase should be well-made and able to withstand the roughness of travel. Depending on your activities, destination, and travel style, your needs will vary.

Productivity and health coach  Marcey Rader says, “High-quality luggage is a necessity. You’ll regret buying a ‘good enough’ bag when you are running down the terminal with your suitcase flopping along and then your handle breaks!

A quality piece of luggage is important because it can last a lifetime. Travel is stressful enough without having to worry about your suitcase.”

That’s exactly what happened to me on a two-week trip to Europe. My friend took a cheap, massive 32″ suitcase to Europe and the handle broke the second day of our trip. Because she had overpacked, I had to carry it for her because she had back issues.

Packing light also helps if you have back problems! Read these tips.

I was NOT happy dragging a broken, heavy suitcase around Europe for almost two weeks. Do you know how many flights of stairs you encounter? Now imagine only spending 2-3 nights in one city then moving on to the next, trying to cram in as much sightseeing as possible. Don’t let this happen to you.

Delsey Luggage Chatelet 21″ 2.0 Carry-On Spinner

Choosing Luggage That’s Durable

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing luggage and finding one that will last you:

Soft versus Hard Shell : soft bags are great if you plan on using your luggage as a carryon, because they are easier to squeeze into overhead lockers and can be lightweight. They are also said to absorb shock better than hard shells. Here are the best soft-side luggage according to TFG readers!

The argument for hard-sided luggage is that it protects your belongings better. These are the best hard-side luggage for women !

Whichever you choose, look for quality–lousy soft luggage can tear and cheap hard cases can crack or break.

I’ve used both and like the hard shell for regular vacations whereas I use a soft shell bag for long-term travel.

A broken handle is common when luggage is being thrown around at the airport. If you’re budget conscious, choose a two-bar handle that is sturdier than a one-bar in cheap luggage.

However, if you’re investing in a quality brand, then one handle is okay. It will be lighter, too.

Jacquie Whitt, of  Adios Adventure Travel , notes that four wheels glide easier than two. The wheels should be high quality, similar to skateboard wheels. Hard plastic wheels are more likely to crack or break when dropped. (I’ve had this happen while roaming the streets of Paris while hunting for my hotel!)

Zippers leave luggage susceptible to water damage from rain. Opt for hard cases with a latch system to avoid this. If you choose a suitcase with zippers, select pulls crafted from tough metal or durable plastic.

Osprey Ozone Wheeled Global Carry-on 21.5″/42L | Also available here

Choosing Luggage with Safety Features

The best way to keep your luggage safe is to have  travel insurance to cover a loss. Only pack valuables in your carryon luggage if you can keep an eye on it.

Adding security features to your luggage is a good idea, too. Make your case less accessible to thieves by investing in sturdy and durable travel locks, cable ties, and shrink wrapping. Be warned, though: expensive-looking security mechanisms can scream, “VALUABLES INSIDE”!

It’s better to be safe than sorry: never pack valuables in a checked bag. Always keep them in your carryon or preferably your personal item.

Read these tips on how to choose a “personal item” !

Here are a few safety mechanisms to consider when choosing luggage:

A  trusty lock  is guaranteed to at least slow down a thief or put them off all together.

A cheaper alternative to locks, these theft deterrents are easy to install and come in a variety of colors, meaning your suitcase can be easy to spot. However, cable ties can be quite easily removed with a simple nail file.

Shrink Wrapping

Many airports now feature a shrink wrap station. Costing around $10 a pop, it’s a great way to deter people from slipping illegal items into your case or stealing from your bag. It’s also great for waterproofing your luggage!

Safety Tips

• Invest in travel insurance that covers lost or stolen baggage.
• Keep all valuables and travel documents in your hand luggage so you can keep an eye on them at all times.
• Include a waterproof label on each piece of luggage with your up-to-date contact information (not your home address–this could highlight the opportunity of an empty house to thieves). If your case is lost, it has a greater chance of being returned to you quickly. And don’t forget to remove tags from previous trips!
• Check your luggage as soon as you land, that way you can quickly contact the airline and your insurer if anything is missing.

Read more about safety in this post: Money Belts and the Best Anti-theft Travel Accessories .

Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds Hardside Spinner Luggage

Choosing Luggage Based on Price

Travel luggage can be expensive. If you’re a long-term traveler, keep in mind that this isn’t just an average suitcase, it’s about to become your portable wardrobe for the duration of your travels. You need luggage that will last.

Price generally reflects quality. Search around for the best reviews from experienced travelers and opt for a case that suits your style of travel. Many times, expensive bags will include a warranty of some kind.

Christina Ernst of VIP Alpine Tours/VIP Travel   suggests steering clear from designer luggage, as it becomes more of a fashion statement than a quality choice for extreme traveling. You’re guaranteed to look stylish wheeling your Louis Vuitton through the airport, but not dragging it through the tropical terrain of Asia; designer cases are also more susceptible to thieves.

Suitcase Shopping Tips

• Visit websites like  REI, Sierra Trading Post , eBags , and Amazon to shop around and compare features/prices.
• Visiting a physical store will allow you to test the bag before purchasing. This way you can determine which style, size, and brand suits you the best.
• If you are online shopping, order your case well in advance so you can return it if it’s not suited to you. Look for a retailer that offers free returns, like  eBags . You can order several cases to see which you prefer, returning the others free of charge. Amazon also offers free returns on some items. They’re my preferred place to buy luggage as they tend to have the best prices.
• Sign up for email updates from online retailers to receive discount offers.
• Shop seasonal sales to get the best bargains.

For even more tips, read this smart luggage buying guide !

Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes

Final Tips for Choosing Luggage

We recommend bringing along a lightweight luggage scale  to weigh your cases before going to the airport. This will ensure you are below the weight limit and avoid extra charges.

Also, use packing organizers such as packing cubes  to help you simplify your packing process.

Watch the packing tutorial on  Youtube !

In 2017, I launched Compass Rose Travel Accessories and my very first product was a  4-Piece Set of Carryon Packing Cubes . These are the only packing cubes  sized to fit the exact width of a carryon suitcase  and they also have a  unique color-coded and numbered organization system  – the only kind currently available anywhere on the market.

I put together a  five-part YouTube series  showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use  this  specific packing strategy, they can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carryon only!

What are your tips when choosing the right travel luggage? Share and comment below!

 Read these posts for suitcase recommendations:

• Top 20 Recommended Luggage Brands
• Best Carryon Suitcases
• Best International Carryon Suitcase for Women
• Best Lightweight Checked Luggage
• The Best Luggage Sets
• Weekender Bags

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44 comments.

Choosing the right travel bag is a personal decision that depends on your travel style, needs, and preferences. Like a fashionista 😀 I really prefer my travel bag to be in style too. I buy all my bags from Louenhide but my travel bag is my favorite. I bought this travel bag in color-blush Ezra https://www.louenhide.com.au/products/alexis-weekender-travel-bag

After reading this article, I purchased a new TravelPro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner in the 22″ size. I got the purple color so it would stand out in case I do end up having to check it. I love all the fashion tips too. 🙂

What about duffel bags that don’t roll? I dislike backpacks, and I worry that a wheeled bag could induce me to pack excessively. What recommendations do you have?

Hi Bobby, for duffle bags that don’t have wheels here are some recommendations from the TFG community: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-duffle-bag/

And if you’re worried about overpacking, had you considered using a lightweight backpack instead: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-ultralight-backpacks/

Hope this helps you in your search!

Thank you for this! My cheap hard sided checked suitcase broke on my last trip. Fortunately the liner prevented my things from spilling out, but I will need to replace it before my next trip!

Thank you so much for all the helpful tips. I went to London, Scotland, and Ireland this summer and used packing cubes for the first time. What a life saver.

Thanks for all the great information!

I’m starting to prepare for a trip so this article was very helpful. Both my husband and I need to buy new luggage. Thank you!

I love your travel tips! Especially the packing cube advice! Because of you I’m biting the bullet and taking a carry on or a 16 day tour of Croatia, Slovenia and Italy! I know I can do it! (thanks to all your great advice!!)

Nice article. Thanks

So glad you enjoyed it! ?

Hi, do the clothes crinkle when you pack them like that (in the how to use packing cubes…) or does it stay folded and you don’t have to iron them?

Hi Hailey, if you’re worried about your clothes becoming wrinkled in a packing cube check out this post for our readers top tips on how to avoid them: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-clothes-without-wrinkles/ Hope this helps! ?

Thanks Alex for the fast and helpful reply! 🙂

Has anyone tried putting their carry on luggage on the floor in front of their seat? Is this allowed, what sort of luggage could I use. I am a short person and find it very uncomfortable not being able to put my feet on the floor for hours at a time. Could I use my case under my feet.

Hi Yvonne, thank you for reaching out. Many of our readers like to use their luggage which fits under the seat or a backpack to lean and rest their feet on. You could use something like this: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-under-seat-luggage/ I would also highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best packing advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps answer your question. Happy travels! ?

If I’m going on a 2 night and 3 day trip to Washington DC, what size suitcase do you recommend.

Hi Hannan, thank you for reaching out. You may find our 10 step guide to packing for a short break a good place to start: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/weekend-packing-list/ Maybe something like one of these: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-under-seat-luggage/ Also you don’t mention if you are traveling with someone else, but you may also find this video helpful for ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGH-iwFf_1U&t=13s I would highly suggest that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there about luggage for a few nights away: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps. Have an amazing time! ?

I LOVE my Delsey hard sided suitcase. I bought it last minute for a trip and can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner. It’s light, it spins so great (yes, I spend a great deal of time spinning it because it’s fun), and it comes in great colors. Don’t let the salesperson try to talk you into their choice of color, go for the one you want!

I forgot to add, watch for sales. I got mine at Macy’s for 65% off and they do have regular sales.

Hi Sally, thank you for sharing your recommendation for the Delsey hard sided suitcase. For international and domestic travel, I like the Delsey Turenne. You may enjoy this video where I explains why I like the Delsey Turenne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bbTGS6YUoE Hope you enjoy your suitcase on many fun and exciting adventures! ?

Is there a hard sided carry-on bag that is not designed with the space divided half and half? I’m looking for a bag that has one deep side ( to fit my GEARPACK) and one shallow side or just a flap. Is there such a thing? Thank you

Hi Liz, thank you for your question! Have a look at this post for some more options for a hard case suitcase: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-hardside-luggage-for-women/ To get you the most feedback, I have gone ahead and posted your question on TFG’s facebook page. Our readers have the best recommendations to share so please keep an eye out for their replies from Friday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ Hope you find one which is suitable and that you like! 🙂

I’m very late to this thread but did you ever find a suitcase that wasn’t half and half. I like the hard shell but like you I hate the opening of the bag. They don’t fit on the hotel luggage racks and you have to put them on the floor. I’ve just returned from 5 weeks in Europe and the USA and I need a new bag. My bag is now 8 years old and has seen some rough travels.

My daughter is studying abroad for 2 1/2 months to Italy. I bought her an Osprey backpack for getaways but she needs a checked bag. And she’ll probably over pack! Any recommendations would be helpful.

Hi Laurie, to get you the best feedback I have gone ahead and posted your question on TFG’s facebook page. Our readers have the best advice so keep an eye out for their replies from Friday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ For other options for suitcases, have a look at this post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-recommendations-20-travel-experts-reveal-top-luggage-brands/ For some help planning her packing, take a look at this 10 step guide to packing for Italy: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-italy/ It may be a good place to start. Hope this helps! Hope you daughter has a wonderful time studying in Italy!! 🙂

Going to Cabo for a 7 day trip. What would be the ideal luggage size for 7 days?

Hi Keith, thanks for your question! We’ll share your question here so the author of the article can reply. 🙂

Hi can you recommend a suitcase for travelling for around 3/5 months.

Hi Claudette, thanks for your comment! Take a look at this article on the top luggage brands of 2018: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-recommendations-20-travel-experts-reveal-top-luggage-brands/ Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi can u plz tell me… How can I buy trolly by liters in online.. I can’t able to figure out … Plz help me… 20kg means how many liters ??

Hi Manasa, you can look for a converter online like this one: http://www.convertunits.com/from/liter/to/kilo+gram

This article is so helpful. I’m looking at purchasing luggage for an upcoming trip and was wondering if you had any thoughts regarding two wheel vs four wheel luggage?

Thanks! This article might help shed some light on this: https://travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-choose-the-best-luggage-for-travel-abroad-smart-buying-guide/

Forma 30 day trip to Europe (several cities) what size suitcase should I take? Should I take a carry on too? Thanks 🙂

Wow this sounds awesome 🙂 Personally I would do carry-on only for this trip, so a huge suitcase isn’t necessary, but it depends on what you are doing and how much you want to take. Check out these articles for more tips on how to pack for this kind of trip http://bit.ly/29ngSND & http://bit.ly/28U5J65

I like my luggage lock but people please put in a number that is hard to figure out. Most people use the number 1234 and then dont understand how people figure it out. Please dont be unintelligent about it

What about duffel bags of the non-roll kind? I don’t like backpacks and I think a wheeled suitcase might give me too much temptation to overpack. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks so much

For regular duffles, personally I like having the alternate option of rolling them if they feel heavy after a while. Try checking out the brands suggested as they usually have non rolled versions too: https://travelfashiongirl.com/rolling-duffle-bags-the-best-alternative-to-wheeled-backpacks/

Excellent tips shared. I particularly liked the safety measures which you mentioned in the blog. http://www.ricardobeverlyhills.com/

What is the orange back in the picture? I’ve been looking for a bag like that!

Hi Andrea, it’s just the one from the Stock photo 🙂

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Adrienne So Gear Team

The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Carry-On for Most People

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

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

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

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

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

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

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

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

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

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

Best Bag for a Lifetime

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

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

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

Boone Ashworth

Carlton Reid

Reece Rogers

Best Backpack

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

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

Best Convertible Bag

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

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

Best Personal Item

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

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

Best Work Bag

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

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

The Best Hiking Daypack

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

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

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

Best Duffel Bag

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

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

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

The Best Expedition Bag

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

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

Best for Camping

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

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

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

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

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

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

A Good Emergency Go Bag

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

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

Other Bags We Like

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bags We Don’t Like

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

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

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

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

A Few Travel Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

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

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

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

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

When to Remove Battery Banks

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

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

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

Oliver Hazelwood

Medea Giordano

Henri Robbins

Amanda Hoover

Adrienne So

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How to Pack for Long-Term Travel Around the World

Last updated on January 4, 2024 by Shannon

Traveling around the world for a year (or even six months) is a different beast than a one-week or short-term vacation. While the packing lists share many similarities, long-term round the world travelers often need to pack a few different things that you wouldn’t for a regular trip. Unlike packing single destination or a single climate, your entire wardrobe and gear has to different climes and locations, while still fitting in your backpack..

When I left on my first yearlong round the world trip , I had a lot of anxiety about what to pack. This post shares not only my one-year long-term travel packing list and the updates I added along the way, but also my current recommended packing list after 15+ years traveling around the world as a digital nomad (because a lot has changed since 2008!).

What’s more—I don’t just tell you what to pack—but exactly why and how I’ve found each item on this packing list useful, so you can assess if it is also worth the weight in your pack during your own world travels, whether you’re heading out for a week, a month, or a long-term trip like mine.

Skip straight to the gear and shop my entire packing list on Amazon .

Table of Contents

Long-Term World Travel Packing List

Picture this: It’s 2008, and I’m desperately combing through the sparse online travelogues. I pause at every selfie—not called a selfie back then—and carefully log in my notebook what clothes the women are wearing in their photos.

My list includes notes like “most women carrying one hoodie and two long-sleeved shirts!” and “five t-shirts and a couple tanks = enough”. I initiated my visual stalking sessions in a desperate bid to discover how many tops and bottoms women packed for their round-the-world trips , along with which brands seemed to hold up throughout their year on the road.

When I left in 2008, I posted my original packing list ( below ) so that another woman would never again go through that painstaking process. The internet is a different place now—there’s a lot  of packing advice out there. But yet, every single week a heck of a lot of people still make it to this page for inspiration when sussing out their own long-term travel packing list.

So, consider this my updated, 2023 packing list for female travelers. It’s a full guide to effective packing for long-term trips (a month or more) and freely shares the lessons I’ve learned after 15+ years of travel and living abroad .

This male packing list is also well done, with great recommendations if you’re of the other persuasion. Sections below cover clothes, shoes, electronics, toiletries and more. I offer suggested brands and products, but keep in mind, I had only a few expensive pieces when I started; after 15+ years on the road, some of these were investment pieces that may or may not be worth it for your trip.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases—this does not affect my recommendations obviously, as this is a list of my current gear and recommendations of items that I paid for myself.

TL;DR: Long-Term Travel Packing List

• 8 tops (4 t-shirts, 1-2 long-sleeved shirts, 1-2 tank tops, and 1 UPF shirt )
• 4 bottoms (2 travel pants /jeans, 1-2 skirts , 1 dress, 1-2 shorts/capri )
• Cold weather layers: 1 pair leggings, 1 thermal , 1 hoodie
• 1 thin rain jacket
• 4-8 underwear
• 2-3 bras + sports bras
• 1 pair thin sleep shorts
• 1 pair hiking boots or sturdy walking shoe
• 1 pair Chacos or sports sandals
• 1 pair stylish sandals (flip-flops for hostels)
• 1 pair ballet flats (super optional)

Packing Essentials

• 1 set leak-proof containers
• prescriptions (scanned and stored online; printed for pain meds)
• 1 luggage lock(s) (optional combination lock needed for hostels)
• 1 quick-dry travel towel
• 1 menstrual cup
• 1 medical kit
• 1 spork (optional)
• 1 reusable water bottle and SteriPen or LifeStraw
• safety essentials : door stop, safety whistle carabiners, pencil wrapped with duct tape

Electronics

• 1 laptop/netbook/iPad
• 1 smartphone with quality camera
• 1 backup hard drive for photos
• 1 portable charger
• 1 mirrorless camera or point-and-shoot
• 2 travel adaptors (1 multi-USB adaptor; 1 set of small ones)
• 1 water purification device
• 1 pack of cards

Best Clothes for Long-term Travel

Travel-friendly tops.

There’s a good amount of variability here depending on your style preferences and where you’ll spend the bulk of your time on the road. If you’re only dipping into cold places, then opt for one fewer long-sleeved shirt because you can always use your thermal as a base-layer and then put a t-shirt over top.

You must travel with a high-quality UV protective shirt . Most people on round-the-world trips do a lot more outdoors activities than they would in everyday life. You’re sightseeing , snorkeling , trekking , kayaking, etc.

A quality UPF 50+ shirt is a must-pack. I had one on my round-the-world trip, and it’s always with me now, too—over the years I invested in a long-sleeved one for cooler hikes as well.

For the other shirts in your bag, simple cotton ones from your closet will likely suffice. Make one a bit nicer so that you can wear it out for a nice dinner. I also carry two thin tank tops ; I sleep in these, or wear them in non-conservative, hot climates. I tend to pack a range of colors for tops, though all in the same shade families so that key items layer well.

Vary your ratio of t-shirts and tank tops to long-sleeved shirts if you’re planning to visit many cold-weather places. You’ll definitely skip packing a sweater, which is why it’s so important to have a quality thermal and hoodie .

Lightweight/Versatile Dresses

Dresses and skirts an be a lifesaver since they allow you to stay cool in the heat. I tend to favor traveling with two below-the-knee skirts these days, but when I pack my travel dress , it’s pretty similar to this Columbia dress .

I’ve tried on prAna dresses over the years, which are well-made and raved about by other travelers. I’ve never found one that really hit my fashion sense, and I tend to stick with Columbia brand items because they fit my body type well (tall and slender), but I note that here in case you see one of their dresses that you love better.

I recommend getting a travel dress with inch-thick sleeves at the very least. This is more versatile in slightly conservative areas, and if you get a dress that covers more of your shoulder, it provides better sun protection too, which is important if you wear it out sightseeing!

Should it be a travel-specific dress? No! And, yes! If you’re packing for a month, stick with a dress from your closet—if you’re traveling with the dress long-term, however, travel dresses hold up better to many, many washes and are a just a better item to put on your packing list.

Pants & Bottoms

The skirts and dresses that I recommended comprise half of my “bottoms,” and that’s always a good ratio since I am most often in warm climates. I just wear my leggings under skirts in cooler climes.

In addition, I carry my fancy lightweight travel pants . I had a pair of Columbia pants when I first left and I loved them dearly, but they ripped when I took a particularly gnarly fall on my bicycle in Mexico. So, I replaced them with the closest I could find, which is a black pair of Columbia hiking pants . These pants run small—truly very small, like maybe go up two sizes if you have large hips/butt.

I might buy these prAna Halle ones though when I wear out my current high-tech pants because they are more true to size but still look good. To that end—go with black, that’s the entire point of these slim but functional pants over cargo styles from the North Face (which I also own and use on hiking trips, but just can’t fathom packing on a long-term trip because they’re so touristy).

The prAna pants are more stylish than many pants in this travel category. Besides that, I carry a pair of lightweight skinny jeans. I also carry whatever pair of black or grey leggings that I find in my drawer when packing. I don’t wear leggings as pants, but I do wear them under everything, including my jeans if it gets cold enough.

Leggings are a good idea on any packing list for long-term world travelers since they make all of your outfits a bit more versatile in warm/cold weather. I find that shorts are not very handy in conservative cultures, which you will undoubtedly visit on a long-term trip. Plus they tend to be very short or very ugly.

If you love shorts and are traveling to countries where you can wear them, consider packing just one skirt as a trade-off. Also consider packing a pair of thin capris instead of shorts, on many of my world trips I packed capris, and they were convenient—now I just prefer skirts for personal and style reasons.

I nearly always pack bottoms in tones of grey and black, and occasionally a colorful skirt; that way everything matches my tops.

Travel Skirts

Women will need a calf-length skirt at the very least to allow you to visit the temples and churches of this world. On my round the world trip, I had an ankle-length skirt that came in very handy during my four-months in India and Nepal .

Since then, in the rest of Asia and in Europe, it’s most handy to find a skirt that hits just below the knee. I own a SmartWool Merino wool skirt , which is terrific—it’s durable and travel friendly and it’s a great brand . . . but it’s a tinsy bit too short on my tall frame to work in temples. If you’re hiking and want a skirt for active travels, look here.

I pack active skirts when I head to Central America or Europe, where it’s a lot less conservative! Even then, however, I always pack at least one of these cheap Stretch is Comfort skirts that have held up remarkably well—I own that skirt in four colors, that’s how much I love it—the skirts have the perfect cost to function to style ratio. Sure, they will show sweat on a rough day, but they are cheap, functional and just the right length for conservative cultures.

Underwear & Bras

Not gonna lie, I pack eight pairs of underwear when I travel long-term—half thongs and half full-butted underwear. I do this ratio completely because of personal preference (but also because thongs are tiny, take up little space, and I don’t totally hate them).

The fancy travel underwear from ExOfficio have many doting fans among the traveler set—I own three pairs and only pack them if my long-term travels include a fair bit of trekking/hiking—I bought them to hike the Camino for five weeks and did not regret it.

That said, I’ve been fine with regular underwear that I pick up at a store when I pass through the states. Hardcore backpackers pack two pairs of underwear and wear one while washing the other pair. That is not me and will never be me, so I refuse to feel guilty for my eight pairs.

When traveling, you need enough underwear that you are not laundering clothes every day. I also pack two bras —dark and light—and one sports bra . And I carry a pair of small sleep shorts . I usually just wear one of my tank-tops to bed. In cold weather, I sleep in my leggings and wear my thermal to bed instead.

Jackets & Outer-Things

When I first left to travel, I was cash-strapped and I bought a $20 zip-up hoodie from Target and carried that around the world. It looked gnarly at the end of my year of world travel—all pilly and faded. I was actually sheepish about how shabby I looked at the end of my trip, which ended in the UK and Ireland.

My pilly jacket made it very clear that I was a budget backpacker.

Now, I’ve invested in better gear that looks nice and holds up well. You can’t do much better than an Icebreaker zip hoodie , which is made from Merino wool. It’s among my favorite travel brands because the clothes are durable and always fit well, too.

Now, I also carry this lightweight cardigan for a tad bit of protection warm climates or cool evenings (this is a perfectly nice, much cheaper cardigan for budget packers).

I wear my hoodie on planes and travel days and in cold climates. And generally, I wear the cardigan all over for sightseeing and day-to-day travel—it’s super thin so it’s not too warm in hot climates to work as a shield from the sun.

On my long-term trip, I carried this North Face fleece pullover , but now I invested in a very nice thermal under-layer (I had a cheap cotton one before) and it mitigated the need for a fleece. (With thermals, thumb holes are everything !)

Many travelers also pack a  lightweight rain jacket , which is ideal during rainy and monsoon seasons, and it also acts as a thin windbreaker. Splurge for a thin one, as you they can take up a lot of space otherwise.

TL;DR: Clothes to Pack

Best socks, shoes, and sandals.

Mix and match the shoe recommendations to fit the trip you have planned. You should probably limit yourself to three shoes that, in combination, allow you to trek, do water activities, and look nice.

If you go over three shoes, then your packing list gets bloated and you won’t fit everything into a small, carry-able size bag.

Pack Boots or Walking Shoes? 

Finding the right travel shoe is one of the two most important packing decisions you will make ( finding the right backpack being the other).

On my first long-term trip (and for a few years after), I carried these New Balance hiking boots and they were so fantastic that I replaced them with the exact same pair of shoes when I returned. These versatile shoes worked well because they were sturdy enough to function as hiking boots for my trek in the Himalayas, but they’re also light enough to double as general sneakers for everyday sightseeing. They are the most comfortable and cushioned hiking shoe I have ever found.

Now, however, I travel with a pair of Skechers GoWalks and I love them. These Skechers are an ultra lightweight shoe and serve me well in my slower travels now, but—and it’s a big but for a round-the-world trip—they would not have held up to a year on the road, and I would have needed to buy a pair of sturdy hiking boots for the treks I did in the Himalayas .

If I were doing it all over again, I would definitely bring my New Balances if I planned to do any big hikes (Machu Picchu, Nepal, etc). If I weren’t doing something like that, I would find a Merrell store and try on these Siren Edge Hikers so I had a better hiking boot that was a bit more versatile as a walking shoe.

Along with my walking shoes , I now have a pair of green Chuck Taylors, which I deeply love but definitely did not bring on my RTW trip—they offer no arch support and are impractical for long-term travel. Ditch them from your packing list if you’re considering it.

Adjust your shoe choices to your planned trip and activities. And consider buying shoe inserts no matter which shoe you choose as the ones that come with shoes are lame. I have high arches and buy a Superfeet insert  for all of my travel shoes (the green is their classic, but  use their website to determine which color best fits your foot situation. Note that if you use insoles you often need to go up half a shoe size).

Pack Quality Socks

Get ready for a fangirl rave about my love for SmartWool socks . You should not scrimp on good footwear since it’s such an important part of long-term travel, where blisters and ill-fitting shoes can really ruin a trip.

Socks are also important and can play an important part in avoiding stinky feet syndrome.

These SmartWool socks are magical. Pack at least one pair to wear during treks and outdoorsy activities. They will keep your feet dry and cushioned. If you’re planning an active trip—or if you value comfort—pack at least two pairs. Then just throw in two pairs of thin cotton ankle socks . Four pairs of socks should work for most people, especially if you have comfortable sandals you’ll be using to explore and sightsee, too. If you’re on a hiking-heavy trip, pack a pair of tall SmartWool socks .

Best Travel Sandals

On my long-term travels, I needed something versatile and durable, and there is no better travel sandal than Chacos . You’ll meet many long-term travelers wearing these because they offer good arch support and you can wear them in a wide range of circumstances, from trekking through waterfalls to sightseeing in hot climes. (And they look way better than Tevas.)

Alongside my Chacos I packed a pair of flip-flops to do the trick in hostel showers and casual situations. Like with my pants suggestion—avoid color here, just go with black.

Now that my travels rarely include hostels, I replaced my flip-flops with this comfortable gladiator sandal , which is hella stylish and yet surprisingly travel-friendly. For years, I recommended the Crocs Sexi-Flip sandal , which remains the best travel sandal out there, but they are hard to find, and the “upgraded Serena” sandal is just not the same.

I replaced my Sexi-Flip Crocs four times over the years, and am devastated that they discontinued it. The Haviana gladiators I now recommend are still quite comfortable, but they don’t transition as well to night-time chic.

One problem with just traveling with sandals and boots is that you have nothing to wear in nice situations. Carrying a versatile travel sandal is especially needed if you don’t plan to carry ballet flats. I want to like ballet flats, but on a long-term trip I’ve never found a way to keep them from smelling really bad after a short bit. Truly, I’ve tried them all and I’ve tried everything from inserts to spray deodorant—no dice.

For that reason, I don’t pack flats any more; I sometimes buy a cheap pair if I’m in a spot for a while, but I mostly rely on my gladiator sandals. It’s up to every individual woman how she decides to navigate the need for a dressier shoe (also note that most clubs in Western countries will not allow flip-flops)—this travel sandal is amazing and would work for nice occasions, but it’s best for trips under six months since it won’t hold up to near daily use for a year.

Yes, You Need a Sarong

A sarong has untold uses and every female traveler should pack one . My sarong can act as a travel towel. It’s a beach coverup. It’s an emergency bedsheet, sun protection for my face, a stylish accessory, and more.

Pick a sarong in a fun color and pattern. And while your sarong surely works as a scarf, I carry a scarf as well because I am  always cold, plus it’s fun to have a few extra things to make an outfit more stylish. Consider this pickpocket-proof travel scarf as it’s mega-convenient with a hidden pocket.

TL;DR: What Travel to Shoes Pack

Best toiletries and travel accessories.

Buy a high quality liquids containers. When I first left, I had great ones from the Container Store—I still own those, but I eventually supplemented them with these squeeze tubes  and love them. Whatever you buy, buy a good brand as it sucks to have them leak all over.

I am not much fussed over my toiletries, so I fill these tubes with whatever is in the bathroom when I’m packing. I’ve dyed my hair a lot in the past, so I actually dump into a tube the highly concentrated conditioner that comes with dye kits because it lasts a long time.

Other than that, it’s personal preference  what  you put inside; they sell a lot of major brands all over the world (Pantene, Dove, etc). Some travelers swear by non-liquid shampoo bars , but I’ve never gone that route—they’re a bit pricey and I personally prefer to splurge in other areas. If you need to save on liquids though for carry-on travel, these ethical shampoo bars are a good deal .

On the road, note that face lotions in many countries contain whitening elements, so I always pack an extra face cream and an extra quality sunscreen to last a good while. You won’t have this issue in Europe, but it’s rampant in Asia, especially.

Pack your deet repellent in its own ziplock bag.

And for dental hygiene, toothbrushes and toothpaste are a cinch to replace on the road; I use a SteriPod to avoid toothbrush funk.

As for toiletry cases, I used  this small zip one for many years and it worked well. For Christmas I received this hanging one from MEC (a Canadian outdoors company) and it’s magnificent. It’s a cinch to hang from door handles or towel bars to keep everything handy, especially in bathrooms without countertops. The closest you can buy on U.S. Amazon is this Sea to Summit Hanging Bag —a good option from a go-to company for travel gear.

Go for a small-to-medium sized toiletry bag, because you may want to take it directly into showers with you. And opt for one that hangs—you’ll be so glad it does in tiny hotel bathrooms and shared hostels. You can store things like hair brushes, the deet, and other things in a small packing cube . (Here’s why I thoroughly love packing cubes .)

Prescriptions, Contacts, & Glasses

If you have prescriptions , either carry a year’s supply or research where you can top-up on the road. Carry paper copies of your prescription, and scan them and email them to yourself too. It’s dead-simple to get an eye exam and new contacts in Europe, but its trickier if you don’t speak the local language.

Also, some prescription pain meds are controlled substances in countries with harsh drug policies, so if you have any irregular prescriptions, research that ahead of time. I carried a year’s worth of contacts with me (I wore two-week throwaways) and I was able to replenish contact solution on the road.

I also carried a pair of glasses and a hardshell case. Since I am seriously blind without my glasses, I scanned and emailed myself both of these prescriptions in case I was robbed or in case something else happened—I’ve taken multiple eye exams in a foreign language; it’s not fun. I also made sure my contact supply and glasses were never stored in the same bag on travel days.

Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups like the Diva Cup are the single best way to handle your period on the road, and this post explains what and why . I highly recommend you go this route. Truly.

Read the post. Consider the options. You’ll thank me. (True story. Long-term travelers email their thanks for this tip alone on a monthly basis).

Luggage Lock

Just yes, you need one. It won’t stop someone intent to steal, but it stops quick theft. I carried two around the world, this one  for luggage and this one for my hostel lockers.

I used a Pacsafe to secure my bag during my initial years of longterm travel—its a well made item that does its job well. That said, the company has more sophisticated options , such as slashproof bags and backpacks.

Medical Kit

Start traveling with a good base for your medical kit . Once you have the base, remove the things that seem overkill (I have never carried or needed an ice pack) and then customize it to meet your needs and add a few things that are often lacking.

These oral rehydration salts have saved my life , twice. I carry many now. Also, no matter your stance on antibiotics, you should carry them. I always add a full bottle antihistamines for my hay fever, too.

Carry the basic painkillers: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin. An antibiotic like Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin (or both). Loperamide for diarrhea. Malaria medicine, if needed. Band-aids, gauze,  triple antibiotic ointment.

From there, top up your kit when you are on the road—antibiotics are over the counter in many developing countries and they all carry ORS, antihistamines, etc (and for cheaper in most cases!).

Door Stop and Safety Whistle

Solo female friends swear by both these items for giving them more peace of mind on the road. The door stop is a basic precaution in hotel rooms where the door might not latch correctly. You’ll need a doorstopper like this one , which has a very thin front edge since most hotel rooms have minimal gaps since they are fireproof doors.

Water Bottle

I drink from a stainless steel Nalgene  because I prefer not to drink from plastic; if you’re not fussed, you could go with a durable collapsible bottle . Either way, having your own water bottle saves money and is convenient and prevents overuse of plastic in countries with few effective recycling programs.

Many guest houses will have refill stations. And if you bring a SteriPen or LifeStraw then you’ll need one of these too ( here’s why and how I use a SteriPen ).

Sun protection is no joke. This sun hat does the trick.

Misc Bits & Bobs.

I carry this handy travel spork and I love it. If you’re a budget backpacker, then having a set of utensils comes in handy—it’s less necessary for mid-range and higher travelers.

I also carry a tiny ziplock with things like bobby pins , safety pins , a tiny sewing kit , extra hair ties , matches , and a pencil with duct tape wrapped around it . I explain that more here  with ideas for travel hacks for those travel MacGyver moments. You must pack duct tape on a pencil!

I also carry two carabiner clips and I love them dearly for their handiness . I use regular carabiners (with the screw lock) for a range of things. To attach my wallet to my purse, making it pick-pocket proof. To attach my purse strap or backpack to my chair when eating somewhere so it’s not easily swipeable. To attach shopping bags, water bottles or things to my bags on travel days.

I’ve even used it to attach my camera strap to my backpack when sightseeing to prevent a motorbike from driving by and snatching it. So cheap, so many uses.

TL;DR: Packing Toiletries & Long-Term Travel Essentials

Best electronics.

After a couple years on the road, the weird positions of working from the road caught up with me. In addition to the gear listed here, I have a complete ergonomic travel system with a laptop stand and friendly tech that prevents further carpal tunnel and RSI injuries. If you’re keen on that, I have listed out The Best Ergonomic and Portable Travel Gear .

Adapters & Charging

If you’re traveling with a good amount of technology and if you’re in a couple, then you should consider packing this handy Belkin powerstrip . Many times hotels will have just one outlet, so this is the best way to ensure your camera, phone, and gear is all charged in the morning.

I always carry a bigger multi adapter (and these have gotten very cool now, where it has a USB-C charging spot for my Mac, as well as three quick-charging USB ports!). Then, a few stray smaller ones usually float around my bag since I have a lot of electronics to charge—although now that the bigger adapters have so many USB ports I can more easily get away with just one universal travel adapter .

I carry a laptop since I work from the road ( more on that here ) and after 15+ years of travel, it’s never been stolen (knock on wood for me, will ya). I have a MacBook Air now (used to have a Dell PC).

In the past, I have used my  PacSafe in sketchy areas, though I usually carry my computer out sightseeing if I am truly concerned. There is also the option of packing a cheap netbook too if you’re not working on the road. And really, a tablet could do the trick in that case too.

Read Should I Bring my Laptop for an in depth discussion as other travelers weigh in on the options.

I carry a Panasonic Micro Four-Thirds if I’m on a trip where I want really great photos. The  micro four thirds (mirrorless) cameras are the ultimate travel cameras and my review of my Panasonic shares why .

Even more, NatGeo magazine named it a top travel camera. These cameras are fantastic. Basically, it’s almost to the level of a DSLR (with detachable lenses and everything) but at least half the size and weight of traditional DSLR and far nicer photos than a point and shoot. Nothing wrong with a point and shoot though!

If you’re not into high end photography and just need something that works, upgrade your smartphone to the latest model and use it for photos—the iPhones now take truly great photos in sunlight and low light.

iPhone/Smartphone

I adore my unlocked iPhone ; if you unlock your smartphone you can buy cheap SIM cards (about $2) and plans for well less than $15 a month to use while you travel. This helps when meeting up with other travelers and calling guesthouses to book ahead.

Also, the cameras and social sharing features are fantastic and mean you don’t always have to carry your bigger camera when your little one takes high-resolution photos. My techie friends put together a great list of  how to buy SIM cards in various countries around the world.

Backup Hard Drive

Depending on your travel situation, you should likely bring a portable backup hard drive like this Western Digital Passport (what I carry), or the LaCie Rugged drive , which would handle rough travel. Also consider online data backup programs. I wrote a detailed post on  How a Long-Term Traveler Can Back Up Heaps of Data .

Water Purification

Consider a way to sterilize your water . I have seen the LifeStraw in action, and it looks like a great all-in-one option; if this had existed when I left I would have probably carried this instead of a SteriPen, maybe.

The SteriPen is a great device, it uses UV light to sterilize unsafe water in about a minute. I used this extensively throughout India, also Laos, Uganda, and other really undeveloped countries where filtered, clean water is harder to find. I reviewed it after my trip and although you might not need it often, if you are going to very underdeveloped countries, I advise having it as a safety measure. 

I also carry a Klean Kanteen water-bottle  to save money and the environment (fewer plastic bottles!).

Rechargeable Battery Pack

I carry a small backup battery supply that gives me two extra charges on my cell phone and a charge on my Kindle. This will save you if you use your smartphone for navigation sightseeing or entertainment on long bus rides. I carry one like this Anker battery pack .

Kindle/Tablet

I’ve of two minds on this. I carry my Kindle Paperwhite everywhere and I deeply love it. I will not leave for travel without my Kindle . I traveled with an iPad mini too, in the past—it was all overkill since I travel with a laptop. The only strong value I found in the iPad was that my electronic guidebook was far easier to navigate on the tablet than the Kindle.

Usually, however, I carry a paper guidebook, so I am leaving the tablet with my nephews next time I pass through home. If you have a laptop and a smartphone, then there is very little value in carrying a tablet.

If you’re a reader, however, than a Kindle is invaluable. Same goes if you are a solo traveler, it’s nice to have a trove of books to pass the time. Double points if you renew your library membership before you leave; you can check out electronic books for free while you travel.

Something Silly

I carried a deck of cards during my entire RTW trip, and in the years since, I also pack a portable cribbage board when I travel with my nieces and nephews, or Bananagrams if I will be near friends who also like board games and cards.

Travel is about time spent bonding with others, and these silly items will give you a reason to encourage new friends to put down their smartphones and hang out.

TL;DR: Essential Electronics on Long Trips

How to interpret packing list advice.

Above I offered up my current recommended packing list items, as well as the rationale for or against packing each item I recommend. For a bit more help on actually deciding what is worth carrying on your back for a long trip, let’s take a look at how to interpret this information on my packing list, as well as any others you’ve bookmarked.

Know Thyself 

Every person has their own style, and that should play a role in what you ultimately pack for long-term travel. If something doesn’t make sense, but yet a lot of people recommend it, consider if you can pick it up once you’re on the road. Also look at all of this in terms of what you also like in your current life.

Let’s talk about three things that other travelers have mentioned to me over the years as misguided advice.

First, leggings. I packed leggings and I love them. Even now that the leggings trend has waned, I pack a pair and use them constantly. But one blogger followed up and said my advice was rubbish and she never once pulled them from her pack.

Where’s the disconnect?

She and I wear different clothes, and we likely experience cold differently. My leggings act as my sleepwear in cold weather or hotels with A/C. I don’t think twice about using them under my pants for extra warmth (like the buses in Myanmar, which are so unbelievably frigid that I cried a time or two and had to hug my niece for hours to keep her warm).

I also packed an above-the-knee short dress that worked well in Australia and Europe, but I used my leggings to make it culturally appropriate in the 6+ months I spent in Asia. The woman who emailed didn’t find that need, or she had packed something else to work in that situation.

Instead of purchasing every recommendation on my packing list, go with the spirit. Maybe you’re a tights person instead! :)

The same could be said about jeans. I took other people’s advice about not packing them for my longterm trip, and then I bought myself a pair a couple of months into my year around the world.

Now, in the subsequent 15+ years I’ve continued traveling, I’ve never left home without my well-worn jeans. I like jeans and I favor them in regular life. For me, I value the trade-off and carrying them is worth the extra weight and drying time (they are hard to dry in monsoon season).

If you’re happy in trekking clothes or quick-dry, or perhaps you favor khakis, then take my jeans recommendation in the spirit of, “Bring bottoms that you like to wear.”

Pack What You’ll Wear 

Packing lists seem to go one of two ways, either fashionable, or what I can only describe as “safari-light.” For a round the world trip, or longterm travel, you’ll likely need something that crosses between the two.

While I love those pretty packing lists for Europe that I’ve seen online, you’re going to also needed clothes of a quality and style that can last for the length of your trip and also ones that will work in a range of circumstances.

If you’re fashion-conscious, read through this list with an eye toward clothes that fulfill a role that your current wardrobe does not. Do you have clothes to hike a mountain in a conservative-yet-tropical place? While a tank-top suffices in some places, it won’t cover enough skin in others.

It’s because of that range of situations that you need to think about long-term travel as a mix of dual and often competing needs. Stylish but functional and long-lasting.

Suitable for warm-weather, but layerable so you stay warm in cold weather!

You may have never worn a rashguard/sunshirt in your life, but you should seriously think about one if you’re planning outdoorsy activities. I’m not claiming they’re fashionable, but on a long trip, they may just avoid an unwanted third-degree sunburn.

Since your daily life doesn’t likely need much flexibility, pack items with an eye toward not only what you like to wear, but what will serve your trip in the hundreds of new experiences in which you will find yourself.

Consider the Climate

Most packing list advice for long-term travel attempts to cover a huge range of climates and countries. That’s inherently trickier than packing for a two-week trip to one climate. Even though my own world travels included several continents and climates, it’s still different than your trip—and possible different in very important ways.

Let’s consider my advice to pack jeans if you’re keen on them. I love jeans and faithfully carry a pair, but in 2017, I backpacked through Vietnam with my trusty jeans . . . and they stank to high heaven.

In the past, I had always traveled outside of rainy and monsoon seasons. Sure I hit rain sometimes, but in the past, it was a few days of rain and eventually enough dry air to thoroughly dry my jeans.

This time, after three weeks with just a few hours of sporadic sunshine and nearly 100% humidity, my jeans reeked of sour clothes dampness. I shoved them in a ziplock for weeks until I could get to a new climate.

What this means is that you need to temper any packing list with adjustments for your trip. If you are backpacking Asia during rainy season, then consider swapping some cotton shirts for quick-dry fabric.

And my travels have also chased summer around the world. Although I spotted snow on my trek in the Himalayas, that was brief and my layers sufficed (I also bought a cheap jacket in Kathmandu for the hike and ditched it a few weeks later).

If you’re visiting ski destinations or snowy climes, you’ll need to either pack a heartier base layer or plan on buying/renting a heavy jacket once you arrive. You’ll also want an extra pair of wool socks.

Tiny tweaks like what I mention above are impossible to account for if you follow someone else’s packing list in full. Instead, take the packing list advice and compare it to the trip you’re planning around the world.

How I Picked My Backpack

The red backpack was my main pack and it’s a 52L Eagle Creek Meridian. Eagle Creek doesn’t make that pack anymore, but this Tour Travel Pack is nearly identical, and I own this updated version in teal .

At the time, I feared I may need something bigger, but this backpack was free from my bestie in LA, and free won out. Now that my RTW is over, 52L was the perfect  size. I used this bag for five years, and only stopped to downsize and to switch to a 40L rolling bag.

52L was big enough to carry clothes for two people, although I wasn’t that disciplined to carry so little, at first. But on my world travels through Southeast Asia with my niece, we shared this backpack and each carried a daypack—that size sufficed us both for seven months.

The updated version that I own is 55L, and I use it for travels with my toddler son.

The lay-flat design and women’s fit is what sells me on using Eagle Creek backpacks—it makes a massive difference. Even now that I own this Osprey pack (which I bought to walk the Camino ), I maintain that EC has the best build design, and certainly the most comfortable for a woman’s frame.

The blue bag ( North Face Surge ) held my laptop and all of my electronics gear on travel days, and it acted as my daypack when out sightseeing. I used (and fell in love forever with) using a packing cube system  to organize everything in my bag. These packing cubes saved my life on travel days when I was rushed to repack and bolt out the door.

I am a forever evangelist for packing cubes .

This bag setup was my system for six years. Eventually, in 2014 I changed to THE most amazing  rolling suitcase from Timbuk2 , and I used Timbuk2’s Showdown backpack since it was a bit more low-profile and small than my trusty North Face. This setup with the two Timbuk2 bags is what I used from 2014 to 2019.

I still deeply love my rolling suitcase and will never return to full-time backpack use, but I’ve switched up my laptop bag over the years—I also have a Timbuk2 messenger bag and a Herschel backpack— this Herschel backpack is my current laptop bag, and either it or my North Face is my sole luggage when I travel around Europe because both fit under the seat in front of me and hold a week of clothes if you’re super minimalist.

(NOTE: I paid for all of these bags by the way, so it’s all my honest opinion on what works).

I travel more slowly now, so it doesn’t make sense to have the same packing system that I used on my yearlong trip. But, even to this day I swear by packing cubes. When I left the U.S. for the first time, my backpack was packed to its seams, but much of my stuff did not make it beyond Australia, the first country I visited.

I have an in-depth guide on  how to pick a backpack . The size and fit of a pack is so important—it’s imperative that you take the time to pick a good one that will serve your trip well. And if you are convinced that I overpacked (I did that first year!), then this Guide to Carry On Travel might be up your alley; Erin shares great advice and it’s a good jumpstart on your research.

My Original RTW Packing List (2008)

Because I believe in the preservation of information, this is the packing list I took on my year-long round the world trip. I also maintained the dispatches from the road which cover exactly what I had to replace, send home, etc. This is the packing list I published in November 2008 when I left on my longterm trip.

The packing list above is a curated packing list that includes all the things I’ve learned over the years. :)

CLOTHES/SHOES

1 pair of  lightweight tech-travel pants 1 pair of jeans 2 skirts 1 pair of sleep/athletic shorts 1 travel dress 3 tank-tops (1 dressy tank) 1 sun shirt/rashguard for outdoor activity 3 shirts/t-shirts 1  long-sleeved thermal 1 long-sleeved cotton shirt 1 fleece pullover 1 zip-up hoodie

4 pairs of socks ( love   my two SmartWool socks ; plus 2 cotton) 8 pairs of underwear 2 bras 1 sports bra 1 scarf 2 pairs of leggings 1 hat 2 pairs of capris 1 pair of Chacos sports sandals 1 pair of New Balance hiking boots  ( I deeply love these as hiking shoes) 1 pair of flip flops (for shower shoes in nasty hostels)

MISCELLANEOUS

PacSafe Mesh net Microfiber travel towel Sleep sheet Sunscreen Deet insect repellent 1 extra copy of my passport 1 mini sewing kit 2 carabiner clips 1 headlamp flashlight 1 mini set of eating utensils 1 pocket knife 1 travel adapter (and a couple tiny adapter tips) 1 travel medical kit: Advil/Tylenol/Aleve, antibiotic, malaria medicine, band-aids,  gauze  triple antibiotic ointment, cough/zinc drops Random bits: bobby pins, safety pins, sharpie, pen, duct tape (wrapped around a pencil), small scissors, etc.

Toiletry case Refillable travel size containers of: shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen for face, face wash, travel size toothpaste, floss, deodorant Toothbrush Razors Diva Cup Contacts (full trip month supply) Contact solution and 1 eye glasses case Hair ties

1 small bottle of foundation 1 compact eyeshadow duo 1 mascara 1 blush

These are things I carried in my daypack and my travel purse !

ELECTRONICS

My Laptop: (I had a Dell but now use a MacBook Pro) Western Digital hard drive (2+ TB is a mere $100 so it’s worth bringing one to back up photos!). MP3 Player (now I travel with an unlocked iPhone) Camera: Canon PowerShot  (I upgraded in year two to a  Panasonic Lumix Mirrorless ) Headphones for Skyping/music Kindle (as of 2012 I carry one of these now)

Journal Book: Started with “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen Neoprene laptop cover (it’s my computer’s raincoat!) SteriPen Pens Deck of cards My money belt (around my waist version; I used mostly for trains in India and Eastern Europe)

For insights on how I fared with the above packing list, here were my updates from the road circa 2009.

Dispatches From the Road

01/07/09 : RTW Update from Australia

• My beloved headlamp—which was so  helpful at the hostels here—was lost/stolen on my outback safari to Uluru. Plan to replace as soon as possible.
• I left my nice sun hat on a bus along with my Nalgene water bottle.

02/02/09 : Update from Cambodia

• I shipped home a package of souvenirs by sea—hope it gets there!
• My jean skirt is now unnecessary; I shipped that home too.
• One pair of capris was stained beyond wear (trust me), so I left those behind in Phnom Penh.
• I bought a pair of farmer-style pants in Laos.
• Contact solution has been incredibly  hard to find. Wearing glasses for now.

02/25/09 : Update from India

• Helen brought me a new headlamp to replace the flashlight I have been stuck using.
• She also brought a new Nalgene water bottle and a SteriPen— amazing, truly.
• Bought an Indian kurta and haven’t regretted it for a moment. GREAT for trains and blending in as much as possible.
• Picked up a new scarf. Lighter than the warm one that came in handy in Oz and Laos—much better for India.
• Left my purple cotton shirt behind in Jaipur, it was nubby as hell!

04/25/09 : Update from Nepal

• Did some major shopping here! And I shipped home a package of souvenirs.
• I bought a knock-off North Face rain jacket for the Poon Hill trek—works like a champ.
• Bought a safari-style hat for the trek and beyond.
• Replaced my sleep-sheet, my cheap one was too short!!
• I love my new silk harem pants. Great to sleep in and pack up tiny.

05/20/09 : RTW Update from Italy

• I sent another package home with souvenirs from Nepal; though super touristy, Thamel has incredible bargains and neat items if you dig around.
• Threw another worn out shirt away and replaced with a couple new ones from H&M. New sundress too—gave the other one away as it didn’t fit me right anymore.
• My Chacos smell disgusting and are not responding to cleaning, but they still work fabulously besides the stinky-feet syndrome. Will try vinegar soon.

06/25/09 : Update from Slovenia

• Just bought a Western Digital external hard drive to backup photos and my computer is falling apart and sadly destined to die soon.

Other Packing Lists Around the Web

If you’re still deep diving into the world of long-term packing, here are some other great research spots. If you appreciate the resources on A Little Adrift, please come back here when buying any of the suggestions from Amazon . I only linked to products that I actually use and recommend, and if you buy any of my recommendations through my link, then it costs you nothing extra, but I get a tiny commission. That commission helps keep this website running. :)

• Solo female : Devon shares  an amazingly detailed breakdown of her packing list  and this one is well done with  interactive tabs and detailed lists .
• Solo male : Matt has a great packing list , as does Gerard from GQ Trippin .
• Family : With 2 Kids in Tow shared a family packing list for two toddler age children .
• WWOOFing : Beers & Beans have a great list and description for packing if you plan to work on organic farms .

If there is ever anything that I can do to help, please do reach out on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram and let’s talk about how we can make your travel dream a reality. 

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Ultimate Packing List For Long Term Travel

Home » Blog » Travel Planning » Ultimate Packing List For Long Term Travel

Packing for any trip can be overwhelming. But packing for a long term trip can be downright rip-your-hair-out stressful! After years of traveling for extended periods of time, we have learned a lot about what to pack and what to leave home. We’re here to ease your stress and are sharing our top tips, tricks and an ultimate packing list!

Packing for a trip is always a puzzle. You want to feel prepared for all situations, but not weighed down by overpacking (my constant struggle!). And when your trip will be longer than a couple weeks and will take you through multiple climates and situations, packing your bag can feel straight up impossible.

But we are here to help! *Cue superhero music .

We have been traveling around the world for the past 5 years, through different climates — snow, mountains, beaches, deserts — and different situations. From swanky rooftop bars in Europe to beaches in Southeast Asia to trekking in the Himalayas, we want to feel comfortable in every situation.

We have packed and unpacked and repacked hundreds of times, and we have learned a thing or two about what items are useful and which things are dead weight.

We’re sharing exactly what we packed on a yearlong trip plus our top packing tips and favorite travel gear. (Yes, we have some handy hacks to help you fit everything into your bag!)

And best yet, this packing list is written for men and women, so everyone can use it.

Creating your perfect packing list

As nice as it would be, there is no cut-and-dry packing list that will work for every person for every trip.

The best way to come up a packing list for you is to pull ideas from people you trust and adjust to fit your needs depending on your travel style and where in the world you’ll be going.

Things to consider when making a packing list:

In what type of climates will you be traveling?

How long are you traveling?

Will you be staying and eating at fancy places?

How many outdoor activities do you plan to do on your travels?

Tip: Check out our list at the bottom of this article of destination-specific packing lists to get yourself a free PDF checklist to help you prepare for your trip!

Before setting off on our year-long, round-the-world trip, we answered these questions and started freaking out a bit.

Climate? Many climates; both tropical and wintery.

Length of travel? The better part of a year.

Fancy? Not too many fancy places on our list, but we wanted to be prepared to fit in on the occasional fancy-shmancy splurge.

Outdoor activity? We usually base a lot of our travels around outdoor activities.

So how exactly do you pack for a year of travel through all types of climates? How do you pack to ensure you’re prepared for a fancy dinner as well as a 2-week trek? How do I find eco-friendly travel gear that doesn’t take up too much space in my backpack? 

Glad you asked.

We created a packing video of when Katie went on a month long trip around the world with the United Nations World Tourism Organization .

This video is illustrates how to pack a carry-on for a 1-month trip through multiple climates (aka 5 countries ranging from the deserts of the UAE to snowy Switzerland!).

Related: Check out our favorite gear in our online storefront !

Packing List Contents

We’re going to walk you through exactly what we packed for a year-long trip around the world. 

We hope this is a starting point and gives you the information and inspiration to create your perfect packing list for long term travel.

Below are all the different categories of gear you will need to pack. We have recommendations for both men and women, so anyone can use this list!

Travel Backpack

Women’s travel clothes, women’s travel accessories, women’s travel toiletries, men’s travel clothes, men’s travel accessories, men’s travel toiletries.

Essential Travel Gear

Travel Electronics

Health/medical backpacking supplies, travel documentation, travel apps, travel guide books, fun travel books.

Destination-specific packing checklists

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you would like to learn more, please read our disclosure and privacy policy .

Large backpack, 40L-60L is the ideal size carry on, and for this we love the Osprey brand

Day pack 20-30L for valuables

Packable backpack for day hikes and roaming cities (1 per person)

Packing cubes to organize your clothes and gear

Let’s start with the vessel that will carry all of your gear: a backpack.  

Backpack vs. Roller Suitcase

We strongly prefer carrying a backpack to anything with wheels. We feel like it gives us the most freedom when we’re traveling and prevents us from overpacking. That said, everyone is different. If you have a bad back, or tend to pack on the heavy side, maybe a traditional roller suitcase would be better for you.

What about those hybrid backpacks that convert to a roller duffel? We’re not typically fans of this style. We’ve found these don’t have as good of back support as a traditional backpack, and people end up wheeling them around most of the time.

The models of these are getting better and better, so we wouldn’t be opposed to trying one in the future.

Our friends over at Banana Backpacks have a whole guide on how to choose the right backpack for every type of trip .

What size backpack should I get?

We’re believers in less is more, and smaller is better. The more space you have, the more stuff you’ll collect to fill that space. You’ll also want to decide if you will carry your bag with on flight, or if you’ll typically check your baggage.

For most airlines, a carry on bag should be no greater than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches tall. Anything bigger than 60 liters typically must be checked. We think a good size is between 50-60 liters. Check out this carry-on size chart to see the rules of your airline before getting to the airport!

What backpack brand is best?

There are so many great brands out there, and it certainly pays to do your research.

We really like Osprey brand because they’re made with quality materials, contain many side pockets and have an anti-gravity suspension system for extra comfort. 

If you’re socially-conscious traveler, take a look at Banana Backpacks . It’s a small company started by backpackers for backpackers, with packs that are intelligently designed and ethically manufactured to fit all your traveling needs. Seriously, we each have a backpack and they are great!

Each backpack purchased supports a young Cambodian student to have two meals a day for a year. It’s a great company supporting a great cause. 

The best part is they are not much more than the cost of a regular backpack. If you use the code “ TWStravel “, you’ll get 10% your purchase at Banana Backpacks . 

Do I need a smaller daypack too?

Traveling with a day pack is a personal choice, but we both have one to keep all our valuables on us during long bus/train rides. If you plan on going on a multi-day trek, like Machu Picchu, having a small day pack is a great size.

Whether or not you choose to have a day pack, we highly recommend bringing a packable day pack . It’s perfect for touring a city or for short day hikes, and folds up small when stored.  

Tops: (layering is key)

3 basic, loose-fitting tank tops (I prefer tanks over t-shirts, but you may want to adjust these numbers to your personal preference.)

1 long sleeve shirt

1 dressy tank top

2 lightweight dresses for different occasions (1 long, 1 short/1 dressy, 1 casual)

1 lightweight cardigan

Kimono style beach cover up (can be used as a cardigan as well)

Athletic Tops

1-2 athletic tank tops

1 long sleeve athletic shirt or zip-up

• 1 pair comfy pants (yoga/hippy/linen)

1 pair regular leggings

1 pair denim shorts

1 pair cotton shorts

1 long skirt

1 pair jeans (depending on location – I didn’t bring jeans at all to Southeast Asia, but you’ll need a pair in Europe)

Athletic Bottoms

1 pair athletic leggings

1 pair athletic shorts

Tip: Stick to lightweight, loose-fitting fabrics and pack layers. That way you’ll be comfortable in all climates and weather. 

Undergarments:

8 pairs of underwear

3 lightweight socks

1 pair wool socks

1 sports bra

2 bralettes *

1 – 2 swim suits (depending on how much you’ll be using them)

Lightweight sneakers

Comfy flats

Chaco Hiking Sandals

Flip-Flop Sandals *

Hiking boots: Really think about how many times you’ll use hiking boots, and consider if it is worth the weight. On many treks, you’ll be fine with a good pair of sneakers. If trekking is a big part of your trip, it might be a good idea to find a good pair of lightweight hiking boots to replace your sneakers. We really like Vasque Boots  for their comfort, style and customer service. 

Bralettes v. regular bras: I prefer bralettes over regular bras (with underwire) because they pack up small, they’re comfy, and they look cute even if they peek out of a tank! This is totally a personal preference though. Ladies with larger chests may find regular bras work better for them.

*Sandals: I prefer to pack one pair of versatile and comfortable sandals that strap behind my heel and can be worn for long days of walking as well as to the beach or in the shower if necessary.

Fitbit Charge 2

Waterproof rain jacket

Note: Depending on location or season, you might want to bring a warmer jacket. We loved our Columbia Omniheat Shell Jackets in South America. We had no use for it in Southeast Asia so we left it at home for that trip.

Another item every traveler should not leave home without is a sarong . It’s the Swiss Army knife of accessories: it can be a beach towel, a makeshift shade, bus pillow, table cloth, or light blanket. 

Packing clothes can be difficult, but it seems packing toiletries is the thing that stresses me out more for some reasoning. This is my go-to list that I always fall back on.

• Travel Toiletries Bag with Hanger

Lush Solid Shampoo (Jumping Juniper scent!)

Go Tubb container for solid shampoo (one-handed opener!)

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in conditioner spray

Bar of soap

Korean scrubbing mitt

Tea tree oil blemish stick

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Dental floss

Razor and extra blades

Solid lotion stick

Nail clippers

Hand sanitizer

Cotton swabs

Small mirror

Bobble hair ties and bobby pins

Collapsible travel hair brush

Small solid perfume

Makeup items: mascara & lip balm

Small tightly-sealed container of coconut oil to remove mascara

• 4 Tank tops
• 1 Long sleeve shirt
• 1 Quarter zip long sleeve

Pants/Shorts:

• 2 Athletic shorts

2 Pairs of casual shorts

1 Pair of jeans

1 Pair of hiking pants

For shirts, pants and shorts, it all depends on where in the world you plan to travel and when. If you’re headed to Southeast Asia, the above is what Ben packed. If you’re touring Europe, you might want less tank tops and more t-shirts, or a even polo. If you’re going somewhere tropical, leave the jeans at home, because it’ll be dead weight in your bag. 

10 boxer/briefs

4 pairs of light socks

1 pair of wool socks

• Lightweight active sneakers

Casual walking shoes (Vans)

Sandals or Chacos

Note on hiking boots: Some travelers love to bring their hiking boots along, but for us it’s just not worth the weight. We brought them with on our 3-month trip in South America and only used them 4 times, so for future trips we leave them at home. 

Every traveler should own a buff. It has so many uses: a sun blocker for the back of the neck, dusk mask, sweatband and even an eye cover for night buses. We always choose to buy inexpensive sunglasses because if we break or lose them along the way and they’re easy to buy anywhere.

Another item every traveler should not leave home without is a sarong. It’s the Swiss Army knife of accessories: it can be a beach towel, a makeshift shade, bus pillow, table cloth, or light blanket. 

Depending on location or season, you might want to bring a warmer jacket. We loved our Columbia Omniheat Shell Jackets in South America. We had no use for it in Southeast Asia so we left it at home for that trip.

Solid shampoo and tin container

Eco-friendly, biodegradable bar of soap

Soap container

Deodorant Crystal (using this for years)

Toothbrush & toothpaste & brush cover

Reef-safe SPF 30 Sunscreen

Badger Balm Anti-Bug Balm Stick

Solid lotion

Trimmer or razor and solid shaving cream

Sample bottle of cologne (just a little something extra for the lady(ies) in your life)

Don’t worry about running out of toiletries during your trip. You can always pick up some more along the way. Think about it, people around the world have to keep clean too! It might not be the exact brand you like, but part of traveling is being flexible. For months Ben only used little shampoo bottles from hotels. 

One of our best tips when it comes to toiletries is to go solid whenever possible.

It’s lighter (less weight the better),

You can get through airport security quicker and

It’s a lot less messy (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cleaned up spilt shampoo in my bag).

There’s a solid for almost everything: soap bars, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and even shaving cream.

Travel Gear

Packing cubes , all sizes, small to large

Steripen and extra lithium batteries

Water bottles with carabiners

Headlamps and extra batteries

PSI Bands (to alleviate motion sickness)

Microfiber travel towel

Silk sleeping bag liner

Guidebook on Kindle

Travel locks with wire (2 per person)

Small roll of duct tape

Collapsible cups

Pocket knife/Multi-tool

Wine bottle opener

Rope, 3-4 meters long (used for hang drying clothes)

Waterproof playing cards

Ear plugs, optional

RFID Blocking passport holder

Small notebook and pens

I could talk your ears off about how great all these travel items are, but I’ll try to keep is short. Packing cubes are a necessity when traveling longterm to keep your bag organized.

We also love our Hydroflask insulated water bottles . They are the perfect size for carrying in a backpack and they are super durable. 

Using the Steripen has allowed us to drink water from the tap all around the globe even in places where we were told not to. It’s quick, safe and has saved us hundreds of dollars that we would have spent on bottled water.

We always look for items at have multiple uses and we used our collapsible cups as wine glasses on a long hike, guacamole dip holder, or even cereal bowls. 

MacBook Pro with Retina Display

Asus Portable Laptop (11.6” Screen)

Seagate External Hard Drive (1 TB)

Thule water-resistant computer case

Nikon DSLR Camera

GoPro Hero and accessories

iPhone (or smartphone with good camera)

Kindle Paperwhite

External battery charger

Portable Bluetooth speaker

Headphone splitter

SIM card, optional

Universal outlet adapter

Chargers for all

Because work online while on the road, we bring our electronics everywhere we go. Although we have different taste in operating systems (Katie’s more of an Apple lover and Ben is a PC guy  but has recently made the switch), we love our computers because they have lots of storage, fast processors, and are a great size for travel. And to protect our beloved computers, we keep them in a water-resistant computer case  whenever on the road. 

Katie’s baby is her Nikon DSLR camera and would never leave home without it. Ben records most videos on the GoPro Hero which is great for everyday films or extreme activities like snorkeling with reef sharks. You probably already own a smartphone, but make sure to travel with one that has a good camera .

Our Kindle Paperwhites are not only used for fun reading, but we use them everyday when traveling because we download guide books (see below) to get tips on where to go next. You can even rent Kindle books online from your home library and never have to pay for a guide book again. Everyone has had their device die on them at the exact wrong time.

That’s why we carry our Anker external battery pack that can fully charge an iPhone seven times before needing to replug. Whether your at the beach or on a day hike, a portable Bluetooth speaker is a great addition to keep the jams going. 

Cord Management Tip: Carry all your extra charger cords and plugs in a packing cube or zipper pouch bag. We also use small strips of Velcro to wrap the cords up and keep them organized. Or you could use these permanent twist ties in fun colors.

Multi-day Backpacker First Aid Kit (including moleskin for blisters, athletic tape & gauze)

Arnica pills (natural alternative to Ibuprofen)

Anti-diarrheals and laxatives (a.k.a. stoppers and goers), sometimes a good idea when traveling to far and unfamiliar places

Antacid (Tums)

Activated charcoal pills (removes toxins to prevent food poisoning)

Vitamin C boosters (Emergen-C)

Ginger pills or chews (fights motion sickness and upset stomach)

You never want to use these items, but it’s always good to have them handy. Extra small toiletry bags are great for keeping pill bottles in one location. Pick some up at the dollar store or you could use a small packing cube .  

Passport photos (at least 10 extras for visas or even when signing up for SIM cards in some countries)

Vaccination Documentation (if needed for countries you’re visiting, like certain South American countries)

Paper copies of passport photo page (at least 2)

Copy of travel insurance policy and emergency numbers

Copy of all documents saved online to the cloud (any cloud storage will do, but Amazon Cloud Drive has worked well for us)

Expert Travel Tip: Never leave home without travel insurance! Your mama would be pissed! Seriously, bad things can happen anywhere and it’s good to be covered. To find out what we look for in a policy and which companies we recommend, check out our detailed Travel Insurance article .

Google Maps

Know exactly where you are at any time without using data or WiFi. Just load the area of the map where you’re going to go and your phone will track where you are via GPS. 

Trail Wallet

Created by backpackers for backpackers. Track all your expenses while on the road so you can easily stick to your budget. We swear by this app and use it every day. 

Fun way to learn a new language for free on your phone. It’s like playing a game where you can complete with your friends.

Find the up-to-date exchange rate for any currency so you know exactly how much things cost. It even converts metric to imperial for lengths and speeds, so you really know how fast your taxi driver is cruising.

1 Second Everyday

Document your travels with one-second videos everyday. The only hard thing is picking the best one second when you’ve had an awesome day traveling. 

Find our other online travel tips we’ve shared on your Money-Saving Travel Resources article. You’ll thank us later!

Without fail, Lonely Planet guide books have led us to the most incredible places around the globe. We especially enjoy the “On a shoestring” series which are geared toward travelers on a tighter budget. Get them on the Kindle version for a lighter load in your backpack. 

• Lonely Planet Japan (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Korea (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet South America on a shoestring

Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a shoestring

Lonely Planet India (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya

Lonely Planet Eastern Europe (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Europe on a shoestring

Lonely Planet USA (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Central America on a shoestring

Great books to get you in the wanderlust mood whether you’re at home or on a long bus ride. Don’t forget to get them in the Kindle version. 

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Beach by Alex Garland

Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara

Marching Powder by James MacFadden

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Want more suggestions? Check out our ultimate list of books for travelers . This list is broken down by category so you are sure to find something that will cure your wanderlust whether at home or on the road!

Destination Specific Packing Lists

New Zealand

Southeast Asia

Need help planning the perfect trip?

Be sure to check out our Travel Planning homepage for resources on everything you need to know from how to get started to packing, budgeting and more! Or you can read some of our favorite articles about planning your next trip below. 

Plan Your Next Trip in 10 Simple Steps

How We Afford to Travel & You Can Too!

How to Find Cheap Flights: 17 Expert Tips

How We Pick the Best Travel Insurance

Did you find this packing list helpful? Save it on Pinterest!

We want to hear from you!

What do you think about our list? What would you add? Do you have any other packing tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Comments (13) on “ Ultimate Packing List For Long Term Travel ”

Great article !

Great list. One comment though as I’ve seen in several places you recommend taking dryer sheets to keep everything fresh. Dryer sheets are synthetic "fragrance" items that are now being found out are AWFUL for you and for the environment. Try wool dryer balls and use a high quality essential oil instead. Better for you, better for the environment — the balls last SO much longer than the dryer sheets! BTW, yes I am a distributor for Young Living and only recommend those… but the tip is still valid 😉

Great list!!!! but could you please change the graphic for the Convert app to the actual app visual (as you did with Duolingo). There are 100s of conversion apps and I would like to try the one you use. Thanks

Thank you for the tips on the packing. It helps to make sure I am not forgetting things. I’ll be leaving soon for 17 days taking a little less than what was mentioned on this list; mainly the clothing section where I will downsize and wash a little more.

Studied your articles a few months ago, and back again before the trip to make sure I am not forgetting anything. Anxious, but extremely excited! Thanks again! 🙂

How exciting Cody! Thanks for coming back, we really appreciate it! Where are you heading off to?!

This post (and a few of your others) has helped me so much! Thank you! I was wondering what you pack all of your toiletries in. I am going on a 3 month volunteering trip overseas and I am trying to find the perfect bag for my toiletries and makeup. I will be packing my stuff in a travel pack (still trying to find the perfect pack!) and want to find something compact and easy to find all of my stuff. Do you recommend clear zip up bags or a toiletry bag I can hang on the door (if possible) or something completely different?!

Great question Taylor. Katie loves her hanging toiletry bag. We just got it off of Amazon and it works great. Different compartments for different sized items. I think we found it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2PAefun It folds up to about the size of a packing cube so it fit great in a backpack. We’ll be sure to update the packing list.

Hi Katie and Ben, thank you for another excellent post! I have a question about your hiking pants for EBC trek, did you bring those with you or purchase some in Nepal? Trying to figure out how to pack for 7 months in many different climates! I cannot tell you how many times my husband and I have looked at your site and how beneficial it has been! You definitely inspired us to do EBC trek on our own and travel to Chitwan! Thank you very much! Have a wonderful evening! 🙂

Hey Laura, that’s an excellent question – definitely one I had before arriving in Nepal. Since we had just traveled for 6 months through SE Asia and India, I had mostly lightweight clothes (aka NOT good for trekking in the Himalayas haha).

If you have a couple days to spare, definitely do some shopping in Kathmandu. There’s literally everything you’ll need. I got my trekking pants, slippers and thermals there. Plus, I rented a down jacket and sleeping bag.

This post is our packing list for EBC, and if you read through the (many!) tips, you’ll find out which stores in Kathmandu we found some of our items at.

I would say that the snacks available in Kathmandu were just alright (and quite expensive for the selection). If you’ll be in a more developed city beforehand, I would suggest picking up some protein bars (we couldn’t find anything other than the equivalent of generic Chewy bars in Nepal). Chocolate is also very limited and expensive in Kathmandu.

For hiking boots, you can find used ones pretty cheap in Kathmandu (we sold Ben’s there after our trek haha), but you might be hard pressed to find some that fit well and you won’t have much time to break them in. If possible, I’d suggest bringing your own footwear.

Oh, and good call on Chitwan! It’s a totally different side of Nepal. Have so much fun and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.

Wow what a great post! This is such a great list of must haves. I love the app suggestions too…I’m off to go download some of them!

Thanks Alyssa, we use those apps every day and they are the best!

Great post, guys! I definitely need this.

I consider myself something of a travel book junkie, so I thought I’d add a few more recommendations:

The Dud Avocado – Elaine Dundy An Embarrassment of Mangoes – Ann Vanderhoof What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding – Kristin Newman Jungle – Yossi Ghinsberg Around the World in 50 Years – Albert Podell In The Temple of Wolves – Rick Lamplugh Tales of an African Vet – Roy Aronson Lost Angel Walkabout – Linda Ballou Cry of the Kalahari – Mark and Delia Owens

Absolutely ANYTHING by Tim Cahill, Peter Allison, or Bill Bryson.

I also intend to read the rest of Mark and Delia Owens’s books.

Meaghan! I will always come to you for book advice, especially when it come to travel books! Thanks for the awesome additions!

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Best Luggage for Long-Term Travel: Backpacks vs Rolling Luggage

Last Updated: April 11, 2024

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I’m a roll-aboard girl only, and here’s why I made the change, and the criteria for when you should choose backpacks, rolling luggage, or a hybrid of both as the best luggage for long-term travel.

When a Backpack is the Best Luggage for Long-Term Travel

I started traveling full-time with a backpack, before getting a different backpack, before deciding I hate backpacks. (Read here to find out why I hate backpacks ).

Despite my seething dislike for backpacks, they are suitable for long-term travel:

• If you like to go hiking/camping on backcountry trips
• If you walk a lot with your bag (instead of just going from the airport to accommodation and leaving it there)
• If you travel in places with really rough terrain where wheeled luggage is useless, you’ll need a hiking backpack.
• You travel with carry-on luggage only, so at least the backpack won’t be ridiculously heavy.
• If you’re young and eager and haven’t discovered back pain yet

2023 Update: The Best Backpack for Travel

While I’m not much of a fan of backpacks for travel, I’ll also admit I had all the wrong kinds of backpacks. I used backpacks meant for backcountry camping trips, not for travel. Also, when traveling with larger (and thus, heavier) checked-sized luggage, hauling it around on my back was downright painful at times.

Between my experience of the lack of travel utility in backcountry packs and the weight of large backpacks, it’s no wonder I don’t like them! Ha ha!

Tortuga Backpacks saw this article and took it upon themselves to change my mind about travel backpacks. So they sent me their carry-on sized Travel Backpack 40L . I recently took it on a week-long international trip, and as far as travel backpacks go, and it’s great. (My back doesn’t think so, but that’s not the fault of the bag).

But that’s just me. After looking at their website (and hearing glowing testimonials from all my backpack-wearing travel friends and colleagues), here’s why I decided Tortuga would be worth re-evaluating my backpack hate-on:

• You get the space and organization (and accessibility) of a suitcase, with the comfort of a super-technically designed strap and harness system so that it will fit you perfectly and not overly strain your back.
• It fits carry-on size requirements for most airlines and fits into the overhead bin.
• The main compartment opens up fully (just like a suitcase) so you can see everything in the pack with minimal rummaging.
• It has water bottle pockets, hip pockets, and other external pocket features to give you easy access to things you want to have handy along the way.
• The front organizer pocket has space for all kinds of nik-naks, including a padded sleeve for e-readers.
• Your laptop and tablet are kept at the back of the pack (which is more secure – nobody is getting in there without you knowing) in special padded sleeves.
• The material is waterproof, and the zippers are water-resistant and lockable.
• It’s made from recycled polyester, saving 25 water bottles from landfills PLUS more than 1.25lbs of CO2.
• You can try it on at home for free, and if it doesn’t work for you, they’ll take it back (and pay for shipping).

Tortuga offers their (newly designed) Travel Backpacks in 30L and 40L sizes. Here’s how they compare . When I first landed on their site, I got a bit overwhelmed at the various packs and sizes they have available. If that’s you, check out their bag finder quiz to figure out which pack is best for you (be it a carry on travel backpack, laptop bag, or daypack).

I’m not sure Tortuga Backpacks has the power to convert me from a roll-aboard girl back to a backpack girl when it comes to my long-term travel trips, but for short excursions and outdoorsy adventures, it’s a sturdy, thoughtfully designed, well-made backpack. And I will say the waterproof exterior saved my skin (or rather, my stuff!) when I got caught in an unexpected downpour.

When a Wheeled Backpack is the Best Luggage for Long-Term Travel

When I discovered wheeled backpacks, I was in heaven. As a “recovering backpacker” I still had an umbilical need for straps, but also a burning desire for wheels. In the ensuing years, I wheeled my way through two-wheeled backpacks; the High Sierra Overpass  (which has been discontinued) and the Osprey Sojourn 60L (which was recently redesigned). I also suggest checking out the Osprey Fairview/Farpoint family of Wheeled Travel Packs . I LOVED my wheeled backpacks.

Curiously, however, I rarely – if ever – used the zip-away backpack straps . Why? Because just to do a flight of stairs, it was hardly worth the hassle of pulling out the straps and putting the pack on my back. More often than not the wheels worked just fine, and when they didn’t I simply carried the pack by the top and side handles until I could set it down and wheel it again. Carrying it wasn’t entirely ideal, however, since my pack weighed a good 20kgs.

I still like wheeled backpacks, and if I hadn’t made some recent changes to my travel entourage (read on), I’d still own one.

Wheeled backpacks work best for long-term travel when:

• You travel with checked luggage (as opposed to carry-on only)
• You mainly like to wheel your luggage around (ever-so-handy in airport lineups)
• You occasionally end up in places where wheeling your luggage isn’t practical and you want to strap it on your back
• You want easy access to the contents of your luggage

When Rolling Luggage (My Current Choice) is the Best Luggage for Long-Term Travel

At one point I stashed my wheeled backpack somewhere and did a few trips lasting as long as three months with my rolling-carry-on travel bag only.

Eventually I realized if I could survive for months on end (even in varying climates) with carry-on luggage only, I didn’t need the larger bag at all. Thus, I converted my full-time travel entourage to carry-on sized  luggage only. It’s occasionally a wee bit stressful since there’s no room for additions, but the ease of traveling with carry-on luggage is not to be underestimated.

And more importantly, my carry-on luggage is pure and simple rolling luggage. Why don’t I need backpack straps any more? Because if and when I can’t wheel the luggage, I can simply carry it by the handle. Since it’s carry-on sized, it’s not bulky and doesn’t weigh much more than 10kgs, thus it’s easy to carry by hand. I could get a carry-on wheeled backpack, but the zip-away backpack straps use up valuable carry-on luggage space, and fitting a full-time travel wardrobe into carry-on-sized luggage is enough of an ask as it is.

My wheeled carry-on luggage of choice is the Pacsafe Toursafe 21 (since replaced by the EXP21 Anti-Theft Wheeled Carry-On) wheeled luggage which is lightweight, sturdy, has nifty security features, and some handy organizational features on the inside.

2023 NOTE: Tragically, supply chain issues forced Pacsafe to discontinue their lineup of anti-theft rolling luggage. I have left this blurb above intact in the hopes that they’ll bring it back to life, or I find some comparable anti-theft luggage to love and feature in its place; whatever happens first. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, I’ve been testing out the Osprey Daylite Carryon Wheeled Duffel 40L . While I just noted that backpack straps are unnecessary for carry-on luggage, these particular straps don’t eat up packing space in the same way, and you can detach them entirely if they’re not your speed. The bag’s overall features are very travel-friendly.

Rolling luggage isn’t always the perfect fit for long-term travel, but here is when it makes sense:

• You travel with carry-on luggage only (and can easily carry it when it can’t be rolled)
• Your travel days are concentrated and linear (ie: you travel directly from one place of accommodation to the next, without too many detours)
• You “rough it” less
• You fly a lot
• You have back problems and don’t like to (or want to) haul a backpack on and off
• You want easy access and organization of your luggage contents

Before making a new luggage purchase, ask yourself, does the luggage have:

• A telescoping handle
• Lockable zippers
• Zip pockets
• Is it top loading (and is that something you want)
• Does it fit in an overhead bin
• Does it have premium spinner wheels (and if it does, do they come at the expense of packing space)

Having an Extra Daypack

My carry-on luggage system wouldn’t work without my daypack, which houses my computer and other essentials that never leave my side. Most carry-on flight regulations allow for one piece of carry-on luggage (ie: my Pacsafe), plus an extra “purse/briefcase” type of bag, also known as a personal item. My daypack is that additional bag. (Although I carry a small purse as well, if I were challenged on it I could put the purse in my daypack).

This daypack is practical for outings to cafes with my computer, carrying shopping and groceries, and even for multi day treks such as the 5-day one I did in Peru . (Although realistically, if you want to do a day-trek through the mountains of Peru, leave the wheeled luggage behind, and bring along this bag instead)!

Here’s what I look for in a daypack:

• Side pockets for a water bottle
• Padded shoulder straps for comfort
• Separate compartment(s) for ease of organizing things

As an unintentional Pacsafe poster girl, my daypack for years was a 25L Pacsafe Venturesafe Daypack. I (literally) loved it to pieces. Pacsafe now offers a ton of different-sized and styled backpacks that you can check out here ; personally I find 25L to be a good size and best backpack for travel.

Lately for my personal I’ve been trying out the Peak Design Everyday Totepack – which gets me compliments everywhere I go. It has some amazing pros (and a few cons); check out my video review here to see if it’ll work for you.

2023 update: I’m currently testing out (and have the highest of hopes for) the Knack Bags S2 Medium sized Expandable Backpack . With the ability to expand from 24-35L, and with a ton of organizational and security features, I suspect this will be my new fav daypack for travel.

Want to know what I pack into my daypack? Check out this video where I unpack it for you and show you all my carry-on essentials!

If you want an ultra-light packable day pack , I suggest:

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack – This multi-award-winning 20L packable day pack stuffs into its own pouch that is smaller than a tennis ball. It’s great for day-hikes, grocery shopping, and simply having an extra daypack on hand without taking up any space or weight. Here’s a video demonstration I did of the pack .

2023 Update ….The Sea to Summit daypack is lightest packable backpack that packs down the smallest. But it comes up short with a lack of water bottle pockets on the sides, and no internal organization. To solve these problems, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack comes to the rescue.

Getting confused? Join the club. Check out my comparison of the Top Packable Backpacks for Travel so you can figure out which one will be best for you.

2023 Update…

Now that I have a home base , I can pack in a strategic way for every trip I take. Even if I’m traveling for months at a time, the nature of the trip will entirely dictate what kind of luggage I use.

For example, if I know I’m going from A to B and then staying at my destination for an extended time, I might go with checked luggage so I can carry some discretionary items that will make my stay more comfortable. Or if I’m going on a long trip that will involve multiple climates and/or technical activities: again I’m likely to choose checked luggage.

But at the moment that I’m writing this update, I’m on a five-month trip and I took rolling carry-on luggage (specifically the Level8 Grace EXT expandable hardshell spinner luggage – as my first foray into hardshell spinner luggage).

Interested in some of the decisions that go into choosing checked luggage versus carry-on luggage? Let this article be your guide .

Other Travel Gear Posts

Looking for some more travel gear inspiration? Get some ideas here:

The Ultimate Packing List for Full-Time Travel  (Updated to include my full checked entourage which I still use as of 2020)

Pro Packing Hacks – Here are the Best Travel Accessories for Saving Space and Organization

The Best Carry-On Backpack for One Bag Travel

My Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Best Wrinkle-Free Travel Clothes For Women

The Ultimate Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Men

My Search for the Perfect Travel Sandal

And TONS more Travel Gear features and reviews !

94 thoughts on “Best Luggage for Long-Term Travel: Backpacks vs Rolling Luggage”

A beat-up rolling suitcase plus a large upscale handbag

Anna – Nice! Does the trick….

I’m still figuring this out. I have been using a rolling REI carry-on that I love, plus an old Osprey daypack. I came back to the city where I’ve left my stuff while I work further with the idea of traveling full-time. I’ve been thinking of using my 50L Osprey backpack and cinching it down to be a daypack. It just distributes the weight better and has a hip belt. Not 100% sure.

What is your new packlist? I still can’t seem to get that magic self-sufficient lightness I want. My back is mostly fused, so it’s an extra challenge for me.

Hi Lynne Marie, Might be good to use the 50L Osprey as a daypack, but you need to make sure that when cinched down it still looks small enough to play the part of a “purse/laptop bag” for carry-on purposes. And it’s a double-edged sword having a bigger bag like that; if you’re anything like me, you’ll fill it up with stuff (!) – then again sometimes it’s nice to have that option (and you can always check the Osprey bag on flights if you need to).

More or less, here’s my carry-on packing list: http://www.wisebread.com/make-flying-easy-the-ultimate-carry-on-packing-list

I thought I owned the world when I had a roller with backpack straps AND a zip-on daypack. It was non carry-on size, therefore too heavy to used the backpack straps. I’m going to give up the straps for a spinner, as many rollers cause problems when rolled on a train–sometimes I have to go through many cars to find a seat, and being able to push my bag sideways is a big advantage. I really hate to give up my zip-on daypack, but it looks like the spinners will not accommodate one. If someone knows about one, I would love to know about it.

Hi Minnie, I don’t know of any spinners with detachable daypacks – I suspect it would upset the balance of the wheels. I’ve never used a spinner, but I know people who swear by them. Regarding the daypack, at least you can put that on your back with relative ease and comfort; for myself, I tend to keep important things like my laptop in my daypack, so I prefer to have it on my body rather than on my luggage.

Does the Pacsafe Tour Safe 21 fit under the seat?

Hi Rob, No, it’s too big to go under the seat. It is soft-sided so you can under-pack and cinch it down, but I think it will be too big regardless. No problem in standard overhead bins though.

Wow, you look dashing and so very stylish. You really must have the packing down to a T!

I did pretty much the same you did. I think I only used the backpack for one trip and then it was always with a backpack on wheels (though a bit heavy). Now I travel carry on only. The problem though is that my carry-on always weighs a little more than 10 kg. I often leave from Vancouver and lately they always make me weigh it – and of course, then I have to check it in. I will check out the weight of your carry on – buying a new one might does the trick since mine is already a bit heavy to begin with 🙂

Hi Fida, Yes, the Pacsafe is quite light to begin with….which helps! I think sometimes my bag is above 10kg, but I haven’t been made to weigh it and check it yet….and it’s not the end of the world if it has to be checked. Happy travels!

This post came just on time. I’ve been browsing for a bag to buy. And just recently discovered Pacsafe luggage. Love there Venture Safe day pack, as well as their Tour Safe wheeled travel bag. Thanks for tips!

Glad this was good timing, Frank! I can honestly say I really like the Pacsafe gear (and no, they don’t even know who I am, much less give me freebies or pay me to say that)! 😉

I am still a fan of backpacks. They are just too easy. Rolling bags can be to space consuming and bother people walking behind you, but that is just my opinion. Your suggestion for a day pack is a great one though. Backpack or wheeled luggage everyone is in need of a day pack.

Andy, For every downside of one option, you can find a downside for the other. For example, although I totally agree that wheeled bags can be frustrating for other people walking around you, I’ve been bashed and knocked by more than a few backpackers with massive packs on their backs who aren’t aware of how much room they’re taking up. I think it ultimately boils down to personal preferences, and being considerate of those around us. Words to live by, huh? 😉

I´m totally a rolling type of person too! I love my wheeled luggage and I can´t imagine a trip without it. And I have a small side backpack as well. For notebook and other handy things. By the way..could you please tell me what kind of navigation do you use during your trips? I´d love to purchase sygic app (this one: http://www.sygic.com/en/gps-navigation ), do you know it? I´m not totally sure yet. Thank you!!

Hi Paul, Nice to know a fellow “roller”! As for navigation, I don’t have a steadfast system. It depends on where I’m going and what I’m doing – I tend to wing it most of the time. But that app looks awesome! (It does cost a wee bit though).

Just LOVE the OR Peak Bagger. We have his and hers versions (hers=older with an outer sleeve for hydration bladder, his=newer with padded straps (a great upgrade) and a zipper pocket rather than the sleeve. Both have their benefits. We have took a 5-day trip tropical trip easily packing everything we needed in them. We could wear much of what we needed on the flight. Fit easily under the plane seat with room left over for feet (and my partner is 6’3″). No fiddling with overhead bins, quick TSA check, no sore back from lifting luggage around, no luggage fees, easy to pack up and go in a second. I recommend having a soft layer like sweater or fleece to put against your back, otherwise hard-edged items inside can be uncomfortable to wear for longer jaunts. Yep, gonna do more travel with only the Peak Bagger!

And you’re so right about the versatility. It’s a compression sack and weighs almost nothing, so was easy to strap on and ride a beach cruiser to get all the groceries and fresh tropical fruit the two of us needed for the entire trip. Not to mention it’s waterproof and perfect for that day splashing up a creek and through a waterfall, then having a dry towel and wallet handy afterward.

Agree completely for longer forms of travel. When doing remote backpacking, only a backpack will do, though we’ve been going lighter and smaller as the years go by. If that’s not a part of the trip, a roller really is “where it’s at.” Just so convenient, and easy enough to carry up steps, and much friendlier than a backpack to lift from ground to car trunk/boot. A happy back is a wonderful thing when we’re not 25 anymore!

Hi Wynne, I think you pinned the whole undertone of this post….we’re not 25 any more! Ha ha! It’s great to hear your testimonial for the OR Peak Bagger – it’s a pretty slick bit of kit.

I’ve had the same trusty backpack (non-wheeled version) for the last 7 years of travel and there’s a few reasons I’m not yet ready to change it. I tried and tested literally dozens of backpacks before I set off on my trip, from horrendously expensive to cheap as chips. I finally settled on one of the cheapest ones, simply because it was the most comfortable one fully loaded that I could find. It’s a Berghaus, cost me 46 pounds sterling 7 years ago and apart from one small puncture which never got any bigger, is still in great condition, even zippers have never been replaced. The only amendment is the zip pulls which I replaced myself with a small cord when they finally frayed after about 6 years! The zips are still in perfect condition.

In the first week, it drove me insane. I had to unpack anything to find something so I quickly learned that I had to be consistent in how I packed it. Things have a place and I always put them in that same place. That way I can stick my hand into it in the dark and pull out anything I want. 3 external pockets I use for things I want easy access to and by undoing the divider between the bottom pocket and main section I can access almost anything instantaneously from either the top or the bottom. I pack clothes in see-through plastic zipper bags, each one with a different shape or texture (again helps with rummaging in the dark) – one for undies, one for tops and one for bottoms and dresses. The pack is 45 litres and currently I carry about 13-15 kg in it. There is plenty of room to add extra things if I go somewhere cold and need extra clothes or do some shopping. When it’s not full the straps compress it so it’s good for short and long trips. At 13kg I can easily carry it on my back for some distance. I have trekked up the Himalayas with it for up to 5 days at a time and best of all, unlike a wheeled suitcase, I can throw it on the front of a moped, or strap it on my back and go on road adventures by motorbike, currently my preferred way to travel. It’s versatile, hard-wearing, cost effective and has served me well in almost every situation. When I want to check it in, I use an external thin zipped bag that wraps around the whole backpack so there are no outsized luggage issues or chewed up straps. This lightweight cover bag gives me an extra space to pack unneeded stuff into and store in the event I want to go off hiking for a few days or make shorter forays to islands etc. For me this combination has been great, but it relies on me creating a packing system and sticking to it, for the sake of my mental sanity. I also tend not to fly a lot, preferring overland routes so this is a consideration. When I stop somewhere for a longer time, to volunteer usually, I can unpack my things and fold it away or hang it up as there is no internal metal frame.

Hi Stephanie, Thanks for your input and great testimony for backpacks! Seems like you’ve found the perfect luggage for travel that suits you to a “T”. And great point about packing consistently. I’m a big fan of that myself; added benefit: you lose way less stuff.

Thank you so much for this post. The hubby and I are going travelling in September and are havign an ongoing debate about backpacks vs rolled luggage. I am at an age where I have discovered back pain, and yet the husband is too busy trying to discover himself rather than worrying about the practicalities of it all. Hopefully this post should sway him!

Greer – Ha ha! Let me know what your final decision is! 🙂

After having my checked luggage not catch up with me 3 separate times on a 3-week trip to India and Bali in 2010, I switched to carry on only forevermore! The next year I travelled to Panama and 4 different cities in South America with a friend and we each had 2 carry on bags – no more hassles, and no lost luggage! Though I am currently living and working in Taiwan for at least a year and yes, I bought a large, light, wheeled suitcase to hold my 50 pounds of things I need to actually live abroad, but I also have my wheeled backpack with me and use that for all shorter trips.

Hi Karen, Welcome to the carry-on-club! Like your Taiwanese adventures, I too am looking at spending some extended time in the future (in Peru), and I want to schlep some extra things there to make my time more comfortable. I’m dreading having to check a bag again! Ha ha! But I’ll be sure to have my carry-on wheeled bag as well for all my shorter trips (“short” being as long as a few months)….

I think it really depends on the person and trip, such as where you are going and what all you are bringing with you. Both options offer great benefits, but both should be looked into to figure out which one best fits you and your needs. Thanks for sharing your advice!

Hi Caryl, You got it! When travelling your luggage is an extension of yourself – so you’d better like everything about it, and it’s a very personal choice, like you say, dependent on your needs.

I bought a beautiful US brand backpack/wheels Eagle creek. The first time I decided to use it as a backpack for stairs I realised my back wouldn’t do it! Lol! It is good at wheeling though. Recent trip to Europe I ditched it last minute for an old Skyways suitcase and cabin bag – they balance each other with strap. With daypack – Katmandu brand with padded computer slot and Hedgren tiny shoulder bag for money/passport etc was all good. Travelled metros ok in Rome and Copenhagen with luggage. Rather a lot I know! Used small Hedgren daily with a soft Onya parachute bag for water scarf and ocassionally folding umbrella for rain (Europe) and sun (Dubai was 43C). Blended in better and less of a target without a daypack! An Aussie using brands from world and Aus!

Hi Cathy, Good strategy! I’m glad it worked well for you. Thanks for sharing!

Ok, I booked a no frills flight to New York from Myrtle Beach, S.C., and as you may know, if you take a carry on bag you are charged for it each way on top of your ticket price. But you are allowed a personal item, like a purse or laptop bag. I wondered, how much do I really need to take with me for a week’s visit at my daughter’s apartment in Brooklyn? So I emptied my laptop bag, and began to fill it with essential items only. First, my handheld tablet computer and folding keyboard, and chager cords, after all, it’s supposed to be a laptop bag, not a suitcase. I avoided toiletries that I could buy in NYC, but needed at least one shirt, my jammies, and socks and underwear. I had a fanny pack, empty, my wallet, a mesh bag of medications, a small paper notebook, pen, and a foil bag of tea, after discarding another shirt, a pair of shorts, second T-shirt, a small hair brush for my beard, and paring down the socks and underwear to one extra of each. With those items pulled out of the bag, it looked less pregnant, and was very light. Now, this was a short trip but was well within the size and weight limitations of the airlines and saved me the hefty carry on bag fees each way. Toiletries and extra clothing were easy to buy, and what I brought doesn’t really have to go back with me. I’ll leave some things here for my next flight out here in September. The laptop bag was light, carried by the strap over my shoulder, and fit easily by my feet under the seat on the plane in front of me. I really believe I could do the same thing for a city hop at a hotel anywhere this airline flies. Anyway, it was fun to see if I could do it!

David – Fun challenge! Reminds me of the “no baggage challenge” that I did a few years ago, taking a few trips with absolutely no bags, but instead using the pockets of Scottevest clothing. It was possible, but not entirely successful: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/no-baggage-challenge-wrap-up-lessons-learned/

For what I was doing, a short hop to visit my daughter, it was completely successful. I bought what I felt I couldn’t bring, and left two clothing items behind at my daughter’s apartment in favor of two items I bought. The challenge is to find space for extra items on the return leg. I found space for two hardcover biographies within my size and weight limitations, and took advantage of some pockets, too. It was totally inspired by your no bag travel challenges on a meager basis. The benefits for me were avoiding the bagage carosel completely, light weight baggage, easy to carry andv stow under the seat in front of me on the plane, easy to take on my lap or at my feet in s taxi, and I saved baggage fees both ways. Btw, I saw a Nora Dunn lookalike on the plane today from LaGuardia to Detroit! Flower patterned summer dress, red hair, and straw hat with a black hat band!

David – Glad the challenge worked out for you. In general, I’d shell out for the carry on bag just to have some extra room, but for the challenge’s sake, it’s great fun! I just returned from a week-long trip to Florida with one very small bag (but a bit larger than a laptop bag, but it included my laptop), and it was a total success. I love light travel! I have many doppelgangers; apparently you saw one in LaGuardia….it wasn’t me! 🙂

What a pity it wasn’t you, Nora! She looked so much like you, too, sporting a great looking hat and only two travel bags. One was a roller, the other a smaller bag she tied on top. Right after she finished tying the bag on and let go it fell forward and hit a woman’s leg standing in front of her! “You” had pretty red face! Spirit airlines fkying out out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to New York for a RT plus taxes in September is coisting me only $107.99. This is hardly international travel (they do serve the Carribean, too) but for short hops, you can’t beat some of prices on a discount airline. 🙂

I think the issue here is how you travel, and less about your back situation and personal preference for how you look.

I have traveled to more than 40 countries on 4 continents over the span of 15 years, many multiple times, and I have used the same pack, actually the same one. It’s a Boblbee hard shell pack, holding very little, but with some compression bags I managed to travel for months at a time. The longest stretch was 8 months with just the contents of that pack. No wheels, just a backpack.

The way I traveled, I found the backpack to be invaluable. The way I travel, I keep moving and have to be quick on my feet to catch a bus, train, or run to another terminal at the airport. My style of travel was more spontaneous and unplanned, so a suitcase with wheels or a backpack with wheels would significantly slow me down.

For those who book a vacation in the Bahamas, of course a wheeled suitcase is the best option. For the others who are part of a group, traveling together and everything is planned out, there’s no problem. I do not, however, think that anyone who wants to move quickly will benefit from anything with wheels.

I have seen many, many, foolish souls running through airports, down busy streets and tripping over themselves to catch a bus, train, a plane with a wheeled suitcase. I have seen people with wheeled suitcases on their back (wheeled backpack) that are struggling to stay upright and knocking people down because it’s overloaded and huge.

My opinion, considering the benefits and drawbacks of each is quite clear. Choose, based on your trip, either a backpack (no wheels) or a rolling suitcase. A backpack with wheels, which you have already discovered, is the worst of both worlds. Actually a rolling suitcase combined with a backpack would make a great combination!

Adam – Great points. I think the other deciding factor is how much or how little you pack. If you’re on the go a lot and quick to move – as you are – then the lighter you pack the better. The heavier your load, the worse it is to use a backpack – from trying to find what you need, to hauling it on and off your back all the time. I pack very light, so can manage either a backpack or roller bag. I guess I just don’t run for that many buses and trains however, because I haven’t found the rolling luggage to be that bad. If I really need to speed up and the terrain is awkward, I just pick up the case by the handle and go. My daypack with my computer is on my back, so it’s all very balanced.

soon i’m going to go to New Zealand for about a month. Since i don’t have a drivers license i’m going to use the bus as my main way of transport. Because i have been living in Cambodia for the past ten months and i only came with a big rolling luggage i’m a bit concerned about my trip to New Zealand. Do you think it’s stupid to always drag that suitcase to the bus and should i get a backpack? Or maybe i’m just fine?

Thanks so much for your advice & also, great blog, i really enjoy reading!

Hi Lilli, I guess it depends on how big your rolling suitcase is. New Zealand has easy terrain to roll your case around; it’s not like you’ll have to lug it over gravel roads or cobblestones. So personally, I would stick to the rolling luggage (and save yourself the cost of buying a backpack that you might not need or like). If it becomes a problem, you can get different luggage in New Zealand. Happy travels! I LOVE New Zealand!

Thank you! This is awesome advice. I am going to purchase them for my Asia trip coming up in December.

Hi Angela, Awesome! Glad you got some good advice from the post – and happy travels! How long are you going for?

Going to Europe in 2 months for 3 weeks! Thanks for all the awesome advice. I got in my head that there has to be some kind of new way to go backpacking Europe other than just a big ole backpack. I plan on just bringing one piece of luggage. So far the Osprey seems to be the best fit, thoughts? Wheels and backpack straps seem to be the way to go. I think I’ll go the next size over carry-on. And a detachable daypack makes sense. Any suggestions?

Hi Greg, For a wheeled backpack with a detachable daypack, I liked using the High Sierra bag (which you can see profiled and linked to in this post: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/wheeled-backpacks-why-theyre-the-best-and-tips-for-buying-one/ ), and apparently Eagle Creek makes a top notch model as well. Happy nouveau-backpacking! 😉

My current travelling bags are the eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible and for my personal item/dayback the Tom Bihn Synapse 19. I also have the eBags in a wheeled version that I use occasionally for trips into the city. I like the approach you’ve taken in your post insofar as the choice of bag depends on the destination/type of travel and the person’s preferences and needs. I think each person needs to develop some kind of checklist of the features s/he needs in a bag. Here’s my list of the features I go looking for in a travel bag: http://packinglighttravel.com/travel-tips/luggage-and-packing/features-of-a-perfect-carry-on-bag/

Nice entourage, Anne! Thanks for sharing. How long is your average trip?

Between two to four weeks, three to five times per year.

Hi all, I thought I’d chime in. I also HATE backpacks. Dislike hauling around a lot of weight in general. So here’s my my current soup du jour:

http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Ozone-Wheeled-Luggage-18-Inch/dp/B00CJ7XCLQ (there’s a full length flat panel space against the back that holds my Birkies!) http://www.rei.com/product/845735/marmot-kompressor-plus-pack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8yCPfC_z-0

The wheelie is 4#, the daypack and vest are ounces. I can “wear” a year’s wardrobe thru check-in in my vest. I always wear a Royal Robbins travel underneath as my “wallet”. Has money, electronics, passport, camera–zipped pockets all over. The bag weighs in at 15#.

I’m looking into an unlocked 6″ android “phablet” with sim card slots and sd card slot as only only electronics-cost $150. (There are 5.5″ ones for $90-$100-Posh brand, eg.)

I’ve got something called “surf Easy” which is a cool little USB secure, anonymous browser-which doesn’t leave a trace on public computers. I’m still learning it.

My kit is pretty tight, all ultralight, minimalist, top of the line and can handle 3 seasons.

Thanks for sharing your packing strategies, Laurence! I’m liking the Marmot pack, but I must say – you won’t catch me wearing that vest any time soon! I spectacularly failed the No Baggage Challenge by ScotteVest ( https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/florida-with-no-baggage/ ).

Interesing to follow your evolving thinking, which a lot of us share as we age and change travel styles and destinations. However, I’m having to think about backpacks and duffels again with a few week trip to southern Africa (followed by Paris) coming up, where soft outers are requisite for carry on bags on planes heading away from cities. There are roller duffels, but at 6’2″ they are a bit of a reach (literally). That leaves travel backpacks, some of which are reasonably well designed and not too expensive. At 68, I’m still in good enough shape – and not too proud – to carry one, but I struggle with the thought and how much use it will have beyond this trip (could I carry a suit needed for a relative’s wedding or something similar in one?).

Hi Gene, My Pacsafe carry-on bag (discussed in the post) is actually soft-sided so could work for your trip – and I believe they have larger models that you can check in as well. As for carrying a suit for a wedding, that all boils down to the packing technique….as well as availability of an iron or dry cleaner on arrival!

Nora, Are you saying the EVA back is soft? The requirements for these safari operators (charter) is “NO frame.” Unfortunately, the closest walk-in store that carries the 21 is over 400 miles away (Pacsafe lists REI, which is local, but REI website doesn’t show the 21). thanks,

Gene, Hmm. No, it’s not totally soft all around; the back is solid. Those are some strict requirements – wow! Good luck in your search…

From eBags, I ordered, then packed and tried around the house, up and down stairs, their TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible, a Timbuk2 and the Lite Gear travel pack. I won’t say any of the the three really stood out as superior absolutely speaking, but the Weekender seemed on balance the most versatile and comfortable choice (no backpack with 20+ lbs is perfectly comfortable). Lots of pockets, a middle divider in the main compartment to keep things from moving around, a water bottle pocket and the lowest sale price. It’s easy to overfill, as some customers have mentioned in their reviews, but that’s where a hand carry satchel comes in handy. The Weekender’s waist strap is sort of weak – a complete lacking with the Timbuk2 – but I’m off to REI to see what I can find.

Hi Gene, Cool – thanks for the intel! Very valuable. Happy shopping!

Hi Nora! If you want a writing retreat in Michigan next Fall or Spring, come and stay with me. Email me. You saw my TLS Mother Lode Weekender in Ecuador and me and my girls like them for Asia and Latin America because they pack up great with compartments and cubes, and open like a suitcase. We often would have to walk into a smallish town after a bus leaves you by the highway or walk a ways to a hostel from the center of town bus/train. Taxis either are not around or are silly expensive to travel a mile. Wheels add weight and can get wrecked fast on even one mile of dirt road or bumpy sidewalks. I want to find a foldable super light luggage cart to add to this system though! Do you know of any?

I recently got a star wars luggage bag:

Hope to get some great reactions next holiday 😉

OK, so I’m a macpac backpack girl and have travelled all over the world with it over the last ten years. It works for me and my luggage has been a no-brained for me since I bought it in 2005. It has given me the flexibility of doing things like taking my aging grandmother around the world: my backpack on my back and pulling hers behind me. Under different circumstances this trip would be the same.

However, this trip I am pregnant. We are traveling through India to Nepal (both places I have travelled before). I will be traveling with my husband, and he can help with luggage, but also my three year old daughter- which means traveling light is out of the question. And my pregnancy means I cannot carry the weight of my backpack. We will be in major cities: Delhi, Agra, Kathmandu, but also somewhat off the beaten track as we are involved in humanitarian work and will be visiting aid projects. I am worried about conventional rolling luggage on buses and trains, rickshaws etc. anyone have any intuitive suggestions or relevant experience?

Hi Sarah, Hmm – tough conundrum! I have no trouble with rolling luggage and buses/trains/rickshaws, but because it’s carry-on sized, it’s lights and easy to just pick up and haul by hand when necessary. If you’re unable to travel light with kids in tow, that won’t be so easy. But since you can’t put anything on your back, it seems you’ll be relegated to wheeled luggage anyway – in which case I’d recommend something with a solid top AND side handle so that when you need to pick it up, you can carry it by both handles more easily. If you’re able to put something on your back once in a while (when necessary), then a wheeled backpack would be the way to go. Hope this helps!

I’ve gotten the Osprey Sojourn wheeler/backpack 5 yrs ago and travelled 30+ countries for months, esp. India/Myanmar, SE Asia and East/central Africa. With the big, sturdy wheels (I’ve once hauled another bag + stage piano on top around with it, total of 70 kgs) it has never been necessary for me to use the straps, so I leave them home now and only use the wheels. I use rickshaws, back of motorbikes (put it on my lap), trains etc. I’m involved in work off the beaten track as well and its never been a problem. I usually have 16-20+ kgs in it due to the versatile tasks and situations I need to bring gear and clothing for (even dress clothes :). Highly recommend it for the Osprey High Road Chassis, but would never do it with any of the other tiny wheels and low chassis on other suitcases that I’ve seen around.

Wow, thanks for the great articles. I’m headed to Japan for 15 days, but was still thinking like a 20 year old when it came to the “grab and gone” machismo of a backpack suitcase. But, I carefully planned my trip to Japan to rarely be caught in the cold (lots of walking with no hotel to stash at).

A plain old carry-on was making sense (do I really need survival gear on a shinkansen?), but yeah some how plain-old carry on seemed like defeat (admittedly, on a business trip to Guangzhou, my carry-on was bouncing in the air from the terrible pavement and twisting my arm around half the time). But that being said, a backpack would still have been worse because it was so hot there.

So thanks for the article. You’ve made my planning much simpler because I already have “good-enough” rolling carry-on luggage in the house.

Hey Tim, Sweet – I’m glad this post helped! Happy travels!

Have not read all the posts above, but another reason for wheeled backpack is when standing in an airline queue for a small plane and they are looking for wheeled bags to go into the hold. If you have your bag on your back then they seem to ignore you and go to someone else……this has happened a few times in the States and in Europe!!

Hi George, Excellent observation! I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks for the tip!

I’m planning a trip – basically planning on travelling for 6 – 8 months (!) – I’ll be starting in South America, before heading north and right through and across the USA. My question, really, is – what sort of luggage would you recommend? I’ve already got my Bestek Waterproof Canvas shoulder bag for my camera & its accessories, but I’m not sure whether to go for two additional bags, such as rolling luggage for the majority of my things, with a second backpack for my laptop which I’d prefer to keep with me at all times (as you do). Alternatively, whether I should opt for a larger backpack, but travel light(er). Wondered what your thoughts may be. Thanks in advance!

Hi Matthew, A few things for you to consider include: 1) How much are you flying? Because you’ll only be able to carry on one shoulder bag/daypack, in which I suspect you’ll want to carry both your camera equipment as well as your laptop. Can your camera shoulder bag fit into your second backpack with the laptop? Alternately, can your laptop fit into your Bestek bag? Once you sort out this part, the rest is simply a matter of how big a bag you need for the rest of your stuff, and whether you want wheels or backpack straps (or both)! 2) What sorts of climates will you be experiencing? The more seasons you experience, the more clothing you’ll need to pack (within reason).

Hi Nora, Thank you for getting back to me so quickly! It is possible that my Bestek bag will fit into my laptop bag, so they could combine into one as carry on. I won’t be taking many flights, and the majority of those will be getting me between areas in South America and up to the US. Once I hit the US, I’ll mostly be using the Greyhound bus service to get between places, and perhaps some smaller bus routes in between.

I’ll (hopefully) be trying to keep dry and warm, probably experiencing South America’s late summer / early Autumn, and then the USA’s summer / Autumn as well, once I move north.

Matthew, All sounds terrific! One last piece of packing advice: the weight of your bag is equally proportionate to your misery on the road. Hence – keep this in mind, and go on the minimalist side. You can always pick up a few local things along the way if you find yourself underdressed. Happy travels!

Nora, I recently aquired a Granite Gear Cross Trek 22 Wheeled Duffel. I also consider your site to be the sensible travelers’ book of Leviticus. Particularly after a revelation I experienced returning from Boston to the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. There I saw a young man with a wheeled backpack on his back. Up to that time mine was my Genius and Exodus of a pre-9-11 traveler’s mindset regarding airport traveling. Prior to that faithful date I thought nothing of lugging, pushing or dragging a duffel bag with a daypack and lumbar pack round my waist. Of course that was back in the day when there was actual room in the airline cabins. My modern travel education started in 2012 on a visit to the Midwest and the discovery that lugging that same duffle bag, bought 10 years earlier, across the Minneapolis airport took more energy than I remember. Purchase of a folding luggage caddy rectified some strain, but, as you pointed out, these caddies present extra challenges being designed for a particular shape of luggage. Plus there’s always the necessity of folding it up for TSA inspection and stowage. Worse were the freak accidents including loss of one of the support stanchions after getting caught and broken on the landing of a Phoenix bus. Later, a bungee strap hook caught and tore my trousers as I walked South Beach Florida. Thus, I took it into my head to do the backpack thing. I got a fully packed backpack into the overhead for a trip to New Orleans, but only after removing certain items so I could secure the overhead door. Space and the lack of mobility presented more problems. I took it into my head to add my own modifications in the form of a couple of folding- ammo-drop bags secured, with a strap, around the backpack’s middle. This bag would be fine IF I were only traveling by foot or ground vehicle. However, because one leg of my journey always entails flying on a small aircraft with fighter jet sized seats and glove compartment overhead storage. It’s necessary to surrender my bag for valet transport. Oddly, regardless of how secure I tie the straps on the backpack, somehow they were always loose at my destination. After seeing the young man with the wheeled backpack, I found your site. Lo, you’ve described virtually every mishap I’ve faced traveling with a backpack and separate travel caddy. For what I paid to pimp my bag, I definitely wasn’t getting the return I had hoped for and found something wrong with this picture. I can afford better luggage and I certainly don’t enjoy the aggravation. The realities you identified are that for the most part I’m going to wheel my bag across the airport to a bus, taxi or rental car to my hotel or friend‘s home. With TSA inspection and stowage it’s must that everything stows as flat and streamlined as possible. It’s also nice to have the option of going backpack if I desire or necessity demands. Thus, following your advice I researched several bags finally settled on the Granite Gear duffle. It has certain features necessary for me. I’ll use it on my next trip and hope to have a different report than my previous travel chronicles. Again, thanks for your fine input and opinion. Chris Hunnewell

Hey Chris, Ah…the journey of finding (often through trial and error) the perfect luggage! I’m glad you’re kitted out with a new duffel that will hopefully ensure a smoother trip this time around! Happy travels!

Hi Nora! How does your Pacsafe handle “off-road” terrain? Would you be able to pull it down a gravelly road? I ran into this scenario in Africa a few times and my Eddie Bower duffle handled the abuse just fine. It ended up blowing a seam after only a few uses, so looking into something else. Also, does your Pacsafe stand on its own without toppling over? Thanks, Natalie

Hi Natalie, Great questions! The Pacsafe that I use is carry-on sized, so when I encounter terrain that is too difficult to roll with, it’s easy enough to just carry by hand. However I do find that it’s a very sturdy pack that can handle rough terrain pretty gracefully – so if you have a larger sized Pacsafe bag that’s too awkward to carry by hand, I would say yes: it can take it. As for not toppling over, yes, it does stand on its own, but that also boils down to how you pack it. For example, put the heavy stuff at the bottom (near the wheels).

For me packing is always a problem but after this article I will follow your tips and I believe my problem is solved.

Thanks for sharing!

I’m glad this helped! Happy travels…

I will be studying abroad in Melbourne and want to travel around to Cairns and New Zealand after my semester is over for about a month. I have a medium size day pack as well as luggage with backpack straps but was wondering if I should bring this luggage with me everywhere I go or if you know of some storage possibility. I was curious as to where to keep my larger luggage during excursions or if it is possible to keep it with me. Thanks for your article!

Hey Bruce, It all depends on your situation in Melbourne; if you have a place that you’re coming back to where leave your large luggage and simply do excursions with a smaller bag, I’d recommend it. If you don’t have a place to come back to, some hostels or hotels will allow you to store luggage with them. You may also meet some friends along the way who would be willing to keep a few things for you. Enjoy New Zealand – a fav place of mine. 🙂

Hi Nora. We went through similar dilemmas in deciding what to take on our 57 day round the world trip. We are not doing it in luxury, but are not three-bucks-a-night-beach-hut backpackers either. It remains to be seen as to whether we got the right solution, but I made this short video about our options and our ultimate choice: http://wp.me/p7ezGr-Lp . Hope you think it’s in the right ballpark. Happy travelling!

Hey Nigel & Jane – Lookin’ good! I just got myself a larger rolling suitcase that I’m pretty pleased with. It’s big (ie: not carry-on size), but it fits everything I want to carry with me and more. Stay tuned for an updated packing list post where I illustrate everything I now carry with me full-time!

DEFINITELY want to hear about that packing list. I know for the future there will be trips I’ll have to carry an extra bag so I look forward to your enlightenment. Chris

Hey Nora, Here’s a status report regarding my new choice of carry-on bag, the Granite Gear Cross Trek 22 wheeled duffle to replace my old duffle bag and/ or Santo backpack. In July 2016, I flew to Europe for a 17 day excursion. Unfortunately, some old, bad habits are hard to break. The Cross Trek held everything I needed and then some, so I thought what harm to take my long time, venerable, trusted old companion of many miles: my Santo backpack. From the time I stepped into the TSA security line it was a mistake. For one, TSA gets anxious now if bags are packed too tight. Talk about “Catch-22,” or at least that’s what they told me as they emptied my Santo, found nothing and offered to repack it. On the American Eagle puddle hopper jet with the fighter pilot seats and lunch box overhead, though I had minimized the Santo, it was equivalent to a sky diver’s parachute Thus, once every one was seated, I waded upstream to surrender it for stowage. Basically, you’ve preached this truth and I learned it the hard way. PACK LIGHT and lighter still! Ironically, this trip, I was reading “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed. In this book, and movie of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon, is an in-depth passage of how the heroine lightens “Monster” her backpack to reduce unnecessary weight and clutter. Unfortunately, it was a Normandy hotel that I read and came to this same conclusion about my monster. Overall, there was no problem slinging the Santo to my back and pulling the Cross Trek through five countries. Still, it could have been better with smaller. As usual, the fun came at the airport. Because of the necessity, caused by a scheduling problem, to check the Cross Trek I had to go through TSA a needless second time. Unnecessary, because if I’d had just carry-on this wouldn’t have happened. In Berlin and Dallas, they got anxious about my too tight bag, unloading and, in particular, running all my electronics through a second time. None of these experiences dampened the trip’s fun or experiences, but definitely lesson learned. My next trip entailed a 10 day August trip to Arizona. In Phoenix last year I used a portable luggage caddy, for the last time, and managed to catch a stanchion in the door of a bus. This trip the Santo, caddy and duffle bag stayed home, Utilizing the Cross Trek and a Mountain Smith lumbar bag, I carried everything with room to spare and breezed through DFW with no problems, but hold that thought. I Phoenix, watching other passengers wrestle with their “trunks,“ I felt a little smug easily hoisting the Cross Trek into the luggage holder of the rental-car-bus taking my seat and holding the lumbar pack on my lap. Back on the deck, effortlessly took a new meaning with the lumbar slung and secured round my waist and Cross Trek in tow. I never had to use the Cross Trek’s backpack features, it was nice to know they were there. And though I wore the same clothes and same luggage as when I started this trip, when I left Phoenix I got another “too tight bag” check. It’s something that happens, I get it and was glad I showed up early. but having minimal luggage made it that much easier. Hopefully, my experiences helps someone. Chris

Hey Chris, Thanks for sharing your experiences! I haven’t noticed that they like to pick apart bags that are too tightly packed, but certainly when they’ve insisted on digging to the bottom of a carry-on bag that I’ve meticulously packed, I’m never pleased. I guess you can say that’s one good point for checking luggage; no security check hassles!

I love Wild! I’ve read the book and watched the movie, and when she has her first overloaded pack, she reminds me of me when I started traveling 10 years ago! Even now that I’ve gone back to a checked-sized case, I’m still traveling pretty light by most standards.

Happy travels!

Actually Nora, due to the fact that I got no hassle wearing the same clothes and the same bags coming through one airport, then subjected to everything but a cavity search at another and addition to the dump, I got the pat down. Thus the “your bag is packed too tight” is an excuse for a thourough random search, much like a cop saying you drove over the right hand white line or failed to use a turn signal when making a curve. It’s not that I’ve done anything, it’s an excuse and my place in line. Of course watching them measure my bicycle wrench to see if it met specs was almost too funny for words. Still, I wouldn’t mind using checked, but generally I’m carrying my cameras and notebook, which is what they’ve suddenly gotten concerned about.

Regarding bags again, the European tour leader was surprised that I was traveling with only two bags compared to the steamer trunks some of the other travelers were toting. Which is what I liked so much about “Wild” and the lessons to live and travel with less. More happy travels and tales later and the same to you, Chris

Hey Chris, You pinned it – checks are often random. I remember passing security dozens of times with my little nail scissors. Then one time – they were seized. Sometimes I fly through, and other times I’m piecing together my stuff after it has been thoroughly searched. It’s part of the “fun” of air travel in this day and age, I guess! And yes – isn’t it nice to pack lighter than everybody else? I love the funny looks I get from people, especially when they learn that whatever is in my bag is everything I own!

Nora, Your last comment, “And yes – isn’t it nice to pack lighter than everybody else? I love the funny looks I get from people, especially when they learn that whatever is in my bag is everything I own!” Your words jumped out me resounding in my mind, particularly after recalling how, in August, passengers on a Dubai flight reached for their luggage after crash landing and ignored the order, and common sense, to GET OFF. I mean, honestly, is anybody’s life worth a Gucci bag, tooth brush or camera? Particularly, when the vehicle might explode at any time. As I was pondering that situation, I received an E-mail from my trip’s tour guide. This was a response to my lost canvas wallet that went missing about the fifth day of our June-July trip, and after arriving in Bastogne, Belgium. This wallet contained extra identification and a credit card. It was “backup” just in case. Thus, after searching my room thoroughly, I contacted the tour guide and searched the bus to no avail. I concluded it must have slipped out of my pocket, earlier in the day, at French truck stop we visited. The tour guide called the truck stop, but nothing had been turned in. A loss like this is no fun, but looking at the bigger picture I l had my passport, Euros, a good pair of shoes and my meals transportation were taken care until I returned to the USA. There was still a week of travel, so I had a choice if I was going to let this devastate the trip or my memories. Oh, and I haven’t lost a wallet or ID since I was 16. So, it’s not like I’m repeat offender. That night, I slept better than I had in a while and had a blast. Fast forward and it seems after “a thorough cleaning” of my Bastogne hotel room, they found the wallet and will mail it back. I’ve since replaced the credit card and ID, but I’ll still be glad to have the wallet and contents back. The lesson your words set in stone is that besides humping a small bag with everything I own, I’m also prepared to bail from a plane, digs or situation, without it, survive and carry on to travel, laugh and live some more. And if I get some funny looks over that fact, then the more the better. Happy travels, Chris

Hey Chris, You know, to be perfectly honest, if I survived a plane crash, I might have a hard time not grabbing my computer bag (always at my feet) on my way out of the plane…. ha ha! But you’re right. It’s just stuff. All of it. I understood that when I had my purse stolen in Cusco, and learned what it is to (have, and) lean on friends for support in times of crisis. https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/my-purse-was-stolen-lessons-learned/

Nora, Ahh, you’ve got me! Since I also tend to fly with my shoulder bag at my feet, containing necessities, my laptop and cameras. Therefore, the temptation to sling my man-purse over my neck before leaping for the nearest exit, in a single bound over small children and old ladies, might be my kryptonite. Obviously, a case by case situation. Still, my concern are those yahoos opening the overhead bins. The equivalent of a Titanic survivor showing up at the lifeboat with a bag. Meantime, reading your account of Cusco, I commend your friends and read that we followed similar fail-safe procedures. In my case, I didn’t lose my cell phone so a call and my credit card were cancelled within the hour. Ahh, that 8-hour time difference. I also have the habit of writing down “Lessons Learned,” which everyone says hind-sight is 20/20. Though one guy says not his brother because he wears glasses! Don’t ask! Still, for example my TSA experience, it’s par for any trip that sometime, somewhere, one of these find stalwarts is going to have “wild hair,” except it, smile and cooperate. Thus, I try and anticipate, though not always perfectly. Which again, is the fun and experience of travel. In relation to our experiences, I’d consider something like “IF you knew you were going to lose your purse, wallet, phone and be in a plane crash, HOW would you dress? What would you carry in your pockets?” More to ponder! Thanks so much for all the great advice and adventures. Hopefully, I’ll have more to add. Chris

Something worth thinking about – it’s not just your back that can suffer hauling around a heavy backpack. For women, it can be really bad for your pelvic floor. If you do carry a backpack, or need to lift a heavy suitcase, make sure you know how to brace all those muscles first 🙂

Good advice, Kathryn!

From Elizabeth (copied from higher up above – no ability to reply there):

Hi Elizabeth, Unfortunately I can’t recommend any portable luggage carts from experience. I guess I’ve done pretty well choosing luggage with sturdy wheels; I ran my Eagle Creek gear warrior through its paces on a 3km hike up a dirt road in India….none the worse for wear. I also hauled it up a few gravel roads in Ecuador 😉

Anyway, post here if you find a luggage cart worth mentioning! 🙂

First, let me compliment your writing stile – it’s great how you can make one laugh out loud, even when writing just about luggage 😀 That’s exactly the kind of blog entry I needed after reading tons of backpack reviews.

Now here’s my problem: Even if your blog entry gave me a really good image about all the pros and cons of different luggage types, I´m still not sure if I should rather choose a usual trekking backpack (which might be more comfortable when carrying on the back) or a trolleybackpack like the Osprey Ozone 75 Convertible.

We plan to travel from Corsica to Norway in four months, mostly using trains and buses. I think usually the trolley funktion would be pretty practical in the most regions in Europe, but in winter in Norway and Sweden snow might be an issue.

After these four months we will fly to Costa Rica and stay in one place for one month, just leaving for daytrips.

Than we will fly to South America for one and a half months of free backpacking (aproximately in Ecuador, Peru and Chile). Bolivia will be our final destination where we will stay in La Paz or Santa Cruz (still has to be chosen, do you have experiences with these cities?) for five months, only leaving for weekend trips (maybe also longer hiking trips).

According to luggage reviews I heard about people being totally satisfied with their trolley-backpacks and others who say that a comfortable trekking backpack is still the better option and the trolleys wheels might hurt your back… Honestly, the more I search for luggage experiences, the more controverse opinions I find.

Do you (or does anyone else) have a good advice for my friend (back problems already) and me? Regular trekking backpack or trolleybackpack?

Thanks in advance!

P.S.: As a daypack I already bought myself the Pacsafe Z-28 PB160. Maybe that also plays a role when it comes to choosing the right additional luggage.

Hi Magdalena, Well, if your friend already has back problems, then I recommend the wheeled backpack for sure! 90-99% of the time, you’ll be able to use the wheels, and the few times you can’t, the straps will be handy and you won’t likely have to go far with your pack on your back.

Also, because you’ve already bought the Pacsafe daypack, if you have a trekking backpack, you’ll have to wear one pack on your back and the other on your front, which isn’t comfortable (or stylish, if you care about such things).

You may want to check out this post, for some updated luggage recommendations: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/checked-vs-carry-on-luggage-and-why-checked-is-best/

Someone once said, “A real man does not get the planet to carry his luggage for him.” If you’re a retired, elderly traveler, (they do exist, I met a couple from Europe in their 80’s, in Chiang Mai, Thailand) and you are suffering from age related weakness or physical problems of some sort, then wheelie luggage is okay. Otherwise, it’s kind of dorky. I’m going to be 68 in November, 2019, and I travel for months at a time with just one, 35 liter convertible backpack. My Minaal 2.0. But now I’m going even smaller. 21 liter carry on backpack with zip away backpack straps if I want to carry it like a duffle bag. One bag, carry on, minimalist travel.

Hi Robert, Yep! If you can go minimal and light weight (and not everybody is prepared to), then a small backpack makes travel very easy!

But I must counter that I don’t think rolling luggage is dorky – at all! What’s dorky, in my opinion, is wearing a large backpack on the back, and a smaller daypack on the front. Not only does it look dorky (especially when walking into a high-end hotel), but in my experience it’s awkward and impractical. (But of course, this wouldn’t be you if you’re traveling so light – I’ll bet you only have the one backpack, which is in considerably better taste) 😉

Rolling backpacks rock! Never thought I would say that :grinning: Yet here I am, after my first long trip through EU. Also if you are traveling to EU from somewhere else, I would suggest getting a VPN, it will save you in some tricky situations. While I was trying to book a hotel in a different country (I have previously found a few pages with good prices/discounts) some of them were blocked, so with a vpn I changed my location and I could access those pages. Any VPN will do, but I used nordVPN because it was the most popular one.

Great advice – thanks Vilijar! I too use and endorse NordVPN. Here’s a special link for anybody who is interested: https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=15&aff_id=31324&url_id=902

Hi, this is a great post, My Pacsafe carry-on bag (discussed in the post) is actually soft-sided so could work for your trip – and I believe they have larger models that you can check in as well. As for carrying a suit for a wedding, that all boils down to the packing technique….as well as the availability of iron or dry cleaner on arrival!

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Travelpro Luggage Review: We Tested the Platinum Elite Collection

Here's why these popular softside suitcases are worth the investment.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Travlepro Luggage Performance

The bottom line: should you buy travelpro luggage, more travelpro luggage we love, why trust good housekeeping.

Founded in the 1980s by a pilot who was always on the go, Travelpro is an innovative luggage brand that has set the standard for the rolling luggage we all travel with today. The brand's bags, initially designed for airline personnel, were the first to roll upright and use a telescopic handle, and they were quickly adopted by the public who appreciated that the bags were easy to use and made frequent flying a breeze.

Keep reading to learn more about Travelpro's luggage and about how I and my fellow GH staffers put them to the test.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry On

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Checked Luggage

Travelpro Platinum Elite Regional Underseat Duffel Bag

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Carry on Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Rolling Underseat Bag

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Luggage

Travelpro luggage overview.

Travelpro offers a variety of soft and hardside suitcases , along with other bags and travel accessories like backpacks, packing cubes and duffels. The brand's best-selling Platinum Elite collection is one of our favorite luggage lines for business trips and for those who travel regularly because of their top-of-the-line construction and functional features like easy-to-access external pockets, self-aligning wheels and durable nylon material.

Travelpro is best known for its softside suitcases. The Platinum Elite carry-on and checked bags use a heavyweight nylon fabric that performed well in our abrasion assessments , resisting wear and tear after being rubbed back and forth 15,000 times by our Wyzenbeek abrasion tester, which simulates extended use. Plus, the material is covered in DuraGuard, a water and stain-resistant coating that helps keep your luggage in tip-top shape even with lots of use. We gave the zippers perfect scores for water resistance during our tests.

When we released the carry-on and checked bags repeatedly at different angles from our drop tester (pictured), we were impressed by how well the luggage held up, without major damage to the bags or breakage of the wheels or handles. After one roundtrip journey on an airline, I did notice some small marks and scratches on the plastic components surrounding the telescopic handle on the checked bag.

Your carry-on bag should hold everything you need for a short getaway, and Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on has a spacious interior with a capacity of 46L — 5 to 10L more packing space than some other carry-ons from popular brands we've tested. The bag unzips to reveal one large compartment to store all of your belongings (pictured), and it's full of helpful features to simplify packing.

One tester shared, "This had better organization than any other suitcase I’ve tried." When I packed the suitcase in the Textiles Lab, I was able to fit my standard packing load for a weekend trip's worth of clothing, shoes and accessories with ease, and there was room to spare. The softside material is flexible, so you can really fill it to the brim.

There's a removable garment bag, a wet bag for toiletries, several built-in mesh accessory pockets and four external pockets, including one that can hold up to a 15-inch laptop and another to store a portable power bank for convenient recharging on the go. To secure your things in place, there's an adjustable compression panel, and if you tend to overpack your bags like me, you'll love the 2-inch expansion system that's tapered to prevent the suitcase from getting top-heavy and tipping over.

The medium checked bag has 97L of packing space (more than double the space of the carry-on) , making it the perfect pick for a long trip or a family vacation. At 10 lbs, it weighs more than some other medium checked bags we've tested, which eats into the 50 lb weight restriction set by most airlines.

Like the carry-on, it unzips to one large packing space (pictured) and is equipped with lots of compartments for organized storage like a larger removable wet bag, mesh pockets and a built-in suiter. One tester shared, "It helped keep me organized and made it much easier to find what I needed." There are two roomy external pockets to stash travel essentials, as well. This bag also has adjustable compression panels for security, and it offers 2 inches of zippered expansion for additional room.

Ease of Use

The telescopic handles on the Platinum Elite bags are contoured for a better grip (pictured). I was impressed by how easy it was to raise and lower the carry-on's telescopic handle without it jamming on the way up or down. The handle on the checked bag doesn't lift quite as smoothly, but it was incredibly sturdy and didn't wobble when fully extended. The carrying handles on both bags are made of genuine leather and aren't too tight, so it's simple to lift the bags into an overhead bin or from the luggage carousel.

A common tester complaint about Travelpro's Platinum Elite suitcases is they're a little more difficult to steer than other suitcases we've tested. The bags have magnetic, self-aligning spinner wheels that roll smoothly and glide over different surfaces like tile, wood and carpeting, but when I pulled the suitcases, they always drifted towards me instead of rolling alongside me, so I regularly had to redirect them.

The zippers are heavyweight and easy to pull, thanks to their contoured design, and they moved effortlessly along the track without sticking at the corners of the bag or getting caught on the material.

Yes! If you consider yourself a frequent flyer, travel for business often or are just looking for something sturdy and reliable, I highly recommend investing in Travelpro luggage , especially from the brand's Platinum Elite collection.

The bags have a more traditional look and aren't going viral online like some other styles we recommend at GH, but they're classic, and they'll never go out of style. Priced at more than $300 for a carry-on suitcase, the luggage isn't cheap, but it's built to last. These bags have stood out for years in our Textiles Lab tests, always performing well in durability and performance categories.

If you purchase the luggage on Travelpro's website , the brand has a generous 100-day trial period , so you can test it out and return it for any reason if it doesn't suit your travel needs. Travelpro also offers a limited lifetime warranty for its Platinum Elite collection, covering defects on wheels, handles, zippers and more — and it even covers damages caused by airlines.

In addition to its standout softside suitcases, Travelpro carries other types of luggage. To match your Platinum Elite luggage set , opt for the Platinum Elite Underseat Duffel as your personal item. It's made with the same durable nylon material and classic style and has a built-in luggage sleeve to slide over your rolling suitcase.

If you prefer hardside luggage, Travelpro's Maxlite Air hardside suitcases are made with a lightweight yet durable polycarbonate material that performed well in our drop tests. The bag has a butterfly-style opening with two fully zippered compartments for maximum security, and there's an expandable panel for 2 inches of extra packing space.

The Maxlite line also includes softside bags like its Rolling Underseat Bag ] that's designed to fit under your airplane seat. It features a telescopic handle and smooth rolling wheels for easy transport at the airport. We also love the bigger Maxlite luggage including the large checked bag, which is lighter-weight and more affordable than the brand's other softside suitcases, but it's not quite as luxe.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst and has tested and written about different types of luggage and travel accessories including softside luggage, hardside luggage, checked and carry-on luggage, duffels and travel blankets. Amanda has also conducted luggage testing for our Family Travel Awards programs and is a frequent flyer herself, venturing on more than 50 flights and cross-country train rides over the past two years. She used her relative expertise and personal experience, along with Textiles Lab testing data when reviewing Travelpro's luggage.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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The Best Travel Backpacks for Long Trips, According to Frequent Travelers

Hauling all of the clothing, toiletries, and gear you need for a monthlong trip in a backpack might sound like a nightmare, especially if you’re used to rolling luggage . But there are plenty of instances when traveling with a backpack is easier, especially if you’ve got plans to hop on buses or trains, or are going to cities where paved roads (and therefore surfaces for easy luggage-rolling) are in short supply.

The challenge is to find a travel backpack that’s big enough to fit everything you might need, yet is still comfortable to carry. So to help you find the best carry-on and travel backpacks for long trips, we spoke with 14 frequent and intrepid travelers , who spend weeks on the road (or the hiking trail) at a time, about the bags they’re most excited to pack up and strap onto their backs. While not as sleek as their wheeled counterparts, these backpacks will serve you much better on longer and more adventurous journeys. Just don’t forget the packing cubes .

Like several of the experts we talked to, JourneyWoman editor-in-chief and frequent backpacker Carolyn Ray is a longtime fan of Osprey’s backpacks for longer, more rugged trips. The Osprey Porter has been her “go-to pack” for years at this point, and she most recently used it during a three-month journey across Mexico. The 65-liter bag has a bucket-style opening, which gives you easy access to all your stuff with one quick zip around. It also has loops on which to attach a smaller day pack.

James and Susan Feess, bloggers at The Savvy Backpacker , have tried many backpacks in their time. But Osprey’s classic Farpoint is the one they keep returning to. It’s just about the perfect backpack for long-term travel,” they tell us. “It has some of the best and most comfortable shoulder straps and harness we’ve used. It’s lightweight, it has a detachable day pack, it looks nice, it is pretty affordable, and we like Osprey’s lifetime warranty.”

Washington Post reporter and inaugural New York Times 52 Places traveler Jada Yuan also cites Osprey as her top travel-backpack brand. When spending her year abroad reporting for the Times , she used the 40-liter Fairview, which is the women’s version of the Farpoint above — but not before trying and failing to travel with a set of rolling luggage. “I don’t know how I got through 16 stops of my trip before buying the Osprey Fairview,” she recalls. “My back and shoulders hurt all the time. I needed something with strong lumbar support, a waist belt, and a chest strap so that I could make it through the trip without getting crippled.” The Fairview, she says, is perfectly bare-bones: “Just one giant cavity, plus a zippered section for your laptop and a bunch of straps on the outside for carrying, say, a bulky jacket that won’t fit anywhere.” She took it across Europe, Africa, and Asia, noting that with the addition of zipper locks, it was relatively secure against thieves. Yuan traveled with the overhead-compartment-friendly 40l version of the bag, but non-minimalist packers could definitely upgrade to the 55l version. “Or go up to 65l,” Yuan suggests. “No one ever checks.”

Though loyal to Osprey, Ray also pointed us to Gregory’s line of travel backpacks, which she likes for their style, practicality, and fit. Her pick is the 60-liter Deva backpack, with a breathable back panel that makes multiday hiking more bearable. “Whether I’m hiking the Camino de Santiago or the new ‘Canadian Camino’ in Prince Edward Island, these packs are so comfortable that I almost forget I’m wearing one,” she says.

Award-winning CNN travel journalist Oneika Raymond swears by High Sierra’s affordable frame backpacks, which can be used for long trips as well as backpacking. She’s used hers while traveling from Bolivia to Botswana, and tells us that the pack is “lightweight, relatively inexpensive, sturdy, and stylish,” with an ergonomic design that fits her body perfectly. “I like it because it has a top compartment, which I typically reserve for undergarments, and the bottom front compartment, which I’ll reserve for shoes,” she adds. “Because the middle compartment is very large, it’s ideal for clothing. I can pack quite a lot of things in the bag, but because it’s tall and narrow, it still remains sleek and fairly easy to carry.”

Atlas Obscura senior editor and writer Gemma Tarlach ’s 55-liter Kelty has seen it all, and then some: New Zealand’s South Island wilderness, a hurricane in Iceland, and a trekking accident in Chile’s Torres del Paine national park. “I took a tumble off the trail and ended up sliding down a mountainside of scree with my pack dragging behind me,” she recalls. “By the time we came to a stop, the pack was in better shape than I was.” She even used the bag to carry provisions for a winter season on Antarctica’s McMurdo Station: “It performed the task with great dignity.” The pack, as Tarlach puts it, is “nothing super-fancy — just built for adventure.” While Tarlach has had her Kelty for so long that the exact model has been discontinued, this one has the same capacity and a similar design.

Atlas Obscura editor-in-chief Samir Patel , meanwhile, vouches for Mountainsmith packs, which are similarly designed for adventurous, off-the-beaten-path travel. He has two and says that this 45-liter pack is the closest in style to his since-discontinued models.

When traveling on assignment, photographer Daniel Rodrigues takes along his trusty Forclaz trekking backpack. He finds it particularly suited to rail travel — as in, crossing the Sahara on an iron-ore transport train. “After having suffered a lot, she is still like new, and that’s something I love about her,” he says of his pack. “The kind of trips I do can be rough and dirty at times, and she still holds up.” In addition to being comfortable — Rodrigues says the Forclas “adjusts perfectly to the body,” allowing hours of walking — the pack is also the perfect size for carrying clothes, a sleeping bag, and even a tent.

Adventure writer and blogger Ashley Gossens has a slightly older version of this Granite Gear pack — a sure sign that the brand’s designs are worth the investment. “I love it because it is lightweight with tons of space for multiday treks,” she says. “It is available in different torso lengths, which is great for me since I am short. It has extra-comfy padding on the hip belt, which is also adjustable. I also really like that it has a detachable top pouch that I can use for taking just the essentials to explore around camp.” On Gossens’s five-day, 45-mile trek in the Glacier Peak wilderness of Washington, she was easily able to fit her tent, sleeping bag, food, and more into the pack.

If you’re lugging expensive gear around — especially photography equipment — a discreet, secure pack is a must. XpatMatt blogger Matt Gibson upgraded to this bag after an ill-fated trek through Kyrgyzstan, and he hasn’t looked back. “I like that it looks good,” he says. “But more important to me is that it doesn’t scream ‘photography backpack,’ because that often makes you a target for robbery in certain places. It also has a ton of safety features that make it much more difficult for your average thief to get into, such as mesh wiring in the fabric and easily lockable zippers and pouches.”

Some long trips require a sturdier and more durable bag than others, as photographer Hunter McRae can attest. She has a couple of Lowepro bags, which are designed with camera storage in mind, that she swaps between for different adventures. Her waterproof pick, the cult-favorite Lowepro DryZone 200, has sadly been discontinued — but you might have luck finding one via secondhand resellers. McRae also recommends the Lowepro Photosport. “Even if I’m just bringing a single body and a lens or two, it’s the most comfortable way to lug them around, and it leaves me room for water, extra layers, and kids’ stuff.”

Rodrigues is also a Lowepro fan and will opt for one of the brand’s day packs to carry his photography equipment while on the road with his larger-capacity trekking rucksack. “Everything fits,” he declares. “And when I say everything, I mean everything: three cameras, three lenses, computer, drone, and sometimes even clothes.”

And here’s a no-nonsense carry-on option courtesy of Bess Carey , director of people and culture at Atlas Obscura — as well as America’s favorite traveler, Rick Steves. “I’m embarrassed about how much I like this backpack,” Carey says. “My parents got it for me when I was in high school and headed to Europe on a trip where we were supposed to travel with just a carry-on. Nearly 20 years later, I am still using it for certain types of travel, even though I have nicer, fancier suitcases and a hiking backpack that I didn’t have back then.” Today’s model is “basically the same” as the one Carey’s parents got her back in 2002, which is still in usable condition. “I like it because it’s bare-bones,” she adds. “I never worry about it getting dirty, it absolutely doesn’t look worth stealing, either.”

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Home » Gear » best travel backpack

The BEST Travel Backpacks: (2024)

Did you know that the average human makes upwards of 35,000 decisions every single day? That’s a whole lotta deciding right? But in truth, some of life’s (many) decisions are more important than others. BIG decisions include what career to  pursue, who to marry and of course whether you should take the red pill, the blue pill (or both…_

So, in the grand scheme of things, choosing which travel backpack to buy may not seem all that important and yet take it from us (the experts), having the right backpack can sometimes make or break a trip. Seriously peeps, choosing which backpack to bring on a given trip is almost as important as choosing where to go.

Your travel backpack will carry every single one of your possessions on the road and will become your home. You need your chosen backpack to be strong, durable, comfortable, and compact enough to save you some space! Over the years, I have personally tried countless different backpacks and pushed them far past their limits.

So in this post I am going to channel all of that experience and knowledge in order to help you deuce what is the best travel backpack for your trip? Let’s go find out.

Quick Answer: These are the Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

So why choose to travel with a backpack, travel backpack: the best overall for 2024, the best carry on travel backpacks, best travel backpacks for hiking, best backpacks for digital nomads, the best backpacks for travel photographers, other special travel backpacks worth considering, what makes a good travel backpack, the great backpacker debate (must read), faq about the best travel backpack, conclusion of the best travel backpacks mega-list.

• #1 Nomatic 40L Travel Bag – The Best Overall Backpack
• #2 Tropicfeel Shell  – Best Organised Travel Backpack
• #3 Osprey Aether Plus 70L  – Best Long Term Travel Backpack for Men (Large)
• #4 Osprey Farpoint 40L   – Best Travel Backpack (Carry on)
• #5 Osprey Aura 50L  – Best Large Long Term Travel Backpack (Womens )
• #6 Osprey Airscape UNLTD – Best Travel & Hiking Backpack
• #7 Tortuga Travel Pack  –Best Full-Size Carry On (Unisex)
• #8 Osprey Ozone  – Best Travel Bag with Wheels
• #9 WANDRD PRVKE 31  – Best Camera Backpack for Travel
• #10 Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack  – Best Travel Bag for Laptops

Nomatic 40L Travel Bag

• Liters > 30L and 40L
• Material > Tarpaulin/Ballistic Weave
• Best Use > Travel, digital nomad lifestyle, weekend trips

Osprey Men’s Aether Plus 70

• Price > $$$
• Liters > 70L
• Material > 210D high-tenacity nylon
• Best Use > Backpacking

Osprey Farpoint 40

• Liters > 40L
• Material > 450D recycled twist dobby polyester
• Best Use > Travel, international backpacking, urban lifestyle

Osprey Aura 50

• Liters > 50L
• Material > 210D honeycomb recycled nylon
• Best Use > Trekking, backpacking, hiking, international travel

Osprey Airscape UNLTD

• Price > $$$$
• Liters > 68L
• Material > 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop
• Best Use > Hiking, international backpacking,

Tropicfeel Shell

• Liters > 22-40
• Material > Polyester – 60% recycled material, 100% recycled nylon

Tortuga Travel Pack

• Material > SHELL200D Recycled Polyester

Osprey Ozone

• Liters > 38L
• Material > 100-denier recycled high-tenacity NanoFly nylon
• Best Use > Travel, international wheelpacking

WANDRD PRVKE 31

• Liters > 31-36L
• Material > Combination of tarpaulin and robic nylon
• Best Use > Travel photography

Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack

• Liters > 25L
• Material > 900D heathered polyester
• Best Use > Travel, digital nomad lifestyle, carry on, day pack

Ok so why should you travel with a backpack rather than suitcase? Well, ultimately it depends on where you are going and your travel style.

For example, the cobbled streets of Europe, dirt roads of Nepal, and busy bus stations around the world are quite simply not suitcase friendly. In these environments your suitcase is likely to get damaged, get in the way and, in general, piss you off. Trust me, carrying your suitcase because the wheels have fallen off while you search for the hostel, is not a great start to a trip.

And, if you are planning to visit multiple destinations and using public transport, a suitcase is simply not practical and you will hate yourself for bringing one!

Backpacks also look kind of cool whereas suitcases just make you look like a tourist.

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Crucially, when traveling with a backpack your hands are free to use Google Maps to find your hostel, tackling stairs is not a problem, and you can officially join the backpacker hordes! No one likes a suitcase.

Still not convinced? What if I told you that once you invest in the best travel bag you shouldn’t ever need to buy another one! A good quality travel backpack lasts years and does not get damaged as easily as suitcases. I’ve been dragging my pack around the globe for nearly ten years and it’s still going strong.

The best backpacks for travel will be flexible in size and shape so when they are not full, there is more chance that you can take them on board planes. Some traveling backpacks even come with detachable day packs to make things even easier.

Why Should You Trust Us?

The Broke Backpacker team have been travelling and living out of their own backpacks for years now. Collectively, we must have 200+ years of travel experience and, by now, know what it takes to be successful on the road. We are experts in our field and take great pleasure in presenting the best possible gear to you.

Let’s kick this off with what I feel are the absolute TOP backpacks to travel with.

#1 Nomatic Travel Bag 40L

• Dimemsions: 22.86 x 53.34 x 35.56 cm
• Weight: 1.55 kg
• Looks sexy!
• Modern and efficient
• Tons of room
• Lots of awesome features
• Carry on size

Nomatic bags are designed to be modern, sleek, and provide ultimate packing efficiency. This is accomplished by great design: tons of features, and more pockets and sleeves than you’ll know what to do with.

The Nomatic Travel Pack 40L is widely acclaimed as the perfect travel pack for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its meticulously designed organization system sets it apart. The pack features an array of compartments and pockets that are intelligently laid out, ensuring that every item has its specific place. This includes a dedicated laptop and tablet compartment, a secure RFID safe pocket, and a versatile main compartment that can expand or contract based on your packing needs.

The bag can seamlessly transition from a 40L check-in bag to a slimmer, day pack by simply adjusting the expansion zipper, making it incredibly versatile for different types of trips. The thoughtful design extends to the inclusion of a cord management system and a magnetic water bottle pocket, making it incredibly convenient to stay organized and access essentials on the go. Whether you need a backpack for a business trip  or are a digital nomad traveling the world, this will keep your laptop and valuables well secured all while looking stylish.

Read our full review of the Nomatic Travel Bag!

#2 Aer Travel Pack 3 – Our Favorite Backpack to Travel With Runner Up

• Volume: 35 liters
• Dimemsions: 55 x 33 x 22
• Weight: 1.87 kg
• Multiple compartments for organization
• Lots of potential customization

Here at The Broke Backpacker, we are big fans of AER – and the Travel Bag is one of their best backpacks to date. This bag has gotten a ton of (much deserved) hype and it’s our pick for the best overall travel backpack!

The AER Travel Pack 3 is a testament to functional design and urban style, ideal for the modern traveler who values efficiency and aesthetics. This pack is crafted from high-quality, water-resistant materials, ensuring durability and protection against the elements. a wonderful backpack for digital nomads on the go. It can fit your laptop as well as any other travel gear you tote around. Use it as a daypack around town or bring it on the pane for one bag travel.

There are many different compartments, pockets, and zippers to keep you organized. There’s a laptop sleeve and a very handy place just for shoes. With its blend of durability, organization, and style, the AER Travel Pack 3 stands as an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and fashionable travel companion.

The minimalist outer design helps deter thieves, and what the outside lacks in pockets it makes up for with well-designed internal storage.

Read our Aer Travel Pack 2 review to learn more about thus bag!

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#3 Osprey Men’s Aether Plus 70 – Best For Backpacking (Men)

• Dimemsions: 83.82 x 38.1 x 35.56 cm
• Weight: 2.81 kg
• Convertible top-lid day pack.

The Osprey Aether is in our view, the quintessential backpackers backpack. If you headed to Southeast Asia for a few month, or maybe going on a backcountry hiking trip, then this arguably the PERFECT backpack.

It’s offers a whopping 70 litres of storage and has all the advantages that every pack from the Osprey brand offers. (the Osprey ‘All-Mighty Guarantee’ , durability, comfort). Several of us here at TBB use this pack for all of our backpacking trips and I have carried mine across 5 continents now. It has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep things extra organized plus An AirScape back panel to keep you cool on the warmest adventures. I can guarantee it’ll last a lifetime, if you don’t believe me, just ask Osprey!

Literally guys, they put a lifetime guarantee on every single product they sell to prove it. The only downside to this pack is you can’t avoid checked luggage fee’s with this bad boy as its too big. But at least you don’t have to dump any stuff! This is hands down one of the best backpacks for traveling around the world on a longer adventure.

Check out our review of the Aether 70 backpack to learn more!

#4 Osprey Aura 50 – Best For Backpacking (Women)

• Dimemsions: 81.28 x 38.1 x 30.48 cm
• Weight:  1.86 kg
• Anti-Gravity Suspension
• Floating top-lid replaceable with FlapJacket
• Multiple organisation options.

The ladies-specific Osprey Aura is the best travel backpack for the female form. This is a high-quality backpack for women traveling on epic short or long haul adventures. Osprey as a brand are awesome and they guarantee to last many adventures! Seriously, all Osprey travel bags come with a lifetime guarantee making them undeniably the best value backpacks.

With the unique built-in Anti-Gravity suspension system, this bag is designed to carry up to 40lbs without the carrier even noticing! Meaning this travel backpack is stable, strong and can carry the weight without you having to suffer for it! If you’re a lady hitting the road, this is the travel backpack I recommend.

Overall, you should get the Osprey Aura 50 if you are traveling in a variety of weather (humidity and snow) and hike and backpack often. This backpack will be a great fit if you are looking for a high-quality backpack that can handle wear and tear.

Check out our awesome Osprey Aura 50 review!

#5 Osprey Airscape UNLTD – Best Hiking & Travel Backpack

• Dimemsions: 81.28 x 40.64 x 38.1 cm
• Weight:  2.72 kg
• Cutting edge super comfy back support
• Lid detaches into a day pack

The Osprey Airscape is one of two spanking hiking packs launched by the world’s leading backpack brand’s as part of its UNLTD series. The Airscape UNLTD is a 68 litre hiking and travel backpack that utilises cutting edge, 3D printing technology to create an ultra comfy, supportive and breathable lumbar, back support.

Whilst there are too many little features to list in this section (read on for the full run down), another major bonus is the 8l top lid that converts to an 18l day pack which brings a whole new dimension to the pack. 

Alas, the Osprey Airscape UNLTD also comes with a hefty $750 price tag which by far makes it the most expensive backpack that I have ever come across. Whether it is really worth that amount of money is of course debatable but what I can say is that this is by far the most comfortable hiking backpack that I have ever tried.

I have about four different travel backpacks now. For longer trips I generally use my Osprey Aether, but I also have a number of carry on backpacks which I use for shorter trips.

And hear this, these days it is increasingly common for airlines to charge separately for checked bags and it can often increase the price of the ticket by 50%. As such, if you only travel with a compact backpack you can save a fortune on luggage fees and simply take your backpack on a flight as carry-on. Budget backpacking win right there!

Below are some of my favorite backpacks that I use as a carry-on. If you’d like to learn more about these sort of bags, then be sure to head over our comprehensive guide on the top carry-on backpacks to take traveling!

#1 Osprey Farpoint 40 L  – Best Carry-on Backpack (Men)

• Dimemsions: 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm
• Weight: 1.59 kg
• Large panel zip access to main compartment.
• Stowaway backpanel, harness and hipbelt with zippered rear flap for protection.
• Laptop and tablet sleeve secure in lockable compartment.

Overall, you should get the Osprey Farpoint 40 if you are traveling the world, and like to pack super light (like me). If you are looking for a nearly indestructible carry on backpack which can actually carry, and compartmentalize, a lot of stuff – this backpack might be your match made in heaven.

Because of it’s 40 liter size, the Farpoint 40 is a near-guarantee to carry on no matter the airline. This will save you hundreds of dollars in checking fees, and countless hours waiting in baggage claim. And as we will look at later, there is plenty of space to make sure that light-traveling does not mean bad-traveling.

In my opinion, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is the best value carry on backpack on the market right now. Check out our epic Osprey Farpoint review here . 

#2 Osprey Fairview 40  – Best Carry-on Backpack (Women)

• Size: 40 Liters
• Dimemsions: 53.34 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm
• All of the pros of the Osprey Farpoint 40.
• A hiking and carry-on backpack specifically designed to fit women!

The Osprey Fairview 40 was designed specifically for girls and women – making this category an easy choice! To clarify for the ladies… ANY of the bags mentioned prior can be used for women. Whether you are interested in Minaal, Tortuga, AER, or any of the others – all of these bags are unisex. Except for the Osprey Fairview 40, which was designed specifically for women.

This travel backpack can transform into a duffel bag, which is made even more awesome by the included shoulder strap, and the ability to stow the bag’s harness and hip belt. At a square 40 liters, you’ll rarely have to worry about this bag being checked.

If you are a lady, and want all of the glory of Osprey in a bag that is specifically designed for you, then hell yes! Please, don’t be hesitant to purchase any of the other bags (as they are all unisex!) but if you want a badass hiking pack that also functions as a carry on backpack, this is an easy pick.

#3 Peak Design Travel Pack – Best 30l Carry On Travel Pack

• Capacity: 30 litres
• Dimemsions: 53cm x 34cm x 20cm
• Weight: 1.44 kg
• Price: $250
• Great organisational capacity
• Extends to 33L
• Amazing for organization
• Comfy to carry and fits under the seat

The Peak Design 30L Travel Pack is built with the modern traveler in mind. Its 30-liter capacity is perfect for weekend getaways or even extended travel if you pack light. The bag’s sleek design isn’t just about looks; it’s also about function. Its adjustable compartments allow for a customized fit for your belongings, while its innovative side access points provide convenience in retrieving items without having to dig through the entire bag. The expansion zippers give you the flexibility to accommodate extra items when needed, making it an adaptable companion for various travel durations.

I have been incredibly impressed by this travel pack and it has now accompanied me on a free weekend rips already. What I really love about it is how well organised I can get with my packing – everything has its place and there are enough zips and pockets to stash all of those little odds and ends. In terms of downsides, the packs material is thick and robust but not all that nice to the touch. The bag does also feel a bit heavier than it looks.

Finally I personally find that 30 litres is only ever enough storage for a few nights worth of traveling but perhaps thats just me – I do after all travel with a hair-dryer. Fortunately though there is a 40 litre version available.

#4 Tortuga Travel Pack  – Best Full Size Carry-on

• Size:  45 litres
• Dimemsions: 47 x 30 x 23
• Weight:  1.5 kg
• The design will leave you fairly impressed
• It has tons of pockets/compartments
• It packs huge – you can put A LOT in it

The first thing I noticed when packing my new Tortuga Travel Pack, was just how massive the main compartment was. It has the capacity to carry a ton of clothes. If you are a world traveler, then this is great because it means you have to do less laundry – score! And yet despite its generous capacity, the new and improved version of the Tortuga Travel pack was custom designed to for carry on meaning that it complies with the limits for pretty much every airline in the world.

Its a cleverly designed pan too. The Travel Pack by Tortuga’s design enables its the main compartment to be opened like a suitcase; this is far more convenient than a traditional backpackers backpack. Reaching my stuff was simple, and because of the organization of the compartments, it was easy to know what was where.

Inside the main compartment are six smaller compartments. The first four smaller compartments are enclosed within the main compartment. The Tortuga Travel Pack is still without a doubt one of the best backpacks on the market. It’s quality build, intuitive design, fantastic organization, and smaller size make it the perfect compact travel bag for anyone who wants to travel light, but travel in style.

Check out out our must-read full Tortuga Travel Pack review .

#5 Tropicfeel Shell Backpack – Best Backpack for Organizing

• Size: 22-40 litres
• Dimemsions: 51 x 30 x 19 cm
• Really fucking versatile
• Packs up easily
• Fairly priced

The Shell by Tropicfeel is a little to medium backpack sized with a big concept. Firstly, it is a 3 in 1 extendable backpack that begins life as a 22 liter pack, rolls up to 30 litres and then with the addition of a detachable pouch goes all the way to 40 litres.

As well as being a 3-in-1 backpack (which you can easily adapt to use as day pack, overnight pack and carry-on pack), the Shell also has another awesome feature – a little, mini drop in pull out travel roll up wardrobe! With multiple compartments, you can easily pack and unpack all of your belongings. For a quick outfit change at the airport, this is ideal.

This is a VERY unique and special pack and it seriously impressed me. While not all of you will want this kind of pack, it has won itself a delisted fanbase. I also just love how mega-stylish this bag is too. Keeping everything tidy, easily accessible and organized during your travels has never been so easy. On top of that, the recycled material is also weather and water-resistant.

Want to know more about the company, we’ve done a full review of TropicFeel just for you!

A lot of people like to go hiking while they are out traveling the world. To do so, they need a special type of travel backpack, one that can go further, carry more, and last longer.

Aside from the Osprey Aether and Aura, here are a couple more options when looking for a good bag to go traveling and hiking with. If you would like to read more about these special pieces of gear, then be sure to check out our ENORMOUS hiking backpack guide !

#1 Osprey Aether Plus 85 Backpack – A BIG Travel Backpack

• Dimemsions: 86.36 x 40.64x 40.64 cm
• Removable top lid w/compartment and waterproof zipper
• Converts to a lumbar pack with AirScape lumbar pad

Looking to head into the back country in search of adventure? Whether it is a couple of days hiking or an epic adventure The Osprey Aether Plus 85 backpack is the best travel backpack on the market by far.

I’ve been adventuring with my Aether for nearly ten years now. The best thing about Osprey is that they operate an all-mighty guarantee. This means that they will repair any damage done to your pack, no questions asked, for free. However, note that in recent years they have amended this guarantee and it now excludes wear & tear, water damage and airline damage.

The Osprey Aether Plus 85 is a big expedition backpack; it’s 85 liters, extremely comfortable thanks to the custom-molded hip belt, is compatible with hydration systems, has plenty of sections for storage and can easily be loaded up with a ton of stuff – I once strapped three tents to the outside and had a fourth tent on the inside plus cooking equipment, sleeping bags, food, clothes, electronics etc…

#2 Osprey Skarab 30 – A Smaller Backpack for Shorter Journeys

• Dimemsions: 53.34 x 27.94 x 25.4 cm
• Weight: 0.74 kg
• Walking pole attachments
• Adjustable BIOFIT back system

For the days when you venture into the wilderness or walk the market streets, you need a pack that is both comfortable and practical. I’ve been using my Osprey Skarab for three years now as my go-to backpack for shorter adventures or hikes.

It’s one hell of a pack and is the best budget backpack I’ve come across. It’s pretty cheap considering the quality and it has plenty of pockets for storage, a padded hip belt, a safety whistle on the chest strap (always handy!) and an in-built rain cover.

The Osprey Skarab backpack is 30 liters so it’s a backpack best for weekends or ultralight hiking rather than long expeditions where you have to carry tents and food. It can just about handle long trips but space is limited so whilst it is one of the best backpacks for travel, it wouldn’t be my first choice for a long trip. For more intel check out our full-length Osprey Skarab review .

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. 😉

#3 Deuter Aircontact Core 65 + 10 Pack – A Cheaper Travel Backpack Osprey-Alternative

• Dimensions: 84.07 x 32 x 27.94 cm
• Weight: 2.25 kg
• 15% perspiration control
• Dimemsions:

Hands down, this is one of the best backpacks for hiking. This is a fantastic backpack for those looking for comfort, support, breathability and freedom of movement. This backpack is absolutely one of my best picks and if it wasn’t for my trusty Osprey, I would probably be a Deuter man.

These days, traveling without a laptop is just not going to happen. For many of us, a laptop is just as essential as a phone and if you are a digital nomad hitting the road, you need to protect your baby. So amigos, let me share the best travel backpacks for digital nomads and laptop lovers.

#1 Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack – Best Travel Backpack for Digital Nomads

• Size: 25 liters
• Weight:  1.27 kg
• Very functional
• High-quality manufacturing
• Super organized

This one is pretty obvious – the Setout Laptop Backpack is great for…. laptops! But seriously, if you are looking for a sturdy pack to carry your laptop around– look no further, this bad boy is as good as it gets. This is for a few reasons.

First off, Tortuga Backpacks are possibly some of the most well designed and durable backpacks on the market. We’ve reviewed tons of Tortuga products and they all have an incredible amount of detail to them, and are made of the highest quality materials. High quality/durable materials means your precious laptop will be safe and sound.

Simply put, this backpack has tons of organization features, all of which are designed specifically for laptops. Notice in the pictures above and below, that this bag is loaded with ways to keep your gear safe, and very organized. Tortuga markets this bag as an “organized daypack for air travel” – and it’s certainly true!

The design and features of this backpack make it perfect for air travel. Whether it’s the sleek laptop sleeve, the easy to lock zippers, the luggage handle pass through or the hideaway shoulder straps, this bag thrives in airports and airplanes.

Check out our in-depth Tortuga Setout Laptop backpack review . 

#2 High Spirit Laptop Backpack – Supreme Organization, Style, and Security

• Size: 19.5 liters
• Extremely well made
• Durable shock-absorbing base

High Spirit Bags have broken onto the travel backpack scene with an emphatic BANG. Their brand new Laptop Backpack is the perfect choice for travelers who prioritize style , security, and functionality all rolled up into one tidy package.

Every inch of the Laptop Backpack is thoughtfully designed to provide the best possible user experience. The high quality leather exterior is the ideal combination of sleek and anti-theft – which when you are toting around expensive electronics – this feature is very important.

Perhaps my favorite feature is the pack’s access design. The zippers are located on the back panel making it virtually impossible for thieves to unzip your backpack whilst you are wearing it. The organizational layout of this backpack provides more than enough storage options for your work day in the city or a weekend jaunt to Barcelona.

Surprisingly, the High Spirt Laptop Backpack is much more affordable than many other laptop-focused travel backpacks out there. The verdict is in: you are not going to find a more high-quality laptop backpack that looks and functions this well for the given price point (£110).

#3 Arcido Akra 35L – A Large yet Lightweight Travel Backpack

• Dimemsions: 55 X 35 X 20 cm
• Weight:  1.7 kg
• Sleek, stylish design
• Super lightweight makes travel easy
• Organized + customizable

This is the perfect carry on travel backpack for urban travelers. Its laptop harness, organizational pockets, and integrative packing cubes (in the Arcido Akra and Vaga Daypack Bundle ) make this the perfect travel backpack for digital nomads too.

At only 2.4 lbs, this is a lightweight backpack for travel that can become even lighter when the sternum straps and waist belt are removed. In essence, Arcido makes simple, tough, and well-designed travel backpacks equipped with enough storage and organizational features make any modern traveler happy. We love that this is an affordable backpack for its high-quality design.

Check out our full Arcido Akra review!

#4 Incase Icon Pack – One of the Toughest Laptops Bags

• Size: 9 x 13 x 19 inches
• Dimemsions: 48.26 x 33.02 x 22.86 cm
• Dedicated laptop compartment
• Multiple organisation options
• Airflow channels in back panel

The Incase Icon Pack is a great travel backpack if you’ll be working on the road and need a sturdy, durable pack to keep your laptop safe while exploring new areas. Featuring multiple exterior and interior pockets, the Icon laptop backpack allows maximum organisation and easy access to your belongings, with a dedicated laptop compartment to stow your gear away safely.

Check out our in-depth breakdown of the best laptop backpacks for more intel!

Photographers need to be very mindful of their gear while traveling. Rough rides and constant movement can imperil sensitive camera equipment, so it’s very important to have a reliable backpack that can keep everything safe.

These are a few more good travel backpacks, this time with the photographers and aspiring photographers in mind. If these suggestions aren’t enough, we’ve also written an in-depth guide to choosing the best camera backpacks too!

#1 WANDRD PRVKE 31  – Best Travel Camera Backpack

• Size: 31 Liters
• Dimemsions: 48 X 30 X 18 cm
• Expandable roll top
• Large enough for travel camera + 3-4 lenses
• Additional straps for accessories

For those who want a backpack that can does a little bit of everything, is durable, and looks damn good in the process, the WADNRD PRVKE 31 is an excellent investment. At 31 (expandable to 36) liters, this backpack can hold quite a bit and there are plenty more pockets to hold everything else. Thanks to its robust weather-resistant design, your belongings will be safe as well. Add in some customizable straps and sleek sexy design and you have a backpack that can do damn near anything.

Though the PRVKE 31 has lots of padding and additional straps for distributing weight, it lacks certain key features that make it truly adept at carrying heavier loads. During our tests, both of the women on our trip struggled somewhat while carrying this bag as it did not fit snugly against their bodies.

I was impressed with the number of customizable options that PRVKE 31 offered. Between the many loops found on the pack as well as the ability to attach adjustable accessory straps (sold separately), users will be able to find many alternative means of packing. Overall, a badass camera backpack!

Read our WANDRD PRVKE 31 review!

#2 Nomatic Peter Mckinnon Camera Bag  – Best Travel Camera Backpack

• Size: 35 liters
• Dimemsions: 55.88 x 34.29 x 22.86 cm
• Weight:  2.61 kg
• Expands to 42 liters
• Can hold a full-frame camera, multiple lenses, and a small drone
• Doubles as a great short-term travel backpack

This is the first true camera bag offered by Nomatic. Inspired and designed by legendary Youtuber and renowned photographer Peter Mckinnon, this 35 liter backpack is already a top competitor of the Wandrd PRVKE 31.

Built to last and with the traveling photographer in mind, the Nomatic Camera Bag is ultra-functional, durable, and sleek. Small enough to be a carry on, yet big enough to support extended weekend trips, the 35 liters offered here makes this bag ideal for photographers who find themselves frequently out on overnight/ inner-city trips.

The drawback: to get the most of this bag, you really need to go for the bundle package – which comes with all of the nice accessories that make this backpack great. If you have the money, going for the Nomatic Camera Bag is an excellent investment and is probably an all-around better backpack then the WANDRD 31 when all of the accessories and features are added up.

Read our Nomatic Camera Pack review !

Sometimes traveling calls for a unique bag. Maybe you’re a weekend warrior who needs something both professional and rugged. Maybe you just like to mix things up. Either way, these backpacks maybe more appropriate for you.

#1 Osprey Ozone 4-Wheel – Top Wheeled Backpack for Travel

• Size: 38 Liters
• Weight: 2.27 kg
• Will attach to any of the wheeled luggage by Osprey
• Can be combined with other Osprey bags to make a nimble beast

Wheeled luggage sometimes get a bad reputation. We’ve all seen those travelers trying to roll giant pieces luggage around cobble stone streets or busy Asian alleys, clearly in over their head. But wheeled backpacks are different. …

Designed for the savvy traveler, Osprey Ozone 4-Wheel Carry-On Wheeled Luggage is pretty much one of the best travel backpacks out there. The padded hip-belt and shoulder harness stow away for easy transport. It can clip on to the wheeled range by osprey for easy transport and it is super breathable. It even has an inside zipped compartment perfect for smelly hiking boots!

I’ve been using this pack on and off for two years: you can fit a TON of stuff in it – a genuinely surprising amount considering it still qualifies as hand luggage most of the time – however, once it’s heavy it quickly becomes a tad uncomfortable – not ideal if you plan on taking it hiking. This is one of the best backpacks for travel if you have a ton of valuables you want to keep in your hand luggage – i.e. if you are a digital nomad!

#2 REI Co-Op Flash 55 – An Excellent Budget Backpack

• Dimensions: 76.2 x 35.56 x 30.48 cm
• Weight: 1.28 kg
• Perfect-Fit suspension for on-body adjustments
• Easy access
• Budget-friendly

Although a little smaller than the Osprey Aether (and not as well-built), the REI Flash 55 still makes for a quality backpack for travel on long haul minimalist trips and weekend backpacking missions.

Ideal for use in both cities and in the mountains, the Flash 55 is a versatile, sturdy backpack with multi-functional pockets, a comfortable, suspension- supported fit, and easy access compartments allowing you to get to your essentials whenever you need to. This is one of the best hiking bags around for under $200.

Coming in just under $200, this pack features 8 external pockets plus a main compartment, making packing for your adventure a breeze. Combine this with a breathable back frame and comfortable hip belt, this is a great go-to for your weekend backpacking trips and more. I’ve used this pack primarily in desert climates, and typically tried to keep the overall packed weight under 35 lbs, and it’s yet to fail me.

All that being said, there are a few things I don’t love about the bag. For starters, the zipper pouch on the back side is made from a ripstop nylon material, which I found to be super inconvenient.. Another small complaint I had was the option to not include a rain cover for the bag. The nylon exterior can fend off small mistings of from mother nature, but anything more would more than likely render the bag (and your belongings inside) rather soaked and heavy.

Picking the best backpack to travel with doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive…

It’s easy to grab a great discount deal from a top brand and, to be honest, if you buy anything from Osprey, AER, or Tortuga you won’t be disappointed. However, not all backpacks are created equal and there’s a few factors you should always look at when picking a backpack for traveling…

1. The Right Travel Backpack Size

Size is a personal choice and the best travel packs have no definitive size. If you are a medium to long term traveler who needs more space for camping gear, who wants to pick up lots of trinkets or who travels with a full wardrobe then you need a 60-liter minimum backpack. I have seen some backpackers make do with 50 litre packs, and while I applaud them, they are definitely freaks!

Larger backpacks however mean checked baggage fees and you are less likely to be able to take your backpack into the bus with you -instead you’ll have to strap it to the roof and hope it doesn’t rain (rain covers do exist mind).

The smaller your travel bag, the less you can take, but the big bonus is no checked bag fees and it’s easier to keep tabs on your pack at all times. If you can keep your backpack below fifty liters you will save a fortune when flying. However the reality is that small bags are usaally too small for trips that last longer than a week to maybe two.

Think carefully about the size of your pack and what’s best for you – the best backpacks for travel are different for everyone. Personally, I travel with a seventy liter pack as I am often carrying camping gear.

2. Straps on Your Travel Backpack

Carrying everything you need to travel the world on your back doesn’t come lightly… even when you pack light! Wandering lost, trying to find a hostel in the heat of the day with a travel bag is not fun, even the lightest packers will agree.

To combat this, the best backpacks will include well designed load bearing straps to help turn that heavy backpack into a fairly light backpack.

The aim of the game is to take weight off your shoulders and onto the hips. This is significantly better for you and you can walk, climb and even jump around pretty comfortably if your pack’s weight is distributed evenly. These days most larger backpacks include hip belts as standard.

For me, quality hip belts are what makes a great travel backpack. Without a hip belt, even the best backpack in the world can turn into a nightmare. Some traveling backpacks have heat-molded custom made hip belts that may appear somewhat gimmicky but are very comfortable.

Your shoulder straps are equally important and should be comfortable to wear, without the hip belt. Look for shoulder straps that have plenty of padding.

3. Pockets, Pockets, POCKETS

Well organised travel bags make the best travel bags. There’s nothing more annoying than a typical backpack which only opens from the top meaning that each and every time you need something you’ll be pulling literally, everything else but that, out.

Pockets alleviate this problem; allowing you to assign certain segments of your travel backpack to particular items (e.g. clothes, toiletries, passport and money) for easier access. The best pocket is a U-shaped opening pocket as this allows easy access.

4. Travel Backpack Weight

Great travel backpacks are those which are as light as a feather. Sadly these don’t really exist and instead, you need to consider the best weight for what you’ll be doing. Backpacks themselves are not weightless, the heavier the frame, the more weight you have to start with.

In general, you want to go for the lightest, but toughest, pack you can find. Gregory Packs are some of the lightest packs on the market but they are simply not as tough as Osprey or AER and that is there downfall…

5. How Comfortable Should a Travel Backpack Be?

Your travel backpack will become your new best friend, it’s where you will store all of your shit, it will basically become your home; therefore you need to try and choose the most comfortable backpack.

You’ll find the best travel pack by trying it on in the store before buying. When trying it on, load it up with some weight to take it for a proper test drive. I strongly recommend trying a bunch of different backpacks on at an REI or Outdoor Store before making your choice.

When it comes to fitting a backpack , you want an even distribution of weight across your hips, shoulders and chest, and to make sure there are no pressure points that may cause the bag to rub or pinch as you walk. Cushioned shoulder pads and padded hip belts are always a winner my friends…

The better your hip belt, the better your pack will sit upon your body and the more comfortable it will be.

6. Material and Construction of a Good Travel Backpack

So it’s raining and you’re still trying to find your hostel? Or you can see your backpack from the plane window waiting to be loaded and it’s sitting in the rain? ( Fuck you Kingfisher Airlines ). Water-resistant material is essential when traveling!

Your bag will be exposed to rain, puddles or leaks at some point. There’s nothing worse than opening the bag to find your clothes soaked and stinking or worse, your electronics damaged. The most durable backpacks are made from strong, durable, stretchy, waterproof material.

So look out for backpack material that will last for years – the last thing you want is a ripped bag halfway through your travels!

Does the sound of having a super-durable backpack speak to you? Check out our in-depth best heavy duty backpacks review!

7. Best Travel Backpacks for Men vs Women

There are literally thousands of backpacks for traveling on the market and the best packs tend to be made with one gender or another in mind. Unisex backpacks usually will fit pretty much anybody but you can get a man’s backpack, which will take into account broad shoulders, for the same price so I definitely recommend finding a gender-specific backpack when you hit the road.

Finding the best female travel bag requires more research than nice colors and comfortable straps. I am, of course not a woman. So to help me out on this I spoke to a bunch of kick-ass women adventurers for advice.

Size is perhaps the most important consideration along with comfortable straps and weight distribution. This doesn’t mean that women have to buy travel bags specifically for them, but the feedback from my girlfriend and friends; is that they’re so much better.

Other than the different design for a typical woman’s body, there is not much difference between the women’s and the men’s travel backpacks. Most of the points that you’ll below apply to both genders so keep these in mind.

Generally speaking, backpackers are some of the most warming, understanding, agreeable people on the planet.

But there is one decisive issue among backpackers.

To travel with a carry on backpack, OR to travel with a large backpack ?

This has proven to be quite the epic debate. Every backpacker has an opinion on the topic, making it difficult for newbie travelers to know which side to pick, and most importantly, which bag to buy.

Let’s go over both options.

In Favor of a Big Backpack (60L – 80L)

The most obvious reason to have a larger backpack is that you can carry more stuff! A 65-70 liter backpack can hold all kinds of extra items from food to gear to photography/videography equipment!

Now not everyone is going to want or necessarily need to deal with all of these extra pieces of kit. More kit means more weight, more check-in fees, and more tedious packing and unpacking sessions. Ultimatly, you should only be packing what you need.

How About 50 Litres?

Some backpackers prefer to use 50 litre backpacks. They offer the comfort and durability of “proper” big backpacks but obviously are lighter and carry less stuff making them lighter again. Honestly, a litre backpack feels really nice to carry and they are easy to throw on and take off bus roofs.

However. While some travellers a 50 litre backpack to be something of a “not too big not too small” sweetspot, I actually find them to occupy a bit of a neversphere. What I mean is that they are too big to take as carry on but (for me) not big enough for a proper long trip. Personally, my view is that you are going to go with a full sized pack, go with 60 litres. Even if you don’t use all 60, at least you have room for souvernirs.

• Can accommodate extra gear for hiking, camping, etc
• Great if traveling to colder destinations
• Great when traveling off the beaten path
• More room=more options
• Additional strain on your back
• Have to check it on airplanes and buses
• Many travelers simply don’t need it
• Not as ideal for urban travel

In Favor of a Carry On Bag (35L – 40L)

While traveling with a  60L+ bag might make sense for some people, it is completely unnecessary for other people. If you are a lighter packer, or maybe if you are just going away for the weekend, then need a 65L beast is too way much.

If this is you, then you may prefer a 40L, “carry on” size bag. To be fair, they are still a decent size and can carry a lot of stuff. If you are not any bringing camping or hiking gear, then a 40-50L bag can be more than enough to handle all of your stuff.

Traveling with a light bag means traveling with less stress. Less stress on your back, less stress in your bag, less stress in your life in general. Travelers who carry large bags often fill it with things they don’t need.

But traveling light does require a sense of dedication, and if this minimalist bag style doesn’t appeal to you, then go big baby!

• Less shit to worry about
• Less stress on your back
• If your bag is under 40L, you don’t have to check it
• Great for urban travel
• Forget about camping, trekking or hitchhiking
• Limited space means less stuff
• Not a great option if you want to bring a lot of clothes

Should you get a Large or Carry On Backpack?

This is completely up to you and will ultimately depend on your travel style.

Take into consideration the type of person you are… is traveling super lightweight attractive to you? Do you plan to go camping around the world ? Do you plan to travel mostly to cities? Will you be flying a lot and want to avoid luggage fees?

By determining your travel plans and travel style, you’ll be able to better make a selection for which travel bag is best for you

If you still have some questions then no problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

How can you find the right travel backpack for you?

Comfort, durabilty, size and prize are the main factors that determine a good backpack. Make sure you measure your torso and find out how much capacity you need for your gear during your trip. Then choose from the remaining options accordingly.

Is a 40L backpack big enough for Travelling?

Unless you’re travelling extremely minimalistic, long term travel can be tricky with only 40L. For short term travel however, it’s abolutely enough.

What is the best value travel backpack?

The Nomatic Travel Bag 40L is a great value backpack since it offers the best bang for your buck that you could find on the market. However, the Aer Travel Pack 3 is a strong competitor.

Are there any good budget backpack options?

The REI Co-Op Flash 55 is an excellent budget option. With 55L and high quality material, the Flash 55 is a versatile, sturdy backpack.

Which is the best travel backpack brand?

For us, the obvious choice is Osprey as they hit the right price point, the backpacks are durable and they offer a big variety of styles.

So there you have it amigos, the best tips to help you find the best travel packs for your upcoming adventures. The packs featured here are our personal favourites and we can vouch for each and every one of them.

Still not sure which backpack to buy? Well to nicely summarise it all for you, the best backpacks for travel are:

• The Nomatic Travel Bag 40L is the best overall travel bag for 2024.
• For the best hiking travel backpack, it is the Osprey Aether 70 …

You are now armed with all of the best options to find the best backpack for you! Our hope is that you find the backpack of your dreams and have many, many awesome adventures with your new best friend.

Now that you have your backpack, it’s time to check out our backpacking packing list for some ideas of what to put in it!

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!

Aiden Freeborn

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59 Comments

You can backpack with a surplus military rucksack and do well. Poorly chosen footwear, tho, not so much.

Lets not hype it too much. Any three of the comparable packs in size and intent would be usable for the length of that trip. For the experienced packer tho, you only get one pair of boots. Choose wisely – and carry extra socks.

I know most of the experienced packers would read right past the opening line, but someone wanting to try the trail for their first time to Devil’s Den would not be well served concentrating on a high end pack and hitting the trail head with flip flops.

Great detailed article. I ended up going with the Wandrd Prvke. I think i made an awesome choice. Really love the looks and functionality of the bag.

Hey Will, Thanks for your wounderful review. Actually I was using Pacsafe Metrosafe backpack and now I want to upgrade my backpack. I’ll go for Nomatic as exactly you said it is designed to be modern, sleek, and provide ultimate packing efficiency. Thank for this buying guide!

Glad you are enjoying the Nomatic Pack! Indeed, that pack is awesome. Cheers.

very informative article sir

Thanks for sharing. I’m the new in backpack travel. I was torn between nomatic backpack and zynego backpack. Although I know the popularity of these two bags cannot be compared, I am very interested in zynego’s ai intelligence system. I think I need help! hhh

Our top choice at the moment is the Nomatic backpack :). Cheers!

I use the Osprey Porter 30L as my Carry On, because I have NEVER had to check it in no matter what airline. Even on small regional flights, I had no issues with it as a Carry On. The Farpoint and Fairview are excellent bags, but depending on the airline, yoiu may have to check them in. That’s never an issue with the Osprey Porter 30L.

Same with my 35 liter Minaal 2.0 Never have to check it. Always allowed carry on. Best way to travel… light… quickly… easily.. one bag… carry on. Much more free feeling…

I missed Deuter act lite but I bought 60 + 10 liter for women and I am more than happy with it!

60 – 70 liters. WOW ! I would never want to be packing that much stuff. Why would you need to pack so much stuff and put so much strain on your body? I travel for months at a time with just a 35 liter convertible backpack and I find that’s plenty. Pick up and go. I never have to check a bag, always carry on. I used to travel with a 45 liter bag, but it was big, and I always had to check it at the airport and then hang around the carousel waiting for it at my destinations. Now I just carry my 35 liter bag on and toss it in the overhead and no waiting a carousels or wondering who’s handling my bag. One Bag…Carry On travel. I always travel for a minimum of two months at a time, and up to four months. One, 35 liter, convertible backpack.

Whoah, Thanks for the lovely post. A great help, hope you continue to do this more often. I really like studying your posts. Cheers!

Hey, I’m in a bit of a dilemma- I’m so used to suitcases and i’m doing my first backbacking trip around SE Asia for 5 weeks in aug-sept. I want to pack quite a few clothes and I’m travelling by plane between different cities. Should I still go for a backpack and what size would you recommend. I was thinking backpack because I want to get scooter Grabs, and also the terrain. I was thinking 60-70 because of the amount of stuff I wanna bring but I was told by a friend that it would break my back lol.

Pssshhhh!!! Don’t listen to them! You can totally take a 60L without a problem so long as you don’t have a pre-existing spinal problem. Just make sure the pack fitted right! Depending on how heavy you pack, you might not need all that stuff though. I’m in Thailand for 7 weeks with Nomatic’s 30L . (Don’t worry, they have laundry service everywhere!)

I’m in my 60’s and would never think of taking a 60 or 70 liter back pack. Too much stuff. And you will have to check it at the airport and possibly pay baggage fees. Why would you want to take lots of clothes? I take three pair of summer weight material zip off pants, three thin summer weight material Columbia shirts wit roll up sleeves and three pair of ex-officio underwear and a good pair of hiking sandals. So I wear one set of clothes, and my other two sets are “Ranger Army Rolled” and in packing cubes in my 35 liter backpack. There are cheap laundries everywhere there that will do a load for a buck or two. And you can even wash your clothes in the sink and shower and hang to dry in your hotel room or apartment. I go for months at a time in Southeast Asia and carry only my 35 liter Minaal 2.0 convertible backpack. So much easier to carry less stuff, and not have to check any bags. Just carry it on the plane and throw it in the overhead. No waiting at carousels, or worrying about other people being rough with your bag or having it being diverted to another country and not showing up. Minimalist, one small bag, carry on is the way to travel. And it’s becoming more popular.

60 – 70 liters. WOW ! I would never want to be packing that much stuff. Sounds like major Himalayan expedition for a few months. I travel for months at a time with just a 35 liter convertible backpack and I find that’s plenty. Pick up and go. Never check a bag, always carry on.

Hey thank you for writing this post. It’s really helpful 🙂

Hi I am not a frequent traveller though like travel. In a recent trip with a connection inDubai, i used an american tourister 35L backpack, which caused a heavy toll on my back. Is it due to the particular brand or backpacks as a whole. Please suggest a backpack that is Back’ frenly.

Hi Shephy, I don’t really know about that model specifically, but if you have no spinal issues normally, a well-made, well-fitted pack won’t give you problems. Make sure you have hip straps (and use them). You can have someone help you fit it properly and always pack the bag with the heaviest stuff closest to your spine. This helps maintain your normal posture.

Have you tried the Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L? I’m trying to decide between that one an the farpoint 40L. Thank you.

Hi Lucas, we have not tested the Eagle Creek backpack you mentioned, but we always recommend anything by Osprey…and the Farpoint is a solid choice!

Any suggestions for a woman with low back issues. I hurt my back last year and can no longer carry larger bags but love the freedom of having a backpack for travel. I’m also only about 5″3″ if that helps.

It’s recommended to have a backpack with hip straps if you’re traveling but in your case, I’d say it’s ESPECIALLY important to have sturdy and padded hip straps, even if it’s a smaller backpack. This will take most of the pressure off your back. The second key element will be to get it properly fitted, especially if you’re wearing a larger bag. You need to find the tension that works for your hip straps, shoulder straps, and stabilizers (if you have them). You can research this online or ask a professional at an outfitter – they’re usually willing to help, even if you didn’t purchase the pack in their store. Similarly, do research on how to mount the pack properly without doing more damage to your back. Lastly, manage the time that you’re carrying your pack. This will just take a little planning before you leave your hotel or get off your flight – take breaks when you need to and cut down on weight as much as possible. I hope you find that backpacking freedom again! See ya out there!

Jackie… take a look at the Minaal 2.0 It’s only 35 liters and is convertible to duffle or backpack. Get the optional waist belt for it. I did. It’s the only bag I take even when I go for months, and I never have to check it. No more waiting at carousels.. I’m 67, and still carry my own bag. No wheelie luggage. There are other 35 liter and even smaller bags out there. You don’t have to get a Minaal 2.0 It’s a pricey bag. But I love mine.

First of all, I’ve been scouring the Internet for any articles/blogs/videos/Reddit comments regarding backpacks that are optimal for people with lower back pain, as I have really bad lower back pain too. Second of all, I HIGHLY recommend you to check out a rolfer or a trained Structural Integration practitioner in your area. Saved me thousands in chiro fees and made me stand straight after years of lower back pain.

As for backpack choices, I suggest maybe 30L and below and with hip straps (maybe Tortuga Setout if you’re in the US) and/or load lifters. I personally am 6 ft and around 185lbs and decided to go with Thule Subterra 34L and Tortuga Setout 35L (for when I need to pack more stuff).

Hope your lower back issues can be fixed!

Thank you all so much!! I appreciate all of the advice!! I have seen a doctor and went through physical therapy for 3 months to get me pretty much back to normal. Unfortunately, heavy lifting still bothers my back and I need to be careful about how and how much I carry. With all of your suggestions I went to get fitted and learned even more about keeping your pack weighted correctly. They fitted me with the Osprey Sirrus 24 Hiking backpack which is a little too small for longer travel so I’m looking at getting the Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack. Smaller than the ones listed here but I think should be a good option for me. I haven’t bought one yet so I can’t speak to how it works for someone with back pain but I’m hoping it works well. Thanks!!

Yes, 24 liter might be a bit small for long term travel, although there are some minimalists who do travel long term with bags that small. I downsized from a 45 liter bag to a 35 liter convertible backpack. It’s great traveling lighter and being able to carry it on the plane and just toss it in the overhead. I spend months at a time in Southeast and South Asia with only that one 35 liter bag. No waiting at carousels and worrying about it going missing or being mishandled. I feel better not being over loaded down with stuff, not paying baggage fees. Becoming a minimalist one bag, carry on traveler takes adjusting, but is so much more freeing and enjoyable.

You should also start backing up the data you store on your device(s). If you don’t know where to start, you’ll want to dig into our guides covering iCloud backups and iTunes backups. Data loss issues are pretty rare, but there’s always a chance something gets lost in the shuffle as you transition to a new version of iOS.

Hi. Just wanted to leave some information on my trip that I just returned from. I used the Osprey Porter 30. Carry On bag only. I had one connection both ways of the trip. My trip was for three days, and I had no issues fitting what I needed in the bag and I was able to fit it under the seat in front of mine, even on the smaller planes. I stowed away the straps to do it, and it worked out great. One of the best travel investments I made. It also wasn’t uncomfortable walking through the terminals to my connections. I highly recommend the Osprey Porter 30 for shorter trips as a carry on bag. I love it.

Amazing! This makes traveling easier.

Thanks for the recommendations. I really like Osprey and was going to get the Farpoint 40, which because of you and others I know, is said to be an excellent carry on bag. That said, I opted for the Osprey Porter 30 because I need a bag that will ALWAYS be carry on size, no matter what airline I am flying on. I usually only need a bag to get me by for a few days and I am pretty good at packing what I need. This bag looks small on the outside, but it is bigger than it looks. I have no problem packing everything I need. I won’t be hiking, camping, or anything like that. Just needed a carry on bag. I may attach an Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack to it, but I really don’t need to.

I travel one bag, carry on also. So many great bags out there. Used to travel with a 45 liter convertible backpack, but was made to check it too often. So I bought the 35 liter Minaal 2.0 with zip away backpack strap. Can carry it like a duffle bag when I want. I’ve always been able to carry on my Minaal. Never had to check it. Love being a one bag, carry on traveler. Even when going for months, I only take my Minaal 2.0. It’s so freeing not taking so much stuff. I can’t believe the travelers I see with huge 70 – 120 liter expedition backpacks on their back, a second, smaller backpack on their front. Why ? We call them “Turtle Backpackers” Some of them with all that stuff also pulling a big wheelie suitcase. Unbelievable! That can’t be a comfortable way to travel. Impossible. I just toss my little 35 liter backpack on…and gone. For months at a time. Have safe flights and happy travels.

Good content with great pieces of information on traveling bags with so much variety.

Hi Will! Do you have any thoughts or experience with the Osprey Talon 44 as a travel pack in comparison to the osprey packs you mention?

I plan to travel for 1-3 months, fairly light, so I’m hopeful I can use it as a carryon in some cases. I know I want to to some hiking so a travel-specific pack is a no-go for me.

Thanks for the great guide and your awesome website!

Thank you for the very detailed guide and for your recommendation. I’ve had an Osprey backpack for several years, but I am looking to upgrade to something new and I am browsing opinions from experienced backpackers. To be honest, Nomatic was not on my short list, I was looking at Tortuga and Osprey again, but after your strong recommendation, I may have to take it seriously into account. Keep up the good work.

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Not a fan of the Osprey Ozone. It was weird, I expected to love it- my Osprey Vector 22 (a model they don’t make anymore, sadly) is an almost-perfect carry-on rollaboard type of bag.

But the T-handle is a pain in the ass if the bag rocks or a wheel catches just a bit- it twists too easily in your hand and you can’t steady it while walking. I live in Spain and travel Europe, and so there’s lots of cobblestones, and the Ozone wasn’t great there.

The frame is also a little bit weird. Their guarantee is excellent, which is good because the way the bag attaches *to* that bottom frame is with fabric straps and they’re going to get beat up and break.

Just all in all, wasn’t a fan, and I normally love Osprey stuff. I wish they’d bring the Vector back.

That’s why I like my 35 litre Minaal 2.0 backpack.. which I can also carry like a duffle if I wish just by zipping the backpack straps behind their panel. I don’t have to worry about handles and wheels, sand, mud, stairs, cobblestones. It’s going with me again this year back to southeast Asia. Traveling for much longer than the two months I did last time. Just pick up and go…. carry on… no checking baggage or waiting at carousels. It’s the only bag I take.. whether going for two weeks… or for a year or more.. 67 years old now.. 35 litre backpack… get up and go….

I am very thankful to you as your article has given me lots of ideas. I enjoyed a lot by reading this post. Thanks for sharing your blog.- staff providing agency in bangalore

I’m surprised you didn’t include the Minaal 2.0 in your reviews.. I’ve had a Tortuga bag and an M.E.I Voyageur….. both good bags..Both 45 liters. (They’ve been making the Voyageur since the early 1980’s..with a few tiny improvements over the years. Nothing says “Great Product” like longevity in production). But in early 2017 after a lot of research and comparisons, I bought the Minaal 2.0 …a 35 liter convertible backpack. I was made to check my Tortuga and Voyageur on many flights… but during a two month trip to Cambodia and Thailand in 2017… I was always able to carry it on and toss it in the overhead. Its clean lines and grey color with minimalized Minaal logo keep it from sticking out in the crowd.. discrete. Small… pick up and go.. Hide away backpack straps, rain cover in its own little hidden pocket, I like to use a single strap and carry it like a duffle at times.. Only using the backpack straps and hip belt if I do a long hike across a city… You might like to check out the Minaal 2.0

Your guide is phenomenal. I was looking to buy a Best Camera Backpack for my tactical gear trip and happy that I read your review! Love your other travel articles as well.

It is a very advantageous post for me. I’ve enjoyed reading the blog. It is very supportive and useful information. I would like to visit the post once more its valuable content. Thanks for such post and please keep it up.

Thanks for such a comprehensive post about travel backpacks, Will! Love how you managed to incorporate the important features of each backpack, the pros and cons, as well as links on where we can buy them. Thanks for also providing additional links on your detailed reviews for each product

thank you for share this blog with us. I also like travelling and also like hyking on mountains.

Hi Will, I’m a very tall girl 5’10 and travelling SE Asia for a few months next year. I used a bag with detachable dayback while in Australia and loved it. I noticed the Fairpoint doesn’t have an adjustable back system. Which would you recommend?

Hmmm… tough for me to recommend as you’re taller than me! 😛 I recommend going into a shop for this and testing a bunch out to find one that works for you.

Thanks for such a comprehensive post about travel backpacks, Will! Love how you managed to incorporate the important features of each backpack, the pros and cons, as well as links on where we can buy them. Thanks for also providing additional links on your detailed reviews for each product. It saves us time and headache when looking for the best travel backpack for us. Kudos!

I’m planning on travelling from Australia to Asia, and then on to Europe with total travel time of 9 months (potentially staying on to work). Would you recommend getting something bigger than the womens Osprey 55?

Love your website – it’s filled with really great and helpful information!!

Cheers, Ash

Hey Ash! Hmmmm… it really depends on how much stuff you need, and also how tall you are… but personally I would stick to 55 as the max size, if you have something bigger then you WILL fill the space, and you’ll have a real heavy pack!

Hi Will, How does a laptop fit into these travels bags? Im deciding between a 50l deuter bag and a 60l osprey. I think the 50l is enough for me right now but i think i will travel to some colder places in the future and may appreciate the larger size. However, i need to travel with my laptop as well. I dont want to check my laptop in with the checked backpack. Do you think carrying a smaller normal backpack just for my computer would be reasonable?

If you want to travel with a laptop in your main pack, I would honestly consider picking up a pack specifically designed for this, have a read of this post – https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/best-laptop-backpacks-for-travel/

A vote for the Farpoint here, I ‘ve bought two others since I first bought that and gone back to it each time.. so much better build quality and just so comfortable to carry.

Great review. Thanks. I’m torn between the Nomatic Travel Bag and the Osprey Farpoint 40. I’m going to be island hopping and diving in the Philippines, so it looks like I will be getting the obligatory ‘back sweat’ from wearing backpacks.. Is the Nomatic comfy? I see you have to purchase the hip straps separately and they are detachable, which leads me to believe thay won’t be particularly comfy or robust. Plus the price is probably swing it in favour of the Farpoint 40.. although I wish they did it in more colours.. I really like the green (that they only appear to do in the women’s version ‘Fairview’. Keep up the good work.

I personally think the Farpoint is the better pack…

hi will I am looking at the osprey farpoint 70-80 litres, I am going travelling for 6 weeks, I do however have a wedding to attend so I have 2 extra outfits plus 1 extra pair of shoes, It will be summer so not worried about a load of clothes, I love backpack so the travel backpack with the zip all the way around looks great, any suggestions?oh I am 5ft 5in, 68kilos medium build, & have always carried a backpack, oh yeah I do not need a day pack attached, thanks?

The Farpoint is a great pack, assuming you don’t plan on hiking and if you pick up the 70 litre Farpoint, you’ll have plenty of space for sure!

Finally – a comprehensive list of the best backpacks for travellers. I think you’ve persuaded me to pick up the Osprey Ozone. Firstly it looks beautiful but also 46 Litres is the perfect size for me. Thanks for the advice Will!

Happy to help – The Ozone is an epic backpack!

Thanks for sharing. Some great idea’s for backpacks. Love the detail you go into. Makes choosing a new backpack so much easier.

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20 of the Best Luggage for Long Term Travel (2023)

When you are planning a vacation or a business trip it is important to make the right choice when deciding what luggage to bring. The good news is, there are multiple options whether you’re looking for a carry-on suitcase or a large suitcase.

If it is your first time going on a long trip it is important to make sure you have the luggage that suits all your needs. Fretting about whether you can pack an item or not is a stress that is easily eliminated when you bring the right bag.

Suitcases come in all different sizes with various designs to choose from. You never have to settle when picking out which luggage is best for you.

Mix and match suitcases and luggage from multiple different brands or you can buy a set that will give you a more cohesive look for long term travel. How you look while traveling is a personal preference. Figure out what factors are most important to you when you think about packing for long term travel and go from there.

Before you can get started on your packing list, find your travel style with this guide that has all the great options of the best luggage brands you need to know about.

Here’s the scoop on the best luggage for long term travel!

Best Luggage for Long Term Travel

1. monos metro weekender.

The Metro Weekender duffel bag is all the rage right now. You may have seen social media influencers using it as they pack up for the long trips they are planning to take. The waterproof vegan leather details are perfect for bringing to a place with unpredictable weather conditions.

The main compartment has multiple organizational features. The shoulder straps are removable which allows for carrying the travel bag however you’d like.

The bottom compartment has extra space perfect for fitting shoes or other bulky items. The beauty of the ultra-microfiber vegan leather is that it provides a scratch-resistant bag. This feature eliminates stress about baggage handlers and how they will take care of your luggage.

If you order the Weekender in nylon material, you have four different colors to choose from. The vegan leather option allows you to pick from three different colors.

The built-in trolley sleeve is ideal for when you are walking through the airport and don’t want to carry your bag. It wraps around your suitcase handle and sits safely on top of your rolling luggage. The Monos Weekender is a trend that is worth the money.

2. Hartmann Century Deluxe Hardside Expandable Spinner

The Hartmann century deluxe is a wheeled suitcase that includes a garment sleeve that acts as a removable hanger. Packing nice clothing is easy when you use this suitcase. The interior pockets have zippers that will securely hold your travel essentials.

The wheels were engineered to make sure the bag moves with an ultra-smooth roll. Moreover, picking up your suitcase because the wheels don’t function very well is not something you want to worry about.

Being able to pull your bag in any direction is what you need when going on a trip. Don’t let the wrong suitcase slow you down. Look into their luggage and see if they are a strong contender for what you look for in a travel product.

3. Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

The Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner luggage is the checked bag you want if you are looking for something lightweight and durable for long term travel. The multistage aluminum pull handle is necessary for that extra lightness. The retracting top and side handles ensure that your bag is protected no matter who is handling it.

When the handles flatten into the design of the bag, it not only gives a sleek look to your suitcase but ensures they won’t get caught on anything. There are also multiple pockets and a ribbon divider.

Having separation inside a bag is key when wanting to make sure you stay organized. When there isn’t any form of separation inside a bag, all your belongings get jumbled together. The built-in ID tag is nice if you ever stress about your luggage getting lost.

On occasion, budget airlines don’t always have the best organizational system for sorting people’s bags. The identification tag inside the Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner ensures that on the off chance your luggage gets misplaced, it will find its way back to you.

4. July Checked Plus Luggage

The July Checked Plus is a suitcase that is the ideal bag for long trips and large families. The outer shell is designed to make sure your items are protected throughout our trip. The high quality material is crush-proof and is prepared for hard drops or unavoidable bumps. There is a laundry bag included that is both odor and stain resistant.

Additionally, the wheels roll smoothly across any surface without making a sound. This suitcase has a compression strap included to optimize the space inside the luggage to fit all outfits. The German polycarbonate material is manufactured to be unbreakable.

When investing in luggage, you want to purchase a high-quality luggage piece that will last you your entire life, if not a very long time. If you have to think about if your suitcase is durable enough to bring on certain trips you don’t want to buy it.

Bringing this case to different countries is encouraged with the lifetime warranty the July company offers. Believing in the durability of their products is something every brand should strive for when creating something that is meant to be used for a long time.

5. Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium Journey Expandable Spinner

The Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium Journey Expandable Spinner is the perfect piece of softside luggage that has an iconic look. The tweed material is a classic design that you never have to worry about going out of style. The design of the suitcase itself is modern and allows for everything necessary for travel today while giving people a look into an iconic style from years ago.

The fabric of the luggage is both weather and stain resistant which is something every traveler looks for during their search for the perfect purchase. Buying a bag that looks good but then having to worry about it getting dirty or damaged is a stress everyone wants to avoid. The craftsmanship of the bag is purposeful.

Moreover, the lining on the interior is lightweight and allows for effortless packing. When you are piling your items inside a suitcase, and you are so close to zipping it up, but the zipper just won’t budge it brings in irritation. That is not the case with the expandable feature of this bag. It is created to give you extra space you didn’t expect to have while packing.

Buying luggage that doesn’t accommodate all your packing needs is never recommended. The Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium Journey Expandable Spinner will assist you in fitting all your travel essentials.

6. Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible International Carryon

The Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible International Carry-on luggage is eco-friendly and incredibly versatile for long term travel. This small backpack allows you to travel with it on your back if you are in need of being hands free. It also has wheels for rolling purposes.

There are lockable zippers on the main and front compartments which ensures that nobody could get into your bag if they tried. The extra security of your belongings is something nobody should ever shy away from having.

This backpack features interior compression straps that promote more opportunity for space when packing up all your necessities. These straps are helpful and make sure you don’t have to forcefully stuff all your belongings into your bag. Compression straps create optimal space without damage to your personal items or the bag.

This is the perfect bag for a camping trip that will fit your sleeping bag, snacks, and change of clothes perfectly. Travel backpacks are nice, but have you ever had one that functions as a rolling suitcase as well? It functions for an outdoor trip with friends or as a bag you need to take to the airport. This bag is an overall great option for your travel needs!

7. Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Medium Spinner

The Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Medium Spinner has a telescoping handle with a rubber-enclosed push button. It is convenient to use and the self-retracting carrying handles don’t stick out when not in use. There is a 4-pocket 2-sided divider panel that helps with packing organization and does not add extra weight.

Worrying about a weight limit is the worst, the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Medium Spinner eliminates that stress. The wheels glide easily due to their sturdy spinners and effortless mobility. If you are a person that is always trying to get to your next destination in as little time as possible, this bag won’t hold you back.

Your belongings will be secure inside the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Medium Spinner because of the integrated TSA lock. Including a lock in the design of the bag is beneficial as you don’t have to worry about purchasing one separately to secure your items.

Additionally, the outside of the suitcase is scratch resistant so there is no need to worry about what your bag bumps into or how it is handled. This suitcase will go anywhere you go without a second thought.

8. Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

The Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack is a bigger carry-on that allows you to travel far and light. This bag is intended for people who love to explore and follow along wherever adventure takes them. Featuring a breathable harness and hipbelt, this will keep the bag secure to your figure without restriction.

It also includes a quick access zippered laptop sleeve which will protect your device and allow you to know exactly where to find it in your bag. The bag itself is lightweight and durable. Hiking through South America or traveling domestically, this backpack is perfect for both.

Additionally, the outside of the bag has attachment loops to connect external gear if looking to carry more than what can fit inside the backpack.

Having the option to add extra storage if you need it is very helpful. With the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack, you get to decide how much you want to travel with.

9. Monos Carry-On Suitcase

The Monos Carry-On and its award-winning design is the perfect suitcase to bring to all your different excursions. The telescopic handle is sturdy and was completely rethought when it came to the design process. Monos upgraded the tubes that are used to connect the handles on luggage to high-grade aluminum.

The release button on the handle does not sit on the top but is placed on the bottom to promote more efficient use. This carry on contains a vacuum-formed polycarbonate material used to make the durable case. The flexibility of the material allows it to absorb energy when it is impacted on any scale.

When baggage handlers are rough with your luggage you won’t see any damage. These 360-degree wheels are tested thoroughly to make sure they glide effortlessly no matter the surface.

If you want a bag that will stick with you for all your travel needs this is the one for you. Whether you’re in an airport, train station, or driving around in your car, this is a piece of luggage you can count on.

10.  American Tourister Color Blast 2 Piece Set

The American Tourister Color Blast 2 Piece Set has everything you’re looking for to aid you during long-term travel. The wheels were tested to ensure they produce maximum stability and comfort.

This luggage contains a compression strap on the inside that optimizes space for packing. Bags without a compression strap fit significantly less than bags that do have them.

It is also easier to zip up the suitcase when the contents are compressed and not sticking out. The opposing side has a mesh zipper that also ensures easy zip up when closing the case.

There are various colors to choose from when picking out your two-piece set. Ordering these will make sure you are stylish and sophisticated. The cohesive look between the two suitcases comes from the products looking identical apart from size.

These are the best size luggage for international travel!

11.  Traveler’s Choice Silverwood Hardside Medium Spinner

The Traveler’s Choice Silverwood Hardside Medium Spinner luggage is perfect for international travel and long term because it includes a TSA-approved combination lock. The polycarbonate material is the most protected hard shell that is also expandable.

Moreover, the inside of the suitcase has various zippers that assist with the organization while packing. The unique shape of the handle is to make sure every customer has a comfortable grip when using this bag.

12.  Rimowa Essential Cabin Suitcase

The Rimowa Cabin is a suitcase that provides high-tech functionality. The organizational features on the inside include a fully zipped compartment, a mesh zipped pocket for additional storage, and a compression system that will keep your items in order during travel.

A comfort every traveler wants when rushing in and out of various airports on multiple planes is the luxury of not having to worry about people stealing your stuff. This suitcase has locks on it that is TSA-approved.

If airline security needs to open the locks and check what’s inside there will be no damage to the bag. Rimowa Cabin has a telescopic handle that offers seamless adjustment with zero hassle for maneuvering it from place to place.

This Rimowa product comes with a lifetime guarantee. An easy registration process for your suitcase and you are set for life.

13.  Delsey Helium Aero Hardside Spinner Luggage

The Delsey Helium Aero Hardside Spinner luggage has a sleek design that will have you travel in style for the long term. The spinner wheels move 360 degrees which allow you to pull it in any direction without having to think twice about it. Delsey Hardside Spinner has two compartments and it can expand for optimal storage space.

This 21-inch carry-on will definitely abide by airline requirements, and you will have no flight attendants telling you it’s too big to fit. Customers are pleasantly surprised with their purchase of this product and say the inside is more spacious than they expected.

Having a suitcase that is bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside is always a plus. When it comes to traveling extra space is always welcomed.

14.  Salkan The Backpacker Mainpack + Daypack Set

The Salkan Backpacker Mainpack plus Daypack Set is perfect for travelers who are always on the go. The backpack straps are removable and there is also an adjustable sternum strap. Salkan makes this bag from recycled yarn, so the manufacturing process is eco-friendly.

Additionally, there is no need to worry about the weather conditions because the pack comes with a rain cover. The rain cover slips over your pack easily and will not slow you down from adventure. Your bag is wrapped and protected but still able to fit on your back.

Another helpful feature is the way you can attach the daypack. There are places on both the front and back of the Mainpack for the Daypack attachment. Being able to choose which area is most convenient for you at the time is helpful for easy travel.

15.  Kingdalux 8-Set Packing Cubes for Luggage

Packing cubes have changed the game for travel. It doesn’t matter if you’re going on a short trip or traveling to a different country, these organizers are a necessity. Packing cubes have been an addition to everyone’s closest and most say they will never travel without them again.

It is hard to understand how helpful they are until you try them, but once you try them you will tell all your friends about them. Packing your clothes inside packing cubes and then placing them into your suitcase gives you almost double the space.

The packing cubes compress your clothing and other various personal items without cramping them. The organization is made easy when the multiple-sized cubes fit each item you need.

Packing cubes have a waterproof feature that protects your items from damage. Save time and space with the use of these travel companions.

16.  Calpak Hue Carry-On Luggage with Hardshell Pocket

The Calpak Hue carry-on luggage for long term travel comes with double spinner wheels and a convenient laptop sleeve. The hard sided exterior assures customers that this suitcase is durable with just one look. There are six different colors to choose from when picking out which shade to order yours in.

Feel secure when packing your items into the Calpak Hue with the TSA-approved lock. Making sure your items are safe and secure at all times is important. The Calpak team offers a two-year warranty which allows you to have plenty of time to decide if it’s the right bag for you.

The hardshell pocket is one of the most unique features. People generally like outside pockets for the purpose of holding small items they want to reach easily while traveling.

A passport or wallet can fit in the outside pocket and with the Calpak Hue outsiders won’t even know the outer shell has a pocket. There are suitcases that contain interior pockets but having one that has a secure option on the outside is superb.  

17.  Rimowa Trunk Plus

The Rimowa Trunk Plus is ready for your heavy load. This suitcase is made of polycarbonate on the outside with poly jacquard on the inside. It includes a flex divider that ensures your items are kept in the order you placed them in.

Moreover, the multiple wheels allow effortless steering and easy movement wherever you go. If plastic water bottles leak in your Trunk Plus main compartment, all you have to do is wipe the interior with a dry cloth and leave the case open to allow it to dry.

The side handles are useful because they allow you to carry the trunk in various different ways. A trunk is the perfect suitcase type for long term travel because of its size. You are able to fit an endless amount of personal items inside this bag.

When you are traveling for a long time and it is important for you to have outfit options, investing in a luggage trunk is highly recommended.

18.  Tobiq The Maritime Travel Duffle

The unique design of this travel duffle bag is one that will catch your eye immediately. You can decide if you want to carry it as a duffle or wear it like a backpack. Tobiq wants you to love their product so if you try it out for one of your trips and decide you don’t love it as much as they do, you can easily return it.

The fabric is made out of recycled plastic and is very stain resistant. Purchasing a product that is eco-friendly is something everyone should make an effort to do when possible.

This travel duffle bag is machine washable and if you come across any malfunctions such as a broken zipper or difficulty with the detachable straps, Tobiq Travel will replace it.

This piece of carry-on luggage for long term travel is really four bags in one. This bag is the best choice for when you are in need of organizing everything you pack. Additionally, the unique design promotes coordination through separation while the multiple different bags that make up one big bag are a good aid when packing for various occasions.

19.  Calpak Ambeur 3-Piece Luggage Set

The Calpak Ambeur three-piece luggage set has many different features any traveler would want when looking for the most durable luggage with a hard shell made from lightweight material. The set comes in a large, medium, and carry-on size.

This high-quality hard shell luggage is a great choice for business travelers and those who are drawn to innovative features. There is a TSA lock that ensures your items are secure at all times.

Moreover, the last thing you want to worry about when trekking through the airport to get from one terminal to another is whether or not your items are safe. One of the best things about this luggage set is you get to choose the color you like best when ordering these suitcases.

Some of the best features include the smooth surfaces of the outer shell that exudes a look of both sophistication and attractiveness. Ordering luggage in a set is perfect for long term travelers. It eliminates the process of having to go back and buy a different bag when you need different sizes. Invest in a set and make traveling easier.

20.  Travelers Club Sky Luggage Set

The Club Sky set includes three separate pieces. The two smaller bags include a 15-inch tote bag along with a 10-inch travel kit. The larger bag is a hard-shell suitcase that is carry on size. This luggage set is a good option for when you want a cohesive look while you travel long term.

Frequent flyers love the retractable handle on the suitcase and make sure the carry-on bag fits easily into the overhead bin on a plane. This three-piece amazon basics set allows you to have your personal preference of color. 

If you are a person that is on the go on a regular basis, investing in a luggage set is highly beneficial. A good reason why owning a set with different sizes of items is the versatility that comes with how you can use each bag.

Small items fit perfectly into the travel kit and the tote bag ensures optimal storage for objects you would like to have easy access to. Long term travel can seem daunting, but when you have a place to comfortably hold everything you need, it allows for traveling to be a breeze.

Best Luggage for Long Term Travel Guide

Making sure you purchase the best suitcases comes easy when you know what each bag has to offer. You want to invest in a product that will stick with you through years of travel.

Long term travel is made easy when all your essentials fit inside your bags. Avoiding the extra cost of buying more necessary products like a hairbrush or toiletries should be easy when you buy suitcases with plenty of space.

Before making a purchase of a luggage set, it is important to know what you want. If you sit down and write out a list of all the things you desire your luggage to include, it is easier to decide which bag to purchase. It is also okay to not know all the best features of luggage.

Purchasing luggage without knowing what the bag offers is not ideal and can end up being more of a hassle in the long run. Hopefully, this guide allows you to see which types of luggage are the best options for you.

That’s the scoop on the best luggage for long term travel!

For more scoop, visit these:

• 30 Best Packing Cubes for Travel (2023)
• 40 Best Minimalist Travel Backpacks
• 5 Must-Have-Carry-On Travel Essentials

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I like #8, thanks for the great article.

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The 24 Best Travel Tote Bags for Your Next Big Trip

Whether it's your only bag or a carry-on supplement, a travel tote will take your packing game to the next level.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

T&C Tried and True

Medium metro tote deluxe.

Separate Compartment for Organization

Lo & sons catalina deluxe tote.

Luxurious Essential

Cuyana easy travel tote.

Folds Small for Easy Packing

Lululemon packable tote bag.

Classic Tote

Longchamp large le pliage tote.

Everyday to Travel Tote

Etronik travel duffel bag with usb charging port.

Minimalist and Functional

The renew transit weekender.

Bargain Bag

Bluboon travel tote bag.

Madewell The Shopper Tote

Heavy Lifter

Boat and tote.

Whatever your travel needs for the season ahead, odds are that a good tote can make your packing life more organized, and less stressful—honestly, what more could you hope for? With that in mind, we've scoured the internet for the more durable, functional travel totes for every type of traveler, from the serial overpacker to the organization fiend. Here, our favorite finds for all of your journeys.

Perpetually trying to find space in your carry-on for one last thing? Meet what one T&C editor calls, "the personal item of every overpacker's dream." Featuring five exterior pockets, plus six on the interior and an detachably pouch, it will keep all of your travel essentials organized while it's sturdy-yet-lightweight construction makes it easy to tuck in "just in case" items to your hearts desire without overwhelming your arms.

The cushy, reinforced straps are easy on the shoulders, but it also has a detachable crossbody strap and a built-in sleeve to slip over the handle of your luggage if you don't feel like toting. It also comes in four sizes (we're fond of the medium for it's ability to hold oodles of stuff while still slipping neatly beneath the seat in front of you on a plane) and a seasonally-refreshed roster of more than a dozen shades, making it as stylish as it is functional.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote

For the "a place for everything and everything in its place" traveler, this tote has you covered with a zippered bottom pocket that's perfect for separating out toiletries or dirty shoes from the rest of your haul (an interior panel also allows you to open the bottom compartment fully, if you're craving a deeper bag.)

Available in recycled poly or sturdy canvas, at 15" x 14" x 7", it qualifies as a personal item for most airlines and has a handy luggage sleeve to pair with your suitcase. For those looking for larger options, it comes in four additional sizes as well.

Cuyana bags are a favorite of T&C editors and royals alike ( Meghan Markle is a big fan ) for their timelessly stylish silhouettes, buttery soft leather, and effortless functionality. This, their latest launch, is made specifically with travel in mind.

Crafted with lightweight, durable pebbled leather (currently available in four colorways) it offers ample interior space (a 37L volume, to be precise) plus two large pockets, a phone slip, and a key clip, as well as snaps for Cuyana devotees who want to mix in their System Flap Bag or System Zipper Pouch .

If you're more of a "shop when you get there" traveler, this bag brings the souvenir space without taking up lots of room in your primary bag. Water-repellant and roomy (it holds 32L by volume) it features rugged shoulder straps, plus an extra strap that lets it slip over the handle of roller luggage, and can fold into its own exterior pouch when not in use to make a tidy, handheld bundle.

Some things are classic for a reason. Case in point: this timeless Longchamp tote; just ask T&C 's associate shopping editor, Sophie Dweck, who's been carrying hers for over a decade . Made from sleek, easy-to-clean nylon that comes in a cornucopia of colors, it features a simple, spacious interior and strong leather straps that ensure it can stand up to anything your travels throw at it, and look good doing it.

Looking for a tote that's as useful in your day-to-day as it is when you're far away? This multi-use tote has racked up thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon for its versatility. A separate, vented shoe compartment makes it as friendly to gym sessions as beach trips, while its multiple pockets keep essentials organized. It also includes a luggage strap and a USB charging port so you can plug in your tech without rummaging through your bag for your battery pack, and comes in two sizes and almost 30 shades so it will match your travel style.

One reviewer writes: "I must say, it exceeded my expectations in every way! This bag is the perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a must-have for any woman on the go."

Type-A packers, take note: this 100% recycled polyester is all about options. Its four colorways can be worn crossbody, carried in hand, or over the shoulder, and include a zippered exterior pocket, a luggage sleeve, two water bottle holders, and a padded laptop sleeve—all with Everlane's signature modern minimalist vibe.

Available in 20 colorways and textures, this canvas tote features a luggage sleeve that also doubles as a tech pouch so your gadgets will always be at the ready. The sturdy construction and bargain price tag have made it a hit with reviewers, who site its roomy 16.5" x 9" x 14" size and comfort.

One reviewer writes: "I am so happy with this purchase! Reasonable price, large main compartment, and a few zip compartments to organize smaller items. Bag fits perfectly under airline seat, even when stuffed FULL. It stayed in place when I had it on top of my roller bag, and I noticed the shape of it kept it from making everything tip forward (which happened with my previous bag)."

For a travel bag that you can use as a purse all trip, this simple Madewell leather tote brings a perfect mix of style and space (12.75" x 12.75" x 7.5".) It even comes with an interior strap that allows you to change the shape, and doubles as a keyring.

True L.L. Bean lovers know that the brand's classic Boat and Tote bag is hard to beat—after all, it's been one of their signature styles since 1944. Crafted from rugged cotton canvas, it's tested to hold up to 500 pounds, so no matter how much you manage to overpack, this bag is guaranteed to take it on. And with four sizes and two interior lengths to choose from, as well as a dozen colors, there's a perfect one for all your needs.

Caraa Studio Tote

Whether you prefer a classic tote style or a backpack, this Italian leather bag gives you the best of both worlds. Along with the usual amenities (a slew of pockets, adjustable straps) it also has a collapsible waterproof shoe pocket for those days your travel plans call for a quick change.

More: The 18 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Easy, Breezy Packing

Béis The Convertible Weekend Bag

This tote brings two-for-one power with a removable bottom compartment that can be used as is, or as a separate packing cube. Easy to clean polyester and polyurethane make it a cinch to keep looking like new, with a built-in luggage sleeve and removable laptop sleeve give it plenty of function for that rush through TSA.

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote

Some people pack an extra suitcase when traveling abroad. We propose this packable Tumi tote instead. It folds out to an impressive 8" x 14" x 8 size when fully opened and weighs less than a pound, so you can shop to your heart's content while getting those passport stamps.

More: The 13 Best Luggage Brands for Every Type of Traveler

Carhartt Legacy Tote East/West

Built to work hard, this water-repelling polyester Carhartt bag is tough enough to handle all of your travel adventures. It includes two exterior pockets as well as an interior divider and pockets, so it's and functional on the inside as it is on the outside.

One reviewer writes: "Even better than expected! I used it as my personal item for a trip to Mexico…placed my purse, tablet, magazines, etc inside…lots of pockets! Hides dirt, wipes off easily, very well made."

Revive Nylon Large Tote

Available in five-shades, this nylon tote (made with fabric crafted from 27 recycled water bottles with recycled leather trim) has jumbo exterior slip pockets (plus three interior pockets and a keyring) and a built-in padded laptop sleeve to match its roomy interior with organization.

One reviewer writes: "Great color, roomy, lots of pockets to keep things organized and easy to locate. Perfect for work and travel. Very happy with it."

Dagne Dover Jemi Tote

Want a travel tote that makes a style statement? Bring your puffer coat style to your bag with this versatile, vegan tote made from recycled plastic water bottles. At less than a pound and half (it holds 16.2 L volume), it's super lightweight, and has two sets of comfy handles—one for hand-held use and one for shoulder use—plus a luggage sleeve, so it's great no matter your travel style.

Naghedi Jet Setter Small Tote

Fully lined, basket-woven neoprene brings beautiful texture to this travel tote, making it ideal for those situations when you have to go straight from the plane to an event. It also has a zip closure and zippered interior pocket to ensure that your stuff stays in place even on the wildest travel days.

Scout Travel Bag Large

You want all of the weight in your travel bag to be from your must-haves, not from the bag itself. This colorful version from Scout (it comes in half a dozen colors and patterns) is a featherlight 1 pound, yet can hold up to 65 pounds of your gear, and can fold flat when not in use. It also comes with a zipper pocket and reinforced bottom so everything you pack stays comfortable where you want it.

Barbour Medium Travel Explorer Leather Tote Bag

The biggest name in waxed cotton jackets brings their British heritage sensibility to travel with this luxe 100% leather tote. Measuring 17.72'' x 14.96'', it comes with sturdy top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

More: The 13 Best Luxury Luggage for Traveling in Style

WONHOX Large Travel Tote Bag

This waterproof travel tote features a luggage sleeve, three interior pockets, including a special compartment to separate wet and dry items (looking at you, still-damp swimsuit) and four external pockets, as well as a zip-open expansion on the bottom so your bag can be as big, or small, as you need.

One reviewer writes : "Schlepped this bag all over Europe and it holds a surprising amount of stuff! The little expander area on the bottom really helped me squeeze in a few extra souvenirs. The trolley sleeve is a MUST from now on. It hooks on to your roller suitcase so easily and is sturdy! I was throwing my baggage up on the train, in and out of taxis and through many airports easy peasy."

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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18 Best Travel Backpacks, According to Frequent Flyers

By Gabrielle Porcaro

As someone who frequently travels, I've slung duffels, totes , and travel purses on my arm, but nothing compares to using the best travel backpacks. Depending on the length of your trip, a suitcase can either be too bulky or not big enough, so you'll need the vital second bag to make sure all your clothes, tech, and gear securely arrive at your destination. Plus, traveling with a backpack can be more supportive for your back, freeing up your arms and hands to pull out directions on your phone or to hold an iced coffee. Backpacks can also be surprisingly roomy, so everything you need (or want) on your trip fits as comfortably as possible. The good news is there are a wide range of excellent options to suit any and all of your needs. Below, we found the most travel-friendly options and tapped Glamour editors and some of our frequent-flier friends to share the best travel backpacks.

What to look for in a travel backpack

When shopping for luggage items like a travel backpack, the comfort and capacity of the bag is key. You want it to feel easy on the body, which means wide straps or a hip belt to distribute weight, which comes in handy if you're running to catch a plane or carrying it through a crowded subway. Bonus points if the straps are they adjustable and padded. Consider the material: Is it lightweight, soft, and made of durable material like water-resistant fabric? As for size, think about the use of the backpack. There are weekender bags and carry-on size options you can use for long weekends or smartly packed weeklong vacations and styles for short day trips, hikes, or shopping excursions.

The best travel backpacks, at a glance

• Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack , $210
• Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack , $33
• Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack , $78
• Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack , $30
• Best for Commuters : Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Most Stylish : Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack , $150

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

Best Overall : Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack - Del Día

Here's a simple, sleek backpack with plenty of built-in organization. “My twin sister and I have traveled the world together, and this bag came in particularly handy on our trip to South America when we both needed more room besides our carry-on luggage. What I loved about this piece is it's essentially a suitcase with straps. The wrap zipper fully opens up, allowing you to see and organize your goods into the compartments. Crafted in repurposed nylon, the exterior is one of a kind, and the colors made it easier to spot one another through the crowds,” says Glamour contributor Gabrielle Porcaro .

Capacity: 42 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Repurposed nylon body; suitcase layout; weight-distributing harness system
• Cons: Can easily show dirt

Best on Amazon : Shrradoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

As a runner-up, consider this the Swiss Army knife of backpacks. Hidden in this compact, durable bag are 20 pockets and compartments to accommodate and organize everything from clothes to an umbrella to power cords. A practical standout feature of this travel backpack is an external USB port with set-in charging cables to charge your phone (just remember to charge your power pack before heading out on your trip). Another noteworthy aspect is the U-shaped 3D breathable mesh straps designed to relieve stress from shoulders and reduce a sweaty back.

Capacity: 52 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: So many pockets for organizing; USB charging port; comfortable
• Cons: Chunky, technical look

Best Daypack : Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

Lululemon gets a lot of love for its Lulu leggings and activewear, but don't sleep on accessories like its laptop bags . A classic backpack with a modern design, the Everywhere Backpack has a clean appearance that will effortlessly match your look. Inside it's spacious and has a padded pocket that fits a 16-inch laptop. On the exterior is a front zipper pocket for keys, antibacterial wipes, headphones…whatever you need handy while on the go.

Capacity: 22 L / Waterproof : Water-repellent

• Pros: Internal laptop sleeve; side water bottle pockets; lightweight
• Cons: No luggage strap; not a ton of pockets

Best Budget : Coofay Carry On Backpack

Coofay Carry On Backpack

This affordable, multifunctional pack is lightweight but can hold a lot and easily fit under an airline seat as a carry-on. “I loved the space and compartments of this bag. It's durable and packed a lot of room for so many things. The luggage handle strap is also a bonus if you're hauling a roller bag,” wrote one Amazon reviewer . Bonus: It has a shoes and a wet pocket compartment.

Capacity: 17 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Separate shoe compartment, 29 color options; USB port design
• Cons: Short luggage strap

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Best for Commuters : Everlane the ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Whether you're a college commuter or in the office most days, this is an excellent option for everyday travel or work trips. It's a go-to for Condé Nast associate director of box business operations Haley Welch . “The separate laptop compartment makes organizing seamless, as does the front and upper zipper compartments, which is great for a Kindle,” she says. She likes that the chic and minimal look effortlessly mixes with every outfit, from comfy travel joggers and hoodies to a work-appropriate suit or dress.

Capacity : 27 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Internal and external water bottle holders; zipper pocket on top; made from renewed materials
• Cons : Only holds a 15-inch laptop

Most Stylish : Best Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Travel Backpack

For anyone looking for a dressier option for their everyday commute or regular work trips, Tumi has a gorgeous style. Don't let the sleek appearance fool you; the zipper reveals a very roomy interior but still folds flat. A two-way zipper makes it easier to grab whatever you need from the inside with a smaller front pocket as well. There’s also a very convenient add-to-a-bag sleeve to secure this nicely over your suitcase handle, making it one to use on daily and international excursions. It's so stylish it can double as a cute work bag for office days.

Capacity: 15"H x 12"W x 4 1/2"D. (Interior capacity: large) / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros :Packable; folds down flat; lightweight
• Cons: Doesn’t fit a ton

Best for Organization : Snoffic Travel Backpack

Snoffic Travel Backpack

If remaining organized is of the utmost importance while traveling or in everyday life, look no further than this Snoffic backpack. This wallet-friendly pick has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and under $35 price tag. “I was able to pack a week's worth of summer clothes in it, which included two summer dresses," says one Amazon reviewer . Not only does this bag offer ample space and waterproof material, but it also includes two clear toiletry bags (also waterproof) to help you reduce your zip-lock baggie usage. Plus, it comes in a wide range of pretty shades.

Capacity : 40 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros : Nicely priced; roomy; includes two toiletry bags
• Cons : Boxy shape

Best for Pockets : Athleta Excursion Backpack

Athleta Excursion Backpack

This pick, courtesy of Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs , is one that can hold every little trinket or gadget you own. “I thought this backpack was going to my go-to for hiking, but it’s actually my go-to for pretty much everything. I love how sleek it is, and yet, despite its slim appearance, it manages to fit my 15-inch laptop, my secondary screen, charger, headphones, e-reader, and mouse. It has handy organizational features, like an inner key ring, zippered outer pockets for me to stash my lip gloss and phone, and not one but two mesh pockets that fit my water bottle and an umbrella. Its handles are also made of a breathable fabric—so useful when I’ve worked up a sweat while out and about.”

• Pros :Lightweight; ripstop material resists snags and tears; mesh back panel for added support
• Cons: Larger on top shape

Best Minimalist Design : Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

“On my last flight I saw not one, not two, but multiple travelers with this style hanging from their backs. As someone who regularly takes Dagne Dover bags on trips, I understand the popularity. The neoprene material is strong, soft, and stretchy, which causes the bag to flex to your body and whatever you put inside. It's forgiving, allowing you to fit in and possibly overstuff everything you need for a trip. It also washes well, ensuring it will always have that chic appearance even after some wear and tear,” says Porcaro. Dagne Dover also makes excellent diaper backpacks like this parent-approved Indi Diaper Bag .

Capacity: 16 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Packs a lot; machine washable
• Cons: Neoprene is a bit heavier than other material; material creases easily

Best for Airplane Travel : Augustnoa Classic Noa

Augustnoa Classic Noa

“So many features drew me to this bag: the eco-friendly (plus water-friendly) material, smart design, and luggage sleeve—a must for any travel carry-on piece. There are ten pockets and compartments to organize essentials, something I took full advantage of when using. As an active person trying to hydrate more, I also appreciated the side pockets that securely held my water bottle (I bent over, and it didn't budge). It also includes a removable drawstring bag, something I always forget to pack for morning workouts and overnight travels,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 21 L / Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Pros: Pockets on straps; laptop and tablet sleeve; two water bottle holders
• Cons: Pockets in the back and on straps are small

Best Roll Top : Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

Expandable storage is always a plus with any travel bag. This backpack, from super cool brand Roark, has an adjustable top to allow more room. The roll-top also has a magnetic entry, allowing for easy and secure access on the move. Interior and exterior pockets, including one for your tablet or laptop, sunglasses, and a hidden pocket for your passport, are specific details that make this a unique backpack. Ergonomic air mesh padded straps, a quilted back, and chest straps prevent this from adding any discomfort to your travels. The appearance calls for adventure, but it equally works in cities.

Capacity: 27 L / Waterproof : 100% Nylon

• Pros: Streamlined look; quilted back; magnetic closure top
• Cons: Could use more internal pockets

Best Large Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Patagonia Black Hole® Duffel 55L

The beauty of this bag is it says it right in the title—it's a black hole. With a 55-liter capacity, there's no doubt it will hold everything you need for a long weekend or even a long weekend trip. Ultra-comfortable to carry, it's perfect for hiking excursions, camping trips, or multi-city European backpacking adventures. Durably made with 100% recycled fabric, this fits in the overhead bin; if you want to check it, you can trust it will return to you just as you left it.

Capacity: 55 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros: Large, carry-on size, top and side handles; removable shoulder straps
• Cons: Rugged design

Best for Laptop : Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

Herschel Kaslo Dayback Tech Backpack

If you're looking for a laptop backpack , this is a top choice. Hershel backpacks are a go-to for marriage and family therapist and mom of two boys, Whitney Steller. “I have had this for almost six years, and the quality is amazing. No rips or anything and the straps are still comfortable. “The classic grade school look was also a draw and the fact that it fits perfectly under a plane seat. This style, in particular, is eco-friendly, made from post-consumer water bottles, and has a padded compartment to fit up a 15-inch laptop.

Capacity: 20 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Optional strum strap to help disturbed weight; padded compartment for laptop
• Cons: No luggage sleeve

Best Y-Pack : Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

Topo Designs Y-Pack Backpack

This is an awesome option for anyone who ends up leaving a trip with more than they brought. “The adjustable Y-shaped strap can be tight and secure or loosened to allow for more room, which is the reason why this is a piece of heavy rotation for me. It always shocks me how much I can fit/shove into the main compartment yet still slide my laptop out of the back sleeve. No matter if it’s filled with a hoodie and various pouches holding makeup, power cords, and snacks; it's easy to access. I like to use the zip pocket on the top to store antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, headphones, and anything else I want easy access to once I arrive on the flight,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 23.8 L / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Drawstring closure offers more space; zip pocket on top for easy access; durable material great for travel and the outdoors
• Cons: G-hook buckle closure can sometimes be tough

Best Waterproof : SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

SealLine Skylake Dry Pack

The beauty of this piece is that it rolls up for easy packing within a suitcase or larger travel backpack. The fact that it's created from an extremely lightweight material also ups the packability and wear factor. Jen Ator, a personal trainer, used this on her honeymoon in Thailand. “Not only was it super sturdy and waterproof, but it fits everything we needed during day trips.” She also pointed out how handy the exterior pocket was for easy access to essentials like a phone to snap a picture of her and her husband.

Capacity : 18 L / Waterproof : Yes

• Pros: Lightweight; stowable
• Cons: No interior pocket

Best Convertible : Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack

Adaptability is vital when traveling, and this Thule convertible backpack offers various ways to hold it. If you're in a tight space, de-boarding, or want to give your shoulders a break, there is a longer shoulder strap and top handle to hold. Inside the backpack, you'll find compartments that look like your favorite easy-rolling carry-on suitcase, making it easy to keep everything with you secure and organized. Another standout feature is the exterior crush-resistant SafeZone compartment that's perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone.

Capacity: 21 ¾"H x 14"W x 8"D. / Waterproof : Water Resistant

• Pros: Crust resistant, two-way zip closure, RFID-shielded pocket;
• Cons: Expensive

Best for City Travel : PAK Large Nylon Backpack

PAK Large Nylon Backpack

“As a backpack I recently added to my collection, I was impressed by how many features were hidden in what seemed like a pretty basic bag. First, it’s worth noting how seamlessly this slid on and off my back, making it a breeze to sit on the subway or grab my wallet to buy coffee. At first glance, I was confused about the zipper on the bottom of the front pocket, but when I realized it was a coat sling, which, as someone who runs cold and always has an extra layer, is something I will use again and again. Another made-for-me feature is an extra large pocket for water bottles since it’s a personal pet peeve when they aren’t wide enough for standard sizes. Having only worn this around the city for daily life, I appreciate that the shape and look of the pack are city-ready and more polished. When I take this on international trips, I look forward to using the hidden theft-proof compartments,” says Porcaro.

Capacity: 13.5”L x 7” W x 14” H / Waterproof : No

• Pros: Easy access pocket in the back, Coat sling, Large side pockets
• Cons: Not super large

Best Customizable : Roam Continental Backpack

Roam Continental Backpack

Anyone who is a fan of customization will appreciate this pick. Buyers can choose the color they want on the front, back, side, and straps to create a bag that is uniquely theirs. This is favorite of Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle , who has been using it for years. “It fits enough for weekend trips and vacation travel. I particularly like that the side zippers fit my Owala water bottle and there are plenty of zipper and pockets to hold my wallet, keys, chargers, lip balms, and more” says Glamour’s Calle.

Capacity : 26 L / Waterproof : Water Repellent

• Pros : Customizable; 100-day trial period; soft material; luggage sleeve
• Cons : Expensive

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Luggage delay in Sheremetyevo airport - Moscow Forum

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Luggage delay in Sheremetyevo airport

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Hi Friends,

The news about delay is all around Russian media and they said that situation might improve only by August.. We are going in 2 weeks.

Just reviewed a couple of news stories...this seems to have started at the beginning of June, and appears to be related to several things...increase in baggage during peak travel season, a new system being implemented, and a shortage of workers. A lot of attention from various agencies, and they even shifted some workers from the Metro to help out...in my general query, did not get a lot of stories from later in June, so MAYBE things are getting a bit better.

Wish I had heard better news...will try to keep track.

Update...just found another story as of June 18th (missed it earlier...my bad!) that said things were back to normal...and as I posted earlier, had not seen anything for July...other than regulators raising issues with the airport administration about all the problems caused...

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Leading Consulting Group offers bespoke comprehensive solutions to build a long-term relationships with our clients.

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Still finding lockers in Moscow ?

Do you need temporarily luggage storage in Moscow ? Coin lockers are full, too small, hard to find ? Want to save time on luggage storage ? Coffee shops, book stores and hotels associated with Lalalocker will help you with these problems !

How does it work

How to use lalalocker to store your luggage, book online.

Complete the booking form online before entering the store and you will receive a confirmation letter.

Show your reservation email and identification , then hand over the baggage to the clerk and enjoy your day.

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Want to learn more ? See the FAQ

What's the special about Lalalocker?

The reason you need to choose lalalocker.

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Hunting for the storage locker is always hard work for travelers. lalalocker helps you find to deal with this problem. Long-term storage and fridge storage are also available!

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Additional Amenities

Drop your luggage and explore local stores at the same time. Additional services: free wi-fi, electrical outlets, restroom, tourist information, and even discount…are there for you.

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*The storage period less than a day, daily fixed charging. *If the storage period is overdue 0:00 a.m, over time will be calculated additional day.

Lalalocker是一个很方便很好的寄放行李的平台，让我们这种身处于本身酒店退房时间12点，飞机又是晚上飞最后一班机的游客来说真的是太方便了，不然大半天的时间不知道要怎么拖着行李到处走。捷运站的locker又时常爆满，以后一定还会使用这个平台。

很不錯的服務，讓我找到很好的寄放行李的店家，推薦給大家使用。如果大家有寄東西的需求，lalalocker 的合作店家也都提供更有彈性的行李寄放服務。

Very convenient as you pick your location depending on which area of the city you want. Website was quick and painless for booking. Works out to be cheaper than the lockers at the stations (if renting for more than a couple hours)! I would definitely recommend this service.

Easy and cheap. Experience was wonderful without much hassle

Yen Yen Aruta Ebalan

It's very convenient. Our hostel would only accept guests starting at 2PM, but we'd arrived at 1AM so after sleeping a few hours at the airport, it was good to know that we can leave our luggage somewhere at affordable price and start our day. It was such a great idea that I hope other countries have it too!

附近車站沒有地方可以放 想要逛街 東西卻很多很重 臨時需要寄放很方便

Travelers await ! Earn more on lalalocker !