Are you someone who, like me, feels the need for a different bag for every travel scenario? Whether it’s needing a larger bag to accommodate a jacket and camera during the day, or a sleek crossbody for evening dinners, having the right travel bags is essential. Over numerous trips, I’ve experimented with countless travel bags, learning through trial and error the ideal combinations for various journeys. To save you time and money, I’ve compiled a list of my Best Travel Bags For Women, detailing their specific uses to help you choose the perfect companions for your next adventure.
Woman with backpack and rolling suitcase in airport
Top Travel Bags for Flights: Carry-On Perfection
My preferred flying style is carry-on only (COO), which typically includes one carry-on suitcase and a personal item. My COO setup consists of a 20” wheeled suitcase as my carry-on luggage and a 28L backpack serving as my personal item. Any smaller bags like purses or crossbody bags must fit within these two. If you’re considering COO, my easy COO packing guide offers helpful tips.
The Cor Surf 28L Backpack: My Go-To Personal Item
For years, the Northface Recon 28L backpack was my steadfast companion. However, after a design update that didn’t meet my needs, I embarked on a six-month quest for the perfect replacement. My criteria were strict:
- Airline Personal Item Size: Must fit under the seat of most major airlines.
- Laptop Protection: An internal, suspended laptop compartment to safeguard against drops.
- Waterproof Construction: Including waterproof zippers for added protection.
- Easy-Access Top Pocket: For quick retrieval of items when stowed under the seat.
- Spacious and Organized: Roomy interior without excessive, space-wasting pockets typical of commuter bags.
- Comfortable Straps: Padded straps for comfortable carrying.
After extensive testing, the Cor Surf 28L Backpack emerged as the winner. I put it to the test on a seven-day trip to New York City and Atlantic City, using it as my sole luggage piece. It exceeded expectations. Despite being packed to capacity with three pairs of shoes and a week’s worth of clothing for diverse occasions—city exploration, beach outings, and a concert—the straps remained surprisingly comfortable. Even at 19lbs, navigating commuter trains, subways, Amtrak, and multiple flights was manageable.
Currently, it’s packed for a Spain trip, acting as a companion to my 20” suitcase. It effortlessly holds my camera gear, tech accessories, liquids bag, cosmetics, a scarf, water bottle, my small crossbody bag, and various smaller pouches. The clam-shell opening design simplifies packing and organization. Features like a ventilated back and comfortable, non-digging straps further enhance its appeal.
For me, a backpack as a personal item combined with a rolling suitcase is the optimal carry-on only strategy, especially for those wanting to avoid checked baggage.
Key Features: Clam-shell opening for effortless packing, spacious interior, and waterproof design ideal for travel.
Cor Surf 28L backpack with cooler
Woman in airport with backpack
Cor Surf and Level 8 luggage ready for travel
Level 8 Voyager 20” Carry-On: Durable and Stylish
The Level 8 Voyager 20” is my current carry-on suitcase of choice, and I am thoroughly impressed. The square design maximizes interior space, while the flat top provides a stable surface for stacking bags. Its smooth rolling capability, even on uneven surfaces and carpets, is remarkable. Having used this suitcase for numerous trips over the past year, I can attest to the exceptional quality of its wheels. Level 8 now also offers a 20” version called the Luminous Textured in a vibrant green – perfect for easy spotting if you ever need to check your bag!
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Level 8 Luminous Textured 24″ Checked Luggage: For Longer Trips
While the Voyager 28″ (pictured below) might be suitable for extended trips like a six-month European adventure, I find the 24″ size more practical for most of my travels. My reliable 24″ Samsonite bag served me well, but its handle is nearing the end of its lifespan. I plan to replace it with the Luminous Textured in Green before my spring 2025 trip to Greece, and I look forward to sharing my experience with you.
Key Features: Exceptional wheels for all terrains, effortless maneuverability, a wide, comfortable handle for attaching a backpack, and a flat top for secure bag stacking making it one of the best suitcases for women.
Level 8 suitcase set
Level 8 suitcases on dirt road
Best Daypacks for Women: Sightseeing and Exploration
Pincnel Black Mini Backpack: Secure and Stylish Daypack
The Pincnel Black Mini Backpack is a daypack I wholeheartedly recommend. Its sleek and understated design makes it perfect for city exploration. When heading out for a day of sightseeing, this backpack carries everything I need: an umbrella, light jacket, water bottle, snacks, camera, extra lens, battery packs, and more. I even tuck my small crossbody bag inside, allowing me to switch bags easily if needed. The theft-proof main compartment, with the zipper positioned against your back, provides added security. It also features two zipped side compartments. When traveling COO, it packs flat in my carry-on; if checking luggage, it becomes my personal item. I prefer the balanced weight distribution of a backpack over a large crossbody or satchel for comfort. Its durability is impressive – I machine wash it after every trip, and it holds up remarkably well.
While there are minor drawbacks, like items being harder to locate when fully packed and a desire for more internal zipped pockets, the pros far outweigh the cons. In hot weather, the nylon straps can cause slight chafing on bare skin.
Key Features: Theft-proof design, water resistance, machine washable material, and even weight distribution for comfortable day-long use.
Pincnel theft proof daypack
Woman with daypack in Puerto Rico
Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L Packable Daypack: For Outdoor Adventures
For trips involving hiking, biking, kayaking, or any outdoor activities, the Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L daypack is my top pick. Made from durable rip-stop nylon, it’s spacious, comfortable, and packs down to a compact 4” x 4” square for easy packing. While water-resistant rather than waterproof, it’s perfect for rugged adventures. I pack a lightweight dry bag inside for water-based activities. Often on sale, my Stowaway has been a reliable travel companion for years, enduring countless trips. It’s machine washable and exceptionally durable.
Key Features: Rip-stop nylon for ruggedness, machine washable for easy care, and packable design for convenience.
Eddie Bauer Stowaway daypack hiking
Eddie Bauer Stowaway daypack in Badlands National Park
Eddie Bauer Stowaway daypack biking in Ireland
Versatile Crossbody, Hip Pack, or Belt Bags for Women
Whether you call them crossbody bags, hip packs, fanny packs, bum bags, or belt bags, these smaller bags are ideal when you only need to carry essentials.
Citrusy Boutique Belt Bag: Sleek and Stylish Crossbody
My recent purchase, the Citrusy Boutique Belt Bag, has quickly become a favorite. It was perfect for a week in Budapest, proving to be both sleek and dressy enough for evenings yet practical for daytime sightseeing. Despite its compact size, it comfortably held my cards, ID, passport, lip gloss, hand sanitizer, iPhone 14 Pro, battery pack, and cash. It’s now my everyday bag at home too. I’ve already ordered it in white and gold for next summer!
Citrusy Boutique Belt Bag in Budapest
Baboon to the Moon Fanny Pack 3L: Rugged and Functional Hip Pack
For primarily outdoor adventure trips, the Baboon to the Moon Fanny Pack 3L is an excellent choice. On a road trip out west with my son, it served as my everyday purse. Easy to sling on and surprisingly spacious, my bright yellow version was always easy to spot. While the bright yellow does show dirt easily, it’s machine washable and incredibly durable. If repurchasing, I might opt for a darker color.
Woman with belt bag in Budapest
Baboon to the Moon fanny pack in Badlands
Travel Bags That Didn’t Make the Cut
Not every travel bag is a perfect match, and I’ve invested in several that weren’t right for me. I wanted to embrace the backpack-only travel style and tried the Osprey Fairview, Tortuga Travel Backpack, and eBags Motherload. Testing them on week-long trips, I found them too heavy and bulky. At 5’ 2″, these packs overwhelmed my frame and became cumbersome quickly. While rolling a suitcase over cobblestones isn’t ideal, it’s far easier on my back. I can manage stairs with my wheeled suitcase and then roll it on flat surfaces. For me, it’s simply more practical. While many adore backpack-only travel, I’d have to drastically reduce my packing to make it work, a sacrifice I’m not yet willing to make. These are reputable bags and brands; they just weren’t the right fit for my needs.
eBags Motherload backpack
I hope my experiences help you in your search for the perfect travel bag. Finding the right bags involves some experimentation, but hopefully, my recommendations will save you time and money and guide you toward some of my top choices for the best travel bags for women. Happy travels!
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