Packing for a trip can often feel like a puzzle, especially when it comes to choosing the right bags. Like many travelers, I’ve realized that one bag rarely fits all situations. A spacious backpack might be perfect for carrying extra layers and gear during the day, while a chic crossbody is ideal for evenings out. On my journeys, I often find myself juggling multiple bags, even when committed to carry-on only travel.
Through countless trips and a fair share of trial and error, I’ve tested a wide range of travel bags. Each journey, each destination, seems to call for a slightly different bag setup. It took time, but I’ve finally curated a combination of travel bags that work for various travel styles and needs.
To save you the time and potential expense of your own bag experiments, I’ve put together a list of my favorite travel bags for women. I’ll break down how I use each bag, highlighting their best features, so you can confidently choose the perfect companions for your next adventure.
Woman with backpack and suitcase ready for travel
Travel backpack packed for Spain trip
Top Travel Bags for Flights: Carry-On Perfection
I’m a big advocate for carry-on only (COO) travel. My ideal COO setup includes a 20” wheeled suitcase as my main carry-on and a 28L backpack as my personal item. This strategy allows me to bring essentials and even a few extras without checking bags. Any smaller purses or crossbody bags I bring must fit within these two larger pieces during the flight. If you’re interested in mastering carry-on travel, you might find my easy COO packing guide helpful.
The Cor Surf 28L Backpack: My Go-To Personal Item
For years, the Northface Recon 28L backpack was my trusted companion. However, after a design update that didn’t quite meet my needs, I embarked on a six-month search for the perfect replacement. My criteria were specific:
- Airline Personal Item Size: Must fit under the seat in front of me on most major airlines.
- Protective Laptop Compartment: Internal, suspended compartment to safeguard my laptop from impact.
- Waterproof: Essential for travel in various weather conditions, ideally with waterproof zippers.
- Easy-Access Top Pocket: For items needed quickly during flights when the bag is stowed.
- Spacious and Organized (but not overly pocketed): Plenty of room for travel essentials without excessive, space-wasting pockets common in commuter bags.
- Comfortable Padded Straps: For comfortable carrying, even when the bag is full.
After testing several backpacks, the Cor Surf 28L stood out. I put it to the test on a week-long trip to New York City and Atlantic City, using it as my sole bag for seven days. It performed exceptionally well.
What impressed me most was its capacity and comfort. Despite being packed to the brim with three pairs of shoes, a week’s worth of clothing for city, beach, and concert outings, the padded straps remained comfortable. Weighing in at 19lbs, the backpack was manageable even while navigating trains, subways, and multiple flights.
Currently, it’s packed for a Spain trip, serving as a companion to my 20” suitcase. It easily accommodates my camera gear, tech accessories, liquids bag, cosmetics, a scarf, water bottle, small crossbody purse, and various smaller pouches. The clam-shell opening makes packing and organization a breeze. The ventilated back panel and comfortable straps are also major pluses, preventing uncomfortable digging into shoulders.
For me, a backpack as a personal item combined with a rolling suitcase is the most effective carry-on only strategy, especially for those who prefer to avoid checked baggage.
Key Features: Clam-shell opening for easy packing, spacious interior, waterproof construction.
Cor Surf backpack stacked with cooler
Woman in airport with Cor Surf and Level 8 bags
Level 8 Voyager 20”: My Favorite Carry-On Suitcase
The Level 8 Voyager 20” is my current favorite carry-on suitcase, and I absolutely love it. The square design maximizes interior space, and the flat top allows for easy bag stacking. The wheels are incredible, rolling smoothly over uneven surfaces and carpets. Having used this suitcase extensively over the past year, I can attest to the wheel quality. Level 8 also offers a 20” version called the Luminous Textured in a vibrant green – perfect for spotting checked luggage!
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Level 8 Luminous Textured 24”: For Longer Trips
While I own the larger Voyager 28″ (pictured below), I find the 24” size more versatile for most trips. My reliable 24″ Samsonite served me well, but the handle is nearing the end of its life. I plan to replace it with the Luminous Textured in Green before my spring 2025 trip to Greece and will share my road test results!
Key Features: Exceptional wheels for all terrains, easy maneuverability, comfortable wide handle for bag stacking, flat top design.
Level 8 suitcases road tested
Level 8 suitcases on dirt terrain
Best Travel Bags for Sightseeing and Exploration
Pincnel Black Mini Backpack: The Theft-Proof Daypack
I consistently recommend this daypack. The Pincnel Black Mini Backpack is my go-to for daily sightseeing on nearly every trip. Its sleek, minimalist design is city-appropriate and practical. When exploring, this bag carries everything I need: umbrella, light jacket, water bottle, snacks, camera, lenses, battery packs, and more. I even tuck my small crossbody inside for quick access to my phone or wallet in crowded areas. The main compartment’s zipper-against-your-back design adds a layer of security. Two zipped side pockets offer extra storage. For carry-on only travel, it packs flat in my suitcase. If checking a bag, it becomes my personal item. I prefer the balanced weight distribution of a backpack over a large crossbody or satchel for comfort. Durability is another plus – it washes well in a machine after each trip.
While fantastic, it has minor drawbacks. When fully packed, finding items can be slightly challenging, and a few more internal zipped pockets would be beneficial. In hot weather and tank tops, the nylon straps can cause slight chafing. However, the pros significantly outweigh the cons.
Key Features: Theft-proof main compartment, water-resistant material, machine washable, even weight distribution.
Pincnel theft proof daypack
Woman wearing Pincnel daypack in Puerto Rico
Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L: The Adventure Daypack
For trips involving hiking, biking, kayaking, or any outdoor activities, the Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L daypack is essential. Made from rip-stop nylon, it’s durable, comfortable, and incredibly packable – folding down to a compact 4” x 4” square. While not fully waterproof, it’s water-resistant and ideal for rugged adventures. For water activities, I pack a lightweight dry bag inside for added protection. These are often on sale! My Stowaway has traveled the world with me for years and still washes up great.
Key Features: Durable rip-stop nylon, machine washable, ultra-packable for travel adventures.
Eddie Bauer Stowaway daypack hiking
Eddie Bauer Stowaway daypack in Badlands
Eddie Bauer Stowaway daypack biking in Ireland
Crossbody, Hip Pack, Belt Bag: Lightweight Essentials
Whether you call it a crossbody, hip pack, fanny pack, bum bag, or belt bag, these smaller bags are perfect when you only need to carry the essentials.
Citrusy Boutique Belt Bag: Chic and Compact
I recently discovered the Citrusy Boutique Belt Bag and I’m obsessed. It was perfect for a week in Budapest. Sleek and stylish enough for dinner yet practical for daytime sightseeing, it comfortably holds credit cards, ID, passport, lip gloss, hand sanitizer, iPhone 14 Pro, battery pack, and cash. Ideal for short outings or when minimal baggage is needed. It’s become my everyday bag at home too! I’ve even ordered it in white and gold for next summer.
Citrusy Boutique Belt Bag in Budapest
Baboon to the Moon Fanny Pack 3L: Adventure-Ready Hip Pack
Baboon to the Moon Fanny Pack 3L
For outdoor-focused trips, the Baboon to the Moon Fanny Pack 3L is my choice. On a road trip out west with my son, it served as my everyday purse. Easy to sling on, spacious enough for essentials, and in bright yellow, it was easy to spot in a packed car! If repurchasing, I’d choose a darker color as the yellow shows dirt easily, but it machine washes well and is very durable.
Citrusy Boutique Belt Bag in Budapest street
Baboon to the Moon fanny pack in Badlands
Travel Bags That Didn’t Quite Make the Cut
Not every travel bag is a perfect match, and I’ve invested in several that didn’t work for me. I wanted to embrace the suitcase-style backpack, trying the Osprey Fairview, Tortuga Travel Backpack, and eBags Motherload on week-long trips. Unfortunately, they were too heavy and bulky for my 5’ 2″ frame, becoming cumbersome quickly. While rolling a suitcase over cobblestones isn’t ideal, it’s easier on my back. I can manage stairs with a wheeled suitcase and then roll it on flat surfaces. It’s simply more comfortable for me. While backpack-only travel works for many, I’d need to drastically reduce my packing volume to make it feasible, and I’m not quite ready for that sacrifice. These are all reputable bags and brands, they just weren’t the right fit for me.
eBags Motherload backpack not working for travel
I hope this guide helps you in your quest for the perfect travel bag. Finding the right bags often involves some experimentation, but hopefully, my experiences will save you some time and money by pointing you towards some excellent options! Happy travels!
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