Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner: A Top Pick for Rolling Carry-On Good Travel Bags
Travelpro Platinum Elite 21 Carry-on Luggage
OVERALL SCORE: 88
- Capacity: 7.6
- Ease of Transport: 9.5
- Construction Quality: 9.1
- Design and Functionality: 9.5
Weight: 8.1 lb | Dimensions: 9.0″ x 14.3″ x 23.5″
Reasons to Buy:
- Highly Durable Construction
- Smooth and Reliable Zippers
- Magnetically Aligned Wheels for Straight Rolling
- Convenient Grab Handles on All Edges
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slightly Exceeds Carry-On Size Limits
- Heavier Than Some Alternatives
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner remains a favorite among our carry-on luggage review team, and for good reason. For travelers seeking Good Travel Bags, organization is key, and this bag delivers. Think of it as a portable, organized closet, boasting numerous exterior pockets and smart internal organization features. The flip-top design and smooth zippers make packing and access effortless. Inside, discover a detachable suit organizer, four additional pockets, and a removable toiletry case. Both compression and expansion features add to its practicality, perfect for those extra souvenirs you pick up on your travels. Multiple exterior pockets, including a dedicated powerpack pocket, ensure your devices stay charged. While some testers appreciated the organizational layout of the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner slightly more, the Platinum Elite stands out as a top contender for overall packing convenience in good travel bags.
“We love the extra features and added versatility of this sturdy, classy roller bag.”
A good travel bag must excel at, well, traveling. The Travelpro Platinum excels in this area, achieving a near-perfect score for ease of transport. This bag seems to become an extension of you as you navigate busy airports. The telescoping handle offers five adjustable height settings, ensuring comfortable handling for users of varying heights. Strategically placed grab handles make lifting into overhead bins or car trunks a breeze. Testers particularly praised the magnetically aligned spinner wheels. This innovative feature keeps the wheels locked in a forward position, eliminating the frustration of rogue wheels veering off course. For superior transit performance, only the Rimowa Original Cabin surpasses it, but at a significantly higher price point, making the Travelpro a more accessible option for good travel bags.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 21 Carry-on Luggage
While priced higher than some, the Travelpro Platinum Elite justifies its cost with premium features and durable construction designed for longevity. It consistently ranks among the top carry-on luggage for design and functionality. This means it’s not just built to last but also to enhance your travel experience with its ease of use. Frequent travelers will find this investment worthwhile for the added convenience it brings to their journeys. Even when compared to traditionally “high-end” and pricier models like the Tumi 19 Degree International and the popular Away The Carry-On, the Travelpro Platinum Elite outperformed and was favored by our entire testing team as a top choice for good travel bags.
Need even more packing space? The larger 29″ Platinum Elite is equally impressive and our top recommendation for checked luggage, offering a massive 117 liters of organized packing volume, essentially a portable wardrobe, reinforcing the Platinum Elite line as a source for good travel bags across different sizes.
This carry-on suitcase offers almost everything a traveler could desire in a travel companion. Constructed from high-density ballistic nylon fabric with a DuraGuard coating, it resists stains and scratches, maintaining its polished look. The magnetically aligned four wheels ensure smooth and effortless gliding. The only minor drawback is that the Platinum Elite 21″ technically slightly exceeds US airline carry-on size limits. However, these regulations are rarely strictly enforced, and unless overstuffed, it should easily fit in the cabin. From family vacations to professional business trips, the Travelpro Platinum Elite stands as our top recommendation for a rolling carry-on bag, making it a truly good travel bag for diverse needs.
Read more: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On review
Durable construction of the Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on luggage
SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-Inch: Good Travel Bags Offering Great Value
Great Value Rolling Carry-On Luggage
OVERALL SCORE: 68
- Capacity: 7.4
- Ease of Transport: 6.3
- Construction Quality: 6.6
- Design and Functionality: 6.7
Weight: 7.3 lb | Dimensions: 10.0″ x 14.1″ x 23.0″
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent Capacity for its Size
- Smooth Four-Wheel System
- Affordable Price Point
- Reasonably Durable Construction
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slightly Exceeds Carry-On Size Standards
- Can Feel Heavy When Fully Packed
Finding good travel bags that balance capacity and features without breaking the bank can be challenging. However, the SwissGear Sion Softside achieves just that. This front flip-zipping suitcase boasts a variety of compartments both inside and out, including a shallow front pocket ideal for phones and a larger external pocket for documents or tablets. Mesh pockets, a waterproof toiletries bag, compression straps, and an expansion zipper enhance internal organization, making it a feature-rich option in the realm of good travel bags. Navigating airports is easy thanks to its four smooth-rolling wheels. While some budget models like the Delsey Paris Helium Aero and the Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner offered slightly smoother rolling, both are hardshell cases, making the SwissGear a strong softside contender for good travel bags at this price.
“With a host of smart organizational features and a durable, reliable performance, this affordable roller bag is a steal of a deal.”
Our lead tester described the Sion Softside as “just SO darn packable.” It effortlessly handled our 7-day summer packing test and a bulky gear packing challenge, excelling in both. We fit everything needed and more without even using the expansion zipper, highlighting its impressive capacity for good travel bags. For heavier packers, the larger 29″ size is equally recommended. This carry-on roller offers a larger-than-average main compartment, along with smart organizational features like a removable waterproof toiletry bag and durable mesh pockets. For a bag in this price range, the features are surprisingly comprehensive, making it a standout for value-conscious shoppers seeking good travel bags. If you prefer hardshell luggage, the Samsonite Freeform Spinner is another high-value carry-on option with smooth rolling, simple organization, and a modern aesthetic, representing another excellent choice for good travel bags in the hardshell category.
SwissGear Sion Softside rolling smoothly on pavement
As mentioned, this bag is designed to get your belongings from point A to point B effectively. It includes useful organizational features at a budget-friendly price. However, it’s not as robust as top-tier softshell options like the Eagle Creek Warrior XE 2-Wheel Convertible, so a bit of extra care is advised. The Sion Softside is ideal for those who don’t travel frequently enough to justify spending $300+ on luggage but still want convenient features. It strikes a good balance between functionality and affordability in good travel bags. While features like smaller wheels and less-than-perfect tracking might not suit weekly or monthly travel, for occasional trips to visit family a couple of times a year, these minor drawbacks are unlikely to be a concern, making it a practical choice for good travel bags for infrequent travelers.
For budget-minded travelers, luggage sets offering multiple pieces can represent significant value. We tested sets like the Showkoo Hardside 3-Piece Set and the Rockland Softside 2-Piece Set. While these sets offer undeniable value in terms of quantity, our tests revealed that these ultra-budget options use less durable materials and construction compared to most individual bags. Therefore, if you need bags for years of frequent travel, these bottom-tier sets may not hold up as well, emphasizing the SwissGear as a better option for balanced quality and value in good travel bags.
The Sion Softside is slightly heavy for a carry-on, but it features three well-padded handles that are helpful when lifting and loading. It also marginally exceeds US carry-on regulations. However, by avoiding overpacking and using compression techniques, it should generally pass as a carry-on. The expandable zipper offers significant extra space for non-air travel, just remember to avoid overfilling if you intend to use it as a carry-on. For travelers prioritizing budget and functionality, this roller provides an excellent combination of features, organization, and user-friendly pricing, making it a strong contender in the category of good travel bags that are also affordable.
Read more: SwissGear Sion Softside review
SwissGear Sion Softside transitioning between four and two wheels
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L: Best Carry-On Travel Backpack Among Good Travel Bags
Top Pick for Carry-On Travel Backpacks
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Travel Backpack
$195 at REI (before member cash back!)
$195 at Amazon
OVERALL SCORE: 83
- Storage & Protection: 8.3
- Ease of Use: 8.4
- Comfort & Fit: 8.7
- Versatility: 6.5
Available Sizes: 30L, 46L, 65L | Externally Accessible Pockets: 5
Reasons to Buy:
- Dual Compression Straps Maximize Storage
- Durable Fabrics Maintain Shape
- Excellent External Pockets and Internal Organization
- Comfortable Even with Heavy Loads
Reasons to Avoid:
- Bulky Design
- Does Not Lay Flat When Empty
When your travels take you off the beaten path, you need good travel bags that can keep up. The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 is specifically designed for this. If rolling luggage is impractical and duffel bags are too cumbersome, this comfortable carry-on backpack is likely the ideal solution. Its 46-liter volume easily accommodates all your essentials, while internal and external compression straps secure items and reduce the bag’s overall size. For those prioritizing versatility and portability in good travel bags, the Sojourn Porter is a standout.
“With plenty of space, great suspension for carrying, and handy on-the-go essentials access, this feature-filled pack is our favorite.”
The 100% recycled ripstop nylon is well-padded, protecting your gear from bumps, scrapes, and light rain. It also features a large, well-cushioned laptop sleeve. However, the primary advantage of a travel backpack is carrying comfort, and the Sojourn Porter excels here, even when fully loaded. If 46 liters is too large for your airline’s carry-on restrictions, the slightly smaller 40-liter Osprey Farpoint 40 is another highly recommended travel backpack known for exceptional carrying comfort and ease of organization, offering another excellent option for good travel bags in a slightly smaller size.
Testers praising the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L travel backpack
Despite its many strengths, there are a few general drawbacks to travel backpacks, including the Sojourn Porter. To maintain manageable size and weight, you might need to pack lighter or use additional luggage. While the Porter is spacious, it’s easy to overpack, making it heavy and bulky. However, staying organized is easy with the Porter’s well-placed pockets, offering convenient access to items like headphones, snacks, and travel documents. If the Sojourn Porter’s price is a concern, the Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 offers great organizational features, lighter weight, durable construction, and a more affordable price, representing a value-oriented alternative for good travel bags in the backpack category.
Keeping Your Essentials Close: When traveling with a carry-on backpack like this, pairing it with a small fanny pack can be very helpful. It keeps essential items readily accessible without needing to rummage through a bulky backpack on planes or trains, enhancing the overall travel experience with good travel bags by adding a layer of convenience.
The large Porter fits comfortably in overhead bins, but its rounded design can make it awkward to fit under seats or in tight spaces, feeling a bit like wearing a turtle shell. However, for those who want a single bag solution without drastically reducing their packing list, this travel backpack is a fantastic choice. The latest version even includes an external water bottle pocket! Overall, the Porter is a top pick for travelers who prefer to keep their belongings close and want to avoid rolling luggage, solidifying its position as one of the best good travel bags in backpack form.
Read more: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L review
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Travel Backpack
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: Top Travel Backpack for Organization and Livability in Good Travel Bags
Best for Internal Organization and Travel Living
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Backpack
$180 at Backcountry
$200 at Evo
$206 at Amazon
OVERALL SCORE: 79
- Storage & Protection: 8.0
- Ease of Use: 8.6
- Comfort & Fit: 8.0
- Versatility: 5.5
Available Sizes: 20L, 28L, 35L, 42L | Externally Accessible Pockets: 4
Reasons to Buy:
- Integrated Mesh Organizer Pockets
- Comfortable to Carry
- Removable Waist Belt
Reasons to Avoid:
- Suboptimal Laptop Sleeve Design
- Pocket Design Limits Packing Bulky Items
Living out of your luggage is a hallmark of frequent travel. Mastering the art of packing involves accessing items easily without disrupting organization. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L excels in livability, making it a tester favorite for extended trips. While suitcase and duffel bag users often rely on packing cubes, the Cotopaxi integrates packing cube benefits directly into its design, making it a smart choice among good travel bags for organized travelers.
“The Allpa’s ingenious organizational system makes it easy to live out of for days or even weeks on end.”
A system of mesh pockets divides the Allpa’s main compartment, securing socks, essentials, and larger clothing items in dedicated spaces. The main compartment fully unzips for easy access without gear spilling out. The Cotopaxi is also comfortable to carry for long periods, thanks to its comfortable shoulder and waist straps and supportive back panel. The waist strap is removable, useful for those who don’t frequently use it and prefer to avoid it catching in crowds, enhancing the user-friendliness of these good travel bags.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L external pocket for quick access items
In today’s travel landscape, electronics are essential. However, the Cotopaxi’s laptop sleeve is less impressive. The zipper is difficult to use when the bag is full, and it lacks internal padding. For frequent laptop users, the Thule Subterra 2 Convertible with its removable laptop attaché case is a better alternative for good travel bags prioritizing laptop protection and accessibility.
For travelers who prioritize organization, a fanny pack like the REI Trail 2 or the structured Peak Design Everyday 6L crossbody bag pairs well with a travel backpack like the Allpa, further enhancing the organized travel system with good travel bags.
Another drawback of the Cotopaxi Allpa is also a consequence of its organizational strengths. The internal mesh pockets, while excellent for organization, limit “shove-it-all-in” style packing. Despite this, the Cotopaxi Allpa is a pleasant backpack to travel with and live out of, ideal for travelers seeking organization. A sleek, feature-rich alternative is the Peak Design Travel 45. It features an internal mesh pocket accessible from both sides and a large open compartment for bulkier items, offering another premium option for good travel bags focused on organization and versatility.
Read more: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L review
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Backpack
Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe: Best Personal Item Backpack Among Good Travel Bags
Top Backpack as an Airline ‘Personal Item’
Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe Laptop Backpack
OVERALL SCORE: 76
- Laptop Protection: 8.5
- Comfort and Fit: 7.5
- Storage: 7.0
- Ease of Use: 7.5
- Versatility: 6.5
Weight: 2.3 lb | Capacity: 20 L
Reasons to Buy:
- Dedicated 17″ Laptop Pocket
- Useful Array of Pockets for Organization
- Waterproof Bottom
Reasons to Avoid:
- Small Water Bottle Pocket
- Narrow Dimensions
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is our top pick for a laptop backpack to use as a personal item when flying. It’s perfect for carrying electronics on work trips. It features a padded pocket specifically for a computer and a secondary sleeve inside the main compartment for another device, making it a great option for tech-savvy travelers seeking good travel bags for personal items. Auxiliary pockets are ideal for supplies like pens, keys, chargers, and a wireless mouse. While not waterproof, its thick fabric is water-resistant, and it has a waterproof bottom for protection on wet surfaces.
“With clever features like a luggage loop across the back and dual electronics sleeves, this bag is travel ready.”
While performing well overall, this pack is relatively compact. It can hold folders, notebooks, and files, but it’s not quite large enough to function as a true overnight bag. It includes a water bottle pocket, but it’s small and designed for a slim bottle. If a larger personal item backpack is needed, we recommend The North Face Recon, offering excellent organization for laptops and daily essentials, a stretch pocket for an extra layer, and two durable water bottle pockets, providing a more spacious alternative for good travel bags in the personal item category.
Many school backpacks also serve well as travel companions. We like the Osprey Nebula 32 for both classes and trips home. For more adventurous travel, consider a daypack like the Osprey Talon 22 or the budget-friendly Decathlon Quechua as a personal item, expanding the range of good travel bags for personal item use.
Aside from these minor points, we highly recommend this pack for traveling with tech and consider it the best option for most users seeking good travel bags for electronics. If you are willing to invest in a feature-rich backpack, the Incase Icon is another excellent choice. For a more budget-friendly option that is versatile for both urban and outdoor use, The North Face Borealis is a fantastic, high-value alternative, rounding out options for good travel bags in the laptop backpack segment.
Read more: Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe review
Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe Laptop Backpack
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel: Best Duffel Bag in Multiple Sizes Among Good Travel Bags
Best Duffel Bag with Many Size Options
$169 at REI (before member cash back!)
OVERALL SCORE: 84
- Storage and Ease of Packing: 8.6
- Ease of Transport: 8.5
- Protection: 8.5
- Construction Quality: 9.2
- Weight-to-Volume Ratio: 6.2
Weight: 2.6 lb (55 L size) | Sizes Available: 40, 55, 70, 100 L
Reasons to Buy:
- Lightweight Yet Tough Material
- Removable Backpack Straps
- Sleek and Rugged Design
Reasons to Avoid:
- Button Snaps on Handles Can Be Tedious
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel has a long history of excellent performance, making it our testing team’s overall favorite in our recent duffel bag review. The Black Hole is a versatile option available in various sizes, ensuring you find the right fit for your needs. Regardless of the size you choose, you can expect reliable performance, making it a consistently good choice among travel bags. Pocket configurations vary by size; for separate shoe storage, consider the Gregory Alpaca, which offers similar construction, slightly different pockets and features, and a moderately lower price, presenting an alternative for good travel bags in the duffel category.
“The backpack-style shoulder straps of the latest version are easily removable, making the transition from street to airport a breeze.”
Excellent features are abundant across the Black Hole duffel sizes, though they vary slightly. Larger models like the 100-liter have multiple zippered pockets inside and out for small items and internal compression straps to secure gear. Smaller sizes, like the 55-liter, have fewer pockets and no compression system. All models feature removable backpack straps, daisy chain attachments, and the same durable fabric. The 900-denier recycled polyester is both water and abrasion-resistant. A reinforced bottom panel adds extra protection against wear and tear, reinforcing the durability aspect of these good travel bags.
If you prefer a more streamlined duffel for travel, we also tested those. We highly recommend the HYC00 Travel as a smaller bag with excellent internal organization and easy access on the go, all while maintaining a stylish look, offering another option for good travel bags with a focus on style and organization.
We are very impressed with this bag, with only minor shortcomings. We wish the handle closure wrap used Velcro instead of button snaps, which are slower to use. More internal storage pockets for small items would also be appreciated. However, considering the Black Hole’s overall performance and versatility, these are minor issues. If you need more pockets in your duffel, the Cotopaxi Allpa is an excellent choice for a large, rugged, and organized travel bag, providing an alternative for good travel bags when pocket organization is paramount.
Read more: Patagonia Black Hole review
Versatile Patagonia Black Hole Duffel bag in airport setting
Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L: Best High-Capacity Rolling Duffel Bag Among Good Travel Bags
Top High-Capacity Rolling Duffel Bag
Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L Rolling Duffel Bag
OVERALL SCORE: 85
- Capacity: 8.8
- Ease of Transport: 8.0
- Construction Quality: 9.0
- Design and Functionality: 8.0
Weight: 8.7 lb | Capacity: 99 L
Reasons to Buy:
- Extremely Rugged and Tough
- Full-Length Metal Frame for Support
- Effective Gear Compression System
- Large, All-Terrain Wheels
- Relatively Lightweight for its Size
Reasons to Avoid:
- Premium Price Point
- Lacks Exterior Bumper Rails
- Stiff Zippers
The Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L is built for adventure. This updated bag is an ultimate gear hauler, offering the capacity and toughness to transport your belongings anywhere in the world. A key feature is the exterior straitjacket compression system, securing your load between two padded, 500-denier high-tenacity nylon flaps and cinching it down with webbing straps, highlighting its focus on secure packing within good travel bags. The dense 1000-denier polyester shell is comparable to The North Face Base Camp Rolling Thunder 28, known for its strength and gear protection, placing the Sojourn Shuttle among robust good travel bags.
“This durable, impressive adventure suitcase easily devours all your gear and keeps it safe en route to your final destination.”
Other standout features include extra-large 4-inch wheels, a full-length interior metal frame, balanced grab handles, and a water-resistant shell. In terms of quality and function, this bag’s design is top-tier, checking all our adventure travel boxes. Every detail is purposeful: robust zippers and pulls, an external muddy boot bin, an add-a-bag strap, all contributing to the thoughtful design of these good travel bags. The Sojourn Shuttle even has a built-in Travel Sentry luggage ID plate for global tracking if lost.
Alternate Sizes: As a larger, rolling version of our favorite travel backpack, the Sojourn Porter, this oversized bag also comes in a smaller 45-liter version and a larger 130-liter version, accommodating even the most gear-intensive trips, extending the Sojourn line as a source for good travel bags across various capacities.
Premium fabrics, metal frames, and quality components come at a higher price. Expect to pay more for the construction quality offered by this bag. Its zippers are among the best, ensuring they won’t split during long flights; however, their strength makes them stiffer. For budget-conscious options, consider the Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 85 or the REI Co-op Big Haul Rolling Duffel 30″. For compartmentalized packing, the Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30 is also a great choice, providing alternatives for good travel bags at different price points and feature sets.
Read more: Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L review
Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L Rolling Duffel Bag
Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner: Best Hardsided Checked-Bag Suitcase Among Good Travel Bags
Top Hardsided Checked-Bag Suitcase
OVERALL SCORE: 74
- Capacity: 9.2
- Ease of Transport: 7.0
- Construction Quality: 6.0
- Design and Functionality: 6.0
Weight: 9.4 lb | Capacity: 112.5 L
Reasons to Buy:
- Lightweight for its Large Size
- Exceptional Capacity
- Integrated TSA-Approved Lock
- Effective Dual-Wheeled Spinners
- Great Value for the Price
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited Water Resistance
- Exterior Scratches Easily
- Basic Interior Storage Features
- Trolley Handle Feels Somewhat Thin
The Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner is a solid choice for those who pack extensively and need reliable protection for their belongings. It offers ample space for various items, from sports gear to team uniforms. A side expansion panel provides extra storage after souvenir shopping. Upgraded dual-wheeled spinners ensure smooth navigation through crowds. For travelers needing spacious and functional good travel bags, the Freeform is a strong contender.
“With 112.5 liters of packing space, smooth-rolling wheels, and a built-in lock, this reasonably priced checked bag is a great value purchase.”
Its polypropylene construction is durable enough for airport handling, although it scratches more easily than tougher polycarbonate cases like the Away The Large. The Freeform is also lightweight for its capacity, weighing under 10 pounds. It opens in the middle into two shallower compartments with mesh nets and straps to secure items. A built-in TSA-approved lock adds security, enhancing the practicality of these good travel bags.
For maximizing your travel budget, consider luggage sets. We tested sets like the Showkoo Expandable Hardside Set 20″ and the Travelers Club Chicago 20″. While cheaper and offering multiple pieces, these sets are made with less durable construction, making the Samsonite Freeform a better option for durability and balanced value in good travel bags.
Despite its advantages, the Freeform has some drawbacks. Items can shift inside if the bag is only half-full. Long-term durability for heavy use is also a concern, making it best for moderate travel (2-4 flights per year). If you need a smaller bag, consider the carry-on version of the Freeform. However, if you want a secure hardsided checked suitcase without paying a premium price, the Samsonite Freeform is our recommended luggage, offering a value-driven choice for good travel bags in the hardshell checked luggage category.
Read more: Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner review
Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L Rolling Duffel Bag
How We Test Travel Bags to Find the Good Travel Bags
For years, our team of travel enthusiasts and bag experts has researched, traveled with, and tested top travel bags, packs, and luggage. We’ve spent hundreds of hours searching for the most promising and popular products. We’ve purchased over 400 pieces of travel gear and taken them on global adventures to evaluate real-world performance. We’ve wheeled bags through security, checked them on international flights, strapped them to pack animals, and used them for daily commutes. Our rigorous testing process ensures we identify truly good travel bags.
Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L Rolling Duffel Bag
Besides real-world adventures, we conduct standardized, rigorous tests to pinpoint performance nuances. We’ve showered them, subjected them to rainstorms and snow, and packed them to capacity. In our carry-on testing and large luggage testing, we drop suitcases from heights and push them down stairs to assess durability against rough handling. Year after year, we push these travel bags to their limits to determine the best options for various travel types, ensuring our recommendations point to truly good travel bags.
Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L Rolling Duffel Bag
Why Trust GearLab for Good Travel Bags Recommendations
To find the best travel bags, we’ve assembled a team of bag experts and travel enthusiasts to test everything from daypacks to duffel bags to roller suitcases. Jason Wanlass leads our rolling suitcase reviews, testing carry-on and checked sizes. Jason has decades of global adventure travel experience and needs reliable luggage. Myrha Colt, a long-term traveler across six continents and packing specialist, assists him, ensuring comprehensive functionality assessment for good travel bags. Myrha also contributes to our backpack reviews, bringing her day bag expertise.
Durable construction of the Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on luggage
Hale Milano leads duffel bag and travel backpack testing. Hale’s global travels and experience with various bag types, from military duffels to business trip suitcases, inform his reviews, helping identify good travel bags for diverse needs. Ben Applebaum-Bauch, with his long commute experience, tests laptop bags, focusing on daily essentials and laptop protection, contributing to our selection of good travel bags for daily use and tech transport. Together, this team works tirelessly to bring you a list of top-notch travel bags, ensuring you find truly good travel bags for your journeys.
Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L Rolling Duffel Bag
How to Pick the Best Good Travel Bag for You
Choosing the right travel bag depends on your travel style and adventure type. The best bag for a concert overnight trip differs from one needed for an Arctic expedition. For long journeys abroad, space and portability are key, and hybrid options like travel backpacks balance these needs. Heavy packers might prefer large suitcases, sacrificing some portability. Consider your travel intentions, trip length, and transportation methods before choosing a bag to ensure you select good travel bags suited to your specific needs.
Heavy packer choosing a large suitcase
Trip Duration and Good Travel Bags
Bag size largely depends on trip length and packing volume. Weekend trips require less space than month-long journeys. Heavy packers need larger suitcases or duffel bags. Weekend getaways are manageable with carry-on backpacks or smaller luggage. Filling your bag appropriately is ideal to prevent contents from shifting. Choosing the right size ensures neatly packed items, a key aspect of good travel bags.
Airport checkpoint for carry-on bag sizes
For air travel, pay attention to bag size. Understand carry-on, personal item, and checked luggage distinctions. Carry-on bags fit overhead bins and meet airline size limits (around 22 x 14 x 9 inches). Personal items are smaller bags fitting under seats. You can often bring two bags onboard if they meet size requirements. For short trips or light packing, these two bags may suffice. Longer trips or bulky winter gear might require larger duffels or checked suitcases. Duffel bags are versatile and come in various sizes, many doubling as backpacks. Smaller duffels can even serve as personal items, making them adaptable good travel bags.
Simple and low-profile fanny pack for travel
Bag sizes are often measured in liters. Day bags are typically 20-30 liters, fitting under airline seats and ideal for laptops and essentials. Medium bags (30-50 liters) are carry-on size, fitting in overhead bins. Large bags (60+ liters) are for heavy packers and may exceed 100 liters. Be mindful of weight limits for checked bags to avoid fees. Whether for European adventures or daily commutes, consider these size factors to select good travel bags that meet your volume needs. Fanny packs or sling bags are always useful for keeping smaller items accessible, complementing your main travel bag.
Transportation Method and Good Travel Bags
Transportation method (plane, train, bus, car) and trip length are interconnected. Check airline bag specifications, as fees vary. Checked bags are less of a concern until arrival. Trains and buses have varying luggage rules, but frequent transfers with heavy luggage are challenging. On buses and trains, luggage often stays with you, so consider portability if using these frequently. Road trips prioritize car space; soft-bodied bags are space-saving. Walkers and bikers need comfortable, appropriately sized bags. Consider portability based on your transportation, ensuring you choose good travel bags that are easy to manage on your chosen transport.
Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L Rolling Duffel Bag
Consider your mobility needs during travel. Frequent location changes require easily portable bags like travel backpacks and duffel bags. Single destinations allow for less versatile bags, focusing on capacity. Even for train or car travel within a destination, consider walking distances to stations, as wheeled luggage struggles on cobblestone or dirt, further emphasizing the importance of choosing good travel bags appropriate for your mobility needs.
Versatile Patagonia Black Hole Duffel bag in airport setting
Travel Purpose and Good Travel Bags
Consider what you’ll pack based on destination and travel goals. Cold climates or gear-intensive trips require more space than warm-weather getaways. Some bags have single compartments, others have many pockets. Organized travelers prefer bags with storage options. “Throw-and-go” packers prefer single-compartment bags. Your travel purpose influences the organizational needs of your good travel bags.
Duffel bags with a large main compartment for easy packing
Work or school trips require different bags than leisure travel. Laptop users need bags with laptop sleeves. Consider pocket needs for wallets, keys, and tech accessories. Commute method (public transport, car, bike) and weather influence bag protection needs. Comfort, protection, and functionality are key for daily use good travel bags.
Backpack with organization and pockets for travel
Day bags for city or trail exploration need to hold essentials like changes of clothes, snacks, and electronics. Prioritize laptop sleeves for computer transport. Work trips or events require bags that keep formal wear wrinkle-free. Many carry-ons and suitcases include garment bags. Removable garment bags add versatility, allowing for space optimization when not needed. Garment bags are a key feature in good travel bags for business or formal travel.
Travel bag with garment keeper for wrinkle-free clothes
Regardless of travel purpose, pair your main bag with a fanny pack or small backpack for day trips. Smaller bags allow you to leave larger luggage at your accommodation and carry only daily essentials. Fanny packs and sling bags offer convenient, secure storage for valuables and small items, complementing your system of good travel bags. Messenger bags offer easy on-the-go access to contents.
Daily commuter bag with space for essentials
Bag Styles for Good Travel Bags
Knowing your travel style helps in choosing bag styles. Many bag types exist, each with strengths and uses for different travel environments.
Heavy packer choosing a large suitcase
Rolling Luggage: Includes traditional suitcases and rolling duffel bags with two or four wheels. Wheels enhance maneuverability on smooth surfaces like airports and stations. Four-wheeled bags are easily pushed or pulled. However, roller bags are cumbersome on uneven terrain like gravel or cobblestones. Consider rolling luggage for primarily airport and hotel use when seeking good travel bags.
Base Camp Duffel bag style
Duffel Bags: Soft-sided, sometimes water-resistant, great for bulky or oddly shaped items due to large main compartments. Collapsible designs fit car trunks, overhead bins, or under seats. They lack extensive organization but some have small compartments. Adventure duffels may convert to backpacks, though not ideal for long wear. Shoulder straps are common. Duffels are best for carrying large or oddly shaped items short distances, representing a versatile style of good travel bags.
Base Camp Duffel bag style
Hardside Luggage: Box-shaped suitcases with durable hard exteriors (ABS, polycarbonate, or metal). Lightweight, water-resistant, and protective of contents. Clamshell style with two equal compartments. TSA-approved locks, roller wheels, and telescoping handles are standard. Hardside luggage cannot be compressed for tight spaces, making them suitable for checked baggage and protecting delicate items, making them a secure style of good travel bags.
Base Camp Duffel bag style
Softside Luggage: Common suitcases with internal support and cloth exteriors (nylon, Cordura, polyester). Durable, scratch-resistant, and tear-resistant. Flip-top lids, interior pockets, and compression systems are common. Handles and roller wheels are standard. Sizes vary for carry-on or checked baggage. Softside luggage offers a balance of durability, organization, and flexibility in good travel bags.
Base Camp Duffel bag style
Backpacks: Many travel backpack types exist. Daypacks are smaller, comfortable for active use and pair with larger luggage. School backpacks and laptop backpacks serve commuters and students and double as personal items or road trip bags. Travel backpacks are larger, with internal storage for suitcase-free travel, comfortable for long periods and ideal for multi-destination trips. Backpacks are a versatile category of good travel bags, catering to diverse needs.
Base Camp Duffel bag style
Messenger Bags: Practical, stylish for daily use. Similar capacity to backpacks but easier access without removal. Single shoulder strap, often worn crossbody. Fold-over lids offer weather protection. Ideal for frequent access to contents, messenger bags are a stylish and functional style of good travel bags.
Base Camp Duffel bag style
Fanny Packs and Sling Bags: Compact bags worn on hips or over shoulders. Versatile, convenient for travel. Pair with larger bags for extra pockets. Small enough to not count as extra airline baggage. Hold wallets, phones, passports, and deter pickpockets. Easily stowed when not needed, fanny packs and sling bags are essential accessories for good travel bags systems.
Variety of good travel bags
Conclusion: Choosing Your Good Travel Bags
Whether packing for expeditions or daily commutes, these bags offer solutions. For any journey, from cobblestone streets to gym commutes, our in-depth testing helps you choose the best companion for your packing needs. Wherever you travel, we hope you are well-prepared with one or more of these top travel bags. Choosing good travel bags is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
