Choosing Which Bag Is Good For Travel can be a daunting task with so many options available. But don’t worry, TRAVELS.EDU.VN is here to guide you through the selection process, ensuring you find the perfect travel companion for your next adventure. Finding the right travel luggage, travel backpack, or travel duffel is easy with our expert tips and recommendations.
1. Understanding Your Travel Needs
Before diving into the myriad of choices, it’s essential to understand your specific travel needs. This involves considering the type of trip, duration, mode of transportation, and personal preferences. For example, a weekend getaway requires a different bag than a two-week international excursion.
- Type of Trip: Business trips often call for sleek and professional luggage, while adventure travel may require durable and versatile backpacks.
- Duration: Longer trips necessitate larger bags with ample space, whereas shorter trips can be accommodated with smaller, more compact options.
- Mode of Transportation: If you’re primarily flying, consider carry-on sizes to avoid baggage fees and lost luggage. Train travel might allow for larger, more comfortable bags.
- Personal Preferences: Do you prefer rolling luggage, backpacks, or duffel bags? Consider your comfort and mobility when making your selection.
Assessing these factors will help you narrow down your options and choose a bag that aligns perfectly with your travel style.
2. Exploring Different Types of Travel Bags
The world of travel bags is vast and varied, with each type offering unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the different categories is the first step in making an informed decision.
- Rolling Luggage: These are ideal for navigating airports and hotels with ease. Look for spinner wheels for smooth maneuverability and durable handles.
- Backpacks: Perfect for adventure travel, hiking, and situations where mobility is key. Consider features like padded straps, waist belts, and multiple compartments.
- Duffel Bags: Versatile and often more affordable than rolling luggage, duffel bags are great for shorter trips and can be easily stowed in various spaces.
- Carry-ons: Designed to fit in overhead compartments, carry-ons are perfect for avoiding baggage fees and keeping your essentials close.
- Checked Luggage: For longer trips or when you need to pack more items, checked luggage offers ample space and durability.
- Specialty Bags: Garment bags, laptop bags, and camera bags cater to specific needs and ensure your valuables are protected.
3. Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Travel Bag
Once you’ve identified the type of bag you need, it’s time to delve into the specific features that will enhance your travel experience.
- Size and Capacity: Ensure the bag meets airline size restrictions if you plan to use it as a carry-on. Consider the capacity in liters to determine how much it can hold.
- Weight: Lightweight bags prevent you from exceeding weight limits and make it easier to carry or maneuver.
- Durability: Look for bags made from high-quality materials like ballistic nylon, polycarbonate, or reinforced canvas to withstand the rigors of travel.
- Maneuverability: Spinner wheels, telescoping handles, and comfortable straps can make a big difference in how easy it is to move around with your bag.
- Organization: Multiple compartments, pockets, and compression straps help keep your belongings organized and prevent them from shifting during transit.
- Security: TSA-approved locks, hidden pockets, and tamper-proof zippers can provide added security for your valuables.
- Water Resistance: Waterproof or water-resistant materials protect your belongings from rain and spills.
- Comfort: Padded straps, breathable back panels, and ergonomic designs enhance comfort, especially for backpacks.
- Style: While functionality is paramount, choosing a bag that matches your personal style can add a touch of enjoyment to your travels.
4. Top Recommendations for Different Travel Scenarios
Based on extensive research and user reviews, here are some top recommendations for various travel scenarios:
4.1. Best Overall: July Large Luggage
For extended international trips, the July Large Luggage stands out with its 110-liter capacity and durable compression system. It smoothly transitions across surfaces and withstands rigorous testing.
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- Pros: Largest capacity, durable compression, smooth wheels.
- Cons: Can exceed airline weight limits when fully packed.
- Details: Checked suitcase, 30.25 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches, 10.5 pounds, 110-liter capacity, polycarbonate, 4 dual spinner wheels.
4.1.1. Why Choose July Large Luggage?
The July Large Luggage is perfect for those who don’t want to leave any comforts behind. Its spacious interior and robust construction make it a reliable choice for long journeys. The compression feature ensures your clothes stay in place, regardless of how full the bag is.
4.2. Best Carry-on: Away The Carry-On
Away The Carry-On is compact yet spacious, making it ideal for international travel. Its polycarbonate shell and thoughtful organizational features make packing a breeze.
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- Pros: Compact, spacious, durable.
- Cons: Not expandable.
- Details: Carry-on, 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches, 7.5 pounds, 39.8-liter capacity, polycarbonate, 4 dual spinner wheels.
4.2.1. Why Choose Away The Carry-On?
Away The Carry-On is a top pick for its blend of style and functionality. It fits easily into overhead bins while providing ample space for your travel essentials. The organizational features are simple yet effective, ensuring a hassle-free packing experience.
4.3. Best Medium Checked: Travelpro Maxlite Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner
The Travelpro Maxlite Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner offers the perfect balance of size and capacity. Its built-in compression panels and expandable design make it a versatile choice for various trip lengths.
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- Pros: Built-in compression, expandable, lightweight.
- Cons: Handle adjustment could be shorter.
- Details: Checked suitcase, 27.5 x 17.5 x 11 inches, 8.5 pounds, 89-liter capacity, expandable, polycarbonate, 4 dual spinner wheels.
4.3.1. Why Choose Travelpro Maxlite Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner?
The Travelpro Maxlite Air is a fantastic option for those who want a reliable and efficient medium-sized suitcase. Its compression panels and expandable feature allow you to pack more without sacrificing maneuverability.
4.4. Best Large Capacity: Briggs & Riley Extra Large Trunk Spinner
For those who need maximum packing space, the Briggs & Riley Extra Large Trunk Spinner is the ultimate choice. Its 123.9-liter capacity and robust construction make it ideal for long trips and family travel.
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- Pros: Enormous capacity, durable, easy to maneuver.
- Cons: Easy to exceed airline weight limits.
- Details: Checked suitcase, 32.5 x 16.5 x 15.5 inches, 10.4 pounds, 123.9-liter capacity, Makrolon polycarbonate, 4 dual spinner wheels.
4.4.1. Why Choose Briggs & Riley Extra Large Trunk Spinner?
The Briggs & Riley Trunk Spinner is perfect for long journeys and family vacations. Its massive interior and sturdy build ensure you can pack everything you need without worry. Despite its size, it remains surprisingly easy to maneuver.
4.5. Best Carry-on Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an excellent alternative to traditional carry-ons. Its suitcase-style opening, multiple compartments, and comfortable design make it ideal for adventurous travelers.
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- Pros: Spacious, comfortable, well-organized.
- Cons: Minimal structure requires strategic packing.
- Details: Carry-on, 22 x 12 x 10 inches, 2.94 pounds, 35-liter capacity, 15-inch laptop sleeve, recycled materials.
4.5.1. Why Choose Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack?
The Cotopaxi Allpa is perfect for those who prefer the freedom of a backpack. Its thoughtful design and durable materials make it a reliable choice for various travel scenarios.
4.6. Best Duffel: Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag
The Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag is versatile and durable, functioning as both a carry-on and a personal item. Its water-resistant construction and convertible design make it perfect for any adventure.
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- Pros: Versatile, durable, water-resistant.
- Cons: Glossy exterior might not appeal to all.
- Details: Carry-on, 19.7 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches, 2.1 pounds, 40-liter capacity, recycled polyester ripstop.
4.6.1. Why Choose Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel Bag?
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is ideal for travelers who need a flexible and robust bag. Its convertible design and water-resistant material make it ready for any adventure. Plus, it folds down for easy storage when not in use.
4.7. Best Softside Carry-on: Antler Soft Stripe Carry-On
For those who prefer softside luggage, the Antler Soft Stripe Carry-On is an excellent choice. It is incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for airlines with strict weight requirements.
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- Pros: Ultralightweight, compact, easy to carry.
- Cons: Zippers and wheels could be smoother.
- Details: Carry-on, 21.7 x 13.8 x 8.3 inches, 4.19 pounds, 32-liter capacity, recycled polyester.
4.7.1. Why Choose Antler Soft Stripe Carry-On?
The Antler Soft Stripe is perfect for travelers who prioritize weight. Its lightweight design makes it easy to lift and carry, while still providing enough space for your essentials.
4.8. Best Softside Checked: Samsonite Elevation Plus Large Softside Spinner
The Samsonite Elevation Plus Large Softside Spinner is designed with multiple interior and exterior pockets to keep all of your items organized. Because it’s a softside bag, it has a bit of give that naturally expands as you need to make sure it easily zips closed, and it also has a 2-inch expander if you need the extra packing space.
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- Pros: More flexible than most hardside bags, you can expand it even more
- Cons: The handle can be a bit difficult to adjust.
- Details: Checked suitcase, 29.8 x 20 x 11.5 inches, 10 pounds, Expandable (2 inches), Recyclex, 4 dual spinner wheels.
4.8.1. Why Choose Samsonite Elevation Plus Large Softside Spinner?
Whether you’re planning a long trip or packing for a family, this is a high-quality, functional bag that is sure to withstand anything you throw at it.
4.9. Best Foldable Suitcase: Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin
The Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin is perfect for those who want to bring a second suitcase back home but don’t want to purchase one on their trip. Aside from the back skeleton, the bag is fully compressible — you can fold it down to a remarkably flat size.
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- Pros: Can be compressed flat enough to stick in the bottom of a checked bag
- Cons: It only has two fixed wheels and doesn’t roll as easily as many four-wheel suitcases.
- Details: Carry-on, 21.7 x 14.6 x 8.7 inches, 5.2 pounds, Nylon, 2 standard wheels
4.9.1. Why Choose Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin?
You can travel with the compressed bag at the bottom of your checked suitcase to give you a fully functioning carry-on when you need it (especially useful for long-haul trips if you plan to come home with more than you departed with).
4.10. Best Suitcase With Brakes: Aer Carry-On Max
The Aer Carry-On Max can easily be enabled by pressing a button at the base of the handle. This is particularly useful for traveling on public transport or when stopping on an incline, as it prevents the suitcase from rolling away from you.
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- Pros: Easy-to-use brake system
- Cons: It’s fairly large and may not fit in the overhead bins on smaller planes.
- Details: Carry-on, 22.7 x 15 x 9 inches, 8.4 pounds, 48-liter capacity, Makrolon polycarbonate, 4 dual spinner wheels, Integrated break system
4.10.1. Why Choose Aer Carry-On Max?
This sleek, minimalist carry-on suitcase is crafted from a durable polycarbonate shell and features an ergonomic handle with four settings.
4.11. Most Durable: Samsonite Uplift Hardside Carry-on
The Samsonite Uplift Hardside Carry-on is compact enough to fit in most overhead bins, even international ones, and it’s lightweight at just over 5 pounds.
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- Pros: This bag is strong but still very lightweight
- Cons: We wish there were more pockets for organization inside
- Details: Carry-on, 22 x 14 x 9 inches, 5.07 pounds, Expandable (1 inch), Polycarbonate, 4 dual spinner wheels
4.11.1. Why Choose Samsonite Uplift Hardside Carry-on?
This means it’s easy to carry and lift, and we were happy to see the weight didn’t mean a compromise on durability either — aside from a few scuffs, all parts of the bag stood up supremely well after we hit it repeatedly with a metal baseball bat.
4.12. Best Packable Backpack: Bellroy Lite Daypack
The Bellroy Lite Daypack which is well-padded but able to lie quite flat when empty. During testing, we were able to fit our entire packing list for a day out with room to spare.
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- Pros: This backpack is well padded and durable but squishes down to a small size for easy packing.
- Cons: We wish there were sleeves or pockets on the outside for a water bottle.
- Details: Personal item bag, 18.9 x 10.6 x 7 inches, 12.4 ounces, 20-liter capacity, Nylon, Water-resistant
4.12.1. Why Choose Bellroy Lite Daypack?
The minimalist design also looks nice and could be worn in a variety of situations. Overall, it looks and feels like a high-quality backpack with the added bonus of being packable for travel.
4.13. Best Rolling Duffel: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler
The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler has Heavy-duty external compression straps keep everything in place, while extra rugged wheels are made to ease the pain of lugging heavy loads across campsites or through the airport. We loved the storage bag that’s included, which you can use as a packing cube to help keep things organized.
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- Pros: You can choose to either roll or carry this duffel, and it comes with a handy packing cube for easy organization.
- Cons: There’s no frame to support the bag, so it won’t stand up on its own.
- Details: Checked bag, 34 x 13.75 x 15 inches, 4.44 pounds, 130-liter capacity, 800D nylon dobby, 1680D ballistic polyester, recycled 200D polyester, 2 standard wheels
4.13.1. Why Choose Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler?
It’s also easier to wear as a backpack because of this, as there’s no hard frame digging into your back if you opt to convert the bag.
4.14. Best Trunk: Paravel Aviator Trunk
The Paravel Aviator Trunk is a dream for organization. With a 95-liter capacity, you’d think packing two weeks’ worth of clothing inside this spacious trunk would get messy, but there are plenty of special features to keep everything in its rightful place.
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- Pros: It has deep, spacious compartments, and the option to add on packing cubes with interchangeable labels.
- Cons: You have to pay extra for the packing cubes.
- Details: Checked suitcase, 31 x 16.67 x 13.88 inches, 12.3 pounds, 95-liter capacity, Recycled polycarbonate and vegan leather, 4 dual spinner wheels
4.14.1. Why Choose Paravel Aviator Trunk?
We especially loved the trunk’s vegan leather accents and handles as a luxe feature and thought the recycled zippers glided smoothly. The exterior is crafted from recycled polycarbonate that overall feels quite sturdy.
5. Essential Packing Tips
Choosing the right bag is only half the battle. Packing efficiently is equally important to maximize space and minimize stress.
- Roll Your Clothes: Rolling saves space and prevents wrinkles.
- Use Packing Cubes: These help organize your belongings and compress your clothes.
- Limit Shoes: Shoes take up a lot of space, so bring only the essentials.
- Utilize Empty Space: Stuff socks and small items inside shoes and hats.
- Weigh Your Bag: Use a luggage scale to ensure you’re within weight limits.
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8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Choosing the Right Travel Bag
8.1. What size carry-on is best for international travel?
International airlines each have their own size and weight limits for baggage, so we cannot stress enough the importance of looking up your specific airline carrier’s requirements before traveling. To be safe, if you plan on flying with a carry-on, we’d suggest getting as compact of a suitcase as possible, but that won’t be reasonable for all travelers (you can always check a larger bag, though). We’ve included several compact options on the list above that are under 22 inches tall, including the Antler Soft Stripe Carry-on and the Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin. Check out our list of the Best International Carry-ons for the most compact suitcases we’ve tested.
8.2. Are there any items I can’t bring in my suitcase internationally?
There’s a whole bunch of stuff you can’t bring in your suitcase — just take a peek at TSA’s Instagram account for a glimpse (and a good laugh). Other than the obvious ones, like weapons or explosives, there are some specific items that are prohibited in carry-ons and checked luggage alike when traveling internationally, from certain amounts of liquids to alcoholic beverages, e-cigarettes, meats, dairy products, drones, and more. If you’re not sure about a certain item, be sure to check your airline’s (and destination’s) guidelines before packing.
8.3. Is there a different weight limit for international trips?
Oftentimes, yes! While most domestic carry-ons can weigh up to 35-40 pounds (and may never be weighed), many international airlines only allow carry-on bags of up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and could strictly enforce this. You can often purchase more capacity ahead of time for a discounted price, but be sure to keep the restrictions in mind if you’ll be puddle jumping frequently, as the baggage costs can add up quickly. Checked luggage typically has the same weight limit internationally, offering up to 50 pounds for economy seats before added fees kick in.
8.4. How do you know if your luggage is covered by a warranty?
Most luggage brands offer warranties, but you’ll want to read the fine print carefully. Warranties will vary by brand and often cover manufacturing defects like faulty zippers, broken wheels, or handle issues that are present while the luggage is still new or occur within a set time frame (i.e. within six months of purchasing). They usually don’t cover damage from mishandling by airlines, cosmetic damage, or general wear and tear. Because of this, you should inspect your luggage carefully before using it, as some warranties become invalid once you have traveled with the bag. If you’re worried about your bags getting damaged during transit, we’d recommend purchasing travel insurance. You can find warranty information for your luggage by visiting the brand or retailer’s website, or by contacting the company directly.
8.5. What is the best material for a durable travel bag?
Durable travel bags are typically made from ballistic nylon, polycarbonate, or reinforced canvas. These materials are known for their ability to withstand wear and tear.
8.6. How can I maximize space in my travel bag?
To maximize space, roll your clothes, use packing cubes, limit the number of shoes, and utilize empty spaces within shoes and hats.
8.7. What security features should I look for in a travel bag?
Look for TSA-approved locks, hidden pockets, and tamper-proof zippers to protect your valuables.
8.8. Are spinner wheels better than standard wheels for rolling luggage?
Spinner wheels offer greater maneuverability, allowing you to easily navigate through crowded airports and tight spaces.
8.9. Can I bring food in my carry-on bag?
Yes, you can bring food in your carry-on bag, but certain restrictions apply, especially for liquids and gels.
8.10. What should I do if my luggage is lost or damaged during a flight?
Report the loss or damage to the airline immediately and file a claim. Keep copies of all documentation and receipts.
9. Conclusion
Choosing which bag is good for travel depends on several factors, including your trip type, duration, and personal preferences. By understanding the different types of bags and key features to consider, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect travel companion. And remember, travels.edu.vn is here to help you plan your dream getaway to Napa Valley, offering customized itineraries, exclusive deals, and expert guidance. Contact us today and let us take the stress out of travel planning.
