Ultimate Travel Bag Guide: Everything You Need to Know
I don’t know about you, but the first time I went shopping for a travel bag was a mess; I couldn’t pick one, so I ended up going home empty-handed.
Joining the millions of travelers going from point A to point B, and so on, is enjoyable, but not so with the wrong luggage. From sore muscles to blood and sweat, the incorrect bag can be annoying. Thus, choosing the right traveling receptacle is essential.
Let me save you the hassle of choosing the right bag to bring in your travels in this ultimate travel bag guide. I put in everything you need to know so you won’t have to experience the mistakes I made. Sounds cool? Let’s get to it.
Types of Travel Bags
Call me a greenhorn, but I never knew travel bags come in different types. Of course, there’s always the travel bag for men and women. But we are talking more about bag typology according to function or purpose (or maybe a design philosophy?). So, here are the different traveling bag types you might encounter when shopping.
Duffel bags
I used to call them “gym bags” because they’re the ones my gym buddies bring to the floor. These large and bulky (although you can always pick something for Frodo if you wish) receptacles are a favorite of athletes and warriors on a road trip. These bags are also ideal for short getaways.
Duffel bags have soft sides and a pair of short handle straps secured at the center to ensure balance when carrying. They also come with removable shoulder straps, perfect for resting your hands and arms.
Although duffel bags are easy to carry, lightweight, and facilitate flexible packing, they don’t have organizational compartments. And I definitely won’t recommend a duffel bag if your adventure involves long-distance walking.
Backpacks
You know this one (think Dora the Explorer or any mountaineering guy). Backpacks, as the name suggests, are receptacles you sling over your shoulders and rest on the back.
Backpacks free your hands, making them popular among trekkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. You could scale a rocky cliff or navigate a treacherous terrain without worrying about the bag falling.
I love those with multiple compartments to organize my stuff, knowing nothing gets mixed up when I have to run several miles in one go. Some have anti-theft features, too (yes, some backpacks have 125-decibel sirens enough to split the eardrum of a wannabe thief).
Unfortunately, you cannot pack a month’s worth of items into a backpack, and carrying this over extended periods can be taxing on the back.
And if you pick a backpack, here’s how to pack an EDC backpack for air travel.
Rolling suitcases
Imagine a traditional luggage with casters at the bottom and a retractable handle at the side. Some might even have a grab handle, making it look like an ordinary (but oversized) suitcase.
These traveling bags are perfect for air travel, with many brands sizing their bags to comply with carry-on regulations. Many have a hard shell to withstand the actions of an overzealous baggage handler. Of course, you can always get a larger rolling suitcase to check in.
While I appreciate a rolling suitcase’s mobility, durability, and compartmentalization, I cannot bring it where the pavement ends. Sure, I could carry it like a duffel bag, but that defeats the purpose of having wheels on the bag.
Travel totes
I call them travel bags for women, although I’ve seen some men lugging these receptacles. Travel totes are like duffel bags, except they have a more squarish design than the duffel’s cylindrical or boxy look.
These traveling bags are the perfect companions for rolling suitcases, especially large ones. You could stash your laptop, a change of clothes, snacks, and other essentials, and stow the bag under your airplane seat.
As stylish and functional as they are, I couldn’t stash as many items as I wanted. It’s like an oversized messenger bag, which can be unforgiving to the shoulders and back over the long haul.
Garment bags
Have you ever tried packing a tux or a wedding attire into luggage only to feel aghast when you open the bag because the garment is all wrinkled? You wouldn’t attend a formal gathering in an attire with a flat iron running after it. I know I wouldn’t.
Garment bags save you from such inconveniences (and embarrassment) by keeping your formal attire wrinkle-free.
My beef with this traveling bag is its limited functionality. It can also be wieldy. Imagine holding a canvas-like bag like a hotel laundry service staff delivering the newly pressed garment to your room.
Which Type of Materials are Used for Travel Bag?
The traveling bag’s material matters because it can influence aesthetics, weight, and durability. H
ere are the common materials you will want to check when you shop weekend travel bag.
Nylon
The go-to of adventurers and frequent travelers, nylon resists abrasions and tears. Many have excellent water resistance, too. It’s lightweight and durable. The downside? It feels and looks plastic and cheap.
Polyester
This bag material is your budget-friendly alternative to the nylon traveling bag. Although it’s not as durable as nylon, polyester can resist fading and wrinkling. It’s perfect for less rugged trips. Just don’t go out in the rain with this bag material, though.
Leather
I’m a sucker for leather goods because they exude luxury (read, expensive). These travel bags are durable and stylish, growing more beautiful through the years, like aging wine. Unfortunately, I dislike the meticulous maintenance that leather demands. After all, it’s skin.
Canvas
You will see this material mostly in travel totes and duffel bags. They are robust, durable, and eco-friendly. The only problem is they aren’t water-resistant unless treated.
Polycarbonate
A mainstay in rolling suitcases, polycarbonate offers the best protection for your travel stuff. It’s lightweight and impact-resistant, although polycarbonate is prone to scratches.
Size and Capacity
I like traveling light. But then, that’s me. So, your next order of business should be to identify the right bag size for your next trip.
Carry-on bags
These bags comply with industry regulations about hand-carried bags into airplanes. The typical dimension is 22x14x9 inches, although you can check the capacity at 30 to 45 liters. These bags are ideal for shorter trips or when you just don’t feel like paying check-in luggage fees.
Checked luggage
It’s the go-to bag size for families and travelers on extended trips or with bulky items. Checked luggage averages 50 to 90 liters of packing space (you can imagine the dimensions).
Expandable bags
These versatile traveling bags allow you to increase (or decrease) packing space to accommodate changing needs.
Personal item bags
Small backpacks, tote bags, and messenger bags are examples of personal item bags. We often stow these <20-liter receptacles under airplane seats.
FAQs
What material does a durable travel bag have?
Nylon is the toughest material for travel bags, although a hardshell suitcase is better if you’re after a more professional and stylish look. Leather is always a good option if you don’t mind the maintenance requirements (and the price).
What size travel bag is good for a week-long trip?
A 60- to 70-liter traveling bag is ideal for week-long trips. However, a 40-45-liter variant is sufficient for minimalist travelers.
Backpack vs. suitcase. Which should I choose?
Pick a backpack for outdoor adventures where you need both hands working. Suitcases are ideal for business trips, city travel, or destinations with smooth, paved surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a traveling bag doesn’t need to be complicated. All you need is to understand your next trip’s requirements, check a suitable material, and find the ideal size (and capacity). I only wish somebody told me about this before I bought my first traveling bag.
