Best Gear Bags For Traveling: Choosing The Right One

When it comes to choosing the best gear bag for travelling, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, what type of traveller are you? Are you a frequent flyer who needs a bag that can withstand the rigours of airport travel, or are you more of an adventurer who needs a bag that can handle rugged terrain? Secondly, what is your budget? Gear bags can range from affordable to premium, so it's important to set a budget before making a purchase. Lastly, what features are most important to you? Do you need a bag with a lot of pockets and compartments, or are you looking for something more streamlined?

- For frequent flyers: A carry-on roller bag might be the best option. Look for something with smooth-rolling wheels, a durable exterior, and plenty of internal compartments to keep your belongings organised. The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21 Expandable Spinner is a popular choice and offers excellent value for money.

- For adventurers: A durable and water-resistant duffel bag might be a better option. The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is a top pick in this category, offering a range of sizes, lightweight and tough material, and removable backpack straps. If you need something more heavy-duty, the Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 100L is a wheeled duffel bag that can handle rugged terrain.

- For those on a budget: The SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-Inch is a great value option for a rolling carry-on bag. It has plenty of compartments for organisation and smooth-riding wheels. For a duffel bag, the REI Roadtripper offers excellent storage and utility at a fraction of the price of other bags.

- For those who want lots of pockets: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a popular choice, with integrated mesh pockets that help keep your belongings organised. The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is another good option, with an internal mesh pocket that can be accessed from both sides and a large open compartment.

Suitcase vs Backpack: The choice between a suitcase or backpack depends on your travel style and destination. Backpacks are better for off-road trips and suitcases are more convenient for city breaks

When it comes to choosing the right luggage for your travels, there are many options available, but suitcases and backpacks are the most popular choices. The choice between a suitcase or backpack depends on your travel style and destination. Backpacks are better for off-road trips and suitcases are more convenient for city breaks.

Suitcases offer quite a bit of storage space and are easy to manoeuvre, while backpacks offer a hands-free, lightweight option for more rugged terrain. If you're riding chicken buses through Central America or hitchhiking around Africa, you'll probably want a travel-friendly backpack. If you spend a lot of time in cities or fly frequently, you might prefer a rolling duffel or suitcase.

Suitcases are usually more cumbersome and less portable than backpacks, which can be a problem if you're travelling through busy airports, cobbled streets, or uneven terrain. However, suitcases are often more durable and better suited for protecting fragile items. They also make it easier to access your belongings and keep your clothes wrinkle-free.

On the other hand, backpacks are more lightweight and easier to carry, making them ideal for long walks or hikes. They also offer more flexibility and can be attached to your back, which makes it harder for thieves to take them. However, backpacks can be more difficult to pack and unpack, and they may not be suitable for business environments or formal occasions.

Ultimately, the decision to choose between a suitcase and a backpack depends on your personal preferences, travel style, and destination. Both options have their pros and cons, so it's important to consider your specific needs and choose the one that best suits your travel plans.

Duffel bags: Duffel bags are versatile and can be used for both short and long trips. They are also available in a variety of sizes

Duffel bags are versatile and can be used for both short and long trips. They are also available in a variety of sizes, making them a great option for travel. Duffel bags are typically made from durable and water-resistant materials, such as nylon, polyester, or canvas, and often feature multiple pockets for organization. Some duffel bags even have the option to be carried as a backpack, making them even more versatile.

When choosing a duffel bag for travel, consider the length of your trip and the amount of gear you need to pack. Duffel bags range in size from small overnight bags to large 100-liter bags capable of holding weeks' worth of luggage. If you plan to carry your duffel bag for extended periods, look for one with a comfortable, adjustable, and removable shoulder strap. For added convenience, some duffel bags come with wheels and a telescoping handle, allowing you to roll the bag through airports and pavements with ease.

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel: This bag comes in various sizes, offering deceptively spacious storage. It is made from durable and water-resistant ripstop fabric and features attachable backpack straps, zippered side pockets, and daisy chain loops for added storage and carrying capacity.
• Gonex Canvas Duffel Bag: A classic-looking duffel with handles, a shoulder strap, ample interior space, and multiple exterior pockets. It is spacious yet affordable and made from durable material that holds up well.
• Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag: A stylish and well-thought-out bag perfect for long weekends and shorter trips. It features a padded laptop sleeve, a shoe duster, a key leash, a water bottle pocket, and a mesh pouch for easy access to essentials.
• Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel: A rugged and water-resistant bag available in sizes up to 133 liters. It has broad, comfortable straps and rolls smoothly, making it ideal for travel.
• Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag: A large-capacity bag constructed with Yeti's proprietary TuffSkin nylon. It features a hardshell bottom for durability, side pockets, a water bottle holder, and a padded laptop "vault."
• Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe Weekender: An eco-friendly bag made from recycled polyester or organic canvas. It features a separate shoe compartment and is comfortable and functional, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers.
• Thule Chasm Sport Duffel Bag: A thoughtfully designed bag that can be converted from a traditional duffel to a backpack. It features a padded bottom, multiple grab handles, durable and weather-resistant tarpaulin fabric, and waterproof zippers.

Carry-on luggage: Carry-on luggage is a good option if you want to avoid checking in luggage. It is important to check the airline's size restrictions before travelling

Carry-on luggage is a good option if you want to avoid checking in luggage. It saves you time at the airport, as you don't have to wait for your bag to be unloaded from the plane, and it also saves you money, as most airlines charge a fee for checked bags.

However, it's important to check the airline's size restrictions before travelling. The size limit for carry-on luggage is usually 22" x 14" x 9", which includes the handle and wheels, although this can vary between airlines. Some domestic airlines, such as Frontier and Southwest, allow 24-inch luggage as carry-on.

Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags, but several international airlines do have weight restrictions. It's also worth noting that carry-on luggage must be able to fit in the overhead bin, and your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Packing cubes: Packing cubes are bags used to organise your clothes and keep your suitcase tidy. They are particularly useful for long trips

Packing cubes are a simple bag, usually made of fabric and mesh, that tidily zip away your clutter. They are one of the best travel hacks out there. They are particularly useful for long trips, keeping your suitcase organised and tidy. They are also useful for those who are meticulous list-makers or planning procrastinators.

Packing cubes are available in a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large, and can be purchased individually or as part of a set. They are made from flexible fabrics like nylon or polyester, which allow you to pack the most items. These materials also tend to be water-resistant, keeping your items safe throughout your travels.

Packing cubes are also great for saving space. They can be used to separate and organise your clothes, keeping your suitcase tidy and making it easier to find what you need. For example, you can use one cube for your shirts, one for your underwear and socks, and another for your insulating layers. This means you won't have small items moving around in a cube that's too big, or try to cram a larger sweatshirt into something too small.

They are also useful for keeping dirty laundry separate from clean clothes. Some packing cubes even come with a laundry bag included.

When choosing packing cubes, consider the following:

• Weight, size, and capacity: There’s no need to overspend on fabric, mesh, and a zipper. Look for sets or single bags that can hold a reasonable amount of clothing and gear.
• Ergonomic features: Choose packing cubes with zippers that don't catch on the cube's interior or its corners when you close it. Handles are also convenient for carrying and hanging.
• Visibility and ventilation: Some cubes have a mesh window on the top panel, allowing you to see what's inside. However, mesh is also easy to snag and damage.
• Construction quality: Choose packing cubes made from high-quality materials like nylon or polyester, which are rugged enough to resist tears. Look for cubes with smooth-gliding zippers that don't snag.

Travel backpacks: Travel backpacks are ideal for those who want to keep all their belongings close and don't want to check in luggage

Travel backpacks are ideal for those who want to keep all their belongings close and don't want to check in luggage. Here are some of the best options:

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is a durable, comfortable, and easy-to-organise bag. It has a clamshell design, with a large compartment on one side and two smaller organising compartments on the other. The bag also features two side-access zippers, one of which opens into a flat, padded computer pocket. The Allpa has handles on three sides, a handle pass-through to attach it to carry-on luggage, and a rain fly. The bag is made with 100% recycled 840-denier ripstop nylon and comes with a full lifetime warranty.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those who carry more or have expensive gear, especially camera equipment. The bag has a clamshell design and can be expanded from 30 litres to 45 litres. It has fold-away straps, a padded hip belt, and magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with a snap. The Peak Design bag is made with 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a comfortable, well-organised, and durable carry-on backpack. It has a clamshell design, a large and well-cushioned laptop sleeve, and dual compression straps to maximise gear storage. The bag is made with 100% recycled ripstop nylon and has a laptop sleeve, several pockets, and a water bottle pocket.

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is a water-resistant, durable, and customisable bag. It has a clamshell design, a vast open interior, and a front panel that's great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. The bag has a padded hip belt and adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. It is made with tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL is a spacious, anti-theft carry-on backpack. It has a clamshell design, a padded laptop sleeve, and plenty of pockets for organisation. The bag features lockable zippers, slashproof fabric, and a wire-reinforced inner layer. It is made with recycled polyester and has a water-repellent coating.

Frequently asked questions