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Rona the Ribbiter

August 25, 2022 · Leave a Comment

How to Make the Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0

Miscellaneous · My Favorite Travel Bags · O'er at the Pond · Project Posts · Quilting · Quilting Tips · Travel

My Best Tips for making the Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0 by Annie

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Are you looking for an all-in-one travel bag that’s big enough to hold all your quilting supplies, small enough to use as an airplane carryon and totally gorgeous!? Then, you definitely need to make this Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0 byAnnie!

I was in desperate need of a new travel bag.

Ok, maybe not DESPERATE. But, when I saw Tula Pink show off her version of the Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0 byAnnie , I HAD to make one too!! The good news is, I LOVE how it turned out!!! The bad news is… I HATE bag binding. 😀

First, a huge shout out to byAnnie for how easy her instructions were to follow! I wouldn’t recommend this pattern for a brand new bag maker. But, if you’ve at least made a couple basic bags already, you should be able to muscle your way through this pattern.

OH! And, there’s an optional video add on when you purchase the pattern. What a great idea!! For each of the steps in the Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0 pattern, there are matching videos on the byAnnie website where she walks you through the process. Can’t beat that with a stick!

Fabrics I used

I am a HUGE Kaffe Fassett fabric fan. Honestly, HUGE may be an understatement. So, when I stumbled upon a bolt of his PWP J111 Van Gogh Blue (by Philip Jacobs) I knew I wanted to make ALL THE THINGS. And the perfect place to start (after a quick pillow case for my travel pillow ), was with the Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0 byAnnie!!

I will say, even though there are multiples of buttons in this photo, I did NOT in fact use them all. More on those (and that addiction) a littler further down.

To pair with the glorious Van Gogh fabric, I chose the following additions:

• GP 70 Spot (Black and Purple) – Contrast
• FabricPWGP 170 Diamond Stripes – Lining Fabric
• PWGP 143 Paper Fans Delft – Extra Lining

I also added a bit of Kaffe Fassett ribbon. Again, more on that further down. See? You have to read the entire blog post now!! 😀

Get the FREE Ultimate Quilter’s Bucket List Checklist

Working with mesh.

The Ultimate Travel Bag pattern offers the option of using either quilting fabric or mesh for the inside pockets. Because I’ve never worked with mesh before, I thought it’d be fun to give it a try.

At first I wasn’t sure of the stitch size to use. After all, mesh has a few holes in it. 😉 But, I found using the standard 2.5 setting worked great and it was super easy to work with!!

Did you notice that super fun square ruler ? Yup… my design. 😀

Changes I made

Because the Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0 is a byAnnie bag pattern, she always recommends using her Soft and Stable foam padding. Personally, I’m not a big fan of sewing with foam. So, I used Fusible Fleece instead.

I’ve found if you use 2 layers of the Fusible Fleece (one fused to the main fabric and one fused to the lining) you can still get a great body to the bag while still being a bit easier to stitch.

I also added a bit of ribbon

Kaffe Fassett Collective recently came out with some fabulous ribbons . As soon as I saw them at the quilt shop I knew I wanted to add one to this bag!!

Because this was a 2 1/2 inch wide ribbon, it fit perfectly as accents to the outside pockets and I added an extra wrap around on the shoulder strap. How great do these look together!?!?

buttons go a long way!

The Ultimate Travel Bag pattern calls for buttons to be added to the bottom of the bag. I imagine this would be in place of using grommets to help stabilize the bag when placed on the ground.

Well… I LOVE buttons! Seriously, I have a drawer full of all kinds of buttons. In fact, I almost added a bunch more to this very bag. But I reluctantly restrained myself. However…

I did add some big silver buttons and a few super fun felt flowers! Not sure if anyone will actually see these as they are on the bottom of the bag, but I’ll know of them. And that’s all that really matters. It’s like my bag has a fabulous secret. 😀

now for that binding…

As I mentioned at the beginning, I now LOATHE bag binding. Seriously, I’d much rather get teeth pulled than deal with bag binding. HOWEVER, using the binding on the inside of the bag really does help this bag stay open so you can make total use of all that great room inside!! Just look at this gorgeousness!!!

My Tips for working with bag binding is to:

A) Make sure to create your binding on the fabric bias!! You’re going to need that stretch when pulling it over to stitch on the front.

B) Use your sewing machine with the standard foot. You can use your 1/4 inch foot to stitch the back of the binding first. But make sure you switch over to the full size standard foot for the front. It will help tremendously with holding that binding as you work your way around.

C) Wear your patience and Take is slow! We’re talking 2 – 4 stitches at a time. Slow and steady will definitely win the race with this one.

So that’s how I made the Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0 ! Have you made one yet? How did it turn out?

*Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links. When you click and purchase an item I earn a commission at NO additional cost to you. All the money raised helps to keep this blog up and running.

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Do you know someone who’d love the Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0 by Annie? Click the buttons below to share with your friends! Then be sure to join us in the  Traveling Quilters group  on  Facebook  for more travel adventures!

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About Rona the Ribbiter

I'm Rona! I’m an author, pattern designer, teacher and Vlogger with a passion to see and experience all that life (and quilting) has to offer. Using travel to stitch life's quilt one adventure at a time!

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Make your own Ultimate Travel Bag

Have you made the Ultimate Travel Bag yet?  I have always loved the look of this bag and was initially intimated by this pattern when my local Quilt Shop asked me to teach this class.  This bag pattern (from byannie.com) has a lot of bells and whistles!  I love the detachable adjustable strap, the exterior pockets and compartments and I especially love the interior!  The inside is full of all the good things!  Who doesn’t love an interior that is lined with mesh pockets and zippered compartments?  This interior provides easy visibility of contents, extra stretchiness and, best of all, adds absolutely no bulk to the seams.  Let me tell you all about it how to make your own Ultimate Travel Bag!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. ? Read my full disclosure policy here .

This bag is the perfect travel companion.  It is very functional and  is carry-on compliant and sure to turn heads wherever you go.  I already mentioned the carrying strap and the inside pockets with mesh. I forgot to mention that it has a handy strap across the back that helps secure the bag to rolling luggage.  Yay!

The Ultimate Travel Bag measures 18½” long x 13¾”H x 8″D.

The Ultimate Travel Bag is the perfect size to carry a small sewing machine.  I can fit my little Kenmore or my Featherweight!   If you intend to carry something heavy such as a sewing machine in your bag, I used a foam core board for the base.  It worked perfect!

The Ultimate Travel Bag SUPPLY LIST

• The Ultimate Travel Bag Pattern + Online Class
• Main fabric (for body of bag, pockets, carrying-strap pad): 11⁄2 yds of 45″ wide
• Lining fabric (for lining of bag): 11⁄2 yds of 45″ wide fabric
• Coordinating fabric (for stabilizer sleeve, bindings, carrying strap, handle, zipper pulls): 11⁄2 yards of 45″ wide fabric
• Mesh fabric (for inner pockets): 1⁄2 yd
• Foam stabilizer:11⁄4 yds of 58″ wide product ( I use this brand of foam )
• 11⁄2″ wide strapping (webbing): 51⁄4 yds
• 9″ x 5″ piece of fusible interfacing (recommended: Pellon ShapeFlex 101 )
• 3⁄4″ – 1″ wide hook-and-loop tape ( Velcro ): 6″
• Handbag zipper, 10″ (25.4 cm) or larger;
• Handbag zipper, 20″ (50.8 cm) or larger
• Double-slide handbag zipper, 30″ (76.2 cm)
• Two 11⁄2″ (3.8 cm) rectangle or triangle rings
• One 11⁄2″ (3.8 cm) wide-mouth slider
• Two 11⁄2″ (3.8 cm) swivel hooks
• Acrylic base stabilizer, 1⁄8″ (3 mm)-thick, 8″ x 15″ If desired, substitute foam-core board
• 6 buttons (I used purse feet )
• Thread to complement the main fabric

Basic Sewing Supplies & Tools Needed

• Sewing Machine with 1/4″ foot ( I use this one with my JUKI TL2010Q )
• Chalk marker
• Fabric clips
• Fabric scissors or dressmaker’s shears
• Iron ( I love my Oliso Iron )
• Wool Pressing Mat
• Pins & wonder clips
• Rotary cutter and mat
• Thread snips
• Transparent gridded quilter’s ruler
• Double sided wonder tape
• Washout marking pencil or pen

T he Ultimate Travel Bag – construction

I recommend you read the entire pattern before you start making this bag.  This will help you understand where and how all the pieces fit together.  After review of all the materials, you should quilt your fabric sandwich and cut all your pieces.  This pattern comes with some awesome pattern piece markers – so nice to keep organized!

I took the first day to cut and prep all my fabric and materials.  The next day, I started with assembly.  This bag has lots of parts and pieces.  You don’t want to skip ahead or assume too much!

I mentioned in the supply list that I used purse feet instead of buttons.  I like the look of these feet and they are super easy to install.

I think the interior binding was the trickiest part.  I will admit that having a stiletto was completely necessary.  I would recommend taking your time and going slow.  The video even has a place where folks have asked questions and received answers.  That’s very handy!  Here is a sneak peek of what you can expect in the Pattern/Video .

The Ultimate Travel Bag – all finished!!!

I really love how my Ultimate Travel Bag turned out.  I already have my next bag’s fabric already set aside – These will make a FANTASTIC gift!

I hope you take some time and enjoy this fun pattern!

Happy Sewing!

15 Comments

I’ve made 4 of these bags, so far. I love this pattern and I think Annie Unrein has the best teaching style out there. That wonderful teaching video is a few years old and surprisingly, I can still post a question or statement in the comments section and Annie will respond within days. I was amazed at her dedication.

Would love to make this bag for a living

I would like to get the material for the travel bag, Could you please give me the price for the kit And the the CD. Many thanks Margaret

Hello Margaret, You can purchase the supply kit at Craftsy. You will need to supply your own fabric. The instructional video is helpful as well. All the info is listed in the post above. Please let me know if I can assist you further. Thanks! ~Nicole

Hi Annie, I really want to purchase your pattern but I would like to know if it includes the online steps like on craftsy I cannot purchase that one because I travel and it won’t allow me to purchase it out of the states.

Thank you and kind regards NATALIA Ramos

Hi Natalia! This pattern is from byAnnie.com and is also available on her website. Happy Sewing!

How do I get a copy of the pattern for this adorable bag

The pattern (with video instructions) is linked above. If you don’t have a Blueprint subscription, I believe they have a free trial you can take advantage of! Happy Sewing!

How long did it take you to construct this bag? Including cutting?

That is a great question! I spent one day cutting and prepping all of the various pieces. The next day was spent on assembly. The videos and make it especially easier to assemble. Happy sewing!

Thank you….but I have a feeling you must work more efficiently than I do! : ) : )

I would like to know how long the prep of the components? I know that quilting the fabric, prepping the strap, covering it, etc cutting out all the pieces, binding the mesh . An entire day? Sounds like it.

I usually set aside 2 days to make a bag of this size. The first day to prep all the pieces and the second day to sew it together. Once you make one, you will be so glad you invested the time!

Would it be easy to substitute fabric for the mesh for the inside pockets?

Lauren, I am making this bag right now. The directions say you can use fabric for the inside pockets. That is what I am going to do using contrasting fabric.

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The Sewing Loft

Sewing Tips | Easy Projects

Making the Ultimate Travel Bag

Created By: Heather   |   Updated: February 16, 2023   |  

*This post may contain affiliate links to support the cost of this blog. At no cost to you, I may make a small commission if you purchase through these links. Read our Privacy Policy HERE .

This post contains affiliate links to products that I own, use and love.

Whenever I travel, I always find myself scanning the crowd in hopes to find a few good handmade bags. Then when I find one I instantly become intrigued and want to learn more about the person carrying it. Who are they, where are they heading and where did they find the pattern!

I know, it’s strange and I’m sure they feel me staring but I think this behavior is a side effect of being part of the sewing community. Plus, if they look closer, they will see that I too, travel handmade ! This week I’m excited to share that Annie Unrein launched a new class;   The Ultimate Travel Handbag .

So, I’m sure you understand that when my friends at Craftsy asked if I wanted to take the class my response was… Heck Yeah!! I’ve already taken Annie’s Travel Organizer class and loved her organized approach. Plus hello, that bag is perfect for my next trip.

No matter where you are in your sewing journey, you will feel comfortable and confident sewing along with Annie. The class materials are extremely thorough and comes with a detailed 18 page pattern that even includes colored labels to help you keep each pattern piece organized during your project. They are just too cute and so handy!

The class will walk you through each step of making the bag and Annie offers additional tips along the way. Like using a sewing stiletto.

I’m not going to lie, this project has a bunch of steps but in the end, I think it’s gonna be awesome!! Instead of using a solid piece of fabric for my bag, I’ve gone ahead and pulled out my scraps.

I started each panel using the Quilt As You Go method and can not wait to finish them up!

Now, I’m sure you’re excited to make your own bag and I have a fun treat to share. For a limited time only, The Sewing Loft readers can enroll in the Ultimate Travel Bag Class and recieve an exclusive 50% discount- Just $19.99.

After I finish my ultimate travel bag, I’ll be sure to circle back and share it in action. Then, you’ll be able to spot me in the airport next time and we can chat the time away before our flights take off!

In the meantime, be sure to grab her class at this deep discount while you can!

The Ultimate Travel Class Discount Details

• Offer: 50% off Sew Sturdy: The Ultimate Travel Bag
• Original Price: $39.99
• Price with Discount: $19.99
• Expiration Date:  4/29/16 @11:59pm MT

PS- You can find more of Annie’s Classes here:

Hello! Are you new here? Do you want to learn more about sewing? If so, be sure to sign up for our newsletter  HERE  and never miss a stitch! Daily Sewing Tips, Everyday Projects and Fantastic Inspiration delivered straight to your mailbox! Bonus– free download with newsletter sign up. Feel free to connect with me on  Facebook ,  Pinterest , or Instagram .  I look forward to getting to know you and stitching up a storm!

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Stabilizers

Supplies & tools, courses & add-on videos, live with annie, other resources, photo contest & gallery, local quilt shop contest, introducing: travel duffle bag 2.1.

We are so excited to announce our brand-new updated pattern,  Travel Duffle Bag 2.1 !

Learn more about our largest travel duffle in the Introduction video below and find out what you need to make this project in our A Closer Look video  HERE .

___________________________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE PATTERN.

Functional yet stylish, this sturdy large duffle carries everything you need for a weekend trip — and still fits in the overhead bin*.

The full-zippered top allows easy access to all your gear. Slip and zippered pockets inside and out keep everything organized and close at hand.

Carry with a padded adjustable carrying strap or quick-grab handles. A trolley sleeve on back slips over handles on rolling luggage.

The finished bag measures  13"H x 21"W x 8"D.

*NOTE: Airline restrictions do change, so be sure to confirm baggage regulations before you travel!

WHAT'S NEW IN THE 2.1?

Travel Duffle Bag 2.1  is an update of our popular  Travel Duffle Bag ,  Travel Duffle Bag 2.0 , and  Travel Duffle Bag II  patterns which were released in 2013, 2019, and 2021 respectively.

The new 2.1 version doesn’t change the design of the bag, but we’ve changed a number of dimensions and rearranged the steps to make the pattern easier to read and follow.

We also filmed an Add-on Video to help you with the more unique or challenging aspects of the pattern.

Since the  Travel Duffle Bag 2.1  pattern includes a coupon to get the Add-On Video at no charge, we would recommend that you purchase the new and improved version of the pattern.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE.

We have a variety of different duffle bag patterns at ByAnnie.com. ( See our Travel Bag Comparison Chart here .) But, just because  Travel Duffle 2.1  is the largest, that doesn’t mean it’s only good for traveling!

Here are a few ideas for ways you can use this functional travel bag :

• Sewing Retreat — pack fabrics, tools and supplies, an iron, and more!
• Weekender — there’s the perfect amount of space for packing clothes, toiletries, and anything else you might need on a weekend out of town.
• Baby — whether it’s an overnight bag for a parent at the hospital or a way to carry all of a little one’s needs, this duffle has you covered.
• Storage — this duffle bag is also a great way to store fabric, blankets, sheets, and more.

Let us know in the comments if you can think of other ways you might use this handy duffle!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED.

Ready to get started? It’s time to gather your supplies! You can find the Supply List with all of its size and amount specifications on the back of the pattern. Or, click on the " Supply List " tab when you're viewing the pattern on our website.

• Soft and Stable
• Fusible Interfacing
• Handbag Zippers
• 1½" Strapping
• 1½" Hardware
• Base Stabilizer

Products we recommend having on hand :

• Stiletto & Pressing Tool  — great for binding and precision work!
• Add-on Video  — find the coupon for this video inside the pattern when it arrives
• Wonder Clips  or  Pins  — great for keeping pieces in place while you work
• Circle Rulers  — these help with rounding corners when needed.

SEW WITH ANNIE.

As with all of our new patterns, we’ve filmed a helpful video for Travel Duffle Bag 2.1 to ease you through the more unique aspects of this pattern.

This Add-on Video™ tutorial will provide you with additional support on the following steps in the pattern:

• Introduction
• Bird's Eye View
• V-B. Attach Pocket A, C, and D to Front
• V-F. Attach Handle
• V-H. Join Ends to Bag Body Loop and Bind

A coupon for your Add-on Video will arrive with your physical pattern. Use that code at checkout to receive the video at no cost. You can access the video when you log in to your Digital Library.

You will enjoy sewing along with Annie as you work on this project. Watch and rewind as much as you want!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.

Intimidated by zippers ?

Check out  THESE VIDEO TUTORIALS

Not feeling 100% about sewing with mesh or fold-over elastic ?

VIEW THIS PDF TUTORIAL

New to ByAnnie patterns ?

Sew through our  BYANNIE BASICS PDF PATTERNS

Frustrated with binding ?

Watch the  EASY DOES IT Add-on VIDEO

Find more tutorials and resources  in our “ Digital Library !” Don’t forget to log in!

Let us know in the comments how you would use  Travel Duffle Bag 2.1 .

Before purchasing the pattern on our website, support your local quilt shop to see if they are carrying this pattern in stock. While you’re at it, ask if they’re planning any Travel Duffle Bag 2.1 classes in the future. There’s nothing quite like sewing with friends.

For more inspiration, be sure to join our email list and follow us on social media! We’re @PatternsByAnnie on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. We also have a fantastic YouTube channel where you can watch our recorded live streams and find project ideas.

Submit your ByAnnie project photos to our Monthly Photo Contest for a chance to win a $50 ByAnnie coupon!

---- Happy Stitching!

Don’t lug your luggage; love your luggage! Make a beautiful travel bag with durable structure, designer touches and professional construction details.

Have any of you taken one of the classes from Annie Unrein on Craftsy .  We’ve completed the Travel Organisers class and loved the projects.  The Home Organisers looks awesome too, although we’ve not taken this yet – but you can be sure it’s on our wishlists.  Now Annie is tempting us with another class, this time to sew up this strong and sturdy travel bag.  The pattern is included in the class and she shows us how to make it beautifully from start to finish.

Class description:

Don’t take one more trip with a bag you don’t love! Learn how to make a quilted bag that’s perfect for travel with beloved instructor Annie Unrein. In this class, learn step-by-step construction, starting with with how to create sturdy quilted fabric with foam stabilizer that will become the bag’s front, back and side panels.  From there, you’ll create reinforced handles and sturdy straps. Next, Annie will teach you how to make slip pockets, mesh pockets, combination slip-and-zip pockets and other variations. With your bag almost ready to construct, Annie will help you add a stabilizer sleeve to the bottom of the bag, install zippers , shape the bag’s edges and bind them beautifully. Then you’ll be ready to join the bag front and back to the side strip, before binding the edges and adding a few last details for a fabulous finish.

Over 7 full HD instructional videos in this class, so there’s lots of content and step by step info that will teach you not only the skills you need to complete this bag (pattern included with the class), but also important bag sewing skills that are transferrable to all of your other bag projects too – making you better at everything you sew!

Check out the Ultimate Travel Bag Class

Related Posts

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve also fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be—the difference is noticeable—and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. But if you think you would struggle carrying this model, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

by Geoffrey Morrison

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

by Kit Dillon

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

The Best Laptop Backpacks

by Zoe Vanderweide

A great laptop backpack protects your tech, is comfortable to carry, and looks good, too. These five bags are our favorites for wrangling your workday gear.

Best travel bags 2023: ultimate travel bags, holdalls, and weekend bags

Pack up your things and get set for adventure with our pick of the best travel bags, holdalls, and weekend bags

Whether you’re going away for a weekend mini-break or embarking on a round-the-world tour, our pick of the best travel bags will help you choose the right luggage to stow your belongings in.

Less formal or conventional than suitcases (but if you want one of those, see T3's  guide to the best suitcases , best carry-on luggage , or best backpack ) travel bags are generally lighter, less structured are more flexible, some can even be folded flat so you can stow them easily in a cupboard or under the bed when you reach your destination.

Of course, if you're planning on going on holiday soon, then you might also want to check out our guide to the best travel stroller if you're travelling with little ones.

How to buy the best travel bag for you

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Travel bags come in a variety of styles, including weekend bags, duffels, holdalls and totes. They are usually made from leather, canvas, tough ballistic nylon, or even waxed cotton and are equipped with zip fastenings (as opposed to suitcase-like hinged locks).

The large travel bags also come with wheels to make them easier to move around. 

Look for bags with rubberised or waterproof zips and plenty of pockets for storing smaller items. It also helps if they have reinforced corners to help them cope with the inevitable rough and tumble of life on the road. 

Keep an eye out for travel bags with lifetime or long warranties or guarantees too – that way if your bag does fail to measure up to the tough times ahead, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced for free.

Most importantly, purchase a bag that you find attractive – these are just as many statement pieces as they are practical items of luggage.

Let’s get started…

• Best beach bags

The best travel bags to buy today

1. Burberry Checked PVC Holdall

Specifications, reasons to buy.

The Burberry Holdall is a compact, lightweight travel bag that’s ideal for weekends away – or even trips to the gym. It comes with a main zippered compartment; plus an internal zippered side pockets for storing your valuables. The PVC is reinforced with leather panels, and you can alternate between the structured top handles and adjustable shoulder strap when navigating airport security. Yes, it's on the more expensive side, but it's a worthy investment which will serve you well.

2. Raf Simons + Eastpak Canvas Holdall

Eastpak has teamed up with Belgian fashion designer Raf Simons to create this stylish and practical duffle bag. It's made from black canvas and trimmed with hardwearing vinyl, this 50-litre duffle will fit right in in a First Class lounge, as well as the locker room at the gym.

The Raf Simons + Eastpak bag comes with main zipped compartment, plus there are no fewer than four external side pockets for storing for items you need to get fast access to – like your phone, passport and travel documents.

Inside, the bag is lined with Blade Runner inspired lining, and includes an internal zippered section for more valuable items. With its stylish design, use of quality materials and utilitarian nature, the Raf Simons + Eastpak Canvas Holdall is worth every penny.

3. Montblanc Sartorial Jet Shell Duffle Bag

Montblanc is a German luxury goods company that specialises in quality leather items for jetsetters – and this sleek duffel bag does nothing to diminish its world-class reputation.

Available in Black, and only Black, the Montblanc Sartorial Jet Shell Duffle is made from a combination of black saffiano-print calf leather and water-and-scratch resistant black nylon fabric with a satin finish.  It features two carry handles and a removable shoulder strap. 

Inside, there's a spacious main compartment, zipped pocket and two open pockets. It is undoubtedly sleek and stylish, but the bag is also tough and well-made, making it ready for all the travelling adventures you care to throw its way.

4. Barbour Wax Cotton Holdall

Reasons to avoid.

Associated in the public imagination with a certain kind of Britishness, the Barbour wax jacket is famously practical and hard-wearing. And this medium-sized cotton holdall has those associations in spades. Not only is it made from the same Olive Green waxed cotton material, but the bag is even lined with Barbour’s Classic Tartan.

Ideal for a weekend away – preferably to a country retreat – the bag comes with leather handles and trim, antique brass fittings and a detachable shoulder strap. Inside you’ll find two inner zip pockets for storing valuables: the perfect place for a hip flask, maybe?

5. Tom Ford Leather Holdall

Tom Ford served as the creative director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent before starting his eponymous brand in 2006. This leather holdall is one of our favourites, crafted in Italy from firm full-grain leather that'll disguise wear and tear, and comes with a detachable shoulder strap too.

The understated design will make it blend right in in the business lounge, but it's also casual enough to to take into town or on a weekend trip. The capacious interior features three well-sized pockets to keep you organised.

The holdall is completed with a luggage tag for your credentials, and a lockable zip.

6. The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag

Available in seven distinctive colours – Black, Red/Black, Gold/Black, Black/White, Thyme/Falcon Brown, Tibetan Orange/Exuberance Orange and Cayenne Red/Regal Red – the North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag is the perfect travel companion. Made from tough ballistic nylon, it comes with both padded side handles and a removable shoulder strap so it’s easy to carry around. 

Its 69 litres capacity is split across two compartments: the zippered main compartment comes with zippered mesh sections at one end and in the weather-resistant top flap; while a separate second end-cap compartment can be used for storing wet clothes, water bottles and other gear. 

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag also comes with side pockets for storing your phone, wallet and other items for fast, easy access. The bag also comes with a waterproof ID pocket on top — ideal for putting your name, address or destination in a prominent place.

To get the best deal, browse our The North Face discount codes . 

7. Loewe Canvas Holdall

Founded all the way back in 1846 in Madrid, Loewe is known as the gold standard in fine leather construction and crisp prêt-a-porter. Current designer Jonathan Anderson has been instrumental in the brands revamped look and draws inspiration from his time in Ibiza as a child; describing the style as, ‘forward and free’. This is expressed in the motif lead pop prints and a kaleidoscopic colour palette of Loewe.

This Loewe holdall is a perfect example of that. It's one of the lightest travel bags on this list, made from durable canvas, so you can toss it in the trunk or overhead bin without a worry. The pastel blue will help you stand out from the crowd, while the complementing navy leather trim adds a bit of class.

Inside you'll find a herringbone lining, and enough space to hold a weekend's worth of clothes. It has handy internal pockets for your travel documents or chargers, and features twin carry handles, and a removable shoulder strap.

8. Eastpak Leatherface Large 2-Wheel Duffel

Eastpak started life making bags for the US military — so it knows a thing or two about making tough, long lasting bags for travellers. The Eastpak Leatherface Large 2-Wheel Duffel is no exception.

Available in four different colours (Black, Black Denim, Sunday Grey and Dot Grey), the Eastpak Leatherface Large 2-Wheel Duffel comes with a huge 98-litre volume — enough for an extended trip away. It also has three side pockets for stowing smaller items and travel documents, plus an inside zippered pocket for valuable items.

Made from tough, water-resistant polyamide, the Eastpak Leatherface also comes with two recessed wheels and a telescopic handle (which can be hidden out of sight) for those times when you’d rather tow it than carry it. It also comes with padded carry straps and a 30-year guarantee.

9. Mulberry Heritage Scotchgrain Weekend Bag

Mulberry's Heritage collection was designed as a tribute to the early bags of Mulberry's heritage, which were inspired by English country pursuits. The Weekender is the perfect overnight bag for your next trip, featuring a full zip closure, practical belted front pocket for easy-to-get essentials and two sturdy top handles.

It is completed with one main zipped compartment, exterior slip pocket at the back, external slip pocket at the front secure with a Sam Browne stud, one luggage tag embossed with the Mulberry signature and an adjustable and removable webbed shoulder strap.

10. Coach Metropolitan Leather Gym Bag

This bag from Coach is ready to tackle the gym or a weekend trip away. It's constructed from supple cow leather and trimmed with contrasting tan suede. It's structured but still casual and sporty, making it the ideal all-purpose bag.

It's designed to transport all your necessary essentials, features plenty of slip pockets to keep you organised, and can be carried by shoulder or by hand.

11. Sandqvist Jordan

The next time you jet off on a business trip or a 5-star weekend in somewhere exotic, you might want to consider taking this premium weekend bag with you. 

Made from vegetable dyed leather and available in two different colours – Black Leather and Cognac – the Sandqvist Jordan comes with two padded carry handles and an adjustable shoulder strap, and has two external pockets for easy access to items like your phone and travel documents.

Although the bag is relatively small at 33 litres, it also comes with two internal canvas pockets to help you get that bit more organised. And if your budget doesn’t run to this premium version, the Sandqvist Jordan is also available in less expensive cotton canvas and waxed cotton canvas editions.

12. Herschel Outfitter Luggage Wheelie

With its 81-litre capacity, the Herschel Outfitter Luggage Wheelie is an ideal travel companion for anyone who needs to pack in as many possessions as they can – and still look reasonably stylish doing so. This duffel certainly abounds with neat touches, including pebbled leather carry handles and zip pulls, two quiet-running urethane wheels and a soft-touch neoprene covering on its telescopic handle.

Available in six different colours / designs: Black, Black Gridlock, Raven Crosshatch, Eclipse Crosshatch, Woodland Camo and Peacoat Parlour, so you’re bound to find one that suits your style.

The only thing we don’t like about this case is the lack of lockable options – you’ll need to buy your own padlock, for sure.

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As the Style and Travel Editor at T3, Spencer covers everything from clothes to cars and watches to hotels. Everything that's cool, stylish, and interesting, basically. He's been a part of T3 for over seven years, and in that time covered every industry event known to man, from CES and MWC to the Geneva Motorshow and Baselworld. When he's driving up and down the country in search of the greatest driving roads, he can be found messing around on an electric scooter, playing with luxury watches, or testing the latest fragrances.

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The 15 Best Travel Tote Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Totes from Away, MZ Wallace, and Quince came highly recommended by T+L editors and travel experts.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Totes We Liked

Our Testing Process

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We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

While many travelers opt for a backpack as a trusted travel companion, we think tote bags offer similar (if not better) features for certain travelers. Tote bags are convenient for quickly accessing items like a phone or wallet since your belongings are kept closer to the body. 

It’s important to invest in a tote bag (or any piece of luggage for that matter) that fits your needs as a traveler. There are tons of different bag styles out there, so we pulled recommendations and notes from seasoned travelers and Travel + Leisure editors to crowdsource the best tote bag options from travel experts. Plenty of packable, convertible, weekender, and leather tote bags came highly recommended, and we highlighted why each bag earned praise so you can make the most informed decision whether you’re a frequent flier, road tripper, or office commuter.

Best Overall

Mz wallace deluxe tote.

The large storage capacity and efficient organization make it an excellent personal item for flying.

The laptop pocket isn’t padded.

This quilted MZ Wallace tote bag earned major points for having a spacious capacity without feeling bulky or weighted down when it’s packed full. An ideal bag for air travel, it can fit carry-on essentials while still being able to fit underneath an airplane seat, and the zippered top keeps everything safe and sound. There are tons of pockets for storing items, including a 13-inch laptop pocket (unpadded) and five other smaller pockets for lip balm, phone chargers, and wallets. Although we found this tote bag to be exceptionally lightweight, it boasts a trolley sleeve to secure the bag to a suitcase to give your shoulder a rest when needed. It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap to carry the bag as a crossbody when desired. 

This bag came highly recommended after thorough testing and the only slight inconvenience we ran into is that the tote is unstructured so if there isn’t a laptop in it, the items sag at the bottom. However, the variety of pockets help to distribute the weight, so we still think this bag is the ultimate travel companion for storing the essentials. 

The Details: 11.6 x 9.4 x 12.7 inches | Nylon, leather | Trolley sleeve | 13-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Overall, Runner-up

Quince revive nylon large tote.

It conveniently folds up for packing and is impressively lightweight.

There isn’t a top zipper. 

The Quince Revive Nylon tote bag was praised by our experts for its lightweight material and portable design for traveling. The bag is made with durable nylon, it never feels cumbersome to carry, and the fabric design makes it easy to fold up the bag to place it in a carry-on or backpack without taking up much space. With designated pockets for a laptop, water bottle, and smaller items, we love that there is a spot for both everyday and travel essentials for supreme versatility. If the tote gets dirty while traveling, you can spot-clean the nylon fabric with soap and water, and it comes in Oxford blue, olive, and black color options that easily hide wear and tear over the years. Because the tote bag doesn’t have a top zipper, it scored slightly lower than our top pick, but we still think the flexible fabric and slim design of the tote helps keep it close to your body while walking through a crowded airport or down busy streets.

The Details: 17 x 13 x 7 inches | Recycled nylon | Water resistant | 15-inch laptop pocket

Best Open-top Canvas

L.l.bean boat and tote bag.

It can accommodate bulky items thanks to the wide-mouth opening.

It doesn’t have any organizational features, so you’ll want to use packing cubes or pouches.

Beach days, picnics, and road trips are the best uses for this spacious canvas tote from L.L. Bean. Made from heavyweight cotton canvas, the tote was originally designed to carry ice from a car to an ice chest back in 1944, and it still boasts the brand’s impressive 500-pound weight capacity (though we hope your travel essentials will never weigh that much). While we’d normally be wary of a travel bag without any pockets, the bag has a generous capacity, which makes it ideal for blankets, lunch boxes, shoes, or any other bulkier item needed for a day or road trip. And when it comes to durability, you can’t beat a tote bag constructed with enough reinforcement to carry over a dozen cinder blocks.

The Details: 13  x 12 x 6 inches | Cotton canvas

Best Machine-washable

Baggu duck bag.

The cotton is machine-washable, and it comes with a crossbody strap.

The top has a magnetic button closure.

Traveling can be hard on luggage, so we love that you can toss the Baggu Duck Bag in a washing machine to prolong the life of the tote. It came highly recommended after one of our team members spilled an entire burrito inside, and all it took was one rinse cycle to get it looking good as new. The canvas material is made with 65 percent recycled cotton from pre-consumer waste like old socks or T-shirts. In addition to the tote handles, the bag also comes with an adjustable crossbody strap to carry the bag over the shoulder. It has enough room to carry a laptop up to 15 inches long, and there is a small zippered pocket on the inside for a wallet or earbuds. One thing to note is that the top has a magnetic button closure instead of a zipper. 

The Details: 15.75 x 11 x 4.75 inches | Recycled cotton canvas

Best Open-top Leather

Milaner woven handbag.

It’s big enough to be an overnight bag if needed. 

There isn’t a laptop pocket.

This woven Milaner leather tote bag is the ultimate tote bag for flying, commuting, or an overnight trip. The larger size can accommodate bulky items like clothing, shoes, or a laptop, and there are two small zippered pockets for wallets and phone chargers. Thanks to the structured design of the woven Nappa, suede, or Vachetta leather, this bag is super easy to pack with travel essentials without feeling cumbersome to carry. It doesn’t have a top zipper, but it does feature a slim shape so the bag is kept close to the body. We also recommend using the dust bag it comes with when placing the bag under an airplane seat to keep the contents from spilling out or getting the bag dirty from the airplane carpet.

The Details: 20 x 14 x 3 inches | Nappa leather

Best Sustainable

Béis east to west tote.

It’s made with 100 percent recycled material. 

It only comes in two colors, and the white could get dirty quickly.

We’re big supporters of eco-friendly luggage that is still just as durable as this tote bag from T+L-loved brand, Béis. Made with 100 percent recycled polyester and recycled faux leather trim, the bag comes in simple black and white shades. There is a padded laptop pocket for laptops up to 15 inches long, two water bottle pockets, two slip pockets, and one zippered pocket so there’s a spot for everyday and travel essentials. Other helpful features for travelers include a trolley sleeve for carrying it on a suitcase, a key leash so you won’t have to dig around to unlock the door (plus you can attach an AirTag holder to it), and a zippered pocket in front. We can’t forget to mention the two lengths of tote handles and a detachable crossbody strap. 

The Details: 17.13 x 14.17 x 9.06 inches | Recycled polyester, vegan leather | 15-inch padded laptop pocket | Luggage sleeve

Best Lightweight

Longchamp tote bag.

It folds into a fraction of the original size for superior packability.

The leather straps aren’t padded.

This lightweight tote bag is ideal for both maximalist and minimalist packers since it folds into itself and can easily be stored in a larger bag without taking up valuable space. Despite the featherlight design, the bag is made with a hardy recycled polyamide canvas that can withstand the test of time. Besides the excellent portability, we love that the tote bag has a zippered top  with a large leather flap that closes over the zipper to give peace of mind that items are safely tucked away while traveling. There’s only one small zippered pocket inside the bag, which could be a slight drawback for some, but we think the packable design is well worth the lack of pockets. The bag comes in seven colors ranging from neutrals hues to bolder tones, and the leather straps, though unpadded, give the bag a chic look to complement any outfit. 

The Details: 12.2 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches | Recycled polyamide canvas, leather | Packable

Best Convertible

Caraa studio tote.

It has a convenient modular design to carry the bag as a tote or backpack.

The exterior shoe pocket can only accommodate smaller shoes.

Can’t decide between a tote or backpack? This Caraa Studio tote bag has a two-in-one design to carry it as either, offering the best of both worlds. With detachable shoulder straps, the leather tote bag can be converted to a backpack in seconds or carried over one shoulder if you’re in crowded areas like a subway or sidewalk and want to keep the bag close. Best of all, there is tons of built in storage to stay naturally organized while traveling. Our favorite features include the 17-inch laptop pocket and shoe compartment on the side of the bag to separate footwear from the rest of the main compartment. Although the pocket can only hold smaller shoes, it can be a game-changer for certain travelers. And there are eight other pockets built into the interior anti-microbial lining to store phone chargers, wallets, passports, and more when you’re en route to a destination.

The Details: 18 x 13 x 7.5 inches | Italian leather | 17-inch laptop pocket

Most Durable

Carhartt legacy east/west tote.

This bag is made to last with a sturdy design and hardy fabrics.

The ends of the zippers don’t connect to the fabric, so small items could escape.

Camping, ski trips, beach days, and other outdoor activities can sometimes speed up the wear and tear on a tote, but that’s not the case with Carhartt’s Legacy East West Tote. We’re confident this bag is built to last due to the heavy duty 600 denier polyester and DWR coating to keep the elements from seeping into the tote. After four years of our constant use while traveling and commuting, the tote earned high praise for not showing any signs of letting up on quality anytime soon. With a zipper top and several slip pockets on the interior and exterior, there are spots to store a phone, keys, and wallets safely in the bag. There are gaps on each end of the bag because the ends of the zipper aren’t sewn to the fabric, so watch out for smaller items in the bag since they could fall out. 

The Details: 16.5 x 13.5 x 7.25 inches | Polyester | Water resistant

Best for the Beach

Carve designs treasure tote bag.

Carve Designs

It's the perfect size to fit everything you need for a beach day (including small towel.)

We wish it had some small pockets for storing accessories.

Whether you’re en route to the beach on foot or airplane, this tote bag is specifically designed for tropical vacations. While this tote is essentially one large pocket (without smaller areas to store accessories or essentials), it's the perfect size to take with you to the beach and to lunch afterward without lugging too much around. It's stylish enough that light packers may even use this as their main vacation purse and, paired with the matching treasure clutch , everything you need will be kept organized and ready to go. We love the white cloud texture of the outer materials paired with the stylish brown straps that are both comfortable and durable.

The Details: 14.5 x 15 inches | Cotton

Best for the Office

Bandolier tote bag.

It has various pockets for a laptop, sunglasses, and a water bottle.

The tote straps could be more comfortable. 

A day in the office is like a mini trip, so it’s important to be organized and have plenty of space for items when you’re away from home. The Bandolier tote bag offers a spot to pack office essentials like a laptop, a water bottle, a phone charger, snacks, a wallet, and more. The laptop pocket can fit technology up to 15 inches wide, and there is a leather sunglasses sleeve to protect fragile eyewear en route to the office. There are several other zippered and slip pockets to organize smaller items or a water bottle, and the D-ring loop on the tote handle is designed to hold other Bandolier accessories like a keychain or earbud pouch. The entire bag is made with a sleek pebbled leather, including the leather tote straps, which could be more comfortable with padding. It also comes in black, brown, and gray colorways. 

The Details: 18 x 12 x 6 inches | Leather | 15-inch laptop pocket | Sunglasses pocket

Best With Shoe Compartment

Minkars weekender bag.

The bag comes with a separate shoe compartment, toiletry case, USB port, laptop pocket, and plenty of other thoughtful features for travelers.

It can get heavy when packed full.

A dupe of the iconic Béis weekender bag, this wallet-friendly version has similar features for a fraction of the price. While it’s jam-packed with helpful features for travelers, it received the highest praise for the separate compartment at the bottom of the bag that can store shoes, toiletry cases, hair tools, or any other item you want to keep separate from the main compartment. The structured bag has a wide-mouth opening and is super easy to pack thanks to the 15.6-inch laptop pocket, included toiletry case, and various other pockets for staying organized. Plus, the weekender comes with convertible straps to carry it as a tote or crossbody bag as needed, and it comes in pink, black, or cream color options.

The Details: 17 x 16.5 x 8 inches | 15.6-inch laptop pocket | Shoe compartment | Toiletry bag includes | Trolley sleeve

Best Multi-use

Dakine verge weekender tote.

It’s useful for the outdoors or traveling.

It might get heavy when it’s packed full.

This spacious tote bag from Dakine is equipped for everything from camping and beach days to trips to the office and air travel. When it comes to traveling, the bag features a padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 16 inches; a handy trolley sleeve; and a separate zippered compartment in the bottom of the bag to organize items like shoes, toiletry cases, or clothing as desired. Made with durable recycled nylon and polyester, the tote looks rugged and works well as a weekender bag for camping or for packing beach day essentials like towels and snacks. Travelers can carry the bag as a tote with the top handles or it also comes with a detachable crossbody strap.

The Details: 23.5 x 16 x 11 inches | Recycled nylon | 16-inch padded laptop pocket | Trolley sleeve

Best Organization

Troubadour carrier tote.

Troubadour 

It has tons of pockets to stay naturally organized while traveling.

The bag might be too large to fit underneath an airplane seat. 

Minimalist and practical, Troubadour’s Carrier Tote is our favorite bag for packing efficiently and staying organized on the go. The designated laptop pocket is padded and can fit devices up to 17 inches in width — the largest pocket size for laptops of all the bags recommended. In addition to the protective laptop pocket, the tote features a quick-access phone pocket; a medium-size zippered pocket for an e-reader; and several other slip pockets for items that can easily get lost at the bottom of a bag like charging cords, lip balm, and keys. The only possible downside to this sleek bag is that the 24-liter capacity and stiffer fabric makes it difficult to fit it underneath an airplane seat. 

The Details: 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | Recycled polyester, vegan leather | 17-inch laptop pocket

Best Foldable

Away the packable carryall.

It’s a very spacious tote that comes with a stuff sack to pack it away in a backpack or suitcase.

It has a flimsy shape, so small or heavy items fall to the bottom of the bag easily.

Away’s The Packable Carryall is the perfect packable tote bag to toss in a purse whether running errands or sightseeing in a city. The tote bag is incredibly spacious when it’s folded open, but it compresses down to a mere fraction of its usual size thanks to the lightweight recycled nylon material and stuff sack. Sometimes packable bags can lack travel-friendly features, so we love that the bag features a zippered top for security; a trolley sleeve for portability; and an interior zippered pocket for storing phones, wallets, and keys while on the go. To keep track of the stuff sack, there’s also a loop to secure the zippered pouch on the inside of the tote. The unstructured design of the tote means that small or heavy items with a pool at the bottom of the bag, but beach towels , jackets, or any bulkier items will fit perfectly and provide some structure to the bag. 

The Details: 19.7 x 15 x 9 inches | Recycled nylon | Water resistant | Trolley sleeve

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Other Travel Tote Bags We Liked

The tote bags below still came highly recommended for travelers, but didn’t quite make our list of winners. 

Portland Leather Tote Bag : It’s a very portable tote bag due to the smaller size, but it isn’t the most practical for long trips with less storage and organizational features.

Bellroy Tokyo Tote : This bag has tons of pockets and storage for just about anything you would need while traveling, but it’s on the smaller side, so it could fill up quickly. 

Ogio Rise Tote : The bag can be converted from a tote to a backpack, which can be helpful for travelers, but the drawstring opening is a slight drawback for security reasons.

To create this list of the best travel totes, T+L editors and trusted travel experts recommended their favorite bags they have tested on their own travel adventures. With over 30 totes tested, we whittled down our list of the best bags for any and all travelers based on capacity, portability, ease of use, and overall value. From sleek leather totes to convertible weekender bags, we handpicked various bags that we can’t recommend enough for outdoor activities, air travel, or commuting to the office. 

Tips for Buying a Travel Tote

Buy for your intended activity.

Not all tote bags are best for certain types of travel, so it’s important to invest in a bag that meets your needs. Traveling somewhere wet and rainy? You’ll want to opt for a more rugged tote bag that features waterproof or resistant materials like nylon or polyester for protecting items. Leather tote bags work well for air travel or office days, but you’ll likely want to skip bringing it to the beach or for camping where a canvas tote will hold up much better to wear and tear.

Consider organization and size requirements

When it comes to traveling by air, you’ll want to look at dimensions, organization, and other helpful features like trolley sleeves, USB ports, and convertible straps. For outdoor activities like camping and beach days, a spacious and flexible tote bag can be helpful for packing bulky items. We recommend packable or foldable tote bags for travelers looking for a backup bag to keep in a purse or suitcase, rather than using it as a bag to commute or fly with since they can lack structure and organizational features.

Prioritize comfort

Tote bags can be hard on the shoulders and hands when carried for long periods of time (i.e., navigating an airport or while out and about), so we recommend looking for lightweight materials and padded straps to reduce the possible strain. Some tote bags come with convertible straps to carry the tote as a crossbody or backpack, so be sure to look for bags with modular designs or trolley sleeves to place the bag on a suitcase if you’re looking for better portability and versatility in a tote. 

While it depends on the size of a tote bag, more often than not, it will count as a personal item or possibly a carry-on bag if it’s large enough. A personal item usually has to fit underneath an airplane seat and if it doesn’t, it could qualify as a carry-on bag, so you’ll want to double-check the size restrictions of personal items for your specific airline since it varies greatly depending on the carrier. 

Tote bags offer the ability to quickly and conveniently access items like a phone and wallet since the bag is kept closer to the front of your body compared to a backpack. Backpacks distribute the weight of your belongings better, but a comfortable tote bag should never be too cumbersome to carry. Look for features like padded handles or a convertible crossbody strap for comfort. Tote bags are also easier to take on and off while traveling, which is convenient when you’re on the go and maneuvering tight places such as airplanes, trains, and cars. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer, Anna Popp , writes nearly all of the team’s Travel + Leisure Tested articles and participates in product testing from luggage and shoes to outdoor gear and apparel. Anna combed through recommendations from over 30 tote bag survey submissions from travel experts and used her knowledge as an expert product tester to put together this list of the best travel tote bags. 

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• The Pakt Travel Backpack
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• Everyday 22L Backpack
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• All Everyday Gear
• 6-piece Packing Cube Set
• Clip-in Pouches
• Mojito Wallet
• 16oz Leakproof Travel Mug
• Sling Sport Strap
• All Accessories
• The Anywhere 5L Sling
• The Pakt One v1
• rePakt Pre-traveled Gear
• Sustainability

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The Travel Backpack

Back in stock late May. Sign up to get updates & a chance to win a Travel Backpack on us.

The best-selling carry-on backpack is back & better than ever – with all new accessories designed to help you enjoy the journey, and stress less.

• 35L or 45L packing capacities that are both carry-on friendly for most airlines
• Expansion pocket adds additional packing space
• Dual-compartment clamshell interior for an organized pack
• Perfect for overnight, business travel, weekend trips, and week-long trips
• Build your perfect travel system with the 15L Everyday Bag , Clip-in pouches , and Packing Cube Set (sold separately) 

Over 20 unique features

"One hell of a travel companion for almost every situation imaginable"

"The version two Travel Backpack is the closest to a perfect travel backpack that you will find."

"By far the best backpack for traveling"

"I’ve only had the bag for a short time and have used it on several trips. Packs well, carries great and well constructed."

"Every detail is meticulously designed, and the durability is impressive. These bags not only look great but I also know that they will withstand the test of time."

Smart features that take all the headaches out of travel

The main compartment is divided into two, allowing you to pack each side with folded clothing for the same level of organization as a hard suitcase. Access anything you’ve packed into these main interior compartments when you’re on the go through quick-access top loading zippers.

The ultimate carry-on for a smooth and organized trip

• Padded laptop compartment fits devices up to 16”
• New daisy chain attachment system for Clip-in Pouch  accessories
• Use the luggage-pass to slide the bag onto the handle of a rolling suitcase
• Expanding compartment is the perfect option for stashing last-minute souvenirs, or the new Everyday 15L Bag

Create your new go-to travel system for one bag travel with no compromises

We designed premium accessories and day bags that perfectly complement the Travel Backpack, and together create the ultimate travel system that you’ll reach for trip after trip. Use the community-favorite backpack by itself, or accessorize it to perfectly compliment your travel style.

Committed to responsible production and goods that stand the test of time.

Lifetime guarantee.

We stand behind the quality of our products for their entire lifespan with our lifetime warranty. If you ever have any issues with your bag, we’ll take care of it. Period.

Earth-friendly materials

All fabrics are rNylon (recycled nylon), which can be recycled indefinitely. Compared to rPET (a material we were previously using), this is a more circular option.

Production that's personal

We only work with suppliers and manufacturers that we know and trust, and whose standards are just as high as our own.

Plastic-free packaging

All Pakt products are shipped in 100% plastic-free packaging: no bubble wrap, no plastic bags, no air pillows, and no Styrofoam.

Skylar & Kelly's trip to elope in Northern California

Pakt on the go

See Pakt in the wild via posts from our community of those who #keeptravelsimple.

Complete your travel system

Product details

• 35L 4.1lbs / 55 x 32 x 21 cm; 21.5 x 12.5 x 8 in 
• 45L 4.4lbs / 60 x 33 x 24 cm; 23 x 13 x 9 in 
• The expansion compartment adds 7 cm of depth to both bags. Width and height remain unchanged.
• Premium 500D recycled nylon exterior 
• 70D light grey recycled nylon interior 
• PFC-free durable water resistant coating 
• Durable hardware and YKK zippers throughout 
• Heavy duty bar-tacks reinforce all handles and stress points

You can wipe, spot clean, or on occasion machine wash it at your own risk. Results may vary depending on machine and settings.

Customer Reviews

I bought my version 1 off of Ebay around a year ago. It has been one of the best travel compainions that I own, making one bag travel seem so easy. Everything is exactly where you need it, perfect layout.

This is cross a between a carry on suitcase and backpack. Very well thought out with various compartments and pockets. One of the best travel items I've ever purchased. Depending on the airline, this can pass as a personal item, which will save you money in carry-on fees.

So far so good. Worked perfectly first time out.

My wife and I just purchased 2 of these and we're super impressed! All the reviews on YouTube that we've seen were 100% right that this is an excellent carry-on backpack. The design is very intelligent, and we're so excited to test them out in their full capacity in March, and on an international trip in May!

We ship to the US, Canada, Australia, UK and more. Check out the full list of countries that we ship to here .

The Travel Backpack is not completely waterproof, but the materials have been treated with a PFC-free DWR (durable water resistant) coating.

There's a loop of cord on top of the water bottle pocket that you can fasten around the neck of the bottle – if your bag is sideways or upside-down, the cord will secure your bottle, and it won't fall out.

The dedicated TSA pocket was designed for stashing and grabbing items you have to remove from your pockets before going through the security checkpoint at the airport. This pocket, as unassuming as it may appear, makes getting through TSA a breeze. 

Step 1 - Rather than using the plastic bins to pass your personal items through security, pull out the mesh pocket located on the padded back panel of the Pakt Travel Backpack and stow your passport, phone, keys, and wallet securely. We like to do this while waiting in line. 

Step 2 - Once through security, rather than join the scramble of travelers collecting their different belongings, you can quickly grab your bag and head to a comfortable spot to reorganize. The red label serves as a reminder to grab your laptop or anything that you had to send through the X-Ray separately.

We took the idea of the built in waterproof pocket from version 1 of the Travel Backpack, and created an optional, removable Clip-in Waterproof Pouch . This allows users to completely remove it for use as a toiletry kit.

The backpack can be used as a carry-on for all major airlines, and will sometimes pass as a personal item. The bag fits perfectly in the overhead bin, and if it is not overpacked, it can fit under the seat in front of you in some major airlines.

Sew Sturdy: The Ultimate Travel Bag (DVD + Streaming)

$49.99 $15.00

• Includes both DVD and On-Demand streaming access
• Bonus downloadable materials available after purchase
• 7 Class Sessions
• Total Runtime: 2h 57m

Description

Learn how to make a quilted bag that’s perfect for travel with beloved instructor Annie Unrein. In this class, learn step-by-step construction, starting with with how to create sturdy quilted fabric with foam stabilizer that will become the bag’s front, back and side panels. From there, you’ll create reinforced handles and sturdy straps. Next, Annie will teach you how to make slip pockets, mesh pockets, combination slip-and-zip pockets and other variations. With your bag almost ready to construct, Annie will help you add a stabilizer sleeve to the bottom of the bag, install zippers, shape the bag’s edges and bind them beautifully. Then you’ll be ready to join the bag front and back to the side strip, before binding the edges and adding a few last details for a fabulous finish.

NOTE: If you’d like to  purchase only the DVD for this class, you may do so through this link . (Please note, any class PDF materials are not on the DVD itself. You must have streaming access to download those materials associated with the class.)

Class Sessions

Straps & Handles (21:08) Follow along as Annie teaches you how to sew the carrying strap, strap tabs and handles for your bag, and how to add strapping (webbing) for reinforcement where needed. You’ll even make a shoulder strap to go over the handles on your rolling luggage for easy trips through the airport!

Pockets (30:58) Make convenient slip pockets for the outside of the bag. Annie will walk you through sewing an ingenious combo slip-and-zip pocket for security, as well as mesh pockets for the inside of the bag. You’ll also see how to bind the edges for polished pocket finishes.

Preparing the Side Strip (31:48) It’s time to assemble the side strip, encompassing the bag bottom and a double-slide zipper for the main bag opening. Follow Annie as she joins up the fabric side strip and zipper strips with the pockets, installs the zipper, adds a stabilizer sleeve for a rigid bag bottom, and sew buttons on the bottom to protect your bag when you set it down.

Bag Front & Back (22:57) Find out how to add inside and outside pockets to the bag’s front and back pieces. Then learn to shape the edges of the front and back for a graceful, roomy silhouette.

Making Binding & Strap Pad (25:16) You’re almost done! Make custom bias binding strips from a square of fabric and a cushiony pad that will make your carrying strap more comfortable even with a fully loaded bag. Annie will also show you how to stitch the binding around curves and join the binding ends perfectly.

Completing the Bag (23:10) To complete the bag, join the bag front and bag back to the side-strip assembly, then bind the seams for Annie’s “Cadillac finish.” Make handy zipper pulls from a strip of fabric, insert your acrylic bag bottom into the stabilizer sleeve, and hit the road!

Your Instructor

Annie Unrein is an expert quilter, pattern designer and teacher. Her quilts and designs have appeared in publications such as Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting, Quilt, and Memory Makers magazines. She also created ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable™, a product that adds body, stability and professional finish to purses, bags and home décor.

Bonus Materials

Sew sturdy: the ultimate travel bag - supplies and instructions.

How do I access the companion materials for my DVD class? Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” area, select the “Classes” content. On this page, you’ll see all classes you’ve purchased from Craftsy. Simply select the desired class from your content list, and you’ll be presented with your selected class page. From the class page you can easily view, download or print the companion class materials, which are in the “Bonus Materials” tab on the class page. You can log in any time, and download or print the companion materials as many times as you like. Companion class materials are not shipped in the mail with your DVD, and must be accessed on Craftsy.com.

How do I stream my class on Craftsy.com? Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” content, select the desired class. Stream the video on-demand from the class page any time you like; your viewing access is unlimited. You can stream your class from any computer, tablet or mobile device with Internet access.

Do I have to purchase a Craftsy Membership to get my class? No, you do not. Every DVD purchased on Craftsy.com includes both the physical DVD in the mail and unlimited on-demand streaming access at Craftsy.com. These benefits are yours with or without a Craftsy membership.

Are DVDs included in a Craftsy Membership? No, they are not. DVDs can only be purchased on an individual basis and are not included in Craftsy memberships. For non-members, DVDs are a flexible way to purchase only the classes you love best. For members, DVDs are a great choice to build an at-home library you can keep forever and enjoy any time, with or without Internet access.

Do you ship internationally? Yes, we do ship most physical products, including DVDs, to several International destinations. In addition to the USA and Canada, we ship to Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Western European countries. If you live outside these countries, you can still purchase digital items including memberships, individual streaming classes, and pattern downloads.

Do your DVDs work on international players? Yes, our DVDs should be compatible with any DVD player in use today. All our videos have been created with all current Region Codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). If you have trouble viewing a DVD purchased from Craftsy.com, please contact Customer Service.

What is your return policy? We want to be sure you’re satisfied. If you have trouble playing your DVD, if the content is not correctly presented on the DVD, or you are dissatisfied with the content of your class, we will work with you. Contact Craftsy customer service via email or phone. Upon your request, and upon your return of the DVD to us, we will refund your purchase price or send you another DVD to replace a damaged or incorrect DVD, whichever is your preference. If you do receive a full refund, your streaming video class will also be removed from your Craftsy account, so on-demand video access will no longer be available to you.

Explore classes by Annie Unrein

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You're Packing Your Carry-On Luggage Wrong. How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Bag

Your step-by-step guide to packing your carry-on to get you swiftly through TSA.

• Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing.

Make the most of that overhead bin space by finding the right carry-on suitcase, and learning the best way to pack it.

A carry-on bag is most people's security blanket, best friend and lifeline when traveling. Your carry-on often has essentials for the airplane - for me, that means mostly snacks but a carry-on may also include valuables such as passports, medicine, toiletries and cash. If you choose the  right carry-on bag  and pack it strategically, you can fit more and be hassled less as you move through the airport and TSA.

Following Transportation Security Administration guidelines for each major US airline is a must, and doing a little research on the latest rules and regulations can help you ace the experience without getting held up. (For more travel tips, explore the 12 travel essentials you need for every vacation and take a look at  this travel checklist .)

What TSA officials do isn't in your control, but what you pack and how how you pack it for your next trip is. Here's how to pack your carry-on bag efficiently for your next business or pleasure travel.

The best carry-on travel bags

Before you start packing, you'll have to find the right carry-on bag. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

What size carry-on should you get?

The first and most important aspect to think about is size. Federal Aviation Administration regulations say carry-on items can't exceed dimensions of 22 by 14 by 9 inches, though you might find an inch or two of difference depending on the airline. The general rule is that it must fit under your seat or in the overhead enclosed storage compartment on the plane. 

Here's a quick reference for size limits for the most popular US airlines.

Carry-on items by airline

Carry-ons should have an easy access tech compartment.

If you decide to bring electronics like a laptop , iPad , Kindle or other tablet on board, your carry-on should ideally have a separate, padded compartment for secure packing. Be sure these compartments are easily accessible, since at security checkpoints, the TSA will require you to remove your electronic devices and place them in the plastic X-ray tray.

Make sure you're carry-on is comfortable on your back or shoulder

Remember, you'll need to lug your carry-on bag or suitcase across the airport and down long corridors, and you might even need to run with it so you don't miss your connection. Consider whether you need padded handles or cushioned straps or a backpack or a rolling suitcase for ease.

The general rule is that all carry-ons must fit under your seat or in the overhead enclosed storage compartment on the plane. 

How to pack your carry-on the right way

Though what to pack in your carry-on ultimately depends on your preferences, there are a few guidelines for the best way to pack your luggage:

• Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.).
• Pack the things you'll use the least at the bottom of the bag.
• Keep most of your valuables in your carry-on luggage, and store them in side compartments or safely padded around other items.
• Place valuables at the bottom of your bag, away from the opening.
• Keep your wallet, credit cards and cash in an inner pocket so they'll be harder to steal.
• Pack a small, separate bag for toiletries. (Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the  3-1-1 liquids rule : 3.4 ounces or less per container; all liquids must fit in one quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; one bag per passenger.)
• Roll your clothes tightly to save space in your luggage. 

Sometimes you lose your luggage. It happens. Though it's frustrating, it's important to pack a spare set of clothes (including socks and underwear!) in your carry-on to hold you over until your bags are found and returned. Pack clothing that can easily be rolled up and put in the bottom of your bag.

Rolled clothing can save space in your tight bag or suitcase. 

Essential items for your carry-on bag

There's some items that are just better in your carry-on luggage. If you do decide to check a bag, be sure to keep these items with you on the flight. Most of these carry-on essentials are items that would be hard to replace or purchase when you get to your destination. 

• Prescriptions and medications
• Contact lenses or glasses
• Valuables like jewelry, wallets, passports, IDs and boarding passes
• Cameras and smartphones
• Entertainment like tablets, books and laptops
• Headphones to watch TV or movies if a longer flight
• Chargers for electronics
• Printed itinerary, or hotel and flight confirmations

Explore this complete guide for essential travel items you may forget to pack. 

Place your larger electronics in secure yet easily accessible compartments, since you'll need to pull them out at TSA security checkpoints. 

What you should never pack in your carry-on bag

The TSA has specific guidelines covering which items are banned from flights, and the agency takes those rules very seriously. In 2022 alone, the TSA screened nearly 761 million passengers and crew members nationwide, and it confiscated a record number of firearms (6,301) and many other items. TSA policy says that individuals carrying weapons, especially loaded firearms, can face fines or criminal penalties. 

These are some of the most commonly confiscated items:

• Box cutters, utility knives and razors
• Bats, clubs and blades
• Swiss Army knives
• Sharp 

If in doubt, always refer to the  TSA's guidelines on packing for flights, to ensure you have safe and easy travels. 

If you're planning a vacation soon and are stressed about packing or preparing, CNET has plenty of resources to help. Get ready for your next trip with these hacks and tips:

• I've Traveled All Over the World. Here Are 7 Things I Always Pack
• 6 Smart Ways to Save Money on Travel
• Is Travel Insurance Worth It? What to Know Before Your Next Trip
• 8 Google Travel Features to Make Trip Planning Easier
• Out of PTO? Here's How to Travel Without Using Vacation Days

The Ultimate Guide: What to Pack For Airline Travel

A ir travel can be stressful, especially once you are on the flight. With decreasing seat sizes and less and less legroom, even the most petite traveler can feel cramped and uncomfortable.

For overnight flights and/or long flights, it’s essential that you pack smart, and bring airplane essentials so that you can be as comfortable as possible while flying. You’ll probably need a few things in flight – either for personal reasons or for entertainment.

Packing does take some advanced work. With limited space in the overhead bins, fees for checked luggage, and the possibility of lost luggage, packing for a flight is important.

I recommend that you start with a packing list, and then check your airline’s website to see what the fees are for various bags. Once you know that, you can decide which type of bags to pack. Be sure to check size and weight restrictions as well as the fees.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.

What To Pack for Airline Travel

According to the FAA regulations, you’ll be able to bring one carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bins, and one personal item that can be placed in the seat in front of you. Personal items can be things like handbags, computer bags, briefcases, small backpacks, and diaper bags.

With a personal item, the big factor is that it must be able to fit in the seat in front of you. Some airlines may have different size restrictions.

In addition, your airline (especially budget airlines or discounted rates on other airlines) may charge for overhead space, or it may be unavailable by the time you board the plan. Therefore, it’s important that you pack anything absolutely essential in your personal item bag.

I have had a carry-on lost before – it was checked on the plane because there was no more overhead space, and it never made it onto the flight. Keep in mind, also, that lithium-ion batteries can’t be checked, so these should also be removed if you have to check the bag.

Because of the possibility of lost luggage – on both domestic flights and international flights, I recommend using AirTags (if you use Apple devices). Our bags were lost twice last year and it was helpful to see that they were lost as we waited at baggage claim.

We put them on both our carry on baggage (that may possibly be checked) as well as our checked baggage.

Carry On Bag

The carry on bag is where you should place heavier and bulkier items. There are specific airline regulations for how large your carry-on can be.

International flights may have different rules for your carry-on bag, so it’s a good idea to look up that information before packing. Keep in mind that you will have to lift it over your head and ensure that it fits in the overhead bin and that the bin can be closed.

Flying on a small, regional jet? Those smaller planes have much smaller overhead space, so sometimes you’ll have to check a larger carry-on item.

To make the most out of your carry-on bag, there are some packing tips you can consider. Rolling your clothes can help more fit in the bag and can also keep them from getting wrinkled.

Packing cubes are also a great idea, and you can roll your clothes right into the bag. Then you can place it in your carry on bag.

I like to put my shoes at the bottom of the bag and arrange them so they are as flat as possible. If your shoes are dirty (or could get dirty at your destination), you may want to put them in separate shoe bags (you can find these on Amazon , or can use things like shower caps or plastic bags).

If you aren’t checking a bag, you’ll need to pack your carry-on luggage with your toiletries. According to current Transportation Security Administration regulations (TSA regulations), you can only have one quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols, and each container must be 3.4 ounces or less.

You’ll either have to purchase travel-sized items or put items from a larger container into a smaller one that fits the regulations. I really like Cadence capsules – while they are expensive, they don’t leak and are easy to fill.

If you pack a reusable water bottle, remember that it must be empty when you go through the security checkpoint. You can fill it up once you are past security.

While I generally recommend putting any essentials in your underseat bag , if you do decide to put any in your carry-on bag, they should be at the top. That way, you can remove them if your bag has to be checked at the last minute. You’ll also have access to them during the flight if they are in front of you.

Underseat Bag

You’ll store your personal item (or underseat bag) under the seat in front of you. If, however, you are seated in a row section where you have the bulkhead in front of you (and not a seat), the flight attendant will tell you that you’ll need to place this item in the overhead bins for take-off and landing.

I often find this to be inconvenient, although you’ll probably have the benefit of more legroom in these seats. It’s a trade-off you’ll have to consider.

Your personal bag should contain your really important and valuable items, like your wallet, boarding pass, medication (especially prescription medications), driver’s license, travel documents, and paperwork, as well as anything you’ll want to have for your flight.

This would include a book/eReader, a portable charger, phone charger , lip balm, computer, airplane snacks, credit card, hand sanitizer, wipes to clean the tray table, armrests, and seat, computer, toys (if traveling with young kids), etc.

Overnight/Long Flights

If you are packing for air travel that is on a red-eye flight or a long flight, you’ll probably want to include some flight essentials to ensure you are comfortable.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that it’s extremely difficult to get comfortable in a coach-class seat for some long-haul flights or a red-eye flight. So it’s important to have the right items so you can at least get a little comfortable.

Here are some of my favorite red-eye travel essentials (available at Amazon):

Eye Mask (If you are sensitive to light and want near-complete darkness, a sleep mask can be helpful)

Pillow (I don’t like the U-shaped ones – regardless of what travel pillow you bring make sure you put it in your carry on bag and not directly on the germ-filled airport security belt)

Personal blanket – I love this wearable one because it has a pocket and won’t slide off of you.

Foot cradle

Comfortable clothes – make sure you are as comfortable as possible. While passengers once dressed to impress, it’s now more important to be comfortable.

Change of clothes – You may want to change if you aren’t going right to your hotel room at your final destination. Even a change of underwear can be a good idea. Or, if your bags are lost, it’s good to have at least one set of clothes (more if you can fit them).

Reusable water bottle – You may want some water when you are on your flight – especially on a long-haul flight. You can bring an empty water bottle through security and then fill it once you are past security.

Ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones – if you are sensitive to noise. My last two international flights had some very loud passengers and I was glad to have my noise-cancelling AirPods.

If you are taking a red eye, you’ll probably find that these items, in addition to the other essentials, really fill up your personal item. In that case, you can place them in a separate bag (tote or plastic bag) on top of your overhead bag.

Then, once you are ready to use them, you can pull them out of your bag without having to open the entire suitcase. You won’t need much of these items at your destination, so you can tuck them away once you arrive to maximize space.

Hopefully, these tips help you prepare for your next flight, especially any long trips you have planned. If we’ve left out anything you’d recommend, please leave us a comment.

The post The Ultimate Guide: What to Pack For Airline Travel appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .