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The 11 Best Travel Purses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your belongings at your side with these T+L-approved travel purses.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Purses We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

Organization while traveling is key, so we recommend having one designated spot for storing travel essentials like a passport, money, and technology. While you can store these items in a bigger bag en route to your destination, a more portable bag like a purse, mini backpack, or sling bag may be a better option.

We consulted our Travel + Leisure staff as well as other industry experts across our team to get recommendations for travel purses that are tried and true by frequent fliers. We received  submissions from over 30 seasoned travelers for bags they've used anywhere from six months to over four years all around the globe. We selected 11 purses that received the highest praise and broke down why we think you’ll love them, too.

Best Overall

Lo & sons o.g. 2.

Lo & Sons

• Capacity 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5

The large purse has a pocket for every travel essential you could ever need to pack.

It can get heavy when it’s packed full.

Lo & Sons makes some of our favorite travel bags, so it’s no surprise that this one came highly recommended for its spacious capacity and superior organizational features. The large shoulder bag comes with a padded laptop pocket that can store and protect devices up to 13 inches long, or you can place a laptop up to 16 inches in the main compartment, but it won’t be in the padded section.

For any other travel essentials, this bag has you covered with plenty of small pockets in the main section of the bag for phone chargers and snacks, and there’s a water bottle pocket to stay hydrated on the go. The front zippered pocket has smaller pockets inside to store grab-and-go items like a phone, wallet, and passport. Best of all, the bag has a discrete side pocket for a pair of shoes when you're using it as an overnight bag. And, of course, the more you pack the nylon bag, the heavier it will get, but it does have a trolley sleeve for securing it to a suitcase if it feels cumbersome to carry.

The Details: 16.5 x 13.75 x 6.75 inches | Nylon, Nappa leather | Water resistant | 13-inch laptop pocket

Best Overall, Runner-up

Cheruty backpack purse.

The stylish backpack has a modular design so you can carry it three ways.

The anti-theft design makes it less convenient to grab items.

Versatility is key with a travel purse, so we love that this backpack purse can be carried in multiple ways. While the purse is designed for use as a backpack with the built-in backpack straps, it also has a top handle and removable crossbody strap to convert the style as desired. Our favorite part of the backpack is the anti-theft design featuring a main compartment that is only accessible from the back zipper. There is a front zippered pocket to store small items like lip balm or a phone charger and the interior has four zippered and slip pockets for staying organized. The anti-theft design makes it a little less convenient to grab items quickly, but it offers peace of mind in crowded spaces since it’s much more difficult for pickpocketing to occur. This bag also earned praise for being effortlessly stylish thanks to the sleek faux leather look over two dozen color options.

The Details: 12.6 x 5.9 x 12.6 inches | PU leather | Convertible | 9.7-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Quince Revive Nylon Large Tote

The nylon material is super lightweight and easy to wipe-clean on the go.

It doesn’t have a top zipper.

Looking for a purse that’s easy to pack? Quince’s nylon tote bag is impressively lightweight whether you’re toting it around while sightseeing or packing it away in a bigger suitcase. While we love a leather bag, nylon material can be a safer option for travel since it’s easy to spot-clean with some soap and water on the go, and is typically lighter so it won’t weigh down your shoulder when packed full of the essentials. This tote’s interior has designated pockets for a laptop and water bottle, and various slip and zippered pockets to organize smaller items. For security reasons, it would be nice if the bag had a zip-top instead of a magnetic closure, but the slim design of the bag makes it easy to keep it close to you while traveling. The tote also has two exterior slip pockets and it comes in Oxford blue, olive, and black color options.

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

Best Shoulder Bag

Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag.

• Capacity 2 /5

The nylon bag is easy to compress and pack down for excellent portability.

It’s not big enough to store tablets or laptops.

Crescent bags are a bit more stylish than a traditional fanny pack, but the style offers similar security to a sling bag that rests on the upper body. The simplicity of this Uniqlo shoulder bag makes it an excellent choice for travelers in search of a packable bag to store the essentials. It’s big enough to carry a phone, wallet, passport, or other smaller items, but it isn’t large enough to hold laptops or tablets. If you need to consolidate your personal belongings before getting on an airplane, this nylon bag compresses down and can be folded up to seamlessly fit in a backpack or carry-on. The water-resistant bag is also machine washable and comes in seven earthy colors. And, the purse is the most affordable option on this list if you can’t choose just one color.

The Details: 11 x 7 x 3.9 inches | Nylon | Water resistant

Travel + Leisure / Abigail Moore

Best Fanny Pack

Dagne dover ace fanny pack.

Dagne Dover

• Quality 5 /5
• Capacity 4 /5

The spacious fanny pack is made with durable and waterproof neoprene fabric.

Dirt and dust are easily attracted to the fabric.

If you’re traveling somewhere damp or rainy, you’ll want a purse made of waterproof materials to protect your belongings. This Dagne Dover fanny pack is made with the brand’s signature neoprene material that wards off inclement weather and rough handling thanks to the thick cushion of the fabric. While we love the protective material, it is prone to catching dust and dirt, but it can be easily spot-cleaned so it isn’t a deal-breaker by any means. The interior is big enough to fit phones, wallets, eReaders, and sunglasses with plenty of room to spare, but it isn’t so large that it feels bulky to wear. The nylon strap can be adjusted to wear the fanny pack comfortably around the waist and shoulder or as a crossbody sling bag, which is ideal for versatility while traveling or running errands. There are several slip pockets and a zippered one in the front to store and organize small items and the fanny pack comes in six color options.

The Details: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Neoprene | Water resistant

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Crossbody

Baggallini everywhere bagg.

The lightweight materials and adjustable crossbody strap offer all-day comfort.

The interior could benefit from a divider to separate the spacious compartment.

The Baggallini Everywhere Bag is travel expert-endorsed largely due to the fact that it offers superior comfort compared to other crossbody bags on the market. The entire bag and strap are made of a lightweight nylon fabric that won’t rub or dig when it’s being worn across the body or as a shoulder bag. Large enough to fit an iPad or tablet, the purse has an impressive capacity for storing everything from the bare necessities like a wallet and keys to tech gadgets for air travel. The medium-size purse is chock full of pockets on the inside and outside, and there’s even a discrete side pocket for easy access to phones or wallets. The main compartment has a pocket for tablets and a few small slip pockets, but we wish there was a divider or more pockets to prevent items from getting lost in the bottom of the bag. We also love that there is a trolley sleeve in the back and the bag comes with an RFID-blocking removable wristlet as a thoughtful touch.

The Details: 11 x 9 x 5 inches | Nylon | Water resistant

Best Clutch

Radley london sundown avenue weave medium flapover clutch.

Radley London

• Capacity 3 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

The compact purse can be worn as a crossbody bag or carried as a clutch.

The chain strap is not adjustable.

For travel looks that require a chic purse to complete the outfit, we recommend this convertible clutch from Radley London. It’s made with high-quality genuine leather with a woven design and elegant gold hardware that gives the purse a truly elevated design. And for the best part: it comes with a removable chain to style the purse as a crossbody or carry it as a clutch for upscale events like weddings or fancy dinners. The chain strap is effortlessly chic, but we wish it was adjustable or slightly longer since the shorter chain is a bit awkward to use with the bag. The size is small enough to fit in a backpack or suitcase, and the magnetic-closing bag can fit various small items like lipstick, credit cards, and a phone.

The Details: 11 x 6 x 4 inches | Leather | Detachable chain strap

Best Packable

Longchamp le pliage original backpack.

The backpack can fold up to a fraction of its original size.

It doesn’t offer any pockets for organization.

If you don’t want your travel purse to count as a personal item or carry-on for flying, Longchamp’s packable mini backpack is a game-changer for saving space. While the bag is already smaller in size, it can fold up with the help of built-in snap-closures to compress the backpack into a small rectangle that packs flat. The bag can then be placed into a large piece of luggage for travel and unfolded to create the perfect purse for a day of sightseeing. It can hold bulkier items like a tablet, camera, water bottle, and wallet without feeling heavy or weighed down. One thing to note is that the bag doesn’t offer organizational features like pockets, so you may want to use a small pouch to organize smaller items. The recycled polyamide canvas backpack looks elegant and it comes in seven color options, but if backpacks aren’t your preferred way of carrying items, the brand also carries a similar packable Le Pliage Original Tote Bag that came highly recommended by T+L travel experts, too.

The Details: 11 x 10.2 x 3.9 inches | Recycled polyamide canvas

Best Machine Washable

Baggu nylon crescent bag.

• Value 4.8 /5

You can toss this nylon bag in a washing machine after a trip for hassle-free upkeep.

Consider air-drying the bag to prevent pilling or shrinkage.

Traveling can speed up the typical wear and tear on a purse, especially for frequent fliers, so this machine-washable bag from Baggu makes it easy to breathe new life into it after trips. Baggu bags are notorious for being easy to pack and this larger crescent purse is no exception thanks to the flexible nylon material that can easily be compressed and folded. The medium size is surprisingly spacious with a large main section for water bottles, snacks, wallets, and a travel tablet , and two slip pockets for lip balm and keys. Plus, the nylon strap is adjustable for the most comfortable fit whether the bag is packed to the brim or with just a few items. Since all travelers have different styles, we love that the bag comes in various solid colors and bold prints to please everyone. While the bag is machine washable, we recommend hanging it up to air dry to prevent any shrinking or damage from a dryer.

The Details: 13.75 x 8 x 4 inches | Recycled heavyweight nylon

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Mesh Bag

The material has plenty of stretch so it can hold bigger items like beach towels and jackets.

You’ll want to store keys and lip balm in a separate pouch since smaller items can fall through the mesh.

Whether vacationing somewhere tropical or swinging by the farmer’s market, this Longchamp mesh bag is a must-pack. Compact and easy to store in a bigger purse, the bag turns into a Mary Poppins bag once you begin packing it. From jean jackets to beach towels, the cotton mesh material has the slightest bit of stretch to hold bulkier items without anything falling through the perforated design. It can also store fruit, veggies, and flowers if you come across an unexpected farmer’s market while traveling. For smaller items, we recommend using a smaller pouch to keep keys, lip balm, and other skinny items safeguarded from the netting. Depending on your personal style, the bag comes in six color options featuring neutrals like white and brown or bolder colors like pink and green.

The Details: 15 x 12.2 inches | Cotton, gold hardware

Best for Laptops

John fluevog shoes nashua laptop bag.

John Fluevog Shoes

• Value 4.5 /5

This compact laptop bag comes with tote handles and a crossbody strap that offers both a comfortable and convertible design.

Larger laptops might be a tighter fit.

This recommended John Fluvog leather laptop purse offers protection for your technology while traveling. It’s basically a laptop case with straps to carry it as a crossbody or tote bag, so we love that it’s specifically designed for computers. The removable crossbody strap is made with the same soft leather material and it boasts two little pockets to store small items like lip balm or earbuds that are easy to access from the strap. The interior has a designated slip pocket that can store laptops up to 15 inches long, but anything bigger might be a tight squeeze or not fit at all. Aside from a laptop, travelers can store small water bottles, snacks, notebooks, headphones, or any other essentials in the spacious main compartment. There is a front zippered pocket to conveniently access boarding passes or a phone while traveling. With several color and texture options, shoppers have the choice between black and blue color options made with soft pebbled leather and a brown color made with sleek smooth leather.

The Details: 15 x 11.25 x 2.25 inches | Pebbled leather

Other Travel Purses We Liked

Several travel purses still came highly recommended, but didn’t have as much praise compared to our winner’s list.

Madewell The Transport Saddlebag : The crossbody bag has lots of space to hold travel essentials, but the leather strap isn’t the most comfortable for long periods of time.

Senreve Midi Maestra Bag : We love that the modular design makes it easy to carry the bag in three different ways, but the medium size is a bit awkward for travel since it’s too small to hold a laptop and too bulky to pack in a suitcase.

With recommendations from T+L editors and other trusted travel experts on our team, we compiled this of tried-and-true travel purses. While we accepted all submissions, we narrowed the list down to 11 options that stood out for quality, capacity, and portability. Each bag recommended has been used for at least six months (some have been tested for over four years) and has traveled all around the world with us on various trip types.

Tips for Buying a Travel Purse

Know your storage and organization needs.

Whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist packer, there’s a travel purse out there to fit your needs. For travelers in need of extra space for larger wallets or laptops, we recommend a tote bag or medium-size backpack that often have designated pockets for items of different sizes. Crossbody, sling, and shoulder bags are best for storing just the essentials like phones, credit cards, earbuds, or a small wallet. For an even more streamlined option, a phone purse could be a good choice.

Prioritize comfort

Comfort while traveling is essential, so if you know you’re an over-packer, opt for a backpack or purse with thick, padded straps to help distribute the weight and provide cushioning. In general, you want to look for bags that don't have thin straps (often crossbody bags) since this can often cause discomfort or rubbing.

Think about anti-theft protection

Pickpocketing is a very real threat when traveling and the best way to avoid it is by making sure all of your valuables aren’t easily accessible. Anti-theft protection in travel purses can vary, but the common traits include discrete pockets in the back or interior of the purse, lockable zippers, and cut-resistant fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

A personal item is anything (allowed on an airplane, of course) that can fit underneath the seat. That means that purses, backpacks, totes, shopping bags, or laptop cases can count as your allotted personal item. If the airline is strict about personal items, you can always stick your purse inside of a backpack or carry-on to consolidate the number of items.

It depends on the material the purse is made out of and the type of fabric lining. In general, purses should come with manufacturing cleaning instructions, but if not, you can always opt for some soap and water to gently spot clean until you can get the bag professionally cleaned or into a washing machine if allowed.

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 sifted through testing notes from dozens of bag submissions and pulled from her knowledge of travel accessories to recommend the best travel purses.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 12 best travel purses of 2024.

From hands-free to anti-theft options, discover the ideal companion for your journey.

The Best Travel Purses

Courtesy of Lo & Sons

When you're planning a trip, a key wardrobe decision is determining what purse works best for your itinerary. You may want anti-theft features and compartments with space for glasses, passports, sunscreen and more – but you can also find plenty of extras like built-in wallets, hidden pockets and key ring attachments. There's a wide range of different styles on the market to suit your travel purse needs.

To help narrow the options, the editors at U.S. News along with travel experts researched and shared their go-to bags for all of life's adventures.

The Top Travel Purses of 2024

U.S. News editors researched dozens of review sites, including Amazon, online retailers, travel industry review sites and more, to come up with this selection of the best travel purses.

Best Overall: TUMI Voyageur Tyler Crossbody

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Crossbody: Lug Skeeter Convertible Crossbody

Best for europe: minooy eirene crossbody bag, best anti-theft: travelon anti-theft crossbody bag, best shoulder bag: vera bradley glenna satchel, best messenger bag: tory burch nylon small messenger, best backpack purse: calpak luka mini backpack.

• Best Small Travel Purse: Lo & Sons The Waverly 2 Small

Best Packable: LeSportsac Deluxe Everyday Bag

Best belt bag: dagne dover ace fanny pack, best sling bag: cluci small sling bag for women, best clutch: consuela thunderbird uptown crossbody.

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors. We update this article quarterly to ensure the bags we're recommending are in stock and continue to have great overall reviews from consumers, while also considering new product launches. Dimensions are listed in order of length by height by width.)

Courtesy of TUMI

Dimensions: 10.3 x 10 x 1.8 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Colors: Five, including black with gold hardware and indigo

What sets it apart: This sleek design blends fashion with function. The Tyler Crossbody by TUMI has multiple organizational features, including a spacious main compartment for a passport, camera and other personal essentials; a U-shaped front pocket with a leather card pocket and key leash; two front zippered pockets; and a back slip pocket. The upscale nylon construction is durable yet polished and it can be spot cleaned for when those spills happen. What's more, the detachable leather charm can be monogrammed.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers love this bag because of all the pockets and separate compartments that keep everything organized and quick to find. They say the nylon has an upscale feel, and the overall design works perfectly for travel or daily use.

Price: $295 or less Shop now: TUMI | Amazon | Zappos | Macy's

Dimensions: 6 x 8 x 3 inches | Weight: 0.75 pounds | Colors: Multiple colors and prints, including red with white polka dots and solid options such as black or kelly green

If you love organizational details, the Lug Skeeter is a multicompartment crossbody bag with plenty of potential. You can leave your wallet at home and utilize the front compartment's built-in wallet, with its clear ID window and RFID protection, along with the bungee key ring that allows you to easily find your keys. There's a lined slip pocket with magnetic closure for quick access to your phone − making snapping a selfie oh-so-easy. The main compartment can fit your camera, snacks and personal essentials, with a plastic-lined zippered pocket for sunscreen, lotion or other small liquids. The back zippered compartment is ideal for wipes, a passport or other necessities.

Travelers appreciate: Owners of this style love the material of this bag, which comes in a variety of fun colors and prints. It's wipeable and water-repellent, so that spilled latte or sudden downpour won't be a problem. You can remove the adjustable strap and carry the bag with the top handle, depending on the needs of the day. Plus, the charm bar is a fun way to customize your handbag.

Price: $80 or less Shop now: QVC | Amazon | Luglife

Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.64 x 2.48 inches | Weight: 1.34 pounds | Colors: Black, brown, caramel and coffee

What sets it apart: When traveling abroad, versatility is key, and this chic design by Minooy offers just that. Constructed of high-quality full-grain leather in a choice of four classic colors, this multicompartment travel purse is packed with details. The separate main zippered pocket keeps everything from lipstick to a phone cord in its place. The crossbody bag offers understated luxury, the RFID-blocking internal compartment has six card slots, and the outside zippered pocket can hold up to an iPhone 14 Pro Max or Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Expert review: Marisa Méndez , senior travel editor at U.S. News, adores this purse. "I love how soft the leather is on this bag as well as all of the pockets and loops for organization," says Mendez. "My favorite feature is that the entire bag is RFID-blocking so I don't need to worry about carrying a wallet; I can just use the card slots in the bag."

Price: $159 or less Shop now: Minooy

Dimensions: 11.5 x 13.5 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Colors: Multiple colors and prints, including wine-colored roses and solids like black or spruce

What sets it apart: Protecting your valuables is always important, but when you're traveling it's even more vital. This bag features Travelon's patented five-point anti-theft system, which includes slash-resistant handles and mesh panels within the walls of the bag. The bag also offers RFID protection, a locked main compartment, and the ability to fasten the bag to a chair or post to deter a thief in a restaurant, train station or airport.

Travelers appreciate: The lightweight construction of the bag, combined with the theft-proof security features and multiple pockets, makes this a traveler favorite. Owners of this bag say it holds all of your travel essentials from passports to sunglasses, and that it holds up well after years of use.

Price: $70 or less Shop now: Travelon | Amazon

Courtesy of Vera Bradley

Dimensions: 11 x 12.25 x 8 inches | Weight: 0.88 pounds | Colors: Multiple prints, such as paisley and plaid or solids like green and navy

What sets it apart: Machine-washable and available in an array of eye-catching prints to suit your style, the Glenna Satchel is a large shoulder bag ideal for city adventures, day trips, shore excursions and daily activities. The spacious main compartment has a zip pocket and three slips, along with room for a book, tablet, planner, phone and wallet. There are two exterior slip pockets to stow things like maps or handouts, and a hidden zip pocket on the outside as well to secure smaller items. For added options, the drawstring adjusts the size of the bag depending on your needs.

Travelers appreciate: Fans of this bag praise the functionality and the pretty print options of the satchel. Though, some do note that the straps could be longer.

Price: $110 or less Shop now: Vera Bradley | Amazon

Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.1 x 3.9 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Colors: Black

What sets it apart: Constructed with a 100% recycled nylon shell and trimmed in leather, this design gives major '90s vibes in all the best ways. The unstructured messenger bag is perfect for travel with an interior compartment for your wallet, phone, keys and more, plus an interior slit pocket and zippered pocket to keep valuables secured. The front exterior pocket of the bag zips, and the back slit pocket is ideal for your phone or items you want to reach quickly. Finished with a magnetic closure flap and a removable crossbody strap, this bag adds an element of style to your travel wardrobe.

Travelers appreciate: Lightweight, practical and functional are a few of the words bag owners use to describe this messenger bag. They say it works well for sightseeing, and that the bag can hold a lot without looking clunky or overstuffed.

Price: $248 or less Shop now: Tory Burch | Amazon

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Dimensions: 10.75 x 8.75 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Colors: 16 options, including gold and lilac

What sets it apart : Designed with travel in mind, this mini backpack has a luggage trolley sleeve and matches the duffels and other items in the CALPAK Luka collection. You can put your tablet, wallet and other must-haves in the interior compartment; your cell phone and a travel umbrella in the exterior side pockets; your passport in the hidden back zippered pocket; and other items in the front zippered compartment. The bag's lining is water-resistant, the puffy exterior is soft and comfortable to carry, and the straps are adjustable to suit your needs.

Travelers appreciate: The compact and functional design is a key selling point for owners of this bag. They like that it fits an iPad, reading material, a wallet and even a camera. Plus, it's possible to coordinate your purse with other CALPAK luggage items. However, some note the two exterior side pockets could be slightly larger, as they can't hold a water bottle.

Price: $72 or less Shop now: CALPAK

Best Small Travel Purse: Lo & Sons The Waverly 2 Small

Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Colors: More than 25 color and fabric options, including black saffiano leather or cognac cactus leather

What sets it apart: For a compact design with adaptability, this Lo & Sons design checks all the boxes. This convertible style has a two-part strap to transform into a belt bag, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag or wristlet with ease. The neatly organized interior compartment has space for your phone and essentials with a three-slot zippered pocket, an interior slip pocket, and an exterior card slot ideal for a room key or transit card. Offered in a choice of natural-grain nappa leather, scratch-resistant textured Saffiano leather or plant-based cactus leather, this style can easily go from day to night or boardroom to ballgame.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers of this bag really like the option to adjust the strap to suit the day's events. They compliment the quality construction and overall look, with many saying it's great for travel because it can easily fit into a duffel or backpack.

Price: $210 or less Shop now: Lo & Sons

Dimensions: 14 x 9.75 x 5 inches | Weight: 0.84 pounds | Colors: More than 20 options for solids and patterns, including black and seasonal prints

What sets it apart: Made of recycled ripstop nylon, this lightweight and durable handbag can easily be packed into your suitcase and pulled out for use when you arrive at your destination. It lays flat when not full of your belongings. This roomy travel purse has plenty of space in its two main compartments for a wallet, water bottle, cell phone, on-the-go necessities and a few fun things you find along the way. The front has two exterior zippered pockets, and there's a back zippered pocket as well. With the adjustable crossbody strap, the bag can also be worn as a shoulder bag. What's more, LeSportsac continuously adds to the color and pattern choices in this classic bag with everything from Peanuts characters to florals or plaid.

Travelers appreciate: Handbag owners rave about the pockets, durability and color options for this style. Many note while it is great for travel, it's also ideal for everyday use with plenty of space for everything.

Price: $105 or less Shop now: LeSportsac | Amazon

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

Dimensions: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 0.3 pounds | Colors: 12 options across neoprene and mesh materials, including black, navy and ube purple

What sets it apart: Offered in a choice of neoprene or air mesh, this versatile option is U.S. News' top fanny pack pick . This hands-free belt bag has an adjustable belt, a small front zip pocket (a great spot to stash cash for tipping) and a back panel exterior credit card. The roomy main compartment comes equipped with an elastic loop, a key clip and a card pocket to keep things easy to find.

Travelers appreciate: Wearers of this belt bag like the quality construction, color options and the overall versatility of the design. They also compliment the fabrication and say it holds the essentials without being bulky.

Price: $95 or less Shop now: Dagne Dover | Nordstrom | Saks Fifth Avenue

Dimensions: 10.6 x 6.5 x 2.95 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Colors: Nearly 20 options, from dark coffee to apricot

What sets it apart: Available in a wide variety of colors, this hands-free crossbody bag is perfect for those on the go. The three zippered pockets are roomy enough for travel essentials like keys, sunglasses, lipstick, wallet and sunscreen. Place your ID and credit cards in the five interior card slots, so you can leave your wallet at home. The back pocket of this sling bag is ideal for keeping important items close to your body to prevent theft, and the adjustable strap makes it comfortable to carry.

Expert review: "My favorite travel purse is the vegan leather crossbody bag by CLUCI," says Sharael Kolberg , a U.S. News travel contributor. "Not only is it environmentally and animal-friendly, it's also stylish and easily fits my wallet, passport, reusable water bottle and snacks. Plus, the front pocket allows easy access to my smartphone."

Price: $25.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

Courtesy of Consuela

Dimensions: 8.5 x 5 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Color: Antique white

Perfect for a night out on the town, exploring the city or even running errands, this clutch style is essentially a wallet that can be carried as a clutch or wristlet, or worn as a crossbody. Its eye-catching snake print exterior is trimmed in natural leather and adorned with a hand-woven friendship bracelet, a tassel charm and a hand-painted leather bag tag. There's also an exterior zippered pocket. Open the magnetic closure to reveal two interior zippered compartments for essentials, along with six card slots.

Expert review: "I bought this purse on a whim after seeing it in a Facebook ad, and it's my favorite wallet-style crossbody among all I have owned," says U.S. News travel contributor Holly Johnson .

Price: $215 or less Shop now: Consuela

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood has had a serious love for handbags her entire life. For everything from daily errands to global journeys, she has tried a variety of travel purse styles from an array of brands, discovering the good, the bad and the very best options. For this article, Hood used her personal experience along with retail merchandising background and research expertise to curate this list.

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• The Top Carry-on Luggage Pieces

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25 Best Travel Purses That Are Actually Stylish

By Brigitt Earley and Paula Lee

Your go-to tote bags and carryalls may be perfect for every day, but when you’re on the road, the best travel purses can make a world of a difference. Dedicated travel bags come in all shapes and sizes— fanny packs , laptop backpacks , cross-bodies , work totes , anti-theft purses, and more—but generally feature multiple compartments (hi, mesh pocket) to keep your essentials organized, a usually convertible or detachable strap that’s comfortable enough to wear all day, and even anti-theft features to secure your things against pickpockets.

Whether you’re traveling internationally (finally taking that long-awaited trip to Europe?) or planning a short weekend getaway, we typically find that the best travel bags are those that you can wear close to your body, such as a cross-body, a sling, or a belt bag . When you have a bigger haul or need a convenient carry-on, you can’t beat a smartly designed backpack or packable travel handbag.

If this sounds like the stereotypical tourist bag with a less-than-flattering design, though, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. From top-rated anti-theft purses that leave your hands free for a day of sightseeing to mom-approved diaper bags and water-repellent backpacks that’ll see you through any adventure, we’ve rounded up the most reliable and stylish travel purses that will take you from the house to the airport to your destination—and back.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Lululemon Mini Belt Bag , $38
• Most Versatile: Athleta All About Belt Bag , $35
• Best Backpack: The ReNew Transit Backpack , $95
• Best Anti-Theft Bag: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag , $75
• Best Cross-Body Bag: Dagne Dover Micah Water Resistant Cross-Body Bag , $110
• Best Luxury: GG Marmont Belt Bag , $1,700
• Most Lightweight: Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag , $20
• Best for Airport: Cincha Travel Belt Bag , $60

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Athleta All About Belt Bag

Fanny packs are great travel companions—they're unassuming yet have space for all the essentials you don't want to lose at the bottom of your tote. We've used this one from Athleta for running, but it's just as clutch for traveling since the front zippered pocket can hold passports, sanitizer, and other documents needed for the trip. The adjustable strap is great for converting into a waist bag when your shoulders get tired—although it's so lightweight you won't even notice it's there. The DWR finish also means you can safely wear it in the rain. Yay!

• Pros: Lightweight; adjustable strap, easily accessible front zipper, water-resistant material
• Cons: Small sizes makes it better suited for holding just the essentials.

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Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

If you’re flying, this water-resistant backpack makes a great carry-on. You’ll breeze through security, thanks to a TSA-friendly 15-inch exterior laptop pocket and a catchall zip pocket to keep your passport and ticket at the ready. Of course, there are multiple compartments inside for everything else you need to tote: a spacious main area, a magazine and notebook pocket, and two water bottle holders. It also has a pass-through strap that attaches to rolling luggage.

• Pros: Spacious interior plus exterior laptop pocket, side water bottle holders; can be slipped onto the luggage handles of a carry-one.
• Cons: Water bottle pockets don't fit containers of 32 ounces or more; some reviewers say the color isn't as pictured.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

This waist bag, which comes in an impressive array of colors, keeps your hands free for navigating the ticket counter, shopping for souvenirs, or touring museums. It has an interior pocket that’s roomy enough for the essentials—a wallet, keys, and your cell phone—plus an exterior zippered pocket that’s sandwiched between you and the bag to protect any valuable personal items from pickpockets.

• Pros: Comfy to wear, versatile; comes in many colors; can fit a charger
• Cons: There are none.

Save when you shop on the best running fanny packs with these Lululemon promo codes .

Kate Spade Sam Icon KSNYL Nylon Medium Belt Bag

Wear it as a belt bag or a cross-body—either way, this small nylon and leather bag is the perfect solution for day trips and other small excursions. Pop larger items like your wallet into the main compartment, and stash smaller items like keys in the exterior pocket.

• Pros: Compact; various zippered compartments
• Cons: Expensive

Save when you shop the best travel purses with these Kate Spade promo codes and Nordstrom promo codes .

By Elizabeth Logan

By The Glamour editors

By Emily Tannenbaum

GG Marmont Belt Bag

If you’re on the hunt for a stylish but still relatively affordable designer bag , Gucci’s GG Marmont Belt Bag is a worthy investment you’ll have for years to come. The soft quilted leather bag with its resin strap and black brass hardware isn’t just head-turning; it’s also highly versatile. Wear it as a belt or shoulder bag.

• Pros: Sleek design, convertible strap
• Cons: Small; doesn't fit a ton.

Dagne Dover Micah Water-Resistant Cross-Body Bag

Dagne Dover

Made from a unique and highly durable neoprene-like fabric, this roomy cross-body is as hardworking as they come. With three main compartments—one of which is on the backside of the bag to keep valuables safe—this purse has more space than most comparable options. It’s also water-resistant, so you won’t have to make a mad dash when the skies open up.

• Pros: Water-resistant, roomy for its size, easy to wipe clean
• Cons: Some reviewers say the strap is too short and they don't love the boxy shape.

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Longchamp Le Pliage 21-Inch Expandable Travel Bag

A classic for a reason, Longchamp’s Expandable Travel Bag is both stylish and ultra functional. The durable water-resistant nylon bag features a one-of-a-kind zip inset that expands to meet your needs. Open it all the way to use it as a carry-on for your flight; once you’ve unpacked, size it down to hold as a purse while you tour.

• Pros: Water-resistant, expandable
• Cons: Some reviewers say the size is too big when unzipped; heavy to carry.

Tumi Just in Case Nylon Travel Backpack

Tumi calls this the Just in Case backpack, because you can fold it flat and stash it in your suitcase—just in case you need extra space to bring a few souvenirs home. This particular feature also makes it easy to store when you’re not traveling. We don’t see that happening, though. The sleek bag has a roomy interior, a sizable exterior pocket, and attractive gold hardware that makes it hard to resist for everyday use.

• Pros: Packs flat; back sleeve for slipping over suitcase handles.
• Cons: No padded laptop pocket

Charmore Women’s Travel Backpack

For proof that budget-friendly can be just as functional, peep this backpack. The faux leather looks a lot like the real thing but is fully water-resistant. It’s packed with compartments too. Inside, there are dedicated spots for documents, keys, glasses, your phone, and more. Outside, two water bottle holders serve as a home for your favorite beverage or a compact umbrella.

• Pros: Water-resistant, wallet-friendly
• Cons: Not super sturdy

Fjallraven Women's Kanken Mini Backpack

Available in a whopping 45 colors, there’s something to suit every personality and style. But it’s not all about aesthetics. This compact backpack is super lightweight, so you can carry the essentials in one of four compartments—a main pocket, a zippered exterior pocket, and two side pockets—on an all-day tour without growing tired and sore. As a nice bonus, the durable canvas-like fabric is dirt- and water-resistant and wipes clean.

• Pros: Popular style, great gift for teens ; lots of colors, durable canvas
• Cons: Not super big

Coach Kitt Messenger Cross-Body

If your travel plans include concerts, sporting events, and other venues that don’t allow large bags, make sure to pack a compact purse like this one. Not only does this leather option look great; it has two convenient compartments, including an outside open pocket for easy access to your tickets.

• Pros: Compact; easy access to essentials

Rebecca Minkoff MAB Cross-Body

A fantastic day-to-night option, this cross-body is made of buttery-soft lambskin that looks super sophisticated and features multiple pockets inside and out as well as an adjustable strap for continued comfort.

• Pros: Adjustable shoulder strap, versatile design

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag

If you’re worried about security, you can’t beat Travelon’s anti-theft features. The bag has a hidden slash-proof chain link construction and a cut-proof shoulder strap, plus a locking zipper to keep your wallet and travel documents as safe as can be. There are plenty of organizational features to love too: slots for credit cards, pockets for notebooks and documents, a water bottle holder, and an expansion pocket for larger items like a camera or sunglasses.

• Pros: Anti-theft design; utilitarian
• Cons: Smaller than expected; water bottle pocket doesn't hold larger sizes.

Cuyana Recycled Overnight

It may be made out of recycled plastic, but this travel purse is as easy on the eyes as any. Available in two sophisticated shades—cappuccino and black, both with brass hardware—the bag is constructed with three spacious compartments, protective metal feet, sturdy handles, and cross-body straps for versatility.

• Pros: Comes in two sizes; convertible straps, eco-friendly design.

LeSportsac x Warm & Wonderful AEC Shoulder Bag

Rowing Blazers

A nod to Princess Diana’s iconic black sheep sweater, this limited edition mini hobo is part of a LeSportsac and Warm & Wonderful collaboration (designed by the Rowing Blazers ’ creative director Jack Carlson). The adjustable strap converts it from shoulder to cross-body, the ripstop nylon is durable, and there are pockets aplenty—in short, it’s a charming take on a classic travel purse.

• Pros: Durable material, convertible strap, interior and exterior pockets
• Cons: On the smaller size

Calpak Luka Belt Bag

With a matte puffy look, this adjustable waist bag is stylish, practical, and comfortable against the body. It’s generously sized and features a hidden outside pocket to fit a passport or a phone. Pair it with the coordinating duffel for a sleek set.

• Pros: Lightweight, versatile; scratch-resistant material

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

This best-selling half-moon bag from Uniqlo is deceptively large (I’ve fit a water bottle and Kindle in it, along with my other essentials) and has interior slip pockets. It’s also very lightweight, packs flat, and will serve you long after you return from your trip.

• Pros : Lightweight, affordable, roomy; seven colors
• Cons : No interior zip pocket

Free People Movement Renegade Sling

Free People

Sling bags lend themselves very well for a day of exploring. This thoughtful, sporty design has multiple compartments, a front pocket to stash your phone, and a padded strap for comfort.

• Pros: Lots of convenient compartments, padded strap, seven colors
• Cons: Side water bottle holder fits only smaller sizes.

Save when you shop the best travel purses with these Free People promo codes .

Aloha Collection Pinstripe Mini Hip Pack

Aloha Collection’s bags are all “splash-proof” and water-resistant, ideal if you’re headed to a rainy destination, beach locale, or even a theme park. This belt bag is super lightweight (clocking in at a little over three ounces), so you won’t be dragged down when wearing it for extended periods of time.

• Pros: Water-resistant, lightweight; packs flat
• Cons: Small

Baggallini Pocket Crossbody Travel Bag with RFID

No need to worry about identity theft with this cross-body that will keep you safe on the go. Stash your credit cards and ID in the removable wristlet with built-in RFID blocking technology. Plus, there’s a back pocket for quick phone access.

• Pros: Anti-theft RFID technology, removable wristlet, organizational features; machine-washable
• Cons: Compact size; some reviewers wish the shoulder strap were more substantial.

Mali + Lili Mackenzie Water Resistant Nylon Cross-Body Bag

A cute and colorful take on the trendy nylon bags, this affordable cross-body version is perfect for a city escapade. The little detachable pouch is useful for AirPods or lip balm, and there’s a back slip pocket for other items you want easily accessible, such as a transit card.

• Pros: Water-resistant material, clip-on pouch, printed lining so you can see your things
• Cons: Available only in green

Madewell The Transport Camera Bag

Prefer a leather bag? This vintage-y structured camera bag style gets better with age and embodies that life-well-traveled feel. It has an exterior front pocket and an interior slip pocket and also comes with interchangeable strap options (leather and webbed) so you can switch up the looks. Opt for the larger size if you want to fit an actual camera in your purse.

• Pros: Two straps; available in a larger size
• Cons: No inside zip pocket

Away FAR Messenger 16L

Throw everything into this roomy yet lightweight messenger bag, from snacks and a water bottle to a tablet or even laptop (there’s an interior slip for it). There’s also a hidden side pocket on the outside so you can easily get ahold of your phone or passport without having to frantically dig around.

• Pros: Lightweight, durable; trolley sleeve

Béis Backpack

This cotton backpack with faux-leather trim has dedicated space for almost everything to keep you organized: padded laptop sleeve, inside elastic compression straps, water bottle holders, key leash, and inside zip compartments. We also appreciate the full zip opening that opens flat and lets you easily find what you’re looking for.

• Pros: Full zipper opening, minimal and versatile design, lots of pockets, cushioned straps
• Cons: Some reviewers note that the water bottle pockets don’t expand when the bag is full.

Cincha Travel Belt Bag

When you’re wrestling with multiple bags at the airport (guilty), it’s helpful to have a belt bag on you. This one pulls double duty: In addition to being worn as a sling, it functions as a clever travel belt to keep your personal bag fastened on top of your roller suitcase—no more slipping or sliding around when you’re in a rush.

• Pros: Versatile design, secure zipper closure, back exterior pocket; water-resistant

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The Best Travel Bags for Wherever You’re Headed

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Carry-On for Most People Travelpro Maxlite 5 Read more

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On Away Carry-On Read more

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Yeti Crossroads 35L Read more

Best Bag for a Lifetime Briggs & Riley Baseline CX Read more

Whew! You've made it all the way across the globe. But have your toothbrush, pajamas, and running shoes made it, too? If you're a frequent traveler, it's easy to obsess over the logistics of getting your stuff clean, organized, and in good working condition upon arrival. Paying for a decent travel bag and a few useful accessories means buying a little peace of mind, especially when a few yards of zippers and some nylon are the only barriers between your precious belongings and the belly of an airliner.

Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated April 2024: We reorganized this guide and added new picks, such as the Yeti Crossroads, Tom Bihn Aeronaut and Trinity, the Frame Carry-On Max, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, the Camelbak A.T.P. 20, the Calpak Luka Duffel, and the Rux 70. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

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Best Carry-On for Most People

Look around any airport—if you see flight attendants or pilots, they will probably be rolling around a Travelpro suitcase. We like Travelpros because you get a lot of bang for your buck. They're durable, light, and not too expensive.

For only a little over $100, the Maxlite 5 is one of the more affordable Travelpro suitcases, and at 5.4 pounds, it's very light! The exterior toiletry pocket is a nice touch for when you go through security and need to take out your liquids, and the zippers are also quite strong and don't tend to get stuck. The wheels also rolled nicely on both the spinner and roll-aboard versions. Reviewer Matt Jancer did note that the aluminum handle extensions did sometimes stick and the main grab handle on the bag is only single-stitched, which may cause durability issues farther down the line. However, he has seen no issues yet. This probably the best bag you can get in the $100 to $150 price range.

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Away's business practices may have raised some eyebrows , but there's no denying that this company changed the travel market entirely. It has increased in price since we first tested it, but multiple WIRED staffers still use the classic Away hard-shell carry-on ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) as their travel suitcase.

Hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier. There's also not as much give in the case, so you may find it hard to squeeze in more items than in a soft-shell bag, bu they look a lot sleeker than their soft-shell counterparts and protect fragile items better. The Away weighs 7.5 pounds, which is pretty standard for a hard-shell carry-on. When I tested it, I liked that it had multiple height settings and that the polycarbonate shell wiped clean and stayed mostly scuff-free (it helped that my tester was in the darker navy color). Away's suitcases also come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, four spinner wheels capable of rotating 360 degrees, and an included laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The handle did feel a bit wobbly, though.

★ Alternatives: So many companies now offer a direct-to-consumer, stylish, hard-shell carry-on similar to the Away's. We've tried ones by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . Besides price, the differences are mostly negligible. I like July's aluminum bumpers, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. Both have survived multiple cross-country trips, being checked as baggage, and being ridden on by two small children with no damage.

Paravel also offers an Aviator carry-on ($395) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller bag that's carry-on size for most major airlines. It weighs 7.7 pounds, on par with soft-sided competitors of the same size.

I recently spent a week dragging the Crossroads up and down grimy subway station escalators, thumping it across cobblestones, and scrunching it into overfull overhead bins during a trip to London, Paris, and Brussels. The blue 700D nylon on the front and sides looks just as fresh as it did out of the box while the molded polycarbonate shell on the back has a few well-earned battle scratches. The two extra-large fixed wheels are rolling as smoothly as ever and hopped up curbs so well that I grew to favor them over smaller spinner wheels. The Crossroads has a half-dozen well-placed pockets and sturdy zippers that didn't give me any anxiety even as I tugged them hard while smooshing down to fit souvenirs into a carry-on with 8 days of clothing. —Martin Cizmar

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright.

The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

★ Alternatives: If you need an absolutely bomber-tough rolling suitcase and don't mind its 9.6-pound weight, the Pro Front-Access Carry ($799) will stand up to more abuse than most rolling bags, with its aluminum frame and 70-percent-recycled polycarbonate body. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's his favorite rolling bag in years. Jancer also likes Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on ($315) , which he calls one of the most high-end polycarbonate bags on the market.

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Best Backpack

When I reviewed the Cotopaxi Allpa in 2018 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), it had only recently launched. Now, a half-dozen years later, it is one of the most popular travel backpacks that I see online and in airports all over the world. It's a combination of a camping backpack, a suitcase, and a soft, frameless duffel. You can splay it open like a sandwich to pack it easily; access items through a side zip; put it on your backpack and secure its weight with a sternum strap; or squash or stomp it into any overhead compartment or corner of your car trunk. The use case for this bag is extremely specific—the same people who are bopping around Thailand for several weeks in one backpack are not the same people trying to look professional at a work conference. But it is sturdy and comfortable.

★ Alternative: I took the Ekster Packable Duffel ($250) on several weekend trips this spring, and found that it more than upheld its claims of being built for “smoother journeys, on and off the grid.” This travel bag converts from a backpack to a duffel, with two separate compartments that also splay open for easier packing. The 600-denier exterior and water-resistant zippers are so sturdy that when we ran out of space in the car, we lashed it to the roof rack with surf straps and drove for hours in the rain. It, and its contents, remained pristine.

Best Convertible Bag

Every serious traveler knows the name of Seattle-based Tom Bihn, manufacturer of bomber bags that will last you a lifetime. The Aeronaut 45 is the classic Tom Bihn convertible carry-on, which the size of the maximum allowable carryon bag on a plane.

You get everything from a Tom Bihn bag that you pay for. It’s made of incredibly sturdy 1050 denier ballistic nylon, with bombproof YKK zippers. It has both hidden backpack straps and an extremely comfortable cross-body strap. This is commerce director Martin Cizmar's bag, and he's tossed it around and lugged it down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. He owns two and the first lasted for more than a decade. This is the bag that both he and I would use, if we didn't have to constantly test other bags.

Best Personal Item

Some airlines are not content with charging you extra for checking a bag and now charge you for overhead bin space . The Tom Bihn Trinity ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) addresses that problem by providing a space for you to pack everything you need while still fitting underneath the seat in front of you. As the name suggests, it has three main compartments and three ways to carry—either as a briefcase with padded grab handles, a backpack, or as a shoulder bag with two attachment points.

It has three main compartments which can be arranged to your liking; for example, on one of the side compartments, you can zip a water bottle holder into place or unzip it for more room. It wasn't quite as versatile as I expected; I found that I prefer a small duffel with one main compartment that I can organize as I like. However, it does fit under the seat in front of me, even with clothes, laptop, and four (four!) hardcover books that I somehow stuffed inside it.

Best Work Bag

I've been traveling a lot for work and for family reasons in the past few months, and the bag I prefer for my personal item is the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, which is the larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate as an everyday bag, but the large turns it into a versatile work/travel bag. It’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. There's a hidden separate compartment if you spill water on yourself, and it has sturdy feet so you can put it on an airplane bathroom counter and dig for your makeup without it falling over or getting the bottom of the bag too disgusting. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag.

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes , but we love Lo & Sons. The Catalina Supreme Tote ($338) is also great for weekend trips. Again, there's also a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes, or anything else you need to keep separate.

The Best Hiking Daypack

The Camelbak A.T.P. is so useful that I’m always startled to realize it only has a 20-liter capacity. I have it in the 100 percent recycled white color, which saves water and only emits half the greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the dying process. It’s a panel loader, which means you can unzip the top and see exactly where everything goes, like a duffel. This is convenient when packing for trips—I was able to fit clothes, a Dopp kit, and electronics for an overnight trip. (I know these types of zippers fail more often than top loaders, but it does make it easier to arrange and sort items near the bottom of the pack.)

I particularly like how narrow it is. It fits my back and goes under airplane seats that even my children’s backpacks can’t. The bottle pocket has a zipper that makes it expandable so it can fit a little coffee thermos or my giant Yeti water bottle . Exterior compression straps also help squeeze my clothes even smaller. This is a great backpack if you want something that looks sleek enough for a work bag but is durable enough to take on a weekend trip to Yosemite.

★ Alternative: I also love the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) . This 25-liter bag is the perfect combination work/adventure bag. The suspended 15-inch laptop pocket clips shut, and the rest of the pockets are thoughtfully placed. It’s extremely light (a little over a pound) and is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric.

Best Duffel Bag

The Big Haul ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite duffel because it hits the right balance of robust build materials and pockets without being too heavy to lug around all day. The standout feature of the Big Haul series, which comes in 28-liter to 120-liter options, is the ability to easily reposition the carrying straps, which feature plastic fishhook-style ends that slip into fabric loops. You can connect one strap end-to-end or double up on two straps in an H pattern for more stability with heavy loads. Adding and removing the straps isn't super fast, but it's not difficult, either, and six low-profile loops seems less intrusive than six rattling plastic buckles.

Two small interior pockets and an exterior pocket keep small things organized, and its water-resistant fabric is thick and tough without being stiff. All the sewing around the grab handles feels very robust too. Padded backpack straps hide away under a padded pocket on the top of the bag. This means that when you sling the Big Haul over your shoulders to give your arms a rest, your back is against the relatively clean top of the duffel, rather than a wet, dirty bottom side that's been set down on the ground. The current iteration of the Big Haul is also made with recycled nylon. What's not to love? —Matt Jancer

★ Alternative: For slightly more money, the classic duffel in this category is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159) , which also comes in a variety of colorways and sizes. You can either carry it by the grab handles or with the shoulder straps, and it's made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate. I (Adrienne) have had the 40-liter version for almost 15 years now and the laminate has yet to peel. It also fits as a carry-on on flights.

The Best Expedition Bag

If you like outdoor sports, you probably need a good expedition bag—that is, a huge, burly duffel that you can just throw all your pointy ice axes, trekking poles, or camp chairs into that you can take anywhere and everywhere. Reviewer Matt Jancer's expedition bag of choice is the Red Oxx PR5. He's used it for whitewater paddling trips and to lug mountain climbing equipment from coast to coast without a single frayed thread. Everything about Red Oxx is overbuilt. The zippers are huge, its thick pieces of nylon webbing are robustly sewn, and chunky metal rings hang the detachable carrying strap. All that said, it's not abominably heavy. At 3.4 pounds it's still lighter than many wheeled bags.

★ Alternative: If you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists; I also have a Mountain Hardware duffel ($180) and after 20 years, the coating has finally started to peel.

Best for Camping

We love everything from Rux; I'm currently testing the waterproof adventure tote ($150) and I use it for everything from my climbing gear, to picnic gear, to bringing my kids' roller skates and soccer balls to the park. I have also leaked an entire water bottle in it and it stayed contained and out of the bottom of my car.

But for camping (or any outdoor pursuit, really), what you need is a Rux storage system , which, as the artist and filmmaker Van Neistat puts it, will help you kit your shit . It holds its frame shape, which means you can stack and organize inside of it just like a box, but it folds down like a bag for easy storage once you're at your destination. It's also light and waterproof and comes with a wide array of accessories . This is an upgrade for everyone who currently sorts their camping, climbing, or snowboarding gear in a series of $5 plastic totes and stacks them in their trunk.

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

Perhaps you've seen those Instagram-friendly, shiny aluminum suitcases and wonder whether it's worth the investment. Aluminum is extremely durable and can be machined with precision. That means it will protect your belongings better, and you can close them with latches instead of zippers. Your suitcase will last longer and be more secure— zippers are pretty easy to break into —and generally have fewer points of failure.

In my opinion, the cost-benefit analysis generally weighs against them. Aluminum suitcases are usually heavier and won't flex as much if you have overpacking tendencies, and I find them painfully conspicuous. Any suitcase with a decent warranty policy will painlessly cover any repairs. If you must have one, we like Arlo Skye's the Frame. Arlo Skye was founded by alumni from Louis Vuitton and Tumi, and reviewer Matt Jancer says that everything about the Frame screams robust quality, from the leather grab handles to the combination-lock latches. It also comes with a removable battery bank and has a few more liters of carrying capacity than the similarly-sized Away. The main disadvantage is that the interior organization is a bit lacking.

★ Alternative: Do you want the benefits of an aluminum suitcase without the drawbacks? You might want to consider Monos's Hybrid Carry-On ($325) . You won't fool anyone into thinking you've shelled out for a 100 percent aluminum suitcase, but Jancer notes that it's only a pound or so heavier than the competition and the aluminum frame offered better protection than any 100 percent polycarbonate suitcase that he tried.

A Good Emergency Go Bag

To be clear, any bag here could be considered a go-bag—even a grocery bag works when you have to leave the house imminently. But reviewer Nena Farrell used Calpak's duffel for an emergency surgery, and she is kicking herself for not getting it sooner. It was big enough for everything from makeup bags and extra outfits to a massive book and Nintendo Switch, and was comfortable to carry thanks to the large straps.

The shoe compartment was big enough for sandals and slides, but not big enough for shoes with an ankle. It was also a great place to stash haphazard Ziplocs of emergency toiletries and medications. There are some side pockets inside too, plus an exterior side pocket and a pass-through panel to place it on top of your luggage. It was a great hospital companion, but Farrell can't wait to take the Luka somewhere a little more fun.

Other Bags We Like

Not every good product can snag a best-in-category title, but there are several more bags we've tested that get our thumbs-up.

Osprey Ozone 40L for $280 : At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It's also made from 400D recycled bluesign-approved nylon and is treated with DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist above my head and has also been checked multiple times.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel for $140 : This duffel weighs a scant 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily beefy (though plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventuring. There's an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack straps don't tuck away for storage—you have to unclip them—but might be the most well-padded, comfortable straps I've encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive features list.

Land's End Waxed Canvas Duffel for $180 : Most duffel bags these days are made of nylon, and while it's tough to call a material that's been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don't have the old-school charm that this waxed canvas bag does.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $149 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $160 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81 : Looking like a cross between a duffel and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can become overfilled, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring it onto a plane as a carry-on. She appreciates its durability and the many internal pockets for organization, though, and its rather long five-year warranty.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $345 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $200 : This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.

Adidas Defender Duffel for $40 : If you're looking for an inexpensive duffel that'll handle some light-duty traveling, this is a good way to save $100. The fabric is significantly thinner and less sturdy than that of other duffels in this guide, and it lacks backpack straps. But for taking on the train or tossing into a car trunk, it'll do the trick.

Bags We Don’t Like

Some bags just aren't worth the asking price, especially with so many good alternatives at all price points.

Peugeot Voyages Carry-On Spinner for $595 : What a price tag for a plastic-case suitcase. You can see where Peugeot tried to imbue the Voyages with some luxury, such as the metal riveting and built-in travel locks, but the case felt no more solid than a budget hard-sided bag, and the USB charging port felt cheap, like an outlet you'd find built into a seat in an airport terminal.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On for $469 : At 6 pounds, 2 ounces, this bag is a bit heavy. There's a zip-off 19-liter backpack that you can separate from the rest of the 37-liter bag, but when they're zipped together, the combined size doesn't meet carry-on restrictions.

Ebags CTS Carry-On Spinner for $200 : This one wasn't awful, but there are much better options for the money. Its hard plastic sides felt more brittle than the hard-sided plastic Away suitcases. The handle rattles a lot and it didn't roll quite as smoothly as other bags.

A Few Travel Accessories

Once you've got your bag, you'll want to pack it with a few more useful items:

Apple AirTag for $24 : If you have an iPhone, it's one of the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 keep everything inside your bags organized by allowing you to separate it into different cubes, so you won't ever have to hunt through seven pairs of socks to find your bathing suit again.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $75 : Calpak’s viral clear cases come in three sizes and a ton of colors for the edge trims. Reviewer Nena Farrell loved the small size for my gym bag and traveling with a smaller carry-on bag, while the medium was a great size for my daily makeup or larger suitcases.

Troubadour Buddy 2.0 Tech Case for $75 : You probably need a case to organize your spare charging cables and power banks. I've been testing this compact, waterproof, and recycled bag that fits neatly into my personal item.

UrPower Portable Steamer for $24 beats a travel iron because it's far lighter and you don't need to hunt down an ironing board at your hotel. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using UrPowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything. You just need to refill it often.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 is handy when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Use it to weigh your luggage and make sure it's within the weight limits. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

InCase MacBook Sleeves for $50 will keep your laptop from bearing the damage caused by airport security lines. Travel through an airport without a case and it's only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Check our guide to the Best MacBook Accessories for more.

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

Every airline sets its own dimensional requirements for carry-on baggage, so if you want to be safe, you should check your airline's requirements before packing. But broadly, they're split into two categories: domestic and international.

Domestic flights by US airlines (and a few others) have standardized on 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

International carry-on bag sizes tend to be about 21 inches tall and a bit narrower, but they're all over the place. It's tough, because many international airlines will measure your bags at the airport and reject anything even slightly bigger than the allowed size. If you fly outside the US a lot, you may as well buy a bag sized for international flights.

You'll also want to check each airline's weight limits. They vary wildly, but some international airlines restrict you to 15 or 20 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. For example, there are some East Asian airlines that limit carry-on bags to 11 pounds. Once you subtract 6 or more pounds for the bag, you're not left with much wiggle room to put stuff inside.

When to Remove Battery Banks

Battery banks, also known as power banks, are a travel must-have. Whether you're using a tablet to watch movies on your flight or relying on your phone to coordinate rideshares, hotel check-in, and handle your boarding passes, you've got to keep those devices charged and topped up. Many bags offer a removable battery bank that slides into a special pocket or notch of the suitcase.

For carry-on luggage on a flight in the US, you're allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery of 100 watt-hours or less. You don't need to remove it from the suitcase's pocket if you're storing your bag in the overhead bin.

Lithium-ion battery banks are not allowed in checked luggage. If you check your bag or have to gate-check it, make sure to remove the battery bank before you give your suitcase to the gate agent. Slip the battery bank into your purse, backpack, or pocket for the duration of the flight.

Adrienne So

Medea Giordano

Nena Farrell

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15 BEST Travel Purses for Savvy & Stylish Travelers in 2024

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL;DR: The best travel purse is the Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag if theft prevention is your highest priority or the Lo & Sons Pearl if you need something a little more versatile and stylish. The Travelon messenger bag has locking zippers and tons of organizational pockets. The lightweight Pearl crossbody bag has zippered compartments and transforms into a clutch for dinners out. I’ve been testing the Pearl for about three months now and it has become a great everyday purse for my travels.

You’ll rarely catch me on the road without a purse or backpack. They’re essential for carrying valuables and staying organized. 

But there are differences between travel purses and everyday purses.

When traveling, you’ll carry extra items like your passport, laptop, and camera (aka valuables that you should keep a tight grip on!). 

And the right travel purses will help you do exactly that.

The best purses for travel are versatile, secure, and comfortable. Some are anti-theft bags, and others double as carry-on luggage when you’re flying.

As a regular traveler who has tested out a lot of purses over the years, I wrote this article to help you find the best purses for travel in every category–from stylish crossbody bags to the best anti-theft purse.

By the end, you’ll know what to consider when choosing the perfect travel purse for you.

Short on time? Here’s a quick look at the top 15 travel purses.

Table of Contents

#1 Cuyana Classic Zipper Tote

Best Stylish Travel Purse

Size: 13.5 x 18 x 5.75” Weight: 1.8 lbs Features: Made from LWG environmentally-friendly tanned leather, zipper top, and zippered interior pocket

The best purses for travel are more than practical, they make you feel glamorous.

Boasting luxurious soft leather, the Cuyana Classic Zipper Tote is a simple slim tote bag. 

This stylish travel purse is great for sightseeing because it holds everything you can possibly need from morning to evening.

The main compartment is spacious and you can even add a Tote Organization Insert for more interior pockets.

If you haven’t seen a pickpocket in action, search it on YouTube. The zipper on this tote is essential for detouring thieves.

Additionally, I feel good buying from Cuyana because they don’t feed the unsustainable fast-fashion industry.

Their durable and classic designs look good year after year.

• Stylish no matter the season
• More secure than the average open-top tote bag
• Built to last
• Only one internal pocket unless you buy the additional tote organizer

#2 Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 

Best Belt Bag

Size: 7.5″ x 2″ x 5″ Weight: 6.7 oz Features: Front zippered pocket, an internal mesh pocket, and a hidden external pocket, adjustable strap, large buckle

Belt bags, aka fanny packs, are hot stuff right now, and the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag functions as a cute travel sling purse or waist bag.

It’s as well-made as any of Lululemon’s other beloved activewear products, which isn’t surprising with the quality. of the Lululemon brand.

One of my favorite features of this bag is the exterior pocket hidden on the backside, which is very important for travel bags.

This means you can easily zip your phone in for easy access without exposing your wallet. 

Meanwhile, the inside mesh pocket is perfect for organizing just the essentials: sunglasses, lip balm, and keys.

Looking for more options? Read our guide to the best hiking fanny packs .

• Best lightweight travel purse
• A stylish and sporty option for touring cities or hiking
• You can wear it in front so your possessions are within view at all times
• Versatile as a day bag, but not as nice for a fancy dinner

#3 Away Packable Carryall

Best Purse for Carry-On Travel

Size: 15″ x 19.7″ x 9″ (6.3” x 4.3” x 2.4” when rolled up) Weight: 0.55 lbs Features: Zipper closure, spacious interior, and made from recycled nylon

Don’t be that person on your next flight who spills the contents of their bag in the middle of the aisle.

Not only is it embarrassing and frustrating, but it’s a good way to lose something.

That’s why it’s essential to have a carry-on purse or tote that zips closed like the Away Packable Carryall .

Its long handle offers comfortable shoulder carrying or holding on top of your roller bag.

And the trolly sleeve and roomy interior easily make this Away bag the best handbag for flying.

It fits a change of clothes, notebooks, a tablet for watching movies, and snacks.

I also always carry a sleeping eye mask and earplugs while traveling, which fit nicely into the interior zip pocket. 

Because it zips closed, I can slip it under a seat or into an overhead bin. Plus, its clean design will never go out of fashion.

• Returnable within 100 days
• Rolls into a small pouch when not in use
• More of a large travel tote
• Trolly sleeve
• Made of recycled nylon
• Not as much structure as a traditional purse

#4 Lo & Sons Pearl

Best Small Crossbody Travel Purse

Size: 7.75” x 9.5” x 3” Weight: 0.9 lbs Features: Lightweight, clutch or crossbody design, internal zippered compartments, and has a key leash

Ready for your small purse dreams to come true?

The Lo & Sons Pearl has the internal space of a Marry Poppins bag but is just the right size for lightweight travel days.

The Pearl also has two external zippered compartments and a smaller zippered pocket in the center. 

I love this bag for its plentiful, yet uncomplicated organization. It’s one of my favorite travel purses.

It comes in Saffiano leather, Nappa leather, and plant-based Cactus leather. And there are several colors to choose between.

But what really makes the Pearl the best small travel purse, is its versatility. It transforms from a crossbody purse to a clutch. Small but mighty!

Alternatively, you might also like the Lo & Sons Waverly 2 , which is a little smaller and comes with a waist belt to transform into a belt bag.

• Slim but has plenty of space
• Detachable crossbody strap and clutch strap
• Available in leather or plant-based vegan leather
• Sleek and stylish
• Plastic-free, metal hardware!
• Doesn’t fit big wallets
• Not as secure as travel purses with locking zippers

#5 Longchamp Pliage Original

Best Travel Purse for Europe

Size: 11” x 10.4” x 6.1” Weight: 7.76 oz Features: Foldable, leather trim, and has a zipper closure

The Longchamp Pliage Original is a leading brand from Paris that will help you blend in among fashionable Europeans.

A French girl in my self-defense class in Italy actually carried this Longchamp tote as her study abroad purse.

It’s no wonder the Longchamp Pliage has a cult following in travel circles–it folds flat for easy packing. 

Plus, it has a genuine leather handle and a water-resistant coated canvas body with leather trim. 

Set this baby down on the damp ground at a sidewalk cafe without worrying about your book getting wet inside.

Overall, this tote offers a high-end look, zips closed, and wipes clean for day-to-day freshness while traveling.

• Stylish purse alternative to a generic canvas bag
• Water-resistant
• Only two organizational pockets inside

#6 Pacsafe Women’s Citysafe Cx Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack

Best Convertible Travel Purse Backpack

Size: 8.9” x 9.8” x 4.3” (purse mode); 13.9” x 9.8” x 4.3” (backpack mode)  Weight: 0.99 lbs Features: Expands from a purse to a backpack, locking zipper, and RFID-blocking material

The genius Pacsafe Citysafe Cx Convertible Backpack is the lightest and most versatile bag you’ll find.

I’m always buying souvenirs, books, and snacks while sightseeing. This purse unfolds into a backpack large enough to carry all of your goodies. 

Plus, no worries if there’s a morning drizzle because it’s water-resistant.

Like Travelon bags, the Pacsafe Citysafe Convertible Backpack comes equipped with locking zippers and clips and slash-resistant fabric. 

It’s also made from RFID-blocking material that will protect your credit cards from being scanned.

• Anti-theft technology protects your credit cards
• Sustainable materials 
• A little bulky as a purse

#7 Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Shoulder Bag

Best Anti-Theft Travel Purse

Size: 12.5” x 4” x 12” Weight: 15.5 oz Features: Locking clips and zippers, slash-resistant material, RFID-blocking pockets, compact, and it has an adjustable strap

The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Shoulder Bag is reasonably priced and features a minimalist design for any outfit.

However, what makes this the best crossbody travel purse is its safety features.

This Travelon anti-theft purse has a slash-resistant body constructed from an interlocking mesh barrier, so it can’t be cut open. 

And the adjustable shoulder strap has an internal anti-slash wire and a locking main compartment.

RFID stands for “radio frequency identification.” Some thieves try to scan your credit card information using special devices without ever reaching into your purse.

Not with this purse! The individual credit card slots feature RFID-blocking technology.

The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Shoulder Bag can also lock to stationary objects, so no one can snatch it while you’re relaxing at a sidewalk cafe. 

As a purse for international travel, these features are particularly important. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of travel and be taken advantage of.

Travelon’s Mini version is another of the best purses for travel if you want something smaller. 

This anti-theft classic mini shoulder bag is the ultimate secure lightweight travel handbag to slip on before heading out for the night.

• Travelon anti-theft technology
• Lots of organizational pockets
• Reasonably priced
• Might not fit your aesthetic

#8 Cluci Backpack Purse

Best Travel Purse Backpack

Size: 13.5″ x 6.25″ x 14.25″ Weight: 2.09 lbs. Features: Hidden back zipper pocket, adjustable strap for crossbody-carry, and hand-carry straps

Some of the best purses are convertible backpacks. 

The Cluci Backpack Purse is one example–it can be worn on your back, carried by hand, or slung across your body.

Not to mention, Cluci backpacks are cute and stylish. It’s the kind of bag you’ll want to carry around every day.

In terms of organization, it has stretchy pockets on either side, fits a 14-inch computer, and has a small hidden zipper pocket on the back for securing your wallet.

Made of high-quality PU leather, this is one of the best purse backpacks because it looks super cute and can hold up under daily use.

But if this backpack doesn’t feel quite right for you, check out the famous Fjallraven Kanken Backpack (another favorite of mine).

Looking for more versatile backpack options? Read our guide to the best EDC backpacks .

• Durable and stylish
• Fits a 14-inch laptop and notebooks
• Convertible from a backpack to a purse
• Zippers don’t come with locks–but luggage locks are cheap!

#9 Tory Burch Robinson Pebbled Tote Bag

Best Luxury Travel Purse

Size: 12.25″ x 8.75″ x 4.7″ Weight: 2.1 lbs Features: Zips closed, four internal pockets, fits up to a 13” laptop, and features a pebbled leather

This Tory Burch Robinson Pebbled Tote Bag is elegant and sophisticated whether you’re on a work trip or out for coffee in a new city.

It works well as a travel bag because the top zips closed and it goes with any outfit. Plus, there’s an internal zipper compartment to keep your wallet extra safe. 

Inside, it’s easy to keep everything organized with the internal side pockets. It’s the perfect size for carrying the necessities plus a little more.

Just keep in mind, that it’s a shoulder bag, which isn’t optimal if you prefer crossbody-carrying.

There aren’t any external pockets, but sometimes that’s for the best since everything will be securely zipped inside.

This large zippered tote is made from premium leather for a refined style.

It will look right at home on your European vacation and add to the glamour of your travel pictures.

• Stylish all day and all night
• Zipper-protected middle pocket
• Made from quality materials
• Fits a small water bottle
• Can’t be worn across the body

#10 Travelon Women’s Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag

Best Purse with a Water Bottle Holder

Size: 9″ x 12.5″ x 3.5″ Weight: 10.4 ounces Features: Lockable clips and zippers, slash-resistant strap and outer panels, and a key leash with a light

The Travelon Women’s Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag has all of the same features as the other Travelon bag on this list, but it’s a little bigger and has a water bottle pouch. 

I highly recommend buying anti-theft travel purses or messenger bags if you expect to be in heavy crowds.

This Travelon anti-theft bag isn’t quite as fashionable as some of the other purses on this list.

However, the lockable zippers, adjustable shoulder strap, and slash-resistant material will reduce your risk of being pickpocketed. 

This messenger bag also has RFID-blocking material so that thieves can’t scan your credit cards while standing next to you.

• Anti-theft technology
• Water bottle holder
• Super durable messenger bag
• The mesh water bottle holder will tear if you overload it

#11 PINCNEL Backpack Purse

Best Waterproof Travel Purse

Size: 12.99” x 5.9” x 13.28” (medium); 13.78” x 6.69” x 14.17” (large) Weight: 1.3 lbs (medium); 1.54 lbs (large) Features: The main compartment unzips on the back instead of the top for anti-theft protection

The most unique feature of the PINCNEL Backpack Purse is its anti-theft design. 

Unlike traditional backpacks with a zippered front pocket, this pack opens from the back. You have to take it off to reach inside. 

This is important because no one can access your laptop or wallet while you’re standing in line…and we all know how many lines there are while traveling.

It’s also made from waterproof nylon and comes in two sizes and six colors. And it includes internal organizer pockets and a small zipper pouch.

PINCNEL stands apart from the standard anti-theft backpacks, which aren’t quite as cute.

With this rucksack, you’ll have peace of mind, making it a good bag for stylish and safe travel.

• Anti-theft design
• Very affordable without sacrificing style
• Max laptop size is 11 inches

#12 Lola Mae Quilted Crossbody Bag

Best Budget Travel Purse

Size: 8” x 2” x 6” Weight: 1.46 lbs Features: 30 colors to choose from, zips closed, and its internal organization

Being a broke backpacker doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style. 

The Lola Mae Quilted Crossbody Bag is cute and affordable for every budget-conscious jet-setter.

For the price, you obviously aren’t getting Louis Vuitton leather, but it’s still made from good quality materials and wipes clean. 

This is also the perfect Goldilocks crossbody bag: not too big and not too small. 

While wearing it, you can easily adjust the crossbody shoulder strap to keep your valuables close and secure in the zippered pocket. 

• Very affordable
• Looks high fashion
• Crossbody design
• Versatile size that’s not too big or small
• No locking compartments
• Doesn’t come with the clutch strap

#13 Baggallini Everywhere Crossbody Bag

Best Durable Travel Purse

Size: 9” x 13.5” x 5” Weight: 1 lb Features: Multiple pockets inside and out, trolly sleeve, water bottle holder, and it comes in unique prints

Crossbody purses feature a comfortable design, sitting against your hip or under your arm and offering automatic theft protection.

The Baggallini Everywhere Bag is a hobo-style crossbody purse built for travelers and anyone who wants an ergonomic purse to carry everything in one place.

Baggallini is a trusted brand known for its durability. This purse is also machine washable, which boosts its longevity by looking fresh again and again.

Additionally, the Everywhere Bag slides onto a luggage handle and features an RFID-blocking lining to protect your credit cards from hackers.

And the exterior pockets are convenient for less important items like granola bars and hand sanitizer.

It’s also super adjustable with a shoulder strap that reaches 52” and an adorable matching coin purse. 

The one downside? Unlike other anti-theft travel purses, the zippers don’t lock. If this is a deal-breaker, check out the Travelon travel purses above.

Overall, this stylish travel purse is for anyone who prioritizes practical features. You really can’t go wrong with a Baggallini purse.

• Trusted brand
• Lots of colors
• Multiple pockets
• A little bulky
• Not as fashionable

#14 BAGSMART Laptop Bag

Best Laptop Travel Bag

Size: 17.1″ x 6.5” (up to 8.7”) x 13″ Weight: 2.31 lbs Features: Expandable pockets, zippered external pocket, adjustable crossbody strap

This BAGSMART Laptop Bag is practical without looking too techy. It has a padded laptop sleeve that fits 17.3-inch laptops.

The outside is made of water-resistant polyester, and it’s even expandable.

Cushioned straps distribute the weight of a heavy computer to help prevent shoulder pain.

As a travel laptop bag, it’s also very important to note that the main compartment zips closed.

The last thing I want is for someone to reach in and grab important work documents.

Or for pens and sticky notes to fall out when I slip my bag under the seat on a plane. 

Overall, this bag’s large capacity means that it can double as a carry-on and an everyday bag, no matter where your travels take you.

• Sleek and professional
• Slim but spacious expandability
• Comfortable straps
• Long handle drop is comfortable over the shoulder or carried in hand
• No anti-theft technology
• Not high fashion

#15 Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

Best Purse for New Moms

Size: 11” x 13.5” x 7” Weight: 1.75 lbs Features: Made from recycled materials, with a detachable shoulder strap, grab straps, and everything from stroller clips to a changing pad.

Now it’s time for the best on-the-go travel purse for moms.

Having a baby shouldn’t stop you from looking your best and traveling the world. 

The Dagne Dover Wade Diaper Tote is my favorite purse diaper bag where parents can fit everything they need, from diapers to baby bottles and fruit rollups to swimsuits. 

Its main compartments are spacious, and there’s even a spot for 13″ laptops–not that the baby is coming on business trips, but maybe a “working play date.”

And Dagne Dover has you covered with included features like a washable water-resistant bag for soiled clothes, stroller clips, a mini pouch, and a changing mat.

Plus, the Premium Neoprene and Performance Air Mesh are made of recycled water bottles for sustainable luxury.

The cushiony material is an excellent alternative to leather when you’re around kids. It’s just what new moms need.

• You can carry it two ways
• Goes with any outfit
• Nine pockets, plus plenty of open space
• Detachable strap
• Doesn’t look like a diaper bag
• A little boxy
• Not the best backpack option

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Travel Purse

What to Look for in a Travel Purse

Versatility

While traveling, your purse needs to work around the clock. Choose something that will look good at your most casual and glamorous moments.

Organization

If you like to toss everything into a soup of lip balm and pens, go for a big zippered tote. 

If you believe everything has its special place, double-check that there are plenty of organizational pockets.

Travel bags range in style from crossbody to sling, belt, backpack, and shoulder totes. 

Choose something that feels comfortable for your body type and fashion style.

Portability

Traveling with a lightweight purse is liberating. Additionally, look for something that fits in your luggage if you don’t plan to wear it every day.

When sightseeing all day, you need a purse with shoulder straps that don’t make your shoulders sore in the first hour.

Consider the types of purses you’ve enjoyed in the past. 

A convertible purse means that you can change the carrying position throughout the day.

Anti-Theft Features

As a traveler, you’re more vulnerable to pickpockets. You’ll be tired, distracted, and out of your element.

This is why it’s good to look for anti-theft features like slash-resistant fabric, lockable zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets. 

Types of Travel Purses

Small vs Medium vs Large

The smaller the purse, the more portable it will be. This is especially important if you like to go out at night.

Medium purses and convertible backpacks are perfect for all-day adventures when you want to carry snacks, a camera, or a water bottle. 

On travel days, large purses are handy for carrying valuables instead of risking having them stolen or damaged in a rolling suitcase. 

If I have the space, I usually carry at least two differently-sized purses with me on my travels. 

I generally pack one small purse for going out at night or to dinner and one medium/large purse for daytime adventures and travel days.

Anti-theft purses come with special features like locking compartments and an RFID-blocking pocket to keep you safe from thieves. 

Fashionable/Luxury

Luxury bags are the perfect travel purses for France, Italy, and other fashion-renowned places.

You’re on vacation, after all, so why not enjoy being part of the fashion scene? 

Plus, depending on where you’re traveling, you might fit in more as a local and, therefore, not be as targeted by pickpockets. 

Convertible Purses 

The best purses for travel are versatile. I especially like purses that transform into backpacks for carrying my accumulation of souvenirs and brochures.

Totes are always in style and allow you to carry everything your heart desires. 

Make sure to choose a tote with enough organization on the inside, and keep in mind that all of the weight is carried on one shoulder.

It’s also not as hands-free as a crossbody bag.

Shoulder Bag

Shoulder bags have longer shoulder straps than tote bags. They hang on the shoulder and free up your hands a little better.

Crossbody Bags

Crossbody bags are hands-free and sit on your hip for safekeeping. Plus, the crossbody design helps distribute the weight evenly. 

It’s unsurprising why they’re one of the most popular styles for travel purses. 

Sling bags are another great option if you want a hands-free purse. They hug your body and sit under your arm for safekeeping. 

Typically, sling bags have a lower capacity, which is perfect for going out but not the best for a carry-on bag.

FAQs About Travel Purses

What style of purse is best for travel? 

First of all, the best purse for traveling is something that you feel comfortable using. 

I prefer anti-theft crossbody purses because they’re comfortable, easy to keep track of, and overall a very versatile bag.

What is the safest type of purse to travel with?

An anti-theft travel bag is the best option for protecting your belongings. They’re built with safety in mind. 

Most have a locking main compartment and special materials that utilize the crossbody or shoulder bag design.

What type of travel bag goes with everything? 

Black leather is the little black dress of purses. It matches every outfit, activity, and time of day.

Likewise, a medium size purse with a simple design looks good while eating lunch along the Parisian Seine or touring castles in Germany.

What should I pack in my travel purse?

Aside from a wallet, keys, and phone, pack anything that will keep you healthy and comfortable during a long and strenuous day of sightseeing.

This might include:

• Books and travel guides
• Notebook/sketchbook
• Pens/pencils
• Hand sanitizer
• Water bottle

How do you stop a bag from getting snatched or pickpocketed?

The first and most important rule for avoiding theft is vigilance. Be aware of your bag and surroundings at all times.

Don’t leave your purse where you can’t see it or put a hand on it. Keep it close, in your lap at a cafe, and wear it on the front in crowded areas.

Especially on public transportation, don’t appear too lost in your thoughts or like you don’t know where you’re going.

Once you’ve covered the basics, anti-theft technology can close any gaps. 

Should I even travel with a purse?

I always bring a purse on my travels. You’ll want to have essentials with you even when you leave your luggage behind at your hotel, hostel, or vacation rental. 

Travel purses vs backpacks–which one is better?

I’m a big proponent of backpack purses because they’re the most comfortable for my body.

That said, backpacks are out of your line of sight and therefore more vulnerable to pickpockets.

Some packs, like the PINCNEL Anti-Theft Rucksack , have solved this problem and are well-protected with hidden pockets.

It ultimately comes down to what fits your style and body best. 

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Travel Purse

So, which is the best pick out of all the travel purses on this list? 

All of the options in this article have their benefits, depending on what’s most important to you when you travel.

However, my personal favorite is the Travelon Women’s Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag .  

It features a simple design with a ton of interior organization and safety features.

The body and strap are made of slash-resistant material, and each pocket zips closed with anti-theft zippers.

And you can choose between the sleek black, stylish enough to go with everything option, or a pattern, which is tasteful and fun.

This is the perfect bag for carry-on travel or for a full day of adventures when you need peace of mind.

Plus, it comes from a trusted travel brand and will last for years.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for an even more stylish purse, I can’t get enough of the Lo & Sons Pearl . 

This purse comes in leather and vegan leather with 20 color and material combinations to match your style.

There are two zipper pockets for your wallet and phone and slip pockets for lip balm and masks, so it’s great for staying organized as well.

It’s small enough to take on any adventure and big enough to pack all the essentials, plus a notebook for a day of exploring.  

It’s one of the best crossbody bags for looking professional and fashionable. Plus, it transforms into a clutch or shoulder bag when needed. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elina Ansary

As a visual artist, Elina is a frequent traveler and pathological overpacker who often finds herself transporting lots of objects while traveling–from artwork to art materials to gifts and souvenirs. She’s tried tons of different suitcases, backpacks, purses, and bags in her quest to resolve her baggage dilemnas. She grew up in San Francisco, CA, and spent her childhood camping up and down Northern California.

These days, Elina visits artist residencies in locations around the world, including Amsterdam, Finland, Italy, and Australia, and has exhibited her work in galleries and museums in the US and abroad. When she isn’t writing and editing for The Atlas Heart, Elina is pursuing a Master’s degree in Visual Art at Cornell University and splits her time between Ithaca and Brooklyn.

Looking for more travel gear recommendations? Check out our related posts below!

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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The 21 Best Travel Bags, According to Frequent Fliers

By Alyssa Lapid

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Whether you have travel lined up or your friend’s recent travel posts are inspiring your next out-of-office getaway, it’s high time to shop for the best travel bags. The type of travel bag you decide to get will depend on your travel destination, your budget, and your personal style. But with so many choices, it's hard to know what to pick. We spoke with frequent fliers and travel experts on the best tips to pick the right travel bag for comfortable, secure, and easy travel. Below are the expert-recommended picks and tips to help you choose. And if you’re flying, remember to try to keep up with safety travel precautions as best as you can.

• Makeup and Toiletry Bag

How to choose a travel bag

When it comes to shopping for luggage , experts agree that you should never sacrifice quality. “If you plan to travel often or take longer trips, it’s worth investing in higher-quality luggage,” Ciara Johnson , full-time travel blogger at Hey Ciara , tells SELF. Big-ticket items like suitcases should be long-lasting and durable. Otherwise, you’d be shelling out way more to keep replacing damaged bags. 

We know that wear and tear can’t be avoided, especially with luggage taking a beating on planes and buses. Megan Homme , a travel blogger who also works in the airline industry, has a tip for that. She says to opt for a dark-colored suitcase to hide scuffs better. “Lighter colors will show wear and age much more quickly,” she says. Pro tip: Add a unique luggage tag to make your bag stand out from the others at the conveyor belt seat.

If possible, try to opt for carry-ons to save time at check-in lines and speed through baggage claim—just make sure it passes the size requirement. “These days, it’s more important than ever to use carry-on because of the chaotic systems at understaffed airports,” says Caroline Eubanks, writer and author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States . “You should ideally be able to manage your own bags and not rely on flight attendants.” Her pro tip: Always look up what type of plane you’ll be on. She notes, “for small, regional routes, the standard carry-on bag won't fit in the overhead bin.”

Shopping tips

When it comes to the actual shopping part, Johnson recommends shopping by need and tendencies. Will you be staying in hotels or hostels? Will you be taking shorter or longer trips? Will you be traveling in places with an established or developed infrastructure? Spinner wheels are easier to haul through airports, but if you’re backpacking in Europe, ditch the spinners for a backpack to avoid the cobblestone streets that will surely wreck the wheels.

Johnson also adds, “If possible, you should examine the product in-store. However, the most innovative luggage brands typically only exist online." She recommends doing research and comparing various luggage brands before you make a purchase. She adds that some brands even offer a “try-before-you-buy policy, along with a lifetime warranty.” Generally speaking, travel bags are not the place to save some money on your travels, but there are ways to find deals, especially during shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And if you enjoy the thrill of secondhand shopping, Eubanks says she’s gotten a deal or two shopping thrift. “Secondhand can be a good way to save money.” 

You also don’t need to be a pro packer or inherently organized to pack well. All you need are pockets. Johnson says a good rule of thumb when shopping for any travel bag is “the more pockets [and] organizers, the better.” Use them for separating clean clothes from sullied ones. You can even separate gifts for loved ones to take home after your vacation. According to Johnson, you can’t go wrong with the following features for luggage options: 360 spinner wheels, expandability, compression straps, endless pockets, a side handle, built-in TSA locks, and polycarbonate material.

Best travel bags

Here are 21 expert-recommended travel bags for every kind of traveler to help you narrow down your options and focus all that logistical planning on your itinerary. We broke it down by luggage and suitcases, carry-on bags, backpacks, fanny packs , crossbody bags, tote bags, and makeup and toiletry bags.

Béis The 29-Inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase

As far as check-in bags go, Johnson says the Beis 29-Inch Large Check-in Roller is “one of the most functional suitcases on the market.” Beis is owned by Pretty Little Liars alum Shay Mitchell and has been a hit since its launch. Its many features include everything you’d need in a check-in suitcase: multiple pockets and organizers, a built-in TSA lock, a laundry and shoe bag, and an ergonomic handle for easy lugging. Her favorite feature? “There's a built-in weight indicator that tells you if your bag is overweight.”

Hartmann Ratio 2 Global Carry On Expandable Spinner

For soft-side suitcases, the technologically-advanced Hartmann Carry-on comes highly recommended. Eubanks loves the bag’s “flexibility,” including the pockets for reading materials and documents that are often lacking in hard-shell cases. The best features are the padded, trifold garment suiters it comes with for keeping formalwear or business outfits tidy and pressed, and the bag has built-in USB ports, so you can charge your gadgets while in transit.

Away The Carry-On Flex

Away Travel

Frequent fliers love Away’s suitcases. Homme, who always travels carry-on only, prefers Away’s The Carry-on Flex because its expandable feature ensures extra storage allowance for shopping. Plus, she points out, “I recommend hard-shell luggage because you never know what could leak out of someone else’s bag in the bins.”

Away The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket

“The quality of Away luggage is incredible across the board,” says Johnson, who is a fan of the brand and prefers The Bigger Carry-on with Pocket. Most hard-shell suitcases in the market don’t have external pockets, but this one features a water-resistant front pocket—perfect for keeping your travel documents and boarding passes available for easy access. It can even hold a 15-inch laptop. It has a removable, washable lining and a hidden laundry bag.

LuggageWorks Stealth Premier 22" 737 Rolling Bag

Luggageworks

Cierra Mistt, a flight attendant and TikTok travel influencer , only has one carry-on go-to: LuggageWorks’s Stealth Premier 22-Inch 737 Rolling Bag. Apparently, her crew feels the same way. “I know pilots and flight attendants who have had the same roll-aboards for 10 years and never had to get another,” she says, adding, “Durable is an understatement.”

Tumi International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On

Another expert favorite brand is Tumi for “extremely resistant and durable” bags. Though just in case it breaks when you’re on the go, Tumi offers worldwide support anytime, anywhere. Mar Pages, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers and Solo Female Travelers Tours, says the Tumi Carry-on in particular is a popular choice for vacationers for a reason. “You will recognize this bag because they have been making it for well over 20 years with minimal improvements.” She particularly enjoys the “nifty details” like “outside hooks to hang your laptop bag” and “double bar handles so you can slide your laptop bag.”

Béis The Backpack

Another Béis favorite is The Backpack. “It is really, really spacious,” Kristina Rodulfo , beauty content creator and former Elle editor, tells SELF. Rodulfo notes that the bag “opens really wide which makes for easy packing” while still looking sleek as a solo bag for short getaways. It's designed to carry everything from your laptop to your gym stuff. If you want to pair it with a trolley, use the sleeve to attach it to your luggage.

Pacsafe Citysafe CS300 Anti-Theft Compact Backpack

This Pacsafe Citysafe backpack is a great hands-free, anti-theft option thanks to its slash guards, smart-zipper security, and an RFID-safe pocket. “The zippers can be attached with a clip, and one shoulder strap has a locking mechanism if you want to secure it around a table leg,” adds Eubanks. There are also a ton of pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and two side pockets for holding water bottles or umbrellas.

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

If you're looking for an outdoor backpack , check out the Osprey Porter Travel Pack 46. Kristen Bor, founder of Bearfoot Theory Outdoor , recommends it if you're going on an adventure or outdoor trip and need a bag that can double as a daypack. “The U-zip compartment allows for easy packing and access to your gear, while the stowaway shoulder harness and hip belt give you options on how you want to carry your luggage: backpack style or over the shoulder like a duffel.” Osprey has been continuously perfecting the bag with slight improvements yearly, and it’s built with recycled fabrics making it an eco-friendly option.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Think a short hike will be on your itinerary? According to Bor, Osprey’s smaller Daylite Pack is a great find for light outdoor adventures. The lightweight backpack has compartments for a laptop and two water bottles for an itinerary that’s incredibly versatile. Take it to a coffee shop, a festival, or to a mountain summit.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia

Bor dubs the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 Del Día Travel Pack an “all-around functional, rugged carry-on bag” that can weather rougher terrain. “The exterior polyester and nylon shell resists moisture and defends your belongings against rough scrapes or tears during transit,” says Bor. It even comes with a rain cover.

Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack

Fanny packs are a great option for hands-free travel, and this versatile Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack Fanny comes highly recommended by Eubanks, who wears it on her hip and as a crossbody. Plus, she loves that there are some 25 colors to choose from. You could even wear it with a backpack like she does to have easy access to essentials like documents or a camera. 

Lululemon Clean Lines Belt Bag

This Lululemon bag is another great, stylish option with several pockets that make grabbing smaller items like lip balm, credit cards, and headphones easy. “I always recommend a belt bag for the airport to breeze through security and keep your ID and ticket easily accessible,” says Homme. Keep it on your hip during your flight if you’d rather not dig through the bag under the seat. 

Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody

Many frequent fliers prefer anti-theft bags for venturing out during travels—especially when traveling alone. Pages recommends using the Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody for places where pickpocketing might be a concern. “These bags are specifically designed with these types of thefts in mind and have added security features such as anti-slash straps to avoid the common motorbike run theft.” The bag also features other security features like secure zip locks and anti-RFID mesh compartments to keep credit card information safe.

Lululemon Easy Access Crossbody Bag

Here's another great crossbody bag option. “I normally keep my passport, cards, and phone in there when I’m walking through the airport and can easily access that when I get off the plane. In fact, it’s so easy that when we’re boarding, I can easily just slip it into my personal item and stow it under my seat with no worries," says Mistt.

The Daily Edited Mini Black Saffiano Leather Cross Body Bag

“Everyone needs a crossbody purse for travel,” Rodulfo insists, and her choice is TDE’s mini leather bag. It fits daily essentials including documents, a camera, and even sunscreen . The bag’s minimalist style also allows for outfit versatility. "It works for evenings out as well as during the day,” says Rodulfo. It helps not to look like a tourist all the time. Another cool feature? TDE items can be monogrammed, making it a great travel gift .

Tumi Everyday Tote

Lord & Taylor

If roomy tote bags are more your style, check out Tumi’s Everyday Tote. The lightweight nylon material makes it easy to lug around without hurting your back. The small details are what make it stand out, such as its pen loop, key ring, and magnetic snap phone pocket to ensure you don’t spend time rummaging through your belongings each time you need to get something. Pages likes to slide her tote on top of her Tumi Carry-on when traveling.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Travel Tote Bag

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is a great hybrid tote with several organizational compartments. "It’s roomy enough to fit all of my actual personal items including electronics, chargers, and even snacks,” says Mistt. And it’s compact enough to fit comfortably under the plane seat or in the overhead bin. 

Kusshi Makeup Bag Plum Collection

You don't have to strip down your beauty or skin-care routine on vacation—at least, not with Kusshi’s Vacation Makeup Bag, which can hold 20 to 25 products. “Kusshi [bags] are by far my favorite because they are washable, fit a ton (including full-sized products), and have plenty of pockets for easy organization,” says Rodulfo. If you have a bigger beauty arsenal that includes makeup brushes and other skin-care tools , just add the attachments. “You could even include attachments like the makeup brush organizer for less fuss and digging while getting ready.”

Herschel Travel Kit

Another option for toiletries big and small is the Herschel Travel Kit. Johnson laments that it’s surprisingly difficult to find the perfect toiletry bag. She recommends this bag because it is extremely spacious with multiple pockets and slots for easy organization. It also comes in multiple colors, proving that toiletry kits don’t need to be boring.

• The Best Weekender Bags for Last-Minute Getaways
• 19 Packing Tips Frequent Flyers Swear By
• What to Bring on a Road Trip to Make Your Time So Much Better

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The 10 Best Travel Totes to Feel Fancy Every Time You Commute

Pack your bags.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• What To Look For
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie / Brian Kopinski

While other types of bags, like suitcases and backpacks , have their place in your travel line-up, totes tend to have the ideal size, weight, and roominess for shorter trips or easy access en route.

“A travel tote is the ultimate accessory for any getaway,” says Marissa Galante Frank , Bloomingdale’s fashion director for accessories and beauty. “From the airport to the beach , you will find yourself using this tote more than you anticipated, which is why investing in a good one is key.”

It can be a challenge to find the right tote that can hold everything you need without becoming too heavy or cumbersome. So we surveyed 40 of our editors to find out which totes they swear by for commuting, vacationing, and everything in between. We asked them to rate each tote on size, organization, durability, and comfort, and after receiving their responses, we compiled this list of the best travel tote bags.

Best Overall

Quince revive nylon large tote.

Fabric: Recycled nylon, recycled leather | Sizes: 13" H x 17" W x 5" D | Colors: 5

To put it simply, we love this tote. We’ve taken it on work trips, vacations, beach days, errand runs, and it always makes packing a breeze. The spacious interior has multiple compartments and a 15-inch laptop sleeve . Having two open pockets on the outside also makes our life easier by giving us a place to quickly tuck away our phone. Despite all that it’s able to carry, the bag distributes weight evenly and doesn’t get super heavy. We find the $90 price point a good middle ground for a travel tote, and all the details, like the leather trims, magnetic closures, and five stylish colorways make it worth the price. Not to mention that the water-resistant nylon is made from recycled water bottles and the leather is recycled as well. In fact, we can’t think of anything we would change.

Best Budget

Baggu duck bag.

Fabric: Cotton | Sizes: 15.5" × 11.5" × 4.75" | Colors: 11

Who says you have to spend a ton of money for a high quality tote bag? Baggu’s Duck Bag checks off all the features we are looking for while coming in at less than $40. The bag is large enough to fit our 15-inch laptop and can still hold other essentials like a full size water bottle, books, and snacks. A zipped interior pocket keeps our valuables secured and handy. Made from recycled cotton canvas , the tote is extremely durable and easy to clean . Even after spilling an entire burrito inside—epic fail, we know—we were able to throw it into the wash and get it back to looking clean without compromising the fabric or quality. In addition to the top handle, the bag comes with an adjustable crossbody strap that’s actually long enough to accommodate plus-sizes. Add in the fun patterns, and this bag is a winner all around.

Best Carry-On

Béis east to west tote.

Fabric: Recycled polyester, recycled faux leather | Sizes: W 17.13" x H 14.17" x D 9.06" | Colors: Black, Beige

In an age where airline fees keep on climbing, you can only afford to bring the most functional travel bags. This one from Beis is so efficient, we've used it as a carry-on. No inch is wasted, and inside you'll find a padded laptop sleeve (fits 13-inch or 15-inch), one large zippered pocket, two cellphone pockets, two water bottle pockets, and two pen pockets. We can't count all the times we scrambled to find a pen during a trip, and this bag finally gives it a place.

The outside is strategically designed as well. This is one of the few totes that has both a short and long handle in addition to a removable shoulder strap . And we love how the key leash is inside the outside zipped pocket—so often they are inside the main compartment, leaving us still digging around for the keys. The luggage sleeve allows us to zip through the airport and the zipped top ensures that even if our luggage tips over, nothing will fall out. Made from recycled polyester with a recycled faux leather trim , this tote is sustainable and durable.

Best Zippered

Longchamp tote bag.

Material: Leather, Recycled polyamide canvas with inside coating | Dimensions: 12.2" L x 11.8" H x 7.5" W | Colors: 7

Longchamp’s Pliage Tote Bag is iconic for good reason. Similar to the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, it’s the type of unstructured bag where you can throw a ton of stuff inside while the top zipper keeps everything secure, and the nylon and leather exterior looks stylish. Not to mention leather and nylon are durable and easy to keep clean.

We love to take this bag on international trips, since it’s roomy enough to hold packing cubes and easily fits under an airplane seat, or we can fold it down into a suitcase when not in use. It’s light and sleek enough to use as a purse while sightseeing, and we appreciate the extra security of the top zipper. There’s two flap pockets on the inside that can store your keys, passport, or wallet, so you aren’t digging around the bag to find them. The luxe designs and materials mean you'll be using this tote for years to come.

Best Weekender

Mz wallace large metro tote deluxe.

Bloomingdale's

Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 14.5" L ×11" W × 14.5" H | Colors: 9

Finding the right tote for a weekend getaway can be tricky, since you need something that can hold everything from clothes to cosmetics to electronics. Cue the MZ Wallace Metro Tote. Dubbed the Mary Poppins bag, this tote strikes the right balance of endless space and organization. We get six pockets on the inside and five pockets on the outside with ample room in the middle to hold bulky items like a laptop and clothes. All the pockets are zipped , so we don’t have to worry about things falling out as we throw this into our car. Plus, the bag comes with three detachable pouches that we love to use for our beauty products and chargers. Despite how much we pack into this bag, the quilted nylon remains incredibly lightweight . And for trips that involve flights, we can just stick this bag on top of our suitcase thanks to the nifty luggage sleeve .

Yet we use this bag for way more than just weekend trips . It’s sleek and stylish enough to take into the office, and the extra-wide straps leave our shoulders-pain free during our commute. Plus, there’s a detachable crossbody strap . If you've seen this bag all over your Insta feed and in IRL, now you know why.

Best for Work

Caraa studio large leather tote.

Material: Leather, waterproof nylon | Dimensions: 13" x 18" x 7.5" | Colors: Black

Several editors swear by the Caraa Studio Tote as their work bag , and here’s why: there’s a pocket for any scenario imaginable. Besides the standard laptop pocket—which can hold a 17-inch device —there’s eight pockets for all our essentials as well as a water bottle holder so we stay hydrated yet spill-free. Even if we were to spill inside the bag, it wouldn't be the end of the world, as the interior is made from waterproof, antimicrobial nylon .

When we're rushing to take the subway, every second counts, so we appreciate all the small conveniences like a key leash , an exterior phone pocket , and a covered shoe compartment to store our flats or sneakers. And whenever we get tired of wearing the bag over our shoulder, we use the detachable straps to convert it into a chic backpack instead. Not only is the Italian leather gorgeous, but the pebbled texture makes it more durable and resistant to scratches and scuffs. Yes this tote is more expensive, but it's made our morning commute less stressful, which is priceless.

Best Canvas

L.l.bean boat and tote bag.

Fabric: Cotton | Sizes: 15" H x 17" W x 7½" D (Large) | Colors: 13

While sometimes we want a bag with all the bells and whistles, other times we want a simple tote bag that can lug anything and be stuffed into any corner. Hello, the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag. Made from heavyweight canvas with a reinforced flat bottom and no pockets, this bag can be stuffed to the brim and then folded up when not in use. It’s our go-to bag for weekend trips, beach days, grocery shopping, etc. and it always holds everything we need—the brand has tested it to hold up to 500 pounds . Though we personally love the convenience of being able to reach in and grab anything from the open top , if you prefer extra security, it also comes in a zipped version. The white canvas and colorful straps will never go out of style, and you can choose from 13 different colors and add a monogram for only $8 . The bag ranges from small to extra large , and if you want to easily wear it over your shoulder, we recommend ordering the long straps. It honestly may be the best $40 you’ll ever spend.

Best Leather

Bandolier tote bag.

If you prefer the look of a leather tote , we adore this one from Bandolier. Crafted from pebbled leather , it's more durable than smooth leather designs that can scuff easily. Besides the scrumptious material, the tote is the ideal size for trips and going to the office. We usually end up throwing our sunglasses somewhere in our tote, but this bag actually has a special compartment for them, in addition to a key leash, 15-inch laptop sleeve, and additional zip pockets. After filing the bag with all our items, it doesn’t weigh us down or become bulky. Though it doesn’t zip close, it does have a magnetic closure for extra security.

Best for Outdoors

Carhartt legacy east/west tote.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 16.5" x 13.5" x 7" | Colors: Black, Carhartt Brown

Outdoor trips require bags that are highly durable and versatile, such as this bag from Carhartt, which is made from water-repellent polyester . We love how we can keep our personal items organized for a road trip or camping getaway, without needing to worry about the bag staying dry or the fabric getting wrecked. The spacious tote also features plenty of pockets on both the inside and outside, including a zip-closure main compartment and long divider pocket , and it’s available in two neutral colors. After getting this tote in 2018, it’s still going strong.

Best Designer

Marc jacobs the medium tote bag.

Neiman Marcus

Fabric:  Cotton Canvas | Sizes: 13" L x 6" D x 11" H | Colors: 6

If your style is more of using a tote as your catch-all, this bag is definitely for you. “While this bag doesn't have as many compartments or the pass through sleeve for suitcases, I've found it's a great travel option," says fashion stylist Ashlyn Greer . "My laptop fits securely inside, and it sits easily on top of my suitcase for rolling through the airport." Greer also loves how you can take this bag from airport to meeting due to its stylish nature. In addition to a top handle, it also has a removable crossbody strap when we want to go hands free. Made from cotton canvas , the bag is meant to fade and relax over time, for a lived-in look.

What to Look for in a Travel Tote

• Material: Material is without a doubt a key player in your decision when getting a travel bag. For a super long-lasting option, we recommend keeping an eye out for full-grain leather or pebbled leather since it’s more durable and won’t show scuffs or scratches easily. If leather is not your vibe, we recommend a fabric that will be either stain-resistant or easy to clean, like nylon or polyester. A cotton canvas tote, can also be a great option, as it often can be hand or machine washed.
• Organization: The way you organize your bag is personal—and you should find the bag that works to your advantage. The obvious answer is if you like a lot of organization, choose the bag with more pockets. For long distance travel, we recommend looking for a bag with interior pockets and zippered exterior pockets. If you’re more of a catch-all bag kind of person, we recommend looking for a flat-canvas bottom and a structured silhouette to help you stay organized even with less pockets.
• Color: “I often opt for versatile shades like black, brown, or neutrals that seamlessly complement my travel wardrobe,” says Deseri Kelley , founder of a luxury handbag brand. But if you like your accessories to make more of a statement, we recommend sticking with deep hues of statement colors such as deep reds, greens, oranges, etc. You’ll still get a pop of color without dirt showing up easily.

"The perfect size should comfortably fit everything I require for my particular journey without becoming overly burdensome to carry,” says Kelley. If you plan on carrying your laptop in your tote, always double check the tote’s dimensions to see if it’s large enough.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make with your tote—or any bag for that matter—is to hang it in storage. The constant strain on the straps will gradually weaken them, leading them to break eventually. Instead, you should store your bags on a flat surface and consider stuffing them with tissue paper to help retain their shape.

Byrdie writer Rachel Simon has covered shopping and style extensively for publications including Glamour , InStyle , Brides , and more. She teaches writing with Gotham Writers Workshop and Redbud Writers Project.

Freelance fashion writer and full-time copywriter, Dagmara Cintron covers not only fashion, but local Los Angeles stories, rising Latina women stories, and more across other platforms. Having lived between LA and New York City for the last 4 years, she personally shopped around and tested countless travel bags and totes.

Emily Cieslak is an associate commerce editor, covering beauty and fashion. She personally uses the Caraa Studio Tote for commuting to work. Together, the writers interviewed these style experts for this article:

• Deseri Kelley is the founder of luxury handbag brand, DESERI— here she aims to make luxury handbags more accessible to people with a black woman-owned brand, at a reasonable price point. 
• Ashlyn Greer is a professional stylist and founder of Fashivly, a virtual personal styling service. 
• Marissa Galante Frank is Bloomingdale’s Fashion Director for Accessories and Beauty.

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How to Choose the Best Handbags for Travel

One item that may be overlooked when you are getting your packing list ready for that international trip across the globe is choosing the best travel handbags. This is a very common mistake, but it shouldn’t be!

The reason is that a travel handbag is probably one of the only accessories that you will be carrying on your person every day of your trip. You want to make sure you bring some comfortable and stylish that is also secure with theft preventive measures.

You want to make sure that your travel handbag is big enough to fit all of your daily needs without being so bulky that you feel weighed down, making it more of a hassle than the benefit that it is.

It is very likely that the perfect travel handbag is going to be slightly different than the bag that you carry at home. That’s why it is important to look at the different features available for these bags and figure out what is going to work best for you.

So, here are a few things to ask yourself before picking out the best handbag for your next big trip.

Top 5 Travel Handbags

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: The Best Handbags For Travel

• Best Budget Handbag: Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag
• Best Overall Handbag: Baggalini Everywhere Lightweight Cross Body Bag
• Best for Style Handbag: Kate Spade New York Women’s Gabriele Cross Body Bag
• Best Lightweight Handbag: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
• Best for Packing: Suvelle Lightweight Hobo Travel  
• Best Multi-purpose Handbag: OGIO Women’s Brooklyn Purse Black Handbag
• Best Unisex Crossbody Handbag: Travelon: Anti-Theft Urban Tour Bag
• Best Shoulder Handbag: Osprey FlapJack Courier

Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Handbag

What kind of trip are you taking.

This is the question that will define the exact travel handbag you will need on your trip. Let me explain. If you are taking a trip to an all-inclusive island resort vacation, chances are you will never be more than a short walk from your hotel room and therefore you will naturally need to carry less.

Here you may want to opt for a smaller more stylish bag that can accompany you on evening dinners and walks around the local market. There is less of a need for high security purposes like RFID protection because you will only need your passport in the airport.

However, if you are planning a Europe trip with multiple stops you may want to lean towards a cross body messenger bag with secure zippers, internal organization pockets and RFID protection for your passport and credit cards.

This will allow you to comfortable fit everything necessary for a full day of travel while deterring potential purse thieves on the subway or in the streets.

How often will you be accessing the contents of your bag

It may seem difficult to quantify how often you dig in your bag on a daily basis. That is mostly because in everyday use this isn’t something we need to think about. However, in a travel setting, most of your days will be somewhat planned to you will have an idea of how often you will be needing to get in and out of your bag.

This is important for a couple of reasons. First, if you are going to be spending the day in and out of shops, picking up souvenirs, paying for lunch and hopping in and out of various modes of transportation you want a travel bag that is well organized and easy to get in and out of.

You don’t want to have to fiddle with straps, zippers, buttons, and clasps every time you make a transaction.

On the other hand, if you are regularly using public transportation, it may be better to have a bag that is harder to get into as it will help deter pickpockets.

What weather conditions do you expect to encounter?

When I talk about weather conditions I am mostly referring to rain. There is no quicker way to ruin a perfect day out than with a waterlogged handbag and soggy valuables.

That is why if you are planning to visit and area that gets a lot of moisture you may want to think about a bag with a waterproof/water-resistant exterior.

Cloth bags will soak up the moisture leaving you with a heavy wet bag while a treated vinyl, polyester, leather or nylon bag will be better at wicking away moisture and saving the contents of your bag from getting wet.

Types of travel handbags

Just like the handbag, you carry everyday travel handbags that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. The difference is that their purposes are a bit more concise when it comes to travel bags.

Each serves a specific purpose and is used as a tool to make you feel comfortable, fashionable and prepared for your trip. Here are some of the most popular travel handbags currently on the market.

Crossbody purse

This style of handbag usually comes with one long adjustable strap that is slung across the body for a comfortable hand free fit. The body of the purse can be small or large depending on your preference and can fit snug or loose.

This style tends to be a favorite among travelers as you have quick and easy hip access to your contents without having to remove the bag from your shoulder and it is a great deterrent against would-be purse thieves as they would have to fight to get it off of your body.

Small/lightweight handbags

This style of handbag might be what you are used to in your everyday carry. These bags help you to minimalize only carrying the essentials, which in turn helps keep your content organized and easy to access.

These smaller bags are usually carried on the shoulder or in your hand and can easily be stuffed into larger bags if the need arises.

They take the strain off your shoulders that larger bags can bring and are usually very stylish and can accent your evening attire very well making them great for resort vacations as previously mentioned.

Shoulder handbag/Messenger bag

These larger style bags are the perfect tool for multiple full-day excursions where you may need to carry more than just a few items. These can accommodate things like your camera, an extra jacket, an umbrella and/or multiple souvenirs.

The only problem with these bags is they can end up as a catch-all if you aren’t careful. They tend to have one large compartment, so they are not as easy to organize, and they can weigh you down if you overpack them.

They can also attract unwanted attention if you are toting them through questionable areas.

Anti-theft handbags

Anti-theft handbags refer more to the features than to the style. The bags can be small and handheld, crossbody sling or large shoulder bags depending on your preference.

What makes them anti-theft is their use of safety clasps on the zippers, RFID protected internal and external pockets and slash-proof strap material.

While not necessary everywhere, the added protection of these bags can give you peace of mind when traveling to areas known to target tourists for theft.

They are not obvious in their construction and can be just as stylish as the other bags listed here while giving you the comfort of knowing that you are protected if the worst happens.

Features to look for

There are a few features that set the best travel handbags ahead of the pack from their mediocre competitors. Here are a few things to look for to make sure you get the most out of your purchase.

• Easy to clean and water-resistant external fabric: These will ensure that your contents stay dry and keep your travel handbag looking pristine through multiple uses.
• Internal and external organizing pockets:  This will keep you from struggling to find what you need while a busy TSA agent stares you down.
• Security features: as mentioned in the anti-theft handbags look for things like safety clasps RFID pockets and slash-proof strap material. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.  
• Both functional and stylish: Just because your travel handbag serves a purpose doesn’t mean it has to look like it does. Play with different colors and styles that accentuate your travel attire and make you feel fashionable at every moment.  
• Sturdy zippers:  YKK zippers are the most well known for a reason. They are strong zippers that are not as likely to break or get caught up even with extensive use.  
• Adjustable straps: this will give you the comfort and versatility to make your handbag fit you perfectly. Some can allow you to take your bag from a cross-body to a shoulder bag or you can remove the strap completely to have a fashionable clutch for the night out on the town.  
• Light-colored interior: this simple feature will make it easier to see and identify what you need out of the bag without having to sift through a dark hole. Some higher-end bags even come with a small LED light that can be useful especially with larger bags with one main storage space.  
• Weatherproof: As we mentioned before, making sure your travel handbag is able to keep your contents dry and out of the elements is crucial. Always look for some sort of weather protective treatment even when heading to sunny climates.  

Best Travel Handbags: Our Recommendations

Ogio brookly travel purse.

Show off your style in this cross body tablet purse! Featuring button accents and available in variety colors, the Brooklyn Women’s Tablet Purse is a unique blend of fashion and function.

The front flap is intelligently designed to hide a zippered pocket in plain sight, and show off the flashy, interior liner. Two large main compartments provide space for all your essentials, and interior organization panel provides quick access to frequently used items.

Your tablet is right at home in the padded tablet pocket, and its padded base adds extra cushion. Wear it as a crossover messenger bag, or sling it from one shoulder.

Whatever your style, it works with the Brooklyn Women’s Tablet Purse.

• Hidden zippered pocket for added storage
• Fully padded zippered iPad/tablet/e-reader pocket
• Integrated cross body shoulder strap
• Two large main compartments
• Large interior zip pocket
• Fully padded base protects electronics
• Fully featured organization panel
• High visibility liner
• Custom metal trims

Check Ogio Brookly Bag price at Amazon

Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag

Protect your belongings from pickpockets and slash-and-grab thieves with the Anti-theft Travel Bag from Travelon. Featuring hidden pockets, slash-proof chain-link construction, and an adjustable, cable-reinforced, cut-proof shoulder strap.

The roomy main compartment features a locking zipper and pockets for organization.

The rear organizer includes slots for credit cards and pockets for travel documents. The zippered expansion pocket holds a camera, water bottle, or sunglasses.

Travelon’s Anti-Theft Crossbody and travel bags protect from pickpockets and thieves and are customer top rated. 

• Roomy main compartment with pockets for organization
• Zippered organizer with card slots, wall pocket, pen loop, and removable LED light
• Compartments lock with lobster claw clasps
• Adjustable cable-reinforced cut-proof shoulder strap
• RFID blocking card and passport slots

Check Travelon’s Anti-Theft Messenger Bag price at Amazon

Tumi Voyageur Canton Crossbody Bag

A sleek option that’s perfect for work, travel, and everyday outings. The zippered main compartment opens to reveal a roomy interior with two additional smaller pockets, including one that zips to keep your smaller things organized.

A pocket on the back features a magnetic snap, making it the perfect place to securely stash your quick-access items. 

A purposeful, practical design that doesn’t compromise on style: Our Voyageur collection brings you versatile and lightweight nylon backpacks, bags, and accessories for women.

• Zip pocket with TUMI Tracer
• Card pocket
• Zip entry to the main compartment
• Front straight pocket with locking zipper pull
• Quick-access back pocket with magnetic snap
• Monogrammable detachable leather dangler/keyring
• Adjustable crossbody strap
• 3 media pockets

Check Tumi Voyageur Canton Crossbody Bag price at Amazon

Pacsafe Metrosafe Ls140 Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag

Lightweight, durable, and secure, the revamped Pacsafe Metrosafe LS-Series collection features a range of versatile, stylish bags in classic designs that are great for traveling abroad or just across the city.

These bags feature a number of Pacsafe anti-theft technologies to give you peace of mind.

The Metrosafe LS140 offers a convenient, stylish horizontal silhouette option for traveling and site-seeing. Featuring anti-theft technology with a padded sleeve to keep your tablet scratch-free.

• Room for your gear
• 7-inch tablet pocket
• Quick access front pocket
• Adjustable strap
• Carrysafe strap
• Lockout security clip

Check Pacsafe Metrosafe Ls140 Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag price at Amazon

Mosiso Sling Backpack

Designed with several pockets of different sizes to categorize your different stuff. This one bag is enough for all your necessities needed for your travels. Made of high-quality polyester which is water repellent and breathable.

Adjustable strap with a sturdy hook allowing for two ways (left or right) to carry this bag. This bag is fashionable and elegant and will never be out of fashion.

• Large middle zipper compartment
• Small zippered compartments
• Water repellent
• Two mesh side bags
• Buckle closure
• Ability to use as a chest, sling or shoulder pack

Check Mosiso Sling Backpack price at Amazon

Not finding what you are looking for? Check out our favorite places to go shopping for travel gear.

• Shop Columbia :  The industry leader in outdoor apparel and products; You can find anything from great jackets, gloves, hats, shirts and travel pants.
• Shop REI : They offer some of the best outdoor gear around. We love REI since they have a year Love it or hate it no questions guarantee.
• Shop Moosejaw : Has a huge selection of outdoor gear at killer prices.

More on Travel Gear:

• Ultimate Travel Gear Guide
• 15 Best Safari Bags for your Next Adventure
• Best Travel Daypack: Top 12
• Best Carry on Backpacks for Travel
• Best Hiking Backpack for your Next Adventure
• 85 Best Travel Gifts for Travelers

Did you like this story? Share it!

Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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15 of the Best Travel Bags You Need for Your Next Vacay

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

Whether you’re a first-time or frequent flyer, the right bags can mean all the difference. Is your carry-on too big? Is your dop kit leak-proof? Is there enough room in your purse for all-day adventure? To help you get ready to take off—and thereafter—we went ahead and compiled a list of 15 of the best travel bags around, from hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases to weekend duffles and toiletry bags . So get those passports ready and read on to find your next favorite travel bag. Bon voyage!

How To Choose The Best Travel Bag

Domestic vs. International Travel Carry-Ons

We know that you’ve probably gotten away with taking a suitcase that definitely was not regulation carry-on size. Typically, domestic flights are a bit more lenient with your luggage dimensions, but a good rule of thumb for domestic flights is to make sure your carry-on bag fits within 22-inches by 14-inches by 9-inches. This size ensures that your bag—along with everyone else’s—is going to fit in the bins overhead on your flight. If you’re flying internationally however, these airlines are more likely than not going to be stricter. We suggest finding a carry-on that is 20 inches or shorter to take on your international flights. And always check with your airlines.

Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell Luggage

If you’re a no-fuss kind of traveler, a soft-shell suitcase is for you. They’re able to withstand a bit more wear and tear whether you’re taking it glamping or stuffing it in the overhead compartment. On the other hand, if you are packing items that need some added protection (think: a pair of heels you don’t want to break or a beloved designer bag), we suggest going with a hard-shell suitcase so that none of your valuables sustain any damage.

Two-Wheel Luggage vs. Four-Wheel Luggage

If you have ever been down-to-the-last-second late for a flight and almost missed it because you had to drag your heavy suitcase behind you, we suggest you get a spinner suitcase. A spinner has four wheels, which tend to be multidirectional, helping you not only have full control over your bag, but also allowing you to comfortably glide your luggage alongside of you as you maneuver through security to your gate. On the other hand, two-wheeled suitcases typically have wheels that are inside of the main compartment and required being tilted on their side to drag through the terminal.

Best Travel Bags At A Glance:

• Best Overall: Calpak Hue Luggage
• Best Checked Travel Bag: Béis Check-In Roller
• Best Carry-On Travel Bag: Away The Carry-On
• Best Backpack Travel Bag: Rains Waterproof Backpack
• Best Duffle Travel Bag: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag
• Best Laptop Travel Bag : Lo & Sons The Seville Aire Tote
• Best Purse Travel Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag
• Best Eco-Friendly Travel Bag: Paravel Aviator
• Best Soft Shell Travel Bag: Yeti Crossroad Luggage
• Best Travel Bag Set: Samsonite 3-Piece Luggage Set
• Best Budget-Friendly Travel Bag: Amazon Basics Spinner Suitcase
• Best Splurge-Worthy Travel Bag: Rimowa Cabin Suitcase
• Best Toiletry Travel Bag: Everlane The ReNew Catch-All Case
• Best Weekend Travel Bag: Baboon to the Moon Small Go-Bag
• Best Customizable Travel Bag: Roam the Jaunt

9 Best Travel Pants (Tested by Our Comfort-Obsessed Staff)

1. Calpak Hue Luggage

Best Overall

She’s sleek, she’s stylish and she has a little bit of everything: A TSA-approved lock that keeps your valuables safe in transit, multi-directional wheels for back-ache-free transportation, interior compartments for peak organization, a large front pocket to stow any essentials you need in close reach and a price tag that won’t make too big a dent on your checking account.

2. Béis Check-in Roller

Best Checked Travel Bag

You get to the airport, lift your suitcase onto the scale, stare in horror as the red numbers flash “58 lbs” and proceed to spend the next five minutes on the floor, suitcase open, stuffing as much as you can into a spare bag. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. So while this bag has all of your usual perks, the red light that turns on to indicate it's over the 50-pound weight limit makes this guy unbeatable as a checked suitcase.

3. Away The Carry-on

Best Hard Shell Suitcase

This is one of our tried-and-tested favorites. We love how protective its sleek styled shell is and it earns extra points for having a security lock for extra safety. Plus, it has a USB charging port so no more desperately searching for an outlet that’s close to your gate.

4. Rains Waterproof Backpack

Best Travel Backpack

This is made of durable, waterproof neoprene and has enough room to fit all your gadgets and gizmos. Bonus points for its hidden back pocket to help keep your valuables safe and secure.

5. Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

Best Duffle Travel Bag

Whether you’re taking this by bus, train or plane, this duffle’s expandable design offers ample room so you’ll have a spot for literally everything. Case in point: the pocket specifically made for holding your phone and interior compartments for storing water bottles, shoes and everything else in between.

6. Lo & Sons The Seville Aire Tote

Best Laptop Travel Bag

Cushioned padding protects the thing most precious to you: your laptop. Plus, the thoughtful pockets keep things organized while you're on the go—no more franticly digging through your bag for your AirPods for a Zoom you have to join in two minutes.

7. Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag

Best Purse Travel Bag

This cutie is going to keep you looking stylish whether you’re grabbing after-work drinks or jet-setting to Europe. It’s the ideal size if you’re searching for a style-savvy carry-on that can easily stow your laptop alongside other daily essentials and makes for a roomy tote even when you’re not using it for travel.

8. Paravel Aviator

Best Eco-Friendly Travel Bag

Looking to get your hands on a sustainably sourced option? This fashion-forward carry-on may be easy on the eyes, but it's entirely made up of recycled material—from the interior lining and exterior polycarbonate shell to the zippers.

9. Yeti Crossroad Luggage

Best Soft Shell Travel Bag

Yes, Yeti delivers some of the best on-the-go travel mugs, but did you know Yeti produces some stellar luggage, too? This one in particular is especially worth the investment, thanks to its durable hard-shell exterior, 70/30 split dividers for keeping all your things secure, packing cubes for added organization and front pocket for stashing all the things you need to keep within close reach.

10. Samsonite 3-piece Luggage Set

Best Travel Bag Set

Durable hard shell? Check. Spinner wheels? Check. Three different sizes? Also check. This set comes in three different sizes, with one carry-on and two checked size suitcases.

11. Amazon Basics Spinner Suitcase

Best Budget-Friendly Travel Bag

Luggage is notoriously expensive, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t budget-friendly options out there to help you glob trot and save some money. Case in point: Amazon Basics’ travel bag line. This one in particular caught our eye, thanks to the durable hard shell, multiple packing compartments, TSA-approved lock and array of pretty colors.

12. Rimowa Cabin Suitcase

Best Splurge-Worthy Travel Bag

Before luggage brands started producing aluminum suitcases by the dozen, there was this one. The first of its kind, the Rimowa Cabin Suitcase’s iconic silver exterior is made from anodized aluminum and built with ball-bearing mounted wheels. Translation: this durable workhorse is going to last you for years to come.

BUY IT ($1,200)

13. Everlane The Renew Catch-all Case

Best Toiletry Travel Bag

Don’t be fooled, this toiletry bag might not be massive, but it can fit way more than you think. It’s got interior pockets to keep products nice and tidy, low maintenance fabric that’s easily cleaned and an expandable design that can handle being packed to the max with your skincare and beauty goodies.

14. Baboon To The Moon Small Go-bag

Best Weekend Bag

We love this guy for more reasons than we can list. Not only is it TSA-approved for carry-on size, but its water-proof shell has backpack straps, different sized handles, an over-the-shoulder strap, a lockable zipper, comes with four different pockets and easily stashes three-to-five day’s worth of your gear.

15. Roam The Jaunt

Best Customizable Travel Bag

If your goal is to avoid mixing up your suitcase with someone else's, having a personalized travel bag is where it’s at. From the option to monogram the exterior shell down to custom colors you can select from, you can personalize this puppy in a myriad of ways for luggage that matches your vibe perfectly.

The 17 Best Luggage Brands For Your Long-Overdue Trip

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The 12 Best Travel Bags That Will Make Your Journey a Breeze | Tested & Reviewed

Guaranteed to make you enjoy packing.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

What to keep in mind.

• Your Questions, Answered

Why Shop With Us

InStyle / Kristin Kempa

Allow me to start this article by saying I’m on a plane roughly eight to ten times a year. I absolutely adore travel, and even made it around the world backpacking by myself for a year. Needless to say, I know a thing or two about smart packing . When the world shut down and the option to travel was removed from our fingertips, it became all the more important to exercise our freedom to take a trip when it opened up again. Knowing this, more and more brands conveniently began crafting travel bags that accommodated the new wave of travelers — simplifying, organizing, and smoothing out suitcases and bags.

We tested said bags in our labs and in real life, doing so much as throwing suitcases onto the floor and seeing how they endured. As we boarded planes, we observed how quickly we could reach for our passports, and whether there was a safe space for our laptops to fit into. We took note of how smoothly wheels rolled over the French cobblestone streets or how heavy a duffel bag felt on our shoulders. Thus, we were able to compile this handy dandy list of 12 best travel bags and carry-on suitcases, based on our own personal experiences.

Best Overall

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 4 /5
• Value 3.5 /5
• Durability 3.8 /5

What We Love: It comes with ample amounts of sleeves, pockets, and even a shoe bag.

What We Don’t Love: Neoprene is prone to creasing.

We’re big fans of Dagne Dover’s neoprene collection, having tested their belt bags and backpacks already. We weren’t surprised, therefore, when this Carryall Bag impressed us just as much as their other products. With inside pockets (both slip and zip), we were able to place a laptop into the sleeve in addition to a water bottle and a passport into their dedicated slots. Still, there was plenty of room in the main compartment for all our clothes. Included in the bundle are two removable pouches — a shoe bag and a mesh zip pouch — as well.

Most notably, the top zip extends out an extra few inches, maximizing the space to stuff our cute weekend outfits. If we didn’t need the extra space, we could clip the sides down to keep everything looking compact. Dagne Dover also offers the bag in five sizes, ensuring there’s an option that’s just right for you. Lastly, there’s an outer slip intended to be used over a suitcase handle, so the bag could stay safe and flush against our carry-on. While neoprene is very soft and lightweight, it is prone to creasing, we noticed. Still, its durability makes up for it, and we know we’ll be using this year after year.

Dimensions: 20.5” L x 10” W x 10.5” H | Materials: Premium neoprene | Colors:  9

Best Budget

L.l. bean boat and tote, zip-top.

• Capacity 4 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 3 /5

What We Love: You can add a personalized touch by getting it monogrammed.

What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t have any compartments for organization.

The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bag is famous for a reason. After owning this bag for just six months, InStyle ’s Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Hayley Prokos came to learn just how sturdy the canvas tote is. Not only that, but it’s become her go-to for basically all occasions, be it a personal item on a plane, a carryall for the beach, or an overnight tote to hold a change of clothes, shoes, and toiletry bag. (She uses the large size.) “Since the canvas maintains its shape when open, it’s extremely easy to pack. The only drawback is that it doesn't have any built-in compartments, but that hasn’t really bothered me, as I tend to keep small things in removable pouches that I can shuffle around in the bag,” she says. The large is fairly deep, so users can likely fit their things into it sans-problem. The fact that it’s monogrammable is just the icing on the cake. Choose between four different sizes and even two different top handle lengths — Prokos owns both the long and the short, swapping between them based on her needs.

Dimensions: 10.5” L x 5” W x 9.5” H  | Materials: Polyester | Colors: 13

Best Splurge

Coach gotham duffle.

• Ease of Use 4 /5

What We Love: The high-end leather and stitchings feel substantial, ensuring the bag will last a lifetime.

What We Don’t Love: There aren’t a lot of compartments.

We want the items that we splurge on to be items we keep forever, like this Gotham Duffle bag from Coach. While visiting the Coach store we had the pleasure of handling this deliciously smooth leather duffle and were impressed with how spacious it was. It’s likely that Mary Poppins bought her infinity bag from the same maker, considering how much we could fit in it. Although it’s not boasting a lot of compartments, it’s ideal for rolling up all of our clothes and shoes into the open space. The glove-tanned leather feels sturdy and substantial, making us feel confident it would endure a ton of tossing, shoving, and rough TSA handling. The minimalist and unisex aesthetic also ensures it won’t go out of style, so while the initial payment might seem like a lot, it’s really a steal if you divide it by the number of years for which you’re about to use it.

Dimensions: 19.75” L x  9” W x 11.5” H | Materials: Leather | Colors:  2

Best Leather

Madewell overnight bag in leather.

What We Love: The leather has only gotten better after four years of use.

What We Don’t Love: There is no laptop sleeve.

While many people are familiar with (and in love with) Madewell’s tote bag , we found all the similar great qualities in their overnight bag, plus Alpha. This option is a lot larger than their tote, but still small enough to fit under the seat in front of us. We’ve had this bag for over four years now, and the exterior leather has only gotten better in our opinion. It has endured all our not-so-gentle trips, protecting what’s inside even as we threw it into the trunk of a car.

Although there are two slip pockets in the interior where we typically keep our passport and phone, it doesn’t have a laptop sleeve, unfortunately. The bag gets rounded out as we stuff it with clothes, so it’s not the most laptop-friendly. Still, the combination of this weekender with a carry-on suitcase has saved us tons of money by not needing to check in a bag, while probably bringing the same amount of stuff as we would with a large suitcase.

Dimensions: 22.75” L x 13.37” W x 18” H | Materials: Leather | Colors:  2

Béis East To West Tote

• Ease of Use 5 /5

What We Love: There is a compartment for absolutely everything.

What We Don’t Love: The top zipper doesn’t close all the way.

Shay Mitchell’s company dedicated to all things travel didn’t miss a thing when it came to designing the perfect travel tote — it’s compartment-galore in and around this bag. We found pouches for our water bottles, a sleeve for our laptop, a zippered slit for our on-flight toiletries, two slots for our passport and phone, and even two pen hooks (key for someone who loves to journal on the plane).

Inside the exterior zipped pocket, there is a key leash, so that we may never have to rummage through our million things at the door. In the past year that we’ve owned this bag, it quickly became a life-saver of a tote, especially as people who are never on time and can’t be sorting through a black hole when we’re being pushed through a line. And yes, it comes with a slit for a suitcase handle as well, so even though we could carry it by the top handle or the shoulder strap, we don’t have to. The only con is that the top doesn’t zip all the way, which means extra attention needs to be paid in high-theft areas.

Dimensions: 9.06” L x 7.13” W x 14.17” H | Materials: Recycled polyester | Colors:  2

Best Compartmentalized

Lipault lost in berlin 24h bag.

What We Love: The cushiony exterior keeps everything safe on the inside.

What We Don’t Love: It’s not big enough to carry a range of shoe options.

We’ve been using this bag not just on our travels, but to the gym as well, giving it a bigger bang for its buck. It’s got two generously sized and zipped pockets on the exterior, making items like passports, phones, and chapsticks easy to grab and safe from theft. Thanks to the cushiony and soft exterior, our valuables on the inside always remain safe. There are even more compartments on the inside that are either zipped or meshed. And of course, a laptop sleeve can be found for anyone looking to use it on a business trip. As a little extra bonus, we love how the bag folds flat when not in use — it’s easy to store it away without taking up too much closet space. Overall, it’s not as big as some of the other bags we tested. At most, we’d feel comfortable packing one extra pair of shoes, but not a whole lot more.

Dimensions: 17.3” L x 9.8” W x 11.4” H | Materials: Polyester | Colors:  6

Best Convertible

Caraa studio tote.

What We Love: You can convert the tote into a backpack.

What We Don’t Love: The shoe compartment can only fit smaller or flat shoes.

At first glance, this black leather tote looks like any standard bag. But upon further inspection, we fell deeper and deeper in love with all the smart benefits it offers. There are removable straps that turn the tote into a backpack, so we could move around with our hands free. Because they are removable, they don’t dangle around and get in the way when we simply want to use it as a tote either.

We found a side zip that we used as a shoe compartment, although it only fits flat sandals or smaller shoes (i.e. no high heels). The interior is extremely spacious, too, which allowed us to roll multiple shirts and sweaters in. And so nothing goes missing, there is a laptop sleeve, a water bottle cinched pocket, and two larger slip pockets for passports, wallets, and phones. All in all, we could organize, bring a ton of items, and still look chic — a true win-win situation.

Dimensions: 10” L x 18” H | Materials: Leather | Colors:  1

Best Carry-on

Muji adjustable handle hard shell suitcase.

Muji  

What We Love: The wheels run very smoothly and can be locked into place when not in use.

What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t come with any additional pouches or perks.

We didn’t know how smooth wheels could roll until pushing this carry-on suitcase through rough pebbled European streets. No matter how heavy the case was packed, it would still roll as though it only carried a feather. Muji has an extensive travel collection which we all adore, but this simple yet elegant suitcase has to take the cake. We could easily fit enough items for a week-long getaway. The two interior compartments are divided by a zippered mesh flap, where we keep miscellaneous items like notebooks. When the suitcase is closed, we could clip the zipper handles into its designated clasp on the side and lock it with a key, giving it an extra layer of anti-theft protection. And the best part? We could lock the wheels from rolling, allowing us to leave it standing on a moving train without it skedaddling down the aisle. While many modern suitcases come with additional pouches or even charging pods, this suitcase does not.

Dimensions: 14.6” L x 9.4” W x 21.3” H | Materials: Recycled polycarbonate, recycled polyester, polyester | Colors:  5

Best for Organizing

Paravel aviator carry-on.

What We Love: It comes with a compression board that helps to save space.

What We Don’t Love: It’s slightly heavier than your average carry-on suitcase.

Anyone looking to book a luxurious trip should have an equally luxurious suitcase to match. Owning the Paravel Aviator Carry-On felt like a beautiful travel experience in itself. Dare we say we actually enjoyed packing for once? That’s because it comes with multiple interior pockets, a separate laundry bag, and an interior compression board, which helps to press down clothing and allow for more space. And packing cubes made separating shoes from clothes a breeze. All of the details are beautifully designed, with vegan leather finishes and buttery smooth zippers — which by the way, could be locked and sealed for anti-theft. Much like the Muji option, the wheels on this suitcase glided so smoothly it was as though it were floating.

Yes, it’s a little pricier than other options, but it does come with a 10-year warranty that allows you to get manufacturing defects fixed, free of cost. We did notice that at 8.2 pounds the suitcase is a little heavier than some of the others we tested. Considering it’s a carry-on, it plays less of a role at TSA. But if you’re trying to slim down your luggage weight as much as possible perhaps this is not the one for you.

Dimensions: 13.7” L x 9” W x 21.7” H | Materials: Recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum handles, recycled zippers, vegan leather | Colors:  5

Best Weekender

Calpak hue laptop duffel.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

What We Love: A padded laptop sleeve saves us from needing to bring an extra bag for our laptop.

What We Don’t Love: We wish there were a few more color options.

Duffel bags are a favorite go-to for little weekend getaways, and this option from Calpak offered far more than just a big empty space for clothes. Most notably, a padded laptop sleeve protected our laptop during transportation. A discreet phone slit made answering phone calls easy, and various pockets in and around the bag offered more ways to organize our valuables. A little slot fit for suitcase handles allowed us to keep everything together and our hands free. When we’re not traveling, the bag doubles as a great gym bag, giving us more chances to use it in everyday life. We would have loved a few more color options, like navy and white, but the four currently available will suit most tastes.

Dimensions: 18” L x 9.5” W x 10” H | Materials: Polyester, polyurethane | Colors:  4

Best for Business

Away the everywhere bag.

• Organization 5 /5
• Portability 3.5 /5

What We Love: Its sleek appeal makes it easy to go straight from the airport to a meeting.

What We Don’t Love: We wish it were a tiny bit bigger to fit an extra outfit.

Going somewhere for business? This bag from Away looks like a large briefcase and functions partly as one, too. With a separate compartment for laptops, pouches for notebooks and pens, a zippered section for wallets and passports, and a mesh pocket for a water bottle, the Everywhere bag has been a sleek way to organize all our business essentials. The center compartment is large enough to pack enough clothes for a two-day trip, we found, but not more. With how sleek and minimalist the bag looks, we could easily carry it from the plane to the meeting without stopping by a hotel. After accidentally spilling some water onto the bag while being served by a flight attendant, we were happy to find the exterior was completely water-resistant.

Dimensions: 16.3” L x 7.3” W x 10.2” H | Materials: Nylon, leather | Colors:  5

Best Duffel

L.l. bean adventure rolling duffle.

L.L. Bean 

• Design 3.5 /5
• Portability 3 /5
• Durability 4 /5

What We Love: You could roll the bag like a standard suitcase.

What We Don’t Love: The zip doesn’t open up very wide.

L.L. Bean has been a trusted destination for all things adventure, so it only made sense to test one of their duffel bags. While the main zip didn’t open all too wide, the interior it opens up to is deceptively large. It felt as though we could keep placing items in it and it would magically expand internally. On top of being able to hold it using the top handles, it could also be rolled like a regular suitcase. It surely made whizzing from point A to B much lighter. Thankfully, the wheels were incredibly smooth. And because the material is water-resistant, we didn’t break a sweat when rolling over any surprise puddles.

Dimensions: 12” L x 9” W x 23” H | Materials: Nylon, polyurethane | Colors:  7

First, we tapped into our rich pool of editors, writers, and travelers to see which travel bags were being bought and used organically. We rounded up our personal favorites and dropped a few of those selections here. Next, we called in multiple suitcases and bags into our testing lab and put them through a series of tests, including stuffing them to the brim to see how much they hold and weigh, checking how easy it is to utilize the compartments, observing how smoothly everything zipped, and feeling how well they rolled on the floor. We even threw the suitcases on the floor to see if anything would break, snap, or scratch. Those who passed all of our tests were then recommended in this article.

Did you know there isn’t one universal carry-on size requirement that all airlines adhere to? It’s actually up to individual airlines to determine carry-on and checked luggage size requirements, as opposed to TSA. This means that different restrictions may apply from flight to flight (though a commonly accepted maximum carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches). If you don’t mind checking a bag, then no need to worry, but if you, like us, dread the baggage claim carousel, be mindful of dimensions when selecting your next bag (the Paravel Aviator Carry-On should do just the trick, no matter your travel plans). For shoulder bags like the Madewell The Essential Overnight Bag in Leather , they should be compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

Travel bags come equipped with many features, like dirty laundry dividers, specific pockets for tech devices, weight indicators, and more. “I do believe that form follows function,” says Nteta. “When it comes to functionality, I always look for my carry-on to be expandable and have organizational features so that I can separate things out properly and easily access must-haves like my laptop and wallet.” Options like the Paravel Aviator Carry-On features a compression board and a laundry pouch, while the Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag comes with two additional pouches for delicates. The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Ziptop may not come with any compartments, but it does give you various size options to choose from including different handle lengths. Add on the fact that you can add a monogram, its personalization capabilities make it stand out from the rest.

When shopping for luggage, really try to imagine yourself carrying this bag throughout various lifestyle scenarios. Can you schlepp the thing through an airport, onto a train, then onto a subway, and then up the four flights of stairs to your Airbnb? If it’s lightweight like the Muji Adjustable Handle Hard Shell Suitcase , you should be just fine! Meanwhile, a non-wheeled duffel like the Calpak Hue Laptop Duffel might be better suited for car travel like road trips or packing for that pet-sitting gig you have several towns over.

Your Questions, Answered 

What type of bag is good for international travel .

If you’re making the trek outside of the country, you’re likely staying for more than a weekend, requiring a larger checked bag. For international travel, we recommend looking for a suitcase with TSA-approved locking capabilities (such as the Muji Adjustable Handle Hard Shell Suitcase and the Paravel Aviator Carry-On ), weight indicators (weight restrictions for checked luggage can vary from airline to airline — research ahead of time), and smooth 360 wheels (international airports require a lot of walking). A bag that expands isn’t a bad idea either, just in case you come home with souvenirs. We’ve seen plenty of options where the tote or duffel bag actually attaches itself onto a suitcase, like the Beis The East to West Tote or the Away the Everywhere Bag . The feature makes them especially great for when you're rushing between connections and need to move quickly.

How do you pack a carry-on-sized bag for a multi-night trip?

Most carry-on-sized bags can accommodate three to four days' worth of clothes… if you know how to stretch your base layers, shoes, and accessories. “I do my best to keep to one suitcase by packing versatile clothing pieces that I can pair and style differently,” explains Nteta. Though she notes it does take a bit of planning, it creates a more stress-free travel experience overall. “For example, I select a pair of trousers and work out all the different tops and looks I can create with that one pair of trousers,” she says. “The key is to consider how you can layer foundational items and then elevate with accessories.”

How do you safely transport makeup and other liquid toiletries?

“When I travel, I don't compromise on my skincare routine, so I need a lot of pockets to organize things like cotton pads, Q-Tips, tweezers, and more,” says world-traveling content creator Kristina Rodulfo. (We’ve tested a bunch of toiletry bags and found the seven best (and safest) options here .) “When you have liquid makeup like foundation, you want to ensure none of your clothes or other valuables get messy.” As an additional suggestion, she recommends the Ries Essential Travel Bottles for their airless pump and ability to securely stash 3.4 ounces of all your favorite products. “I have my Ries bottles filled and always ready to go for my next trip,” she says.

Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer with three years of experience covering fashion and beauty. She’s an avid traveler and has explored the world solo for a year. Linne Halpern is a freelance fashion, beauty, and lifestyle writer. For this story, she interviewed travel expert and influencer Thithi Nteta and world-traveling beauty expert-turned-content creator Kristina Rodulfo . Their invaluable insights (plus, some personal travel experience and tons of research) inform our favorite picks.

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The 14 Best Travel Crossbody Bags to Complement Your Wanderlust

Embark on adventure in style.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The best crossbody bags for travel (some of which you’ll find on 2023’s list of must-have designer bags ) allow you to carry your essentials hands-free while you’re hauling ass through airport security at 5 A.M. or putting on the miles during a day of sightseeing. Get a bag that can do both. And if you choose wisely, you’ll also be able to sling it over all of your bulky winter puffer jackets before heading out for dinner and drinks.

Best Luxury

Bottega veneta the cassette padded leather crossbody bag.

Best Camera Bag

Isabel marant wardy camera bag.

Best Leather

Mansur gavriel moon sling bag.

Prada Padded Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag

Best Utility

Dagne dover nova sling bag.

Best Satchel

Mz wallace small sutton deluxe.

Best Organization

We-ar4 the cargo leather crossbody bag.

Best Shoulder Style

Baggu medium nylon crescent bag.

Best Backpack

Béis the sport sling.

Best Security

Travelon anti-theft courier tour bag.

So, whether you’re jetting off on an international adventure or just heading home for the holidays, shop the 14 best crossbody bags for travel ahead.

If you prefer to shop designer, more power to you. For a travel-friendly style, look for items that close securely and transition well from day to night.

Dimensions: Height: 6.5 inches; width: 3.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches

Material: Leather

Colors: 19 options

Customer review: “This is a gorgeous bag, and the leather is so dreamy *but* you will be forced to pick and choose what you want to carry as the interior is quite small. I’m able to fit my iPhone pro, small wallet, lip balm and car key…and that’s pretty much it. But the look is worth it!”

While we love cameras, camera bags are usually ugly, point blank. You’re not paparazzi, and although you are a traveler, you wouldn’t want anyone to think of you as a tourist , right? This fashionable find from Isabel Marant is the solution.

Dimensions: Height: 5.25 inches; width: 3 inches; length: 7.25 inches

Material: Leather, silver, textile

Colors: Black

If style is your top priority, here’s an option that will match with quite literally anything you wear. The concession is that you might not be able to squeeze that telescopic camera lens inside it, but there’s more than enough room for airplane snacks.

Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 7.1 inches; length: 10.6 inches

Material: Calfskin

Colors: Black, Desert, Avorio, Plum

Customer review: “What a beautiful and versatile bag, both in terms of style and colour. It's surprisingly roomy for the size. The leather is absolutely beautiful and buttery soft. Super happy with my purchase!”

It wouldn’t be a complete crossbody roundup without some form of nylon Prada. Similar to the ever-practical Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon Bag , this quilted flap-over bag comes complete with a detachable mini zipper pouch.

Dimensions: Height: 17 centimeters; width: 24 centimeters; length: 8 centimeters

Material: Nylon fabric

Colors: Black, Desert Beige

Customer review: “I have the original nylon and the Re-Edition, and they are my go-to bags. Lightweight, durable, and great for daily use.”

If you’re the sporty or adventuring type of traveler, allow us to introduce you to this style from Dagne Dover. We think you’d be perfect for each other.

Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 4 inches; length: 9.5 inches

Material: REPREVE recycled polyester

Colors: Onyx, Moonbeam, Goji

Customer review: “Recently took this bag on my weeklong trip to Amsterdam...It worked so well. It comfortably fit my small Nalgene water bottle, wallet, sunscreen, sunglasses—all the necessities. It’s not huge but it could also fit small souvenirs picked up throughout the day such as magnets, small jewelry items, candy, etc. Highly recommend!”

Here at ELLE, we love MZ Wallace . This perfectly sized Sutton is just the latest obsession. We scrolled through pages and pages of five-star customer reviews in search of any “cons” to no avail.

Dimensions: Height: 10.2 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 5.5 inches

Material: REC Oxford, Italian leather

Colors: 17 options

Customer review: “Love the feel, look and style. Everything fits so nicely in this bag. All items are an eyes view and so convenient to get. Love it.”

Cargo bags have appeared repeatedly over the past few fashion months, which means organization just got trendier. This sectioned bag allows you to keep all those bits and bobs in a place of their own.

Dimensions: Height: 8.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches; depth: 4 inches

Colors: Black, Sage, Navy, Ice Blue

This BAGGU option is actually a personal recommendation from associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue—although all the rave customer reviews amplify the point. This bag is spacious, not bulky, and surprisingly cute.

Dimensions: Height: 8 inches; width: 13.75 inches; depth: 4 inches

Material: Nylon

Colors: Black, Brown, Cocoa, Lemongrass, Pixel Gingham

Customer review: “This bag is so cute and easy to carry. I’m a mom on the go and my bags always get dirty. This bag is so comfortable and easy to clean. The strap is nice and wide and comfortable and the bag is big enough for me to even carry my Owala in it! If you’re on the fence, come on over. This bag rules!”

Béis knows travel. This sling backpack is ideal for busy walkabout days and can play counterpart to any number of other Béis luggage pieces. If you act fast, you can stock up and save big on multiple items during the brand’s early Black Friday sale .

Dimensions: Height: 8.2 inches; width: 6.7 inches; depth: 2.7 inches

Material: Nylon, faux leather, recycled polyester

Colors: Black, Slate, Beige, Atlas Pink, Maple

Customer review: “Love all the pockets and how accessible the sling is! Grabbing what you need quickly from the slots is so handy. I can’t wait to use this on my Italy trip!”

As a traveler with her naïveté on constant display, this anti-theft bag could’ve saved me some heartbreak (and the four hours I spent Google translating a theft complaint to the Paris police department). Slash-resistant material, deep locking compartments, and an RFID-protected pocket mean you can rest a little easier knowing your belongings are safe and sound.

Dimensions: Length: 11 inches; height: 11.5 inches; depth: 3 inches

Material: Cotton canvas, leather

Colors: Navy, Stone Grey

Customer review: “Did a month with this bag all over the world and there is no wear or tear that I can see at all...it fit everything I needed (wallet, rolled up rain jacket, phone, passport, rolled sun visor, etc.) and the zip out water bottle pocket works with a collapsible water bottle to fill up when you’re not in an airport.”

Tumi Valetta North/South Crossbody

For those who never leave their tech behind, keep your lifeline secure in Tumi’s vertical crossbody, complete with a touch of leather trim for style points. It has pockets for cash, cards, and mini must-haves.

Dimensions: Height: 7.3 inches; length: 5.3 inches, depth: 2 inches

Material: Nylon, leather

Mango Crossbody Bag

This bag from Mango gives off an aura of quiet luxury that makes it versatile enough to wear as your day-to-day bag or take it on the go. It’s polished, simple, and houses dual compartments to enhance convenience.

Dimensions: Length: 10.2 inches; height: 6.7 inches; width: 3.5 inches

Material: Polyurethane, polyester

Colors: Black, Leather

Customer review: “Yeah to to faux leather! The time has come for us to be conscious consumers. This purse is perfect to wear with my simple, classic wardrobe pieces.”

Coach Coachtopia Loop Quilted Wavy Tote

An extension of the Coach brand, Coachtopia revives recycled and upcrafted materials to give birth to new designs, like this puffy-soft crossbody laptop tote.

Dimensions: Length: 16.75 inches; height: 12.25 inches

Material: Recycled polyester

Colors: Twilight, Deep Orange, Black, Olive Green

Customer review: “This tote is so cute and comfy on my shoulders. It holds a lot of items...great for work or travel.”

FashionPuzzle Triple Zip Small Crossbody Bag

This crossbody bag has a 4.6-star rating from almost 30,000 reviews. At such an affordable price point, you might want to choose a couple of color options to add to your collection.

Dimensions: Length: 8.5 inches; height: 5.5 inches; depth: 2.75 inches

Material: Faux leather

Colors: 30 options

Customer review: “I use this when traveling, it holds so much without being bulky. I can put passports, phone, sunglasses, lip products, money/cards and still have gobs of room left.”

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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 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

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 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. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, 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.

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 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.

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.

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Home » Gear » best travel bags

31 Best Travel Bags: Duffels, Backpacks and Suitcases (2024)

We’ve reviewed hundreds of the best travel bags throughout the years – from the best hiking backpacks to the best laptop bags, we know bags. 

This article is for you if you don’t know where to start when it comes to travel bags. Are you a dedicated backpacker, a fan of the duffel bag, or maybe a devotee of the wheelie suitcase? Perhaps you’re not sure which type of travel bag you should buy or if you should make a switch.

Whether you’re a newbie or looking to upgrade and replace your existing travel bag, choosing from the best travel bags can be something of a minefield.

How on earth do you choose? The best way is to simply read on!

Keep scrolling and you’ll discover a wealth of detailed information on all the latest travel bags – backpacks, duffel bags, carry-ons, backpacks with wheels, and anti-theft bags; the list goes on! By the end of the article you’re sure to have found the best travel bag ever… for your needs!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Bags of 2024

How to choose the best travel bag, best travel backpacks, best travel duffel bag, best travel daypacks, best travel luggage with wheels, best carry on travel bags, best anti-theft travel backpacks, best foldable travel bags, best travel duffel bags, best laptop travel bags, how and where we tested to find the best travel backpacks, faq about the best travel bags.

• Best Travel Backpack – Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
• Best Travel Daypack – Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• Best Travel Backpack Runner-Up – AER Travel Pack 3
• Best Leather Travel Pack – MAHI Leather Overnight Bag
• Best Eco Luggage – Monarc Brand Settra
• Best Travel Luggage with Wheels – Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45
• Best Carry on Travel Bag – Stubble & Co Adventure Pack
• Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpack – Pacsafe Metrosafe X
• Best Foldable Travel Bag – Wandrd Veer 18L
• Best Travel Duffel Bag – Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag
• Best Laptop Travel Bag – AER Commuter Brief 2

NOMATIC 40L TRAVEL BAG

• > Lifetime Warranty
• > Full of unique storage features

Tortuga Travel Backpack

• Price: > $$
• > Laptop and tablet sleeves
• > Made with water proof sailcloth

AER Travel Pack 3

• > Carry on friendly
• > Sleek, minimalist design

Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

• Price: > $$$
• > Carry on size
• > Detachable day pack

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• > Book-style opening
• > Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves

Pacsafe Metrosafe X

• > RFID-blocking pouch
• > Interlocking zips

WANRD Veer 18L

• > Lightweight
• > Multiple pockets

Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

• > Excellent all-round duffel bag
• > Protected pocket for tech

AER Commuter Brief 2

When deciding between all of these great travel bags, how do you choose the best bag for travel? Here are some pointers…

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One of the easiest ways to narrow down the choices is to consider the size of bag you require. If you’re searching for a bag that will see you through the daily commute you’re almost certainly going to need a smaller travel bag than if you’re heading off vacation away from home.

Generally, good travel bags of somewhere between 30 and 45-liters, unless you plan to use air travel check-in. If you have a lot of electronics, camera gear, camping equipment, or clothes (we’ve all been there!), then a larger bag makes much more sense.

If you have a travel bag you’re looking to replace or upgrade, ask yourself what sort of style it is – and whether of course, you like that style!

If you’re comfortable with a backpack-style travel bag, then focus your search on the same; whereas, if you prefer the ease of a duffel bag or wheelie suitcase, that’s the way you should be leaning. Want something in between, have a look at a duffel-backpack hybrid bag instead.

Will you be carrying your travel bag for long distances? Because if so, every gram (or ounce) of excess weight matters. While wheelie suitcases are a great idea for city movement, wheels always add weight to a bag and are a pain if you are heading off-road (or even onto the cobbles of a city like Paris).

Also, remember that weight is often a trade-off for durability, especially when it comes to travel and hiking backpacks. The more durable a bag, the more it tends to weigh. Understand how you plan to use your bag before buying the lightest or most heavy-duty pack! Overall, the higher-quality luggage brands tend to be able to keep things lighter whilst still being durable.

Are you traveling with Tech?

Are you traveling with tech? These days you probably are, whether you’re traveling for pleasure or for work.

In which case, do you want a rigid travel bag that provides protection, or perhaps a padded laptop sleeve or compartment? We have an entire section dedicated to good travel bags for laptops.

If this is the case, make sure the sleeve is large enough for your particular laptop or tablet too!

Are you Hiking?

While some of the best travel bags are geared for travel, they’re often not designed for hiking. Some backpacks are designed for both travel AND hiking, but that usually means it’s not the best at either, just manageable.

If you want a backpack that you can take on the trails, then pay attention to how the backpack holds its weight, the suspension system (if it even has one), the shoulder straps, and waist strap comfort. Remember, some of the really nice traveling bags that look great for city hopping aren’t going to cut it on the trails!

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For those who need a larger, more conventional backpack that can handle all sorts of trips. These come in all shapes and sizes though our top choices are around 40 liters.

For more information on these sorts of bags, visit our IN-DEPTH guide on how to choose a travel backpack . There are some really great travel bags to choose from.

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Network with other like-minded travellers all day and if you need a quick screen break, just take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool or go grab a drink at the bar.

#1 Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag

Nomatic bags have 20 innovative features to make your travels all the easier, such as a dedicated shoe pocket that keeps dirty soles away from the rest of your luggage, and a fleece-lined RFID-blocking pocket that will keep your electronic data and passports safe from illegitimate scanning by scammers. Pretty much it is the only travel bag under 40 liters you will ever need; which is why we chose it as your top pick.

This bag also incorporates a dedicated laptop sleeve, and is carry on approved for a plethora of international airlines!

Our testers thought this was, well, to put it bluntly, the best travel bag out there! There are so many features they could point to in terms of what they loved the most but because I’m limited on the wordcount I’ll focus on one. Organisation! They loved the different pockets, zippered sections and show well the shape of the bag fits packing cubes inside.

We have so much to say about this bag that we wrote an entire Nomatic Travel Bag review.

• Perfect carry-on size
• Tons of features for the modern traveler
• RFID-blocking pockets
• Laptop sleeve
• Weight is a tad heavy for some (1.8 kg)
• Hip belt must be bought separately

#2 Tortuga Travel Backpack

With their Travel Backpack model, US-brand Tortuga promises to deliver a travel bag that has the portability and ergonomic qualities of a hiking backpack with the organizational stance and ease of packing that comes with a suitcase.

That said, we do not recommend this backpack for hiking… refer to our reviews on hiking backpacks instead.

Having said that, our team of testers especially loved how easy to pack this bag was. With the rectangular shape and clamshell opening it was perfect for fitting in packing cubes and keeping everything neat and organised. The smaller size also fits perfectly into overhead compartments.

sComing in 30 and 40-liter versions, which you might consider weekend and max-sized, both sizes of the Outbreaker carry 15” laptops, and also tablets of up to 9.7”.

• Suitable for laptops up to 15”
• Comprises additional tablet sleeve
• Carry on compliant
• Made in China
• Rectangular shape
• Not for adventures

#3 Aer Travel Pack 3

The AER Travel Bag 3 is one of the best travel bags, ever. We have no doubts about that. Pound for pound, we consider the AER Travel Pack to be as good as the Nomatic Travel Bag. They’ve designed and engineered a built-in solution to all of the previous problems we’ve had with travel bags.

This bag is great for digital nomads, backpackers, and business travelers alike. It is designed with your laptop and organization in mind. It’s 35 liters of backpacker perfection.

Use this bag as a daypack, a carry on, or both. You’ll appreciate the many pockets and storage features. Wear it around town to camp on your laptop at your favorite coffee shop or bring it on a plane without needing to check your bag.

I recently took this bag on a trip over to France and I totally fell in love with it. The real stand-out feature for me, travelling with my camera and laptop, was the strong and smooth zippers that can be locked for extra security.

For more details about the Aer Travel Pack 3, read our Aer Travel Pack review .

• Carry on friendly
• Shoe pocket
• Many organization features
• Small water bottle pocket
• Not entirely waterproof
• No raincover

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#1 MAHI Leather Overnight Bag

Leather travel packs are stylish and hard wearing. Whilst note created for outdoors and not ideal for “backpackers”, they do suit urban, business an weekend travellers. MAHI leather is the company to beat in the leather bag market and this weekend sized 30L duffel is a cracking carry on companion.

This leather bag is the flagship duffel for a proven company, and its clean appearance and durable straps have earned it the highest place on our list. The bag can be carried with handles or a shoulder strap, and brass hardware ensures you can walk with confidence no matter how you hold it. 

You won’t lose anything inside the bag, thanks to the zip and phone pocket. You can pack everything you need this weekend in this lightweight and stylish leather bag that checks off all the boxes. 

This bag might not be for everyone and it did split our team somewhat, but for those who loved it, it was the outer material that was a real winner. They felt the feel of the soft and supple but strong leather used provided both great protection whilst looking super stylish and professional.

#2: Monarc Brand Setra

Travel can really take it toll on the planet – I mean jet fumes are not exactly good for anybody right? The good news is that Ecological and Sustainable travel initiatives are now really gaining serious momentum and ecological travel products are popping up everywhere.

So, the Monarc 2-in-1 Duffle-Backpack is the world’s first backpack made from 100% recycled bottles and the producers have been awarded a highly coveted “plastic negative” rating.

As well as being eco friendly, the Monarc Settra is also a seriously cracking great pack. Its 2-1 concept design means it can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel using the comfortable handle. If you do wear it on your bag, there are adjustable straps to help carry the weight.

Then there are the organizational possibilities. Its’ 40L of storage can go pretty far and the pack offers a shoe compartment and a 17” laptop sleeve. Coming in at $149.00, it’s an absolute bargain although if you have the budget we also recommend picking up the full set including camera cube, compression cubes and laundry bags.

Anything else? Oh yeah, it’s also water-resistant, TSA Carry-on compliant and comes with a lifetime guarantee!

When our team gave this a test run they really loved how comfortable the straps and handle were however the bag was configured. Sometimes these types of bags are more suited to one use over the other but this guy feels great either way.

Small travel bags that are meant for shorter journeys. These typically hold less than 30 liters and are designed to be easy and lightweight.

If you’re interested in buying a smaller bag and want to learn more, we’ve written a  comprehensive daypack post as well!

#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

Daypacks have become a vital way of carrying all you need when you’re out and about for the day but can falter for two reasons.

Firstly, they don’t always provide enough space for a laptop. Secondly, what do you do with it when its no longer needed? The Tortuga Laptop Backpack answers both of these problems!

It will take a laptop of up to 16” and a tablet of 12.9” in dedicated sleeves, and folds flat so it can be easily be packed into your main luggage. We think this is such an awesome feature!

Weighing a very light 2.1 lb (0.95 kg), it won’t add much extra weight to your luggage, but is still made with waterproof sailcloth to keep your tech and other kit safe even on drizzly days!

Much like the larger Tortuga, this bag was well-loved on our team. They loved the fact that it still has clamshell opening which is pretty uncommon for smaller bags and helps when you’ve got organisational needs.

• Laptop and tablet sleeves
• Folds flat for packing
• Weighs just 500 grams
• Made with water proof sailcloth
• Won’t fit larger laptops
• Volume limited to 21 litres
• Just one colour
• White interior may stain quickly

#2 Osprey Daylite Plus

For a daypack orientated towards hiking and outdoor adventures, this is one of the best bags for travel on the market. Made from a durable ripstop and water-resistant nylon, it’s very capable of taking on the great outdoors.

Its frame helps to spread the weight evenly, taking the stress further off your shoulders, which will already feel the benefit of the padded and ventilated shoulder straps. 20-liter packs with frames and waist straps are virtually unheard of, meaning this pack is perfect for day hikes.

Lightweight at just over half a kilo, the Osprey Daylite Plus boasts dedicated spaces for laptops and tablets, in addition to ‘standard’ hiking bag features such as an emergency whistle and chest strap!

Our testers can confirm how well the mesh ventilation system works to keep your back dry. They loved how much this bag made their time on hikes or exploring cities like Bangkok much more comfortable.

• Made with durable ripstop nylon
• Water resistant
• Lightweight travel bag
• Buckle closure top flap
• Lacks external webbing or anchor points
• Front pocket is unlockable
• May be too small for some users

#3 WANDRD PRVKE 31

The WANDRD PRVKE 31 is one of the best camera backpacks on the market for non-professional photographers. The bag is extremely versatile and extremely durable. Its versatility and durability mean the WANDRD PRVKE 31 can be used for more than just a camera bag.

It’s good for hiking, a daypack, or even a small travel bag – the magic is in the WANDRD’s ability to be more than just a cam era backpack .

The photographers on our team really fell in love with the functionality of this bag. The removable camera cube that straps in and connects with the side opening in practical use worked a treat. It meant assessing your camera on the go was easy and quick.

Looking for the best camera bag , check out our guide for some more options.

• Very durable and robust
• Great design
• Tons of pockets
• Comes with handy accessories
• Limited space for cameras/equipment
• Magnetic handles are just OK

Sometimes, having a set of wheels on your bag can be really useful. Not having to carry around a big ol’ bag can really save your back, especially when you’re in the airport or on some really nice pavement.

We’ve only covered a few bags in this section – read more about wheeled backpacks if you’re interested!

#1 Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

One of the main reasons you should invest in a backpack with wheels is for convenience. Well, this backpack takes convenience to an entirely new level with its super comfortable carrying system.

With this luggage, you will have a backpack, and rolling luggage all in one! The StraightJacket compression system helps keep the load tight, compact and neat for those long travel days jumping on and off transport.

A few more great features include padded top and side handles, a removable shoulder harness, and the HighRoad Chassis that gives you great clearance over any rough ground you might encounter.

This item meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines (size does not exceed 45 linear inches).

Our team are most used to backpacking but they were pretty keen to give this hybrid number a go. Well, the vast majority were converted and they just loved how well this bag functioned as a backpack and then easily converted to rolling luggage without looking too much like a suitcase.

• Carry on size
• High clearance wheels
• Heavy! Over 6 Lbs.

#2 Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On Wheeled Pack

This 37-litre rolling luggage that doubles as a backpack is perfect for international travel. It was built to be weatherproof and dirt-resistant for all of your adventures. Not only that but it also comes with a detachable 18l day pack too!

Plus, it’s probably the coolest looking backpack with wheels – something I haven’t said since the fourth grade! A few of its awesome features include the top quick stash pocket, multiple grab handles, and treaded off-road wheels so you can roll this bag on challenging terrain!

The main drawback is its weight. There is always a trade-off for durability and weight… and in this case, it’s a few pounds! This backpack may be overkill if you aren’t going on an adventure…

Our team felt this bag was more suited for rolling than carrying but appreciated the additional functionality. However, their favourite feature was the quality feel of the outer material and how much punishment the wheels could take.

• Perfect carry on size
• Weatherproof and extremely durable
• Treaded off-road wheels
• Heavy! 6+ Lbs.

#3 Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on

A traditional wheelie suitcase, the four-wheeled Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on offers its users supreme protection of its contents thanks to its rigid form of ABS plastic.

Accepted by all the major airlines in Europe and North America as carry on compliant, it weighs 2.5 kg and has a mid-range capacity of 33 litres.

Its wheels rotate a full 360°, giving you effortless movement across airport departure halls. Inside, the case includes packing straps to hold all your baggage in place, two elastic shoe pockets, a slim mesh pocket for documentation, and a zipped divider to keep items separate from one another.

Finally, there’s a five-year guarantee to protect against manufacturing defects!

Our team loved the durability of these bags and just how high quality they felt. The hard exterior provided great protection whilst remaining compact and light. The four wheels also made rolling the case, even on the cobbles of Prague, super easy.

• Rigid-form carry on
• Easy wheel movement
• Five year guarantee
• Weight of 2.5 kg
• Wheels protrude and cannot be retracted
• Cannot be used as a backpack
• No padded laptop sleeve

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

For those who fly very often and NEED to make sure that their backpack will can be taken on the plane. Generally speaking, 20-30 liter bags can almost always be used as carry ons. 40 liter bags are a little bit more risky but, because we like to toe the line, we’ve included some 40-liters that we believe can be used as such.

If you’d like, you can also read more about carry ons here!

#1 Stubble & Co Adventure Pack

This nifty and compact carry on ready backpack is ideal for both city breaks and outdoor time.

This innovative, super uber cool, brand new to-the-market hiking daypack is tough, durable, and also highly functional. It is designed to be a go-anywhere, do-anything bag that is equally adept when out hiking in the woods, hitting the gym, or undertaking the daily hell that is the wretched commute to work!

It zips fully open almost like a suitcase and offers a raft of different compression-compartments separated by mesh netting and zips that make packing and squeezing stuff in a dream. There are also a few external pockets for leads, charges, passports and cigarettes as well as a deducted 16″ laptop sleeve.

Have a look at our Stubble & Co Adventure Bag in-depth review for more information.

• Durable Material
• Padded Laptop and Tablet Compartment
• Great organisation
• Cushioned Shoulder Straps and Hip Belt
• Quite heavy
• Kinda expensive

#2 Osprey Farpoint (40 liter)

If you are trying to decide between the Tortuga and the Osprey, then it simply comes down to one thing – your personal travel style

Do you need a carry on travel bag for camping and light hiking, or for urban travel? If you picked the former, then the Osprey Farpoint is for you!

Here’s the thing, the Farpoint is somewhat of a hybrid travel and hiking backpack. I’d never pick it primarily for hiking when Osprey carries so many specific hiking backpacks, but if you want a bag that can do a little bit of everything and accompany you on flights, then look no further.

The Farpoint range has been a popular choice amongst our team for years and this updated version lived up to its reputation. One of the features our crew loved the most was the combination of internal and external compression straps that help minimise the size of the bag when packed and keep everything from shifting.

This bag caters Digital Nomads and backpackers. Read our full Osprey Farpoint 40 review here.

• Duffel bag or backpack
• Lifetime guarantee
• Not as much tech-organization as Nomatic
• Looks a bit like a turtle shell

#3 Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

Unlike the Farpoint reviewed above, the Osprey Stratos is a hiking bag first, and a travel bag second. If you love to hike, then you’ll love this bag for many reasons.

This bag is a go-to for short hikes and overnight camping excursions. It comes with an integrated rain cover, is quite lightweight, and has an impressive amount of organization capacity for it’s minimal design.

At 33 or 36 liters (depending on the size you buy), this bag is ALWAYS carry on compliant – just tighten up the compression straps. If you aren’t sold on the Stratos, the Osprey Cirrus 36 is another great option.

Our testers loved how comfortable this pack was to wear even fully loaded on the trails. Its super padded shoulder and hip straps alongside the mesh back panel made it great for hiking and long treks wearing the pack.

Read our  full Osprey Stratos 36 review here.

• Always carry-on compliant
• Awesome ultralight hiking backpacks
• New updated design
• Ventilated mesh back panel
• Likely too small for most travelers
• Not made for regular travel
• Mixed reviews on the pocket sizes

#4 Peak Design 30L Travel Pack

Tailored for the contemporary traveler, the Peak Design 30L Travel Pack offers a 30-liter capacity that is ideally suited for brief escapes or minimalist extended journeys. Its elegant design extends beyond aesthetics; it’s a reflection of functionality. With adjustable compartments for a tailor-made fit for your possessions, and clever side openings for easy item retrieval, this bag offers superior convenience. Expansion zippers allow you to modify the bag’s size to suit various travel needs, adding to its adaptability.

• Carry on compliant – even Ryanair
• Packs a lot in and extends to 33:
• Sleeves for laptop and tablet
• Not waterproof

Most travel bags have some sort of security against theft. For extra protection though, you’ll need a special backpack with more features than usual.

#1 Pacsafe Metrosafe X

The Australian brand, Pacsafe, is dedicated to creating fully-functional travel bags that also protect you from theft. The Metrosafe X has a reasonable daypack size of 20 litres, while weighing less than a kilogram.

There’s an RFID-protective pocket to keep your credit cards, identity card and passport safe from data theft, and a PopNLock security clip that secures the Metrosafe X to any immovable object.

An interlinking zip closure system also makes it impossible for anyone to open any of the bag’s zips without you noticing! The Metrosafe X is also protected from the slash and grab tactics of some thieves due to its hidden wire mesh, and shoulder straps that incorporate steel wires.

Pacsafe is the gold standard when it comes to keeping your valuables secure when travelling. Our testers loved how lowkey the bag looks and how simple the exterior is. It means with one lockable zip their gear felt safe and secure.

• Weighs less than a kilo
• RFID-blocking pouch
• Interlocking zips
• Embedded steel mesh
• Fairly plain exterior
• Too small a volume for some
• Some users report zips jamming
• Not for adventure travel

#2 Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

With a stylish modern design and 12.5 litre capacity, the Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack has both hidden zips to make it harder for pickpockets to make a quick grab for your kit, and additional hidden pockets.

The water repellent and slash proof outer material will see splashes of water just run off, while the interior has space for laptops up to 15.6” in size and tablets of up to 10”.

Further, the Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack also includes an integrated USB charging port into its design, enabling you to charge your smartphone and still use it by connecting it to a powerbank stored safely inside the bag.

Our testers loved the adjustable internal divider system which could easily be configured for a whole heap of different uses from camera equipment storage to keeping clean and dirty clothing apart. They felt it far from gimmicky and felt it worked well in practical use.

• Ideal for commuting or day travelling
• Hidden zips for main compartment
• Slash proof material
• Integrated USB charging port
• 12.5 litre capacity not for longer travels
• Water repellent rather than water proof
• Fits laptops up to 15.6”
• Powerbank not included

#3 Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack

In the Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack, we have another travel bag with anti-theft features that is able to carry laptops up to 15” in size.

Like the Oscaurt, this model from Kopack has a hidden zip design that makes it difficult for pickpockets to target, while this bag is nice and comfortable thanks to the padding added to the shoulder straps and other areas of the bag that touch the body.

A sleeve on the inside means you can keep your laptop safe and in a convenient location, while the outer materials are deliberately made from tough nylon that is resistant to tears and anti-slash too!

Our testers loved the internal storage and how there was a dedicated slot to store battery packs that then connects to the external USB charger in seamless fashion, as well as the overall look of the bag; bridging the gap between hipster style and professional functionality.

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Hidden zipper design
• Tear resistant nylon construction
• No RFID-protection pocket
• Not fully water proof
• The Bottom Has No Extra Padding
• Fits laptops up to 15” only

These are the ultimate packable backpacks – ones that can fold and collapse into a sleeve that is usually the size of a purse or tablet! These make for excellent additions to backpacking gear lists and are usually very affordable as well.

#1 Wandrd Veer 18L

Wandrd make some of the best gear on the market today and have now added their packable backpack to the range. It has a sturdy main structure which is resistant to general wear and tear as well as protection against rain and other weather conditions.

Weighing just a few hundred grams, there are two zip-shut front pockets for smaller items of kit, pockets on either side for water bottles or an umbrella, and a mesh pocket with zip closure on the inside. An access point has been incorporated for use with water hydration systems.

Our team loved how comfy this bag was for how small it folded down. They felt the blow-up back panel really works well to great some structure and padding to the bag.

• Nice colour options
• Sturdy structure
• Multiple pockets
• No padding for laptop or tech
• Mesh pockets could be stronger

#2 Outlander Packable

The Outlander is a foldable daypack with multiple compartments! This bag has an internal security zippered pocket to protect valuable items. The fabric is water and abrasion-resistant and it is reinforced to be ultra-durable. It’s also extremely affordable!

Our team loved how the fabric, stitching and zippers felt really high quality and super strong given how lightweight and compact the bag is.

• Multiple compartments
• Durable for a packable
• Not for proper hikes/athletics
• Simple style

#3 BAGSMART Folding Travel Bag

The Bagsmart Folding Travel Bag is a foldable duffel bag with a 46 litre capacity! Coming with a detachable shoulder strap, the Bagsmart still only weighs 1.2 pounds when empty.

Folding into a flat pack roughly the size and shape of a tablet computer, it can easily be slipped into a larger piece of luggage or even a daypack or handbag.

Each of the metal zips have strong metal tags for grip, which contrasts nicely against the otherwise plain black nylon material. The manufacturers report it to be strong enough to be placed in the hold of an aircraft without issue, but we’ve yet to test this out for sure.

The team loved how robust and strong the material of this bag felt given how lightweight it felt to carry and how easy it was to fold.

• Comes in two sizes
• Just 1.2 pounds in weight
• Folds down to size of tablet computer
• Tough enough to act as hold luggage
• Soft shell design without rigidity
• No padding or dedicated tech sleeve
• No backpack handles
• Not a wheelie suitcase

Duffels are tried and tested bags that are still useful these days. Grabable, packable, tossable, and stowable, for some travelers, duffel bags are the way to go.

#1 Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

Duffel bags don’t have to be foldable to be a great way of transporting kit from place to place, with the Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag an excellent example of this.

Not only does it have all the features of a standard duffel bag – a large main compartment accessed via a large top opening – it also has a set of padded shoulder straps that can be pulled out when you want to use this duffel as a backpack.

There’s also a padded internal compartment for keeping your laptop protected; the tough double zips are lockable, and the materials are long-lasting and durable.

Our team of testers loved the high-quality feel across all features of this duffel. The material felt durable and strong and the hefty zippers with their lockable holes make your gear feel super secure.

• Excellent all-round duffel bag
• Packable padded shoulder straps
• Lockable zips
• Protected pocket for tech
• Has rain flaps but not fully water resistant
• Mid-sized bag of 40 litres
• Rigid construction
• Locks must be bought separately

#2 Peak Design Travel Duffel

This duffle is one of the best travel bags for air travel. It really shines when it comes to internal organization, even though it’s a duffel bag! It includes a compartment for your laptop and chargers, and also comes in a super stylish colorway with comfortable handles and straps.

Our team loved that, unlike many other duffel bags, the Peak Design Travel Duffel had separate pockets for your laptop and general organisation. That left the large main compartment free for bulkier items and allowed for easier access to their accessories.

• 35 L perfect carry on size
• Wonderful design
• Laptop compartment
• Tons of organization
• No luggage pass through
• Straps are not as comfortable as their backpack!
• Only fits 13″ laptop
• No water bottle pocket

#3 Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler comes not only with backpack shoulder straps, but also with grab handles, making this duffel-style travel bag simple to lift, move, and transport. Fantastic, no?

But there’s more! The 40 litre capacity version of the Cargo Hauler comes with an empty packed weight of just 2 lbs, making it a very lightweight travel bag, while 600 Dernier synthetic materials that are also water resistant make it durable and tough. Though there is no dedicated padded compartment for delicate items, the Cargo Hauler does boast a padded bottom section, so you should have little worry when placing your duffel on uneven ground.

Our testers loved how hard-wearing and durable the Eagle Creek duffel bag felt. The thick water-resistant material was durable and well-made, making the bag ideal for carrying outdoor equipment.

• Incorporates backpack straps and grab handles
• 600 Dernier material
• Padded base
• Water resistant rather than water proof
• 600 Dernier thinner than some duffel materials
• No rigid structure
• Not for business travel

#4 Patagonia Black Hole

Patagonia is the doyen of the outdoor market, and The Black Hole series of duffel bags are made with even thicker, more durable synthetic materials than the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler. Each version of these duffels is constructed with a 900 Dernier ripstop nylon material which has been treated in to be highly water-resistant as well as tear-resistant – liquids really do just roll off this bag.

Despite the thicker materials used in these quality constructions, the Black Hole series still offers an impressive balance between usage and weight, with the 70-litre version hitting the scale at less than 3 lbs. It has backpack straps too! Perfect if you want to travel with a checked bag that you won’t be able to carry into the cabin. What’s more, they also offer a wheeled duffel version too.

If our team thought the Eagle Creek was hardy then they were blown away by this offering from Patagonia when it came to durability. Given the quality of the material, they were also impressed by how the bag stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage.

Want something different from Patagonia? Check out the best Patagonia backpacks instead.

• 900 Dernier ripstop construction
• Relatively lightweight
• Come with backpack straps
• Soft shell design
• Not fully waterproof
• No detachable cross body shoulder strap
• Not a guaranteed carry on

These days, lots of people travel with laptops . If you do as well, make sure that you have the right bag to protect. A laptop can be a big investment, and it’d be a shame if it was broken because it was carried in the wrong kind.

#1 AER Commuter Brief 2

Many of our other reviewed travel bags have dedicated laptop compartments of one form or another, but that doesn’t mean a specialised laptop travel bag isn’t useful for expensive tech.

Taking the standard form of a modern briefcase laptop bag, the AER Commuter Brief 2 is made up of durable and waterproof materials and zips. It has a reversible padded shoulder strap for easy transportation and side pouches that can be used for packing water bottles or other accessories.

If you are a bike commuter, you will appreciate the relatively small size of the Commuter Brief 2 – not too bulky – but big enough to carry what you need for the day. You can also easily combine it with a stylish travel purse to keep your documents, passport and phone at hand too.

Our team loved how this bag felt super professional and compact to boot. They felt it was the ideal pack to take on busy public transport into the office or on a business trip.

• Reversible shoulder strap
• Capacity of just 13 liters
• Solely a laptop bag
• Cannot be used as main bag

#2 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

The Tortuga Laptop Backpack is the smaller version of their first laptop backpack – and it’s just as awesome! This bag is a 25-liter masterpiece for anyone looking for a smaller laptop bag that feels and looks great.

The Laptop Backpack has plenty of organizational features including mesh pockets and a secure area for your laptop.

The Laptop is marketed as a laptop bag for those who do a lot of air travel. If this sounds like you, then this may be your backpack from heaven.

One of the standout features of the bag for our testers was the separate compartment for their laptops. Having it away from the main section made them feel like their computers were safer from both accidents and theft.

Read our complete Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review here.

• Minimalist design
• Dedicated Laptop and Tablet Area
• Pricey for 25 liter bag
• Might be too small for some

#3 Incase City Compact Backpack

The Incase brand is known for making stylish business backpacks. This bag is made for people on-the-go and on business trips. The City Compact Backpack accommodates a 15-inch laptop and has tons of options for internal organization.

The bag itself is made out of 300D polyester, and the black option has a triple coated weather-resistant front panel. The shoulder straps are made with breathable mesh, and the back panels are padded too.

The main compartment has plenty of storage space whilst remaining compact for a speedy commute around the city.

Our team loved the organisational features of this bag, from several different sections for keeping your laptop, accessories and main gear, it’s the perfect pack for digital nomads.

• Fits up to a 17-inch laptop
• Padded back panels
• Main compartment expands by 35%
• Zippable laptop compartment makes security checks a breeze
• For minimal travelers only
• No strap to attach to suitcase handle

#4 Kroser Laptop Backpack

Not only does the Kroser Laptop Backpack offer some protection from the rain with its water-resistant qualities, but it also boasts some environmental credentials with its use of environmentally-friendly poly fabric!

It weighs in at just over 1 kg, and consists of several large compartments, with dedicated padded sleeves for laptops up to 17” in size and standard-sized tablet computers.

It also includes an integrated USB charging port, so that you can continue to use a smartphone while it is being charged with a powerbank hidden inside the bag.

Our team were pretty blown away by how high quality this bag felt given the budget price. The material, zips, sewing and water resistance are really top-notch for such a reasonable price.

• Environmentally friendly
• Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves
• USB charging port
• Not for longer journeys
• Does not boast TSA approval

The Nomatic Travel Pack is another superb offering from this brand! We think it’s one of the best day bags due to its size and versatility.

This 20-litre daypack can be expanded to 30 litres, making it extremely adaptable for your trip!

To test these packs, we laid our mitts on some of the best bags to travel with and gave them a good old test drive. Over several trips and adventures, our team members put each travelling bag well and truly through its paces all in the name of scientific discovery, or something like that!

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry gear, so we specifically looked at how packable each one was so you could be sure you’re picking the best travel bag for your needs. Any decent pack maximises its available space and has features for making packing more economical. So basically we packed and unpacked the bags for this test!

Equally though, we also paid close attention to how easy the pack was to unpack – being able to get to your gear quickly and easily was also an area we awarded points for when reviewing these bags.

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

If a pack is overly heavy or awkward to carry then taking it along on trips becomes uncomfortable and ultimately unenjoyable! All the best travel bags minimise weight whilst maximising comfort and storage capacity. So we’ve awarded full marks to those that can tick those boxes well.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its job of holding clothes, gear and other accessories, well, we threw all that in there! We also gave those rated as carry-on compatible the famous “Ryanair test!” For cycle backpacks, we strapped them on and got on our bikes and went for a ride. You get the idea right? 

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look hot AF if it completes its primary function. Well, we’re not those people, hell nah, we’ve got higher standards here. We believe you can look sexy whilst hauling your stuff around the world! So we’ve added extra beauty points!

Durability and Weatherproofing

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we’d run it over with a truck in the middle of a hurricane. But unfortunately, that’s not entirely practical. So the next best thing was the pour a litre of water over it and take it for a challenging trip out.

When assessing these bags we paid particular attention to the quality and hardiness of the materials used, the traction of the zippers, seam sewing and pressure points that often break.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know when looking for the best bags to travel with:

Is it more professional to carry a backpack?

It is definitely not more professional – such a thing doesn’t exist. However, it’s the easiest way to carry all of your gear if you’re out and about on adventures.

What kind of travel bag should I get?

That depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing. For city travel, you can opt between duffels, sling backpacks, daypacks and even wheeled backpacks. If you’re in more secluded areas, there’s no way around a professional and well-fitting backpack.

What are the best overall travel bags?

Check out our favorites: – Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag – AER Travel Pack 3 – Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

How can you keep your travel bag safe?

Simple – buy an anti-theft backpack. The Pacsafe Vibe 25 is protected from the slash and grab tactics of thieves due to its hidden wire mesh, and shoulder straps that incorporate steel wires.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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The Best of the Best Travel Bags Revealed!

Whatever your preferred choice of travel bag, our epic list of the best travel bags has undoubtedly brought the latest and most impressive bags to your attention.

We’ve covered all manner of travel bags in this review, from traditional backpacks to laptop bags and the staple wheelie suitcase. Having scoured the world for the very best, our selection includes some of the globe’s biggest travel brands, but also lesser-known labels we think you should pay attention to! In fact, we’ve covered what we think are all the best travel bags for 2020 and beyond!

Need help packing once you’ve bought the bag? Check out our how to pack your backpack guide for some advice.

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What’s the Best Personal-Item Bag for Flying?

Between finding a carry-on that will fit in most overhead compartments, a toiletry bag or Dopp kit for your tiny bottles of shampoo, and an under-the-seat personal item to hold everything you’ll need for in-flight comfort and entertainment, solving the packing equation isn’t easy. To make things even more complicated, there aren’t even standard regulations for what counts as a “personal item” — as my fellow writer Rachael Griffiths explains here , each airline has its own particular requirements. If you’ve purchased a basic fare on a no-frills carrier like Frontier or Spirit, you’ll generally want to stick with a bag measuring 8 x 18 x 14 inches or smaller (and if you’ve purchased a personal-item-only fare, I’ve written a minimalist packing guide to help you figure out how to travel with just one small bag). On most other airlines, there’s a lot more you can get away with. Below, find advice from stylish frequent fliers (and Strategist staffers) about the totes, duffels, and backpacks they slip over the handles of their suitcases.

The best personal-item tote bags

Yolo Journal ’s Yolanda Edwards likes travel bags that don’t look like travel bags and can therefore be used for everyday sightseeing and shopping upon reaching your destination. Parker Thatch’s roomy totes fit the bill, and while they don’t have a luggage sleeve, Edwards has no problem slipping the handles of this one over her Rimowa suitcase. “And it’s great for going to the farmers’ market once I arrive where I’m going,” she adds.

“I look for a bag that can sit on top of my carry-on, fit a lot of items, and be easily stored when not in use,” says Daniela Velasco, the creative director of Drift magazine. That bag, for her, is Longchamp’s forever classic Le Pliage tote, which flattens and folds up for storage. Strategist senior editor Hilary Reid owns one in orange and is also “always surprised by how much fits inside.”

Is there a more quintessential carry-all than the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote? Writer and influencer Harry Hill doesn’t think so. “As someone who is usually drawn to more uppity travel bags, this trusty tote is a delight because of how unfussy it is,” Hill tells us. “It fits a ton, it’s super-lightweight, and I don’t have to worry about spilling coffee on the vachetta or putting it on the ground.” Hill suggests monogramming your name — or a crude joke, depending on personal preference. For additional customization, “the colorways are constantly changing, so keep an eye out if you have a specific vision for your tote.” While Hill adds that it’s impossible to go wrong, because any L.L.Bean “will make you look like a Kennedy skipping town,” the zip-up version of the bag will give more peace of mind at the airport.

Strategist contributing writer Mya Gelber spent a day asking stylish strangers on the subway about their work bags, and Cuyana’s Classic Easy Zipper Tote was the one she ended up purchasing for herself. So when the brand announced this larger travel-friendly version of the popular bag, I immediately ordered one to test out. Made from soft and slouchy leather, it’s a big bag that can definitely fit an outfit or two alongside your laptop, passport, and other essentials. While it can’t be worn as a cross-body, the tote’s shoulder straps are long and thick enough to be comfortable for long periods of time. There’s no luggage sleeve, either, but this means that the bag can be used more seamlessly in everyday life — it would be an excellent investment for anyone who is commuting gym-to-office.

Sewn in California from leftover sailing canvas, Pacific Tote Company’s bags are similar to L.L. Bean boat totes, except more brightly colored. The company is co-owned by director Roman Coppola (brother to Sofia, who carries Pacific Tote bags on set ) and beloved by bi-coastal film industry insiders. If you work in film and fly between L.A. and New York every other week, you carry your laptop in this pleasingly sturdy bag . Strategist style columnist Chris Black is also a fan .

When she’s not traveling with her Parker Thatch bag, Edwards also likes to use Kule’s roomy totes as personal items. Saturday Night Live ’s Chloe Fineman travels with one of these too, and says it fits both a laptop and extra outfit inside. She adds that the New York brand’s designs are “a little cheeky and a little funny,” as well as a nice reminder of home when she’s on the road.

Here’s another professional-looking, multi-purpose travel tote, as recommended by Strategist writer Lauren Ro. She says it makes a great carry-on personal item because it’s lightweight and custom-designed for air travel, with a luggage sleeve and exterior pockets for stashing chargers and tidbits, as well as a removable crossbody strap.

At least two friends that I know of ended up immediately purchasing a Baggu Cloud Carry-on after I flaunted mine at a destination wedding this past May. Made from weightless but durable nylon, the airplane-friendly version of the brand’s original Cloud Bag can hold a lot of stuff, and the bright colorways stand out in a sea of boring navy duffels at the airport. Puffy shoulder straps make standing in line at security a bit more tolerable, and generous external pockets are handy for stashing a book or water bottle. This bag’s dimensions are actually rather large (14 × 20 × 8 inches) for a personal item, but its bulkiness really depends on how much stuff you pack inside. I’ve taken mine on a personal-item-only Spirit flight with no issues at all, and on longer trips I have also slipped it over the handle of a Samsonite carry-on suitcase using the attached luggage sleeve.

The best personal-item duffel bags

Former Strategist associate editor Louis Cheslaw calls this Patagonia duffel his “ secret second suitcase ,” because its unassuming-yet-roomy interior lets him pack heavy without checking a bag. The Black Hole’s 30-liter capacity is about as large as a bag can be while still qualifying as the “personal item” you can bring onboard with your main carry-on suitcase and slide under the seat in front of you, Cheslaw notes. “Within that capacity, I can easily fit two pairs of shoes as well as a week’s worth of underwear, socks, and thin shirts, relieving a ton of pressure on my suitcase.”

This new-school garment bag, which made our Travel 100 list of the best products to take on the road, can keep a suit or gown unwrinkled while also cleverly storing several other outfits. My fellow Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths loves taking hers on weekend trips with friends, especially when packing satin dresses and pleated shirts for nights out. It’s ideal for destination weddings, and Moonflower wine bar co-owner Rebecca Johnson even took one all the way to Tasmania for a romantic antipodean getaway with her husband. Going ’s travel spokesperson, Katy Nastro, told me that it’s very popular among her exceedingly well-traveled colleagues.

For both carry-on backpacks and duffels, former Paper fashion editor Mario Abad turns to Dagne Dover’s neoprene travel bags. “They’re the best,” he says. “They’re really lightweight, and they’re made of this scuba material that looks sleek and modern and is nice to the touch.” The bags aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, though. “You can fit a lot of stuff inside — it’s a minimal aesthetic, no busy details or anything, just all the compartments you need.” Jessica Morrobel of  Traveling With Jessica agrees that the Landon is an “absolute lifesaver,” and  Going ’s travel spokesperson, Katy Nastro, is also a fan, especially for quick overnights. The duffel comes in five sizes, but medium is the best option if you know you’ll be flying on budget carriers with strict rules.

The best personal-item backpacks

This is my current personal item backpack of choice. It is designed to slip over the handles of a carry-on suitcase, but over Christmas I took it as my only luggage on a weeklong train trip across Turkey and Georgia and it fit everything I needed, including an extra pair of shoes. The neutral design is as appropriate for day hiking and office commuting as it is flying. But the capacity is the biggest drawcard. Creator Jessica Wright of Bon Traveler is a longtime user and says she is “shocked” by how much it can hold. Great for packers who like to compartmentalize, the interior is separated into various sleeves and sections for a laptop, clothing, and tech items. But you can also remove these compartments and just use it as a black hole bag if needed.

My fellow Strategist travel writer Rachael Griffiths prefers this sleek Timbuk2 backpack with even more sleeves and compartments for organizing items on the move. It, too, can store “a week away’s worth of clothes and a fat beach read if you’re strategic,” she says. Which is ideal if you’re traveling personal-item-only .

The “clown car of personal items” is what writer and film wrangler Maggie Slepian calls this top-loading backpack from hiker-beloved brand Gregory. When she used it as her only luggage item for a four-day trip to the East Coast last fall, it fit a laptop, notebook, sandals, running shoes, rain jacket, jumpsuit, two pairs of leggings, two pairs of shorts, several shirts, toiletries, socks, undergarments, five pairs of headphones (over-ear, noise-canceling earbuds, white-noise only, corded for the plane, and AirPods for Zoom calls), and snacks. Her water bottle was stashed in the stretchy side pocket.

Patagonia’s Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack is “a really good bag,” as Strategist contributing writer Molly Dektar observes . Popular among globe-trotting art world types, it can be carried as either a tote or a backpack, depending on the situation, and it folds into its own internal pocket, for easy storage. It is practical without sacrificing style: “Though it is crafted of black ripstop, it does not scream, ‘I hike!’ and though it has a large number of pockets and adjustable straps, it does not scream, ‘I code!’”

Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens is a fan of Patagonia’s Black Hole bags too — but she uses this more traditional-looking one. “ There are one zillion separate little pockets and perfectly sized compartments for things like chargers and night guards and passports and AirPods,” she explains, “as well as slim sleeves for a laptop and magazines.” The bag opens at the top, which means things won’t come tumbling out when you need to grab something. And while there’s a high level of organization happening on the inside, the bag has a smooth exterior: “ I quite like that the outside doesn’t look all that tricked out. ”

Despite fears of looking like a Scandinavian school child or 2012-era hipster, Strategist writer Dominique Pariso is loyal to her Kanken — and she’s not alone among our staff . “This backpack is so light, so compact, and so durable it really is ideal for stuffing under tiny airplane seats,” she explains. “Plus, you can fit way more stuff inside than seems humanly possible given its petite size.”

The best personal-item cross-bodies and fanny packs

Crescent-shaped bags have been everywhere over the past couple of years, but here’s one that’ll stand out from the crowd. Writer and artist Ludwig Hurtado says it’s big enough to fit your phone, headphones, passport, sunglasses, snacks, and even a book or two. And the cross-body strap makes it ideal for travel: “In theory, I love the look of a large tote bag, but when I’m running around the city or the airport, they tend to fall off my shoulder way too easily.” He took his to Paris Fashion Week as well as on a quick trip to Berlin, where it successfully helped him gain entry to Berghain.

On the more affordable side of things, Baggu’s take on the crescent trend is excellent for travel. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and would be lost without it at the airport. It’s comfortable to wear, with a highly adjustable strap and two zippered internal pockets for securing your phone, passport, and wallet. The capacity is huge: I can fit a book and water bottle inside and still have room left over for other items. I’ve machine washed it several times with no issue. And while the bag looks smart, especially in the black colorway, it’s also low-key enough to avoid the attention of pickpockets. Hairstylist Teddi Cranford, who has visited Marrakech five times , says that it’s “essential for the souk,” because you can “just easily grab stuff out and zip it back up.”

Less sporty-looking than the ubiquitous Lululemon belt bag, and constructed from stretchy neoprene fabric that lets you stuff it full if you need to, our favorite fanny pack is perfect for the plane. As Strategist editor Maxine Builder explains, it’s made of “forgiving, easy-to-clean” neoprene, and “it expands a fair bit” so she can stuff more into it.

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The 16 Best Travel Tote Bags You Need to Have for Your Next Trip

Make your schlep chic.

But which option is the right one for you? To get you started on your globe-trotting journey we’ve tested several of the best travel tote bags out there, as well as scoured the web for products with glowing reviews and top ratings from actual shoppers. Additionally, we determined key features to look for including laptop sleeves, convenient exterior pockets, and a few machine-washable options that make maintenance a breeze.

The Best Travel Tote Bags 2024

Best Overall

July everyday large tote.

Most Durable

Away the everywhere tote.

Best Quiet Luxury

Carl friedrik compact weekender.

Best Casual

Quince classic italian leather tote.

Best with Shoe Compartment

Arlo skye the weekender.

Best for Parents

Dagne dover wade diaper tote.

Best Machine-Washable

Baggu duck bag.

Best with Pockets

Lululemon daily multi-pocket tote bag.

Best Foldable

Longchamp le pliage original large tote.

Best Splurge

Rimowa never still tote large bag.

To ensure you’re ready for your next getaway , scroll away to see our top tote picks on the market in 2024. Shop on and take off like never before!

We love this bright and spacious tote, courtesy of July. Made completely out of cotton canvas, the durable bag is machine-washable, and there’s a spot for all your on-the-go must-haves. You’ll find a sleeve for your laptop, which holds up to a 16-inch device and even a holder for your water bottle. There’s also a side band for your luggage handles to easily go through.

A July reviewer says: “Highly recommended. Tote fits everything required for travel with plenty of interior pockets. Great way to travel interstate and overseas with NO checked baggage.”

Leave it to the beloved travel brand Away to create a versatile tote that complements any adventure. It comes in four sleek colors and is designed with durable, water-resistant nylon and a chic leather strap. You can personalize it, too, and know that if you bundle your tote purchase with a suitcase, you can snag $50 off.

This elegant Carl Friedrik bag is the epitome of luxury as it consists of premium quality leather and high-end, nickel-silver-finished hardware. It’s just the right size for small necessities, a change of clothes, and a pair of shoes, making it ideal for the gym or quick trips.

A Carl Friedrik reviewer says: “I use it as my daily driver. I keep gym clothes, additional layer and shoes along side my MacBook Pro and e-reader. However, there isn’t a laptop compartment. The bag usually has about 4-6 kg of weight in it and feels sturdy; and is good to wear with smart and a smart casual look.”

A leather tote for under $100? Now that’s a steal. Quince is known for delivering quality essentials at affordable prices. The bag can carry up to a 13-inch laptop with a separate pocket for your phone. You’ll be able to take it from the airport to sightseeing in no time!

A Quince reviewer says: “I really love this bag. It’s soft, fashionable, looks luxe and is sturdy. The straps are comfortable and there’s plenty of pockets inside. There’s also a keychain strap so I don’t lose keys in the black hole of a bigger purse.”

Introducing the travel carry-on of your dreams. The Arlo Skye weekender is a lot roomier than it seems as it can fit an array of outfits, a pair of shoes, a water bottle, a laptop, an iPad, and other travel accessories. As an added bonus, it’s water-resistant and boasts a two-year warranty.

An Arlo Skye reviewer says: “Pockets in all the right places. Great for a ‘personal item’ to supplement your carry on roller suitcase.”

Moms can’t get enough of Dagne Dover’s diaper tote. There’s a spot for everything a child (or two) could ever need. Each purchase also includes a mini changing mat and extra storage pouches. It can even clip onto a stroller, and there’s a game-changing zipper opening for wipes, so you no longer have to dig around to find some.

A Dagne Dover reviewer says: “I’m not a fan of bookbag diaper bags because I have to search through them to find what I need. This bag is perfect to find things and I can keep it organized. It has enough room for everything for my 3 and 1 year old. I would highly recommend!”

Calling all snack fiends or anyone with kids who are prone to spills, the Duck Bag is the solution you’re looking for. It’s a good-size bag that’s machine-washable.

A Baggu reviewer says: “This is not as flimsy as a regular tote bag. It’s a good quality tote bag... Very spacious and can carry a lot.”

You can’t go wrong with a Lululemon tote bag. It’s a classic silhouette made for any outing with plenty of exterior pocket storage, so you can have quick access to anything from a passport to a water bottle.

A Lululemon reviewer says: “I purchased this for my new job at a hospital. I tend to carry a lot of stuff and this bag couldn’t be more perfect. Lightweight but sturdy and stylish.”

On the hunt for something that can hold a lot but won’t take up much space when you’re traveling? Enter: Longchamp’s Le Pliage tote. It weighs less than a pound and can be folded into the size of a paperback book in a flash.

An editor’s review: “I’ve been carrying my laptop around in this tote since college. Since then, it has made it with me to several countries because of its lightweight structure and it doesn’t hurt that it pairs well with any outfit.”

For a timeless buy, go with the Never Still Tote. It can slide right onto a carry-on suitcase, thanks to its unique strap embroidered with Rimowa’s Cologne, Germany, coordinates. You can rest easy knowing that it has a two-year warranty and has been created with top-notch canvas and leather.

An editor's review: “I grabbed this bag in yellow to match my carry-on suitcase and it basically doubles the amount of storage I have when I travel. The spacious tote also has a separate interior pocket for my laptop and then, I use the rest of the space to house my skincare routine, toothbrush, change of clothes, and more during a flight.”

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

Next up is a buttery, soft tote with space for a laptop as big as 16 inches. The bag is available in a range of colors including new hues like Biscuit, Sage, and Terracotta, and also comes in three different sizes. You can keep it casual for vacation, but most shoppers love dressing it up for the office. To keep all your work stuff organized , grab the useful tote insert starting at $98.

A Cuyana reviewer says: “Absolutely perfect bag for everyday, for work, and for weekends. It holds EVERYTHING!”

Rothy's The Reversible Summer Tote

Rothy’s has a reversible, rope tote made from an eco-friendly hemp blend that couldn’t be a better fit for a day at the beach. It could also work as a night bag when you head back out after the sun goes down. The best part? This tote is machine washable—but just make sure you let it air-dry.

BÉIS The Work Tote

It’s no secret that Béis is leading the charge in luggage innovation, and this work tote is proof. As soon as you open up the bag, you’ll see that there’s a place for everything, and given the headache of traveling, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief when your stuff is organized.

An editor’s review: “When I’m out and about, I’m usually searching for my Airpods, a pen, my water bottle, or my keys. This work tote has cut out the stress of feeling like I’ve misplaced something because there’s a pocket for my water bottle, a leash for my keys, and a removable pouch where I keep all my small must-haves.”

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, Zip-Top (Medium)

Nothing beats L.L. Bean’s canvas tote. Starting out as a bag to haul ice, over the years it has been tested and the brand has found that it can carry up to 500 pounds. In short, it can handle anything.

An L.L. Bean reviewer says: “I’ve been buying these bags since middle school in the late 70s/early 80s and they’ve always exceeded any other brand’s bags. I’m just glad they finally added a zip top years ago...”

Think Rolyn Sporty Spice Pickleball Bag

Impress your pickleball group with this tote that can carry it all. You can even remove the paddle cover portion and use it as a casual travel or day-to-day bag. Our only advice? Act fast as it looks like there are only a few left in each color.

An editor’s review: “Pickleball paddle covers are everywhere, but it took me a while to find a sturdy bag to house my paddle and other essentials. Think Rolyn’s Sporty Spice is spacious, stylish, and works well as a carry-on and a gym bag.”

Marc Jacobs The Canvas Small Tote Bag

This Marc Jacobs tote is both stylish and on sale for a limited time. It’s available in an endless number of colors, and the zip closure up top ensures that it will keep all your small items you pack in place.

An editor’s review: “My best friend gave this to me as a maid of honor present and I’ve been obsessed ever since. It’s eye-catching, adorable, and thanks to its small size, I’ve become much more intentional with what I bring with me. I highly recommend it to adventurers who are trying to pack lighter.”

Why Trust Us?

For more than three decades, ELLE DECOR has covered style makers, trendsetting interiors, and must-have home furnishings. With a focus on the latest design trends and ideas about how to incorporate them into improving your own space, we’re your go-to resource for elevating and beautifying your home. Our team of editors and interior design pros research and review every new article we publish to ensure you have the most up-to-date, expert-approved information.

Isis Briones is House Beautiful’s Senior Shopping Editor, she’ll find the best items for your home at every price point. She also loves to travel, so don’t be surprised if she hooks you up with some travel deals. Find more of her work published in Complex , Architectural Digest , Teen Vogue , and more.

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7 Best Travel Case for Cameras, According to Photographers and Travel Enthusiasts

The perfect bag to keep your camera safe and easily accessible on all your adventures.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall Travel Case for Camera

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

Best Value Travel Case for Camera

Tarion camera backpack.

Best Backpack Travel Case for Camera

Brevite the jumper.

Most Stylish Travel Case for Camera

Lo & sons claremont.

Best Waterproof Travel Case for Camera

More than a backpack waterproof outdoor photography backpack.

Best Carry-On Travel Case for Camera

Tenba roadie roller 18.

Best Shoulder Bag Travel Case for Camera

Lowepro nova 200 aw ii.

To help you find the best travel cases for cameras to protect your gear, the GH Institute experts turned to real photographers, videographers and content creators for their go-to picks when taking their equipment on the road (or through busy airports). The picks below include travel backpacks with padding and dividers made to secure your camera despite bumpy roads and turbulence, as well as carry-on camera cases, purses and bags.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , our team of experts has been testing travel and tech essentials for decades, from must-have travel gear to travel backpacks , portable tablets , smartphones and more. When selecting the best travel cases for cameras, we reviewed each pick for factors like design, materials, weight and extra features like easy access points and extra pockets. Below you'll find the best travel cases for cameras in 2024.

Designed for trips four days or longer, this carry-on size 45-liter backpack is all you need on your next adventure. Not only is it roomy enough to store your camera equipment, but it has enough space for other essentials like clothing, tablets and much more thanks to tons of access points, pockets and straps.

"I carry a lot of differently sized cameras and films on any given trip,” said one photographer. “The inserts they sell for it are great for moving a variety of cameras while keeping them safe and it’s quick to open once you get to a location and start shooting .” Just keep in mind that accessories like the camera packing cube are sold separately, making it a bit of a splurge.

Our pros love that the backpack comes with a luggage pass-through so you can stack it on a carry-on suitcase, or you can store the padded shoulder and waist straps away if you plan on checking. For heavier loads, it even features an expansion zip so you can squeeze a bit more into your bag (45-liter capacity) or you can compress it down to 30 liters when needed. But what we really love most is that the backpack's nylon material is weatherproof, according to the brand, and the bottom of the bag contains a waterproof liner so you don't have to fret too much about where you set it down or what weather comes your way.

Need something to store your new camera and need it quickly? Our pros like this super affordable backpack that you can get on Amazon for under $50 . It features nearly 2,000 five-star reviews, but what makes it so great are its six removable dividers, a tripod strap (if needed) and a 13-inch laptop sleeve so you can carry everything in one spot. Plus, there are mesh pockets on the sides for quick access to umbrellas or water bottles, as well as zippered pockets for accessories.

A waterproof rain cover also comes included should you get stuck in a downpour. "It's large enough for a camera body and several lenses and other stuff!" said one online reviewer. "The sturdy sides make it a good choice to protect my equipment."

You’d never guess that this inconspicuous backpack is actually a travel case for cameras. Compact, lightweight and available in a variety of colors, our pros love that it comes with five dividers so you can configure it to your camera equipment. In addition to the zip-top closure, we also appreciate that a laptop pocket is included along with a quick access pocket so you can quickly snap a shot when needed — and that’s not to mention the passport pocket and hidden pocket.

For those who plan on traveling extensively with it, rest assured that it’s machine washable and even comes with a lifetime warranty. “I like that it has padded compartments that I can customize for my camera stuff but also looks like a normal backpack,” said one photographer. “It just looks good. It’s great when traveling internationally so I don’t draw attention to myself by looking like I have camera gear on me .” For those who need a bit more space, consider sizing up and option for the large model that’s 22 liters.

Lo & Sons Claremont

Travel cases for cameras don’t have to be bulky, unattractive or blatantly obvious. Our experts absolutely love this stylish camera purse made from full grain leather that’s available in four shades. It’s designed to protect a DSLR camera as well as a small extra lens among other essentials like your wallet. (For more compatibility information, you can refer to the brand’s size and fit guide via the product page .)

While we haven’t yet tested this exact model, our fiber scientists like the brand’s oversized weekender bag and expect no less from this pick. We especially love that it’s built with two little pockets for SD cards and a handy zippered pocket to squeeze in a passport. Plus, the straps are adjustable so you can find the best length for your height.

Bring this rugged backpack with you on all your outdoor adventures. Not only do our travel experts love its attractive design that comes in three shades, but we appreciate that it’s made from a water-resistant canvas material and features padding and insulation to keep your gear safe . You can store other essentials like wallets, cash and a phone in its many pockets, as well as a 15-inch laptop. We especially love the side pocket that opens up so you can quickly access your camera without having to take the entire backpack off.

One of our photographers, Philip Friedman , uses this carry-on camera bag for whenever he needs to travel with a lot of camera equipment. Unlike other backpacks or bags featured on this list, the Roadie Roller can fit two mirrorless or DSLR cameras and up to five to six lenses as well as a laptop . For those who need more space, you can also opt for the Roller 21, 24 or other sizes.

According to the brand, this camera case complies with most international and U.S. domestic carry-on regulations, meaning that you should be able to bring it onboard with you but always consult with your airline first. GH luggage experts appreciate the bag’s sleek look and like that a removable camera module is included so you can feel good about packing up your gear, though the bag itself is on the heavier side.

Another Hearst staff favorite, we love this shoulder bag for those who don't like wearing backpacks or may already have one. Because of its design, it should be super easy to access your camera as well as any extra lenses (according to the brand, the bag can fit from three to five extra lenses and up to two DSLR cameras). Though it’s not made for storing many other bulky travel essentials like a laptop, we appreciate that the bag features several pockets, storage compartments and a weather cover plus padding to protect from the elements.

Also notable is that interior dividers are customizable so you can organize your gear however suits you best. "As everyone knows, inevitably the amount of gear we carry expands to immediately fill all available space," one online reviewer shares. "This bag met my goals nicely and it is a very nicely made bag. I love the rain cover feature and have already put it to work when we got caught out in a heavy downpour."

How we chose the best travel cases for cameras

When narrowing down the best travel cases for cameras, the GH Institute product analysts and experts extensively research the most popular picks on the market. We then reached out to photographers, videographers and content creators to learn more about the travel camera cases they use and love and reviewed specs for at least 10 models. To make our final selections, we assessed each pick for factors such as design, materials, weight and extra features like easy access points, extra pockets and more.

What to look for when shopping for a travel case for cameras

Below you'll find tips from real photographers on what to look for when shopping for a travel camera case:

✔️ Material: As you shop for a camera case, make sure that you choose one made from sturdy, durable materials that will protect your equipment. If possible, our pros suggest opting for a water-resistant or waterproof case. "I like something waterproof or water-resistant because you never know what scenario you will be waking into while traveling," says Good Housekeeping's lead photographer, Mike Garten . "No one wanted expensive camera gear to become saturated with rain or spray from a pretty waterfall."

✔️ Type: You'll want to decide whether you prefer a backpack, shoulder bag or a rolling carry-on as your travel camera case. While backpacks tend to be more comfortable, a shoulder bag is a bit easier to access. Carry-ons are a great choice for anyone who needs to transport a lot of equipment at once. ✔️ Design: Pay careful attention to your camera case's design both inside and out. Not only do you want to be satisfied with how it looks on the outside, but the interior organizational features should be customizable and compatible with the gear you'll carry. Look for removable dividers so you can shift things around as necessary. ✔️Access points: Look for several access points if you want to be able to access your camera quickly. "A side access portal or panel is crucial so that you can swing the bag off one shoulder and access the camera quickly to get the shot," says Garten. ✔️ Extra features: Look for extra features that come with your camera case, like zippered or mesh pockets so you can squeeze other essentials in your bag like a water bottle or wallet. Tripod straps are handy as well if you plan on bringing one, and a rain cover can save the day should you get caught in bad weather. "A laptop pocket is great so that you have everything in one," suggests Garten. "If you’re out taking lots of pictures you will likely need to download images onto a computer to make space for more!"

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, outdoor, home and more. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s also a travel enthusiast who evaluates must-have travel gear on all her adventures, including travel shoes , travel electronics and more.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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