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When travelling, there are a lot of important decisions to make. Where to go? What to do? But an important one that often gets forgotten is what type of luggage to take!
I admit, I’m guilty of this as well! At nearly 40 years old, I just finally bought my first set of luggage that I actually put some thought into. Previously, I’d always just grabbed whatever was convenient and made it work (with often frustrating results).
Check out this guide on how to find the perfect luggage!
Types of Luggage
Suitcases come in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles. Finding the right combination can sometimes seem like a daunting task. But don’t get overwhelmed! Having lots of choices just means that you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs perfectly.
First, let’s go over the basics of luggage types.
The size of your luggage is one of the most important choices you’ll make. Having a bag that’s too small will be frustrating as you’ll struggle to fit in everything you need while you pack. But having a bag that’s too big isn’t particularly helpful either as it’s likely you’ll have to lug your bag around to multiple locations when you travel. Most airlines allow a personal item and a carry-on bag in the cabin. Exact measurements vary by carrier, but in general a personal item is approximately 18 in x 14 in x 8 in. Carry-on sizes also vary by carrier, but in general measure approximately 22 in x 14 in x 9 in. Larger bags will need to be checked (possibly at an added expense). Depending on what you’re planning to do in your travels, there may be additional size restrictions—adventurous activities such as safari or Antarctic travel often have additional size and weight restrictions.
The size of luggage is often measured two different ways…the bag’s dimensions (measured in inches or centimeters) and how much it can hold (measured in liters). Though bag manufacturers often only list one of these in the item’s description, the other should be readily available in the specs of the product.
Another big decision is whether to get a hard-sided or soft-sided bag. Hard-sided bags offer an extra layer of protection against all the bumps and knocks that come with travel. However, the added protection comes with a few tradeoffs…hard-sided bags tend to be heavier than their soft-sided counterparts and the hard shell is non-compressible (in other words, you won’t be squeezing it in any tight spaces). Soft-sided bags come as either structured, semi-structured, or non-structured.
Structured soft-sided bags have a full frame which adds additional protection to your belongings without all the weight of a hard-sided bag…however, like hard-sided bags, these structured soft-sided bags lack any ability to be compressed into tight spaces. Semi-structured soft-sided bags contain a frame along one side, offering at least basic protection in one direction and benefits in portability (as the partial frame often includes wheels or backpack straps). Semi-structured soft-sided bags have improved weight and compressibility when compared to fully structured soft-sided bags, but can still sometimes be awkward to fit in some spaces. Non-structured soft-sided bags have no structure, making them the most compressible and often times the lightest choice…however, they offer no additional protection to your items.
What about wheels? Two wheels or four? Wheels certain can make hauling your bag around a lot easier (at least over smooth surfaces!), but they add weight and can be problematic when trying to fit a not-quite-carry-on-sized bag into an overhead bin on an airplane. Two vs. four wheels is an additional decision you’ll have to make if you opt for wheels. Two wheels does limit how you can maneuver the bag, but it also makes your luggage less likely to go rolling down the aisle of the shuttle bus when the driver slams on the breaks.
Don’t be in a rush to buy
If there’s one thing to remember from all this, it’s *don’t be in a rush to buy.* I can’t stress this enough! Sure, travelling is super exciting…and part of the fun is buying luggage to go on your trip. But until you’ve done a fair bit of travelling, you probably won’t know exactly what you need out of your luggage.
When I headed out for my very first trips…I bought *huge* bags (okay, they certainly make bigger ones…but comparatively huge to what I ended up needing) thinking that bigger was better. These large bags made a total of one trip before they were abandoned for smaller options. Then I bought luggage with a million different compartments…only to realize that nothing I want to put in those pockets actually fit…and I’m better off using packing cubes in a less compartmentalized bag. These are my preferences. Others may realize that they bought too small of a bag…or that they need more compartments…or that they like to buy breakable souvenirs and would benefit from a hard-sided suitcase….
So what do you do while you’re figuring out your needs? Consider borrowing suitcases. Luggage is something most people only use a few times a year. Unless your vacations are at the same time, it’s likely your friends and family are willing to let you borrow a piece or two. This gives you the opportunity to try out several different types and see what you like or don’t like about them. Another option is to purchase inexpensive versions until you find the right combination. (I admit, I took the later route…and while it worked for me…I’ve donated a lot of rejected luggage to thrift stores and still have pieces acting as storage [they’re great for storing extra sheets and towels] in my closets. I probably would have been better off borrowing luggage along the way.)
Make a list of needs and wants
When purchasing luggage, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the fancy features offered. And with so many different travel styles out there the perfect combination of features for one person may be absolutely the opposite of what someone else needs. Before starting your search for the right luggage, I recommend making a list of what you absolutely need out of a bag…and additional things that would be nice. Start with the general size and type. Then list absolute must have features. Then the things that would be an added bonus.
For instance, I knew I was looking for two different personal item sized bags. One a backpack. One a messenger bag. A water bottle holder that didn’t infringe on the main compartment space was a must—and it would be nice if it was big enough to fit my 32 oz reusable water bottle. Making sure the main compartment was big enough to fit my laptop was non-negotiable—but it would be nice if there was a padded laptop compartment so that I didn’t have to carry a separate laptop sleeve. Another example, I knew I was looking for a carry-on sized, non-structured, soft-sided duffel. Because I sometimes check my carry-on sized bags, I knew I’d need an easily detachable carry strap—but the option to convert from a shoulder carry to a backpack would also be super handy for when I need to travel longer distances with my luggage.
Think outside the box
To find the perfect luggage, you may need to broaden your search. Even if you’re not a backcountry hiker, rugged outdoor options might have just the combination of features you’re looking for. Even if you don’t have a clue how to ride a bike, bags designed for bicycle commuters may turn out to be perfect.
Research options thoroughly
Thankfully the internet has made researching purchases so much easier! There are countless reviews available online—just remember that a feature that someone else loves/hates, may or may not be important to you (this is where your want/need list comes in handy). Don’t just stop with the manufacturer’s website. Check out travel forums, blogs, ‘best of’ articles, video reviews from consumers, etc. to get an idea of what the luggage is like. Ask friends with similar travel styles for recommendations. If there’s a store nearby that carries a product you’re interested in, take time to visit so that you can see the bag in person (even if you end up purchasing online later). Good luggage is expensive. Make sure you’re buying a bag that you’re going to love!
So what did I buy?
So what did my luggage purchase journey look like?
I can’t remember the last time I travelled with anything more than a carry-on sized bag and a personal item (probably those *huge* first suitcases around 20 years ago!). Granted, I do sometimes check the carry-on sized bag just to make my life easier, but I haven’t really had the need for anything larger. So I knew I’d be looking for luggage in those sizes. I like to be able to mix and match my carry-on and personal item…and my go-to favorites over the years have been a daypack style backpack, a messenger bag, a non-structured soft-sided duffel, and a structured soft-sided rolling bag. I decided to get one of each so that I could pick and choose as my travel plans dictated.
Now for a list of needs and wants. Needs are listed as bullet points, with added wants in parentheses.
Backpack
- Personal item sized (compressible)
- Water resistant (waterproof)
- Able to fit my 15 inch laptop (built in laptop sleeve)
- Water bottle holder that doesn’t compromise main compartment space (able to fit 32 oz reusable water bottle)
- Lightweight
- (Chest strap, +/- waist strap)
Messenger bag
- Personal item sized
- Water resistant (waterproof)
- Able to fit my 15 inch laptop (built in laptop sleeve)
- Water bottle holder that doesn’t compromise main compartment space (able to fit 32 oz reusable water bottle)
- Comfortable to carry (for both one shoulder and cross body carry)
- (Easy and quiet open–no buckles or loud industrial Velcro)
Duffel
- Carry-on sized
- Highly compressible
- Lightweight
- Water resistant (waterproof, dustproof)
- Easily detachable shoulder strap (convert to backpack carry)
- Minimal compartments
Rolling bag
- Carry-on sized
- Two wheels (recessed so that wheels don’t take up extra space)
- Separate space for shoes (waterproof)
After lots of research and comparison (thanks to Outdoor Gear Lab for highlighting potential options that I may have never discovered on my own)….
Backpack: Thule Pack N Pedal Commuter. I love that this bag has a removable laptop sleeve…for great protection when I travel, but I can opt to take it out and lighten the load if I want to leave the laptop at home (or the hotel). The removable rain cover (with associated storage pocket) gives incredible water protection…and, while I’ll never use the built in helmet holder for its intended use, I love that I can fold up a light jacket and store it there instead of taking up space in the main compartment.
Duffel: Patagonia Blackhole 40. I love all my new luggage, but I think I might love this one the most! Heavy duty, roomy, and versatile (so many ways to carry this bag! There’s a basic handle on top [as well as a grab strap on each side] and a pair of shoulder straps that can either be rigged for shoulder carry [one strap diagonally across the bag] or as a backpack!). This bag looks and feels like it will take whatever crazy adventures I can dream up for years and years to come!
Rolling bag: Timbuk2 Copilot. I admit, I was swayed to this bag partially because I found an exceptional deal on a discontinued color (60% off!). If I’d been choosing, this was still the top of my list, but I probably would have bought a medium…instead it was the small that was on sale and the added inch or two of extra space wasn’t worth the added cost to me. I love having multiple ways to access the interior of the bag, the separate shoe compartment (for shoes…or extra stinky clothes), and the mesh dividers that separate items to a specific side of the clamshell design.
Now that you’ve found the perfect luggage, learn how to Pack Like a Pro!
