universal traveller bag review

Frequent Travelers Swear By This Pricey-But-Worthwhile Luggage

Shopping Writer for HuffPost

If you’ve ever found yourself trudging along a busy airport terminal with a travel bag that’s doing nothing but holding you back, it may be time to invest in something that, while expensive, is worth the money.

I appreciate a good affordable product as much as the next person, but there are times when my money-savvy ways led me to spend more in the long run by buying something that costs less, but doesn’t last as long. This is most often the case with bags for travel, which can be incredibly pricey.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve been in touch with tons of frequent travelers, from flight attendants to travel influencers to our very own HuffPost staff, in order to find out what expensive pieces of luggage and bags actually justify their cost.

Their testimonies, along with the help of reviews from other travelers, helped us create the following selection of carry-on backpacks and suitcases, including with larger checkable luggage, that have paid for themselves in traveling performance.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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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.

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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.

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The Best Luggage Brands to Buy in 2024

These are the top-tested suitcases for all of your travel needs.

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.

Our top picks

Best Overall Luggage

Best Value Luggage

American tourister.

Best Carry-On Luggage

Best Luggage for International Travel

Briggs & riley.

Best Under-$100 Luggage

Amazon basics.

Best Luggage for Frequent Flyers

Best Viral Luggage

Best Luggage for Flight Crews

Best Printed Luggage

Best Fashion Luggage

Each piece of luggage is evaluated by experts in the Lab as well as consumer testers on the go. In the Lab, we look at factors like durability, ease of use and more. We also pack each suitcase with a standard load to see how much it can hold and how easy the compartments are to access. Consumer testers come into the Lab to use the luggage in an obstacle course, where they weigh in on handle comfort, wheel performance, maneuverability and more. Finally, we send luggage out with travelers into the real world for firsthand feedback.

You can learn more about how we test luggage and what to consider as you shop — including how to decide between hardside and softside luggage — but first, here's everything you need to know about our top-tested luggage brands.

Samsonite earns our top spot for the best luggage brand because it has a wide assortment for every preference — from business travelers to vacationers — and has continuously proven to be high quality as we've tested it over the years.

In particular, it stands out for its durability and ease-of-use features: There's been no struggling to open and close the cases, and packing them has been a breeze , thanks to the functional compartments that maximize space. It's certainly not inexpensive, but as direct-to-consumer luggage brand prices have skyrocketed, Samsonite's have remained fairly consistent.

Both hardside and softside styles from the brand have excelled in our tests. We've also been impressed by each of the sizes, including carry-ons, checked bags and underseat luggage. Some of our favorite models include the Freeform hardside (pictured here), the Solyte DLX softside and the Stryde Glyder , which is a checked case that's wide instead of tall so it's less likely to tip over.

A consumer tester rolling the Samsonite Freeform carry-on through an obstacle course at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

If you're on a budget or you don’t use luggage regularly — i.e., it doesn’t need to be the most durable and you don’t need all the bells and whistles — American Tourister offers competitive pricing and an excellent variety to choose from . There are a lot of options if you prefer bright colors and fun prints, plus there are cases for the entire family, including a Disney collection . Between the designs and versatile offerings, the models are fun, functional and especially ideal for vacationers.

Just note that while luxury hardside cases are usually made of polycarbonate, American Tourister typically uses ABS plastic, which is more affordable but more prone to scratches. Still, it gets high ratings from online reviewers who note that the bags are surprisingly spacious. Another perk: The brand offers luggage sets for an even better value, especially if you need to purchase multiple pieces. Pictured here is the Pop Max Softside set , which at $150 for a set of three, is less than other single cases.

Away is one of the most popular luggage brands on the market, and our testing shows it actually lives up to its hype. Though the brand has a wide range of offerings, we especially love the hardside carry-on.

It's made of 100% polycarbonate that proved to be durable and lightweight in our evaluations — even lighter than some fabric bags we’ve tested. It was also surprisingly spacious and held a full packing load in our review. The company offers a 100-day return policy on unused items; it also offers a lifetime limited warranty on its suitcases that covers any "functional damage."

Besides the main Carry-On model , it comes in variations like a Bigger Carry-On (which the brand says can hold 20% more) and a Carry-On Flex (which has an expandable zipper). We also love the brand's Everywhere Bag , which is a stylish and surprisingly spacious weekender.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: We Tested Away's Trendy Carry-On to See If It's Worth The Price

An inside view of Away's The Carry On.

Briggs & Riley

Briggs & Riley bags are pricey — a carry-on can cost over $600 — but they come with a lifetime guarantee that will cover all repairs if the luggage ever gets broken or damaged. They also come with innovative features, such as the brand's signature compression packing system. Bags that have this feature expand to let you pack and then compress down after they're filled. In fact, one of our testers said she packed a week's worth of summer clothes for two people into a compact carry-on, and it easily fit into an airline's overhead bin.

The suitcases also use top-notch construction and timeless designs in a range of styles, including hardside, softside, carry-ons and checked bags. The Baseline Global Carry-On Spinner (pictured here in the 21-inch version) has been a selected as GH Family Travel Award winner for the past two years after travel testers gave it perfect scores across the board. Its nylon fabric also aced our Lab's abrasion tests.

The interior compartment of Briggs & Riley's Baseline Carry-On, including its easy-to-use expansion button.

It’s hard to find good luggage for under $100, but Amazon’s luggage does not disappoint. There are softside and hardside styles to choose from, plus garment bags , duffels and more. Amazon also boasts extensive testing to make sure their products will hold up, and though the luggage might not the absolute best quality out there, the price can’t be beat.

We were impressed with its hardside 20-inch spinner carry-on (pictured here) when we tested it on our Lab. Our analysts found it to be exceptionally easy to pack, though the ABS material wasn't as scratch-resistant as other models in our tests. Still, consumer testers liked the maneuverability and wheel performance. This style also comes in two other sizes (24 and 28 inches) and can be purchased as a two- or three-piece set.

This luxury brand is on the pricey side but has timeless designs — from hardside to tweed fabric — that never go out of style. In fact, the brand’s marketing and aesthetics are focused heavily on its heritage. It has been a top performer in our tests, thanks to its spacious interior that's easy to pack and its wheels and handles that make it smooth and comfortable to maneuver.

The hardside cases have earned high scores in our tests — especially standing out for being scratch-resistant, lightweight and spacious — but we also love the softside Legend collection (pictured here), which is made of durable tweed fabric and leather trim.

This fashionable yet functional travel brand was founded by actress Shay Mitchell and incorporates smart features designed to make traveling easier. It also has a stunning aesthetic, including monochromatic color schemes in which the handles and hardware match the case.

Pictured here is the Carry-On Roller, its best-selling case that comes in a range of neutral and fun hues. It was spacious for packing and easy to maneuver in our tests, and though it did scuff during use, it resisted dents well during our Lab's drop tests. Another popular style is its Mini Weekender , which can be used as a personal item that fits underneath the airplane seat in front of you.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Experts Weigh In on Buzzy Travel Brand Béis

The Béis carry-on and compact weekender bag being used as a travel set.

This company was founded by a pilot, and it makes luggage specifically for airline personnel who travel for a living. Still, it's just as functional for business and leisure travelers.

The brand primarily sells softside luggage, though it does have some hardside options available. There’s excellent attention to detail that makes frequent flying easier, like cushioning around the handles for comfort, self-aligning wheels that let you roll the luggage in any direction and abrasion-resistant nylon fabric.

The Platinum Elite softside luggage (pictured here) stood out in our Lab tests. Not only was it durable, but it was also spacious enough to hold our entire load with room to spare. The downside was that it was heavier than others, but it's a fair tradeoff for the top-of-the-line features.

This brand increases the fun factor and makes it easier to spot your luggage in a sea of solid colors. There are adorable animal sets for kids' luggage , animal prints for adults and more. There are also options for licensed teams and art (like Britto, shown here), making your suitcase a playful yet functional accessory.

When it comes to materials, most Heys suitcases are hardside and made of polycarbonate and ABS composite. This means it's mostly ABS plastic but has a polycarbonate coating on the outside for added protection. The brand wasn't the most durable in our tests, it but earned high ease-of-use scores.

Style is certainly important when it comes to luggage — it's an accessory, after all — but you don't want to sacrifice quality and functionality. Calpak's cases are both well-made and have unique designs. Though its assortment is tailored with fewer models than some of the big brands, Calpak still has a wide range of materials to choose from, including sleek hardside polycarbonate, printed ABS/polycarbonate blends and ripstop polyester.

Calpak's Ambeur carry-on (pictured here) was one of our testers' favorites; they especially loved the easy-to-use telescopic handle and metallic color. We also found it to be easy to pack and though it wasn't as scratch-resistant as some others we tested (which is expected for ABS composites), it still withstood dents and damage from our durability drop test.

Rolling TUMI luggage through the airport is like a status symbol; the brand is highly recognized for its upscale products for both business and leisure travelers.

In addition to its suitcases , it makes accessories like briefcases and backpacks and has components that make traveling easier, like an anti-slip strap on carrying bags and an extra hook on rolling bags so you can wheel multiple items at once. On top of that, the brand stands out for its unique service offerings, like repairs and luggage registration to help you find lost bags.

We especially love Tumi's Alpha collection (pictured here is the Alpha carry-on ) with its durable materials and removable garment sleeve. One GH analyst who has been using a backpack in this collection appreciates that it fits more than you'd expect and has a versatile design for travel, work and beyond.

If you’re going away for weeks or just have lots to pack, L.L.Bean’s duffels are roomy enough to stuff in everything you need. There are options with or without wheels and lots of sizes to choose from (the Adventure Rolling Duffel , shown here, is incredibly durable and one of our go-to picks for vacations with kids).

The flexible shape of the duffel also allows it to store easily under your bed, so it’s perfect for college students or anyone tight on storage space. It’s also made of sturdy, water-resistant nylon fabric that's made to last no matter where your travels take you — in fact, one of our experts says it's lasted for years without signs of wear. She does note that it's a little more cumbersome to pull than four-wheel spinner luggage and it's spaciousness makes it easy to go over the 50-pound weight limit for airlines, but says it's perfect for packing for two kids.

Monos says its design philosophy is "less is more," — meaning the bags are made to be simple and timeless to avoid passing trends and high quality so they can stand the test of time. Most of its hardside bags are entirely polycarbonate, though some combine polycarbonate and aluminum for increased durability. They also have useful packing features like wide compression straps to help you fit more in the case.

The Check-In Large was a winner of last year's GH Family Travel Awards because of its spacious interior and maneuverability. Testers said it was easy to roll and they loved the sleek appearance. It's also worth noting that the brand has a 100-day return period so you can get a refund if it's not a good fit.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Here's Why Travelers Love the Monos Luggage Collection

Monos luggage shown in three sizes: Check-in Large, Check-in Medium and Carry-on

Eagle Creek

Whether you’re backpacking internationally or exploring a national park, Eagle Creek gives you both the convenience and durability you need in a bag. Some have various compartments so you can stay organized (or store shoes and dirty laundry separately), and some bags have backpack straps if you need to be hands-free.

We especially love the Cargo Hauler Duffel for shorter trips: It’s affordable, spacious, lightweight and folds up into a small pouch for easy storage. For longer getaways, the Migrate Wheeled Duffel (pictured here) is larger and has two wheels with a telescopic handle. It also opens wide so you can easily access the contents.

Eagle Creek's Migrate Wheeled Duffel, left, being checked in at an airport terminal.

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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Joanne mahkota parade melaka is a…

Joanne mahkota parade melaka is a polite and friendly served customer,strongly recommended to other..i had bought a coat I want

Date of experience : August 29, 2023

Joanne, very good good in service .

Date of experience : August 30, 2023

Fantastic experience!

Ketch Wannan was fantastic! Quick communication the whole time, knowledgeable and helpful, and made everything easy to organise. When my return flight was rescheduled (to a time before I'd even be in that country!) by the airline, they worked swiftly to fix it, including a complimentary stay in a lovely hotel during the layover. Made our first big trip overseas a lot of fun and gave us peace of mind.

Date of experience : March 16, 2020

I went into Universal Traveller to get…

I went into Universal Traveller to get some quotes and ideas about safaris in Ghana and Kenya. I also went to Flight Centre and Hello World to explore my options. Ashleigh from the Central Geelong Universal Traveller store was by far the most helpful and thorough. Not only did she provide quotes on my flights and tour, she also provided quotes on insurance, Visas, accommodation, etc. This is my first solo overseas trip and I feel really confident about it thanks to Ashleigh.

Date of experience : March 02, 2020

Jason and the team at WA were super helpful!

Jason and the team at WA, were a great help with booking our flights to Europe for a family wedding. He went out of his way to help us tailor our flights to our budget and location. Travelling can sometimes cause anxiety and stress but these guys did a great job at answering all of our questions and giving us helpful travel tips and advice, ultimately making our flight ticket searching experience much easier. We will be booking future travel arrangements with these guys for our Europe trip and future family adventures. Thank you so much.

Date of experience : February 28, 2020

Great customer service Jason Nettle!

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Date of experience : March 19, 2020

Jacqueline at the Chermside store was…

Jacqueline at the Chermside store was absolutely fantastic! She honestly went so above and beyond to make sure we could find an itinerary that not only aligned with my travel hopes and dreams but she also worked with me to design an itinerary where I would get the most for my money. I would highly recommend her services to anyone. She really got me excited for my trip and took away so much of the hassle and logistics planning.

Shittest company going around for young…

Shittest company going around for young travellers. Booked prior covid and were aware at the time of the pandemic and hesitated to book as we were unsure to get a refund or if it would stop our flight and promised by the agents that we could if it were to occur. Once flights were booked and pandemic occurred we were unable to get a refund. There customer service is pathetic. Hoped for something better from universal traveller.

Date of experience : October 02, 2020

Hayley and Alex @ Sunshine Plaza Maroochydore

Considering that we had not bought our original ticket from Hayley and Alex @ Sunshine Plaza Maroochydore I cannot speak highly enough of their professionalism and attitude, they were not even open when I first landed on them! They were a real pleasure to deal with AND after Singapore Airlines cancelled two flights and then left me hanging on the phone for 5 hours tryng to find out what was going on Hayley and Alex got us on a flight to london in 24 hours. Brilliant girls..thanks a lot xx Terry & Lyn

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The EASIEST and most stress-free way to…

The EASIEST and most stress-free way to plan travel! This is my second time using Universal Traveller and both times have been a breeze. Response time is great, flight rates are AMAZING, could not get anywhere close to their prices when looking online. Did all the communication for early check-in and late check-out with our accommodation. Suggested and organized the best excursions, just had to show up! I would recommend 100% and I will NEVER travel in Australia without going through them first.

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Minna Chen from Brisbane City branch…

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Highly recommend Kes Moloney

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Lana Treolar from Universal Traveller Marion

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Date of experience : March 14, 2020

Outstanding service from Ketch @Chadstone

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Date of experience : February 25, 2020

Jess Powell was A-mazing !

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Great service and competitive prices

Our travel agent, Nick put up with us changing our plans so many times and still made the perfect and cheapest holiday for us. He was prompt to answer any queries and was excellent to communicate with via email. He also suggested other activities that we might like and gave personal recommendations.

Date of experience : February 23, 2020

I use Ez Yiap every time I travel overseas

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Date of experience : February 27, 2020

Excellent customer service

I can only imagine how chaotic it is with all that is going on at the moment, but I have found that Sophie and the guys at your Pac Fair branch on the Gold Coast really helpful, accommodating and surprisingly easy to get hold of considering! Hopefully we can rearrange my parents visit for later In the year without losing too much money and not involving the insurance companies. We really appreciate their hard work. Thankyou.

Date of experience : March 20, 2020

Extremely satisfied

We're extremely happy with the patience and understanding Trae from the Watergardens store had for us as we planned our trip to the States for later this year. He was knowledgeable and such good help through the process, even though our route changed so many times. Can't wait to plan our next trip with him.

Date of experience : March 05, 2020

Will Kemp from Parramatta went above and beyond putting our holiday together. He is VERY knowledgeable as is the whole store with years of experience. Looking forward to booking many future trips with him (he is also nice to look at).

27 Crossbody Bags You’ll Want to Take Everywhere

By Meaghan Kenny

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

Crossbody bags are an undeniable staple for frequent travelers. They’re supremely useful, with room for essentials like your passport , credit cards, cell phone, and AirPods, and yet still lightweight enough to carry around all day. Plus, with a crossbody bag, your hands are free—which means you can easily snap a photo or look up directions while you’re on the go. We also love how versatile the crossbody bags are, taking you from daytime hikes and city walking tours to evening dinner dates. To help you discover the best crossbody bags to wear this spring and beyond, we rounded up a list of our favorites for travelers, with varying price points and styles. Below, 27 crossbody bags you'll take everywhere, from timeless leather purses and water-resistant camera bags to beach totes with removable straps.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kristi Kellogg.

Shop our top picks:

• Best everyday bag: Madewell The Sydney crossbody bag
• Best leather bag: Cuyana Mini Double Loop bag
• Best for active days: Lululemon 2L crossbody camera bag
• Best clear bag: Uspeclare clear crossbody bag
• Best mini bag : Quince Italian Leather Phone crossbody
• Best designer bag: YSL Lou Leather camera bag
• Best evening bag: Coach Tabby Pebbled Leathered crossbody
• Best day-to-night bag: Kate Spade Knott small crossbody bag
• Best beach bag: Paravel Small Cabana tote
• Best for parents: MZ Wallace Metro crossbody bag

Best everyday crossbody

Madewell sells some of our favorite crossbody bags—they're well-priced, practical, and chic. This bestseller is made of smooth luxe leather and features both a top handle and a removable crossbody strap. Everyday essentials like your wallet, sunglasses, and keys will stay safe thanks to its magnetic closure. This is that perfect wear-everywhere-with-everything bag you'll reach for time and time again.

Best leather crossbody

Cuyana delivers an elevated crossbody that's practical for daily use with the Mini Double Loop bag. The structured piece has an adjustable strap, which you can even monogram in tiny gold lettering, as well as a magnetic flap closure and interior slip pocket. The Italian leather crossbody is handmade by artisans in Turkey. Shop it in core colors black, ecru, cappuccino, dark olive, or stone.

Best hybrid shoulder bag

This elegant bestseller from Banana Republic fits a ton. Its Italian pebbled leather exterior mixed with the slouchy, half-moon silhouette makes it one of the most versatile bags on our list. Whether you're dressed casually for a museum outing or wearing a dress and heels for a night out, this shoulder bag that doubles as a crossbody is the perfect companion. Versatile bags like this are perfect for quick trips when you're only packing one purse to wear with every outfit.

Best water-resistant crossbody

Made of lightweight, water-resistant fabric, this sporty crossbody from Fjällräven is a smart choice for travelers no matter what's on the agenda. It features two interior mesh pockets, a zippered exterior compartment, and a convenient top carry handle. Plus, at $50 it's one of the most affordable options on our list.

Best for active days

If you love the functionality and effortlessly cool vibe of Lululemon's Everywhere belt bag , you'll equally adore its crossbody camera bag. It's ultra lightweight and made of water-repellent fabric. There's two separate zippered compartments to keep items organized and it's available in a variety of colors like brown, wine berry, black, gray, white, and more.

Best clear crossbody

In need of a cute stadium-approved bag for an upcoming concert or sports game? Here's one you'll actually want to rewear. It's clear, compact, and under $15 on Amazon.

Best for day trips

Dagne Dover's 100 percent vegan neoprene crossbody is ultra lightweight and soft—a crucial detail for travelers carrying this bag around all day. It's the perfect blend of sporty and stylish; wear it to the airport, on a hike, or on a city walking tour. There are several interior pockets to keep travel essentials organized and it's just the right size for day trips.

Best affordable crossbody

If you're need of a crossbody for a camping trip, music festival, or last-minute weekend getaway, this simple black crossbody bag is only $20 on Amazon and is eligible for Prime delivery, meaning you can get your hands on it in just two days. It features a long adjustable strap, an exterior pocket for you phone, and a removable pouch for small items like your AirPods or lip balm .

Best for outdoor adventures

Toss your bug spray, sunscreen, or small water filter in this hands-free option that is perfect for outdoorsy travelers. It fits more than you think—and it features a front sleeve pocket and a soft strap.

Best for commuting

You know Athleta for it's activewear, but don't sleep on its accessories, especially this functional crossbody. Its perfect for a theme park visit, shopping day, or commute, and it's roomy enough to fit a whole lot, including your sunglasses, portable charger, and some snacks. Grab it in oak (pictured), teal, green, dark lapis blue, light gray, or black.

Best durable crossbody

Searching for something that's a little more durable? Look no further than the July Carry Me crossbody , a hardshell bag that's both water-resistant and easy to clean. This practical crossbody comes from Australian luggage brand July—known for designing the world's lightest carry-on . The Carry Me crossbody features two deep pockets, snap closures on each side to keep it secure, and a removable strap that when taken off, turns the bag into a clutch.

Best mini crossbody

This small, chic leather crossbody holds just the essentials—your phone, credit cards, and a lip balm. It can be worn day or night and with just about any outfit, making it a worthy companion on any trip. Not to mention, it won't take up much suitcase space at all.

Best slouchy crossbody

Another favorite of ours from Banana Republic is this slouchy leather staple that can be carried as a traditional handbag or as a crossbody. It features an adjustable shoulder strap, an interior pocket, and a clasp closure. Any of its four shades—black, ivory, brown, or yellow—would be great additions to a capsule wardrobe .

Sleekest crossbody

When you want the practicality of a crossbody but the option of a shoulder bag, this stylish leather number is the perfect solution. It has a flat base for stability, an interior zip pocket and card slots, and a thick adjustable strap. Best of all, it'll look good with both casual and dressier outfits.

Best colorful crossbody

We love this sporty, bright green crossbody from Baggu that's ideal for hiking, camping, or concert-going . It has multiple pockets and doubles as an organizational pouch when you remove the adjustable strap. Plus, it's made of recycled materials and is machine washable.

Best hybrid tote bag

The smaller but equally classic version of Madewell's signature Transport tote is the ideal bag to wear over your shoulder for a day of sightseeing. It goes with every outfit, and it's a bag that we've recommended over and over again for its timeless look and practicality. Another major plus: For how well this lasts, it's at a great price point—delivering the longevity of a high-end bag without the hefty price tag.

Best saddle bag

A newer style from Cuyana is its Double Moon saddle bag. Made of Italian leather, this is an ideal bag for vacation: smart, stylish, and spacious enough to store everything you need while exploring a new city center. In addition to its two main compartments, it also features a back slip pocket and a magnetic closure. This neutral color will match just about everything you pack.

Best slim crossbody

This simple, cream-colored crossbody from Tory Burch is a great bag for day or night. Its slim yet surprisingly spacious, making it a practical bag to pack without taking up a ton of space. It's also available in black, lavender, brown, and a gray-beige shade.

Best designer crossbody

Some occasions call for something a little more special than your everyday crossbody—and YSL's take on the camera bag is an elegant affair. It's crafted with calfskin in a matelassé chevron pattern, and has a wide open interior with an interior side pocket. The designer bag is made in Italy and is available in three shades.

Best evening bag

Coach has stepped up its game over the last few years with new sleek designs on its classic silhouettes. One popular style is the Tabby pebbled leather crossbody bag. The sleek, structured look and stylish gold strap makes it great for evenings out.

Best day-to-night crossbody

Versatility is key in a good crossbody bag. Whether you're museum hopping in New York City or grabbing gelato in Florence , this leather bag from Kate Spade has you covered. It's easy to dress up or down and fits just the right amount of must-haves without being too bulky or heavy to tote around all day or night long. Grab it in classic black or white and it will match everything.

Best for the beach

If you're headed on a vacation—especially a beach vacation —this Paravel tote is a must-pack. It transforms into a crossbody with the cabana strap add-on, and is made out of heavy-duty, water-resistant canvas; plus, it has a vegan leather base and accents, and zip and slip pockets throughout. The bag is customizable, too: It comes in two sizes, four colors, and can be monogrammed.

Shop more of our favorite travel tote bags here .

Best sustainable crossbody

This everyday crossbody has been tested to hold up to 50 pounds—and while you're unlikely to ever fill it with that much weight, it's a comfort to know the strap is durable enough to fit all of your essentials plus a little extra. The bag features a zipper closure to keep your items secure and interior slip pockets for cards or your phone. What we love most: As with everything Rothy's, it's sustainably made and machine washable.

Best crush-proof bag

This crush-proof canister-style crossbody is meant to protect your essentials—like a favorite pair of sunglasses, a tube of hand sanitizer, or a fragile film camera you love to travel with—in a lightweight, streamlined design. The water-resistant interior will also keep everything dry, just in case. What we love most, though, is the chic, retro, monogrammable style—nobody will ever believe it's practical, too.

Best for hiking

Whether you're hiking , biking, or heading out for a game of pickleball, this convenient and compact water bottle holder saves you the hassle of lugging around a heavy, full-size bag. My favorite feature is the insulated and water-resistant interior, but it also comes with multiple pockets, a detachable shoulder strap, and a drawstring closure—a nice touch when you're on the move. It's available in more than a dozen colors and fun patterns.

Best for holding your phone

If you're looking for something that holds your ID, phone, and not much else, say for runs, hikes, or walking around a cruise ship, turn to this slim crossbody from Béis. It's available in the brand's signature beige and black.

Best for parents

MZ Wallace designs some of our top editor-recommended sling bags and duffels . We equally love this lightweight, diamond-quilted crossbody bag that's ideal for busy parents or travelers on the move who need something reliable. There's an exterior zippered pocket for easy access to items like your phone or wallet, and the bag is water-resistant and washable.

Ultimate List Of Best Dry Bags for 2022

By: Author Tim Kroeger

Posted on September 27, 2022

Regardless of the type of traveler you are or the various outdoor activities you like to do, then chances are you want to bring various electronic equipment or other items that you want to keep safe from the elements.

Many of us love to capture photographs of our adventures, even if that means bringing along a camera on our fishing trips or sea kayaking to see marine life.

Dry bags allow you to bring along your camera and other items that you need to keep dry without fear of them being damaged by water

In this post, I will help you choose the best dry pack by including a variety of dry bag reviews for various outdoor activities.

The post covers the best dry bags for backpacking, the best dry bag for kayaking, and other outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing.

Table of Contents

Choosing the Best Dry Bags

I highly recommend you don’t go out and purchase the cheapest dry bag you can find.

Whilst there are stacks of fantastic dry bags on the market, there are just as many that will quickly let water in, destroying your precious items.

Before spending your hard-earned cash, you must consider what you intend to use the dry bag for.

1. How much stuff do you want to carry?

Dry bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

There are small dry bags to carry your phone, money, power bank, and a camera or large dry bags to carry everything you need for a few days.

Maybe you are better off with a small waterproof pouch, multiple different sized bags, or maybe you want one large one with various compartments to keep your things organized.

2. Consider the material of the dry bag

Dry bags tend to be made from either nylon or vinyl.

Dry bags made from nylon are coated with a water-repelling coating, usually a type of silicone.

Nylon dry bags tend to be much more lightweight and can easily roll up compactly, ideal for backpackers or those who travel lightly.

If the dry bag you are considering is made from nylon, look at its thread count.  The higher the thread count, the better quality of the bag.

Vinyl is a much more bulky material and therefore is usually made to make smaller dry bags.

One great feature of vinyl is that it can be clear, allowing you to see your bag’s contents. Vinyl bags are also relatively easy to patch if your bag gets a tear.

It is vital that whatever your dry bag is made from is durable.

There is no point if your bag tears on a rock or your kayak whilst you are in the ocean, then your dry bag is no longer a dry bag, and you risk the potential of your items being destroyed.

3. Consider the closure method of the dry bag

The good majority of dry bags are close by a Hypalon roll-top closure.

This is where the bag is closed by rolling the top down several times.  Other dry bags close by a press and seal zipper style closure.

Some dry bags use zippers which is certainly an easy and quick method of closing and opening your dry bag.

However, zippers are not always reliable, and if they break at an inconvenient time, all your items may be ruined.

Another popular method of closure is drawstrings.

Often drawstring closures are used in conjunction with roll-down tops.

4. What will you use your dry bag for?

There is quite a difference between using your dry bag out on a boat or kayak where it will consistently be exposed to waves instead of backpacking, where you are occasionally exposed to the elements.

If you require your dry bag to hold up to the most extreme environments, you need a top-quality dry bag instead of other situations where a water-resistant bag may be enough.

You also need to consider what you are carrying.

If you want to carry your camera, perhaps you need some built-in padding to keep it protected from other items within the bag.  Or maybe you are after a waterproof electronics bag or a simple cell phone dry bag.

Whatever you intend to use your dry bag for will influence the sort of straps and lanyards you should look for.

If you want a large dry bag for hiking or camping, then a backpack-style dry bag would be ideal, whereas if you want a small dry bag to take your camera kayaking, perhaps a lanyard-style dry bag is more appropriate.

12 of the Best Dry Bags for Backpacking and other Outdoor Activities

Now you have some idea of what to look for in a dry bag, let’s look at some of the best dry bags on the market in 2017.

1. SealLine Baja Dry Bag

This SealLine dry bag is a versatile and durable bag offering protection for all sorts of outdoor activities, from river running to motorcycle touring.

These dry bags are made from heavy-duty scrim-reinforced vinyl and close with a dry seal roll-top closure ensuring the best watertight seal possible.  The dry bags have an attached D-ring for attaching to a kayak or other luggage.

The SealLine dry bags come in various colors and sizes, including a 5l dry bag, 10l dry bag, 20l dry bag, 30l dry bag, 40l dry bag, and 55l dry bag.

2. Unigear Dry Bag Sack

Whether you love to kayak, fish, hike, or any other outdoor activity, you will love the Unigear Dry Bag as it will keep precious belongings completely dry.  It’s even ideal for swimming as the dry bag floats.

The polyurethane-coated nylon bags feature welded seam construction providing a high-quality bag at a fantastic price.

Being snowproof, dustproof, and waterproof, the Unigear dry bag provides extreme durability and maximum protection.

This dry bag set also comes with a waterproof cellphone bag offering additional protection.

The waterproof phone case fits all smartphones up to 6 inches. So you can even  text, talk on the phone, take pictures and videos when you are in the pool or the sea. 

The Unigear Dry bags are closed by a roll-top and come with an adjustable strap to carry it over your shoulder or across your chest.  There are 2 sizes available 10l dry bags and 20l dry bags.

3. SKORCH Original Waterproof Duffel Bag

 The SKORCH waterproof duffel bag is the ideal bag if you are after a large duffel size multi-purpose bag.

These bags will keep your gear dry during a range of water sports, including sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and snorkeling. 

You can fit a stack of things in these bags with a capacity of around 40 liters.

Super easy to carry with soft, strong, and wide straps that won’t hurt your hands or shoulders.  This is an ultralight dry bag weighing only 2 pounds.

You just need to read any dry bag backpack reviews to see how popular the SKORCH waterproof duffel bag is.

4. The Friendly Swede Dry Bag Backpack with Laptop Pocket 

This is made of industrial-grade 500 Denier Polyvinyl Tarpaulin to keep items and personal belongings safe from water and other damaging elements.

It’s designed to be highly water-resistant, even during the harshest weather conditions.

With this dry bag rucksack having a large capacity of 33 liters, it’s possible to keep cell phones, clothes, shoes, and other gadgets dry even if you’re walking under heavy rain.

The front pocket is easy to access with a 100% water-resistant Velcro closure. It also has functional add-ons like the reflective details, easy-to-access emergency whistle, and 2 spacious mesh pockets to keep water bottles in place.

The padded laptop sleeve pocket makes sure that your laptop will never get damaged, making it a fantastic waterproof laptop bag. This bag is perfect if you are after the best waterproof dry bag on the market.

If you’re hiking, the ergonomic straps with roll-top closure secure the rucksack on your back. That means you don’t have to worry about the bag slipping in all directions as you hike mountains and forests.

It also comes with ultra-tough PVC that features high-frequency, glue-welded seams.

5. ZBRO Waterproof Dry Bag

For those who want to protect their gear while going on extreme adventures, the ZBRO waterproof dry bag is ideal. It keeps your belongings safe and dry with its 100% waterproof dry sack. 

This dry bag is one of the best dry bags for sea kayaking, fishing, trekking, boating, and other outdoor activities. 

At night, this water-resistant sack stays visible due to the reflective stripes.

Thanks to the outer mesh pockets that hold tools, flashlights, wet clothes, and other essentials, it’s convenient and organized for outdoor activities.

It’s a large dry bag (options include 20l dry bag or 30l dry bag) with plenty of room for all your valuables such as keys, phone, money, and other gadgets on the inner detachable pocket without getting them wet.

The ZBRO waterproof dry bag is also comfortable and easy to carry. It has padded straps to keep your shoulders free from pain and discomfort.

You can simply adjust or remove the straps, which makes you feel comfortable carrying the dry bag. 

In addition, the high-quality rucksack is guaranteed with a lifetime warranty and a money-back guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction.

6. LuckRoute Waterproof Dry Backpack

The roll-top closure with the lock-and-fix sealing technology of these waterproof dry bags provides total protection for any outdoor activity.

Whether you’re bringing your cell phone, laptop, tablet, iPad, GoPro, DSLR camera, or any other gadgets, you can keep them all safe and dry.

Made from durable 500D PVC, this roll-top dry bag is waterproof, snowproof, sand proof, water-tight, and dustproof, making it one of the best waterproof phone bags as well protecting your camera and laptop.

The splash-protected, water-resistant pockets attached to the backpack will help you keep your wallet, ID, keys, and other items within reach.

It is also designed with various compartments, including an inner cell phone pocket and various D-rings for additional accessories.  It also has a removable adjustable shoulder and carries straps.

The convenience and versatility offered by this waterproof roll-top bag also make it one of the best dry bags for camping, mountain climbing, trekking, biking, swimming, rafting, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, yacht riding, and other physical activities.

The reflective tape makes it visible even during the darkest of nights. As a result, you can easily find it when your backpack gets misplaced in the middle of the night.  It can also be used as an emergency flotation device.

This dry backpack comes in either 10l or 20l capacity.

7. Acordo Waterproof Dry Bag

The Acrodo clear waterproof bag is here to help you make sure your valuables are dry and undamaged, even during extreme weather such as heavy rain or snow. 

This heavy-duty dry bag is made with premium and durable materials that can resist wear and tear.  This dry bag is ideal for the harsh conditions present during fishing, hiking, boating, and kayaking.  

It is even a floating dry bag if you leave some air inside the bag.

This is a clear dry bag with transparent material making it super easy to locate your valuables easy. You don’t need to ransack your bag just to find your wallet or keys. 

The handle and shoulder strap is designed for easy carrying.  If you are looking for the best dry bag backpack, you will love this bag.

8. Sak Gear Premium Waterproof Dry Bag

The durable, water-resistant fabric of the all-new Sak Gear dry bag makes it a great dry backpack. It protects your valuables and gear from the elements such as water and sand. 

This bag is made from heavy-duty 500 D fabric with vinyl coating for ultra watertight protection. The welded seams effectively seal out snow, dust, sand, mud, and water.

This is a roll-down top dry bag and has a  detachable, adjustable nylon strap for comfortable carry.

Other features include a small exterior splashproof pocket and  reflective strip for nighttime safety. 

The Sak Gear dry bag comes in 2 sizes – 10 liters and 20 liters.

9. KastKing Dry Bag

The KastKing dry bag is waterproof, dustproof , sand proof, and snowproof, perfect if you are after the best dry sack. This is the perfect waterproof hiking bag, canoeing, kayaking, boating, or waterproof fishing bag. 

It is extremely durable, being made from tough 500D PVC.  This KastKing dry bag will keep your valuables clean and dry throughout your trip.

You will love the transparent window panel, making it so you can easily see which item you need without unpacking the entire bag.  The bag also has an adjustable strap for easy carry.

Water can never get in because of the water-tight double overlap roll-top.

This dry bag is the perfect waterproof camera bag and cell phones, travel essentials, and gear equipment. Tough and durable 500 D PVC material to resist water, dust, and other elements that may damage your valuables. 

This KastKing dry bag also serves as a supplemental survival flotation device. This waterproof floating bag will float when air is sealed inside, making it a great submersible dry bag.  

Yes, this bag is even a waterproof bag for swimming.

The KastKing comes in 3 sizes – 10 liters, 20 liters, and 30 liters.

10. MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag

If you are looking for the best dry backpack, you will love this bag made from 500D RipStop tarpaulin , making it durable and lightweight for any outdoor activity.

It is specifically designed to resist snow, sand, mud, and water and has a strong welded seam designed for longer functionality. In fact, this dry bag can withstand harsh weather conditions, wear and tear, and even puncture.

It’s the best solution for extreme adventures without the fear of water penetration and elements exposure.

This is a fantastic kayak dry bag, dry bag for swimming, waterproof bag for beach activities, and other water activities.

The durable roll-top closure mechanism ensures ultimate security from water and mud. It is even a waterproof submersible bag – you can even submerge it in the sea without getting your valuables wet. 

The MARCHWAY dry bags are the perfect mid-size, coming in various sizes, including 5l dry bag, 10l dry bag, 20l dry bag, 30l dry bag, and 40l dry bag.

11. Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Looking for a reliable dry bag to meet your outdoor adventure needs?

Look no further because the Earth Pak water-resistant backpack will help your valuables remain dry despite the muddy, watery conditions of the environment.   Made from 500D PVC, these dry bags provide fantastic durability.

The smaller bags come with a single shoulder strap, while the larger ones carry double backpack straps. 

All bags are closed by the roll-down method and come with a small waterproof phone bag, so you can easily keep your mobile device inside the bag without getting it wet.

Backpackers will love the IPX8-certified cases. It can fit various sizes of cell phones with snap-and-lock access.

Also, the dual-sided clear windows conveniently allow you to take photos even if the case covers your phone. 

The Earth Pak Waterproof dry bag comes in 5 different sizes – 10 liters, 20 liters, 30 liters, 40 liters, and 55 liters.

12. Ultra Dry Premium Waterproof Bag

Protect your gear from water and other elements every time you go outdoors with this premium 20-liter waterproof bag. It is lightweight, sturdy, and durable, with comfortable straps for easy carry.  

These durable bags are made from pure grade Y7.5mm thick 500D waterproof polymer – designed to keep your gear safe in the harshest conditions. 

Whether you need a waterproof kayak bag, the best dry sack for backpacking, waterproof sailing bags, hiking dry bags, or any other outdoor adventure, this bag will give you the ultimate protection. 

Just roll down the top of the bag 3- 4 times and connect the buckle.

For added comfort, the extra-long double backpack style straps can be removed or adjusted. 

Additional features include the metal caliper to secure your keys or attach the bag to equipment and a premium quality waterproof phone case.  Lastly, this dry bag comes with 365-day customer care to ensure that you get your money’s worth.

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• About the Author

Tim Kroeger is a seasoned professional in International Tourism Management, specializing in Luxury Adventure Travel , Luxury Hotel Reviews , and Tourism in Costa Rica .

Expertises: International Tourism Management, Tourism in Costa Rica, International tourism advertising, Adventure travel, Luxury Adventure Travel

Protect your trip: With all our travel experience, we highly recommend you hit the road with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers flexible & reliable Digital Nomads Travel Medical Insurance at just a third of the price of similar competitor plans.

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Thank you for this article! It is so incredible helpful and thorough. I will definitely be using your suggestions .

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4 Useful Tips from Universal Traveller on How to Travel Like a Pro

Travelling is always exciting, educational and eye-opening. However, holiday goers still need to ensure they have the right essentials for a safe, worry-free and comfortable trip no matter where they go, be it an adventure to Nepal or a romantic escapade to Paris. Here are some basic tips from Universal Traveller on how to travel comfortably and in style without burning a hole in the pocket , giving you a chance to save and spend on souvenirs like the Eiffel Tower keychains for friends and family.

1 Choose Your Luggage

Big enough to hold all your essentials, your suitcase also needs to be sturdy and durable. If shopping is involved, the stylish navy, red velvet or blossom pink Urbanlite Ledge 28-inch luggage is big enough to stash your haul. For the adventurous, the versatile Urbanlite Ray luggage is perfect. It has 360-degree spinner wheels for a fluid motion across different terrains, and will not wake the neighbourhood up when you lug it across cobblestones at midnight. With a premium quality combination lock, your belongings are kept safe and protected.

2 Get Organised

You will be amazed at how much space you can save with different packing methods. Globetrotters have shared tips on how to pack neatly, some suggesting to fold and pack your clothes standing upright so you can include more pieces. Alternatively, packing organisers like the vacuum bag or pretty-looking packing cubes from Universal Traveller will help organise your clothes and accessories into smaller bags. This allows for quick access to things in the suitcase without having to take everything out and exhibiting them to the world.

3 Keep Warm

If you are visiting a cold country, getting the right winter clothing is a must. Find cosy ones and still look fashionable like the down jackets that are light-weight and insulated with down feathers, winter coat or floral embroidered knitted sweaters for Insta-worthy pictures. If it is a family affair, you can always match winter accessories with your children including gloves, cute winter hats and wool socks. Your travel dates may only be in December but be a smart shopper and get them now at off-season prices. Why wait till winter to buy those warmers and pay premium for the same item? Plus, you also get to receive free gifts such as garment bags or earmuffs when you purchase now.

4 A Click to All Your Travel Needs

Save the hassle of driving around looking for your travel essentials because you can get them all from Universal Traveller’s official store on Shopee. From travel adapter, outdoor backpacks, locks, and pouches to snow boots, shoe bags, heat packs, luggage scales and children’s luggage, they are just a click away.

Universal Traveller Super Brand Day on Shopee  | May 13 – 17, 2019

Universal Traveller will be having its first Super Brand Day on Shopee on May 16, 2019. The celebrations, however, will kick off May 13 and end May 17 with thematic days so Malaysians can enjoy crazy discounts up to 70%, deals and exclusive offerings.

• Daily Shocking Sale – get deals from as low as RM99 on luggage;
• Daily Happy Hour – receive 30% off from 8pm to 11.59pm with additional surprises on 16 May 2019;
• Daily Super Voucher – enjoy 15% with minimum spend of RM180;
• Today only Deals – grab attractive deals, vouchers and giveaways that will refresh every day;
• Shopee Live – watch the live stream on Shopee app at 8.30pm to learn more tips and tricks on how to be a stylish jetsetter, and stand to receive vouchers from Universal Traveller;
• Free Shipping – enjoy free shipping storewide, especially on luggage without any minimum spend.

Trendsetters and globetrotters can get their hands on the much-loved Airways, Jean-Francois and Urbanlite, Universal Traveller’s online exclusive brand. Own a two-in-one set of its bestseller Urbanlite Ledge or Urbanlite Ray hard case luggage, which is a Shopee exclusive.

Check out the Universal Traveller Super Brand Day on Shopee at shopee.com.my/m/super-brand-day .

Read also:  5 Tips for a Hassle-free Travel During The Festive Season

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Universal Traveller SG

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Universal Traveller   Reviews

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Kelly is an absolute pro

Kelly at Universal Traveller Shellharbour is an absolute pro. Keeping us in the loop with the right specials for what we wanted and willing to make different, well researched suggestions we hadn’t thought of. Thanks Kelly, you are an asset to your customers!

Date of experience : 22 February 2020

Stephanie - Miranda store

Stephanie was amazing. She not only booked both our original flights. But was able to book flights for us to return during a time where airports were closed and travel was limited. During the corona virus pandemic it was a relief that Stephanie was able to assist us when we needed it most. This was in addition to everyone else who needed return flights during the crisis. On top of this, Stephanie contacted us to see how we were when we returned. We cannot thank you her enough and will always highly recommend her.

Date of experience : 30 March 2020

Andy was amazing

Andy was amazing - I’ve tried to book this trip to South America for months and couldn’t get it anywhere close to the pricing and for it to make as much sense as he did in the way of where we’re going. Will definitely be coming back to plan future trips with him

Highly recommend Mick Davies at Indooroopilly

Mick has helped my partner and I immensely in booking our trip to Europe. As it is our first trip overseas together we were both initially feeling quite anxious and lost, however, Mick quickly turned the planning process into an absolute joy! Mick got us an excellent price on flights that no other travel agent has been able to match and has also pointed us in the right direction for some great affordable accomodation. Mick has been so helpful in answering all of our questions and has put my mind at ease with our upcoming travel plans. As we are young, it is great that we have been able to find a travel agent that we trust, who also has heaps of firsthand travel experience. We will definitely be back!

Date of experience : 24 February 2020

Their customer service suck..

Their customer service suck.. Received wrong item, email them called them, and whatsapp them Not even received a single respond back

Date of experience : 22 May 2023

Best customer service!

My mother and I were served by a bubbly, knowledgable and compassionate young lady named Amy Scothern. She’s the most friendliest and kind-hearted sales representative at your werribee store! We were one of those usual annoying customers, but Amy did her best to accomodate us, she was so professional and extremely patient throughout the entire exchange, even going so far as to stay back after hours to help us out. She went above and beyond, she is truly an asset to your company!

Date of experience : 05 March 2020

Darcy was AMAZING!

Darcy from The Marion Store was so so helpful and answered any questions we had to be the booking process easier! With the booking it was good to have someone who was looking for the best flights for us possible and for a reasonable price too! I would recommend that if you are under 30 and looking for the best possible flights then this would be the place to go. If you’re in The Adelaide Area then go to Westfield Marion and visit Darcy in universal travel!

Date of experience : 07 March 2020

Fantastic Service

What a pleasure dealing with Molly again. As always very helpful, efficient, making it easy to book travel. Definitely one of the best to book through. It is wonderful to receive such amazing service would highly recommend to all travellers.

Date of experience : 04 March 2020

Our agent Michael Davies worked…

Our agent Michael Davies worked tirelessly to get us a great tour and flights at great prices. Now, due to the global upheaval of the Chinese Virus, he is working tirelessly to help us with cancellation and refunds The whole team at Universal have always acknowledged us when we’ve been in store and have been kind

Date of experience : 01 April 2020

Emily was very efficient

Emily was very efficient, happy to help and made me feel valued. I put a similar request into another travel agency and am still waiting on certain information back, I didnt get exactly what i wanted but her explanations and alternatives were great. Would recommend her to others.

Date of experience : 12 March 2020

Elly is awesome

Elly is awesome - she is professional and prompt and personable- I keep coming back because of Elly ! Also - when things go bad ( silly Jetstar) she stays late and supports as necessary to ensure good customer service. Elly is excellent !

Date of experience : 25 February 2020

Wow where do I even begin

Wow where do I even begin! My consultant was Elly A and I can’t thank her enough. Firstly she was very proactive in contacting me and helping me to book a flight. She was very responsive and helpful if I had a question. Also she price matched a cheaper price! Definitely worth using this company as they really want to help.

Date of experience : 26 February 2020

Great service

When I walked in I was greeted straight away. She was lovely and kind, asked good questions to help me book my honeymoon trip to Canada. Any questions I had she answered them to a satisfactory level, and look forward to speaking to her soon once flights are released for next year.

Date of experience : 11 March 2020

amazing stress free

Amazing we have been using universal traveller since it was student flights about 7 years now the team in Tasmania were amazing but sadly the store closed so we started using Knox Melbourne fantastic they go the extra mile to help and in stressful situations eg. someone sleeping through their departure they made it easy they took the stress so I didn’t have to keep up the great work

Always amazing service from the Utrav Whitfords team!

Have been booking with this store for years and will continue to do so as I always get amazing service from any of the team members I speak to. Steph was super efficient, made the booking process nice and easy and was super fast to respond to my questions. Thanks Steph!

Date of experience : 14 March 2020

My 'go to' travel agent

My 'go to' travel agent. I have been dealing with Brent Ephraims for years, and I always go straight to him for any travel plans. To date he has always given me excellent personal customer service and great deals.

Date of experience : 23 February 2020

Jayden Schwarze is a Star!

Jayden Schwarze is a Star!! Great prices and super reliable. Always available on the phone and able to organise a trip with 7 people who couldn’t make up their minds!! Definitely recommend Universal Traveller Watergardens Purely based on Jayden’s expertise

Date of experience : 28 February 2020

Kristy is the best

Kristy zammit is the best. Only agent i would let book my holidays. So glad she messaged me on Facebook a few years ago after i had commented on a contiki post. She actually cares and doesn’t stuff you around and she gets back to you almost instantly

Exceptional service from Andy Behne (Indooroopilly)

Andy Behne from the Indooroopilly team was nothing short of exceptional in his dealings with me. I'm actually from Sydney but called after hours so I was redirected to his office. He listened to exactly what I needed and had provided a competitive quote within just a few minutes. He was so patient with me (I was in a bit of a pickle that required a relatively long explanation) and gave me multiple options to choose from. What makes my experience even more noteworthy is that I found out part way through the call that his office was actually closed already and that he was working back to help me. But it doesn't stop there - he even contacted me that night around 8pm (once he'd gotten home) from his mobile to see if he could do anything else to help me. It's that kind of unexpected service that makes you just say.. wow. Andy, thank you so much for the time you gave me and I'll certainly be referring people your way if they ever need help with a trip!

Date of experience : 10 March 2020

Trae was very knowledgeable and supportive

Trae was very helpful, knowledgeable and approachable throughout our travel booking experience. He provided first hand knowledge and advice about the areas we are travelling to. Will definitely be returning to book again with Trae.

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Best Overall Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Upgrade Pick Zendure Passport III Read more

Budget Pick Epicka Universal Travel Adapter Read more

Best Travel Adapter Set Ceptics Adapter Plug Set for Worldwide International Travel Read more

Whether you’re planning a country-hopping odyssey or a quick business trip, your journey will go more smoothly with the right kit. That includes good travel adapters so you can safely charge all of your gadgets wherever you land. We’ve tested several, and our favorites below will work in most parts of the world.

Adapters make great gifts for travelers , and be sure to check out our roundup of other travel essentials if you’re a frequent flier. Don't forget to pack USB-C charging cables .

Updated May 2024: We added the Satechi 4-Port GaN Travel Charger, Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station, and Ceptics 2000W Travel Voltage Converter, added a new tips section, photos, and updated prices.

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Best Overall

Jet off to more than 200 countries with this compact adapter in your luggage, and you can charge up all your gadgets. The classic slider design pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs, and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia and China. I appreciate how securely the plugs lock into place, and you must press a side button to retract them. You have a universal input socket, and Ceptics has included three USB-A ports on the bottom and two USB-C ports on the side. The USB-A ports can deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, while the USB-C ports offer up to 18 watts (one PD and one QC 3.0).

The main problem is the lack of any grounding, which is meant to reduce the risk of an electrical shock if there's a fault, such as a loose wire inside a device with a metal case. ( This video explains grounding really well. ) Thankfully, there's overload protection with an 8-amp fuse, and it comes with a spare, but you should not use this adapter with any device that has a third metal ground pin on its plug.

Upgrade Pick

Zendure's all-in-one travel adapter is what I toss in my bag first for every trip. It has a boxy design with sliding toggles to switch between US, European, and British plugs. (It covers more than 200 countries.) There’s an auto-resetting fuse to protect your gadgets from power surges, and the Passport III has a 10-amp limit. The latest version also sports a funky, translucent design with a metallic finish (purple is best). Sadly, there's no grounding, so you shouldn't use this adapter with any device that has a third metal grounding pin on its plug.

There are four USB-C ports alongside a single USB-A port and an AC socket, so you can charge six devices simultaneously. Using gallium nitride technology, Zendure was able to increase the power output of the USB-C port to 65 watts, capable of fully charging a 13-inch MacBook Pro in under two hours. That means you can leave your laptop's charging brick behind (if it charges via USB-C). There’s support for the Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) standards (Samsung uses PPS in its flagship range), so it can fast-charge almost any phone or tablet. This travel adapter will satisfy even the most gadget-laden of travelers.

★ A Good Alternative : The OneWorld 65 ($69) sports a very similar design, the same 65-watt charging rate, and support for more than 200 countries. But it has three USB-C and two USB-A ports. It comes in white and has a 10-amp fuse with a replacement included. WIRED readers can also get a discount with the code OneWorld65_15%Off .

Budget Pick

With the capability to work in more than 150 countries, this affordable adapter from Epicka will do the job for most people. It has sliders you push to reveal the three most common international plugs—EU, UK, and US—and you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia or China. This plug can recharge your power-hungry devices, like laptops and camera batteries, but there are four USB-A ports on the bottom and a 15-watt USB-C port on the side for phones, tablets, smartwatches, and Kindles. It’s not as well constructed as our other universal adapter picks, but it's much cheaper.

Once again, there’s no grounding here, so don’t plug devices with a third metal ground pin into this adapter, but there is an 8-amp fuse for safety, and it comes with a spare. It is also certified by RoHS, CE, and FCC.

Best Travel Adapter Set

Universal adapters don't always work properly everywhere, and most do not have any grounding. The cheaper and more reliable alternative is to buy individual adapters. This international set from Ceptics is our favorite. It includes five types to cover most of the globe, and they are properly grounded. If you’re visiting only a single destination, just pack the relevant type. None of these adapters have any kind of USB ports, so you will need to bring the respective charging adapter for your gadgets.

This set is especially good for Europe, because it includes Type C, E/F, and G adapters (more on this below), so you’re covered for any socket. Ceptics offers an even cheaper and smaller five-piece set, but we don’t recommend it. The adapters are flimsy, there’s no grounding, and the European plug's design doesn’t work well with the recessed sockets you will sometimes encounter.The drawback of plug adapters is that they’re easy to lose, but at least Ceptics includes a small bag for storage.

Extra Outlets

What I love about this sturdy, compact plug adapter is the lack of sliding pins or moving parts to worry about and that it stays put in the outlet. Offered in several versions (Type C, Type E/F, Type G), it enables you to charge up to six gadgets. I’ve been testing the Type G model in Scotland, and it plugs into a single outlet to give you three US outlets, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. The USB-C can put out up to 15 watts, and the USB-A ports are limited to 12 watts, not especially speedy but fine for overnight charging. The adapter is grounded and has various safety features.

On the downside, it can be tough to make use of all the outlets simultaneously as larger plugs, like the MacBook power adapter, tend to block one of the other US outlets. It does not offer surge protection, and the Type G adapter maxes out at 3,250 watts (250 volts, 13 amps), while the EU versions top out at 2,500 watts.

For Charging Everything

This kit includes multiple plug attachments that slide and lock into place to keep you powered across most of the world. It is much larger than the average adapter, but provides two grounded US AC outlets. There is also a built-in USB-C cable, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. The USB-A ports and built-in USB-C cable offer a combined maximum charging rate of 15 watts. The PD USB-C ports go up to 20 watts each. The top charging rate for all of them simultaneously is 55 watts.

There is built-in surge protection, but this is not a voltage converter, so don’t go plugging in hair dryers or other electronics that are not dual voltage. While the two AC outlets are handy, they are close together, so the shape and size of some plugs can make it tricky to use both. But with the ability to charge up to seven devices, this kit is handy. We also like the original Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit ($35) , though it lacks the two USB-C ports.

Fast Charging

With a familiar sliding pin design, this adapter also covers more than 200 countries. Taller and heavier than our top pick, this is OneAdaptr’s most powerful release to date, and it employs gallium nitride technology to deliver up to 100 watts. Aside from the universal AC outlet, you will find two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports on the bottom. Both USB-C ports offer 100-watt charging, and both USB-A ports are 18 watts, but 100 watts is the maximum in total, so when you plug in multiple devices, it divides between them.

Almost every charging standard you can think of is supported, including PD 3.0, QC 4+, FCP, SCP, AFC, PPS, and more, so there’s a good chance you can charge your phone at the fastest rate possible. There is no grounding, so don’t plug in any gadget with a third metal pin. But there is a 10-amp fuse with a spare included, and this adapter conforms to IEC 60884, CE, and FCC standards. If you want more power or feel you can make do with less, we also tested and liked the OneWorld135 ($109) and the OneWorld30 ($39) .

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr’s range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders, and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

Safest Option

The OneWorld PD has sliding toggles on the side that cover the US/Canada, the UK, and Australia/China, and you can pop out a much smaller stand-alone European adapter. It promises to work in more than 150 countries. There are three USB-A ports on the bottom as well as a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery and Quick Charge 3.0 to deliver up to 18 watts. That's enough to fast-charge most phones and tablets, not so much a laptop. You can plug in your laptop's AC charger to speedily juice it back up, but that means carrying the heavy charging brick around.

What sets the AC plugs apart is that each one is earthed. Most universal travel adapters offer two-pin US plugs and make the third pin on the UK plug plastic, but the OneWorld PD provides fully grounded connections for every plug type to protect you from the risk of shock due to faulty wiring. It can handle up to 10 amps. Over-current protection automatically shuts down the power if there’s abnormal usage, and it resets via a button on the top. The rare British Standard 8546 compliance guarantees that the OneWorld PD has been fully tested and is one of the safest travel adapters you can buy. The downside? It's frequently out of stock.

Note : We have tested OneAdaptr's range extensively and found they work well, but the company has had issues fulfilling orders and we are concerned about the volume of negative reviews online. The company assured us that it has recently taken steps to improve fulfilment and customer service and we will continue to monitor the situation.

For Wired Charging

Most of us only take small gadgets when we travel, so a compact, multi-port wall charger, like this one from Satechi, could be the best way to pack light. It plugs directly into the wall and comes with four interchangeable travel adapters, covering the EU, UK, and Australia, with a mesh bag to store them in. There are four USB-C ports that you can plug your gadgets into, including laptops like the MacBook Pro, tablets, phones, and wearables. With support for Power Delivery 3.1, the first two ports can supply up to 140 watts, and the bottom two ports can supply up to 45 watts, but the total maximum output if you use all four ports simultaneously is 145 watts.

We took this on a recent trip for a wedding, and it kept all of our gadgets topped off. The adapters are very easy to slide on with a quick-release switch, and it was a real space saver. The only downside is that the bulk and weight may prove awkward at some outlets.

For Wireless Charging

A few of the best wireless chargers can be good choices for travel. This modular system from RapidX is compact and capable of wirelessly charging two phones at up to 10 watts each, which makes it a good option for couples or families. The beauty is that you can add or remove pods, and a single charging cable can power up to five. They snap together magnetically and pull apart for easy packing. You can also get additional phone pods ($13) , and there’s a version with a phone pod and an Apple Watch pod ($30) .

You get a 30-watt US power adapter and a 5-foot USB-C cable in the box, so you will still want a travel adapter to pair with this system. If you plan to add pods, you will want a more powerful adapter. (RapidX recommends 65 watts or above for three or more devices.)

For Apple and Qi2 Devices

Incredibly compact when folded flat, Anker’s MagGo 3-in-1 can charge up your iPhone or Qi2-certified phone at up to 15 watts, has a second pad for AirPods or other wireless earbuds, and sports a fold-out Apple Watch charger. You get a USB-C cable (around 5 feet) and a wall adapter with it, but pair it with something like the Zendure or Satechi above that can provide at least 40 watts, and you can leave the wall adapter at home. Only MagSafe iPhones and Qi2-certified Android phones have the magnets needed to use this as a stand, but I had no trouble charging an older Android phone by folding it flat (Qi2 is backward compatible). We recommend this Anker charger for travelers in our guide to the  best Apple 3-in-1 wireless chargers .

International Plug Types and Universal Adapters

There are 15 plug types in use across the world. Type A and Type B are used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Japan; Type C is common across Europe, South America, and Asia; Type E and Type F are found across Europe in places like Germany, Russia, and France; Type G is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a handful of other places; and Type I is used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Argentina. Universal adapters tend to cover all of these types.

Some countries are not usually covered by universal adapters, such as India ( Type D ), Israel ( Type H ), and South Africa ( Type M or N ). You'll need to buy specific plug adapters for those places. To avoid any surprises when you land, double-check what type you need before you travel.

If you're visiting just one destination, a basic plug adapter that caters to one plug type is all you need. For trips to multiple destinations or for frequent flyers, a universal travel adapter can prove more versatile. The universal adapters we recommend here have the bonus of including multiple USB ports for charging several mobile devices from a single outlet.

A Word on Voltage Converters

Voltage converters are big, heavy, and expensive, and they don’t always work, so it’s probably best not to buy one. The reason you might think you need one is that the AC sockets on all of our recommended travel adapters do not convert the voltage coming from the socket. This means plugging into a UK socket will deliver 220 volts at 50 hertz, which is very different from the 120 volts at 60 hertz you can expect in the US. Don't worry! Your gear won't get fried. You just need to make sure anything you plug into one of these universal travel adapters has something like this printed on it:

Input: 100–220V 50/60Hz .

That should include most modern gadgets. If your device or charger can’t handle a variable voltage, it’s probably best to leave it at home. Most places provide hair dryers , irons, and kettles, so there’s no need to take them with you. It's often cheaper to buy a set with the correct plug at your destination and save the luggage space and hassle.

If you are absolutely determined to try a voltage converter (again, we recommend you don’t), the Ceptics 2000W Travel Voltage Converter ($70) seems to work well. It has a special 2,000-watt outlet for hair dryers, but only ones that work via a mechanical switch (anything with an electronic circuit board for automatic switch-off or temperature control won’t work and is at risk of being fried if plugged in). It also has two outlets that go up to 200 watts, one USB-C port, and three USB-A ports, though the ports do not support fast charging.

Everything Else You Need to Know

Here are a few additional tips and answers to help ensure your trip goes as planned.

Test everything before you go : Seriously, nothing is worse than thinking you’re being very clever by packing light and getting to your hotel to discover that your gadgets refuse to charge. Between the adapter, cable, and your device, plenty can go wrong, so do a quick test with everything you are taking before you set off.

Can travel adaptors go in a suitcase? Yes, you can pack travel adapters in your suitcase. But it may be wise to take a travel adapter in your hand luggage for easy access should you need to charge up a device when you arrive at your destination. Devices like power banks with lithium batteries inside must go in hand luggage, not checked bags.

Can I buy travel adapters at the airport? Yes, you almost certainly can, but like everything else at the airport, they will be far more expensive than they should be, and your choice will be limited.

Do hotels have travel adapters? Sometimes hotels have travel adapters, and some hotels even have outlets for other countries, but most do not, so don’t bank on it. You could always check with your hotel or accommodation before you depart, but it’s safer to snag a travel adapter to take with you.

Julian Chokkattu

Martin Cizmar

Nena Farrell

Louryn Strampe

Andrew Williams

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Protect Your Trip »

The 3 best travel backpacks for men (also good for work).

Explore the top hands-free travel bag options for every type of journey.

The Best Travel Backpacks for Men

Courtesy of Peak Design

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the top backpack choice for men.

Whether you're into rugged adventures in the wilderness or getting lost in bustling cities, a backpack may be the most essential piece of travel gear there is. If you choose your pack right, it doesn't need to be something you only use for your vacation: Some of the best options out there are ideal for both leisure and business travelers, and they're so stylish and professional that you can easily take them with you to work. No matter what kind of traveler you are, this trio of the best backpack options – compiled with the help of travel experts and consumer reviews – has got you covered.

Read on to discover the top travel backpacks for men from U.S. News.

The Top 3 Travel Backpacks for Men

• Best Overall: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Overall, Budget Pick: Inateck 40L 17-Inch Carry On Travel Backpack

Best small: zomake ultra lightweight packable backpack 25l.

For more information on how to choose a backpack for travel – and how to pack it – check out the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to various 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.)

Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Dimensions: 13 x 22 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 4.5 pounds

What sets it apart: If you're looking for the ultimate in convenience while traveling, Peak Design's 45-liter Travel Backpack is a serious winner. The bag's two main compartments can be accessed from the front, back and sides, so there's no need to stress about accessing those socks or shirts you packed in the deepest part of the bag. It's the kind of bag where everything has its place: There are mesh pockets inside the main compartments, two hidden external pockets for valuables like your passport, and an easy-to-access top pocket on the outside for anything you need to get quickly, from keys to boarding passes. A padded sleeve inside also helps to keep your laptop or tablet safe. There are also straps to attach equipment like a tripod to the outside of the bag.

The Travel Backpack isn't just for weekend trips – if you're not a compulsive overpacker, it's feasible to use this as your main piece of luggage for a weeklong trip or more. The bag can be both expanded and contracted beyond this size, in case you do some shopping along the way or want to use it as a daypack. In its non-expanded form, this carry-on backpack is also within the size limits of many international airlines and some domestic ones. It's only a half-inch too deep for some airlines like United and Delta, so if the bag isn't jam-packed, you may still be able to get it on board – although this is very much at your own risk.

With an industrial-strength nylon-canvas shell that's waterproof, this backpack is also a safe bet for outdoorsy travelers who may be exposed to the elements. You can choose between two colors: classic black, or the muted-green sage option. Travelers looking to save have the option to buy pre-owned backpacks directly from Peak Design's website for substantially reduced prices (although stock and prices for these secondhand items vary).

Travelers appreciate: Owners of this bag praise it for its massive capacity, with several saying it is deceptively small for the amount of clothes, shoes and toiletries the bag can fit.

Price: $299.99 or less Shop now: Peak Design | Best Buy

Dimensions: 21.65 x 13.4 x 7.87 inches | Weight: 3.52 pounds

What sets it apart: This sleek black backpack from German company Inateck checks a lot of boxes. It's both professional and stylish, with plenty of capacity for a weekend trip or longer, and with a price tag under $60. With a rectangular shape and a main compartment that can be zipped open, this 40-liter bag can be packed like a suitcase. That compartment also has mesh pockets with zips so that you can squirrel away smaller items without losing them in the bag's spacious interior.

A smaller zippered compartment that sits next to the wearer's back offers a safe place to stash a 17-inch laptop and a 13-inch tablet, as needed. Security-conscious travelers, take note: Both the laptop compartment and main compartment feature dual zippers that can be locked (although you'll need to provide the lock).

There are two smaller pockets on the front of the bag for easy access to essential items while traveling, and a semi-hidden pocket on the back (which would sit alongside your body) as a safe place for passports and other valuables. If you're not using the bag's full capacity, there are also compression straps to make the pack a little more compact. The company also includes a waterproof cover in case you're traveling through rainy weather.

Given its size, this Inateck pack should be accepted as cabin baggage on a fairly wide range of airlines both domestic and international. Of course, be sure to double-check your airline's baggage rules, as a limited number of airlines draw the line at 21 or 21.5 inches in height, such as Aeroméxico, Air Canada and Canadian carrier Westjet.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers of this bag rave about how much it can fit and its hidden pockets. Many note its lightweight construction makes it comfortable to carry, and that it works well for business travelers.

Price: $58.99 or less Shop now: Inateck | Amazon

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Dimensions: 16 x 10.6 x 7.9 inches | Weight: 0.64 pounds

For a small but mighty bag that's ideal for day trips up to overnight or weekend trips, look no further than this uber-functional option from Chinese company Zomake. Sold in a wide selection of colors from neutral black or gray to light blue or bright orange, this lightweight pack is made with water-resistant nylon for anyone embarking on outdoor activities.

The backpack offers three zippered compartments: The main chamber should comfortably store bulkier items like everyday clothes or a light jacket, as well as a small to midsized laptop up to around 15 inches.. Meanwhile, two front pockets offer easy access to essentials like snacks, important documents, a cell phone, or whatever else you may need to access quickly or repeatedly. There are two mesh pockets on the side for water bottles or other necessities.

For flyers, this backpack could count as your personal item, leaving you free to bring another main piece of carry-on luggage if your airline ticket allows this. Alternatively, the bag can be folded up into a tiny pouch measuring 5.5 by 6.7 inches – so if you're on a bigger trip, you can pack it in your other luggage and grab it out for day-to-day use while traveling.

If you're in need of something bigger or smaller, Zomake has a range of other bags with similar designs, mostly around the $20 mark.

Travelers appreciate: Wearers of this bag like the wide and comfortable straps, along with the amount of items that fit in the bag, and the way it folds and packs easily

Price: $20.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many details to consider when it comes to choosing the perfect travel backpack. Whether you want it big or small, stylish or functional, or equipped to protect laptops and other important items, one of the most important features to look for is the bag's organizational layout.

Rudy Maxa, host of the TV series "Rudy Maxa's World" and a convert to travel backpacks, likes options with lots of nooks and crannies to hold everything from earphones to magazines to travel documents. Wendy Perrin, travel expert and founder of travel planning site WendyPerrin.com, agrees, saying she's a fan of compartments when it comes to her travel backpack and likes the ability to get to her items quickly.

Tom Wahlin, travel gear expert and founder of Pack Hacker, says he prefers a backpack that combines spacious sections with smart organization. He recommends using packing cubes to organize items in the backpack's main compartment.

Weight should be a consideration as well. While you may need something more durable for long outdoor adventures or round-the-world trips, a lightweight travel bag can be easier and more comfortable on your back for daytrips, sightseeing or day-to-day travels. Wahlin errs on the side of going lighter, noting a backpack can be both lightweight and durable. (However, if a heavier bag has the appropriate supports, such as chest or hip straps, the bag's weight may be less of an issue.)

Wahlin also suggests choosing a bag with durable zippers. "We typically look for Japanese YKK zippers," he says. "They're tried and tested and are on most of the best bags out there."

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – the perfectly sized backpack might depend on whether you're a heavy packer, whether you need it for multiday trips or quick flights, and various other factors. However, there are still some general guidelines to consider. Take note: Backpacks are usually measured by their volume in liters, even in the United States.

If you only need a smaller backpack – for example, for daylong excursions or to carry on the plane while most of your stuff goes in a separate suitcase – a 20-liter (5.3-gallon) backpack should suffice. If you're using a backpack as your primary baggage, you'll want to choose something a little larger. Bags in the 25- to 30-liter range are usually considered good for shorter trips, from an overnight stay or weekend away up to five nights (at least if you pack wisely). For longer trips where your backpack is your main luggage, you may need a pack with a volume of up to 40 or 45 liters.

But, pay attention: If your travel plans involve flying, make sure that you're bringing a backpack that fits within the carry-on limits of every airline you'll be taking. This is particularly important if you're flying with budget airlines, as they tend to have more restrictive rules on baggage size (and often enforce those rules rather strictly). Backpacks with a volume of 35 liters or less should be accepted on most airlines, and you may be able to take a backpack of up to 45 liters on airlines with a more generous allowance, so check with your carrier before you leave.

Think about two things when preparing your backpack for travel: what to pack and how to pack it. If you're bringing a backpack in addition to other luggage such as a checked suitcase , try to put only the necessities in the backpack. For a long flight, for example, these items could include important travel documents like passports and boarding passes; a few basic toiletries such as your toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant; a laptop or tablet for work or entertainment (plus headphones); some extra clothing (especially if you're going someplace with a different climate); and snacks and a bottle of water or something to drink.

If you're flying, remember to comply with the Transportation Security Administration's rules for what's allowed in your carry-on : Containers of liquids and the like can't exceed 3.4 ounces each and must fit in a quart-sized bag, so you can't bring drinks through airport security, although an empty water bottle is allowed.

When you're packing your bag, keep the items you'll need more often in the most accessible places. So, consider putting your passport , headphones and lip balm somewhere close, such as the exterior pocket – and definitely not at the bottom of the main compartment underneath all your other possessions.

Once you've put those necessities in easy-to-reach places, you can pack the rest of your belongings and travel accessories . Think about weight distribution here: Ideally, you'll want to put the heaviest items (for example, laptops) close to your body, so your backpack won't weigh so heavily on your shoulders and will be more comfortable. Pay extra attention when packing delicate or breakable items, like sunglasses or electronics. It's best to put these in the exterior pockets of your pack so they can't be crushed by heavy items in the larger main pockets. Protective cases are also a wise purchase for items like glasses. Of course, if you're carrying a laptop or tablet and your backpack has dedicated pockets or sleeves for these items, use them.

Read: Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Tim Forster is a U.S. News & World Report contributor. As someone who mostly travels with carry-on luggage, he's an expert when it comes to backpacks. Forster used his travel experience and research expertise to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Travel Toiletry Bags
• The Top Fanny Packs
• The Top Travel Neck Pillows
• The Top Sleeping Bags for Backpacking and Camping
• The Top Carry-on Luggage Pieces

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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The 14 Best Travel Crossbody Bags to Complement Your Wanderlust

Brought to you by true enthusiasts.

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

There’s a fine line that divides the modern jet setter from the weary traveler, and it’s (mostly) marked by a precise combination of style and preparedness. And anyone who’s traveled knows that great bags are the most important companions.

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.

The right crossbody allows you to carry your essentials hands-free while you’re hauling ass through airport security at 5 A.M. or putting in miles during a day of sightseeing. Of course, you might also need something to carry to dinner or on a spontaneous date with some accented stranger (a girl can dream!). The moral of the story is you need a bag that can do it all —and one that works for you in every way. So, whether you’re jetting off on an international adventure or gearing up for a summer vacation , shop the 14 best crossbody bags for travel, ahead.

If you prefer to shop designer, more power to you. For travel-friendly options, look for styles 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!”

Prada Padded Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag

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.”

Dagne Dover Nova Sling Bag

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!”

MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe

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.”

WE-AR4 The Cargo Leather Crossbody Bag

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

BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

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 The Sport Sling

Béis knows travel. This sling backpack is ideal for busy walkabout days and can complement any number of other Béis luggage pieces.

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!”

Travelon Anti-Theft Courier Tour Bag

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.”

How to Shop for Travel-Friendly Crossbody Bags

• Look for bags that close securely. Zippered or lock closure tops are best. Snaps and magnets come in second, and open tops offer the least protection against theft.
• Before purchasing, make sure a bag will hold all of your necessities. If you’re a seasoned traveler, you likely know which items you like to keep on your throughout your days. But if not, give it some thought. Will you want to keep your passport on your person, or are you comfortable using the hotel safe? Do you carry an inhaler or EpiPen? Is your wallet large, or do you have a sleek card holder? Think these things over and be sure your new bag will hold everything you want it to. Often, it’s better to go slightly larger than you might initially think you need. Size up.
• Ideally, the bag will feel comfortable to wear and will have a thick, perhaps even padded, strap. It’s also preferable for straps to be adjustable.
• The more organizational features, the better.
• A bag that can be worn in multiple ways or has a versatile style is best if you want to pack light. Some bags won’t transition well to a fancy dinner or night out. If you only plan to bring one bag, keep this in mind.
• If you’re more concerned with practicality, you’ll definitely want to look for durable, weather-resistant materials, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain.

Why Crossbody Bags Are Good for Travelers

• If worn as a true crossbody, it’s not as easy for the bag to slip off your shoulder—or to be snatched—as it is with a tote, shoulder, or handbag. Yet, it still provides that handsfree convenience. The same can be said for backpacks.
• From a fashion perspective, crossbody bags are easier to dress up than backpacks and are likely to match with more of your outfits.

Why Trust ELLE

Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.

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Ready, Set, Jet: Shop the Season’s Most-Coveted Travel Bags

By Nicole Kliest and Alexis Bennett Parker

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.

You’ve booked the flight, scouted the hotel, and assembled a packing list of your very best vacation-ready essentials . But what to put them in? The best travel bags that complement your OOO aesthetic are among the most important investments for those with a penchant for stylish escapes.

The Designer Travel Bag Shopping List

• The Durable Hero: Longchamp Le Pliage 18" travel bag , $160
• The Cool Canvas: Hereu Cala canvas tote bag , $485
• The Timeless Option: Staud Allora tote , $495
• The Luxe Logo Bag: Gucci Jackie 1961 large duffle bag , $3,850
• The Modern Marvel: Saint Laurent chain embellished weekend bag , $3,600
• The Minimalist Magic: Khaite Perre weekender , $3,400
• The Woven Warrior: Bottega Veneta Intrecciato duffle bag , $5,400
• The Investment Piece: The Row George leather & canvas duffel , $6,190
• The Foldable Find: Loewe Puzzle fold tote , $4,250

The season’s very best options check off all the boxes of a luxuriously-crafted bag that can weather even the most far-flung adventures. Saint Laurent’s giant quilted duffle remains a celebrity favorite (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Olivia Wilde are fans), while Prada’s geometric-pattern trunk will feel exquisite slung over your shoulder en route to somewhere beautiful. And there’s no denying the enduring appeal of The Row’s sleek, streamlined black leather tote bag.

If you’re heading somewhere close to home, an oversized tote might feel more appropriate—we love Totême’s leather-trimmed canvas option for this. And for a budget-friendly pick, Alex Mill’s vintage-inspired canvas bag (aptly named “the perfect weekend tote”) is always a favorite. From luxe leather duffels to timeless utilitarian silhouettes, shop 28 of the season’s best travel bags ahead.

Saint Laurent

chain embellished weekend bag

NET-A-PORTER

NEIMAN MARCUS

Perre weekender

Cala canvas tote bag

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Puzzle fold tote

George leather & canvas duffel

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Jackie 1961 large duffle bag

Louis Vuitton

Keepall 55 bag

Brunello Cucinelli

canvas striped duffel bag

Weekend XL leather-trimmed suede tote

Hunting Season

The Weekender bag

OVER THE MOON

Le Pliage 18" travel bag

ES giant YSL travel bag

Caramella Transformable stripe duffle tote bag

Bottega Veneta

Intrecciato duffle

BOTTEGA VENETA

Allora snake-effect trimmed textured-leather tote

large Book tote

Main Line canvas duffel bag

IVY striped tote bag

Gotham duffle bag

large travel bag

Leatherology

Kessler large duffle

LEATHEROLOGY

BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter review

REVIEW – Traveling is one of the most rewarding things you can do.  Experiencing different cultures and environments is an incredible thing. For those of us that travel with power-hungry tech, powering that, given the differing electrical standards throughout the world can be a challenge. BESTEK has a solution with their travel power adapter.

What is it?

The BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter is a multi-port power adapter. It converts input voltage up to 240VAC to the US standard 110VAC and standard 5V USB. It is designed to be portable and has plug converters that should cover most worldwide power plug standards.

What’s in the box?

• Three US 110V sockets
• Four USB-A ports
• Power cord with European Union (EU) connection
• US adapter (also converts to Australian plug)
• United Kingdom (UK) adapter
• Travel pouch
• User manual
• Service card

Hardware specs

• Dimensions: 7.40 x 6.80 x 1.80 inches
• Weight: 16.5 ounces including adapters, cord, and travel bag
• Input Voltage: 90-265V AC
• AC Output: 110V AC
• Items with heating elements (curling irons, hair straightners, hair dryers, coffee pots) are not approved for use with this converter
• USB Output: DC5V/4.2A rated, 6.0A max (four USB ports accumulative)
• Input cable: 59 inches, three prongs AC input cable with a type C EU plug
• Type G – UK and Hong Kong Other Countries include: Bahrain / Belize / Botswana / Brunei / Cyprus / Dominica / England / Ghana / Gibraltar / Grenada / Hong Kong / Iraq / Ireland / Kenya / Macau / Malta / Malaysia / Nigeria / Nothern Ireland / Oman / Qatar / Saint Lucia / Saint Vincent / Saudi Arabia / Scotland / Singapore / Sri Lanka / Tanzania / Uganda / the United Arab Emirates / Wales / Yemen / Zimbabwe
• Type A – US and Japan Other Countries include: American Samoa / Antigua and Barbuda / Aruba / the Bahamas / Barbados / Belize / Bermuda / Brazil / Canada / the Cayman Islands / Colombia / Costa Rica / Cuba / Ecuador / El Salvador / Guam / Guatemala / Haiti / Honduras / Jamaica / Japan / Liberia / Mexico / Micronesia / Montserrat / Nicaragua / Okinawa / Panama / Peru / the Philippines / Puerto Rico / Saudi Arabia / Tahiti / Taiwan / Thailand / Trinidad and Tobago / Venezuela / the Virgin Islands
• Type I – Australia and China Other Countries include: Argentina / Australia / China (mainland, excluding Taiwan) / Fiji / New Zealand / Papua New Guinea / Tokelau (the Union Islands) / American Samoa / Argentina / Cook Islands / Kiribati / Nauru / SaintVincent and the Grenadines / Samoa / Solomon Islands / Tajikistan / Timor-Leste / Tonga/ Tuvalu/ Uzbekistan/ Vanuatu / Uruguay

Design and features

The unit looks like a small power strip. As seen in the cover photo at the top of this review, there are three US 110V three-prong sockets on the face (top) of the device. An LED in the on the lower right corner of the top indicates normal operation (green) or fault (red – overheat, short circuit, overload, overcurrent).

The bottom features six rubber feet plus the product label with all the pertinent input and output information.

The front of the unit features four USB-A ports and a master power switch.

The right side has a three-prong socket for the power cord plus cooling vent slots. Cooling is managed by a smart fan that automatically adjusts speed as needed to provide adequate cooling.

The power cord is 59 inches long and is configured with a standard two-prong EU-style plug.

Two adapter plugs are included.

The left plug is the US and Australia type A and type I adapter.  More on that in a moment. The plug on the right is the UK type G plug.

Both of these slip on to the EU plug, effectively changing the EU connector to the chosen connector.

Now, more on that convertible connector.  The US connector doubles as the Australia connector. If you look closely at the photos, you can see that the prongs are mounted on circular mounting points.  By grabbing one of the prongs and rotating, both prongs will rotate to a “V” shape (or as photographed, upside-down “V”), which is the format for the Australia socket.

The backside of the adapters has socket openings that will accommodate nearly any international plug.

The power cord’s EU plug fits into the top sockets of the chosen adapter.

The included travel bag is generously sized and easily holds the power convertor, power cord, and plug adapters.

Performance

Before we get into how it works, I want to reiterate the warning prominently displayed in the supplied documentation – this unit is designed to power small electronics, not appliances.  Anything with a heating element will shut down the power strip as it simply isn’t designed to put out that kind of amperage.  With that caveat in mind, let’s plug in some stuff!

Here is our desk area on the lovely Harmony of the Seas cruise ship.

Like all cruise ship staterooms, electric sockets are at a premium.  Most staterooms we’ve stayed in have offered the large sum of one – count ’em – one, pair of 110V sockets.  For this reason, many regular cruisers have a small powerstrip permanently in their cruise packing stash. There typically is another set of 220V sockets for international travelers.  OK, ok, all you seasoned cruisers – yes, there is almost always one more 110V socket located in the bathroom, conveniently up near the ceiling, and specifically labeled “FOR RAZORS ONLY”.  Oh yeah – it also only works when the bathroom lights are turned on.  Nice. I don’t include that in the ‘usable” power outlet category.

This power strip offers the advantage of allowing me to plug it into the 220V socket, keeping the two 110V sockets open and available. That gives me five usable power outlets.  That should be enough to let me power or charge whatever I need to.  When you also factor in the four UBS ports on the BESTEK power adapter, the power will be flowing freely!

After plugging in the power strip and turning it on, the statue LED glowed green as expected.

I was able to plug-in battery packs, my action camera, two phones, and my laptop.  Everything charged without issue.  Well, almost without issue.

The first issue is the USB ports – they are not fast-charge enabled.  So while having four of them is nice, they don’t replace a fast charger for quickly topping off your phone. Still, four ports are four ports and being able to plug in everything at once is nice.

The second and larger issue for me is noise.  As soon as you turn on the power adapter, an internal cooling fan also turns on, even with nothing plugged in.  This fan, while not terrifically loud, is noticeable.  I put my phone’s decibel meter about a foot from the power strip.  With the power strip off, it recorded a quiet 28-31 dB. Turning on the power strip and resetting the meter produced an average near 36 dB.  While 36 dB isn’t overly loud, it is definitely something you can hear in a quiet room.  Luckily, I have a solution in the LectroFan Micro2 sleep sound machine that is always in my travel bag.

What I like

• Relatively compact and lightweight for travel
• Three 110V and four USB ports available

What I’d change

• Do something about lowering the fan noise
• Upgrade the USB ports for fast charging

Final thoughts

Overall, I like this travel charger.  It offers lots of ports for 110V or USB.  It would be nice if the USB ports were fast-charge capable, but still, four ports is four ports.  The noise is a little much for me, but, from across the stateroom, it was barely audible, so how annoying it will be depends on how close you will be to the charger.

This has earned a spot in my international travel bag.

Price : $37.99 (in white; or in black for $39.99) Where to buy : Amazon Source : The sample of this product was provided by BESTEK .

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Thanks for the thorough review. FYI, the Ebay link is to a different model with only one main receptacle, and the Newegg link is for a hard case for the device and accessories, not the device itself.

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Rolling Duffle Bag Expandable Travel Bag with Detachable Wheels and Shoulder Strap Letter Pattern Foldable Carry On Bag Wheeled Weekend Bag for Women and Men - Black and White, 28591301ZO

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• ROLLING DUFFLE BAG WITH WHEELS - This foldable travel bag features a chic letter pattern design, equipped with 4 detachable wheels that can be easily pulled on rough and uneven surfaces, making it the ideal travel companion that combines style and function.
• PORTABLE & DURABLE - Our rolling duffle bag is crafted from wear-resistant, scratch-resistant, waterproof Oxford cloth with a polyester lining. Equipped with a removable shoulder strap and sturdy handle for easy carrying and pulling. It is practical, lightweight and durable.
• EXPANDABLE & FOLDABLE - The expandable carry on bag has two zippers at the bottom. You can open or close the bottom zippers to increase or decrease the capacity, and adjust the storage space as needed without worrying about luggage constraint.
• WIDE APPLICATION - This folding travel bag meets a variety of needs and is ideal for packing essential clothes, electronic devices, toiletries and more on short 3-7 day trips. It is suitable for various occasions, including sports activities, travel, weekend getaways, shopping, hiking, and camping.
• COMPARTMENT DESIGN - Keep everything in its right place with our travel-friendly compartments. This wheeled weekend bag provides ample space for your clothes, toiletries and more, expanding to accommodate your packing needs while keeping essentials within easy reach.

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Product details.

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.7 x 8.3 x 25.5 inches; 2.73 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ 28591301ZO
• Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ UEncounter
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D44R4KST
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ China
• #1,477 in Carry-On Luggage

Product Description

Product name: Letter Rolling Duffle BagMaterial: Oxford clothDimensions: 15.7"W × 8.3"D × 25.5"HWeight: 2.73 lbColor: as shown in the picturesPackage included: 1 × rolling duffle bag, 1 × shoulder strapNote: Please allow for slight dimensional deviations due to manual measurement

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