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Over the past few years, I have gone on countless adventures via planes, trains, and cars- you name it! After much trial and error, I have finally found travel bags that are suitable for every type of trip and adventure, as well as accessories for your bags to make packing easier and more efficient. I have curated a list of brands and products that I use (and some on my wishlist!) while I am traveling- whether for a week-long vacation or even a day trip. As stated, I own these bags, luggage sets, and accessories and highly recommend them for your travels! Also included are some links to Amazon products that are similar to the bags I own, but more budget-friendly.
Having the right travel gear can make packing for your travels so much easier and less stressful. I hope that this post can be a guide for you to also find your way to a collection of travel bags or luggage that you can turn to for your adventures!
CARRY-ON & CHECKED LUGGAGE SET
CALPAK Astyll 2-Piece Luggage Set
I cannot stress how long it has taken me to find a carry-on/check-in luggage set that I love! This set from CALPAK is not only stylish, but it is also lightweight with an expandable hard shell casing (which most importantly can be wiped clean)! It is a split-style suitcase, with 360-degree spinner wheels and two separate compartments that I can pack all of my clothing, shoes, toiletries, and accessories in seamlessly. CALPAK has a variety of different styles, colors, and sets to choose from based on your travel needs and preferences. Traveling has seriously never looked better- and you will love all of the compliments you will receive at the airport and on your travels. I know I do!
Fun Fact: A piece of luggage (the Metallic Softside Spinner pictured below) from CALPAK was included on Oprah’s favorites things list in 2019!
Size
– Pullman dimensions: 19″l x 12″w x 27.5″h
– Carry-On dimensions: 14.5″l x 9″w x20″h
For more information on this set, visit www.calpaktravel.com
HERE ARE A FEW OTHER SUITCASES SIMILAR TO THE CALPAK ASTYLL SET THAT CAN BE PURCHASED ON AMAZON:
CALPAK Luka Carry-On Luggage Metallic Black Softside Spinner Suitcase
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Black, 3-Piece Set
Luggage Covers:
Also, if you are planning on investing a good sum of money on a luggage set, it may be wise to purchase some protectant covers to keep your luggage in good condition. My recommendation would be, at the very least, to purchase a cover for your checked baggage. I have had my CALPAK set for about three years, and my carry-on bag has very minimal wear without a cover since I am the one handling it through my travels. You have less control once you send off your bag to be checked, and I even noticed some scratches on my checked luggage after just one trip.
There are some options for transparent covers that will still allow you to see the pattern or color of your suitcase. An advantage of a plastic cover is that it can be wiped clean, which is especially important concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. If plastic is not for you, there are also spandex fabric options for a more snug fit. Maybe consider either a noticeable color, pattern, or a unique luggage tag so it can be easily found during baggage claim! The spandex cover shown in the image above can be washed by hand or in the washing machine, which is an added perk to keep your luggage cover fresh between travels.
TO PURCHASE SOME OPTIONS ON AMAZON:
GigabitBest Luggage Protector Covers Suitcase Cover Protector PVC Luggage Case
HoJax Spandex Luggage Covers Protector Fits 26-28 Inch Luggage Black
PACKING CUBES
CALPAK Packing Cubes 5- Piece Set
To maximize what I can pack (especially in a carry-on suitcase), I invested in a set of CALPAK packing cubes, complimentary to my Astyll 2-piece Luggage Set. Since they are made by the same company, CALPAK has designed the packing cubes to fit perfectly in their luggage sets. Ever since purchasing these, packing has been a game-changer!
While packing, I utilize the “Marie Kondo folding method” when adding clothes in each packing cube. Also, separating types of clothing in each cube based on clothing type has helped me to maximize space while packing; Tops and Bottoms (organizing by outfit) in the largest cube(s) and Intimates, Socks, and Pajamas in the smaller cubes. I can pack up to 15 days in a carry-on using this folding method and the packing cubes.
For more information on this set, visit www.calpaktravel.com
For more information on the Marie Kondo folding method, check out her book on Amazon, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.”
OTHER PACKING CUBE SETS TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON:
(Listed from left to right in the photo above):
HiDay 7 Set Travel Organizer Bag System, 3 Packing Cubes + 3 Pouches + 1 Toiletry Organizer bag
Travel Packing Cubes Set Toiletry Kits Bonus Shoe Bag JJ POWER Luggage Organizers
JJ POWER Travel Packing Cubes, Luggage Organizers with Shoe Bag
TRAVEL + TOILETRY BAGS
This 3 piece set is also great to add to your travel bags from Amazon! My sister bought this set as a birthday present for me last year, and I love it! I use them to pack my makeup and toiletries for my trips, and they match my packing cubes perfectly… love the black marble theme!
TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON:
I also have my eye on these toiletry sets from Amazon to add to my packing list. Can you tell I have a theme going with the marble? The containers are all eco-friendly and refillable. They can store liquids and creams, and the jar set can even store jewelry or other small belongings.
TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON:
Kitsch Silicone Travel Bottles, Travel Containers 2pcs Set (Black & White Marble)
CAMERA BAG / PERSONAL ITEM
Langly Alpha Globetrotter Camera Backpack
This has been my favorite travel find in the past few years! I searched on countless websites to find a bag that would fit all of my needs while traveling – the ability to pack my camera gear, laptop and accessories, a water bottle/snacks, and miscellaneous items for my trips. This bag offers a place for all of my travel items and more! By having split compartments on the top and bottom of the bag, I can have an independent space for my camera gear as well as easy access to take it out for airport security. My laptop has its own space, accessible from the top compartment. The side pockets offer a space for my water bottle and snacks. The top compartment can be used to pack a lightweight jacket or other miscellaneous items (or even some souvenirs from my trip!).
There are also a few other added features of this bag that are noteworthy: chest straps for back support (since this bag can hold a lot!) and it has a completely waterproof exterior. I will say, that you do not need to be a photographer to consider purchasing this bag for your travels. I have taken this as my “personal” item for work trips on flights where a camera was not necessary to pack, and I easily fit a few pairs of shoes and toiletries bags in each of the thoughtfully created compartments. The Alpha Globetrotter is not currently sold on the Langly website due to popular demand, but there is a smaller, more compact version in stock on their website. Similar bags to the Alpha Globetrotter (for a fraction of the cost) are linked below.
Alpha Globetrotter Dimensions
- External Dimensions: 18’’x 14’’ x 8’’ (LxWxH)
- Top Compartment: 8.8’’ x 12.6’’ x 6.5’’ (LxWxH)
- Bottom Compartment: 9.5’’ x 12.6’’ x 6.5’’ (LxWxH)
Features and Compatibility
- Waterproof body fabric and YKK zippers for ultimate weather protection.
- Reinforced camera inserts designed to cradle any SLR or DSLR and up to five (5) lenses.
- Intuitive, front-loading lower compartment.
- Sturdy nylon straps to secure most tripods.
- Spacious upper compartment to hold your extra gear and a 15-inch laptop.
- Ventilated shoulder and chest straps.
- Custom-molded air channels along the backside for additional airflow.
- Detachable waist and chest attachments for additional back support.
For more information on this bag, visit www.langly.co
SIMILAR TO THE ALPHA GLOBETROTTER, THESE BAGS CAN BE PURCHASED ON AMAZON:
BAGSMART Camera Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras & 15″ MacBook Pro with Waterproof Rain Cover, Black
TO PROTECT MY CAMERA FURTHER, ESPECIALLY IF TRANSFERRED TO MY SMALLER HERSCHEL SUPPLY BACKPACK, I USE THIS CASE. TO PURCHASE FROM AMAZON:
Case Logic SLRC-201 SLR Zoom Holster (Black)
Lily and Drew Carry On Weekender
If you are not a backpack wearer, another option for a personal item for plane/ car travel could be the Lily & Drew Carry-On Weekender. I bought this bag as a present for my sister a few years ago and it fits just as much as my Alpha Globetrotter camera bag. There is a compartment for a 15.6” laptop as well as room for a DSLR camera and all of your travel essentials. The bag is multi-compartmental and water-resistant and can be wiped clean! One of the best features of this bag for travel is that the back pocket converts to a trolley sleeve, meaning the bag can slip easily around the handle of your carry-on or checked roller-board luggage for seamless travel.
Lily & Drew Carry On Weekender Overnight Travel Shoulder Bag for 15.6 Inch Laptop Computer
Features
- 16″ wide, 13″ tall, 6.5″ deep
- Weight: 3 lb
- Water-resistant canvas-like polyester fabric
- Padded, removable shoulder strap
- Multiple internal and external organizational pockets
- Smart trolley sleeve design
- Strong construction keeps its shape whether empty or full
BACKPACKS
Herschel Supply Co. Classic Mid-Volume Backpack
I carry this with me on all of my day-trip outings. It is large enough to fit my DSLR camera, an extra lens, my GroPro, a lightweight jacket, a water bottle, and a few other essential items I might need throughout my day! I have purchased other backpacks from this brand before that I love. However, a word of caution: not all of their smaller backpacks have padded straps. I (and my shoulders) learned that lesson the hard way on a particular day trip to NYC. The backpack pictured above does have padded straps, and I would advise you to research this feature, especially if you plan on carrying heavier items.
I first purchased Herschel Supply Co.’s Classic Backpack in college and it easily fit my laptop, DSLR camera, textbooks, and lunch on days when I had photography classes. Not once did a seam tear or rip from the weight. From then on, I was sold and have not purchased from another brand for backpacks!
Features
- Signature striped fabric liner
- Front storage pocket
- Prusik cord zipper pulls
- Classic woven label
Dimensions: 15.5″(H) x 11.25″(W) x 5″(D), 18L
For more information on this bag, visit www.herschel.com
A FEW OTHER STYLES FROM HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO TO PURCHASE ON AMAZON:
(Listed from left to right in the photo above)
Herschel Classic Backpack, Black, Mid-Volume 18.0L
Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack 22L
Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack, Black/Tan Synthetic Leather, Classic 25.0L
Herschel Retreat Backpack, Black, Classic 19.5L
Herschel Supply Co. City Mid-Volume
The Sak – Ventura Backpack
While traveling, I also pack The Sak Ventura backpack for days that I am carrying lighter items (and not my camera). Aside from traveling, this bag is also one of my most used bags for local, daily use. Whether a trip to the grocery store or the doctor’s office, this is my bag of choice for a simple day out. This backpack is so unique and versatile in that its straps are convertible to be a crossbody bag. I cannot tell you how many times I have worn this bag as a backpack and then switched it over to a crossbody while in a store or walking on the street. I have owned this bag for a few years, and it is still in excellent shape- worth the investment!
Features:
- 100% Leather; Trim: 100% Polyurethane; Lining 100% Polyester
- Polyester lining
- Zipper closure
- 24.5″ shoulder drop
- 12.25″ high + 12” wide
- A leather convertible bag that can be worn as a messenger bag or backpack
- Fold-over flap with decorative tassels
A FEW OTHER STYLES FROM THE SAK TO PURCHASE ON AMAZON:
(Listed from left to right in the photo above)
The Sak Playa, Tobacco Floral Embossed
The Sak Ventura Crochet Backpack
DUFFLE BAGS / WEEKENDERS
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle
This Herschel duffel is a great addition to your travel bag collection, especially if you take to the road on a trip! This bag is an ideal weekender that features plenty of storage and a separate compartment for your shoes! Lately, for a trip by car, I have still been packing my clothes in my CALPAK packing cubes and just inserting them into this duffle. Works like a charm!
Features
- Custom striped fabric liner
- Signature shoe compartment
- Internal storage sleeve
- Two-way waterproof zipper
- Reinforced and articulated carrying handles
- Removable padded webbing shoulder strap
- Classic woven label
Dimensions: 11.75″(H) x 20.5″(W) x 11″(D), 42.5L
For more information on this bag, visit www.herschel.com
TO PURCHASE ON AMAZON + SIMILAR ITEMS:
(Listed from left to right in the photo above)
Herschel Novel, Black/Tan Synthetic Leather, Mid-Volume 33.0L
Herschel Sutton, Black, Mid-Volume 28.0L
Herschel Sutton, Black, Classic 46.5L
Herschel Outfitter, Raven Crosshatch, 50.0L
Depending on the type of trip I am planning, I always pack with some variation of my curated travel bags.
Most commonly, I will pack my CALPAK carry-on luggage and my Langly Camera backpack as my personal item to take on a plane. The CALPAK packing cubes are used to organize all of my clothing and toiletries in my carry-on luggage. And, I always include my Herschel Mid Volume bag for every travel so that it is accessible for everyday use while I am on a trip.
If I am traveling to a cold weather destination that requires heavier clothing, I will switch out the CALPAK carry-on for the larger luggage in the set as a checked bag.
For road trips, I will typically pack my Herschel duffle, since I find that its softer exterior can fit easily into smaller space while packing up the car. Clothes and toiletries for any trip are always packed in my CALPAK packing cubes and marble toiletry bags to fit seamlessly into any of the luggage or duffles I pack.
I hope that this guide has helped you to curate some travel bag must-haves of your own! Happy traveling!
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