Be A Pro Traveler - Explore The Types of Bags For Travel

The secret to becoming a professional traveler is being proactive about your preparation. There are different types of bags for travel that help you fulfill all commitments, stay organized, and make your life on the go more appealing. Make sure you start packing your important items a few days in advance, create a checklist, and get everything in order beforehand. Many of us feel like we have it all under control until we forget something painfully obvious like our toothbrush. If you have stylish bags for all of your traveling needs, it will be a lot easier to muster up the motivation to pack like a pro. We’re going to outline a comprehensive guide for the essential types of bags for travel. If you’re looking to increase your nomad skills this year, you might want to add some of these to your wish list.

1. Travel Backpack 

A travel backpack is a must-have for anyone looking to keep their valuables safe, with extra storage and organizational pockets. A travel pack is commonly used by backpackers with an ergonomic design that makes it easy to wear for long periods of time. These bags come in various styles, usually equipped with padded straps, a waist strap, and multiple zipper compartments. Whether you’re going on a road trip, hike, or just looking to keep your hands free, these bags are a good essential to keep on deck. They are also convenient as a durable carry-on if you want to travel light on your next flight.

Many types of bags for travel are built to be functional, but there are some travel backpacks that bring in a stylish edge so you don’t have to compromise your look. It’s important to consider the environment your bag will be used in. Airports and the great outdoors might demand different backpack features to cover all your needs.

Advantages:

• Durable 
• Easy to carry 
• Airport Carry On Approved 
• Equal Weight Distribution 

Disadvantages:

• Can be hard on the shoulders and back 
• Difficult to locate items in a pinch
• Skin irritation can occur without proper padding 

Best For: 

• Backpacking 
• Camping 
• Light airport travel 
• Hiking 
• Place without roads 

2. Wheeled Backpack

Most people prefer the types of bags for travel that make things easier, so anything with wheels is always a big plus. A wheeled backpack is the love child of a travel backpack and a rolling suitcase. The design structure is versatile offering users the choice of shoulder straps or the rolling feature. A wheeled backpack is perfect for short trips where you want to get around efficiently, without breaking your back. You can throw your wheeled backpack over your shoulder to maneuver crowded areas, or store your extra bag on top of the rolling handle. 

Advantages:

• Usually more durable than travel backpacks 
• Option to roll or carry 
• A convenient size for short trips 

Disadvantages: 

• Can become uncomfortable when worn as a backpack 
• Difficult to organize your essentials

Best For:

• Quick trips or air travel 
• Combination of city and country travel 

3. Travel Tote

The tote bag has just recently emerged on the list of types of bags for travel, and it comes as no surprise due to its copious benefits. For years travel totes have been worn as convenient side bags, with two long straps that sit comfortably on your shoulder. They are internally spacious and accommodate all your essentials in a quick catch-all space. Travel totes are predominately used as a larger stylish purse but are gaining traction in many unisex designs due to their function. They are usually worn on one shoulder where you can easily access items on the go. Tote bags are ideal for a change of clothes, wallet, snacks, camera, sunscreen, and passport.

Advantages:

• Various, stylish designs
• Accommodates most of your necessities 
• Easy to wear 

Disadvantages:

• Can get heavy on one shoulder 
• No internal organization or protection 

Best For:

• Fashion travelers 
• Airport purse 
• Short trips, day trips, and light packers

4. Duffle Bag / Weekender

The duffel bag, also known as the weekender, is one of the best types of travel bags. They’re typically made out of leather or canvas with a cylinder shape including multiple compartments, zippers, and carrying straps. The duffel bag is an easy way to pack a lot of items into one compact space. The soft design makes for easy travel as it boasts a less bulky design than standard luggage. Duffel bags are frequently used for sports, gym bags, or weekend trips for a quick grab and go. They are offered in various styles, designs, and structures so you can travel while maintaining your vogue look.

Advantages: 

• Convenient and spacious
• Various stylish designs 
• Flexible shape 
• Durable 
• Internal pockets and extra compartments

Disadvantages: 

• Heavy to transport 
• Can’t be locked 
• Easily get disorganized

Best For: 

• Sports and gym enthusiasts 
• Day trips 
• Weekend getaways 
• Transporting bulky belongings 

5. Rolling Luggage

The most traditional types of bags for travel are rolling luggage sets. They are often made out of nylon, although more durable materials are gaining popularity with avid travelers. These bags are equipped with two or four wheels and an extendable handle. Rolling luggage makes for easy airport travel and walking long distances without straining your shoulders. The wheels are durable and can be resilient even on rough concrete surfaces. The standard luggage wheels are fixed, although some brands offer spinner wheel options. Rolling luggage can often be bought in sets varying in sizes which is great for accommodating the family. They’re also one of the most reliable options when packing for little ones, as they are more inclined to roll their special suitcase around themselves.

Advantages: 

• Spacious, durable, and easy to transport 
• Various size options 
• Great for airport travel 
• Internally designed for efficient travel 

Disadvantages: 

• Handles can sometimes get stuck
• It may be heavy if walking over tumultuous terrains or uphill 
• Sometimes requires additional baggage fees for air travel 

Best For: 

• Longer trips or vacations 
• Travelers planning to bring more back than they came with 
• Heavy-duty environments 

6. Rolling Duffle Bag

If you love duffel bags but are looking for a more portable option, the rolling duffel bag is a great choice. They are designed in the same way as the standard weekender, however, they’re usually more heavy-duty and spacious. The rolling duffel bag is high on the list of types for bags for travel as it merges the world of convenience and style. It has spinner wheels so your bag will easily glide as you move. If you invest in a nice rolling duffel it can be both carried and rolled. Some brands conceal the handle for versatile use while maintaining your airport aesthetic.

Advantages: 

• Spacious 
• Can accommodate oddly shaped objects 
• Easy carry or wheeling features
• Stylish and versatile designs 

Disadvantages: 

• Can be hard to transport upstairs or hills 
• Difficult to store
• Typically more expensive than standard duffels 

Best For:

• Travelers who need easy luggage to transport 
• Long-distance trips 
• Lovers of the duffel style 
• Fashion travelers

7. Hardshell Bags With Spinner Wheels

If you are looking for the most durable types of travel bags, you’ll have to check out hard shell luggage with spinner wheels. It has the same structure as typical luggage with an extendable handle and rolling wheels. The major difference is that these bags have a hard exterior made of polycarbonate, and four 360-degree spinner wheels. They’re the most weather-resistant option, and strong enough to endure rough handling. The spinner wheels make rolling the bag easy, placing minimal weight on the body. While traditional fabric luggage can get worn down or torn, these bags are tough and can last for years.

Advantages:

• Spinner wheels don’t strain the body 
• Durable exterior
• Weather-resistant 
• Spacious storage 
• Internal organized compartments

Disadvantages: 

• There’s no flexibility or give to the material 
• The interior has to be packed in two halves 

Best For:

• Protecting fragile items
• Staying organized 
• Scenarios when you need extra security 
• Long-distance travel 
• Heavy weather conditions

8. Travel Laptop Bag

There’s no denying that we live in the age of technology. When you’re traveling, it’s easy to overlook your tech organization but it can be a gamechanger. Upgrade your style for business meetings, conferences, and corporate trips with a professional laptop bag. They usually come with one or two straps, and internal compartments to organize all your accessories. While you can throw your electronics in just about any bag, these are designed with proper padding and material to keep your devices scratch-free. Additional room in your bag can store tablets, phones, and chargers.

Advantages:

• Keep your tech gadgets organized 
• Portable 
• Safe space for your expensive items 

Disadvantages:

• Can be small as a carry-on leading to excess bags 

Best For:

• Frequent business travelers
• Tech enthusiasts 
• Digital nomads 

9. Garment Bags

If you’re going on an important trip you might not have time to iron or dry clean your clothing. When stocking up on all the types of bags for travel, a garment bag can be convenient to have when you need it. Garment bags are made out of soft material with a long zipper down the middle, and can easily be hung in a closet. They are traditionally used to slip over clothing or outfits to keep them free of dust, dirt, and wrinkling. For style enthusiasts or business professionals, a garment bag might become your new travel essential.

Advantages:

• Keeps clothes in mint condition
• Shoe and bag compartments for full outfits 
• Easier than packing an iron or stressing the day of an event

Disadvantages:

• Difficult to carry 
• Not allowed on all airlines
• Not space-efficient 

Best For:

• Travelers looking to preserve expensive apparel 
• Business, fashion, or event travelers

10. Dopp Kit / Hygiene Bag

A Dopp kit is a fancy term for a toiletry bag and is an amazing addition to the various types of bags for travel. It’s usually a small soft bag with a zipper enclosure, though some styles come with interior compartments for your toothbrush, skincare, and shower essentials. Everyone needs their hygiene routine with them on the go, and it’s easily one of the most dreadful parts of packing. A Dopp kit keeps everything stylized, organized, and in one place. Right now you might have miscellaneous products floating around your bag or be using a plastic ziplock. Dopp kits are the answer to your toiletry and bath travel woes. They are offered in waterproof fabrics if you’re worried about spillage.

Advantages:

• Keeps your items clean and organized 
• Stylish and compact 
• Easier to pull out for airport security 

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes products may spill 

Best For: 

• Every type of traveler 
• Staying organized in the airport 

11. Fanny Pack

Fanny packs have recently come back into style and I think everyone is happy about it. They are easily one of the most secure bags you can have on your waist while traveling. They are small zipper pouches you can strap to your belt or waist, offered in fashionable or minimal styles. When you’re wondering what types of bags for travel are best for everyday use, it’s impossible not to consider the fannypack. They’re the perfect size for money, a phone, lip balm, and small necessities. If you want to be hands-free, or avoid the stress of wearing a backpack in a new area, consider getting a fanny pack.

Advantages: 

• Small and convenient 
• Safe way to store important items 
• Easily accessible 

Disadvantages: 

• Not overly spacious 

Best For:

• Protecting your valuables in new locations 
• Everyday use for travelers 

12. Messenger Bag

The messenger bag is highly versatile on the list of types of bags for travel. It can be used for business, fashion, or simply transporting your high-priority items. They are commonly known as shoulder bags and are offered in a variety of luxury styles for an upscale look. They usually are fastened with a magnetic button, zipper, or flap making them more secure than a travel tote. Many travelers use messenger bags as a larger purse as they’re more spacious while still being stylish. Messenger bags can be worn cross-body or on one shoulder. There’s a wide variety of options and you can find some models with extensive internal compartments. Leather messenger bags can also double as a briefcase.

Advantages: 

• Easy access to items 
• More formal than backpacks 
• Can be used professionally 
• It’s a secure spot for your important items 

Disadvantages: 

• It can get heavy if overpacked
• Can get bulky to carry around 

Best For: 

• Bikers or commuters
• Professionals looking to maintain the style 
• Everyday travel 

We identified the best types of bags for travel so you can curate your ultimate master list. A quality bag can keep your travel routine organized, and help you feel like a pro traveler when you’re on the go. There are options for everyone, from the studious professional to the fashionable nomad. Start by assessing your travel non-negotiables and see which bags support your lifestyle. 

Are you getting ready for your next trip? Check out our luggage and travel bags from Tote & Carry. We keep you stylish, organized, and feeling your best while you’re on the go.