How to Choose Luggage, Packs and Bags

No single piece of luggage is perfect for all kinds of travel. That's why REI offers a variety of luggage, bags and packs. But how do you know which is best for you? Consider the following:

• The types of trips you'll take (e.g., hotels, camping, international).
• What kinds of activities you plan to do (e.g., trekking, snorkeling, cycling).
• How many possessions you want to bring.

Types of Luggage, Packs and Bags

Wheeled Duffels

Nothing swallows up gear like a duffel bag, and one with wheels can be a dream come true for multisport gear junkies. If your adventures frequently require gear of widely varying sizes and shapes, a rolling duffel is a smart way to corral it all. A newer variation, the carry-on wheeled duffel (22"), offers less space but more convenience, allowing you to forego the time and expense of checking a bag.

Best for: adventure travel requiring bulky or odd-shaped gear; family trips; road trips.

Shop REI’s selection of wheeled duffels.

Wheeled Luggage

Designed for traditional travel (business commuting, family visits, road trips), this category typically features compact sizing and sturdy construction made to handle the rigors of luggage transport systems. If you like to have things organized—medications here, toiletries there—look for bags with lots of pockets or add-in organization accessories.

Best for: business travel; family visits; road trips and travel to urban areas.

Shop REI’s selection of wheeled luggage.

Wheeled Backpacks

Popular with adventure travelers, these combine the convenience of wheeled luggage with the mobility of a backpack. You can transport lots of gear with a simple pull of the extendable handle. Facing heavy foot traffic or a long flight of stairs? Strap on the shoulder and waist straps for hands-free carrying convenience.

Best for: adventure travel; road trips.

Shop REI’s selection of wheeled backpacks.

Travel Packs

These travel-oriented backpacks are for those who don’t mind carrying gear on their backs.

They excel where wheeled luggage cannot: on gravel, cobblestone streets, stairs and other uneven terrain. Travel packs sport internal frames, hideaway shoulder straps and built-in security features. Women’s travel packs have suspension systems designed specifically for a woman’s frame.

Best for: travelers who want to be highly mobile and plan on carrying all their gear.

Shop REI’s selection of travel packs.

Duffel Bags

The traditional duffel—minus wheels and pull handle—is lighter than its rolling counterpart, easier to store (no rigid parts, so it folds up smaller) and friendlier to your budget. It also offers huge capacities—several models available at REI provide over 130 liters (8,000 cubic inches) of space. Zip your pack inside one to transport it on an airplane.

Best for: climbers, college students or any traveler on a budget.

Shop REI’s selection of duffel bags.

Laptop Bags, Sleeves and Day Packs

These urban carry-ons have a padded compartment to protect your 10"–17" laptop, plus a bevy of organizing pockets to hold cables, peripherals and paperwork. Some are checkpoint-friendly, meaning the TSA may not require you to remove your laptop at security checkpoints. Laptop sleeves can also be used with e-readers and tablets.

Best for: Urban travelers and anyone who wants to safely transport a laptop.

Shop REI’s selection of laptop bags.

Carry-on Luggage

Want to avoid the expense and hassle of checked bags? All of the bags and packs described above—from wheeled backpacks to duffels—come in sizes intended for carry-on use.

Most airlines allow carry-on bags no larger than 22" x 14" x 9". Rules can change, so be sure to check with your airline about size limits (or other baggage regulations) before departure.

Best for: travelers who pack light, are highly mobile and want to bypass baggage claim.

Shop REI’s selection of carry-on luggage (all types).

Size and Weight Guidelines

Most airlines typically enforce a 50-lb. limit per checked item and charge fees for checked baggage.

For carry-ons, allowable sizes (and the number of bags allowed) are not standardized, but most airlines allow carry-on bags no larger than 22" x 14" x 9". It’s wise to check with your airline about size limits before departure.

What size bag or pack is best for you? Here are some rough guidelines:

Tip: Don't worry about leaving extra space in your bag for souvenirs. Pack an empty duffel bag to fill with treasures for the return trip.

Compare Specific Features

Once you've settled on the right type and size of luggage, it's time to compare features on specific models. At this point, your own personal preference best determines what features are most important.

Some common features to consider:

• Storage compartments make it easy to organize, pack and unpack.
• Built-in organizer pockets are handy for frequently used items.
• Compression straps squeeze a bulky bag down to a smaller size.
• Removable daypacks zip off for convenient day use.
• Expandable pack bag or bellows pocket allow you to fit in extra gear.

Fitting a Backpack

If you'll be wearing your bag as a backpack, it's important to make sure it fits well. Stuff the backpack with 20 to 30 pounds of weight inside, centered between your shoulder blades as close to your back as possible. Concentrate on the hipbelt and shoulder straps, making sure they’re comfortable and easy to adjust.

For detailed fitting tips, watch our How to Adjust and Fit a Backpack video.

Travel Accessories

Here are some accessories you’ll never be sorry you packed.

Packing Organizers

• Folders, compressors and cubes keep clothing organized and wrinkle-free. They are also ideal for separating dirty laundry from clean clothes.
• Mesh ditty bags are handy for organizing items such as T-shirts, socks and small accessories.
• Toiletry kits keep all your personal care items in one place.

Shop REI’s selection of packing organizers.

Safety and Security Items

• PacSafe® products and locks deter theft.
• An undercover wallet, money belt or undercover pouch conceals valuables.

Tip: Preflight, check with your airline for the latest regulations involving the permissible size and contents of bottles.

Travel Resources

• Adventure Travel Gear Checklist
• Packing Smart
• Traveling Light

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