A question we get quite often is “how much luggage do you use?” That’s a question that most globetrotters will answer different because we all have different needs and wants. What we’d like to share today is our thoughts on the luggage we are currently using and why. Below you’ll find a variety of options that will hopefully help you in your journey to finding the perfect travel set up.
**Affiliate links are attached (we may make a few pennies with no added cost to you) but none of these reviews are sponsored and thoughts are our own.
Day Pack – Arkadia Sea to Sky Pack
Having a day pack is crucial to being mobile while abroad. You need a vessel that can keep all of your out-and-about gear with you while not adding a lot of weight or inconvenience. It can be a real drag carrying a camera, snacks, water, sunblock, etc. while on the go. The journey can be equally arduous if you bring the wrong bag for the task. Can you imagine trying to lug a duffle bag through the cobblestone streets of Switzerland while not spraining an ankle? Or worse, just think of that not-so-fashionable fanny pack revealing itself in all of your award-winning photos on Instagram!
That said, this is the pack we recommend. We chose the Sea to Sky pack for several reasons. At 24L it can carry anything you want and need for a long hike or short city walk. We have regularly carried an extra layer or jacket, snacks, water bottles, passports, money and camera with accessories. Since it weighs virtually nothing (this thing is under 6oz!) we are only dealing with the weight of what we bring. It is ultra-packable and comes with a stuff sack that shrinks down smaller than my fist. It is also waterproof so those hikes where we have gotten caught out in the rain have been no issue for us.
Shop this link to get one yourself.
Features of this bag – waterproof, lightweight and packable.
Electronics Backpack – Kopack Laptop Backpack
This is an important piece of gear to have with you if you are planning to utilize computers, iPads or anything of the like. These days most of us will have some type of electronics with us and we need to be able to protect those items. We also need to be able to organize all of the supplementary items that come along with our digital lifestyles.
We chose this pack because it is a minimalist design that has just what you need to keep items neat and orderly. First, it has the computer storage pocket under the arm straps which prevents would be pilfers from having easy access. Next, it is RFID secure. For anyone that doesn’t know, that is absolutely essential these days in a world where rapscallions will steal your credit card info without you knowing just by using radio frequencies. Additionally, it is slash-proof (yes, I tested it before use) so in those rare moments that someone may try a slash-and-grab they won’t be making off with your passport or wallet. Lastly, it is, in our humble opinions, the most stylish RFID secure backpack you can find. Look for yourself, online, you’ll be shocked how ugly these things get.
Features of this bag – safe, secure and stylish.
Large Roller Bag – Away Full-Size
I should lead this off by saying that this bag is going to be geared toward the more standardized vacationer rather than the backpacker. That is to say it is aimed at a sightseer who plans to bring along all of their everyday comforts, check a bag and leave most items at their Inn rather than keeping everything with them at all times. Also, remember that note about spraining an ankle on a cobblestone road? Now think about trying to wheel your capacious cargo down those uneven streets. It’s not ideal.
This all being said, we have used this bag in many situations around the world. This luggage is TOUGH! Ours has been to countries that we haven’t while lost with the airlines for a week. Absolutely great for utilizing in checked bag conditions and situations where you can wheel it to where you are staying and leave it. This case allowed us to bring add-on items with us, check the bag and not worry about it.
Away Luggage has a variety of sizes. We have a few back home too – the Carry On sizes include a charger for electronics. Use this link to save $20 on your first purchase.
Features of this bag – spacious, maneuverable and durable.
Travel Backpack – Osprey Porter 46
Osprey has not fooled us all into some fantasy of the dream backpack. This bag shows up time-and-again on “Best Of” lists because it is a spacious, well-balanced piece of luggage.
It maxes out the carry-on check box in airports but even crammed full has not been a problem getting on a plane. For those out there worried about keeping all of their prized possessions with them at all times, this is your piece of equipment. You can carry this as a backpack, which in small alleyways or those pesky pebbled roads is crucial. You can also store the backpack straps and utilize it as a duffle if that is more your speed. We actually checked this bag once and the ease of stowing the straps made that process a snap. It is rugged so in those situations where you want or need to check it, the pack will hold up. And let’s not leave out the fact that this barbarian of a bag holds a LOT of stuff! For some reason we cannot pinpoint, it packs like there is more space than 46 liters. When we have packed a standard carry-on of the same size, we easily get more into this beast.
It is our opinion that if you can strip down to the most simple possessions in life that one of these per travel will house everything you can possible want. Here is the link if you’d like the specs and further details.
Features of this bag – everything!!!
PACKING CUBES!!!
It would not be a post about how we pack without mentioning our packing cubes. These are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping everything organized. No matter what kind you get, you will forever wonder how to you packed before you purchased them.
Final Thoughts
We needed a mix of bags on our travels. Let’s face it, we are pale-skinned and need more than an airline-approved size of 3 ounces for our sunscreen. Add to that our variety of weather conditions requiring different clothing choices and we just couldn’t make carry-on-only work this time.
There are many types of travelers. On one hand, you have the luxury vacationer that carries many suitcases and all their belongings with them. On the other hand, you have the super minimalist backpacker that carry their items with them on their backs. We fall somewhere in between, so this mix of luggage has worked for us so far.
